A/N:

As I wait 15 minutes to see if HBO will upload Season 3 online, I thought a nice way to celebrate the premiere would be with a new chapter. What the heck.

Thanks to everyone who has been reading, favoriting, and following this story. It makes my heart go all aflutter. Special wonderful thanks to those reviewers since I posted last:

I-Have-A-Dark-Side, Hendrickx E, Kaleighsu, HermioneandMarcus, Narsilia Stark, and Starbusters (I'll be honest when I say I have no idea who she chooses...).

Thanks for the comments about Cass especially. OCs are hard to do, especially if you want them to actually have an impact on a story. I feel like the only way you can make an OC not completely a Mary Sue is to have them have absolutely 0 impact on anything. But what fun is that? None. That's how much. I'm rambling.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones is not mine. I'll cry about it later.

Robert was eating, which never surprised Cass, though his slow and steady pace was new. Cersei was next to him, bundled up in furs and looking positively bored. Cass couldn't blame the queen really. She was bored too. When Cass came into Cersei's vision, the queen stood up and gestured to her children. "Thank the gods she's here. Come on, Joff, Myrcella, Tommen. Let's go."

"Bye niece and nephews." She waved to them and two of the three waved back. Joff is such a prick. "Brother, what do you want?"

"To know where you have been all this time, Cass. Not with Jaime Lannister?"

"No." She didn't really spend that much time with Jaime. "I was talking with Robb Stark."

"Oh? Talking?" That was apparently much more suitable. Robert actually stopped chewing and swallowed. "What about?"

"The Red Keep." She didn't say anything about Winterfell, about how Robb could see her here, about how she could see herself here too somewhat. That was too scary. "Now as much as my rekindling friendship with Robb Stark holds interest with you, I must know the true reason for this...summon."

"We're having a party tonight." Robert swallowed the chicken he had been eating, "... and if you wish to woo this Robb Stark, you must look better than that. Stark's a picky lot. Though gods know my own sister is good enough for your offspring, Ned."

She stiffened, reddened, and turned to Ned Stark who was sitting next to the king, laughing his head off. "I wasn't sure I had to woo anyone." Cass thought she managed to maintain some dignity with that statement. Barely. "I was unaware I was in the business of wooing at all."

"A lady shouldn't be. Not of your stature anyway. Ah, come now, Cass, I am joking. Wouldn't you like a party?"

She shrugged. She had been to hundreds of parties. "Whatever the king, my brother, wishes."

"Loads of bullshit and you know it. I am throwing a party to celebrate Ned as my new hand. Damn time you accepted the thing."

Cass turned her attention to Eddard Stark again and smiled weakly. She liked Ned. It would be nice to have a man like that around the Red Keep. But she remembered Jon Arryn, and a part of her stomach twisted at the thought of seeing this man before her white and cold and dead. "I am happy you have accepted my brother's request. Gods know he needs a new hand as soon as possible. Robert cannot run Westeros himself or at all really."

Ned gave a small bow. "Thank you, Lady Cassana. I'm sure my children will love the Red Keep as much as I will."

She brightened. "You're bringing your family?"

"I discussed it with Catelyn, and we think Sansa, Arya, and Bran will enjoy King's Landing."

Cass couldn't get the grin off her face. Robert was always talking of how wonderful the Stark family was, and she had to agree. She liked the Starks. Every day with them was interesting, well more so than at home, and she truly enjoyed them, all of them. Even Jon Snow who was really only half true Stark but equally as pleasant. She would love to have the extra company—have Sansa to talk to and teach, and Arya too. Bran always wanted to be a knight as well—this was where he could achieve it. "My lord, I could not be happier with this news."

"Unless the other Stark boy was coming." Robert teased. "We know, Cassana."

"Little Rickon will show up one day, Robert." She flashed her brother a knowing, mocking smile. "I'll wear the gold dress. That should please you." She curtsied to Ned before leaving the room.

Sansa knocked on her door timidly, asking if she needed any escort downstairs. Cass wasn't sure exactly. Usually Renly walked her down. He never brought maidens to these things—which was weird to Cass since he was rather handsome, but she was also grateful for it. She had the strange thought maybe Jaime would bring her down- he had done it once or twice before-but in all truth, it didn't matter. She would most likely be crushed between Tyrion and Joff no matter what. She knew who she'd be talking to for the majority of the night.

Cass opened the door for Sansa, the handmaiden she had brought with her setting down her hairbrush to move behind Cass and straighten out the dark curls. "Oh? Do I? I was just planning on marching down the stairs but if someone wishes to..."

"No, no, my lady. I just meant if you would like a guide down. Arya refuses to leave the room while she's in such a dress, and I thought maybe you'd get lost."

Cass would have been insulted if she hadn't gotten lost in this castle several times this past week... or today. "Yes, yes. That sounds great. I'm ready whenever you are." Her handmaiden made a grunt, but Cass ignored her. She was fine. It would be hot and stuffy down there. No matter what sort of elaborate creation her handmaiden wanted to do would just get fussed up anyway. "Sansa?"

Her blue eyes widened and looked at the gold dress Cass was currently wearing. Cass didn't know why though. Her own green dress was beautiful—matching perfectly against her pale complexion and red hair. Sansa was a beauty. Joff would be an idiot not to marry her. "Yes, let's go."

They walked down the tower stairs and Sansa led Cass through twists and turns, angling through this castle as only a native could. Cass followed close to her back, nearly stepping on her as Sansa said, "You look beautiful, my lady."

Cass grinned, "You deserve the same compliment, Sansa. I am sure I am not the first to tell you that you will be a true beauty."

She blushed. "Do you think Prince Joffrey will like it?"

"He's a boy isn't he?" Cass laughed. "Do not think of that. You are betrothed I hear?" Sansa nodded. "Then he should be bothering both my brother and your father for a wedding tomorrow night when he sees you."

Sansa didn't reply, like a true lady, but she smiled and became a deeper red in the cheeks. They were soon to the doors to the hall, and the roar of laughter and drunken bellows sounded loudly through the thick wood. The long tables were full of people doing just that. Robert had obviously planned the thing; there was food and alcohol everywhere, and it was obvious Sansa was taken aback by the noise.

There was one seat left at the main table with the Starks and the king, just where Cass thought it would be: between Joff and Tyrion. Only the king, queen, Lord Stark, and Lady Catelyn were on the upper dais. She could see Sansa stiffen and looking to where she would sit, but Cass held out her hand. "You should get to know your future husband, my lady." She stepped back, and Sansa shot her a confused but then appreciative look before walking forward and taking a seat.

Cass regretted the action immediately. She did not know where to sit now, or who anyone else was. But as she scanned the room, she did recognize one table where she did see someone familiar.

The table was at the far end of the room—far away from where she would usually sit, but Cass didn't really care too much. Her dress was too fancy, her hair not nearly as fussed up as it should have been, but Cass moved to the empty seat on the bench and sat down, her golden sleeves falling to her side. The table became quiet and confused, but she just looked up, smiled, and said, "Hello." She turned to the only familiar face. "Jon Snow, I insist you teach me more about this Winterfell ale. It is much darker than what us southern folk are used to."

The boy next to her stiffened. He had obviously not been in the best of moods, and Cass' insistence took him by surprise. The men next to him elbowed his shoulder, and he shook his head before handing her his metal cup. "Lady Cassana..."

"Cass and thank you." She sniffed it, grimaced, and then drank from the cup. "Strong stuff. No wonder only men of the north can drink it regularly." That earned her some smiles around the table and reluctant acceptance.

One offered, "Would you like me to get you a light wine?"

"No." She took another sip. It was actually starting to grow on her. "Jon, do you mind if I keep this?"

He shook his head, still baffled, and stole another cup for himself.

The talking became easier after she finished her cup. They were playing a game with a coin and trying to flip it into drinks, which became increasingly difficult as the ale kept pouring and pouring. She roared with laughter as Jon had to drink again and half scowled when he flipped the coin into her cup as well. "Finish it so we can get it out!"

"It's so much." Cass stared at the cup, disheartened, and up to Jon. "Half and you can watch me try to take it out with my hands?"

There was a disappointed groan throughout the table, and Jon amply refused. "Lady Cassana, you're here to play, aren't you? This is not like the head table or the dais." His head pointed to the front, and Cass saw some sadness briefly play on his face. "Drink."

She sighed and raised the cup to her lips when she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was gloved, harsh, and Cass turned with surprise to see it was Jaime Lannister standing over her. She immediately set the cup down. Jaime was turned to Jon Snow. "And who are you, bastard, to give orders to a lady?"

Whatever playfulness that was on Jon Snow's face faded at Jaime's words. He stood up, pushing his ale and meal aside, and left the table.

Cass stared blankly at his retreating form before turning sternly to Jaime. "What are you doing?"

"Cass, what are you doing? Why are you even here?"

"Should I be locked in my room? Keeping safe like a small child?"

"No. You are not a child." Jaime scowled. "You should be up there with your brother and me."

Cass looked to the table that had become quiet once again. Yes, she still felt uneasy around these strangers, but Jaime lecturing her was making it even worse. Cass stumbled up from her seat on the bench. She walked towards a wall, stumbling a bit, and needing Jaime's arm to steady her until she could lean against it. He was not pleased. "You're drunk."

"Ah, your wondrous observation skills must have made you the prize of the Kingsguard." She touched his cheek with a finger, and then tapped his nose with every word. "That. Must. Have. Been. It."

Jaime turned his face away."Stop it, Cass."

"Am I not allowed to drink either? You said it yourself I am not a child." She pouted. "Come, Jaime. It was just a bit of fun. What are you so worked up about?"

He said nothing but stared at her for a while until finally admitting, "Your brother was looking for you. He wanted to make sure you dressed accordingly."

Cass snorted. "Robert is too drunk to notice now. Us Baratheons love the drink. Well all of us except Stannis, but I hear even he on occasion can get quite, quite..."

"Cassana please. Just come with me."

"No." She said evenly, causing Jaime to bristle."Excuse me, Ser Jamie." She curtsied. "I promise I will talk to my brother in a moment, but I just need to check on a boy you sent running outside."

She was half surprised he didn't stop her from running out, but Jaime must have realized she would not have been receptive to any more of his words.

Jon Snow was not outside the doors like Cass wanted him to be. He was not down the hall, and it only was her blurred wanderings that brought Cass outside and to where Jon Snow actually was—hacking away at some poor dummy once again. Cass coughed and Jon stopped, dropping the sword just as he did before. Cass followed it down, letting her gold dress fill out around her in the dirt. "You'll make an awful knight if you keep doing that."

Jon didn't turn but said, "I can't become a knight anyway."

"Oh." Cass felt cold. She wasn't wearing anything besides her dress, and Jon must have noticed her shiver for he sat down next to her and took off one of his fur cloaks, wrapping it on her shoulders. "Thank you." The warmth was immediate.

"You shouldn't have followed me out here."

"I wanted to apologize for what Jaime said to you." Her cheeks were red, burning. "He's drunk and stupid and does not know what he says sometimes. Gods know he won't apologize himself. But he means no harm by it."

"You'll freeze."

She lifted the cloak with her shoulders but didn't say anything to support or negate his statement. "I..." Cass didn't know what she was doing here, why she had followed him outside and was now sitting with him in the dirt. "I'm sorry."

"For what? For me being born a bastard?" He said it with such acceptance that Cass cringed even more. "Don't apologize. Jamie's right."

"Your worth isn't proven by your birth." She knew a hundred and fifty men that did not deserve the titles they had. "It's from your actions. Great men become great through what they do and not by their names."

Jon snickered. "That's pretty wise. Coming from a lady in this state."

She hit him in the arm. "I'm serious, Jon."

"And so am I. They are given the opportunities through their names and I am not. I am Eddard Stark's boy, the Lord of Winterfell's son, but Snow is still attached to me. Snow will follow me anywhere, and I will be nothing because of it." He sniffed. "That sounds depressing. I'm sorry. My life does have some option."

Cass looked up to him. "And what's that?" She wanted something for him besides this.

"The Night's Watch."

That would have been honorable once. To some, it still was. But the Night's Watch was a place for criminals and runaways—for orphans and...and bastards. Jon Snow would be stuck on that gods-forsaken wall. He would die there, die protecting people from wildlings and bears and gods know what else from his post. He would die never knowing a woman. Never having a child. "You do know what that means."

"It means an honorable place for me."

"No family...not even..."

"I will not have a bastard child to suffer through this." He looked at her, grey eyes sad and deep and asking her almost to dare to refute this idea. But Cass was not used to this. She had never been talked so in depth with someone in his position, and although she knew her brother had a fleet of Storms out there somewhere, she did not know any of them besides Edric. She had no idea what she would say to the rest of them, if she could hold them to the same regard as she could Joff and Myrcella and Tommen. But she could hold Jon that high. Yes, she could hold Jon to Rickon and Bran and Robb easily, without question.

"So it is your decision to make. I will not say what you should or should not do." Cass did not know what to say otherwise. She was not used to talking to people with Jon's predicament, and she wished it on no one, especially him. "But I will say this." She paused. "I like you, Jon Snow."

He looked at her suddenly, the grip on the sword he was twirling in his fingers failing as his eyes looked pallid and worried. "What?"

Cass laughed at his embarrassed face. "I just mean that if you were to go to the Wall, you must expect me to visit. You are my friend and I don't intend on losing you anytime soon, no matter how north you are."

"I'm your friend?"

It was sad to her to think that, yes, he was. She did not feel so connected to anyone at King's Landing as she had to the boys and girls here at Winterfell. She had only been here almost a week or two, but she laughed and felt more here than she had in the Red Keep on any day. These people were real, honorable, and she liked that. Her brother Robert had said this all along about Ned Stark, and perhaps this was just another Baratheon finding the value and surprise the wolves held. It was a nice change if anything. "Yes. Unless you feel otherwise?"

His pale face reddened. "No, but I suspect you will get much...attention if you were to visit, Lady Cassana."

"Cass." She fidgeted and rubbed his cloak closer to her shoulders. She hoped Jaime wasn't too mad with her. She'd need to train more before meeting the Night's Watch that was for sure. "Maybe I'm just too drunk to be making these promises to you."

He laughed beside her, almost falling back. Cass followed in his laughter, and he said. "Robb will be upset. His sisters and brother and me leaving all in the same week."

She did not like the fact that Jon was leaving so soon. She laid down in the dirt, uncaring that it was cold and her hair was getting dirty. "He will get over it I'm sure. Being Lord of Winterfell and all while your father is gone."

"Yes."

"He...could use a man like you by his side, Jon."

"He'll have Theon."

She sniffed. "Theon's a Greyjoy. But maybe you're right. Like I said, I cannot make this decision for you."

"You will visit me though?" Jon Snow sounded uncertain. "If I were to go to the Wall?"

She smiled. "Of course I will. I promise."

"Do not make promises you have no intention of keeping, Lady Baratheon."

She hesitated before turning, knowing it was the other male Lannister behind her now. "Tyrion, you know me better than to make promises without intention. Do not insult me so."

Jon leaned over to her. "The Lannisters follow you about like wolves."

"Like lions." Tyrion corrected. "But it is you Jon Snow that I am looking for. I have all the time in the world to talk to my dear sister here."

She smiled at that, at the fact that Tyrion wanted to talk to Jon and being called his sister. For some reason, she felt like her family had been slipping away. Robert was the same—she loved Robert—but she hadn't seen Stannis in a decade maybe and Renly was growing increasingly distant at the Red Keep, always hiding or sneaking about. "Then I will leave you two to talk." She stood. "About manly things and horses and wars if I know dear Tyrion right."

"Now you insult me so. To think Jon and I have small enough minds to limit it to blood and animals." Tyrion grinned. "I have something much more important to speak of."

Cass kissed Tyrion on the head. "My apologies, brother. Please excuse me." She retreated back towards the door, hearing on her way out the coarse whisper of Tyrion slurring, "drunk as a skunk that one" before she was inside Winterfell's walls. Maybe he was right. Cass hated this feeling of uneasiness. What was once a high left her feeling sick and wobbly. She decided not to return to the hall and instead asked a servant to show her to her room so she could sleep. She did not see Robb Stark, nor did she think Robb saw her much to the king's chagrin she was sure, but Cass didn't much care. They would be gone soon. And one alliance between their houses would surely be enough to hold whatever small animosity at bay between the Starks and Baratheons.

That she was sure of.

A/N:

Gotta give Jon screen time before he poofs to Castle Black, I suppose. Plus his angst is fun (in a...writing sense).

Thanks for reading! And I'd just like to put it out there again that I'm extremely susceptible to people's comments or opinions about where they would like this story to go. I'm not saying...oh if you want her to be the queen on the iron throne and find dragon eggs or something I'm gonna do it (...yeah, probably not). BUT the end result of things are yet to be fully formed in my head.

Sigh, my indecisiveness. But thanks guys!