DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.

Beta'd by: ej101

Chapter rating: T

Chapter 2: The King's Arrival

Laughter rang out as a group of horses raced through the woods. A girl whooped as she raced ahead of three boys, calls, and cheers rang from them as the guards smiled watching the four enjoy their day. The young adults had been freed from their duties and decided to race, something they did almost daily. The only girl among them dressed in breeches under her dress cheered in triumph as her white mare raced into the muddy courtyard. Her betrothed beamed as he panted alongside his brothers while a guard helped the young woman down as he complimented her win. The half-brothers were a contrast; Robb was muscular, fair-skinned with red-brown hair with his Tully blue eyes while Jon was slender, long face, and dark brown hair with Stark grey-eyes. Jon looked more like Ned than Robb did, he resembled his mother like Sansa, his younger sister. It was something that grated on his mother's nerves when she'd look at Jon and saw the Stark traits in him.

"Once again you win," Robb praised her as she grinned. She knew because of her small size and talented mare, the young woman was good at cutting edges to beat her friends. Something she was taught while riding was being able to almost merge against her horse, specifically taught so she could escape should she need to.

"She has to be cheating," Theon jeered playfully.

"No. I just remember all of Jory's teachings of the Wolfswood," she beamed as a deeper laugh reached their ears. The four turned and saw the Lord of Winterfell, Eddard Stark, walking out with his guards, all smiles and beaming.

"You will never defeat her if you do not learn as she has," he praised as the three smirked, Rhaenyra reddened somewhat before being embraced by her surrogate father. "Gael is a good mare, she's strong and swift," he commented as the snowy-mare huffed allowing the petting from the Lord who gave a few heavy pats to her shoulder as the four horses were led away. Karn, Robb's stallion, clung to the female's side, Rhaenyra assumed they liked one another. "Be ready for your lessons, lass. Lads, the tiltyard," he ordered as they all nodded. Theon and Jon laughed as they walked after Sir Rodrik who came for them, Rhaenyra softly took Robb's hand as Ned chuckled. He and Jory walked off talking about their next hunt, ride, and the scouts who had returned talking about what they found.

"I will accompany you to your lessons," Robb urged as she smiled, allowing him to guide her along, Robb had developed a strong habit of escorting her to the afternoon lessons she had with Maester Luwin, Raynor watched from his spot near the entrance of Winterfell, he had been watching over Bran and Rickon for Lord Stark, the guard knew his lady was safe with her betrothed. The boy would take an arrow for the girl, as would he, having cared and watched over the young woman who would rule after she and Robb married. Alongside him stood Lynara, both northern loyalists but loyal to their future Lady Stark.

"She has grown so much," she smiled as he chuckled.

"Our grey hair is not sufficient?" he joked as she barked out laughter. Lynara had no issue with being called 'old' as Theon once put it, only to receive a smack from Rhaenyra.

"Do you not remember how many times we have chased her and the lads throughout the castle?" Lynara asked as he gave a full-bellied laugh.

"I do. And just think, when she and Robb marry we will have their little ones to look after too." Raynor almost fell over at her horrified look.

"Gods help us. I might not survive the second generation of ones who take after their mother." She covered her face as Raynor chuckled, sighing as he continued to watch over the boys, Lynara truly hoped the future generation took after their father. Robb quickly came into view as he greeted his betrothed's guard and maid with a smile, both of whom bowed their heads respectively to their future lord.

"And with his presence, I will take my leave. I have a strong feeling something is going to happen." He gained a concerned look from his friend, over the years the maids have taken to trusting the guard's instincts. He has been known to trust his northern instincts strongly and was happy for it as he kept all attempts at bay and warned Lord Stark of certain threats he deemed necessary to tell.

"I know, Grandmother has been...feeling odd, I just assumed it was her bones, they ache the more the winter sets in." Lynara was the granddaughter of their former wetnurse, more commonly known as 'Old Nan,' she told stories to the Stark children and the other children. Her older brother, Hodor, still worked as a stableboy, it was his job since childhood. He loved working with the steeds, with his simple mind.

"Well, we'll see. We have had a peaceful nine-year summer, but soon our winters will turn," Raynor spoke, dread creeping in as he turned to the north where the wall rested.

"As Lord Stark always says, we best be ready when it comes," Lynara smiled, growing up with that manner of thinking she was just as much a northerner as anyone born here.

Rhaenyra sat in the tower that Maester Luwin took over, he has been giving her lessons on what Catelyn needed her to learn, most of it though made her head spin. Something she admitted to the old man who laughed and gained a chuckle from the guard who would listen in, Maester Luwin swore she'd get it, she still had time.

"Your sister sent a letter," Maester Luwin spoke as he offered the letter to the girl as she perked up. She and Daenerys have been sending letters since they were children, her Maester and Daenerys' guard wrote their letters until the girls learned. Catelyn had warned her to not relieve any important news other than she will marry Robb, the two talked about everything, and Viserys, who never sent a letter spoke about how if she was there they'd be married already. Rhaenyra had scoffed and claimed she was happy to be growing up in the North, claiming it was beautiful. Daenerys expressed wishes to see the Northern side of Westeros, talking about when Viserys became King. Maester Luwin warned her to not tell anyone what her brother boasts as she agreed, knowing it would cause problems. It was not uncommon for her to overlook her brother's rants as he still thinks he will become King, no one will sit a Targaryen on the Iron Throne, ever again. "I have overheard that your brother intends to give her to a Dothraki horse lord as a wife," Maester Luwin warned as she read before nearly collapsing.

"She says here that her future husband will give him an army," she spoke alarmed. "10,000 Dothraki."

"We will fear the Dothraki the day they teach their horses to run on water, child. No horse lord will cross 'the poison water' as one merchant spoke, so long as their horses cannot drink the water, they will not cross." His tone told her he knew this, as did she. He made sure to teach her certain things from the East, but he always reassured her many would never come this way. "How are your dreams?" he asked, wanting to get off the topic of her family, her brother in particular.

"They start the same, I am riding Gael and as I go, we come across a dead stag, a lioness eating it with three dead cubs," Rhaenyra spoke as Maester Luwin paused. He, like her, believed strongly in dream meanings.

"A lion?" he asked cautiously. Her nod made him think as he thought of the possibilities it could mean.

"But soon the mother leaves and the forest catches fire, then the cubs rise, they feast from the decayed stag before merging with the fire," she claimed as he frowned. "I don't understand, Maester Luwin," Rhaenyra spoke as he continued to listen.

"Your ancestors had dreams that were like that, some are just dreams, others mean something. Your ancestor Daenys the Dreamer was one."

"Her dream alone is what convinced her father to leave Old Valyria, yes I remember the story. Twelve years before the Doom, she dreamed of dragons burning along with the skies above their roofs. She convinced her father to leave with five of their dragons, two families followed; the Velaryons and Celtigars. Only one dragon survived the flight and landed on Dragonstone," Rhaenyra spoke as Maester Luwin nodded.

"Do you remember which dragon?" he asked.

"Balerion the Dread, he was claimed to be 200 years old, but he was much older from living in Valyria before, being the last living creature from Old Valyria, as everyone loves to comment about," she commented as she stood to fiddle with a few things. Maester Luwin knew she did this while talking, she was torn about talking about her family history. She both loved it but wished there were others to talk to her about it, times like this were when Maester Luwin could have her sister or uncle here.

"Do you know what the Velaryons and Celtigars took when they landed here?"

"Velaryon of Driftwood and Celtigars of Claw Isle, the Velaryons though continuously married into the Targaryen line along with the Baratheon line when Orys Baratheon claimed the land and title of King...Argilac?" She turned to her Maester unsure. He smiled and nodded as she gave a single nod back.

"Do you remember what he was called?" The Maester knew these would distract her as he could feel something was wrong.

"The Storm King, they ruled the Stormlands until Aegon the Conqueror," she finished as he chuckled.

"You know your history well," Maester Luwin praised as Ned knocked on the door softly. "My Lord," he greeted, curious as no one interrupted his lessons.

"Forgive me, Maester Luwin. But I need my ward, we have a traitor and you are to come," he spoke in a dreaded tone. Rhaenyra paused, it wouldn't be the first time she had seen a beheading. Catelyn had been horrified at Ned's order of the former Princess to witness beheadings, to strengthen her resolve when she decided with Robb. Rhaenyra took it in stride.

"Of course, My Lord. I will be ready," Rhaenyra spoke politely as he sighed.

"Worry not, sweet girl. A deserter from the wall, nothing more," he smiled, softly taking her hand as she smiled back. Ned always tried to ensure she was protected during these types of travels, ward of the Starks or not, she was still a Targaryen that many blamed for their problems.

Sitting astride Gael, Rhaenyra watched as the deserter from the Night's Watch was brought forward. The three teenagers and the young boy sat on their horses aside from Theon who held the honor of holding the greatsword, Ice. The Stark heirloom that was of Valyrian Steel, the strongest metal on the continent, like many heirlooms of strong houses, had two that were lost; Blackfyre and Dark Sister. The deserter paused in seeing the Targaryen woman sitting atop her mare, her white-furred cloak protecting her from the expecting winter chill. Her Indigo eyes dark and her near-white hair blending with pale skin, she was the true example of a Targaryen child.

"My Lady," he bowed as many tensed, she frowned as the deserter was forced up. "I have seen your Uncle, he has talked about you quite a bit. Wishes that you would visit again soon though," he smiled softly before Ned forced the men to make him kneel.

"Enough," he ordered as Rhaenyra looked down for the moment before regaining her look on the sight, she refused to back down, she hasn't before, she won't now. She watched as he bowed his head with his sword tip in the ground while the deserter was forced to kneel at a stump. "In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon, the First of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, by the word of Ned of the House Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, I do sentence you to die." And with that, he took both hands, swinging the sword once before taking the traitor's head as Rhaenyra swallowed thickly. Despite being able to watch a beheading, it still made her nearly sick.

"Are you alright?" Robb asked in worry. That was the first one that talked to her about her family.

"Aye, Robb. I am well, just always unsettled watching a beheading I guess," she assumed as he hummed while Jon rode beside him.

"Race you to the bridge?" He urged as Robb agreed, Rhaenyra decided to ride closer to Ned as the two teenagers raced off, howling and cheering as they did so.

"Are you well, Bran?" Ned asked softly. The young boy's pony was small compared to his father's warhorse as Theon rode beside Rhaenyra, asking his friend the same question.

"I am well, Theon," she reassured him quietly as Bran agreed.

"Yes, Father," he spoke as the four rode side-by-side. "Jon said the man was afraid but Robb said he died bravely. Can you be both?" he asked as Ned smiled.

"It's the only time one can be brave, Bran. That's what Lord Stark's always taught us," Rhaenyra claimed as the Lord agreed.

"One is fearful when they go into battle, knowing they might not survive it, but out of duty. They are both brave and filled with fear as they battle," Ned explained as the two teens listened, their history lessons of a lord's duty coming back from their first beheading. Rhaenyra remembered a specific question she had asked.

"But why must you do it, Lord Stark?" she asked as the man smiled.

"The man who passes the sentence swings the sword."

"But King Robert has a headsman," Bran spoke up, confused.

"He does. As did the Targaryen kings before him," his father claimed as Gael nickered softly, the summer snow sloshing under their hooves. "Yet our way is the old way, the blood of the First Men flows in the veins of Starks. Such as the dragon blood that passes in the Targaryen blood when they rode the dragons," Ned finished as Rhaenyra smiled softly. Many knew that was why the Targaryens rarely married out of their Valyrian heritage or others who were not like them. "If you decide a man's life, you owe it to him to look him in the eye and hear the final words. If you cannot then perhaps the man does not deserve to die," Ned explained while Theon looked down. "One day Bran, you will be one of Robb's bannermen. You will hold your keep, with your people, for your brother and king, you will have to do it yourself but you should take no pleasure nor look away. One who hides behind an executioner forgets death." Ned's face was drawn and tight as he remembered all the death he's seen from war to his duty as Lord of Winterfell.

"FATHER! BRAN, COME QUICK!" Jon rode into view before returning from his direction as Rhaenyra perked up seeing the look on his face. Curious, she urged Gael to trot ahead as Ned ordered the men to hurry on with Bran following her.

"What trouble did you two find now?" Rhaenyra asked as she and Theon galloped up to their friends before gasping as she saw what Robb had in his hands. Cradled to his chest was an adorable wolf pup, recently born from it's sealed eyes. He was hungry as he nudged Robb's leathers and his fur "Wha..."

"Robb! Get away from that thing!" Jory's frantic tone made Gael rear, almost throwing her alarmed rider. Theon aided in steading the skittish mare before pausing when he spotted something.

"What is that?" His question had been aimed at the still body of a large wolf, the largest they've ever seen. Rhaenyra dismounted, aiding Bran in climbing down before Ned barked at them both.

"Get back on your mounts!" His tone spoke for obedience from his usually good-natured ward and second youngest son, but both approached Robb. The slumped figure on the ground was no doubt their mother, from the belly she could see the she-wolf's teats, the wolf was larger than Bran's pony, twice the size. It must have been here for some time, Rhaenyra thought, half-buried in the summer snow that came overnight. Her once golden-eyes were glazed and maggot filled, Rhaenyra had to cover her nose in disgust and held Bran closer to avoid scaring the boy, Bran held onto her arm to keep his balance and get through the white substance that was heavy for a summer snowfall, it reached up to Robb's knees.

"Worry not, Father!" Robb started as he noticed Theon dismounted himself along with their guards, the older boy beat the men down the bank and cautiously approached as Jon had joined them off his horse as the three nervous steeds stayed together, the smell of death and wolves made the horses nervous. "She is dead," he spoke as Jon picked a pup up, offering it to the female who smiled softly and held the tiny pup to her chest, instantly it whimpered as she softly stroked its fluffy ears and offered it to Bran. Theon helped the boy grip the pup right as it dug its nose into his furs, Jory still cautioned, worried the male would be nearby.

"What is it?" Theon asked as he knelt to the large beast.

"A direwolf," Ned's voice held shock and a hidden emotion Rhaenyra could not detect.

"Why is it so big?" Bran asked curiously as Theon looked to the remaining pups.

"Direwolves are the largest of the wolves," Jon answered as he held one to Rhaenyra who pet it's head as the adults came closer.

"What are direwolves doing south of the Wall? But do they not also come from the northern lands," the Targaryen asked as she took another pup, this one is a female pup. She gave her lord a confused look as Rodrik spoke up.

"There are no wolves South of the Wall, Child," he spoke, aiming a cautionary look at the pups.

"Now there are five," Jon spoke after counting them.

"It is a sign," Jory spoke up quickly, Rhaenyra froze thinking about her dreams. Unaware of Ned watching her, who had been listening to her dreams earlier when she was talking with Maester Luwin.

"It is only a dead animal, Jory," Ned reassured but he gave Rhaenyra a small glance, seeing the distress across her face. "Worry not, girl. Do you know what killed her?" he asked his son who nodded.

"Looks like there is something under her jaw," Robb spoke as he readjusted the pup before kneeling with his lord father, gripping the jaw his father reached under and yanked something out. Rhaenyra's eyes widened at seeing the foot of an antler soaked in the she-wolf's blood. It quickly went silent as Rhaenyra moved closer to Robb who comforted her while both held the pups in their arms.

"Did she die having them?" Rhaenyra asked confused, she could tell the female must have been dead for some time but these pups were recently born. But like with humans, it wasn't uncommon for even female animals to not survive the birth, sadly that always meant the babies as well. Rhaenyra remembered Sansa's red mare, she had become pregnant and could not pass her child right, the colt had died within and the mare followed after. Sansa had been devastated, her father had given her that horse for her eight name day.

"Born with the dead most likely, Little Lady," Jory claimed sadly. "I've heard tales of this. The bitch could have been dead long before the birth," he claimed as Rhaenyra felt her stomach clench at the thought. A dead mother birthing her children, it was an omen from all sides.

"Either that or she lived long enough for them to be born," Ned claimed, seeing the distress across his ward's face. "Better a quick death," he claimed as Theon who had been petting the one in Bran's arms froze at the command.

"My Lord?" he asked, he could see his friends' faces as well as Bran's.

"Father, you can't," Robb begged as he saw the look across both his betrothed and brother's faces.

"It will be easier on them, otherwise they starve in this cold," Hullen, one of the Stark guards, tried reassuring the children.

"Did Ser Rodrik's female not have a litter?" She could have sworn only two of the pups survived, Bran told her when he and Arya looked at them, the female would have enough milk.

"She would tear them apart, m'lady," Harwin, Hullen's son, spoke softly. Pity in his own eyes for the pups.

"Lord Stark," Jon called out, staring at all the pups. He spotted even Theon hesitating about killing the pups as he slowly reached for his knife. "There are five pups; two girls, three boys," he spoke looking to his father who frowned.

"What of it, Jon?" Ned asked, not understanding his bastard's point.

"There are five Stark children of the same, one for each," he shrugged as Rhaenyra and Bran noticed he didn't count himself. Jon was loved by his family, bar lady Stark, who barely concealed her agitation with the boy still being among her children and the future leadership of the North. "They are the Gods gift to your family. They are meant to have them," he spoke as Rhaenyra thought. The direwolves are the creatures from ancient Stark kings. But the young woman also knew that Jon was not including himself in the count of Stark children despite his father's saying that he is of Stark blood.

"You will not claim one, Jon?" the Lord asked, curiosity in his tone.

"I am no Stark, only a bastard," Jon spoke as Rhaenyra hated that. Bastard or not he was her brother, he was Robb and Theon's brother, the oath they all swore as children were they would die for one another, should the outcome show it.

"Father we can nurse them ourselves," Robb started as Rhaenyra looked to him. "Wet towels soaked in warm milk, they can suckle from those," he claimed as Bran spoke up.

"Me too," Bran announced eagerly, the pups whining as they were hungry no doubt.

"Very well," Ned decided as the children looked surprised but happy. "Easy to say, and harder to do. I will not have you wasting the servants' time with this. If you want these pups, you will feed them yourselves. Is that understood?" He demanded as they all nodded. "You are to train them yourselves. And you must train them as the kennel master will have nothing to do with these monsters of yours, I promise you that. And the gods help you if you neglect them, or brutalize them, or train them badly. These are not our hounds to beg for treats and disappear with a kick. Direwolves will rip a man's arm off his shoulder as easily as a dog will kill a cat. And should they die you will bury them yourselves." The lord quickly walked back to his horse as Jory held the reins out after mounting as well. Rhaenyra beamed as the boys all cheered with Raynor smiling, he accepted a pup to carry back as Robb held the one Rhaenyra was holding so she could mount before taking them both as he did the same and took his pup back. Theon hoisted Bran upon his pony with the pup, he mounted his grey stallion and trotted alongside Bran as they discussed the difference in the pups rearing than the hounds in their kennels. Jon started to approach his horse before freezing as he gave a soft 'huh?' Ned seemed to have ears like a fox as he paused with Jory who also turned in curiosity.

"Can't you hear it?" Jon asked as Rhaenyra frowned with Robb, Theon who held the two girl pups.

"Hear what Jon?" Rhaenyra was about to turn back before Jon emerged with a snow-white pup, but what startled her to the bone was its blood-red eyes.

"The runt," Jory claimed as he stared the pup down. Rhaenyra noticed it had its eyes open while the others were still closed, Theon hummed in interest.

"That one is yours, Snow," he smirked with a nod. "It suits you." And with that, he urged his horse back on as Jon mounted his horse with careful movements to rejoin the line as Robb grinned seeing the pup as Ned continued to watch it before urging them onward to Winterfell.

'This is a sign, I only hope for the Stark's favor. I pray to any gods listening,' Rhaenrya thought as they continued.

II

Rhaenyra grinned as Arya ran around with Nymeria, her direwolf, chasing after her. Sitting beside Sansa as they worked on their stitching, Sansa was elegant as always and Rhaenyra was fair in it, she preferred sword-fighting and archery to this, just like Arya.

"Oh, it's so pretty!" Sansa beamed as she looked to the direwolf.

"It's simple Sansa. Nothing more, your flower, on the other hand, is beautiful," Rhaenyra claimed as she stroked Lady's ears, the gentle wolf was exactly like her mistress. Sweet and kind natured, very odd for a wolf. A direwolf. They continued to talk and their stitch before Ned came into view as Robb and Jon were following. Theon not far behind with Arya, Rickon, and Bran.

"Father, is something wrong?" Sansa asked as he looked to Rhaenyra for a split moment and dread filled the former Princess.

"King Robert rides for Winterfell," he announced as Rhaenyra gulped softly. "We must discuss this privately," he claimed as both girls stood, placing their cloth down and followed.

"He is coming here, Father?" Robb questioned as Ned nodded with Catelyn, Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik joined, Raynor, of course, remained at the door with Theon. "Why?" he demanded as Catelyn frowned.

"Jon Arryn is dead. He wishes to name me his Hand." Ned did not look happy. "He and his family, bar his brothers, are traveling to Winterfell. They are already on the way there is a good chance he is looking for a betrothal, but I am not certain," Ned spoke as Robb frowned. "Don't you worry, girl." Ned smiled, seeing the look across her face. "You will be safe, always within Winterfell, I made a promise, like Stannis, on my honor to protect you," he swore as she nodded. Rhaenyra was terrified of Robert changing his mind on her staying alive. She hated how Lynara and Valaena specifically told her to remain 'pure,' as she saw the disgust in her Valyrian maid's eyes and face. It was no doubt Robert's order, making sure she remained a virgin, she was positive that the old King would let her die childless, but with Robb's line, he would not do that.

"How can you keep that promise, Father?" Arya asked it surprised many as Jon growled 'Arya' as even Catelyn frowned at her daughter. "It is no secret the King hates all Targaryens, how can we be sure he won't break his word?" Arya loved Rhaenyra, one would think more than her own sister, Sansa, at times, which Sansa felt the same, but both girls loved each other, Rhaenyra knew it.

"I know and she's right. I've been fearing that thought for seventeen years, ever since I brought you home," he smiled as everyone looked down. "No one. No Baratheon nor Lannister will lay a hand upon you. Once you are no longer my ward but my daughter, you will be protected for life," Ned promised as she stood like a true Lady. 'No,' he thought as he stared. 'She stands like a Queen,' he smiled as Robb breathed deeply.

II

Rhaenyra was following Catelyn as they made preparations for the royal visit. Raynor followed behind them with Maester Luwin beside him.

"Candles will be put in Lord Tyrion's chambers. I am told he reads all night," the Lady spoke as Raynor chuckled.

"I have heard he drinks all night, My Lady," the man corrected softly as Catelyn grinned.

"How much could he drink?" Catelyn asked, pausing a moment. "A man of his...stature," she finished as Rhaenyra giggled.

"Maybe we will learn, My Lady," she smiled as Catelyn laughed with the men following.

"Maester Luwin," Raynor quickly stopped as Rhaenyra continued to listen to Catelyn educating her on what to expect. "Do you trust the royals coming?" he questioned softly, not wanting to be heard.

"I wish I could say yes," Maester Luwin began before watching Rhaenyra greet a cook who asked her preference for the dinner. Only one made Rhaenyra's food, a large woman named Farah, one who adored her lady. "The Lannisters are the ones I will never trust, especially with Rhaenyra. But with all three of Twin Lannister's children coming along with the King, I do fear for her safety," he admitted quietly.

"We will protect her as Lord Stark said. She is to be our future lady, no one will deny that." Raynor swore as the maester agreed.

"As we said, we shall see," he spoke walking out with the women.

II

"Rhae," Robb called as she turned to see her grinning love coming up to her. The white-haired woman smiled softly, Grey Wind was trailing after him as she turned from heading back to her chambers. "How are you?" he asked as she shrugged lightly. It was near evening, she had no appointments or lessons to attend to.

"I am well enough, the King rides North and I am to play the pliant child for him," she said with disdain as Robb frowned. He knew of his future wife's disdain for the King, she was grateful that he allowed her to live, among a noble family at that, but hated him for the rebellion. She knew her father needed to be dealt with and wished her brother hadn't done what he did, especially to the Stark family. But she could not do anything about it.

"It will be alright. Father just assumes he will ask to be Hand," Robb swore as Rhaenyra frowned.

"Why not elect a Lannister? They litter the Capitol from what I've heard," she snarled the last name angrily. She would never forgive a Lannister, Tywin Lannister to be specific, for what happened to her family. Blaming them for turning and slaughtering Rhaegar's family.

"My Love they can not do anything to you, not without reason. Father will ensure it," Robb refused to allow any thought of possible harm that might come to his betrothed. He suddenly had a thought that might help Rhaenyra calm down. "Tomorrow let's go for a ride, haven't gone in a while," he proposed with a smile as she chuckled softly.

"Us?" she asked softly as he nodded. "Very well," she agreed. "Light packing or heavy?" It hadn't been uncommon for them to spend a day or few hours in the forest, Ned trusted the pair, and Robb was too noble to even think it, much to his betrothed's amusement.

"Light, it'll be getting colder so we can't spend the entire day out in the forests anymore," he frowned. They were children of horseback and hunting, they were raised for outside, even Rhaenyra who was meant to be a lady.

"Alright," she confirmed as he nodded before kissing each other's cheeks as they separated and went to their original goals.

The next day the pair met up in the stables with Gael and the stallion he rode, Karn, all saddled and ready, she was dressed in her riding clothes, not wanting to deal with dresses. He was seen stroking the mare, checking on her straps for her saddle until a young stablehand came out of nowhere to give Robb a sack.

"And what would those be for?" she asked as they whipped around, Robb chuckled.

"Gods, you're sneaky," he cursed making the boy laugh before running away from the elder male who tried to grab him with a smile. "But these are for the horses, apples. Those are still Gael's favorite right?" he asked curiously as she nodded.

"Of course," she smiled before stroking her mare's nose. "Where are we going?" she asked as he frowned before scolding softly.

"I'm not going to tell you! You know better," he grumbled as she smirked with a giggle.

"All right, all right," Rhaenyra relented, the male rolled his eyes with a smile before ordering her to mount up. Effortlessly swinging up into the saddle they took off with a laugh as Robb took to the lead, under the happy eyes of Ned Stark as he watched them, knowing he'd have a good report for Robert.

Robb led her to a clearing, a drop-off hill with flowers and a few boulders that would nestle a person comfortably. Rhaenyra stared in shock and was taken back by the beauty.

"Wow," she whispered as he smiled.

"I thought you might like this, I found it when I took Grey Wind on a hunt." He smiled at his childhood friend. They took the horses lower before Grey Wind came out of nowhere making the white mare jerk in shock, she huffed irritated while Karn remained calm. "She's going to need to get used to him better," he commented as she chuckled.

"Yes," they continued in silence as the growing pup raced about, tail wagging quickly. It was calming until the young woman broke it to admit her fears. "I'm terrified, Robb," she said softly as he looked at her.

"Rhae," he started before she stopped him.

"I know that everyone says Robert wouldn't betray Ned now and have me killed but I didn't want to admit it that I was scared," she claimed as he frowned.

"Hey," he stopped both their horses as Grey Wind continued. "It's all right to be scared. I am, so are my siblings, my parents. We all are, you've been a part of this family for 17 years," Robb started as she listened. "Father will protect you, you know that. He will fight for you," Robb finished, thinking the same thing.

"I just hope it doesn't come to that," Rhaenyra wished as he took her hand tightly before they continued the track. The Targaryen woman continued to think as she looked to see Robb looking around. Her dreams were getting more and more frequent than they were driving her crazy. "Robb," she called softly as he turned to her. "You remember those weird dreams I used to have when I was little?" she asked maneuvering around tall plants and weeds.

"Aye. They used to be in dry places. I think you even described Essos at one point," he grinned as she smiled softly.

"I believe they started back up. But I was dreaming of clouds," she smiled as he hummed softly.

"Sort of sounds like my forest dreams," he mused as she looked intrigued to her betrothed. "I've been dreaming myself, but I am sniffing the dirt, digging into the ground. I don't understand it," he claimed as she chuckled softly.

"Aren't we a pair? Both strange dreams set to drive us crazy," she smirked as he nodded.

"Indeed," he laughed as they continued on their path.

II

Rhaenyra had been a bundle of nerves the few weeks she was helping prepare, they'd arrive today and she was terrified. She smiled at seeing Grey Wind sitting outside the barbers. He began wagging his tail at spotting the woman who approached him.

"Hello, Love. Is your master nearby?" He pawed at the door, answering her question as she snuck a look in, blushing in shock at seeing her betrothed, shirtless, and being shaved. It was not the first time she'd seen him shirtless but it still gives her a warmth that she hoped would die down. He knew his presence alone could drive her crazy, stubborn ass and used it to his advantage half the time.

"Why's your mother so dead-set on us getting pretty for the King?" Jon asked, irritated if they let him he'd let his hair grow as long as possible.

"I bet it's the Queen, I hear she's sleek as a mink," Theon smirked as they watched Tommy shave Robb's beard.

"I hear the prince is a right royal prick," Robb spoke, trying not to move until he was done. Rhaenyra smirked as she heard the rumors too.

"Think of all those Southern girls he gets to stab with his right royal prick," Theon smirked while Robb stood when the man cleared him.

"Go on Tommy." The heir grabbed his brother. "Shear him good. He's never liked a girl more than his own hair," he smirked, shoving him into the chair. Tommy checked the length and snatched the shears to start with the boy's hair, Jon had a very unhappy look, as clumps started to fall to the ground.

"My Lady." Valaena nearly gave her a heart attack as she whipped around to see a grinning maid and a chuckling guard.

"Yes?" She sighed softly, knowing teasing would come about later on. Rhaenyra saw no difference in the station with the three ranks; lady, maid & guard. She saw them as family more than friends or servants.

"You must prepare, Lady Catelyn's order," Valaena claimed as she showed bath oils she had just bought.

"Lead the way." She beamed as Grey Wind grabbed her skirt with a whine. "Aw, yes boy you will have to be put up," she knelt and pet the direwolf who growled softly, as though he understood her words.

"Those beasts are too smart for their good," Raynor uttered to a cautious Valaena. Both have expressed their firm beliefs the wolves are either gifts or omens for their futures. It now dawned on Rhaenyra why she was so superstitious about these types of things when she told this to them and Lynara and Baela they all shared a laugh with their lady. But the maids knew her dreams personally while her guard knew a few things about them.

"They are meant to be smarter than the average wolf or hound, Raynor. Despite that they are good pups," she admitted as the guard agreed before Rhaenrya joined them.

"Let's go," she spoke as they left, unaware of Robb's eyes watching them when he overheard their voices. He smiled while watching her walk, talking with her maid as the guard led them away.

"You lovesick fool," Theon smiled, shaking his head. He and Jon always teased their brother for his strong affection for the snowy-haired girl.

"Shut up," Robb growled, playfully shoving his friend as Jon gave Tommy a smirk, the barber chuckled softly while continuing his cutting as he started to shave Jon's face. The boy grimacing as he did so.

Raynor stood guard in front of her chambers while she sat in a scalding hot bath, Valaena was the only one brave enough to put her hands into the hot water, it did bother her but not enough to wait for it to cool down.

"Are you going to be all right?" Baela asked as she grabbed the cloth to rub at her shoulders. As no one knew Valaena had been pregnant when she left King's Landing, Baela was going to hide until the party left. But her mother had been tense and uncomfortable as the time drew near.

"Aye, I will be. I am under Lord Stark's protection so I cannot be taken, not without good reason," Rhaenyra spoke, trying to keep herself calm. Valaena added more lavender with a small sigh.

"You will be perfectly safe here child," Lynara claimed as she set everything out. "Also you got another letter from Prince Doran." She showed the parchment she hid in her skirt before opening it at her lady's nod.

Dorne had learned that only one Targaryen remained in Westeros after Ned had had one of his men deliver the bones and bodies of their Princess and her children. He had refused to let them be left in King's Landing so Tywin could do what he wished with them, they belonged in Dorne if they could not rest beside her husband, Prince Rhaegar. Oberyn almost took the guard's life out of anguish for his sister's death, Doran refused and almost had his brother and the few nieces he had at the time all restrained. But he had also learned that Ned vouched for Rhaenyra Targaryen and protected her, unbeknown to anyone Doran started to have his people prepare to defend the former Princess of the Targaryen dynasty should she choose to go against the usurper, Oberyn hoped she would want revenge for her family but with the reports, he had gotten about the gentle-natured girl he knew she might be resigned to the northern lands. But the firstborn Prince always sent letters to see how she was doing, Maester Luwin kept his letters silent as he would hand them only to Lynara or Valaena.

"Just asking how I have been," Rhaenyra read as she felt Valaena braid her wet hair before resting against the clothed wood as her maids finished their preparations.

"You know the Dornish will always look out for you," Valaena answered easily as she pinned the hair, she supported the Dornish in contacting the girl, if she wasn't expecting to marry Robb she knew the Dornish would have tried to get her to marry one of his sons; Quentyn or Trystane.

"If Prince Oberyn had his way she would have married one of his nephews," Lynara commented as the women giggled before Catelyn came in. Rhaenyra nearly had a start as she jumped with the maids as the Tully woman searched everything laid out, realizing they were close to Targaryen colors. Midnight blue with a maroon lining.

"Is this what you will wear?" she asked softly as Rhaenyra looked to Lynara who nodded to her, telling her to say yes.

"Aye, My Lady," she answered, standing as her ladies dabbed her dry. Valaena grabbed the slip and slid it on her as Catelyn watched them flit around her, getting her ready. She moved aside as Lynara retrieved the dress, soon she was sat at the vanity as her hair was let down, Valaena carefully braided her tresses in a loosely based northern braid.

"If I did not know better, Valaena, I would assume you are trying to announce her Valyrian heritage," Catelyn spoke, seeing the glance from the former lady of the Valeryon House.

"My Lady, Valyrians were pronounced with no help. Her eyes and hair, of course, will make her stick out, just as your Tully hair in Sansa does." The maid deflected as Catelyn could not say anything to it. Ned had always allowed for her maids to pick the right colors for her when gathering her clothing choices, so he never denied what they chose. So many of her dresses were dark coloring, aside from dressing her in black and blood red colors they were still supporting the Targaryen colors.

"Very well," Catelyn conceded as she watched them finish braiding before smiling as she looked down at something she held in her hands. Two things in fact; belonging to the former queen of Westeros, an old Targaryen pendant and a ruby ring that had belonged to her as well. Stannis had them sent a while back, wanting them to be given to her on a specific day, nearing her sixteenth name day, Catelyn decided to give them to her a little early. Hoping they would give her strength for today. "I have something for you," she smiled as Rhaenyra perked up, even the maids all looked to her with interest. When she showed the necklace Valaena swallowed the lump that lodged itself in her throat.

"Those were her mother's," Valaena spoke as she took the jewelry to allow her lady to look at them.

"They're so pretty." She smiled as Catelyn beamed.

"Stannis had been given them by another maid who stayed behind on Dragonstone when Valaena went with you. He would have given them to you himself but Robert has made sure that his brothers stay away from you. I suppose he assumes that you could turn them or something," Catelyn explained as Rhaenyra scoffed.

"That man thinks highly of himself. Does he forget that he sits on my ancestor's throne?" she claimed, Catelyn then realized that Robert would be nothing but a usurper to her ward. Despite being raised by them for her entire life and being spared she held nothing but resentment to the man as her maids placed her mother's necklace and ring on her neck. Rhaenyra made sure it would be hidden by her dress so no one would see them.

"Technically, he does have a right to it as well, child. His ancestor was the half-brother of Aegon," Lynara spoke as Rhaenyra gave her a look.

"Bastard half-brother. And with three Targaryen children still alive, many have been claiming we should have it. But I would rather see it melted down. I prefer the Northern atmosphere," Rhaenyra claimed as Catelyn who had been leaving froze.

"Well, so long as no issues arise. You will never have to step foot within the southern borders." Valaena smiled as Rhaenyra frowned through the mirror, staring at her mother's ring.

"I will never go to King's Landing. No matter what," she denied as Catelyn left, not enjoying the feeling she was getting.

II

Rhaenyra stood in between Theon and Jon who were blocked in by Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin on their sides as well. They stood behind Robb and the Starks. Robb gave his betrothed a small smile as she returned it feeling both her friends grip her hands.

"You'll be alright, Rhae," Jon promised. The three giggled when Arya came racing through with a helm on her head. Ned spotted it instantly and took it off.

"Hey, hey, what are you doing with that on?" He asked passing it back to a grinning Ser Rodrik, who held it under one arm. Urging his youngest daughter to take her place among the line, between Sansa and Bran, the royals came riding through as everyone watched them. Rhaenyra could spot the Prince, many claimed he was a nightmare and a prick from what she overheard. When his green eyes scanned over the crowd he tried to give the former Princess a smirk that he had given Sansa but the venom made him look away before trying again only to get a hate-filled look once more which melted the moment the King came into view. Everyone knelt as the King started to dismount his horse, having to step on a stool after hauling himself off. He approached as Cersei and her children were ushered out by a guard, everyone stood when he motioned for Ned to stand, Rhaenyra kept her gaze on the floor as he talked with everyone.

"You've gotten fat," Robert said as Rhaeyra looked to Jon wide-eyed as he smirked softly. But though she could not see Ned's face, by his head movement to the King's large stomach made the man burst into laughter. Smiles filled the courtyard on Ned's side while very few even looked happy from the King's retinue, the youngest cubs looked to be the only ones interested. "Cat!" He hauled her into his arms as she grunted a 'Your Grace' with a polite smile. The Queen and her children approached. Robert ruffled Rickon's hair before looking back at Ned.

"Nine years! Nine years, where the hell have you been?" he asked.

"Guarding the North, Your Grace. Winterfell is Yours," Eddard spoke, truth in his words. Rhaenyra kept her eyes down, hoping he just passed over as she felt her friends take her hands in comfort. But she did not have such luck as Robert passed over the children he spotted the white-haired girl within seconds and slowly pushed past the siblings who looked to their father sharing his alarm. The terror that had been building inside her grew a thousand times as she curtsied properly, to Catelyn's relief. Theon and Jon had been pulled away the moment Maester Luwin and Jory spotted him approaching. When she righted herself she met the King's eye for a second before dropping her gaze to the ground as he continued to stare at her, his grey eyes hard.

"Do you know who I am, girl?" He asked as she nodded.

"Yes, Your Grace." Her tone was meek and soft as Robb felt his blood boil at her fearful posture. Ned had an iron grip on his son, knowing how protective his son was of her, while it filled him with pride to see his devotion to his future wife, it made him worry for his temper towards the King.

"Do you know what your family did? Your father and brother?" She nodded softly. "And the Starks are you grateful that they took you in? After what happened with your father?" Ned felt sick realizing his old friend was trying to get a rise out of the girl. To give the King a reason to execute her.

"Yes, Your Grace, I have thanked the Gods every day for the Starks' care. That I am still here, to be able to serve you and the Kingdom how you see fit," she answered briefly, making eye-contact to answer him and show him how honest she was. It seemed to have worked as he nodded, giving the bastard and male ward a nod each he departed from the girl as they and the three adults sighed in relief quietly as the boys rejoined their friend. Cersei approached the line offering her hand as Ned kissed it quickly.

"My Queen," he spoke as Catelyn curtsied, muttering the same. Cersei stopped at Rhaenyra who held her gaze after curtsying, she didn't feel the fear as she felt from Robert. While she was still fearful of the royals, she felt hatred and anger at the Lannisters, nothing else.

"Ned, take me to your crypts," Robert ordered as Cersei scowled.

"We have been traveling for a month, my love. Surely the dead can wait?" Robert ignored her by calling for Ned once more. Ned, being mindful of the angry-looking woman, followed after Robert. Rhaenyra, Jon, and Theon looked to Catelyn who nodded as Robb quickly joined the four, no doubt will go for a ride. The royal arrival has put the Targaryen on edge and felt comfortable in the forests and on horseback.

"Stay safe," she ordered as the four nodded.

II

Robert sighed as they walked down the stone stairs, torches lighting the circular path. Ned did not have to lead his King, the large man knew where the Lord had placed his siblings and father. Lyanna and Brandon were among the first to be buried among the former King's and Lords, accompanied by the direwolf of their house, with iron swords across their laps.

"Did the summer snows give you trouble?" Ned asked as Robert scoffed.

"Summer snow? I shudder at what your winter snow is," he commented as Ned smirked.

"Our winters are our worst, Robert, I've told you that. It was meant to be mild but the snowfall has been quite heavy as of late," the lord agreed once they stopped at Lyanna's tomb Robert laid a feather in the offered hand of the stone. Beside her sat their father, Rickard Stark, and on his other side sat his heir and firstborn Brandon. There were future spots for Ned and his children, something he wished to not think about right now.

"Did you have to bury her down in the dark?" The man asked in a sad tone. "She should be under a fruit tree where the sun could shine on her face and get fresh rainfall, not down here in the darkness of a tomb."

"She was of the North and belonged in the North," Ned spoke, he had known his sister's hesitance in marrying Robert. As the man already had a few bastards from the Vale, she had not wanted to marry that. But always kept his mouth shut about her feelings because he had hoped Robert would clean up his act. "This was her last wish, to be buried among our father and brother..."

"She belonged with me, Ned!" He growled sharply. "Every night," he began. "Every night I kill him, I dream that I'm back on the Trident and I slam my Warhammer into his chest, watching the rubies fall..." he speech trailed off thinking about his victory against the Targaryen family. "Even a thousand deaths cannot equal the pain I feel," he snarled. "And the fact that you care for his sister..."

"She is an innocent girl, Robert! How many times must I tell you? A sweet girl who could do no harm," Ned snapped as Robert sighed. "You heard her out there, you saw no reaction to your words and I do know you were trying to see what she would do." Ned was praying he would not be punished for his words.

"You're right," Robert muttered as he stared into the statue of Lyanna Stark.

"It is done, Your Grace. The Targaryens are all gone but one," Ned claimed as Robert frowned.

"No, there are a few more than one," Robert growled as he thought. "Then tell me about the girl. If you say she is so innocent," he ordered as the men paused.

"Rhaenyra has excelled in her studies, Catelyn believes that she will be able to take up Lady of Winterfell when Robb becomes Lord," Ned started. "She is kind, gentle, a good neutral person, Gods know helping raise Sansa, and Arya is enough practice," he chuckled as Robert hummed in curiosity.

"Is she ready?" he asked as that a different question he did not want to answer.

"Yes, Your Grace," he spoke as Robert started planning.

"Very well."

II

Yes, Robert seemed a bit harsh but he hates the Targaryens, the only reason he could not touch Aemon because he was a member of the Night's Watch, old and blind. He's able to keep an eye on Rhaenyra and if she stepped out of line, she's dead.

So tell me what you guys thought. Please review!

~Rusty14~