Wow! Sorry for not updating this in a billion years! Thanks to all my readers and followers!

Lydia

Lydia never thought she'd be excited to arrive in King's Landing. The trip had been the worst, and she decided that she never wanted to travel again. She liked Winterfell and was content living there. Since Lady had been killed by their father, Sansa had been downright miserable and nasty to both Lydia and Arya. Lydia did feel bad for her; she couldn't imagine being separated from Winter, but at the same time…Sansa had brought it upon herself with her foolishness. Still, it was a tragedy. Winter had howled horribly when the deed was done, and Nymeria was gone forever.

Arya and Sansa had fought before over small things, but Lydia honestly didn't know if they'd ever make up over this mishap. She had also tried to comfort Sansa, but Sansa said it was partially her fault that Lady died. Lydia gave up after that. She wished she could see Ros or Jon… She wanted to talk to someone other than her younger sisters.

When they arrived at King's Landing, the tension was erased for a moment. Even Lydia, who was moody about going to the capital to begin with, was in awe when they arrived. Their wagon halted, and their father met them with kisses. Lydia and Arya kissed him back, while Sansa pouted. Lydia rolled her eyes.

"What do you think?" He asked.

"It's incredible!" Arya said excitedly.

"Still second to the North, but…" Lydia smirked. "It looks inviting enough."

"Come on," their father said. "We'll ride in a different wagon. They will take care of your things. Jory!"

Jory rode up beside them and nodded at his Lord. Then Ned led them to a new carriage without a cover so they could see better as they rode inside the city and up to the Red Keep. All three girls forgot their brooding and looked around, taking in their new home.

When they closed in on the Keep, a castle guard greeted them with a bow. Lord Stark jumped off his horse and greeted the man politely, though a little coldly. Lydia could tell he was nervous about his new position. Being Hand was a great responsibility.

"Welcome, Lord Stark. Grand Maester Pycelle has called a meeting of the Small Council. The honor of your presence is requested," the guard said.

Eddard looked apologetically at the girls. Lydia hated that her father already had to face responsibilities. And where the hell was King Robert? Did he approve of this?

Lord Stark bowed his head and ordered: "Get the girls settled in. I'll be back in time for supper. And Jory, you go with them."

"Yes, my lord," Jory said.

Jory signaled at the coach's horses and they went a different direction than their father. Lydia could barely just hear the guard asking her father if he wanted to change his clothes.

"Jory," Lydia said. "You'll keep an eye on my father, won't you?"

He chuckled. "Of course, my lady. I am sworn to House Stark. You won't have to worry about him."

"Really? I've heard this place can be pretty harsh," said Lydia.

"I've heard that too, but if your father is smart, which I know he is, he'll be just fine," Jory said.

Lydia swallowed. "One more thing. Where is Winter? I want her to stay with me."

"Yes, of course, my lady. It shall be done," Jory said. "Ah! Here! It's here we go inside, and I'll take you to your chambers. You'll also be happy when you see a surprise is waiting for you."

"A surprise?" All the girls said at the same time.

Jory snorted. "Oh yes, a surprise."

The girls left the coach and followed Jory inside the Keep. He was following behind a guard who was put in charge of making sure they were comfortable. The guard kept glancing back at Lydia and Sansa. When Jory narrowed his eyes, the guard turned red and pretended to be focused on his work.

"Will father be with us?" Arya asked.

"No, he will be in the Tower of the Hand," Jory said. "Your rooms will be next to one another, but your father thought that it would be best if you had separate chambers."

Thank the gods for that, thought Lydia.

"You'll find baths drawn for you and new dresses out. The rest of your things will be brought up shortly," the guard informed them.

Jory nudged Lydia. Of the family's servants, he was the easiest to get along with, though she certainly got on well enough with his uncle.

"Winter will be brought to you soon," he said.

"I want you to bring her personally," Lydia whispered. "I don't trust the Queen."

Jory nodded understandingly and then left. Lydia then found her bedroom and was ecstatic to not be with her sisters for once. Her new bedroom was certainly beautiful and well put together. Someone had actually hung up a portrait of a she-wolf on a snowy plain with her pups. At least they were trying to be welcoming. In one corner was a large four poster bed for her, and in the other corner was, she actually grinned, a smaller bed for Winter. King Robert must have ordered for that to be done.

As the guard said, a bath was waiting for her. Lydia felt sticky; the capital was much hotter than Winterfell. She glanced over and saw a pink dress hanging for her. She snorted. Then she stripped and proceeded to bathe.

After she was clean and dressed, Jory came back to her room with Winter. Lydia thanked him and when the door was closed, she hugged her familiar.

"Winter…" she whispered. "We're in the capital now. We must be careful. I need you with me."

Winter nuzzled her hand. It never ceased to amaze Lydia how much she had grown. She was lucky that the Queen didn't call for Winter to be slaughtered. She wouldn't put it past the Queen to seek out an excuse, though.

When supper came around, Lydia promised Winter to bring her back some food. Outside, Sansa and Arya were waiting, and then they were led to where they'd be eating their supper.

"Where's father?" Arya asked. "He said he'd be back for supper."

"Who cares?" Sansa snarled.

"You know father wasn't to blame for Lady's death," Lydia said, annoyed. "The King ordered it so he wouldn't have to face the Queen's wrath. If you want to blame anyone, blame her and the prince."

"Joffrey was bit!" Sansa snapped.

"After he tried killing Mycah and Arya," Lydia pointed out. "And need I remind you…thanks to that incident, the boy lost his life."

Sansa wouldn't speak after that. Lydia wished she could recognize just how twisted that Joffrey was. Then again, even if Sansa knew, would she have a choice in the matter? The King was bent on joining their houses.

The door to the dining hall swung open, and they all froze when they saw none other than Septa Mordane smiling at them.

"I'm glad you girls are safe and sound," the Septa said, ushering them inside. Was she the surprise Jory spoke of? "How was the journey? Oh, you're pink! There's a lot more sun here in the capital than in Winterfell!"

The Stark girls stared at one another. Well at least one thing wouldn't be any different. They'd still have Septa Mordane to fuss over them.

Supper was actually delicious, but Lydia felt like she couldn't fully enjoy it with the sulking Sansa and Arya. Lydia cut into her meat and enjoyed the taste, while Sansa didn't touch her food and then Arya took to stabbing the ebony table with her knife.

"Enough of that, young lady! Eat your food," the Septa shot at Arya.

"I'm practicing," Arya informed them.

"Practicing for what?" Sansa asked.

"The Prince," answered Arya.

"Arya, stop!" Septa Mordane cried.

Lydia's eyes flashed. "Remember where we are, Arya. You don't want to be accused of treason."

"He's a liar and a coward and he killed my friend!" Arya snapped heatedly, her cheeks pink. She thrust her knife deeper than it had gone before into the table.

"The Hound killed your friend," Sansa pointed out.

"The Hound does whatever the Prince tells him to do," Arya said.

"You're an idiot," Sansa huffed.

"And you're a liar! And if you told the truth, Mycah would be alive!"

Before Lydia could step in and give the both of them an earful, Septa Mordane beat her to it and cried: "Enough!"

She stood up and yanked Arya to her feet. She took the knife from her hands and left it on the table. It annoyed Lydia that Arya was being punished and Sansa was not. They were both at fault. Just as Septa Mordane was about to take Arya from the room, the door opened, and their father entered.

"What's happening here?" Eddard asked.

"Arya would rather act like a beast than a lady," the Septa said.

"Only because her friend was unjustly murdered," Lydia pointed out.

Lord Stark closed his eyes. Then he opened them and faced Arya. "Go to your room. We'll speak later." When Arya left, he took a seat next to Sansa and handed her a fine box. "That's for you, love…"

Lydia had a pretty good idea what was in the box and she never wished she could communicate with her father telepathically more.

Sansa unwrapped the package with ginger fingers. Lydia had been right about its contents; inside was a china doll in a silk gown. It waved up at Sansa and smiled at her.

"The same dollmaker makes all of Princess Myrcella's toys," Ned said proudly. "Don't you like it?"

Sansa glowered.

"I haven't played with dolls since I was eight," she said. "May I be excused?"

"You've barely eaten a thing," Septa Mordane said.

"It's all right. Go on," Eddard said, waving a hand. When Sansa was out of the room, he muttered. "War was easier than daughters."

"Me included?" Lydia smirked.

"I suppose not," Ned said. "You really are like your mother."

Lydia froze. Did he mean Catelyn, or did he mean her real mother? Since the Septa was no more the wiser, she didn't notice anything.

"What did I do wrong, Lydia?" Eddard asked. "Why can't I connect with Sansa and Arya? I thought Sansa would have loved that doll…"

"She would have before," Lydia said. "It's not your fault you didn't know that, though. As Lord of Winterfell, it's not always your job to know what she plays with. Just pay extra attention this time and the next time you give a gift, make sure you've seen with your own eyes that she likes it."

"Yes, I shall do that," he said, nodding. "I may need your help, though."

"You focus on Hand duties, and I'll focus on my sisters," said Lydia. "I really am sorry about Sansa, though. She's been downright foul recently."

"Her wolf was killed unjustly," Ned said. "I was the one that did it. I'll never forget Lady's eyes."

"And Arya lost her friend thanks to Sansa's lie," Lydia added.

"Lydia, Sansa didn't lie. She was frightened, and she did what was expected of her. A woman's place is beside a man. Please don't fault your sister over that," he said.

"My place is not beside a man," Lydia hissed.

"Lydia, listen to me, I need you to watch over and protect your sisters. I can't do it alone. Although your mother was sad when you announced you'd be coming with us, I was happy. You know them both and are perhaps the only person in the world that can take care of both," he said. He reached over and placed his hand on hers. "I am so proud of you. You've grown to be such a strong and beautiful young woman. I want your sisters to follow in your footsteps. You must be there for them always."

His hand was warm, and Lydia smiled at her father.

"I will," she said. "I swear it with all the Stark honor."

Her father kissed her cheek and stood up. Lydia noticed he'd barely touched his food either.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

"To talk to Arya," he answered. "Perhaps you could speak to Sansa?"

"I'll try, but she may be better off alone for a bit," Lydia said.

"Do what's best. I trust you," he said and walked to the door.

Lydia wanted to finish her meal and not talk to Sansa, but she wanted to support her father. Sansa was downright dreadful. Lydia knew it was because she would be starting her change soon, but she didn't want to tell her father and really freak him out.

When Lydia finished her meal, she went to Sansa's room and knocked and promptly heard a "Go away!" Lydia shrugged and decided it would be better to come back later.

Their supper had been earlier than normal, and Septa Mordane went to each of their rooms to tell them they'd be having a lesson. Lydia couldn't believe her ears when she heard this. They had barely just arrived!

The lesson was especially boring, and it involved a lot of glares from one to the other between Sansa and Arya.

Their lesson did get interrupted, however, when they heard a knock at the door. Septa Mordane stood up to answer it. Lydia couldn't see who it was, but she did go rigid when she heard the Septa exclaim: "Lady Lannister."

Lydia nearly broke her needle. Not her. She remembered what had been said about the girl, and she did try to stand up for Lady, but she couldn't stand the idea of seeing her at this time.

"I'm here to visit Lady Lydia, Lady Sansa, and Lady Arya," she said in her sing-song voice.

Arya's head jerked up and she cried: "I'm not a lady!"

"Shut up, Arya!" Sansa hissed.

Maybe Leila Lannister was a sweet girl, but she was still annoying as hell, and Lydia wanted nothing to do with her at the moment. She shot up and went over to the door. Leila was with her handmaid, Miriam.

"What do you want?" Lydia asked.

"We came to welcome you to the capital," Leila answered. "We hope you're enjoying your stay here. If there is anything you need, please tell us immediately and we will do what's possible."

Lydia just gaped at her. Is that what Tywin Lannister taught his daughter? She sounded like an outright fool.

"There. You've already received a warm welcome," said the Septa.

Sansa and Arya had left their seats to see what was going on. When Arya saw Leila, her eyes narrowed, and Sansa just smiled at her. Lydia thought Sansa and Leila were one in the same –they were both little fools.

"May we enter?" Leila asked.

"We're busy," Lydia said quickly.

Maybe another time I'll give her a chance…after I've drank a few mugs of ale…

"Lydia!" Septa Mordane said. She faced the Lannister girl. "Please forgive her, Lady Lannister. She is very tired after such a long ride. Perhaps another day would be better to pay a visit."

A troubled expression occupied the Lannister's small features. Then Miriam swept in and said graciously: "Yes, of course, forgive us." And with that she pulled Leila down into a bow, and they were gone.

"I hate Lannisters," Arya said to Lydia.

"She never even did anything to you," Sansa said. "You have no reason to hate her."

"She's Cersei's sister! I hate her for that!" Arya growled.

"Well that's just stupid!" Sansa hissed.

Lydia rubbed her temples and walked to the door.

"Where are you going?" Septa Mordane inquired.

"I'm going to bed. I feel like I'm going to throw up," Lydia said in a dead voice.

The following day, Lydia saw that her things had been brought up. Winter came over and nuzzled her awake, and she felt bad that the wolf had been cooped up.

"Come on," she said. "Let's get some fresh air and see what father is up to. He may need our help."

Lydia sometimes wondered how much Winter Wind could understand. She seemed happy about this news and even brought over a dress for Lydia. She changed quickly, the whole time Winter assisting her and left to find her father.

Many pointed and stared at Winter Wind while they walked, but Lydia kept her head held up high. Though she still didn't know the layout of the Keep, Winter was able to track down her father with her nose. They came upon a large building that Lydia recognized only from the pages of books.

The Iron Throne is inside…

She cleared her mind of thoughts and marched up the steps. She pushed open the door to find her father standing in front of the famed throne and speaking with an especially old man with a snow white beard. The man handed her father a small scroll, the kind that contained letters, and then he left. Lydia walked up to her father.

"Lydia! I didn't realize you were here!" He said, surprised. "I don't know if bringing Winter inside is the best idea."

"She's fine. She can recognize the magnificence of this place as well," she said, staring around the septor. "So that's it then? That's the Iron Throne?"

The Iron Throne, where each king had sat since the day Aegon I Targaryen constructed it, was a seat designed to emulate power. The chair was created by forging many, many (the stories said one thousand blades, though looking at it, Lydia doubted it) swords. It was said that the swords belonged to Aegon's enemies, and it was a symbol that the enemies to the crown would always be beneath him and the future rulers.

"It doesn't look comfortable," she said. She then noticed a small pin on her father's chest. The badge depicted a hand holding a needle between its middle and ring finger. "Nice badge. Who's the letter from?"

Before her father could unwrap the letter to see who it was from, they heard a raspy:

"Good news? Perhaps you'd like to share it with your wife?"

Lydia saw a man with a mockingbird pin and a fancy little beard. She found herself and curtsied. The man looked her up and down.

"Lord Baelish," Eddard said. "Lydia, this is Lord Petyr Baelish. He is the Master of Coin on the small council, as well as a friend from your mother's girlhood."

"Why did you say that he should share the news with my mother?" Lydia burst out.

"My wife is in Winterfell," Lord Stark said, nodding at Lydia.

"Is she?" Baelish let out a little chuckle.

Lydia's and Ned's eyes widened. She grabbed a hold of her skirts. Then Winter growled at Baelish, and Lydia quickly reprimanded her.

"Take me," Eddard said. "Lydia, go to your room –"

"I'm seeing mother!" Lydia said.

Baelish snickered. "I'm sure Cat would be happy to see her eldest daughter. Come with me, and I will take you to her."

They followed Baelish outside and he led them through the streets of King's Landing. They headed east and walked through the busy streets. The place bustled, and Lydia felt like the walls were closing in on her, but she was adamant on seeing her mother.

"You take after your father," Baelish said to Lydia. "You look like Lyanna."

"I get that a lot," Lydia said. "I wish I could have known my aunt."

They arrived just outside a sandy building. It was obviously a very high class place. Lydia's eyes traveled around, and she spotted a few men entering and a few beautiful girls leaving.

"I thought that she'd be safest in here. One of the several such establishments I own," Baelish said.

"A whorehouse?" Lydia asked.

When she said that, Eddard's eyes blazed and he grabbed Baelish by the front of his shirt and shoved him up against the wall. His hands wrapped around his throat. Winter started snapping.

"You're a funny man, a very funny man!" Eddard snarled almost sadistically.

"Ned! Lydia!" Came the voice of Lady Stark. They all looked up and saw her leaning out the window of the establishment. Eddard released Baelish, and he and Lydia entered the brothel.

Catelyn came running for Lydia and caught her in a tight embrace. She was tearful and kissed her all over her face. "Oh, my sweet child! I have missed you!"

"Yes, mother," Lydia said. "I have missed you too!"

Catelyn let go of Lydia and fell into the arms of her husband. They kissed deeply, and Lydia looked away. Baelish entered the brothel and cleared his throat.

"Ah, perhaps we should talk about why the lady is here," he said.

Catelyn's face hardened for a moment, but then she seemed nervous.

"Ned…I…" She swallowed.

"This way, where no one can hear us," Baelish said and led them to the back.

"I don't know if Lydia should hear this," Catelyn said. "It involves Bran…"

"Then I definitely should hear it!" Lydia snapped. "I deserve to know about my brother!"

"She's right," Ned said. "She's helping to take care of her sisters too."

Catelyn smoothed her dress with long fingers. Then she sighed and said: "Bran and I were nearly murdered at the hands of an assassin."

Lord Stark automatically took his wife's arms as if searching for any damage. His eyes fell upon her bandaged hands.

"Cat…your hands…" he trailed off.

"The man had a knife and tried to murder Bran first, but I stepped in and defended him, slicing my hands in the process. We would have been dead had Bran's direwolf not stepped in and ripped into the man's throat," she explained. "I am here to tell you, though, that someone wants our son dead."

"Who?" Eddard asked, horrified.

Catelyn nodded at Baelish.

"The would-be-assassin had a rather unusual blade. I know this because it was once my blade, a dagger I lost in a bet," Baelish said. "I lost it to…Tyrion Lannister."

Lydia swore, and both her parents glared at her. Her father gaped at his wife.

"Are you sure of this? How do we know someone didn't steal the blade from him?" Eddard asked.

"Ned! The Lannisters have been behind everything! My sister wrote to us and told us they poisoned Jon Arryn, remember? That imp….he tried to murder my son!" She said.

"But why would he do that?" Eddard inquired.

"Don't ask me how the mind of such a beast works! He was truly awful during his visit in Winterfell, sleeping at brothels and getting drunk with the pigs! I know it was him!" She said. "Who else would have the dagger anyways? No one would be fool enough to steal or try to lie to the Lannisters! It would be suicide!"

Lydia clenched her fists. Now she knew why she hated the Lannisters. She recalled talking with the imp and thinking he was weird, but now that she knew the truth…if she ever saw him again, she may have just accidently taken out both his eyes.

"Now what do we do?" Lydia asked them. "He must be brought to justice."

Just then, Lord Baelish, whom Lydia had forgotten was in the room, cleared his throat and said: "The mere suggestion that the Queen's brother tried to kill your boy would be considered treason."

"We have proof! We have the blade," Catelyn said, flushing.

"Which Lord Tyrion will say was stolen from him," Baelish said. "The only man who could say otherwise has no throat, thanks to your boy's wolf."

"Petyr has promised to help us find the truth. He's like a little brother to me. He would never betray my trust," Catelyn said to Lydia and Ned.

"I'll try to keep you alive, for her sake. A fool's task, admittedly, but I've never been able to refuse your wife for anything," Baelish grinned at Lord Stark.

Catelyn bowed. "I won't forget this. You're a true friend."

"Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain." At that, Lord Baelish's eyes darkened, and for some reason, it rubbed Lydia the wrong way.

Afterwards, Lord Baelish excused himself and left them at the brothel. Catelyn shivered. Then Rodrick came from behind a door.

"It's bloody disgusting in here," he said. "My lady, I overheard everything." He then saw Lydia, and he broke into a smile. "Well, hello there, Lady Lydia."

"Just because I'm in King's Landing doesn't make me a lady," Lydia replied.

"Cat, how long do you plan to stay here?" Eddard asked.

"I will ride out in the morning. It was urgent I come to see you. I couldn't trust a crow with the information I was to send, and I knew Petyr could help me identify the assassin," she said. She then squeezed Lydia's hand. "My sweet daughter, I hope life here treats you well. Take care of Sansa and Arya."

"Of course I will," Lydia swore.

"I will get the horses ready and the supplies for the morrow," Rodrick said. "Let's go outside."

They all agreed, wanting out of Baelish's establishment (though Lydia was more than a little curious) and followed him outside.

Lydia spent the rest of the day with her parents, and when night fell, she returned to her room, letting them spend some time alone. First thing in the morning, however, she returned to the brothel. Her mother was busy getting ready, and a horse was waiting for her.

Outside, Catelyn pulled a scarf up over her head to protect her from the sun. Eddard touched her cheek gently.

"I wish I could see the girls," she said wistfully.

"It's too dangerous," Eddard said.

"Just for a moment…" she trailed off.

"Not until we know who our enemies are," he said firmly.

Anger flashed across Catelyn's face.

"I know they did it, Ned. The Lannisters. In my bones, I know it," she breathed.

"Littlefinger's right. I can't do anything without proof," Eddard said.

"And if you find the proof?" asked Catelyn.

"Then I bring it to Robert…and hope he's still the man I once knew. You watch yourself on the road, huh? That temper of yours is a dangerous thing." And then he leaned in and kissed her on the lips.

"My temper?" Catelyn chuckled. "Gods be good, you nearly killed poor Littlefinger yesterday!"

Lydia couldn't help but chuckle. Her mother caught her in an embrace.

"I'm going to miss you," she said. "Write to me each day and tell your sisters to write."

"I will," Lydia promised. When Rodrick called out that they needed to be on their way, Lydia hugged her mother once more and said: "Good bye, mother. I love you."

After she embraced her mother, Rodrick nodded at Lydia, and she nodded back. Then her father told her he'd be back with her and her sisters as soon as possible. She inwardly snickered, knowing her father just wanted some alone time with his wife. She was quite alright with that.

Seeing her mother really wracked Lydia's brain, and it did nothing to cure her homesickness. She walked with Winter back to her chambers, when all of a sudden, Arya came running and crushed her into a hug.

"Whoa, kid, what's going on?" She asked.

"Remember the surprise that I said Sansa couldn't see?" She asked. "Jon gave me a sword before he left!"

"Oh. And does the blade have a name?" Lydia asked.

"Needle," she said breathlessly. "But that's not the best part!"

"What could be better than a sword?" Lydia asked. A safe home, no threats to our family, Bran's safety, the Lannisters disappearing…

"When father came in to talk to me about supper, he saw me practicing with it. I thought for sure he'd take it away, but we spoke, and he said that I could get lessons! He'd hire a professional dancing teacher to show me the art of the sword!" She exclaimed.

Despite everything that had happened, Lydia had to grin at Arya's excitement.

"Well perfect. After a few weeks, you can challenge me," Lydia said.

"No! I could never –I mean, you're too good!" Arya cried.

"I'm good because I practiced. You are a natural talent, Arya. With practice, you can skewer anyone or anything you wish," she said.

"I have to go. I'm late to my lesson, I think," she said. "Wish me luck!"

Lydia watched her sister run off.

They'd been living at the capital for roughly three weeks, and Sansa was still giving Lydia the cold shoulder. Her father confided in her on small issues. He never told her what was spoken about at the small council meetings, but he did tell her that King Robert never attended. He lamented over what Robert had become. Lydia knew her father was loyal to his king, but as his friend, he didn't agree with Robert's actions. King Robert was known to sleep around a lot, and apparently the crown was in debt. This all worried Eddard.

Lydia couldn't shake off what her mother had said. Somewhere Tyrion Lannister was running free after trying to kill a ten year old. Things were worse when she and her sisters had to eat with the Lannisters. Thankfully it wasn't every day and just a few times a week, but whenever she saw the Queen, Lydia's blood ran cold. Not only that…the Kingslayer was always so full of himself. Lydia often wondered how a man could betray his king, the man he swore to protect with his life. What Jaime Lannister did was downright cowardly, and yet, thanks to his last name, he was able to strut around in a gold cloak and talk down to everyone.

One day when Lydia was walking around the gardens with Winter, Leila found her. She was out of breath and smiling. Lydia recalled what her brother had done and wanted to attack her. She was caught off guard, however, when Winter actually approached her, and Leila patted her head.

"What are you doing here?" Lydia asked. "Winter! That's enough!"

"Oh, I don't mind," the Lannister girl giggled. "I just came to find you. Did you receive the news?"

"What news?" Lydia asked.

"I just received a crow from Robb," Leila said.

Lydia automatically bristled. She was in contact wither brother? Disgusting.

"And what did he have to say?" Lydia asked.

"He says that Bran has woken up," she said happily. "Unfortunately the boy has lost the use of his legs, but other than that, he's healthy and alert. He doesn't remember the fall or how it happened."

Though Lydia hated Leila and her family, when she heard the news, she couldn't prevent her smile. Leila knelt down and busied herself with stroking Winter's fur. Why was Winter letting Leila touch her? Winter's discernment was even better than Lydia's…

"Thank you for telling me," Lydia said briskly. "I shall write to my brothers tonight. Come, Winter."

The direwolf pulled away from Leila, and Lydia and Winter returned to their chambers.