A/N: I have to say that I'm pretty surprised by how many people (on AO3 and ) are interested in this story. Thank you :)

This chapter differs a bit from the canon information we have. I'll try to stay rather true to canon (with adding a bunch of my headcanons), but sometimes I just have to make changes. This chapter contains one of these changes.

This is just to let you know that while this whole fanfiction is rather canon and not an AU, it may not go hand in hand with all the canon information we got.

I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

278 AL

Catelyn stood excited in the courtyard of Riverrun.

She wore a long, dark blue dress with small, red fish inwrought in her sleeves. Her auburn hair was only slightly pinned up, so the majority of her waves fell over her narrow back, and she knew that her blue eyes shone. Even if one was not aware of who she was, everyone would realize that she had to be from Riverrun.

Catelyn had a slight smile on her lips, and it got wider as the first horses rode across the courtyard.

He was among the first, his dark hair blowing wildly around his face and a charming smile on his lips, which were surrounded by a light beard.

Brandon Stark had announced his visit for the day and another two weeks to get to know his betrothed, after they had been promised to each other for two years.

Brandon was seventeen now, a man indeed, but he almost looked like a boy when Catelyn caught sight of the man beside him. He had the same gray eyes as Brandon and the hair was as dark as the one of a Stark. Catelyn was certain that this had to be Lord Rickard Stark, Brandon's father and Lord of Winterfell. Catelyn had never seen him before and his appearance made her almost speechless. He reminded her of her own father. A real Lord who radiated power and respect, simply by standing and watching.

Father, son, and a dozen other Stark men dismounted. Lord Rickard went to her father, who bowed slightly.

"Good to see you, Lord Rickard. I hope you had a pleasant journey," Lord Hoster said politely.

"We could not have wished upon better weather," Lord Rickard replied with a cool voice that made Catelyn shudder. "Every day, the sun had been shining for us, I'll take that as a good sign. I'm glad that we are welcome under your roof, Lord Hoster, and that you have accepted the invitation of my son."

As if by command, Brandon took a step forward.

"My son, Brandon Stark," Lord Rickard introduced him.

When Catelyn's father shook hands with him, she felt as if he would try to discern everything about Brandon with his glance.

When he released Brandons hand, Lord Hoster pointed to his right side where little Edmure stood, trying not to be intimidated by the visitors.

"This is Edmure Tully, my son and heir."

The Lord of Winterfell shook Edmure's hand in the same way as he had done with his father. Edmure tried to hide it, but he seemed deeply frightened by this strange man. Catelyn knew that she would later have to talk about it with her brother and assure him that no one would harm him.

Now Lord Hoster pointed to his other side.

"And my daughters," he proclaimed. "Lady Catelyn and Lady Lysa."

Catelyn always found it amusing when her father called her Lady, as she was usually just his little Cat, but this time she did not laugh, but only bowed, as he named them.

At the sound of her name, Brandon stepped forward, took her hand in his and kissed it lightly.

"My lady," he said quietly, looking into her eyes. Catelyn was trying to keep her smile under control, but was not sure if it actually succeeded.

"My lord," she replied.

When Brandon turned to Lysa, Lord Rickard went to her.

"Lady Catelyn," he said, and also kissed her hand, but it did not feel the same as when Brandon had done it. She wondered if it was allowed to her to spend some time alone with her betrothed. Really alone, without the eyes of her septa, no matter how far away they might be.

After the welcoming, Lord Hoster announced that there would be a feast to honor their guests tonight, which were no news for Catelyn. She already had a suitably gown, blue as well, but lighter. Though she was not sure yet what to do with her hair.

"Should I wear it that way?" Catelyn asked her sister as she stood before the mirror, viewing herself.

"Doesn't matter," Lysa said. "You look beautiful anyway, Cat."

The sadness in her sister's voice made Catelyn turn around

"What's wrong with you?" Catelyn asked Lysa who lay on the big bed and apparently did not care what happened to her hair which Catelyn had done just a few minutes ago.

"Nothing," Lysa replied, but before Catelyn could respond, she continued, "I mean, I'm happy for you. Brandon looks great and he'll be a great husband. But when am I going to be betrothed to someone?"

"Lysa, you're twelve. Surely father will soon find someone for you. He'll know when the time is right. Just show him that you're already a grown lady, than he'll also see you as one."

Catelyn smiled encouragingly at her sister, and after a while she returned that smile.

"I think you should let your hair stay down like that," Lysa said after some time. "I heard that in the north they like it that way. And besides, it makes you look even more beautiful."

This time Catelyn heard no bitterness but a seriously meant compliment in her sister's tone.

When it was time for the feast, Catelyn started to feel excited, which was pretty rare. She would have the opportunity to really talk to Brandon for the first time, and hopefully to dance with him as well. At this thought, an incredible feeling of happiness flowed through Catelyn's entire body.

She could think of no better husband, and she knew he was the right person for her. He had everything a man needed to make a woman happy.

When Catelyn entered the hall, she immediately noticed Brandon. He sat at the end of the long table, next to his father. He appeared to have a conversation with one of his companions, who suddenly pointed at Catelyn, and Brandon turned around, looking at her. He smiled and she felt how the blood shot in her head. She quickly looked away, although she did not want to. Why was she unable to control herself? Usually it was not that difficult.

Her father sat besides Lord Rickard, next to little Edmure, and Cat's place would be at the right side of her brother. Too far away from Brandon to start a conversation, but she did not have to stay there.

Catelyn ate very little as she focused too much on what she might say to Brandon. What did one talk about with her betrothed? Or almost betrothed, because Catelyn knew that until now it were only words between their fathers. However, this would change tonight.

What if he doesn't want me?, Catelyn suddenly asked herself. She did not consider this before, but it was not impossible. And instantly she felt sadness rising inside of her.

Brandon had now seen her and heard her speak. That might be enough to dissuade him from the betrothal, though Catelyn did not think that she had behaved badly or that she was an unpleasant person in general. But you could not be liked by everyone.

Now Catelyn had even less appetite and stopped eating for good. She did not like the thought of Brandon watching her eating anyway.

Some time passed until Lord Hoster leaned over to his daughter.

"And Cat, how do you like Brandon?", he asked her. "Do you still want to marry him?"

Catelyn nodded with a smile that was full of tension. When she saw the relief on the face of her father, she suddenly realized that she had given him the only answer he had expected of her. It was not that Catelyn did not knew that she had no choice in this part of her life. And even if it was not Brandon Stark, she knew that she would and must agree. Nevertheless, Lord Hoster had always made her feel like she had a choice.

They were betrothed since two years, without ever meeting before. It was an agreement between their fathers, between their houses.

And now she was sure again that Brandon would give the same answer as she did, because this marriage would be quite advantageous for him, and even if he did not like Catelyn at first sight or did not see any direct benefit, Lord Rickard obviously did. Her father had once told Catelyn that the Starks were extremely honorable and did their duty. And Brandon would probably not be an exception.

And so it was that a few minutes later, Lord Hoster asked for silence.

"I want to joyfully announce the betrothal between my daughter, Lady Catelyn, and Brandon Stark, the heir of Winterfell."

This was followed by cheering and yelling and clapping throughout the hall. With the words heir of Winterfell Catelyn felt some kind of pride blooming inside of her. She would thus be the Lady of Winterfell, the Lady of the North. Even though just a few years ago she had believed that she would remain in Riverrun forever and inherit its castle and lands.

Suddenly Brandon stood in front of her. She looked up at him and his extended hand with wide eyes.

"Do you want to dance, my lady?" he asked with a smile.

"With pleasure, my lord," Catelyn told him and took his hand.

Together they went into the middle of the hall, where it was already considerably full.

When they began to move to the rhythm of music, Catelyn realized that next to everything Brandon already was, he also turned out to be a gifted dancer. To be honest, Catelyn could not remember if she had ever had a better partner. But that was possibly because her partner was mostly Petyr. Or Littlefinger as Edmure had started to call him recently. She wondered where he was. She had not seen him all night. Catelyn was aware that Petyr, for some reason, was not pleased by her betrothal. She understood why Edmure did not like it, because he was still young and wanted her to stay here. But Petyr was already eleven now and described himself as a man.

"You're an excellent dancer, my lady," Brandon said, and Catelyn realized were she actually was.

"I can only return this compliment, my lord," she replied with a smile.

"I doubt that I'm better than you," he said. "Someone who is that deep in thought, and still knows where to step, truly must be talented."

Catelyn knew that she blushed and she cursed herself for it, but replied, "It is difficult to preserve a clear mind in your presence, my lord."

At that, Brandon laughed.

"But perhaps it is also the stuffy air and the loud music," Catelyn added as she was not sure how to interpret his laughter.

"I prefer your first explanation," he said with a smile that Catelyn could only return.

Catelyn did not know how long they danced. It seemed like hours, but at the same time it was way too short.

As Brandon then said he had danced enough for today, he added: "You can show me the castle tomorrow, if you want. The air will be clearer and we certainly won't hear any unpleasant music."

"It would be an honor, my lord," Catelyn said, hoping again that her grin was not too wide.

When she sat down at the table – away from her father and Lord Rickard, who seemed lost in a deep conversation and already had one or two cups of wine – Catelyn suddenly noticed Petyr who came towards her.

"Where were you all night?" she asked, still with a smile on her face and a more cheerful voice than she had intended.

"Didn't feel like celebrating," he muttered. "I've been around for a while," he added, "but you were dancing with Brandon Stark." He spoke the name as if it were something very unpleasant to say.

"We are, after all, betrothed," Catelyn said and drank some of the wine in her glass. Her father did not set any limits for her in terms of wine, because he knew he could trust her. Catelyn still could not remember when she had ever drunk that much. Her entire body felt heated.

"Let's go outside, Petyr, if you wish. I need some fresh air."

When Catelyn stepped onto the balcony, on which one could see far beyond the Red Fork, a gentle breeze blew through her hair. It felt good not to be among all these people anymore and to enjoy the view of the Riverlands.

For a while, neither she nor Petyr said anything until he suddenly asked: "Do you really want to marry him?"

"Of course," Catelyn said, half lost in thought. "I have to and I want to. He's good looking, kind and polite, can dance very well and is going to be Lord of Winterfell." Realizing Petyrs skeptical face, she added, "Besides, I like him."

"How do you know that?" Petyr said then. "You hardly know him."

"Good enough," Catelyn replied and folded her arms in front of her chest as she looked down at Petyr.

"Because you talked with him one evening?" Petyr snapped.

"First impressions count as well," Catelyn insisted. "And it will take a while until we get married. Until then he will visit me more often, or maybe I'll even visit him. And we can write letters."

Then Petyr paused until he said, "He doesn't deserve you."

Catelyn was puzzled and angry at the same time.

"Why are you saying something like that?"

"Because it's true."

Catelyn said nothing but turned around and went back into the hall.

On her way through the room she almost collided with Lysa.

"Oh, there you are Cat," she called. "I've been looking for you. It's time for Edmure to go to bed."

Catelyn sighed. "Could you get him to bed tonight, Lysa? I'm a little tired."

The idea of taking little Edmure to bed like mother seemed to please Lysa, and she immediately turned around.

"But don't forget to sing him his song," Catelyn shouted, somewhat uncomfortable. Catelyn knew her little brother. He was quite stubborn and if something was not like it should be, he could easily turn angry. And sad.

Catelyn almost regretted her decision, but then her head started to swim and she looked for a place at the table where she could settle down.

"A bit too much wine and sweet looks from Brandon?" said a voice near her and she looked up to see her uncle Ser Brynden Tully. He smiled at her.

"A bit," Catelyn murmured.

"Go to bed," said her uncle, which was still quite sober for his standards.

"But it's not really late yet, and most people are still here. Even Edmure has just been sent to bed," Catelyn said, almost upset. She could not leave the feast while everyone was still celebrating. She was still the Lady of Riverrun and therefore responsible for everyone in this hall.

Uncle Brynden just shook his head.

"I'm staying here, and your father as well. You're still young, Cat, and no one can expect from you to stay awake until the last, drunken Stark passes out."

Actually Catelyn wanted to say something, but then just nodded. She was really tired and her uncle was probably right.

So she made her way to her chambers, and before she fell asleep, her thoughts were with Brandon and with Petyr's words.