The trees were rustling their leave as the wind picked up and spread through the Godswood; I was thankful for the thick cloak I had wrapped around my shoulders. The mud was soft from the recent rain and my boots sunk into the dirt as I waddled back to the castle. Robb had wanted to visit the Weirwood tree before the babe was to arrive and with only two days left from Maester Steel's prediction he had made time to visit the Godswood today. I had joined him after he informed me that he was going into the woods; I wanted the chance to visit the Weirwood tree as well before having this babe.
"Are you okay?" Robb asked his hand tightening around my waist as I slipped on a slimy patch of mud and nearly toppled over. It seemed that my bump was controlling the direction and way I was to walk; waddling and nearly tipping over. I looked up at him relaxing my face so I didn't panic him too much; I had a tendency to panic when I nearly toppled over.
"I'm fine Robb; just slipped." I muttered looking ahead of us where Greywind was leaping onto falling leaves as if it they were his prey. I sometimes wished I could be carefree and wild like Greywind; the thought of not having to follow rules was remarkable.
"Maybe you should stay within the castle until the babe is born; actually just stay in our chambers." He started and I could feel him staring down at me with concern. This was what made me believe that Robb was going to be a wonderful father; he worried too much that it showed he cared. "If you fall you could hurt the babe and yourself." I rolled my eyes at his worrying and pulled onto his arm stopping him from walking any further.
"Robb I'm going to be fine; the babes going to be fine." I whispered leaning up at pecking his lips as I ran my hands down his chest. "You look handsome when worry." I told him peering up at him through my eyelashes – Robb always had a weakness for me when I did that; actually he always seems to have a weakness for me – hoping he would forget he was worrying.
"I've made me theory about you now, my Queen." He announced running his hands down my waist and rested them on my hips as he pulled me closer to him. "I always thought you were too beautiful to be a Frey, now we find out you may possibly have Targaryen blood within you; I believe you are part Targaryen." He removed one hand and lifted my chin up higher so he could run his lips down my neck; I couldn't stop the shivers of pleasure. "You have the Targaryen fire in your veins." I smiled at his words and ran my hands up to twist in his hair; this was my husband.
"You don't mind if I do?" I asked pulling his head back with his hair so I could look into his eyes as he answered. If there was one way to know that Robb was being honest it was his eyes; they were windows to his soul.
"I wouldn't mind; you'll still be my wife." He stated cupping my face within his hands as he gave me soft butterfly kisses before building them into a more romantic display of affection. "The Stark family would just have a large family history." I laughed at his words and then rested my head against his chest, my arms dropping from his hair to rest on his shoulders.
"We're going to be okay aren't we Robb?" I asked hoping he would give me a positive answer that would lift my spirits until this babe was born. Robb brought his lips down to rest on my head as he rubbed his hands over my back in his soothing way.
"Yes, we are going to be okay." He whispered lacing his fingers with mine as he pulled me away from him and led me back to the castle. Winterfell could be seen now and I could see the familiar figures of Sansa and Arya walking out to meet us; just before they reached us Robb lent down and peck me on the lips.
"Do you have to do that in public?" Arya called out looking disgusted at the scene she had just witnessed; Sansa had a pleasant smile upon her face.
"She's my wife Arya I can do as I please." Robb told his youngest sister ruffling her hair as she stopped in front of us. Arya grimaced at his attempting to slap away his hand; although she didn't act like a girl she was still one at heart.
"She's my sister Robb!" she told him giving him a look that showed she thought he was stupid. Robb released me and scooped his sister up in his arms squeezing her side until she was red in the face from screaming.
"She wouldn't be your sister if I didn't marry her." he informed her giving her a look that stated he thought she was stupid as well.
"Stop fighting over me; I am both Robb's wife and Arya's sister." I put forth rolling my eyes at the stupidity. I linked arms with Sansa and with a last look at the two fighting siblings we walked back up to Winterfell.
GOTGOTGOTGOT
The sun was at its highest and Arya had joined me in the courtyard; no rain had been present after the last few days and the sun was shining and heating up the north. Only a couple of hours had passed since my return from the Godswood and Robb had already forgotten about restraining me in our chambers; it seemed I had managed to make him forget.
Arya was practicing with her shooting skills; not that she really need much practice. Gendry was watching from the Smithy's and he looked intrigues and happy to see a bow within her hands. She wasn't hitting the middle but she was far off; it seemed that her arrows were favoring the right side of the target.
"You need to stand on your side Arya; turn to the left a little more." I told her leaning against the stone wall thankful for the cloak that was softening the hard texture of the stone. My hands were resting on my large and ready to burst bump; the babe's kicks could be felt every few minutes. His kicks were in time with my voice; it was as if he knew I was his mother. Arya glanced over at me before looking at the target and then flicking her eyes over to Gendry; I followed her gaze and smiled softly as he nodded. Arya released her arrow after following my directions; he head snapped towards me when her arrow hit the center of the red circle.
"How did you know I should do that?" she exclaimed resting against the wooden bean that was part of the old stables; the ones that had been burnt down a few months ago. I smiled up at her as the memory came into my mind.
"I know how to shot." I told her simply rubbing a spot where the babe sent a rough kick; he was nearly ready to come now. I was hoping it would be within the next few days and not the next few weeks; I wouldn't be able to last a few more day with this babe inside.
"Who taught you? Why?" she asked fiddling with the bow as if it was a precious treasure; a family heirloom. I smiled even wider at her words this time and lifted myself into a straighter sitting position.
"Robb taught me," I started but upon giving her my answer she snapped her head at me showing me her wide eyes; she interrupted me straight away.
"Robb taught you to shot? Why would he do that?" she questioned waiting eagerly for my answer; I know how she felt, Robb was very protective.
"Your mother was the reason why." I told her seeing the confusion appear on her face at my words. "She wanted us to bond through something, wanted us to learn each other before he went off for battle. I was fascinated by his shooting skills and he taught me how too shot; I used to practice but then he became King and the battles were harder to get through." I told her pulling my hands away from my bump and pulling my cloak apart to let the air get to me; the sun was growing hotter.
"Are you any good?" Arya asked leaning away from the post now holding out her bow. I looked at the bow apprehensively before pushing myself from the bench and grabbing it; the wood was rough yet smooth at the same time. I took the arrow she handed me and stood a fair distance from the target before shuffling into a position that would ensure I was both comfortable and had a good aim. The arrow released and the string of the bow rubbed against my fingers.
"I see you remembered your lessons." The rough voice of my husband announced causing me to turn and face him; he had a small smile upon his lips. I turned to face the target and took in the arrow which hadn't hit the center but was within the red circle.
"I was taught by the best." I replied looking back at him then frowning when I saw the horses being prepared in the distance. Robb walked over and pried the bow from my grasp as he lifted my chin up.
"You shouldn't be shooting." He muttered dropping his lips to mine quickly ignoring Arya's whines. His kiss was quick and then he was soon pulling away running his fingers across my cheek; he was going somewhere. "There's been a wildling sighting, I need to take control of it before they get past my lands; I don't need Stannis barking at me for letting a wildling get through." He told me kiss my forehead before taking my hand in his and leading me over to the horses; Catelyn was talking with Bran as he sat upon his horse.
"Is Bran going with you?" I asked him staring over at my good-brother as his mother spoke to him in hushed voices; I could see Arya sulking about not being able to go as well.
"He's been to one before; he needs to learn." Robb voiced to me as he cupped my face within his hands; he was a King and there were things he needed to do. If he had to kill the wildling than I couldn't stop him; he has a duty to do. "Stay safe."
"I'll be fine Robb, but if you aren't home and this baby is born I won't forgive you." I told him leaning up and kissing him firmly on the lips before leaning my head on his chest. "Please be careful." I whispered listening to the beating of his heart before he pulled away, kissed the top of my head and mounted his horse.
"We should be back before sundown; the latest should be nightfall." Robb stated to us softly giving me a soft smile before turning to face the gates of Winterfell and leading his men out. I glanced over at Catelyn and gave her a sad smile as she held onto Rickon. Although they would be close it felt like they were going miles away; it felt like I wouldn't see them for a long time.
GOTGOTGOTGOT
Something was wrong, I could feel it within my bones; something was wrong. As soon as the feeling grew within the pit of my stomach I had rushed – as fast as I could – down to the courtyard and waited; I have been waiting for over two hours now.
An hour into my wait Gendry had left the Smithy and joined me; bringing a hot broth with him and a thick fur. He was feeling the cold in Winterfell maybe more than me but he knew that winter was coming. We sat in silence, not bothering to speak as there was no need to; he knew why I was there and he was trying to comfort me.
When the torches were lit I knew it was getting late; the time had flown by without a second thought. From Gendry's shuffling around I knew he was getting restless; he was cold, hungry and just wanted to go inside the nice warm castle. I had no problem with him leaving but I knew he wouldn't; he had a duty to me, he had to protect me. He wouldn't leave me until Robb returned even if I decided to stay out here all night.
"Your Grace we should really go inside." Gendry muttered standing to his feet waiting for me to copy him. I wasn't going to leave; I was going to stay until Robb returned, even if it rained through the night. I looked up at Gendry ready to reply but stopped when I spotted Greywind run through the gates; he came right up to my side and nuzzled into the fabric of my dress. Greywind had returned and so would Robb; he was okay, my Robb was okay.
"Their coming back Gendry." I whispered rising to my feet as the sound of the horses, they sounded rushed and that panicked me; they shouldn't be rushing. Robb's horse came into the courtyard first and I saw the worry and fear on his face as his eyes connected with mine; he held Bran within his arms. They horses came to a stop, Robb was ordering his men around and I felt rather than saw Gendry rush over and take Bran from Robb's arms. His body was lifeless and his limps dropped to his sides as Gendry cradled Bran against his chest; this wasn't meant to happen.
Tyrion jumped down from his horse and turned to me as I watched Robb climb down and take Bran from Gendry; Tyrion's hand caught my wrist as I went to rush over. I turned my gaze down to him taking in the gash and blood on his face; it looked to be a battle wound.
"It's best to stay out of the way your grace." He softly told me nodding over as Robb rushed into the castle a few of his men following; Maester Steel could be seen meeting them at the entrance of the hall. Gendry came over and frowned deeply before flashing his eyes between Tyrion and me.
"They were attacked by wildlings; Bran fell from his horse." Gendry muttered to me reaching out as if he knew I was going to stumble at the news. He caught me before I dropped to the floor and helped me over to the bench, dropping in front of me. Tyrion stood next to him and looked down at me a frown upon his face.
"They came from nowhere; it seems they had planned it out, get one wildling caught and then attack. Once the attack was noticed I tried to get Bran away; in my attempt I was hit from my horse the same time Bran as thrown from his. The buckles on his leg ties had come loose on the journey and slipped open as his horse was spooked." Tyrion told us as he wiped across his face with a rag handed to him by Gendry. I looked between Tyrion and Gendry before turning my head toward the castle where I had watched my husband and good-brother rush into.
"I want to go to the Godswood." I stated looking back over to Gendry waiting for him to assist me there. I would rather go pray to the Gods instead of getting in the way; I wanted to be somewhere quite where I could think without having to panic about Bran as well. It may have seemed a selfish thought, but I didn't want to put myself in the way. Gendry's eyes flashed to Tyrion and it seemed they were having a silent conversation; from what I could tell they disagreed with what I had just said.
"I don't think we should be wandering through the Godswood your grace." Gendry muttered giving me a look that showed a demanding and stern face; Gendry was trying to order me around. I stood from the bench pulling myself into a straighter position to make myself look taller than I was; Greywind stood with me his teeth bared.
"I am your Queen Gendry and I wish to go to the Godswood. You can either escort me there or I will go by myself." I hissed feeling the power I held within my bubble to the surface as I sent an order to Gendry; it was a power I had never felt before.
"Yes your grace." He muttered dipping his head down in respect as he offered me his arm. I looked down at Tyrion and then to Greywind before turning back to the little Lannister.
"Would you tell Robb where I am; Greywind go to your master." I order them both before pulling onto Gendry's arm in the direction of the Godswood.
GOTGOTGOTGOT
The woods were getting colder as the night draw darker; Gendry's torch was fading as the winds picked up. I took that as our sign to leave the Godswood; I had prayed to the Gods enough for one night. I looked up at Gendry giving him a small smile as I raised my hand waiting for him to pull on it and help me rise from my spot; my bump made it hard to move.
"We should be getting back; Robb will be worried and I need to see Bran." I told him as I wiped the dirt and leaves from my dress and rested my arm within his. Gendry nodded and started off back to the path; the Weirwood tree was a few feet away from the path. We had only taken a few steps away from the tree not even making it back to the path before Gendry slumped and fell to the floor; the torch dropped to the floor dying out as the damp mud cooled it.
Gendry let out a deep groan before slumping into the mud, not moving, not making a sound; my heart started beating faster and I thought that maybe a few of the wildlings had snuck past Robb and his men. My eyes search round for the person that had hit Gendry, but instead of seeing a person I caught a glimpse of a long thin thing before it smacked across the side of my head and I saw black.