In the early hours of the next morning, Iona was woken by Rane.
Still slightly drowsy, she had Rane assist her to dress and ready for today's hunting trip. This morning, the King and his party would accompany her father, her brothers and herself into the woods to hunt.
This was another privilege that she had secured. She was no where near as good as her brothers when it came to hunting. She could hit her target, but not as skillfully as Robb or Jon.
Iona also planned on making it a chance to show off to the Royal family. None of them knew that she did not act like a proper lady or that she was trained in any form of combat - it would be a shock for them and she was looking forward to their reaction.
With a flick of her wrist - a gesture Lyall had become accustomed too - her wolf trotted so she was beside her. Throwing a brief thanks at her handmaiden she left the room and made her way down to the courtyard.
In the courtyard, she ignored the Kings Men as she approached her brother, who had her bow and sword leaning against a wooden post beside him.
Seeing her march towards him, he grabbed them and held them out for her to take.
"Thank you, Robb."
"I do hope your ready to show off."
"Always, brother, always." With a smirk on her face, she gratefully took the weapons.
It wasn't until she pulled up beside her father on a horse that the King and his eldest son noticed her.
"You must be in the wrong place my lady." The King noted, and before Iona had the chance to reply, her father cut in for her.
"Iona always accompanies us when we hunt. She is rather good at it herself." And much to Robb's expense he added "She's made more kills than Robb."
From the Prince, the reaction is exactly what she had been hoping for - shock that quickly turned to admiration.
"Well then - I look forward to seeing this."
"So you should, Your Grace." She smirked. It could have been a risky move - cheeking the King, but he just grinned.
Perhaps the Royal family were not so unappealing after all.
She dug her heel into the horse's rump and followed the party in a slow trot. She moved her way slowly through the small crowd to ride next to her brother, Robb. Robb chatted carelessly with their Father's ward, Theon Greyjoy.
"How be you, Theon?" SHe asked courteously, though before he could answer she threw in "Ready to be reminded how much better of a shot I am?" Too many times had she heard his infamous speech of 'We're famous for our skills in archery... and love-making."
Unable to think of a smart remark, he answered with "I ride better than you,"
She quirked her eyebrows. "As you like to remind us, whenever the opportunity arises."
"Now, now children." Robb teased, knowing what would come next.
"The first one to the bridge before the woods will be the champion."
Awkwardly they guided their horses to the edge of the group. Oblivious to the people beside them they both pushed the horses to go faster and tried to out-gallop one another.
As they overtook the entire group the Crown Prince watched the girl who would soon be his bride to be. Behind him, the girl's father watched in slight disgust and embarrassment.
Turning slightly to the Golden guard next to him he asked for his future wife to be brought to him.
When it was clear that Theon was in fact the better rider she cried "I yield, I yield. You win Greyjoy." Her breathing came out in pants due to the exhilaration, but soon returned to normal. She blew her lips like her horse, trying to blow the strands of hair out of her face. The rest was tied back, but some remained free and rather troublesome.
Beside her a Golden Knight of the Kings Guard demanded her attention. "Prince Joffrey requires your company." was all he uttered before returning to whence he came.
She shared and odd look with Theon before doing as her Prince commanded. Theon too slowed and returned to Robb's side.
Getting her horse as close to Joffrey's as possible she said, "You asked for me, my Prince?"
"Who was that boy you were riding with?"
"My father's ward, your Grace. A childhood friend." Iona wouldn't give him anymore than that. She didn't fail to miss the hint of jealousy in his tone.
"How long have you hunted, my lady?" He changed the subject quickly,
"Since I convinced my mother to let me. I was ten when I managed it. What about you, your grace?"
His tone radiated arrogance as he replied, "Since I could walk, I have always been a natural at it,"
"I can imagine so, your Grace. I look forward to seeing your skills!"
She quickly glanced around to catch a glimpse of the reactions of those around them, who had heard. Unnoticed by the Prince, the closest Guard did not look convinced. She had been right in her judgement of the previous statement being a lie.
"What is your weapon of choice, my Prince?" She asked politely, feigning interest.
"The crossbow."
"Mm. Yes, a fine choice. It must be magnificent to pull a trigger here and to watch something die over there."
To hear that come from her lips delighted him.
"Yes, it is."
On Joffrey and the King's part, this marriage would not be difficult. Iona knew, however, that the Queen would require a lot of work. She was going to have to manipulate and lie to her best ability. Though to her, it did not matter what the cost was, as long as it ensured she would one day sit beside Joffrey as the Queen of Westeros. She had to get Joffrey, and the Queen wrapped around her little finger to be truly successful.
Nothing would deter her, and nothing would get in the way of her becoming Queen.
