Days are getting colder, here at the Dreadford: in the very early morning, dew looks white and it's like if the grass were made of ice; the river itself, pale and depressing, seems to be covered in frost, even if I know that it's just because of this weird mist. Yeah, I guess the Dreadford is not the best place to be, but at least it's quiet. On the other side of the bridge, trees are still and clouds take ages before changing shape.

'It's so quiet,' I whisper to Alfie, 'It doesn't even look like there's a war out there.'

'I know. And we don't even know exactly what's going on.'

'I don't know anything that's going on out there.'

'What side would you be on, though? The Starks?'

'Sure. Just because I don't want to see them dead.'

He smiles, looking away. 'After all, you are still the half princess of the North.'

'Why did they even call me like that? Ned Stark was a lord… I was barely a half lady.'

'Yes, but if you had married a prince you would have been a half princess.'

'Bullshit.'

Alfie shrugs his broad shoulder. 'You are right. You are barely half a lady, especially with that elegant talking.'

'I know, right?' punching him on the right hip.

A beautiful blonde girl walks past us. Now I remember her: it's the one Alfie has a crush on. Oh, I found him staring at her so many times!

'Hi,' she smiles at him, before disappearing from the courtyard.

My eyes are wide shut. 'You guys finally talk?!' I burst out, excited, waiting for a high five.

'Shhhhhh! Don't make it a big deal.'

'But it is! Look, you are blushing!'

'I'm not blushing,' he hisses, pushing me away.

'I think you could cook tonight's dinner just pressing it on your cheeks.'

'Very funny.'

'Oh, by the way: what will we have for dinner?'

'No idea… the bastard is so fussy.'

'Yeah I kinda figured that out by myself.'

'Because you are so clever.'

'I am.'

It feels like Roose has been away for ages. I still remember what he told me before setting off: he said I should go and visit my family, if I get the bastard's permission.

The truth is, I still haven't asked. How could I? He'd never agree.

And yet I have been thinking about it for a week: I really want to see my family now. All I hear from the outside world is war, war and war. I don't know if it's just peasants making things bigger than they are, but still, I don't want to run the risk of never seeing my family again. I have to ask him. I will.

I look down, holding the tray with his meal, watching my steps on the big staircase that leads to his room.

I'm gonna ask him now, after I've served him dinner. He will be in a good mood with food.

Deep breath.

I somehow manage to balance the massive tray on one arm for a couple of seconds, and knock on the door.

'Yes?'

'Dinner, my lord.'

'Come in.'

He is sitting by the mirror, reading what looks like a very long letter –probably from his father- but he looks at me as soon as I walk in, his blue eyes glowing by the light of the candle.

'Where shall I put it, my lord?' somehow managing to not throw up on this roast chicken as I repeat my lord.

'Here it's fine,' he smiles, shoving off the letter.

I slowly place the dish in front of him, and then walk back. I'd usually reach for the door as soon as I can, but this time I just stand there, looking at the roundly-shaped point of my poor shoes.

I can feel his eyes on me.

'You can go, Aileen,' he mutters. 'Unless you wish to keep me company of course,' he adds, in a teasing tone.

'Can I just ask you something very quickly?' I timidly begin. 'My lord.' I almost forgot.

'I'm listening,' he leans towards me on the chair.

'Lord Bolton suggested that I go home and see my family for a couple of days, if that's fine with you.'

He shrugs his shoulder. 'And why would I be fine with that?'

'You wouldn't even notice. Helàna will look after you as she used to do before I came here.'

'Aileen,' he sighs, standing up and walking towards me. 'There's a bloody war out there,' he explains, calmly. 'Do you think I care about you missing your parents like a kid?'

'I don't need you to care, you could just-'

'Enough of this,' he shuts me up, walking back to his chair and focussing on the letter. 'You can go.'

I bit my lip to prevent myself from spitting out what I think of him. Fucking mean bastard! Argh, if I could just punch him in the face and break that horrible sadistic smile.

'Actually…' he begins, as I clutch the doorknob. 'I might think about it. I have two conditions though.'

'I'm listening,' I automatically repeat what he had said to me.

'I'll let you go and see your family, if-'

'If?'

'Don't interrupt me. If, first, you kiss me-'

I breathe out in a nervous laugh, rolling my eyes.

'And second,' he goes on, 'if you manage to beat me in a sword fight.'

Ok, now I'm actually listening.

Hello everyone!
Apologies for disappearing but I've been really busy with uni and work.

Thanks for following the story and a massive THANK YOU to all the readers who left a review… you motivate me to continue the story!

What do you think will happen? Will Aileen accept Ramsay's conditions?