Willem's P.O.V.

"Where are the others?" The giant man-woman demanded.

I could feel the coolness from the steel of her sword just inches from my neck as she slowly walked around to look me in the eye. I hoped it would be quick. I did not need to parlay words. I didn't want to have time to think about her.

"Others?" I asked simply.

"It's not possible that they sent only you," The Kingslayer's voice was almost chiding, his tone slithering under my skin.

"Well, I imagine they felt fairly confident about me beating you. I had a pretty good track record in past tournaments after all," I replied, tossing a look back at the one-handed lion.

The turn almost made me touch the blade, so I quickly looked forward again, instantly feeling like a fool. I came out here for this. I needed to die, and yet, I innately tried to dodge the sword. There would be no other way, I reminded myself.

"Where are they?" the woman demanded again.

"We split our party," I answered simply. I could hear my heartbeat in my head, feel the blood pumping through me, but I knew my voice was steady even if the rest of me was not.

"He sings well when pressed," the Kingslayer derided.

I was ready to turn around and deck Jaime Lannister. I could sense the smirk on his lips without even looking at him. I did not know why Ana liked his company, but my sister always saw the best in people, always looked for a better way even if no one else could believe it existed. Would she always be like that? Would my actions take any of that from her?

"For how long?" Brienne asked.

I shrugged, almost glad to have a moment away from my thoughts. "Oh some time yet. We were to meet in the tavern."

"Are you truly this calm when faced with your own demise, or are you simply stupid?"

"I prefer brave." It's how I had hoped to be remembered. It's all I ever tried to be.

"It's odd how easily those two things become confused."

"Why on earth would you split from your company as darkness is falling in the woods?" The Kingslayer pressed. Now he joined Brienne's side.

Was he really to be the last person I saw in my life? That would be a shame.

"We wanted to make up more ground," I answered.

"Well, hurry up, Brienne, We haven't got all day." The Kingslayer added. "I am disappointed, Samelson. Knowing that you literally stole a women who was to be princess – queen by now – away from King's Landing…well, to be honest, I hadn't expected you to give up so easily."

And in one moment, it fell away from me. I had managed not to think about her until Jaime Lannister referenced the best moment of my life – when I realized Sansa Stark loved me.

I was doing this for her. For them. She and my child would be safer in a world without me in it.

Wouldn't they?

Lost in my thoughts, I almost didn't see Brienne pull her sword back. I dropped to the ground as it passed inches above my head, cutting a piece of my hair. I pulled the dagger from my boot, just in time to catch her next pass. The dagger fell to the ground, but it gave me enough time to stumble away and grab my sword, meeting hers just in front of my face.

"Playing possum?" the Kingslayer asked as I pushed Brienne back and got to my feet.

I didn't respond as the giant woman's sword swung round again.

It would perhaps be easier for me die, but that would not be Sansa's wish. No matter how difficult things became, she would want another moment with me. Even if it were truly just a moment. And selfishly, I wanted that too.

Brienne's sword came reigning down again and again and again as I kept parrying to save my life. She swung around with such force that I staggered back, falling onto a tree and parrying weakly in response.

I took the opportunity to swing around the trunk and was able to thrust my sword for the first time in our fight. The move was well blocked.

And as we continued, I was amazed to feel my arms begin to tire against the sheer force of her blows. I gained a brief respite when Jaime Lannister had the brilliant idea of trying to come up behind me with a dagger in his only remaining hand.

I just heard his footsteps in time and ducked under Brienne's swinging sword, taking out the Kingslayer's legs as I rolled to safety. For a moment, I saw the fiery glare in Brienne's eyes as she looked down at the lion, who merely shrugged his apology. I took a deep breath. Brienne turned to me, looking as though she could continue for hours.

How sad would it be that for my attempt at bravery, my wish to die for Sansa and my child, this would be my end. Losing to a female giant.

I staggered to my feet, preparing for the next onslaught.

But it would never come.

"Drop your sword!" Orland's voice called.

Brienne turned quickly, and I could not contain my smile, seeing my friend's dagger on the throat of the Kingslayer.

"You would not kill him," Brienne returned. "He is your bargaining chip."

"My lady," I called behind her. I could see the disdain in her eyes when she looked back at me.

"Believe me when I say my king would rather see you both dead than sitting in King's Landing. If we need to make that choice, I have no doubt what I would do," I replied.

For a moment, Brienne stood staring at me, her lips in a thin line as her jaw jutted out just slightly in defiance. But she soon threw her sword to the ground.

"Wise choice," Orland stated. "Now, let's see about some rope for their hands, or hand as the case may be. We have quite the walk ahead of us."

"You didn't listen to me," I commented to Orland as I removed all of the weapons from our two prisoners.

"No, my lord, and you can thank me later for saving you from losing to a woman," Orland added over his shoulder.

In spite of myself, I felt a wry smile cross my lips. Because of him, I just might see my wife again.

Analysa's P.O.V.

My head snapped forward suddenly in surprise as the name Will escaped my lips.

"Am I that boring, Ana?" Robb asked, turned a small grin to me.

I shook my head, trying to bring my mind back to the present moment. "What?"

"You were nodding off during my story about Bran," he said simply. The smile clung to his lips but the edges were fading. I knew how much he worried for his brothers.

"I'm sorry…I am just—"

"—Worried for your brother. I understand that," Robb returned with a comforting nod.

"No, I—" I stopped, now feeling guilty for what I had seen. Will was safe at least for the moment, Orland having come to his rescue. I knew that much, but my vision of Bran and Rickon had not changed. "Yes," I sighed. "I just wish he were here now."

"He'll be fine," Robb promised, not knowing I needed no reassurance. "He just will have a little further to travel with the Kingslayer than we anticipated."

"I am sure Will shall be elated. He has such high opinions of the man."

Robb snorted, "Well, not all of us are as fond of Jaime Lannister as you are…or my mother apparently."

I looked ahead, the banners of Riverrun stood high in the distance. We had been riding for some time, and Robb had set a monstrous pace, fueled by betrayal from his mother, anger towards his uncle, frustration at our recent lack of battles, and fear of letting the messengers from Winterfell reach him lest they should tell him the worst.

"I for one look forward to sleeping in a real, comfortable bed again," Theon spoke up.

Even now, having seen him for weeks at this point, it took me by surprise to hear his voice.

"What makes you so sure you've earned one of those?" The Greatjon guffawed, smacking Theon on the back in a friendly gesture that caused more than a little pain.

"I did trek hundreds of miles," Theon returned, the irritation in his voice thinly veiled.

"Well, some might say you deserved that."

Theon glared at The Greatjon, but I could see his steely eyes only masked the guilt he yet felt.

"Only a jest, lad," Lord Umber added after a moment. He too seemed to take pity on Theon after being the one who walked him into camp and saw the initial reactions to the Ironborn. After Robb's explanation of the circumstances, most seemed to accept Theon back into their company even if it was only begrudgingly so.

"Well, we shall all sleep well tonight," I spoke up, hazarding a glance at my husband. Robb rode silently, staring straight ahead.

We arrived to as much circumstance as could be had during a time of war. Robb's grandfather was not well enough to receive us. In his place stood a proud, tall, middle-aged man and next to him a large man with grey hair who looked to our coming with far more interest. As his eyes set upon Catelyn, a soft smile grew.

"Nephew." It was the proud Edmure who spoke first, but the other gentleman reached knocked his elbow into the younger man's shoulder.

"Your grace," he corrected Edmure, who turned a frustrated glare to the other man.

"My lords," Robb spoke up. "May I introduce my wife, Queen Analysa Stark?"

I received their bows as was appropriate although I still felt inclined to curtsey first to the elder gentlemen.

"Brynden Tully, your grace," the older gentleman spoke up. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," I returned before greeting Edmure Tully.

"Cat," I could hear the smile on Brynden's face as he hugged his niece.

"How is my father?" she asked gravely.

Brynden shook his head, his mouth a thin line.

"He's in and out of consciousness most of the day now," Edmure added.

"Take me to him," Catelyn stated, but Robb took her gently by the arm.

"Robb, you cannot mean to prevent—"

He interrupted his mother, looking to one of his personal guards. "Will you accompany my mother to see my grandfather? After an hour, please take her to her lodgings. It has been a long day for all of us."

"Shall you not see your grandfather?" Catelyn asked.

Robb nodded, "I will later. We," he added, looking to his uncle and Brynden Tully, "have much to discuss."

Robb, Edmure, Brynden, Theon, the Greatjon, Lord Whyte, and I sat in a small room as the larger company took their supper in the hall and outside in the encampments.

"You understand your choice allowed Clegane to escape?" Robb demanded.

"Escape? He retreated with his tail between his legs, and we prevented the Lannisters from using the crossing," Edmure returned.

"We were going to lure Clegane west."

"Well, we inflicted numerous casualties and gained several hostages, nephew—"

"—Nephew?" Brynden Tully demanded. "That's your king, and you should address him as such."

Edmure glared at his uncle as Robb rose to his full height to speak, "Had you waited, we would have been able to surround Clegane. If we had done that, our position would have been nearly insurmountable. Now, he is lost to us, can get to the Lannisters, help protect them from the Baratheons all the while we are sitting in the Riverlands, needing an entirely new plan."

Edmure remained silent, seeing the blood boiling just under Robb's skin.

"And we shall find one," I spoke up, trying to diffuse the situation. I thought Edmure deserved it, but there was little more to say at present on the matter. "Tomorrow we reconvene and determine our options. When my brother returns with Jaime Lannister, we shall have a bargaining chip back, and—"

"—When?" Lord Whyte asked with a raised eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with the first bit of hope I had seen for the past several days.

"Those are confident words, Ana—your grace," Theon corrected himself, seeing the irritation in Brynden's eye.

"I have faith in Will, but regardless, it will take time for him to come to us, so we too have time. The Lannisters will not be interested in attacking us anytime soon," I added.

I glanced over at Robb, who had a rueful smile upon his lips. I knew what he was thinking. Our strategic position was lost, and they could unite their forces again. They would wait us out.

Robb left supper to see his grandfather but asked to go alone. I felt a slight sting at that, feeling like he was closing me out, but I tried to let it pass.

"You need not take things so personally," Theon teased as he walked me to my chamber.

"I know. It's simply…he tells me everything. I don't want him to have to go through this alone."

"Just because someone is not physically with you does not mean that you are alone," Theon returned, his head turned away from me.

I furrowed my eyebrows and stooped my head to try catch his gaze. He did not take the bait until he was forced to look at me when we stopped in my doorway. "When did you become so wise, Theon Greyjoy?"

Theon laughed, tossing his head back, "Well, I have always been wise, Ana."

I had to smile at the glimmer of the old Theon. He was still buried in there beneath his guilt.

"Yes, but that sort of sentiment I would not have anticipated."

"You have to make up someone to talk to when you're by yourself for so long," he explained.

"What imaginary friend did you make up?" I teased, poking his arm as I tried to keep the conversation light. "Was it a giant? An innkeeper's shy daughter? A soldier?"

"She was none of those," he answered simply, holding my gaze.

Now, I was the one who felt obliged to look away. "Well, I hope she was good company."

"She always has been."

"Goodnight, Theon."

"Goodnight, your grace," he teased with a smirk.

Shaking my head, I turned into my room, wondering if I would ever get used to that phrase. I did not feel graceful as queen. I felt I was fumbling every day. I did not know what our next move would be despite my assurances at supper.

Yes, I believed Will would return with Jaime, but in truth, I had not seen them here. I had only seen them both alive with my brother having the upper hand. And, even with Jaime, what good would that do us? Tywin Lannister loved his son, but I could not imagine he would be worth half the kingdom. Even if he were, was I equipped to rule a kingdom for the rest of my life?

I was lost in thought when the door slammed behind me. I turned abruptly to see Robb, his eyelids falling just a little heavier over his swimming blue eyes.

"How is he?" I asked.

Robb shook his head, "Not well."

"Was your mother in there?"

"Yes, I have to sequester her for what she has done, but I see no reason she cannot be with her father."

"No…" I agreed, watching my husband. I could not read his expression – as though he were feeling too many things at once, and perhaps even he could not understand which emotion was winning out. "Robb, what's wrong?"

"I am so angry, Ana, and so tired," Robb explained, closing his eyes for a moment. He took a deep breath, his body heaving out a sigh. "I just wish we could rest."

"We can," I insisted, walking to his side. I took his hand and kissed his palm. "We can rest here."

"For a time," he said softly.

The frustration etched in his brow. When he needed to be a soldier, it was easy, but being king was much different. This was killing him, trying to know the right way to behave towards his mother, Theon, his uncle, balancing every opinion when it all threatened to collapse.

Almost reading my thoughts, he finally spoke his mind. "It is easy for me to win on the battlefield, but I don't know what I'm doing as king. I was not born to this."

"Even those who are born to it, do not know what they are doing, Robb. I think that is clear from everything that has happened, but you are doing a wonderful job."

"Sometimes, I wish…" He stopped short. I thought I understood what he wanted to say, so I said it for him.

"Sometimes, I wish we were not king and queen."

Robb stared back at me. His blue eyes were wide in surprise, his mouth agape. For a moment, I thought I said the wrong thing, but as his eyes shut with one deep sigh, I could see the relief on his face.

It was a quiet wish he would feel tonight, and in the morning, he would remember himself, his honor, and his duty, and think no more of it, but tonight…he did think it, and I did too.

"Sometimes I just wish we were in Winterfell, lord and lady, far away from all of this," I added softly, feeling the tears sting at my eyes.

I did not want to be weak, but for tonight, I felt that maybe my weakness could give him strength.

"We aren't King and Queen tonight," Robb said, looking around the simple room. Had it been better times, I knew it would have been richly fashioned, but tonight, it was only a soft bed and candlelit. "We will simply be Robb and Analysa tonight."

"I like simply being Robb and Analysa," I said, shaking my head at myself.

Robb cupped my face with his hands so I could not laugh at myself. Indeed, it was impossible to laugh when he looked at me as intently as he did, like he was drawing a sketch of me in his mind.

"That was all I ever dreamed of being since the day I met you," he said softly.

"No matter what happens, Robb, whether we are King and Queen of all of Westeros until we're 80, or we lose our lives on the battlefield, just know I would not change binding life to yours for all the world."

"Nor I, love," he replied, kissing me, and untying the laces of my nightdress.

I let the shoulders fall down as the whole garment fell to my waist, leaving my exposed as his hand softly trailed down my body. I quickly stripped off his shirt as he pulled me onto his lap, bending his head to kiss my breasts.

And for the night, we spoke no more of kings and queens, battles, or duties to the kingdom. We were simply a husband and a wife.