Preparations and Departure
Rohanne II
Rohanne supervised Dalla carefully as she packed her belongings – they were leaving early tomorrow morning and there were still some things to be done.
The entire keep came alive after her father's announcement. People were everywhere, scurrying around as they rushed to do their assigned tasks – peace was near impossible to find.
Something which was only proven as there was a knock at her chamber door. She stopped leaning against the bedpost and straightened her dress.
"Come in."
Somehow, she wasn't at all surprised when Meliana entered holding a tray of cakes and a flagon of drink that Rohanne thought was probably wine. A grin appeared the moment she saw Rohanne and she winked as she held up her gifts.
"For you, my princess." Meliana said with what was supposed to be a lascivious smirk, an expression that was entirely too old for her. Rohanne rolled her eyes.
Meliana took that as permission. Walking past Rohanne swiftly, she skipped down the two steps and set down her wares on the table with a flourish. Her skirts flared as she spun round and pulled out a chair before dropping onto it like a sack of potatoes. She flicked a lazy hand.
"Leave us, Dalla." She said before she stuffing one of the small cakes into her mouth.
Dalla turned to Rohanne with a disdainful look she wasn't quite able to disguise, but she said nothing. Rohanne nodded once.
"Very well, princess. My lady." Dalla said as sarcastically as she thought she could get away with. "Please send for me if you require anything."
Meliana snorted and made an obscene gesture as Dalla shut the chamber door behind her.
"Bitch."
Rohanne poured herself a glass of whatever Meliana brought – wine, which surprised no one.
"You can't at the very least pretend to like her?"
"You know perfectly well why not – Dalla is a conceited cow who is so far up your-"
"Mel!" Rohanne said sharply.
Meliana waved her hand as she bit into another cake.
"Sorry. I didn't mean that."
Rohanne sighed and she took a sip from her glass. "Yes, you did."
Meliana didn't say anything, which was as good as a confession.
"Where in the world did you manage to get Lyseni white?" Rohanne said as she took another mouthful.
"Lys." Meliana replied with a smirk, pouring herself a glass as well.
"I am serious."
"I have my ways – a lady must keep some secrets, even from her princess."
"You are far from a lady." Rohanne scoffed.
"Fortunately, true. You wouldn't know what to do with me if I was anything like those simpering, condescending hens you love to surround yourself with."
Rohanne rolled her eyes. "Hardly my choice, mother insists."
"Well, thankfully I am here to keep you sane, just as I will be when you go north."
Rohanne felt herself brighten and a wide smile grew on her face.
"Truly, you're coming with us? Lady Errol gave her permission?"
Meliana laughed and nodded. "It took some convincing and Seb's skills of persuasion, but it is official – I'm accompanying you to Winterfell. You have no excuse to forget me now."
"I'd never forget you, Mel. Especially not now! You'll make a dull trip much brighter."
Meliana stuck her nose in the air. "I make everything brighter by my mere presence."
Rohanne snorted and pretended to throw the cake she was eating at her. Meliana tilted her head back and opened her mouth as if to catch it with her teeth, while Rohanne let out a stream of giggles.
"Don't let my mother see you doing that, she'll have your hide."
Meliana's mouth twitched as it always did when planning mischief.
"Gods, we are going to drive her to madness, aren't we? What fun."
"You mean you are going to do that. I am going to be a dreadfully dull, well-behaved princess who sits in the wheelhouse and sews for the entire journey."
Rohanne couldn't hold back her laughter as Meliana gave her such a look of scepticism like none she had ever seen.
"I will believe that when I see it, meaning never."
"Hear hear."
They clinked their wineglasses together simultaneously. Rohanne looked down at hers and chewed her bottom lip.
"Perhaps we should slow the wine. I haven't even had lunch yet."
"Don't be a bore." Meliana said after she took another mouthful.
"You know mother hates it when I drink."
"And you know that the queen isn't here."
"Still-"
Meliana suddenly gave a loud squeal and bent in her chair to pick up Rain from the floor. She had been playing around Rohanne's room all morning with a ball of string, occasionally coming to chew her mistress' hem.
"Who is this little darling?" Meliana's voice was gentle; nothing made her softer than anything helpless and cute.
This vehemently did not include babies and young children, which Meliana avoided with an admirable singlemindedness. It wasn't that she disliked them, more that she completely rejected the obvious reminder of her future duties – to marry and bear a husband heirs.
This would be Rohanne's fate as well but she was… like Meliana, she loathed every reminder. She too had no desire to have children, but it was hard to imagine a life without them. She'd had the knowledge of her responsibilities taught to her since she was barely old enough to read. Her duty was to marry into a powerful family to bind them closer to the crown, giving up her title of princess and pushing out babes from between her legs until her body was worn out and her husband had no further use for her.
Sometimes she thought about things her mother said – that women had a thrall over men and if they wielded it could become powerful. It was interesting, yet whenever she thought about marriage she nearly went mad with frustration.
Only her brother's promise gave her hope.
"Her name is Rain." She said, crossing her ankles and tucking them under her.
"Oh, but she is a little sweetheart, isn't she? Where did you get her?"
Meliana kept running her fingers down Rain's back as she snuggled her closer to her chest. The pup seemed not to mind, snuffling at the strange scents on Meliana's dress.
"The kennelmaster's son was showing them to Myrcella and Tommen. I saw her and could not resist."
"I cannot say I blame you, but…" Meliana trailed off, her hand stilling.
Rohanne sighed and nodded. "I know what you are going to say. I managed to convince him not to bother with her, so leave it be."
"You did? Well, I cannot say I'm not surprised… but remember the cat." Meliana said, looking hesitant.
"Aren't I the one who told you about that?"
"Precisely my point."
"… Honestly, I think he was just being curious." Rohanne admitted.
"Curiosity should not be enough to justify gutting a pregnant creature. You remember its entrails hitting the floor."
"How can I forget? That image kept me awake for nigh on a year."
Meliana shook her head. "Be honest, Ro. Your father kept you awake for a year, not the bloody cat."
"Mel!" Rohanne hissed, looking pointedly at the door. "Anyone could hear you, and nobody will care you are my friend if you say such things of your king."
"… You're right, my apologies. But you still need to remember."
Rohanne scowled in frustration, but nodded once. "Fine."
"I… hear that your brother is trying to persuade the queen to allow him to invite Florian and Jonquil along."
Rohanne sighed, but took the bait. She had long since given up on trying to get Meliana to warm to Joffrey.
"And I am sure you are thoroughly delighted by the prospect."
Meliana's grin was ferocious, although a trace of remorse remained.
"Oh, indeed. Even more so once I have the opportunity to pin Jonquil's cock to his forehead where it belongs."
Rohanne couldn't help it; she snorted.
"Mel, honestly. Have a little mercy on the boy, I'm almost certain he has taken a fancy to you."
Garrett Prester and Erryk Broom were two lads from Westerland houses that her mother had summoned to be companions for Joffrey about a year after Meliana had arrived. The Red Keep was sorely lacking in children their age and Cersei had seen it as an injustice that Rohanne got a playmate her own gender and age but Joffrey did not – hence their arrival.
The three of them quickly became as thick as thieves, as young boys tend to do. But with no other children except baby Tommen and Myrcella, that meant that Rohanne and Meliana became their favourite targets for games and practical jokes alike.
Unfortunately for them, Meliana had once caught them hugging and had been out of control – it took very little to get her imagination going.
Soon she had spread the tale of Florian and Jonquil supposedly come again and with her very best effort, the names stuck. Meliana could be annoyingly persistent.
Few people, especially those who were young, used their actual names; Joffrey thought it was hilarious, but then he would.
Meliana just laughed. "Me? Hardly. He certainly doesn't act like it – the big swine – or did he mean to kiss me when he spat at me the other day?"
"They say that's how boys show their affection." Rohanne teased, a small smile winning over her frown.
"Then they can keep it."
"You realise that mother is likely to allow it, since you have been permitted to come?"
Meliana huffed. "I know. It's the only downside to this entire situation."
Rohanne rolled her eyes.
"Don't be so dramatic."
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
"Enter."
A woman Rohanne had never seen before came into the room. She was past middle age, with grey hairs curling at her temples and her waist thickened with the years past. She curtsied and twisted her hands in the apron tied around her waist.
"Forgive me, princess, my lady. Dalla sent me to inquire what you would care to do for luncheon?" She asked.
"And where is Dalla?"
"She's been summoned the housekeeper, princess. She sends her apologies."
Rohanne ignored the sardonic look Meliana gave her.
"Of course. I think we will have our lunch here. Mel?"
"That's fine with me."
"Good. Bring it here, please." Rohanne said to the maid.
"Certainly, princess."
The maid curtsied and left the room. Rohanne spotted Meliana emptying her almost full glass in a few long gulps and shouted after the woman.
"And we don't require wine!"
The wind was fearsome, whipping Rohanne's skirts into a frenzy and near blowing her off her feet. The sky was overcast but it wasn't particularly cold despite the cloak she had thrown on before she left her chambers.
She had to get away from all of the preparations.
The only other time she had left the Red Keep for longer than a moon; she had been twelve years old and her mother had taken the children to visit Casterly Rock. They had spent four moons there in total, learning the layout and secrets of the Rock as children do. She and Joffrey had a marvellous time, barely seeing anyone in the enormous fortress of their mother's family. It was the first time she remembered properly spending time with her grandfather Lord Tywin.
He was, on the whole, a formidable man – but she found she was not afraid of him. He was frightening in different ways to her father, and she found it was easy to avoid his wrath. If she behaved with the proper decorum expected of a princess her age and used her head, he was perfectly tolerable.
She rather liked him; he never once treated her like a child if she did not act like one. The best part was that she knew he would not hit her if he felt like it, like she feared her father would.
Her father did a few times to Joffrey and all the time to her mother, so what was to stop him doing it to her?
She loathed how he hurt her mother – husbands were supposed to protect their wives, wasn't that in their marriage vows? Her mother had protected her since she was born. There was nothing she hated more than being unable to do anything about it.
She wondered if her grandfather knew that her father hit her mother.
Surely not. He would never stand for her mother being dishonoured in such a way.
The visit to the Rock had only taken a fortnight along the gold road, with several days' rest in Deep Den. This trip would take at least a moon with no stopping except at night. It was an intimidating venture, to say the least.
And everyone had gone mad.
The preparations were loud and constant, everyone packing and double checking everything. Arguments broke out among the maids and her mother was on fine form commanding the servants.
Rohanne didn't see what the issue was – everything was packed away in chests for the journey, food and supplies were sorted and men were counted. Everyone who chose to come was ready and those who remained behind knew what their duties were. There was nothing else to be done, yet they managed to find reasons to be frantic anyway.
She had slipped away from her mother at the nearest opportunity, unable to bear it any more.
There was a tug at the leash in her hand and Rain barked happily, running towards a gull that was resting not far away. The bird flapped its wings and took off just as Rain ran out of leash and was pulled off her feet.
The pup recovered quickly and ran back to her mistress. She seemed unbothered by the weather but Rohanne swept her up into her arms to cuddle her under her cloak. She had a feeling Rain was going to be terribly spoiled, yet she was determined to head it off and train her correctly.
The kennelmaster, Ronnel, was accompanying them on the journey as her father had wanted his hounds with them. She would ask him for advice once they left.
She continued to walk along the red stone walls of the keep, looking out onto the bay. Other than the odd guard patrolling, she was alone and it was a great relief to have just a little time to breathe. She would have no time to herself as soon as they started travelling, best to savour it now.
"Princess."
Alas, it seemed she spoke too soon.
She turned around and her eyes widened.
"Uncle Jaime."
Jaime stood to attention in polished armour, his sword sheathed at his waist. His pure white Kingsguard cloak hung perfectly down his back. He looked like a hero from an old fable and Rohanne recalled a time when she thought he was a noble knight from a story.
He was the subject of many a fable regardless – but usually the cautionary ones.
"Is something wrong?" She asked, her lips pursed.
"No, princess. I had just finished my duties and saw you walking from the window."
He gestured up to the building and Rohanne was shocked when she realised she was beneath the White Sword Tower. She must have been walking much faster than she realised to have gotten here so quickly.
"I see. Is there something I can do for you?" She said coldly.
Rohanne couldn't read the expression on his face but it wasn't a happy one.
"No."
"Then excuse me, no doubt mother is looking for me."
She strode past him back towards Maegor's Holdfast, letting Rain down to run but holding onto her leash tightly. A fresh gust of wind grabbed her cloak and blew it about. She stepped around to regain her balance and the noise almost prevented her from hearing him.
Almost.
"I have a gift for you."
She turned around again. He was but four paces away from her, his own white cloak being savaged by the weather as hers was. He was not knocked off balance however, standing unmoving with his hands clasped behind him.
"It is a going-away gift."
Rohanne frowned. "Are you not coming with us?"
"No, I am, princess."
"Then it hardly qualifies as a going-away gift, does it?" She drawled sarcastically.
Gods, she was being cruel, wasn't she? Forgiveness was not something that was going to come easy to her in this. Besides, didn't they all say she inherited her sharp tongue from him?
"I suppose not, princess."
"Indeed."
Rohanne turned around again. He was so formal with her now and it made her heart ache.
"Let's just call it a gift then."
"Fine." She said sharply. "Then I'll accept this gift when you remember that my name is not 'princess'. Does that sound acceptable to you, uncle?"
She gave him an overtly false smile and walked away as fast as she could.
Rohanne heard no reply.
By the time she arrived back into her mother's clutches, she was terribly ashamed and promised herself that she wouldn't act so childishly again.
"Are you alright, my darling?" Her mother asked.
Rohanne looked up from her books and nodded.
"Yes, mother. I'm fine."
Cersei gave her a sceptical look and raised an eyebrow. Rohanne sighed and slotted the three books into an empty space in the chest.
It was almost full of her belongings, only the last few things to go. There was a larger chest already completely full of her clothes and shoes packed onto one of the wagons down in the stable. This one was slightly smaller and fitted everything else which she needed. A few nightgowns that couldn't fit into the other; some books; her needlework; a box of jewellery and a few things she needed for Rain.
She had also managed to smuggle her hunting dress and her bow past her mother, but had given it to Joffrey to avoid being caught. He was bringing no books with him, so he had the space.
"I promise, I'm fine."
Cersei looked at her for a moment longer before she nodded. Rohanne relaxed as her mother's scrutiny left her.
"Have you packed your winter cloak? It's going to be terribly cold in the north." Cersei said, her voice turning sour as she recalled their destination.
Rohanne nodded. "Of course. It's in the other chest. Dalla was certain to pack everything I will need."
Cersei hummed from her seat at Rohanne's table.
"She is good, your maid?"
"Yes. She does everything she is told and most things before I have to say anything." Rohanne replied, deciding to leave the packing for a bit longer and joining her mother at the table.
"A good quality in a servant. I doubt that Kevan's wife would have sent us a girl who couldn't do her job, but these people can be strange." Cersei said, taking a sip from the goblet in her hand.
Rohanne thought it rather amusing that her mother and Meliana detested each other. They should bond over the wine they both love so very much.
"Well, you needn't concern yourself with her. She'll make herself scarce on the journey."
Cersei looked at her with slanted eyes and then sighed loudly.
"I see no one told you."
Rohanne frowned. "Told me what?"
"Your father has forbidden most of the servants. According to the steward, there are too many attending already for the supplies we would require."
Cersei waved a dismissive hand and snorted gracefully.
"Ridiculous, of course sweetling, but we must do as our king commands." She said with scorn.
"But how does he expect me to dress? These blasted gowns require someone to assist, it isn't as if I choose not to manage them myself." Rohanne said, incredulous as she poured herself a glass of lemon water.
Cersei shrugged in a ladylike manner.
"I expect your little friend will have to help you, or I suppose I can spare Bethany occasionally."
Rohanne sighed in frustration but nodded.
"Thank you, mother, I would appreciate it."
She glanced at Cersei and decided to chance something.
"Admittedly, I am not eager to go, mother. I am sorry if I am being rude."
Her gamble paid off as Cersei's mouth curled up in a sneer.
"You have nothing to apologise for, little cub. This entire thing is a farce; if I had my way we would not be going. There is nothing in the north for any of us."
Rohanne nodded in agreement. "I pray the visit is short."
"As do I. Now, let me see this little creature you have burdened yourself with."
Rohanne smiled despite her mother's harsh words and went to the small pile of blankets where Rain was sleeping. Although she was a pup, Rain loved to sleep all the time – yet when she was awake she was abuzz with energy.
She picked her up gently and held her close to her chest as she walked back over to Cersei.
"This is Rain, mother."
"Rain?" Cersei smirked as she took the sleepy pup into her arms, running a finger over Rain's downy head and rubbing one floppy ear.
Rohanne laughed. "I know, I know. Joff named her. He chose Flame first, but I thought it didn't suit her. She's too placid."
Cersei looked up. "Joffrey named her?"
Rohanne nodded, looking at her little pup. "I asked him to, and he did. I thought perhaps it might make him like her. It seems to have worked, at least a little bit."
It took Rohanne a moment to notice the peculiar look Cersei was giving her.
"Mother?"
Cersei took a moment to reply, placing Rain on the floor.
"It is nothing, my love. I am pleased you are getting along better with your brother, however."
Rohanne smiled briefly and shook her head.
"I do try, mother. It's just… Joff can be difficult."
She expected her mother's suspicious look and tried not to take offence.
"Joff and I, we're… I try not to fight with him and I… I mean he is my brother, I love him dearly of course, but…" Rohanne struggled to articulate her thoughts.
"… Just promise me you'll keep trying, my love." Her mother's voice was mildly condescending.
Rohanne immediately pushed away the dismay that welled in her heart. She loved him greatly and tried so very much but keeping her brother happy all the time was nearly impossible.
Being the meek, agreeable sister was hard; sometimes as Joffrey's mood changed, he would become even worse if she didn't give him a challenge. It was like walking a tightrope in a strong wind without knowing when it would change direction and sweep you off to your death.
"I promise."
Cersei seemed to relax and Rohanne followed suit, happy to change the subject if her mother was.
She took another sip of her water.
"Have you given any further thought to what we discussed?" Cersei asked.
Rohanne deflated. "Not exactly."
Cersei glared at her. "Rohanne."
"Mother, you were nineteen when you married father! I am only fifteen, surely I do not need to marry yet?" Rohanne said, keeping the whine out of her voice.
Cersei was not a forgiving woman.
"It is true, you shan't marry any time soon, nor do I wish it. But you need to consider these things before you are trapped into a marriage you do not want, like I was. Surely you would prefer to have some say in who your future husband will be?"
"I would prefer not to have a future husband." Rohanne muttered.
"I did not raise you to be a fool!" Cersei snapped.
Rohanne flinched and looked down as Rain began to play with the lace along her hem.
"Do you think you are the only woman in this world who did not wish for marriage?"
"No." Rohanne mumbled.
"If you were lowborn you could become a septa, but you are not. You are a princess and when the time comes you will marry. Do you understand?"
"Yes, mother."
Rohanne felt her mother looking at her and glanced up when she reached over and took her hand.
"I will do my best to have you marry into the Westerlands because I want you to be happy, my darling. I know your grandfather would ensure your wellbeing if you married one of his bannerman."
"Are there even any men my age there for me to marry?"
Cersei frowned. "Not exactly – none eligible for a princess, of course – but you wouldn't mind a husband a little older, surely?"
Dread pulled at her stomach.
"How much older, mother?"
"Only around five and thirty namedays; still in the prime of life."
Rohanne's mouth dropped open. "Mother, that's near the same age as you! I couldn't possibly marry someone that old."
"Girls younger than you have married men much older, Rohanne! This way is the best way to keep you safe, with those loyal to our family!"
"Please, mother. Please don't make me marry someone so old!" Rohanne pleaded. "I know there are other eligible lords, of an age closer to my own. I do not wish to marry a man who could be my father."
Rohanne stood up under Cersei's sudden scrutiny.
"You have considered it, then."
Rohanne hadn't; she simply paid attention during her lessons about the noble houses they ruled over. But she nodded, because it seemed that knowledge would help her now.
"List them for me." She challenged.
Rohanne was taken aback. She stuttered for a moment.
"Talk properly!" Cersei said sharply. "Name these lordlings you think are worthy."
Rohanne knew it was a terrible idea. She would list them and then Cersei would get ideas – but the alternative was disobeying her and that was not an option.
She never liked to go against her mother and the woman had long since honed the motherly skill of making you regret ever trying.
"I suppose there are the great houses. They have some sons my age, I think."
"And they are?" Cersei persisted.
"Uh… House Martell… the eldest son is seventeen. Quentyn?"
"He's Dornish." Cersei spat. "Next."
"Ser Humphrey Hightower? They could be considered a great house."
"A fourth son. Next."
"One of the Redwyne twins? House Redwyne is powerful."
"Ah yes, the infamous Horror and Slobber. I think not. Next."
Rohanne's mind raced. "Willas or Ser Loras Tyrell?"
"A cripple and a pillow-biter. You've mentioned three houses there – do you have your heart set on the Reach?"
Rohanne blushed. "No, mother."
"Good. Are there any others?"
"There's the House Greyjoy… or not."
Rohanne cowered under the withering look Cersei gave her.
"No daughter of mine is marrying a pirate, Rohanne. Have some sense."
"Yes, of course… House Tully? Ser Edmure Tully is four and twenty, I think."
"Is he not rumoured to be impotent?" Cersei asked.
"I think that's just a song, mother." Rohanne said wryly.
"Still. Hardly suitable."
Rohanne shook her head and sighed. "The only other one I can think of is House Stark-"
She gasped in shock as Cersei grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly, a fierce look of reprimand on her face.
"You must listen to me, Rohanne. You are never, ever to mention marriage and House Stark in the same sentence again, do you understand me?"
Rohanne winced as pain shot through her hand and tried to pull it free.
"Mother, you're hurting me."
"Do you understand?" Cersei almost shouted. "Your father has a ridiculous fondness for them and would love nothing more than to join his house to theirs; you would be wedded, bedded and left to freeze amongst the wolves before you could protest. Is that what you want!?"
"No mother! I promise I won't say a thing."
Cersei stared into her eyes as if searching for her sincerity. When she seemed satisfied, she let go of Rohanne's hand. She fixed her bandage and winced – Cersei had dug into her cuts.
"It is only because I care, little cub. There is nothing I would hate more than to see you left to rot up there in the frozen north where you don't belong. You deserve all the warmth, wealth and happiness in the world – not to be the latest sacrifice on Robert's altar to Lyanna Stark." Cersei said bitterly, taking hold of Rohanne hand again and rubbing it gently.
"I love you dearly, Rohanne. You are my oldest daughter and if your brother was not to be king, I would have you be queen because you deserve nothing less. I would do anything for you, do you understand?"
Rohanne felt tears pool in her eyes but she brushed them away quickly.
"I love you too, mother. Ever so much."
She stood up and walked around to her mother, kneeling in front of her and resting her head on her lap. Cersei's long, thin fingers ran through Rohanne's dark hair, stroking her head calmly. Rohanne was much too old for this, but she savoured the familiar scent of her mother's perfume and the soft feeling of her skirts against her cheek.
Each sensation brought an overwhelming sense of comfort and she relished in how lucky she was to have a mother that loved her so. Many girls weren't so fortunate.
She sat up onto her knees again and took her mother's hands in her own.
"I will do as you say, mother, I swear it. I don't want to leave my family."
Cersei gave her a beautiful smile and brushed away some loose hair from Rohanne's temple before cupping her cheek.
"I know you don't, sweetling."
Cersei leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Rohanne's forehead as if bestowing a blessing. She then patted her on the shoulder and bid her to stand.
"Off your knees now, darling, it's not befitting of a princess."
Rohanne smiled bashfully. "Of course."
She stood up and Cersei did as well. It was still bizarre how Rohanne had to look down at her now when they both stood. Cersei was considered quite tall for a woman, but Rohanne was even taller with no sign of stopping. Growing half a hand taller than her mother in the past year alone; she was keeping up with Joffrey, at least.
"Now then, go finish your packing before supper. We have a very early morning tomorrow, after all."
"I think I am finished. Perhaps another book."
Cersei shook her head in amusement. "It stills puzzles me from where you inherited your fondness for reading. Neither your uncle Jaime nor I have any particular love for the written word. Neither does your father, for that matter."
Rohanne shrugged. "Not nearly as much as uncle Tyrion, but I do enjoy it."
"Well, it doesn't matter. Shall we go to dinner, sweetling? Only your siblings will be joining us, so there is no need to change."
Rohanne smiled and nodded. "Very well, mother. I'll send Dalla up to watch Rain."
She straightened her skirts before linking arms with her mother and leaving the room.
Rohanne awoke to the sound of her terrace shutters being thrown open.
"Good morning, princess! Today is the day!"
She groaned and rolled over, cuddling into the small bundle that had been curled up against her back. The past three nights she had tried to have Rain sleep on the small pile of blankets at the side of the bed but each morning she woke up with the little puppy having joined her in bed sometime during the night. It was a terrible habit to allow but she hadn't the heart to stop it.
Another terrace shutter was thrown open and a cool breeze drifted into the room, causing Rohanne to shore up her quilts to try and fight off the cold. She peeked one eye open and saw that despite being woken there was almost no light coming in from the terrace.
"It is entirely too early for you to be so cheerful, Dalla." Rohanne said hoarsely.
Dalla laughed and chirped back. "Forgive me princess, but today is a good day for me. I received news from home last night. My mother has given birth to a son, I have a little brother!"
Dalla's mother, despite her youthful indiscretions that led to Dalla's birth, had married a rather wealthy miller when Dalla was eight. The man hadn't accepted Dalla as his own, but he had made her perfectly welcome in his home and kept her updated with news of the family when she came to the capital. Dalla's mother had been desperate to give her husband a child and this pregnancy had been long awaited.
Rohanne pushed herself up in her bed with some effort and gave her maid a sincere smile.
"That's wonderful news! Since you aren't coming north with me, you should return home."
Dalla turned away from the last shutter she was opening with a look of utter astonishment.
"I assumed I would be assigned new duties in your absence, princess?"
Rohanne inclined her head. "I think you likely would have been, but I see no reason why you cannot visit home while I am away. There will be less to do when my family is gone; you likely won't be missed."
She slipped out of bed and walked through to her solar, Rain moving to the warm space where her body had been lying. She sat on the chair in her nightgown and wrote a small note on a piece of parchment, signing her name and titles with a flourish at the end.
Rohanne folded the parchment neatly and went to Dalla, who was waiting patiently at the door.
"How long does it normally take you to travel home?"
"Well, I've never actually gone home yet, princess. But it took three days to Lannisport from Cornfield and then almost a fortnight to King's Landing. Mother lives with my stepfather near Tarbeck Hall now, though, so it'll be a bit shorter than that." Dalla said, fiddling with the ends of her sleeves.
"Give this to the housekeeper." Rohanne handed the parchment to Dalla, who took it curiously.
"It gives you leave for two moons, beginning at the start of next week. That should give you at least a moon with your family before you must return to the Red Keep. You'll still receive your weekly wage as long as you return on time."
"Oh, thank you princess! Thank you so much, I didn't dare hope for anything."
Dalla twitched forward but aborted the gesture. Rohanne instead touched her maid's hand for a moment.
"You've been a very good maid to me and you've carried out your duties without a single problem, even when you first arrived. You haven't seen your mother in at least two years – I would be desperate if I hadn't seen my own mother in such a long time. Go home, spend some time with her and meet your brother. Pass your family my regards." Rohanne said softly.
Dalla curtsied and nodded as she regained her composure.
"I'm very grateful, princess. I'll be sure to do that."
"Good."
Dalla gestured to the table.
"There is a tray of breakfast there for you, princess. Your mother will meet you in the stables so you can join her in the wheelhouse."
Rohanne grimaced as she sat down and picked up her fork.
"However… I took the liberty of having your horse saddled and one of your riding dresses held back from the wagon."
Dalla looked at her tentatively but smiled when Rohanne beamed at her.
"And that is why you deserve leave, Dalla. My mother will have me to herself for plenty of time during the journey; I want to see the city as I leave."
Rohanne quickly finished her small breakfast as Dalla looked out everything else she would need. She glanced over as she took her last mouthful to see Rain eating from her own little bowl in the corner, tail wagging happily.
Dalla noticed her looking. "The Princess Myrcella has offered to take the pup in the wheelhouse whenever you feel like riding, princess."
Rohanne smiled. "I have a kind little sister, Dalla."
"Indeed, princess, but I sense her motives were more selfish in nature."
Rohanne looked at her in askance.
"The princess is very fond of animals."
Rohanne inclined her head. "That she is."
She stood up and went to her dressing curtain, pulling off her nightgown as she went. Dalla laced up her corset loosely for riding and Rohanne slid into the riding gown.
It was one of her finer ones, a deep forest green with golden embroidery. The sleeves weren't as large and billowing as her other dresses and the skirts were thick and heavy to preserve her modesty as she rode.
The collar was wide, and after Dalla laced up the dress she tied Rohanne's favourite necklace around her neck – a simple golden chain with a ruby pendant, a gift from her mother when she was very young. It had been broken and repaired numerous times as she grew, but she could never bare to part with it. It didn't complement the dress either, but that mattered little.
Lastly, she stepped into her riding boots and laced those up. Dalla quickly weaved her hair into a tight, long plait before Rohanne spun as gracefully as she could in front of her mirror. She looked rather good, she thought.
"Do I look presentable, Dalla?"
"As always, princess."
"I'm not sure why I ask you, you always flatter me." Rohanne teased.
"Well, it is my job." Dalla teased back.
Rohanne looked at her in astonishment before bursting into laughter. Once she quietened, she gave her maid a kind smile.
"Enjoy your time with your family, Dalla. I'll see you again soon enough."
Rohanne bent down and picked up Rain in one arm, her fine riding cloak over the other.
"Indeed. I wish you a safe and pleasant journey, princess." Dalla replied as she curtsied.
Rohanne glanced one last time around her bedchamber before leaving the room.
She ran down the flights of stairs quickly, the soles of her boots quiet on the stone steps. The sounds of activity grew louder the lower she got, until she almost barrelled over someone on the next turn.
"My apologies, princess!" A servant shouted as he dodged out of her way carrying a box of some unknown contents.
She waved him off and walked down the last few steps, arriving into one of the main corridors. There were at least ten servants in sight, all busy with some duty or another – remarkably full compared to a normal morning.
They all greeted her briskly as she strode past, each focused on their individual tasks. It didn't take long at all until she could see Meliana lurking in an alcove near the corridor to the stables.
"Mel!" Rohanne shouted in greeting, seeing Meliana's head pop up.
The short blonde girl stepped out from her hiding spot to meet her friend, a grin on her face.
"Morning, Ro! Isn't this exciting! The furthest north I've ever been is here – and now I'm going to the actual North!" Meliana greeted her, bouncing on her toes.
In contrast to Rohanne, Meliana wasn't wearing anything remotely resembling a riding gown.
"I assume you aren't riding with me then?" Rohanne said, smirking.
Meliana's face turned blanched and she held back a shudder.
"Do not even joke of such things. I'm riding in the wheelhouse and there is nothing you can do to tempt me otherwise." Her tone was deathly serious.
"Not even the fact you'll have to share said wheelhouse with my mother?"
"Not even that, may the Seven have mercy on me."
Rohanne elbowed her friend and laughed, readjusting Rain in her arms when she started to wriggle.
"If you're so afraid of horses, Errol, how can you stand to look in the mirror?"
A mean voice came from behind them and Meliana spun on the spot, an equally mean sneer already in place.
"You would know all about horses, Florian, seeing as your father married one." She hissed, crossing her arms tightly.
Erryk Broom stood a few paces behind them, a cloak slung over his shoulder as he stood leaning against the wall. He had cropped straw-blond hair, nothing like the Lannister colouring and narrow grey eyes. He was stocky and shorter than Rohanne; other than that, he was quite average.
"Now now, Errol, that was almost sad. Running out of what little wit you have, are we?"
"And yet it's still more than you'll ever have, Florian. Shouldn't you and Jonquil be stealing one last passionate moment alone before we leave? I'd hate to catch you two going at it behind a haystack on the road."
Garrett's tall frame suddenly appeared behind Erryk as Rohanne rolled her eyes.
"Come on, Erryk. Just leave it." He said, a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Listen to your lover. I'd hate to stop you from sharing one last kiss." Meliana said as she narrowed her eyes at him.
"And what would you know about kissing, Lady Meliana?" Garrett demanded, glaring intently at her.
He was much taller than his friend, around the height of herself and Joffrey. Dark where Erryk was light, his eyes were a deep brown, almost matching his black pupil in that strange, unsettling way. Other than that, he was a perfectly ordinary young man.
Really, the most extraordinary thing about Garrett and Erryk was the bitter, ongoing war between them and Meliana.
Rohanne had to suppress her smirk as her friend's mouth open and shut for a moment, her eyes wide.
"That's what I thought. Come on, Erryk. Morning, princess."
Rohanne nodded. "Morning, Jonquil."
Garrett rolled his eyes as he marched Erryk past and she couldn't help but snort.
Meliana waited until the boys were out of sight before rounding on her.
"Thank you so much for the reinforcement, Ro. It isn't like I needed it." She said scathingly before sighing.
They both started to walk towards the stables again, following in the boys' footsteps.
"I thought you were doing fine." Rohanne teased. "I also thought his fancy for you was supremely obvious this morning."
Meliana grunted in disgust. "You truly are delusional."
"'What would you know about kissing, Lady Meliana?'" Rohanne affected a deep, masculine voice but broke into giggles when Meliana hit her shoulder.
"Oh, shut up."
"I agree. I don't know what you said, but do shut up, Ro."
A hand smacked into the cleft between her shoulder and she grunted.
"Good morning to you too, Joff."
"Good morning, my prince." Meliana said flatly. She preferred not to speak to him at all, a sentiment that was returned.
Joff huffed in acknowledgement before throwing an arm around Rohanne's shoulders and pulling her roughly into his side, tugging hard on her braid as he did so.
"Careful, Joff!" She wrestled his arm a bit until her plait was free before accepting that she couldn't move any further.
He leaned down on her heavily and she huffed in exertion. Soon enough he settled into pace with them, his sword clicking against his waist with each step.
"Well, are you ready to see more of the world?" He asked sarcastically.
"Well, I suppose it will be quite exciting. I've never seen snow before, we might when we're there."
He sneered in response.
"You wish to join the Starks in the mud, why doesn't that surprise me?"
Joffrey was clearly in a wonderful mood this morning.
"Rohanne, do you want me to take Rain to the wheelhouse?" Meliana asked from her other side.
"Oh, please Mel. Can you give her to Myrcella? She said she'd look after her for me."
Meliana nodded and escaped quietly with the puppy. Rohanne didn't begrudge her.
"Where are Florian and Jonquil?" Joffrey asked, the corner of his lips twitching as they always did at the nicknames.
"They're already in the stables. They have also gotten their daily taunting of Mel out of the way, so all is well once more."
Joffrey twisted his lips in snide amusement before he noticed what she was wearing.
"You're riding?"
She nodded. "Yes, I don't exactly wish to be stuck in the wheelhouse with mother for the entire journey."
Rohanne looked around for eavesdroppers as they entered the stables proper.
"Did you manage to hide my hunting things?" She whispered.
He rolled his eyes. "I just put them in my chest. Mother didn't even look."
"Oh." She said. It was rather anticlimactic. "Well then. At least it's done, I suppose."
"Rohanne, Joffrey!" Cersei called them over as she stood with Tommen by the wheelhouse.
The royal stable was bustling with guards, a group of them leaving through the gate to clear the way while others mounted their horses. She could see the wagon with all of their belongings on it, as well as two wagons full of supplies which would follow behind them – the rest of the supply train was already underway.
Rohanne and her brother stopped in front of their mother, and he finally released her from his weight. She could see her mother's disapproving glance as she took in Rohanne's outfit.
"I thought you were coming in the wheelhouse with us, Rohanne? You are a princess, not a soldier." Cersei scolded.
"Perhaps I could ride with Joff and uncle Jaime, mother. Only for a little while, until we leave the city." She said as she swung her riding cloak around her and tied it tightly.
In truth, she had no intention of going into the wheelhouse at all that day, but it was probably best not to mention that at the current time.
Cersei frowned in disapproval and shook her head.
"No, Rohanne. It's not appropriate-"
"By the Others, Cersei, let the girl ride." Robert said suddenly from behind her.
Rohanne managed to stop herself from jumping in alarm and turned with a shy smile to her father. He nodded with his head towards the other side of the stable.
"We're just about to leave – on you go, lass. You too, boy. Your horses are yonder. We've been held up long enough." He said gruffly before marching off towards his own destrier.
Rohanne turned around again to her mother but all she saw were her skirts vanishing into the wheelhouse and the door closing. She held back a sigh.
Joffrey grabbed her arm and pulled her towards their horses. The two coursers stood side by side, their reins held by a stable hand. Rohanne went to the horse on the right, running her hand along the mare's nose and patting her.
"Hello, Cass. Are you ready?" She whispered, before taking the reins herself and mounting her with a firm push up from the small step.
Joffrey mounted his stallion at the same time and was off before she could blink, following their father as he left the stable just after the wheelhouse. Rohanne quickly sorted her skirts neatly around her before digging her heels into her mare's side gently. Cass took off, trotting calmly out and slipping past the wheelhouse before she was stuck behind it through the city's narrow streets.
She caught up with Joffrey quickly, the excitement of the day coming over her as she smiled widely at him. He smirked back before he was joined by Garrett and Erryk who quickly took all of his attention.
Rohanne let herself fall back a few paces as the procession narrowed to pass through the gates of the Red Keep. Glancing to her right, she found herself riding beside her uncle Jaime.
She looked away abruptly, remembering everything that happened yesterday.
"Uncle?" She said, turning to him decisively.
There was a strange smile on his face. "Yes, Rohanne?"
Her heart suddenly lightened and the words no longer stuck in her throat.
"I apologise for how I behaved yesterday. It was horrid and I was childish."
Her eyebrow cocked when he smirked and looked away for a moment.
"You reminded me terribly of your mother, actually. Your vicious tongue was rather frightening." He said slowly.
Rohanne rolled her eyes, embarrassed. "Oh, stop."
"I'm glad you left when you did; I was concerned you may have bitten off my head and I am rather fond of it. It's quite a good one."
"You are ridiculous." She said haughtily.
It was both odd and entirely expected how easily everything fell back into place, like there had never been a disturbance to begin with. But forgiveness would take longer to come.
"Brace yourself."
She looked over to him in confusion before they were suddenly out in the streets, surrounded by the smallfolk.
It was astounding how many lined the streets as they rode through it, waving and cheering as the royal family departed on their journey.
Shouldn't they all still be asleep? Sound of the crowds rose, causing even the noise of horses' hooves to muffle.
Rohanne looked over at her uncle again to see him waving carelessly at them, a blank smile on his face. She glanced back at the masses before tentatively following his example. She could hear a few shouts of 'princess!' over the din and she made a polite smile form on her lips as she waved as well.
It seemed to make the whole thing easier to tolerate and before she knew it they were riding past the base of Visenya's Hill, the tall white Sept of Baelor standing proudly atop it. Rohanne wasn't very pious but even she could appreciate the sheer magnificence of the building built to honour the Seven.
They soon passed by, and before she knew it they were passing under the Gate of the Gods – out onto the Kingsroad heading north.
Without slowing, she turned around and took one last, long look at city and the Red Keep in the distance. A true sight to behold; she spent a few more moments committing it to memory before facing forward once more.
There was no need to be sentimental; she would only be away for a few moons.
She would return.
A.N. And the second chapter is finished! We got to meet some of the other people in Rohanne's life and see some of her interactions with them. The next chapter is much more exciting; there's even some action as well.
I hope you guys enjoyed this update - I'll see you all next Wednesday with chapter three. As always, I love and cherish any feedback!
Next week: Northward Bound.