After the night Jon and Lyanna had decided they would leave Winterfell before they could be separated by arranged matrimony the days went uneventful. The days became weeks and weeks became months. Lyanna had returned to her routine as if that conversation with her father had never happened in the first place. Except it had, and now, Lyanna and Jon were saving money from their allowances to prepare for the day they would eventually need to leave. After realising that this day would come and she no longer would be able to stay, she had decided to savour all the moments she would have here as if it were the last.
Some days Lyanna would have to endure long days having her lady and etiquette education. In others she would bury herself in books in lessons with Maester Luwin. The Maester was very fond of the girl, especially because the girl was the only of the Eddard Stark's children to genuinely care for the formal education. Indeed Lyanna loved history and was very diligent with her politics and economics lessons. Recently, Lyanna read a book about the "History of Dorne" and found herself obsessed with it. She found a new interest though, one she knew Maester Luwin wouldn't encourage: poison study. So, there she was in the library before the Maester would wake up, borrowing every book about the subject that she found in the library to bring to her bedroom. She had found six of them and decided it could be a nice start. After placing the books at her bedside table she went to change herself, for today wasn't even about etiquette or eruditism. Today were one of the days she would have sparring lessons with her brothers, which she loved.
Lyanna heard chuckles from down the corridor which meant her privacy was finished:
"Rise and shine, sleepy beauty!" - her brother Robb yelled while opening the door.
"Shame on you, Robb. I'm already up and ready to go!" she said teasing her brother.
"Aw!" - Robb groaned - "I was looking forward to spook you out of your sleep!"
"Not this time, bro!"
"Wow, Ly!" - Theon called the attention of both - "You are a bookworm after all. What are all these books for?" - he said noticing the stack of books - "Planning on joining the Maesters or something?"
"Well, Theon. I'm glad you noticed. These books are very important volumes of an encyclopedia titled: "None of yours business!" - the girl said pricking Theon.
Robb laughed and Theon lost the smirk on his face at Lyanna's comment.
"Haha. It is on, everybody" - Robb announced to an imaginary audience - "IT IS ON".
"The clash of burns is on. Today's contestants are fast and sharp. Lyanna Snow destroyed Theon Greyjoy's first attempt. Lyanna "ONE". Greyjoy "ZERO". Who will win? Who will eat ashes?". Robb narrated joking.
Robb Stark was an youthful and outgoing man-boy with a kind heart. He had mixed physical features of both his father and mother. He could be serious and stern when necessary, but, normally, He loved having fun and joking with his siblings, despite his mother's attempts to separate them. Robb idolized his half-sister Lyanna, he loved Jon with all his heart and Theon was his best friend whom he also saw as a brother. But, even though he loved the three of them. He usually has the time of his life when the three start bickering each other.
"Stop being so silly, Robb" - She said smiling to him - "You know I'll end Theon either way".
"Your wish, Snow #2!" - Theon said provoking.
"Man, now imagine when you two marry!" - Robb said between laughs.
Lyanna looked at Robb with a frowny face: "EW!" - the girl managed to joke. But that caught her attention. Did Robb knew something that she doesn't?
"Anyway... Where is Snow #1 at? Can't believe that lazy bastard is still asleep." - Theon said with some venon.
Theon noticed Jon's absence and found odd. Lyanna and Jon were inseparable. Jon was the early riser of the two of them, and rarely left Lyanna alone, only ditching her company to spend time with Robb, and even in these moments would be because both the boys would agree that whatever they're up to wasn't suited for a girl. Jon and Lyanna were the fucking two halfs, with Robb they were the fucking perfect triad, and only after they were bored they would think about making space to include Theon. Theon didn't mind though, or, at least that's what he tells himself. "One day he would be Lord of Pyke and all of them would have to respect him. All three of them would implore for Theon's attentions". Theon Greyjoy would usually find comfort by this resolution.
"First of all... Are you really going to sink that low so fast, Ward of the North?" - Lyanna answered quickly still managing to give him an irony.
"Hey!" - Robb called - "Drop this shit, Greyjoy! Jon is my brother and he's also not here to punch you in the face. Which will have to be done by me if you really insist."
Robb gave a false threat to Theon, thus, gaining a smile from his sister. Between Jon and Lyanna. Jon was the more conscious about their birth situation. Conscious in a way that affected him the most, it affected his self-esteem and self-value, probably because the difference in treatment between Jon and Robb were greater, which often left Robb in a defensive way every time someone called his brother a bastard, even if the said person were Theon. The only person that he couldn't protect his brother from was his own mother. He was also very protective of Lyanna, but, Lyanna had a unstoppable inner-confidence, her sharp tongue would usually fight back in a heartbeat. Robb envied Lyanna's ability to get underneath people's skin with just her words. Robb would always have to resort to force.
"Where's Jon, Ly?" - Robb questioned shutting any argument left.
"Probably in his room. Let's get him!" - Lyanna suggested.
In truth, Jon had spent most of the night in Lyanna's room. Only going to his own room a few hours before dawn. Thus, that was the reason why he was still sleeping, but neither Robb and specially Theon needed to know the little sordid details.
"And second of all.. What's is this idiocy of Snow #1 and Snow #2?. We are twins. Born at the same time!" - Lyanna asked curiously while they all left her room.
"Not exactly. Jon came first, remember? Father said it a few times. That leaves you to be the youngest between the four of us. Thus, I'm afraid, little sis, that you'll have to follow our rules. Nothing against you, Lyanna. It's just hierarchy. Me and Jon get to boss you around" - Robb justified to her the tease.
"AHAHA" - "Never in your wildest dreams!" - Lyanna made it clear.
Robb, Lyanna and Theon crossed two hallways and arrived at Jon's bedroom's door. All of Eddard Stark's children were arranged in a way that the boys and girls were separated in different pavilions within the castle. The girls' rooms were in the west wing and the boys were located in the east wing, separated by two hallways. Jon occupied the smallest of the bedrooms of the east wing: a courtesy of none other than Lady Stark.
"Now, You're not going to wake him up yelling. Okay?" - Lyanna said to Robb before he could open the door.
"Of course, sis. I'm not a wildling!" - Robb agreed.
But mere seconds after, Robb opened the door yelling and jumping on top of Jon.
"Time to wake up Snowman!" - Robb said while giving playful punches to Jon.
"Oh fuck, Robb! I'm tired!" - Jon complained
Lyanna rolled her eyes and laughed in defeat. Her brothers were childish brutes.
"Your loss, man. It's time to for you to get your ass kicked in the courtyard " - Robb said.
"Oh, is it?" - Jon asked while taking an advantage to grab Robb's arms and give him a playful arm wrench.
Robb groaned.
"Stop it. You two can get hurt" - Lyanna argued.
Jon instantly let go of Robb and helped him up.
"Fine. We can leave this to the courtyard!" - Robb agreed to appease his sister.
"Hey! Can all the three ladies hurry up? I'm hungry" - Theon hurried them.
"Or.. maybe we should join forces to kick Greyjoy's ass ?" - Robb suggested to his brother.
"Sounds fun to me!" - Jon agreed.
"I'll go get myself ready. You guys can go to dining hall. I'll be right behind" - Jon suggested.
"No! We can wait for you." - Lyanna said.
Jon hurried into the bathroom and after a few minutes the four teens were already going down to the dining hall. Once they arrived, the entire castle was already coming to life, the servants moved back and forth with trays of food and drink, two tables were set: the main one and the auxiliary. At the main table, Lord Stark and his wife were already seated, and were waiting for the rest of their children who, like Robb, were already entering the hall, Lyanna noticed Lady Catelyn's wicked gaze on her and her brother, Jon. They then sat at the side table with the Cassels, the Pooles, The Mollens, Maester Luwin and Septa Mordane. Seeing that his siblings had not joined him and Theon at the main table, Robb looked at them with an embarrassed and saddened expression, as if to say "I'm sorry" in which Lyanna replied giving a derisive and confident look as if to warn him not to worry about it.
(XXX)
It was well past noon now and the teens had been training for hours. Ser Rodrik Cassel were fond of a friendly competitivity and had put Robb, Jon, Lyanna and Theon to duel each other.
Now, it was archery: neither Jon or Robb were the greatest archers but they could manage a few shots, Theon on the other hand, was one of the best of Winterfell. In fact, a couple of years prior, it was Theon himself who encouraged Lyanna to improve her skill in archery, for being the oldest boy, he would spend hours teaching her outside the castle walls. Theon and Lyanna used to be more close when children, but, once they reached puberty they grew distant. Now, they nurtured some kind of rivalry friendship, always annoying each other or trying to best one another. Archery, then, became their common spot. Lyanna now excelled the skill and they usually would bet which one would hit more targets and normally they would be tied, one or other winning by a small leverage. Today was one of these days. Theon was two shots ahead of Lyanna, and they only had 5 arrows left each:
"Poor Lyanna Snow. She thinks she can beat me" - Theon taunted while she adjusted her position.
Lyanna carefully watched her feet position and aimed for the target. The girl would usually take her time aiming so she could hit the target perfectly.
"Doesn't matter how long you take, you'll be loosing still" - Theon taunted once more.
Lyanna however was unaffected by the tease and let loose of the arrow hitting the center of the target.
"Hush now, Theon. It's not over until it's over" - Lyanna adverted him.
The problem with Theon Greyjoy, however, is that he was always trying to prove himself and could be easily annoyed, his overly confidence usually leads him to act without caution. Lyanna had him figured out for quite sometime now and would easily pull the right strings to make him snap, or to make him do whatever she needed.
"Be ready to lose the bet!" - Theon alerted and quickly moved to aim at the target, failing the position and released the arrow which made him fail the spot.
Jon let out a soft chuckle in the background: "You can do this, Lyla!"
Theon was now winning by only one shot. They both aimed another round of arrows, both scoring this time. Lyanna moved to adjust her third-to-last arrow.
"Move fast, girl. In real life your target will not be standing still waiting for your arrow" - Ser Rodrik Cassel instructed.
Lyanna nodded and aimed faster this time but still managed to hit the target. Theon was next, he prepared his arrow and was moving faster than necessary.
"Careful, Greyjoy! You won't want a fame for losing to girls" - Ser Rodrik Cassel alerted once more.
Theon looked at him irritated, and released the arrow, but missed the spot. Theon and Lyanna were now tied. Theon moved to his two last arrows:
"I want to make all my turns at once. These pauses holds me back. I'm a real soldier."
"Be my guest, sweety. The sooner this is over the sooner I can go tell to Ros that she will be dealing with a severe case of pride hurt tonight. Please. do not forget to take a lot of coins. She charges pricy for these cases" - Lyanna provoked.
This time was Robb's turn to let out a laughter: "Another burn, Greyjoy!"
Theon Greyjoy loose his arrows in a rage: He hit the first but lost the last arrow, thus Lyanna gained some leverage.
Lyanna Snow moved for her lasts arrows. All eyes were now on her waiting for her next move. Lyanna shut herself from her surroundings, concentrating only on her, her arm and her target. She aimed the first arrow and scored the target, quickly but firmly she aimed the last arrow and nailed the arrow right in the center of the target.
"This was a lucky shot" - Theon excused it.
"Whatever you say to make you feel better, Greyjoy. Truth is I won" - Lyanna smirked at him.
"Greyjoy, Snow!" - Ser Rodrik yelled - "Enough with the jests!"
"All of you can the take five minutes of break and then we'll move to swordfighting"
"What a cunt!" - Theon whispered behind Ser Rodrik's back and Lyanna soft chucklend.
"Don't get yourself in trouble, Theon" - "Here, let's get some water" - she said to him.
"Fine." - Theon followed Lyanna to where Robb and Jon were waiting.
"Nice work, sis!" - Robb congratulated his sister
"Thanks, Robb!" - Lyanna said - "But Theon did all the work this time.." - she chuckled - "If he hadn't lost his temper he probably would have won, so, thanks Theon." - Lyanna smirked at Theon while toasting her water canteen to his.
"You're the worst, Lyanna" - Theon said between his sips.
"Don't be such a sore loser, Theon." - Robb defended his sister.
"Whatever." - Theon shrugged.
"Come on, let's grab the swords" - Robb suggested
"I'll stay here catching a breath, okay?" - Lyanna informed
Robb nodded and looked at Jon.
"I guess I'll stay with Lyla, can you grab mine?" - Jon asked.
"No matter how much time you two hang together, I'm still Lyanna's favorite brother, all right?" Robb jested to what Jon grinned.
Theon and Robb moved away to get the swords and when they were far out of earshot Theon broke silence:
"Man, Don't you find weird Jon and Lyanna's behaviour?" - Theon asked.
"What do you mean, Greyjoy?" - Robb said.
"I mean, it's weird. Jon never let's Lyanna out of his sight. He keeps following her like a dog puppy."
"That's just twin's stuff, Theon. They're close, that's all. Plus, Lyanna is a girl, we have to watch out for her. You know what happened to my father's sister, right?" - Robb tried to explain.
"But that's not all, Robb. Lyanna also acts weird. Like, sewing his clothes and these kinds of stuff. Most of the time they act like husband and wife. She doesn't do the same for you or me" - He tried to make a point to Robb but Robb laughed hard at that.
"Oh, I see where this is coming!" - Robb said
"Don't you even begin, Stark!" - Theon threatened.
"Theon Greyjoy, you are jealous of Lyanna" - Robb pointed out
"Fuck! That's not it.." - Theon defended
"Hey man, be honest" - Robb interrupted - "Do you like my sister?" - he asked.
"Of course I like Lyanna. We all grew up together"
"That's not what I meant" - Robb said with a serious stare - "Do you like Lyanna like a man would like a woman?"
"I guess.." - Theon gave up - "There's no point trying to hide from you. I think.. I think I'm in love with Lyanna, Robb"
"Do you like her enough to consider marriage? - Robb asked still serious.
"What the hell, Stark?" - Theon asked
"Yes or No, Greyjoy?" - Robb insisted
"Yes.. I guess.. I'm not sure." - Theon informed - "What are you even talking about, man? I'm eighteen, marriage is not my priority."
"Father is looking for a marriage match for Lyanna!" - Robb informed - "I don't think she will stay single for long. So, if I were you.. I would do something about it."
"Are you serious? Does she even know this?" - Theon asked.
"Yes. Father informed me last week, but I think she has known for a couple of months."
"But that's not important, Theon. What I want to know is this: Do you care for her? Do you promise to never hurt her?"
"Yes, I promise. I would never do anything to hurt her!" - Theon stated
"So you can count on my approval... and help, brother" - Robb grinned.
"Now and always?" - Theon asked
"Now and always." - Robb confirmed and they shook hands.
Meanwhile at the courtyard the two twins were oblivious to all that was happening:
"You did great with the targets today, Lyla" - Jon said while caressing Lyanna's cheek. - "Theon can be so unbearable!"
Lyanna smiled to her brother: "Don't be bothered by him. Half of it all is just an act. I think he just feels lonely sometimes." - Lyanna excused Theon.
"You're too kind" - Jon gave up, not wanting to get an argument with his sister over Theon.
"Jon. Robb said something weird this morning" - she told him.
"What?"
"Theon and I were throwing shades at each other and Robb joked something about me marrying. Do you think he knows something?"
"What did he said exactly? - Jon asked
"I think his exact words were: 'Imagine when you two marry' or something like that." - Lyanna saw her brother's face turn into a dark expression. Jon kept his hands in fists by his side - "Do you think that he knows something that we don't? Father did not said another word about the subject ever since that day to me. Do you think he talked about it to Robb?" - she complemented.
"Shit!" - Jon cursed - "Sounds to me this is Robb's wishful thinking".
"Calm down" - Lyanna said to her brother.
Lyanna grabbed hold of both her twin's hands and caressed trying to ease him.
"Robb doesn't does on purpose. He cares so much for the both of us. He just doesn't know." - she reminded.
"I know. I know. Is just that I hate the thought of losing you."
"Look, I'll ask Robb if he knows anything and than I can talk to father too. We'll sort this up"
"Okay!" - Jon agreed.
"I'm yours" - Lyanna said to assure him.
"And I'm yours" - Jon complemented kissing Lyanna in the forehead, it was the most of intimacy that they could demonstrate in public.
Soon after the teens were back on training. Ser Rodrik had assembled them in pairs. The first round Jon and Lyanna had dueled each other. Jon was strong but Lyanna was quicker. On sword fighting Lyanna used the best of her abilities to tire her opponent, she knew if ever came the day she would need to defend herself she would best to use her opponent's strength against them and make for quickly but lethal moves. Her signature moves would be to go to the neck or straight for the heart whenever she saw a opportunity. Otherwise, she would block away attacks and keep moving to tire her opponent. Lyanna was also fond of some dirty moves as to throw dirt or snow at her opponents face or to do a sweep kick but she wouldn't dare do it while under Ser Rodrik's watch, last time she did it her father grounded her and told her that it wasn't a honourable move. Jon, on the other hand, had a different technique, he would fight like a knight should, aiming at arms and legs to disarm his opponent given clean and practiced moves, even if he could never become a real knight.
So, whenever the twins would duel, it was a challenge: Jon would strive to strike his sister; Lyanna would have a hard time trying to break her brother's guard. The fight ended when finally Jon managed to knock Lyanna down and put the training sword up at her neck:
"Do you surrender?" - He asked
"Fine!" - she gave up - "I suppose I have to train my sword pass better."
Jon moved to help his sister to her feet, making sure she hadn't been hurt by falling and brushed snow off her hair.
"Are you alright?"
"Uhum" - she nodded.
"Robb and Theon you two are next. The winner must face Jon and the loser will fight against Lyanna." - Ser Rodrik informed.
Robb and Theon started to move, rounding each other. The two were very good fighters. Just like Jon, they would aim their swords to disarm the opponent, but Robb had a tendency off knocking down his opponent while Theon was fond of aiming to the upper limbs. The fight dragged for a long time before it could really heat up. Robb managed to knock Theon down a couple of times but Theon recovered every single time. Robb was now facing a sequence of charges on his left side and finally Theon attacked Robb's right arm making Robb drop his sword. Ser Rodrik declared Theon's victory.
"Lyanna, get back here." - Ser Rodrik called "Time to defend your third post, girl".
Robb and Lyanna were now facing each other. Lyanna had the advantage of having rested, but, Robb was less indulging than Jon, specially when he was feeling competitive. Robb would never give Lyanna any slack, while Jon was always afraid of injuring her. They circled each other, Lyanna deflected many of Robb's attacks, she even managed to knock him down once but he got up quickly. A few more blocks went by and neither were gaining leverage; it wasn't until Robb managed to charge to Lyanna's left leg that he gained advantage. The girl fell to her knees being hurt by the move and yielded.
"I guess we finally have a winner!" - Ser Rodrik declared - "Robb, well done. And Lyanna, try to work your left side swing more. You were doing fine but both Robb and Jon beated you because of it."
"Are you alright?" - Robb asked while helping her up
"It's fine. Just a scratch" - She told him.
Jon went to attend on her sister.
"You have to be more careful, Robb. You could have hurted her." - Jon scolded his brother, one of the few times he ever did that.
"I'm sorry.." - Robb looked at him and than at his sister - "I'm sorry, sis. I didn't meant any harm"
"It's okay" - Lyanna assured both of her brothers - "It's all fair and square at the courtyard, right?!".
Jon still looked a little flustered but dropped the subject: "Fine!"
Robb rolled his eyes at him and Lyanna gave a soft smile and shook her head little as if to show disagreement in both her brothers antics'
"Jon, Theon, You two now" - Ser Rodrik called and Robb and Lyanna went to watch.
Jon and Theon started to fight and Lyanna decided to clear things with Robb:
"So.." - she began
"So?" - Robb asked in a smile
"About that thing you said earlier.." - Lyanna said
"I say a lot of important things, Ly. You'll have to be more specific" - Robb grinned.
"Idiot" - she stated - "About that thing about me marrying Theon. What the fuck was that about?" - She asked
"Oh, that!" - He smirked - "That would be cool, wouldn't? - Robb asked.
"No. No it wouldn't!" - she clarified - "But more importantly: What do you know? Did father told you anything? Is that his plan?" - she urged him to talk.
"Oh, Lyanna, calm down. Father only told me that he wants a marriage for you and that he's looking for a suitor. He wants someone from the North." - he explained - "I, on the other hand, I think It would be so cool if the guy were Theon. Picture that: you two already know each other, you two already get along well and you two would live here with us until time comes that Theon will take over Pyke. And, when that day comes, you would be the Lady of the Iron Islands." - Robb defended his idea - "It would be great. My best friend and my favorite sister together!" - he smiled - "I thought about saying this to father".
"Robb?" - the girl called his attention - "Listen to me and listen closely ok?" - she said - "No, No, No and a thousand times no. Get this idea out of your head and never mention it to anyone okay?! Especially to Father!" - she made clear.
"But why?" - he asked - "It's a good idea. Give me one good reason to give up." - he pleaded.
"Well.. The most important is: I don't want it. Theon is my friend and that's all. He's probably the last man on Westeros I would think to marry. He's annoying, he's a hell of a misogynist. He's a womanizer that keeps chasing every girl he ever sees. He's actually a customer of my own best friend. And he would never stop his ways because of me." - she started - "More to add: I don't want a husband that will keep cheating on me, or raping girls while he's at the sea, because that's what Ironborns do, and that's what Theon will do if he ever takes over Pyke."
"But Theon is not like that. He would respect you. He cares about you" - Robb tried.
"I want a man that will love ME, and be loyal to ME." - Lyanna lied as if she even amused the idea of marriage to someone other than her twin brother - "And, last but not least, Where would Jon go in this plan of yours? My husband will have to accomodate Jon as well, because, obviously, your mother is counting the days to expel him too. I don't really see Theon welcoming Jon at the Iron Islands, do you?" - Lyanna finally snapped at Robb, How could he not think about Jon too?
"Easy, Lyanna. I'm only trying to help" - Robb defended feeling for the first time his sister's venon at him - "Jon would stay here at Winterfell. Doesn't matter what my mother says, father would never expel him and I would need him here too someday. He could go visiting you sometimes, but he would live here until the day he settles for marriage too" - Robb explained.
"I'm sorry I snapped at you. I know you only trying to help!" - she hugged him - "I… I just... I have a lot on my plate right now. I don't really want to marry anyone, but I can't really oppose, so, I guess I'm still trying to adjust. I'm sorry"
"It's okay" - Robb comforted her - "I think I pushed to hard, too. But everything is going to be okay, Lyanna. You'll see."
"But seriously. Forget about this crazy idea of Theon and I, okay?" - she asked.
"Fine" - he nodded.
A loud noise caught the attention of both Robb and Lyanna. They got so distracted in their conversation that they stopped paying attention to the fight. When they got their attentions towards it again things had became quite brutal. Jon had knocked Theon down for quite a few times, Theon himself had disarmed Jon a couple of times and both the boys had given up on the swords and were hand fighting. Truth was, Robb was the link between the boys and Lyanna was the tension point. Jon had a bit of anger management issues, he was quite good at calming down but not today. Today he was stressed out and the fact that Theon kept annoying him and his sister was not helping it all. So, he unleashed all his anger at once on the field. And meanwhile, Theon resented Jon. Theon resented Jon because he had to split the attention of everyone he cared about with Jon: Lord Stark, Robb, Lyanna. All of them would favour Jon over him every time, even though Theon was a trueborn, an Ironborn, while Jon was just a bastard. It was easy to prick at Jon, but every time he tried Jon would have a fucking pack behind him, but not in the field. In the field it was just the two of them and he could be the superior.
The fight heated up and Lyanna was unease by it. "Shouldn't be better to stop it, Ser Rodrik? Before they really hurt each other?" - she suggested.
"Just boys being boys, sweet girl" - Ser Rodrik shrugged.
It was only when Jon punched Theon in the face and left him lying for several minutes that Ser Rodrik decided to intervene:
"That's more than enough. Snow, stop it!" - the old man commanded.
Jon walked out of the field and Lyanna went to talk to him while Rob went to aid Theon.
"Jon?" - Lyanna called but Jon didn't stop. The girl followed her twin to the bench.
"What was all that about?" - she asked seating next to him.
"Nothing!" - He dismissed.
"You can't fool me, Jon. I know you" - she stated holding his hand.
"I'm just stressed out, Lyla. I've lost control. I didn't meant to hurt him so bad."
"But you meant to hurt him, aye?" - It was Lord's Stark voice speaking now that spook both twins out of their conversation.
"Father?" - they both said surprised.
"This will not repeat itself anymore. Do you hear me Jon?" - Lord Stark begin - "Theon is our guest here and he'll not be mistreated. Whatever you two have to sort.. sort it out like mans, not like uncontrolled beasts" - Jon nodded to his father - "You'll have to remember, son. You two might have some differences, but when Winter comes, the pack must help one another, Theon is one of us."
"I understand, father!" - Jon said looking at his feet. He hated to disappoint his father.
"And, Lyanna!" - Lord Stark called for his daughter - "Before supper come to my solar. There's something I'd like to talk about. You may come as well, Jon." - he informed.
"Okay" - She nodded and then exchanged worried looks with Jon.
(XXX)
The rest of the day went by uneventful. Robb and Theon sneaked out of Winterfell to the brothel, or so Lyanna guessed, every time the two of them were so secretive it was because they were up to something, and usually were about girls. Meanwhile she and Jon spent the rest of the day together. They were both cuddling in her bed: Lyanna reading one of her books while Jon held her in her arms.
"How can you be so calm right now?" - Jon asked
"There's no point in freaking out right now" - she explained while flipping a page of the book.
"Easier said than done." - Jon said while gentling kissing her cheek.
"There's nothing else we can do, Jon. Father won't talk until supper, and, We don't know anything yet. The best we can do right now is wait and enjoy our time".
"Why do you think he wants me there too?"
"Catelyn probably wants you out as well. I think he's going to say that he is looking for a rich bride for you too.." - she briefly stated - "I pity the poor soul" - she joked.
"Why is that?" - he asked
"Because I'll end the life of the the bitch before a heartbeat" - she said joking and Jon grinned.
"You have absolutely nothing to worry about. My eyes are just for you" - he assured.
"You better be or I'll end you too." - she said amused.
The twins remained like that for a while, enjoying each other's company and the calmness of it all. Life hadn't always been easy on any of them and both Jon and Lyanna knew how to cherish the moments they had all alone in their happy bubble.
(XXX)
Robb Stark was feeling a bit anxious, he had went with Theon to visit the whorehouse and let out some adrenaline but as much as he liked the girls' company it wasn't enough to keep it at bay. Lookin back, he didn't had any real motives to feel like that. Everything was just fine, his father was starting to treat him more like an adult and less as a teen. His siblings were all fine. There were no major fights between Lyanna and his mom. Everything was calm but he couldn't avoid the weird feeling in his guts. He finally decided to head to his father's office given that Lord Stark demanded him to be there before supper:
"Father?" - Robb called asking for permission to enter.
"Enter, son." - Lord Stark said
"You wanted to see me?" - Robb said
"Aye." - Ned confirmed - "The reason why I called you, Robb, is very simple: In a few months you'll turn 18 and become a man. You'll be the next Lord of Winterfell and it's past time for you to understand what this actually means" - Ned Stark stated and Robb nodded.
" I understand, father. I'm ready." - he tried to reassure his father.
"No, you're not." - Ned cutted him - "But you will learn. From now on son I'll give you more responsibilities. As a Lord you'll have to learn how to take care of your subjects, make the right choices, make the right alliances. From now on I want you to supervise Bran's and Rickon's education, after all, when they grow up, they will aid your lordship, whether by marrying into one of our vassal's houses or in other aspect."
"Thank you, father. I'll not let you down" - Robb promised.
"That's not all of it. I want your opinion in regard of Lyanna and Jon." - Ned said.
"What about them?"
"I'm assigning you to visit Dreadfort with Lyanna. Roose Bolton offered his bastard son, Ramsay, in marriage to Lyanna. He doesn't have any other heir, I think he's planning on naturalizing the boy and is after House Stark's support." - Ned clarified.
Robb was surprised by this. Marrying Lyanna to a bastard who may or may not heir Dreadfort wasn't exactly safe for his sister, she still could be left with nothing if Roose Bolton decided to marry again. On the other hand, the Boltons were one of the major houses of the North and if his sister happened to became its future Lady, that meant the North would be strong as ever. But, he had promised Theon that he would aid him on his pursuit of Lyanna.
"You'll be my eyes and ears there. I'll trust you to deal with Bolton, and of course, to watch over your sister." - Ned complemented.
"Father, if I may. There's something I'd like to speak." - Robb informed and Ned consented.
"Maybe The Boltons aren't the best option for Lyanna." - Robb started.
"What do you mean?" - Ned asked
"What about Theon?" - Robb said - "Well, The Boltons are an ancient house. But if Lyanna were to marry Theon.. that could pacify the ironborns. Once Theon takes over Pyke, Lyanna would be their Lady. We would have a Stark there, ensuring that they would never rebel against the Crown again. And, of course they already know each other, that would easy things up." - Robb explained.
"That's not an option, Robb" - Ned informed
"Why not? - Robb asked surprised.
"As much as you trust your sister, the ironborns are not to be trusted. We don't know if Theon will ever assume Pyke and if so, what that will be like. More importantly, Theon is our ward but such decisions as of marriage will be taken with the King's consent." - Ned said shutting down any argument.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Ned knew it was his twins turn to approach.
"You wanted to see us" - Lyanna said, Jon standing by her side.
"Yes. As I was telling Robb. You are to ride to Dreadfort in a week. Robb will take you to meet Roose Bolton's bastard son. - Ned informed his daughter.
"Oh" - Lyanna gasped in shock - "I see.." - the girl struggled to find her words - "So soon?" - she finally asked.
"It's just a visit for now. Nothing else" - Ned assured - "You'll go to Dreadfort. You'll meet the boy, Robb will negotiate possible terms and you'll be back. I'll hear both of you and I won't make any decision cautionless." - he explained to all of his children.
"What if Lyanna doesn't want to marry him. What happens?" - It was Jon's turn to inquire.
Ned looked at his son intently. Ned could sense something wasn't right between his twins. Ned didn't know what it was that made them so protective of each other. Was it just brotherly love and care? Was it loneliness? Or was it that blood was indeed thicker that any other bond? Could it be that even without knowing their were prone to their ancestral's tendencies? Ned prayed to not be the latter, and for that he had decided to separate the twins before anything grave happened.
"Only with good reason." - he replied.
"Is that all? Can we go?" - Lyanna asked
"Not yet." - Ned said. "I'll be going on a hunting trip near the Wall, your uncle Benjen will join me there. Jon, Theon and Bran will accompany me. Be prepared to leave in a week too, Jon." - Ned informed.
"Fine" - Jon agreed.
Jon, Robb and Lyanna left the room together.
"Well, That was intense." - Robb joked.
"You tell me, bro" - Lyanna stated.
"It appears that father had decided we are not kids anymore." - Jon said with some dry humor.
"You should prepare. I think you'll be next." - Robb joked.
"Can't wait." - Jon rolled his eyes and Robb laughed
"Excited for our road trip, sis?" - Robb asked
"Knowing the reason why? Not at all.." - she confessed to Robb.