A/N: Hiya! Sorry if this chapter isn't that great, ive been having a bit of trouble trying to find time for writing! Nonetheless, i want to thank everyonee for the Reads, Favourites and Alerts, but especially the reviews! I hope i responded back to you all! It's really appreciated! I hope youre having an amazing summa :D xox
The feast was ending, and much to Roslin's fears she was to say goodnight to Edmure in front of the entire assembly, as was tradition. She awkwardly stood as her father began to speak and sauntered infront of the table as Edmure made his way toward her. He was much more at ease than she was, which frightened her even more.
The two were only a step away as her father continued to make a petulant speech about the two houses uniting. Roslin stared up at Edmure who was smiling infront of her; she blushed turning her attention to her father. She could see Lord Stark's figure beside him but didn't dare steal a glance at him. When the low mummbles of her father stopped Roslin turned her gaze back to Edmure.
She curtsied as he bowed, and as everyone watched on, Edmure took her small hands in his and kissed it gently. Roslin could barely pry her eyes away from the floor; in embarrassment. After a few short seconds they both lifted their intertwined hands and faced the crowd, everyone clapping in approval.
Within seconds her father was by their side, followed by the rest of each house's nobles.
"Goodnight Roslin" Edmure smiled charmingly, Robb Stark and a few others waited behind him.
"Goodnight" Roslin tried to say as happily and confindently as she could. With one last look, Edmure turned and assembled with his men.
"Not hideous atall is she?" Edmure grinned and took off his cloak throwing it on his bed.
Robb shook his head, "She is quite beautiful, youre lucky…" Robb walked toward the small window, the sun now setting now, offering little light.
"Here I thought Walder would give me an old hag just in spite!" Edmure said with a lopsided grin. Robb shook his head, chuckling to himself. Edmure took a walk about the room, examing it. "And this isnt too shabby either…" Robb turned and grinned, "I best be going, big days ahead...Lots of nagotiating im sure" Robb opened the door and looked back to Edmure nodding and hopping on his bed.
"Sleep well" Edmure tossed his hands behind his head and leaned back.
Roslin and Alys sat comfortably on Roslin's bed as Alys combed through her hair.
"That went well, don't you think? Alys asked after many minutes in silence.
Roslin nodded grimly. "He's quite handsome" Roslin didn't respond.
"You should be happy you aren't marrying some old saggy Lord!" Alys pushed her sisters shoulder playfully.
"I'd rather not get married" Roslin lifted the covers and snuggled under them. "Why marry at all if not for love?" Roslin asked rhetorically, knowing the answer.
"Father should have never let you read those fairytales…" Alys stated. "You know it's our duty to obey…even for a lady. Things are going to change"
Roslin smiled sadly, tucking herself in and placing her head like dead weight on the pillow, "I know, i know" she whispered, trying to drift off into a dreamless sleep.
The chatter of women and rattling awoke Roslin from her sleep. She blinked a few times before seeing a few maids bustling around her room. They quickly greeted her but forced her out of bed, Alys instead rolling over and covering her face with her pillow.
Just like she expected, her eyelids were heavy due to lack of sleep. The woman began to clothe her, switching different dresses on her, Roslin almost drifted back to sleep when the door burst open, causing her to spring up.
"her father, Catelyn Stark and Lord Tully are waiting downstairs" A guard announced. The women jumped and moved more rapidly to dress her.
Roslin pinched her cheeks while walking down the stairs, a trick her older sisters taught her for a natural "flush". She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and smoothed her dress slowly, taking in a deep breath.
She turned the corner down a short hallway and Edmure, Catelyn Stark and her father soon came into view. All but her father had large grins on their faces. Catelyn opened her arms placing them on Roslin's shoulders and kissing her cheeks quickly. "You look lovely" Roslin smiled in return. Edmure soon came into view. He kissed her hand instantly; "striking as usual Roslin" Edmure said quietly, the sound of her father's grunt made him snap up.
Edmure extended his arm out for Roslin to lead the way; she smiled walking ahead Edmure close behind.
"I feel they will do well together. They make a handsome couple" Catelyn walked along Walder meters behind the pair.
"Yes, yes" He mumbled, shuffling along down the long open corridor.
"I am sorry Walder…for my sons…previous offenses. I'm afraid he doesn't always know what is best" Catelyn tried to sound genuine.
"What's done is done. I just want this wedding to be done with" Walder said grumpily.
Catelyn nodded, knowing that Walder's mood was unlikely change for the duration of their stay.
The two continued to follow the couple, observing them attentively.
Edmure and Roslin walked in silence most of the way, Roslin not minding much but blushing everytime Edmure would gaze down at her. As the two neared the gardens the subject of his home was brought up. He talked mostly of their fresh rivers and lucious trees, which offered sweet syrup in some months. It sounded nice enough, more beautiful than her home here. Roslin continued to listen as the conversation turned to his family.
"I want to give you something" Edmure said, stopping and turning to Roslin, she doing the same. She watched as he slowly withdrew a necklace from his pocket, and held it before her.
"It's beautiful" Roslin gazed at the sparkling sapphire stone. "But I can't except it" She looked up at Edmure's amused face. He turned her around gently and positioned the necklace around her neck locking it into place. Roslin turned back around and lowered her gaze at the jewel. "Think of it as an early wedding present" He grinned brightly, Roslin flushed.
"Thank you Lord Tully" Edmure opened in mouth to gripe. "Edmure. Thank you Edmure" She corrected with a small smile. The two began to walk again, him talking a little about his battle experience and she revealing her love of music and animals.
More than half and hour had gone by, the two slowly establishing a familiarity, until Edmure was summonded to a meeting.
"Thank you for the walk, Edmure" Roslin smiled timidly. He bowed his head, "Something I look forward on doing more once were married…hopefully without watchful eyes on us" He said glancing at his sister and her father.
Roslin laughed lightly, "indeed their presence is rather infantile." Edmure nodded his head, smiling, in agreement. "Ill see you later this afternoon then" Roslin nodded before Edmure took one last look at her and walked back into the castle.
As Edmure left, Catelyn soon came to Roslin's side. The two began to walk, her father leaving them to converse. They sat by the gardens for what seemed like hours; talking mindlessly about little things such as clothes, jewels, weather and art.
"You must always have your husband's best interest in mind" Catelyn spoke with much confidence; something Roslin sometimes lacked. "Be of the same mind as him, but voice your opinion…a lady that doesn't voice her opinion is like a castle without walls; easily shattered" Catelyn took a moment to look at her, Roslin lowered her gaze. Catelyn breathed a warm sigh and lifted her chin; "You need to be strong Roslin, being a lady isn't always easy" She winked teasingly.
"How'd you feel?...When you left your home to go to Winterfell?" Roslin asked curiously. Catelyn took a deep breath and sighed looking up at the blue sky.
"Honestly?" she paused and looked back to Roslin who waited anxiously for her answer, "Terrified" Cateylyn said seriously, but then gave a cheeky grin. Roslin giggled.
"But you will get used to it…it might take time. But Riverrunn is a lovely place, you will grow fond of it…and Edmure too" Roslin's smiled faded slightly, but she nodded lightly. "You'll be happy"
"Sister. Just the person I was looking for" A voice called out from inside the corridor, Roslin and Catelyn turned their gaze. He walked closer, Robb close to his side. A flitter began to ignite in her stomach, Roslin tried desperately to calm herself silently. She honestly had only laid eyes on Robb a handful of times, but each time a spark ignited in her and her heart began to quicken. Maybe it was because she had hardly seen such a handsome man like him…or possibly his reputation made her feel unsettled, she hardly knew.
"Edmure, Robb" Catelyn stood from the bench, Roslin following suit. They gave warm smiles, Robb slightly more reserved it seemed.
"Ladies" Edmure ducked his head faintly. "We were just discussing your nickname as a child" Robb and Edmure looked at eachother, both smirking a bit. "I'm almost positive it was along the lines of-" Catelyn hushed him quickly.
"You are horrible!" Catelyn's eyes narrowed on her brother. She turned back to Roslin and rolled her eyes, "Men". Roslin smile widely at her words and watched on as Catelyn pushed Emure forward; he holding his hands up in defense while laughing.
Robb laughed at them, the two now walking ahead chatting to themselves. Robb looked back to Roslin who was watching Cateyln and Edmure remonising, it was nice to see him around family.
Robb and Roslin smiled politely at eachother and followed closely behind them. "I-" Robb started, "Did-" Roslin began. They snorted. Robb silently motioned her to continue, "I was just going to ask if you slept well, I know the castle can become quite cold at night" Roslin inquired with a thoughtful tone.
"Your family has been very accomidating, we all slept very well" Robb smiled a smal toothless smile. Their eyes connected briefly. "Roslin" Catelyn called causing Roslin's gaze to turn. "We're to meet your sisters soon"
"Never late for an appointment" Robb shot at his mother with a cheeky grin.
Roslin giggled and looked back to Robb who seemed to be stationed closer to her. "I'm glad the room was to your liking Lord Stark" She curtsied without delay before reuniting with Catelyn.
The two turned continued down the hall, leaving Robb and Edmure to themselves, but Roslin couldn't help but steal one last look back at Robb before they turned the corner.
Roslin woke early the next day. It seemed as though the passed couple of days had been a dream with all the planning and meetings. But when she felt a weight of the necklace Edmure gave her around her neck she knew all too well the future of becoming his wife was coming soon.
She swiftly threw her covers away from her body and stepped toward the open window. The sun was summiting over the trees, but there were low dark clouds in the sky. Without thinking, Roslin quickly got dressed and ran out of her chambers. A few workers were out and about, but there were no sign of her sisters, father or future husband.
As slyly as possibly Roslin crept to the Ward and sattled Wind quickly; knowing she was likely wanted for planning the wedding in an hour or so. Luckily no one stopped her as she and Wind galloped off toward the forest.
The air was damp, and the sun seemed to be lighting the sky slowly. a storm was likely going to pass over but she didn't mind, as long as she could get away for a small smidgen of time.
Roslin jumped off of Wind and lowered herself on a large rock by the river shore. She stared at the flowing river, trying to savor the last moments she would have here. Suddenly the weight of the necklace caught her attention. She stared down at the round jewel, grabbing it with the tips of her fingers.
The voices of her father, Catelyn Stark, and her sisters began to repeat in her mind. 'don't let me down', 'you'll be happy', 'he's quite handsome', 'life is going to change' She shook her head, trying to shake the voices, but failed.
Roslin breathed out an aggravated sigh, and began to remove the necklace. She took one last look at it before placing it in her pocket.
Feeling a bit freer she breathed in and began to sing softly. "I know where I'm goin' and I know who's goin' with me. I know who I love" She sighed "and my dear knows who I'll marry.."
Unexpectedly she heard russling of branches behind her, she quickly turned her head and saw Robb Stark coming out from the forest.
He could see the startled expression on her face "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude...You have a beautiful voice" Roslin's cheeks turned to crimson.
"Oh…thank you Lord Stark" Roslin stood glancing at the grass; embarrassed.
"Please, call me Robb" He offered a small smile, Roslin happy to return one. "You have a lovely home." Robb made his way further to her.
Roslin breathed a small chuckle. "Nothing compared to Winterfell, im sure…this river is the only thing i find truly beatiful here..." She walked to Wind, stroking her neck, partially intending to screen herself from Robb's gaze.
He smiled, and nodded in agreement. He looked around them as he walked toward the river side, his horse and direwolf close to his side.
Robb shifted his gaze to Grey Wind. "We were just out hunting…your father was nice enough to let us in his forest..." He turned his eyes back to Roslin
"It's well stocked...My father hardly hunts nowadays" she spoke softly "Your direwolf…he's beautiful" Roslin smiled, always having a soft spot for animals. Grey Wind ice blue eyes stared at Roslin before striding toward her. Roslin looked at Robb nervously, silently asking if it was okay, he nodded.
Robb observed her as she knelt down, Grey Wind's head rubbed against her open hand. His fur was soft, but underneath she could tell was nothing but muscle. She giggled as he licked her cheek quickly before running back to Robb's side.
"Not usually friendly" Robb's warm smile caused Roslin to blush. He stooped down and shook his pet's head.
"He's strong"
"Aye, he's helped me win some important battles.." Robb looked up at Roslin, having a hard time looking away.
She noticed, blushing even more, and turned her attention back to her horse. "I, uh, better get back…Lots of planning to be done.."
"Oh, right, yes…" Robb stumbled, kneeling back up. "May i accompany you back?"
Roslin nodded shyly before grabbing the reins and leaping onto her horse, Robb doing the same.
They rode silently. Robb admired the scenerey around him, including Roslin; she, however, not noticing.
"I've trust your wife is well in Riverrunn?" Unexpectedly she turned to him, catching him staring at her. They both turned away in embarassment.
He twisted his stare back at her, and nodded. "She is…likely enjoying the weather Riverrunn is having" Roslin nodded. The two fell silent once again.
"If I've slighted you and your family's name, I am sorry." Robb blurtted out. Roslin's eyebrows furrowed, but soon caught on to what subject he was referring to.
"There's no need to apologize for marrying someone you love" Roslin gave a tender smile.
Robb was about to respond when his direwolf began to pick up speed toward the castle.
"Looks like he wants to race" Roslin grinned, glancing at Robb, then tightening her grasp on the reins and kicking her heels into Wind's side.
Robb watched in shock for a moment before he too picked up speed, chasing after the two. The castle gates opened as they approached, Roslin grinned widely as Robb's direwolf stole a fleeting look back at them. The two made it to the bailey within seconds of eachother.
Roslin was gasping, trying to catch her breath. "Ohh.." She breathed with a smile, holding her cramping stomach "Looks like we lost" Roslin laughed as she looked at Grey Wind sitting a couple meters ahead of them.
Robb let out a small laugh too, "Cheater" He called after his direwolf, grinning. Robb quickly regained himself and hopped off his horse running to
Roslin, he extended his arms to her.
She hesitated slightly before placing her weight on Robb's arms. Robb steadied her as she hopped off from Wind. Roslin stepped forward, losing her footing, their faces becoming only a few inches apart.
Their eyes fixed on eachother. Robb glanced down at her lips, Roslin doing the same. Within seconds they both shook their heads and leaned back, yet still hacing a hold on eachother.
"Are you alright?" Robb asked apprehensively. Roslin nodded, "Clumsy. I always trip over the hem of my dress" She let loose of his arms, Robb letting go of her waist soon after.
"Thank you" Roslin lowered her gaze and then back to him.
He pressed his lips together and nodded graciously while watching Roslin hurry away to the castle. Robb took a step passed her horse, but caught notice to something glimmbering in the dirt.
A/N: Yeah, it might've been shit so sorry! But hopefully the chapters to come will be better! Review if you can, thanks so much ! Until next time !
xo