Kailasa slept in the next morning since Robb kept her out so late the night before. Her absence was not missed by the Starks and Snow.

"Where is she?" Arya whined.

"The real question is, why is Robb falling asleep at the table?" Ned replied.

Robb had his head in his hands, his elbows resting on the table. His eyes were closed and he did look like he was sleeping.

"Robb?" Arya asked, shaking her brother's shoulder.

Robb jolted awake, sitting up straight. "What?"

"There are two tired seventeen year olds in Winterfell. There must be a connection between them." Ned said, obviously waiting for the story behind his statement.

"We went out to see the stars last night." Robb said, not able to hide his grin. "We lost track of time. It was pretty late when we got back."

In her head, Cat was already planning the summer wedding. She was sure Kailasa would wear some shade of blue-as they do on the Coast. Robb would wear Stark colors. It would either be at Winterfell or Goldenbirth. If it was at Goldenbirth they would stand in the ocean. If it was here it would probably be in the godswood, or the sept.

It would be beautiful.

XXX

Meanwhile, Kailasa was hyperventilating in her room, pacing around in nothing but her black corset and black underskirt. Her chest was heaving, making it look like her breasts were going to spill out of her corset.

"You know that pacing will not change anything." Elena, a girl with dark hair and olive skin told her. She was sitting on her bed, awaiting for the girl to stay still long enough to let her do Kailasa's hair and help her get dressed.

"I know." Kailasa said.

Another minute passed. "Which one do you regret kissing?" Elena asked.

Kailasa turned towards Elena. "What?"

"Well, you didn't act like this until you kissed both of them." Elena stated. "Come on, Kai, speak and then I may be able to get you to stand still long enough to properly dress you." Elena was always more of a friend than just a her maid. It was good that she had Elena around. She was always cool headed.

"I don't know. Both?"

Elena rolled her eyes. "Are you even thinking about marrying either of them?"

Kailasa paused for a moment. "Yes?"

"That sounds like a question." Elena said.

"No, yeah. I could see being married."

"To which one?"

Kailasa grimaced.

"Gods, Kai. Not both. You're not a Targaryan or a man for that matter."

"No! Of course not. How bad would that be?" Kailasa replied. "I doubt they would like it either."

"Then who?"

Kailasa was silent.

"Fine, you don't want to tell me." Elena said. "But I suggest you make it obvious soon."

"I'm going to hurt someone." Kailasa frowned.

"Welcome to life. Someone always gets hurt." Elena said. "Can you sit still now?"

Kailasa looked at Elena with large sea-blue eyes. "I don't want to hurt anyone."

"Don't be so naïve." Elena told her, standing up and lifting a crimson dress. "You will look so much like your mother in this dress." It was her mother's dress. That was a part of the reason why she brought it. Lannister red.

She hoped her mother would help her in some way. Give her a sign. Give her something. She was barely seventeen. She could captain a ship. She could act like she had everything under control, but she really didn't know what she was doing. She was just trying to live in a world that was rather unforgiving. She was young and indecisive. It was always easier to reject someone that to actually try to have a relationship with them.

XXX

"So, what did you do with Robb last night?" Jon asked her as that sat outside, alone. Their backs against a wall of Winterfell.

"We watched the stars." Kailasa answered.

"How long were you out?"

"The castle was dark by the time we got back to it." Kailasa told him. "So it was pretty late." She was hoping this wouldn't happen. She was stupid to hope that the brothers wouldn't question her about the other.

"And?"

"And?" Kailasa mimicked.

"Are you really not going to answer?"

"I would rather not." Kailasa replied.

Jon nodded slowly, as if trying to find a way to get her to answer.

"I don't tell him what I do when I'm with you either, just so you know." Kailasa said softly.

"Why?"

"Because I find it easier to make up my mind about someone when I do not have another person whispering in my ear." Kailasa told him. "The only way I want someone to influence me is by them telling me that they do not want me."

"Like that has ever happened to you." Jon replied.

"Jon, my own father all but said it to me." Kailasa told him. "Otherwise I would be at Goldenbirth right now. Or Silversheet if my father would let me."

Jon had forgotten about that...she just seemed so happy all the time that sometimes he forgot why her smile never reached her eyes. But right now she didn't pretend to smile, she didn't laugh at things just to make it seem like she didn't care. She just looked at him, watching for a reaction. Waiting for his realization.

And he was sure it was written all over his face.

"Right."

Kailasa opened her mouth to speak; she wanted to tell him that she was a bastard in her own father's eyes; no man would want a woman who couldn't have children.

Because then he wouldn't want her.

Kailasa closed her mouth and swallowed. "Don't look at me like that." She told him, frowning at the look in his eyes.

"Like what?"

"Like I'm someone to be pitied." She said. "I'm not. I come from a good family, and I will have a good life ahead of me. Even if I do not get Silversheet, I will have a wonderful life in Dorne. There is nothing for you to pity me for."

"Then answer me this." He said. "Why are you in pain?"

And just like that, a smile was back on her lips, an airy laugh leaving them. "What are you talking about?"

"You're in pain. I can see it sometimes." He said. "You don't tell anyone, but I can see it. Don't lie and say you're not."

"All right. Everyone is in pain some times." Kailasa stated. "Why should I be any different?"

"Because yours come from nothing." Jon said. "You are sitting on the sofa and a jolt goes through you and it's almost like you've been stabbed."

Kailasa licked the corner of her lips before smiling, her entire face becoming shielded. "You read too much into things, Jon."

"Do I?" He asked. "Because I can tell when you're lying."

"It is rude to accuse a lady of lying." She responded.

"Even when you are?" He asked.

"How do you know that I am lying? Which I'm not saying I am."

"You smile."

"I smile quite a bit."

"Yeah, but it doesn't reach your eyes. Your happiness is a shield for what you are trying to hide." Jon said.

"And what am I trying to hide?" She asked. "Pain? What does that entail? If I was in pain I would obviously go to your maester. He would have a remedy for it. If I was in pain wouldn't I ask for help?" She was a good liar, and she knew it. Even if he knew her tell, she could use her words. And with her words, it did sound like a very stupid story.

"Then why aren't you?" He asked, staying with his beliefs.

"Oh, Jon." She sighed. "You are very stubborn."

"So are you." He replied. "But I can see through it."

"My smile?" Kailasa laughed. "That is ridiculous, Jon."

"Why are you still lying?"

"Why are we still talking about this?" Kailasa asked. "Jon, please."

He was frustrated by this. She could see that in his posture more than his face. His eyes were averted from her, looking out from them.

"Fine." She sighed. "I'm lying."

His eyes flashed to hers.

"And maybe one day I will tell you. But until then can't I just pretend to be perfect?"

"But you're not perfect." He said. "That's why I like you."

Somehow, that made her smile, and she leaned towards them, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Then you must know that my reasons are my own."

"But you will tell me?" He asked, turning to face her.

"Maybe. If I trust you enough." She said softly.

"But will you tell me when you are in pain?" He asked.

"I don't know."

"Will you tell me when I can help?"

She looked into his dark eyes for a moment. "Yes."

His fingertips brushed her jawline, causing her to angle her head to the side a bit and her full pink lips part slightly.

He lent his head towards her, though their lips still did not touch. "Do you want me to kiss you?" His breath brushing against her lips.

"Yes." She whispered. She couldn't even deny it. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted him to kiss her.

And he did-slowly and sweetly-and he pulled away all too soon.

"May we talk about something more agreeable now?" She asked, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Yes. What would you like to talk about?"

"Bran's nameday is next month." She said. "There will be a feast right?"

"Yes. And you will meet many other lords and ladies at the party." Jon said.

"What if I do not want to meet other lords and ladies? Would you let me spend the evening with you?"

"Wouldn't Robb be better company?"

"Why?" Kailasa asked. "I obviously enjoy your company, otherwise I would not be here."

"Why?"

"Why not? You're the observant one. You are so used to being overlooked you can see everything." Kailasa said.

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather hold the heir to Winterfell's attention?"

"Why? I think I would like to see how much fun I can get you to have." Kailasa said. "Please don't sell yourself less than you are. Apparently someone who has no faith in people thinks you are better than you think you are."

"But you have faith in me?"

"I do." She said.

XXX

A little bird told me that there was a party going on at Winterfell. I had a dress made for you. I think you would be gorgeous in it. It's the latest fashion in Dorne, but I had sleeves added since you are in the cold.

I hope it gets to you in time. Let us make everyone in the North fall in love with your silver beauty.

If I do not see you within a year, I will be very upset with you or your father. It depends on who causes it. Do not make me march up to Winterfell to see my silver sister.

Meara

Kailasa smiled as she put down the note. Meara loved dressing Kailasa. She was a human doll for the Princess of Dorne.

The dress was two pieces, and positively the least amount of clothing she had worn to a party other than in Dorne. It was silver, and the top piece tied in the front just below her breasts and had sleeves that would go far passed her wrists. The skirt was high on her hips and back, and dipped down into a slight V on her hips, making her look thinner than she was. The skirt was several layers of sheer silver fabric that she could tell would dance around her legs as she walked. The dress would show her midriff, and when she looked in the box there were soft slippers in there, the same shade of silver as the dress.

"Is that what you are to wear to the feast tomorrow night?" Elena asked as she walked in the room.

Kailasa nodded. "I think so. Meara had it made for me." She held the top against her. "I would look like a silver stature don't you think?"

"A beautiful silver statue." Elena said. "You will be showing enough skin, I think."

"Not as much as you see in Dorne." Kailasa replied. "Remember Prince Oberyn's celebration?"

"Yes. I believe the majority of the women had on only skirts, and the majority of the men had their cocks out." Elena said.

Kailasa laughed. "It's a miracle that I'm still virgin isn't it?"

"In all honesty, yes. Especially since you enjoy Dorne so much." Elena replied. "But either way, you will drive the lords crazy in that dress."

"We'll see."

A/N:

xxxRena: Thank you! Thank you for your review!