As the King's party made their way into Winterfell, Nevaeh stood behind the Stark family, anxiously watching all of the King's guard come to a stop being what she had guessed was the royal carriage that housed the queen and her children. Just as little Arya had not-so-quietly whispered about 'the imp' Nevaeh caught sight of the king and couldn't help the small frown. She had heard stories from Lord Stark of the great King Robert Baratheon, but from what she could see, the man from those stories was long gone. As she watched the king try to dismount the poor horse that carried him, she couldn't help but feel two sets of eyes were watching her. She glanced around the king's party until her eyes found the source, the queen's brother Jamie Lannister watched her with a smug look upon his face and the young prince Joffery. Nevaeh quickly looked away from the pair unable to handle the weight of both of them at the same time as the king made his way over. Nevaeh bowed with the rest of Winterfell. She couldn't help the small sigh that made its way past her lips once she could stand. The silence continued as the king and Ned stared at each other without a word until the king finally spoke. "You've gotten fat." Nevaeh couldn't help it when her eyes widened slightly at his choice of words to direct towards Lord Stark. She couldn't see Lord Stark's face but she had guessed he took the comment with humor as they both ended up laughing, causing everyone in Winterfell watching let out a silent breath. "Nine years, why haven't I seen you?" The king asked placing a heavy hand on Ned's shoulder.
"I've been guarding the north for you, Your Grace." Lord Stark replied back.. Nevaeh ended up blocking out the rest of the conversation and made sure to keep her head down as the king made his way down the line of Stark children. She had been told many times from her Septa that one of lower birth should never meet the eyes of those higher without spoken consent, however what snapped her out of her thoughts was the king's sudden stop in front her as she stood behind Rob and Sansa.
"And who is this? I do not remember you having an older daughter, Ned." The king said quietly. She could see Rob slightly tense at the king's sudden interest behind him.
"My lord this is my other Ward Neveah Cross. She has been in my care since she was a small child." Ned said, his voice sounding slightly strained. Nevaeh curtsied respectfully keeping her form low and perfectly straight.
"Your Grace." She said quietly not removing her gaze from the snow covered ground.
"Look up girl." The king ordered softly. Once Neveah raised her head and when she had met his gaze she could see the immediate shock and surprise that showed in his eyes. She could feel every single person watching them, even the queen who had finally emerged from the carriage. "Who is your father?" His sudden question had taken her by surprise but she quickly recovered.
"I do not know your grace. I have no memory of my family or life previous to being found by Lord Stark." She responded and for a moment she could see pity show in the king's eyes but it vanished as quickly as it came. The king nodded and made his way back to Lord Stark. Nevaeh sighed, feeling like she could finally breathe. She could see Robb, Theon, and Jon giving her worried glances but she refused to meet them as she was still recovering over what had just happened. "Show me to your crips Ned, I wish to pay my respects." The king said bringing Nevaeh back into the present.
"We have been riding for a month my love, surely the dead can wait." Queen Cersei stated as the king and pushed forward past Ned, he stopped in his steps to give his queen a glance before continuing on. Once the king had left and the royal party dispersed, Nevaeh let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in.
"Are you alright? Jon asked as he and Theon gave her worried glances. Nevaeh gave them a small smile and nodded a bit.
"I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting that is all. I better go and help Lady Stark. I'll see you both later." Nevaeh quickly left the two standing by themselves and went into the castle.
Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying so far! So the King has arrived! Lol The next chapter will go deeper into the past ten years with Nevaeh and give more insight in the relationships. I'm still getting the hang of everything but please Comment and review! I would love it and I would be able to do a better job in the future(:Love you all!