ROB POV:
Winterfell:
The Walls where filled with shouts of protests, questions and demands. Winterfell had been compromised not only right in the middle of his brother's wedding but with the King in attendance but Rob didn't care, he had it under control. Eddard often frowned upon his tactics but his father didn't exactly see things eye to eye with him...
As Rob walked back to the great hall he shut down his ears to Theon's constant questions and the Kingslayer bickering to the Prince who in turn was silent following Rob from behind. Hefelling his eyes on his back Rob was nothing but curious of what exactly did Prince Gendry think about little Arya know... they certainly didn't built them like that in Kings Landing eh?
He was not exactly thrilled about the loss of three of his men but them again it showed Rob what he was thinking; three wildlings could not go against three armed and seasoned guards. Their deaths had their purpose, something was lurking and it wasn't wildlings nor the white walkers. Someone was messing with the Young Wolf! The only flaw in his plan other than the death of the guards? His wife! The same thing that made him fall in love was the same thing that sometimes drove him to the brink of madness; she was too damn stubborn and wanted to know everything so being left out of this one was surely going to bad news for his marriage.
"YOU! We need to talk!- Asha seethed as he arrived to the great hall. The wedding reception was already at it's end when the ruckus occurred so the guests were gone, lord and ladies safely tucked in their chambers. Only Eddard, Catelyn, Sansa, Prince Joffrey and Shireen remained waiting for them.
"My Love..." Rob said with a sweet tone that he was sure was going to earn him at least one night outside of the comforts of his own chambers.
"I'll explain everything to you in a minute..." He whispered in Asha's ears as he gave both her and his son a kiss.
"Sister!" He said with authority. Sansa's eyes went wide in a second as if something went wrong, her eyes quickly landing on Theon who walked in not far long. Rob however was talking to his other sister...
"It is my fault that your wedding was ruined and only my fault at all. Please forgive me as I assure you that tomorrow you will have a feast even grander than tonight's."- Rob said holding Shireen's hands who was shaking a bit. Her response however showed that she didn't care for the interruption.
"I don't need another feast, please Rob; Is everything ok? Where is Rickon?"- She pleaded. Rob however had his attention on Prince Joffrey who had dragged his brother into a corner along with the Kingslayer telling them how they needed to talk to the King as soon as possible.
"Your husband is the idiot who should be apologizing. He was the one who left the wedding reception. Me, Rams and the wolves had it totally under control"- Everyone turned as a covered from head to toe in blood Arya walked in alongside an equally bloodied Bran and Rickon. Ramsey also strode inside with a body on his shoulders.
"And my dogs Ar, don't forget my dogs"- Ramsay smirked winking at Arya. Jon and Arya? He could get; those two were practically the same person. Arya and her fascination for magic and the dark arts? He also got, if he had half the mind-power his sister had he would absolutely use it at it fullest, he never felt so alive as when he warged into Greywind. Now Ramsey and Arya? That he would never get! Yes; Arya was tough but not cruel. Ramsay however was blunt, cold and hard, Arya was filled with passion so that would never work. Rob wondered why Arya had dragged Ramsay along for so long but he would never meddle in his sister's affairs. If it got too serious; that was Jon's department.
"Rickon!"- Shireen ran across the room as she finally broke down in tears. Rickon; the wild warrior was putty in his wife's arms as he started blabbing apologies after apologies.
"Gendry don't!"- The Kingslayer shouted as the Prince walked towards Arya... dumb move! Rob and Bran moved in closer to protect him. After warging... after killing really; Arya was a bit wild, feral. Rob understood it. The wolves hunger for blood and flesh tented to stick around, while everyone shook the feeling off; Arya embraced it. Often leaving for days to do some hunting of herself.
"Are you ok?..."- The Prince said softly, reaching out. Tenderly touching her face. "Are you ok My Lady?"- It was a whisper so tender Rob felt like he was intruding. That was the moment Rob realized two things: First? Yet another man fell to his sisters feet. And second? It was the first time Arya fell in response.
"Your blood?"- Eddard asked, breaking the moment. Catelyn and Sansa shared a look while Arya shied away from the Prince who was looking at her entranced.
"Wildling blood"- Ramsay snarled dumping the body in the middle of the great hall. "Don't worry, he's alive"- He said as the man didn't move nor made a sound as he hit the stone floor. His turn to walk towards Arya.
"Rickon? I am sure your wife has had quite an eventful evening. It is still your wedding night so why don't you two retire for the night? Sir Jaime I must insist that you take..."-
"I'm not moving!" Prince Gendry interrupted Eddard with a false calmness.
"The hell you are. You are under my protection and you are..."-
"My father is under your protection, and if you are so eager with titles it's best you remember that I am the Prince."- This time Gendry interrupted the Kingslayer himself.
"Prince Gendry I understand your need to know what has happened tonight but I assure you..."-
"Lord Stark may I be frank to tell you that unless you plan to face my very volatile father I am your best option to explain tonight's events. Other than that I do not plan to leave this room"- The Prince said not taking his eyes off of Arya.
"Uhm... I want to stay as well!"- Joffrey pipped in.
"Oh for fuck's sake!"- The Kingslayer yelled in frustration.
"Well, we already are all together"- Bran said.
"Rob?"- Eddard said beckoning him to start explaining. No one left the room, not the newlyweds, not little Rickard who was way passed his bedtime and certainly not the Kingslayer who stood on guard next to the two Prince's.
"I needed to find out something..." Rob saw his father's body tense immediately.
"The Wildling attacks have been escalating more and more... not like we can't take it but lately they have been too organized"
"I thought that was their essence, too wild to even abide rules and laws of their own. Practically savages"- Joffrey exclaimed.
"Do not underestimate the Free Folk Prince Joffrey. There is power in independence, in freedom"- Arya replied, letting more tension drop into the conversation.
"Anyway... the attacks have not been random and certainly not a coincidence."
"What do you mean?"- Catelyn asked, Eddard remained stoic with his steel glare.
"They are turning up when the guards change. Last night they breached the perimeter through the North Gate, I talked to Jon; no Wildling has passed the Wall"
"Well they sure as hell did last night. Maybe you Stark's aren't doing your proper job as wardens"-
"SILENCE!"- Prince Gendry's voice boomed as the Kingslayer did for once what his Prince told him to.
"So what was today; a test run?"- Arya asked the inevitable.
"Are you saying that three innocent men died because of a hunch you had? Three northerners who's families I have to visit tomorrow and tell them that their fathers, brothers and sons wont be coming back?"- Everyone froze, it wasn't a frequent that Eddard Stark lost his cool.
"Pray tell Rob... do explain this gran plan of yours"- He winced. His wife and father against him? Rob didn't stand a chance but alas; grow some balls! He told himself. He was to be Lord of Winterfell, decisions had to be made. He cannot rely on his wife and father to make the calls.
"I made a decision father, it was a hard one but it paid off. It's not the Wildling! Yes, they are rallying up but that is beyond the wall, Stannis himself has told us but this time? They strike in units and honestly when was the last time you guys took more than five minutes to take them down?" His brothers, Arya and Ramsay shared a look.
"I was drunk, I was thinking of my bedding ceremony"- Rickon said earning a smack from Shireen who sat on his lap, her white dress ruined with blood.
"Rob is right father. Wildlings hold up fights out of pure will but they lack technique. These men last night did not"- Arya replied.
"Any more survivors?" Rob already knew the answer.
"Hey, it only takes one to talk... don't worry, I didn't touch his tongue"- Ramsay replied casually leaning over the fireplace.
"That can be avoided without torture"- Bran muttered. Prince Gendry took attention.
"Wait up Rob, are you saying that these are planed attacks against Winterfell?"- Theon asked, not believing someone was that stupid.
"Aye... And I intend to find out who. The guards deaths will be avenged father. But at least we can be prepared"
Discussions erupted around the hall as to what was the next step into finding out who was behind the attacks. They would have stayed there till morning but a cry made them all go to bed.
"Come here my boy, it's time to go to bed" Rob took his son in his arms as he started to cry. Everyone said their goodbyes agreeing to meet for an early meeting in the morrow. Rob didn't miss the two ironborn guards waiting by the doors.
"Asha I'm sorry. I was going to tell you as soon as I was sure. We're inside the castle for God's sake, I think I can protect my own child under my own roof"
"Can you? As I am to be kept in the dark I will see fit as to how to protect my son"- Asha seethed taking baby Rickard out of his arms and storming out of the room with her personal guard. Jon's not home, if Arya manages to stay in her room for the night I could crash in his bed.
"Hey... Check out the pissing contest"- Theon said elbowing him, gesturing across the room. Ramsay was a bit too close to Arya for his liking as Prince Gendry approached them and said something to Arya. She nodded and they left together leaving Ramsay throwing steam out of his ears.
"I think before this whole fake attacks thing we are going to have to talk about that whole shitstorm that's brewing between those two"- Rickon said joining in the conversation.
"Go to sleep Rickon and let Shireen make an honest man out of you"- Rob sighed... Heading up the stairs to Jon's chambers. At least one of us will be enjoying their bed...
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RAMSAY POV:
Winterfell:
Tonight was a great night, it always was when there was a good old hunting. Nothing is more exhilarating than the hunt for a delusional prey that actually thinks it can get away... they never did. Not when a Bolton and a Stark where behind you!
Ramsay smiled... he liked the Starks; proper people; he though. Suppose what a family is supposed to be... A bit dramatic sometimes, like today but still a nice family. Solid, what you see is what you get and certainly didn't play minds games... As Rob put on his little lord suit Ramsay was just content looking at the most perfect vision a man could set his eyes on, perfection, a goddess of war drenched in the blood of her enemies. 'Queen' would be an insult for her, she didn't want the title but there was another one what had a nice ring to it; Lady of The Dreadfort... Arya Stark!
Contrary to popular belief; Ramsay Bolton was many things but not a womanizer. Being born a bastard with a mother that hardly cared for him didn't exactly warm his heart towards the fairer sex. He fucked the occasional whore when he was bored but other than that he was content in riding on the verge of his father's land getting his hands on whatever he could kill. It wasn't cruel, it was his job. Ramsay took care of the dirty problems Lord Roose Bolton couldn't be caught with his hands on. He had no name so he didn't care for reputation but that all changed the day he met Arya. He had never seen a creature like her; like him in many ways. Happy only out in the wild, hungry for battle and anxious for blood. There was nothing more beautiful than a strong willed woman that knew how to fight... Yes, because of her Ramsay had given away his freedom but it was totally worth it. He didn't mind being labelled as long as she was going to be labeled has his.
"Come here my boy, it's time to go to bed"- Rob said as Ramsay noticed he spaced out the whole conversation. Everybody was saying their goodbyes agreeing to meet in the morning when he made a beeline towards Arya. It has been a while since they went out hunting together, the kill was still fresh. Nymeria would be out in the woods hunting, he knew Arya would be itching to go outside.
"We can get on our horses and ride till dawn. We'll have breakfast courtesy of mother nature's fresh trout and apples."
"Ramsay Bolton you sure know how to speak to a girls heart"- Arya replied. Her eyes dancing with mischief. God he loved her eyes...
"Ahhh but not only that. Rickon is married, you don't have to remain in the castle anymore. We can go strait to the Wall to see Jon if you like" All is fair in love and war... You can't blame Ramsay for throwing the Jon card around, it was Arya's soft spot. If her mind was on Jon she wouldn't give a second to Prince Gendry. Him he needed far away! Damned mamma's boy had put a dent in his plans of marrying Arya. He has a another thing coming he if thinks he can waltz in here with his little golden crown and steal my love away...
"I can't... I promised father I would spent time in the castle"- She said lowering her head and avoiding his gaze. Ramsay knew he could convince her, she just needed a little nudge.
"And you will... just spend a couple more hours with me Arya. I fell like I don't see you anymore, you've hardly had sat foot again in Winterfell after your last trip before that bloody stag came here and..."
"Excuse me. Arya? Do you think we can talk before you retire for the night?"- Prince Gendry came over interrupting their conversation.
"Actually my Lady Arya and I where just..."
"Of course Gendry. Let us go and get some fresh air."- She said interrupting Ramsay. She gave him a look and gave his hand a gentle squeeze to reassure him they would spent time the next day. Ramsay was beyond pissed.
Ramsay went to his room as he started trashing and trowing everything in site. How can she not see? Everything he did was for her! He bettered himself; reading, writing, etiquette classes just for her. So he could be a lord worthy of her. Arya wasn't one of those light headed girls that dreamed with crowns, babies and princes. She wanted to be free and wild, he could give it to her, he would give her the world if only she would let him.
"WHAT DOES HE HAVE THAT I DON'T?" He screamed in frustration.
"A whole kingdom and more balls than you apparently..."-
"Father!" Roose Bolton was in his room by the window, as always not impressed with his outburst. Roose was never impressed with anything that Ramsay did.
"Here you are throwing a temper tantrum as the Prince takes Arya into the Godswood. I'll bet she'll let him fuck her raw into the floor"-
"You don't now anything about her" Ramsay snarled, praying for the self-control he didn't have, his hand on the pummel of his sword.
"And neither do you..."- Ramsay winced and Roose finally turned around to see him. Cold eyes ruthless as ever.
"Why is the Prince with Arya Ramsay?"- Roose asked in his soft snakelike voice.
"Father I..."
"I told you not to call me like that"-
"Forgive me My Lord..." Ramsay knew where this conversation was headed. The same words had been said various times over the last three years, the only difference was that Arya wasn't at an age to marry and the Baratheon Prince wasn't lurking around. That was the deal:
'I need an heir... you need a name if you want to continue with the company of Arya Stark
You'll get the girl... I'll get the lands and power. That way we both get what we want...'
Those were Roose's words, the man who put a facade of loving father to the world but barely spoke to his son in private. It was all about the power, that was all Roose wanted, tired of being in the shadows of the Starks for so long. Ramsay on the other hand was ignorant of politics. He was a simple lad who was offered the chance of marrying the girl he loved, in return he would be legitimatized into one of the oldest houses in all Westeros. A fairy-tale that was just that, a tale... Of course he wanted to marry Arya but Ramsay wondered if Roose would stop just at that, would having Arya as his daughter in law would suffice?... His stomach ached at the other possibilities. That was why Ramsay spent the most time he could with Arya, so he could also protect her from his father's wicked ways.
"What good are you to me Bastard if you don't do your job? I want Arya Stark boy, if you aren't man enough then I'll have to take matters into my own hands"-
"Everything is under control my Lord"
"I see you alone, in your room everything but controlled while Prince Gendry is out and about with Lady Arya"-
"He wanted to talk to her, she can't exactly refuse the Pri..."
"So if he takes his cock out and tells her to get on her knees are you saying the little She-Wolf will do as told?"- Roose laughed getting out of Ramsay exactly what he wanted. He launched at Roose outraged by his words but the man was too fast, too strong even for a man his age, deceiving as always. He pushed Ramsay down on the floor and grabbed him by the neck immobilizing him, grabbing the nearest torch.
"Now listen to me Ramsay... you have exactly one month"- Roose said as he turned the torch to Ramsay's still armored clad arm heating the metal in seconds. Ramsay bit his tongue not only to prevent letting out a scream and having people hear him but to not give Roose the satisfaction of hearing his pain. His skin was burning...
"One month to make Arya Stark your wife. I don't care how you do it, I just want it done! If you don't come trough with your side of the bargain not only will you find yourself without a name but without a breath. Do you understand?"-
His heart was beating fast, adrenalin running high. Pain was something Ramsay understood, fear? Not at all, and right now it held a permanent spot in his heart with the possibility of Arya falling in Roose's hands.
"Yes my Lord" Ramsay said actually drawing blood from his tongue as Roose pressed the torch to his arm and kicked him to the ground.
"Good boy"- Roose said standing up and straitening his clothes of wrinkles. "I'll leave tomorrow, then I will see you in a month along with my daughter in law."-
"Yes my Lord..." The pain was nothing. He had to do this for her...
"By the way... how did it go with the wildlings?"-
"It was a quick kill, no other problems other than some dead guards"
"Oh... a shame, I'll make sure to give Lord Stark my condolences in the morning and Ramsay, remember... you have one month!"-
Social status existed for a reason, a bastard had no business messing with highborns but he would do it, he will do it just for her. Ramsay had one month to marry Arya, one month to marry her and take her away as far as possible from Prince Gendry. One month to take her away as far as possible from Roose.
A bastard had no business messing with highborns, specially if he didn't know how to play the Game of Thrones...
Ramsay didn't realize that Roose had no chance in knowing that the run-in had been with wildlings! Other than the people that went on the hunt and the ones that stayed till late in the grand hall there was no way that anyone would know what happened tonight...
A bastard had no business messing with highborns but he would do it, he will do it just for her... Even if he had to pay with his life!
Hello Fanfic Friends!
Happy November...!
Here is a quick update since this month is going to be a bit crazy for me with my studies and the fact that I still don't have a computer.
To the reviewer that asked me about my other story 'New Horizons'; I will finish it! It's my baby and I have to sit down and really work on the plot so the few and precious time I have with a computer are for quick updates with my other stories but don't worry, like Arnold 'I'll be back' ;)
I hope you like this chapter (very curious as to how you guys are going to take in Ramsay)
Leave your reviews and remember to favorite / follow
Read you next time and have a great week!
XOXO