WARNING: It's going to be full blast drama. Oh, and this one is long. Like ten Word pages long.
Hello, guys! Thanks for the review and the fave and the follow... It meant so much to me. This one is a bit too dramatic, even to my liking. But I had to write it. My instinct told me so. :)
I hope you like it, though. And I gotta warn you again... this is not the most dramatic of the lot. There'll be more confrontations and hopefully I'd get all the words right.
Lastly, to my "friend" who I caught reading my draft, that idea sucked. hahahaha! sorry for the inside joke.
Take care everyone, Ciao!
Koreen
"I don't know how I would feel if it was me, really. Having a knife against my neck, you must be petrified." Sansa commented, sitting beside Koreen on her bed.
Sansa and Arya visited her chamber that afternoon. Lady Catelyn requested for her lunch be brought to her room instead of her going to the dining hall.
"I was scared. But I forgot about my neck when I saw Jon spitting blood on the ground." Koreen recalls.
"Poor Jon. I heard she was summoned by mother the moment Maester Luwin mended his wounds. Do you have any idea what she told Jon, Sansa? She cannot be buying the rumors! Jon would never gamble let alone hurt someone and leave them to die." Arya said, defending his half-brother.
"Lucky that Robb had silvers on him. Forty silvers." Sansa scoffed. "Can you imagine what that could have bought?"
"Who cares about the silvers? Jon is alive with no broken bones." Arya said angrily. Sansa rolled her eyes.
"He fought bravely, your brother. They were already at him when I got out of the cave, Robb went back for his sword he left inside. I doubt if he would win, but he stood his ground." Koreen told.
"Jon never yields. He would rather get cuts and bruises in training than yield." Arya said.
There was a knock on the door. It was Robb.
"Aunt Lysa was looking for you, Sansa. And Mother wants you washed up for supper, Arya." He said.
Koreen looked at Robb. Compared to his lively attitude this morning, his eyes were heavy and tired.
Sansa and Arya stood up and left Koreen's room.
"How are you, Koreen? I did not see you at the table for lunch."
"Lady Catelyn had Luna bring my meal here, but I had no appetite to eat."
"I understand. But I must insist you eat supper with us at the dining hall. It's hard to eat alone after the ordeal you went through today…" Robb suggested.
"I'm fine, Robb. I've eaten alone for a long time. Don't worry; I will be at the table for supper. I don't intend to make Lady Catelyn worry about me, too. She's got a lot in her hands." Koreen said blankly.
Robb was silent for a while, searching for words to say.
"I was not able to apologize for today, Koreen. It was my idea to show you around. And I put you and Jon in danger." He said with full regret.
"It was me who insisted Jon to come with us. He would have been safe with Lord Stark at the camp." Koreen tried to share the guilt.
"I told him to wait for us, left him alone. I left your side. You ended up with a scar on your neck."
"You handled the situation well, Robb. You shouldn't be feeling guilty about it."
Robb fell silent.
"How is your neck, by the way? Did you have Maester Luwin take a look at it?" he came near and took a seat beside her on the bed. He held her chin and gently tilted her head to check her shallow wound.
"I think I'll live." She declared.
Robb looked at her keenly, touched her chin with the back of his hand ever so lightly before letting her go.
Robb's face was so close to hers. She remembered how sweet he smelled this morning. How she felt secured and warm with his arms around her body. She did not tell him, but the kiss she had with him was the first of her life. And she wished she did it right.
"I'm so sorry, Koreen." Robb looked down, apologizing.
"You did what you had to do…" she assured him.
"No." he cut her off. "In the cave, I'm sorry if I offended you with… my kiss." He confessed. "I thought it was going alright, I felt that you…" Robb searched for the right term, "liked it, too."
Koreen smiled innocently.
"I did." She declared, catching Robb by surprise. He tried to hide it.
"Was I being too forward? My hands… were inside your coat, I touched your back… uhm, and I assumed I was moving a little too fast. And you took offense. I should have controlled myself. I'm sorry."
"It was not that." She closed her eyes when she recalled what he had called her.
My princess…
"Then there was something… Was I bad at it?"
Koreen chuckled at the question.
"I don't have anything to compare it to, Robb." She sighed, "That was my first. I quiet liked it."
Robb looked more confused but also happy.
"Robb," she touched his hands and held it, "There'll be better time to speak of this, I think."
"Of course, I didn't mean to be invasive."
"You were not. But we might be late for supper. And it's already getting too cold. I would love to have a bowl of Luna's vegetable soup before it gets cold." She said.
Robb smiled, eyes fixed on her hand over his. She was smiling when he looked up at her.
"I look forward to dinner, Koreen." He said while his eyes fixed right at her.
"So do me, my lord." She whispered.
That was the first time she called him that. That was his title in the first place.
Today she learned that their names were more than their labels.
My princess… The words were still echoing in her mind. She was no princess, Jon is no more than a bastard, and Robb was no less than a lord.
She knew it was too soon to be harboring these feelings towards another person. Perhaps she just was too excited to be with company. Maybe it could have been anyone she'd feel this attraction with. It could have been elsewhere, she just happened to be in Winterfell, with the likes of Jon and Robb.
She changed into one of Sansa's hand me down dresses. She envied Sansa's straight and smooth locks, while her hair turned fluffier every time she brushed it. She decided to tie it back instead.
She looked at herself in the mirror. She looked vastly different from the reflection of her on still waters when she was still a hunter.
But in spite of yards of fabric, the clean skin and hair, the leathers and perfume… she was still Koreen Lastliv, who was no princess. No, she will never be a princess.
The halls were quiet like always when she stepped down the staircase, except the voices she heard in the receiving room.
"I can no longer take him in, Lysa. I prayed to Gods, I swear. I cannot take this weight off my chest." She recognized the voice as Lay Stark, her voice fighting the urge to cry.
"It has been a long time, my dear sister. Ten and six years. You must forgive Ned." The second voice sounded much like Lady Catelyn's, only gentler. She must be the Stark children's Aunt Lysa, Koreen thought.
"I have forgiven him. I love him too much not to. But the boy…" Koreen then realized who they were speaking of. "I cannot forget what he was made of. How can I forget when the proof of my husband's dishonesty is walking around my castle and laughing freely among my children? You have no idea how difficult that is." She complained.
"There is no point in not accepting, Cat. If you cannot accept, then you just have to ignore. One day, the Gods will be kind."
"He must go, Lysa. Jon Snow must leave Winterfell." Koreen did not mean to hear. And she surely regretted hearing Lady Catelyn's wish. "Whatever it takes, I will ensure that he would want to leave my kingdom. That's the only time I know Gods are in fact kind..."
Koreen walked past the open chamber as quiet and subtle as she could, hoped that the ladies did not notice her passing.
The children were all starting on their soup and bread when she seated beside Arya. Lady Catelyn and Lady Lysa arrived soon.
Lady Stark occupied Lord Stark's seat while Lady Arynn seated on Lady Cat's chair, fronting Robb.
The soup was warm to the throat and she realized how hungry she was when she took a bite of the fresh baked rolls.
"I thank the Gods you are alright, Koreen. I was worried when I heard you were also at the sick bay with Maester Luwin." Catelyn spoke to her.
Koreen almost choked on her bread, when she heard her name. She tried to ignore her presence for she might act strange around the lady.
"I feel better now, my lady. Thank you for the care." She said.
"Oh, is this the Koreen I heard so much about from Arya?" Lysa curiosly asked.
She put her spoon down before clearing her throat of bread.
"Yes, my lady. Forgive me if I forgot to introduce myself. I am Koreen Lastliv."
"That's understandable, child, after this morning's ordeal?" she warmly smiled. "I'm Lysa Arryn, Lady Catelyn's sister." She said from across the table.
"You look as beautiful as her, Lady Lysa." She was thankful they were seated for she still didn't master the art of curtsies.
"Thank you, Koreen. The warmth brings color to your cheeks, I adore it." Lady Arryn added.
"I appreciate it, my Lady." She nervously answered.
She looked at Robb looking at her, impressed at the exchange of words that went between the tables.
Everyone was chatty and lively. Bran and Arya were already talking about who was the faster skinner of rabbits. Sansa was talking to Robb about brooch. Theon was oddly silent, but she gave no care to him.
Koreen was quietly wondering about the vacant seat beside Theon. There was no plate and steels set on it.
Are they not expecting Jon to join them for supper? Will no one wonder if he had eaten or if he was still alive in his chamber?
Remembering the conversation she heard between the two ladies, she decided to keep her wondering to herself.
"Robb, you shall accompany Maester Luwin tonight. Vale of Arryn's Maesters is in dire need of tonics and salves." Lady Cateyn commanded Robb drinking his grape juice.
"Tonight? Do you think it safe for Maester Luwin to travel in this cold and night, Mother?"
"They were supposed to travel this morning, Robb. But given the incidents of the day they were forced to move to tonight. If you leave as soon as supper is over you'll arrive there by midnight and be back before dawn tomorrow. Ser Jory will then take them to Vale before midday. " She coldly reasoned.
"And we need them greatly, Robb. The apothecary we carry is dwindling and may cause complications among our people." Lady Arynn continued.
"Do you need more excuse as to why I need you to go tonight? Or is that enough?" Lady Stark asked.
"Yes, Mother. I shall prepare all that is necessary." Robb obeyed.
The food was delicious. But the dinner could not finish fast enough for Koreen. She sighed of relief when Lady Stark excused herself after noticing Rickon was already too tired and sleepy.
Lady Stark was still in the little boys' chamber putting them to bed when Robb was to leave.
Sansa, Arya, Lady Lysa and Koreen bid their goodbye to the Robb's party.
"Have a safe trip, Robb." Lady Lysa said smilingly.
"Thank you, Aunt Lysa. We will ride as swift as we can." He promised.
"Be quick with it. If you hurry you can buy me something… sparkly." Sansa winked at his brother while smiling broadly.
Robb smiled at his sister then took a glance at Koreen. Koreen caught it.
"Take care, brother. I'm going to miss you." Arya said looking down her feet.
"Stop being dramatic, Arya. It'll be one night."
"You can't say I didn't try being a girl." She rolled her eyes and he messed her hair.
"Take care, Koreen. Look after my family for me." He requested.
"I will try my best, my lord." She answered.
Koreen felt the look by the ladies and servants when Robb suddenly took her hand and kissed the top of it.
She was taken aback by it. She did not exactly know what that gesture meant, if it was a greeting that was customary to the north. She did not feel sure. But she felt her heart skipped and her breathing held.
He smiled and turned around, rode his horse and left.
She can barely hear the sisters' whispering. She heard the word smitten, and wondered if they were taking about pets.
The ladies went straight to their chambers. It was not that late of night, she stirred from her bed.
Then, she remembered.
The kitchen was quiet and deserted. She saw the left-over food on the table and decided to heat up some of the pumpkin soup.
She made fire as quiet as she could. She also made tea with lemons, something she saw Luna made for Lady Stark. And in minutes she was done.
It was difficult going up the staircase, balancing hot bowl and hot glass. She did not expect the darkness in the halls on the top floor.
There were only two rooms there, one did not have a door and was filled with random supplies.
She put down the tea on the floor and knocked on the door across it.
No one answered. She must have the wrong chamber, she thought.
The door did not have its knob. She decided to push the door open, taking her chance.
There was a bed, a dresser and a table. She saw a partition on the side, assuming it was a bathroom.
"Jon? Are you here?" she called out. The room was silent and still, and terribly cold. The window was open and the air harshly freezing.
She put the food on the table, thankful when she saw a candle and a match.
Hastily she lit the candle. She saw the cold broth and bread from lunch that seemed to be never touched.
She brought the candle to the bed and put it on a table set beside it.
Jon was wrapped with the thick fur cover from neck to foot.
He managed to clean himself of the blood that dried on his face earlier. She was worried about that. She never saw him the rest of the day except when he went out of Maester's sick bay.
She looked at Jon's face. His forehead was still swollen from bump on his brow.
He was sleeping, but his breathing was labored.
"Jon?" Koreen gently woke him up. "Jon, you haven't eaten a thing all day. I brought you soup and tea." She then touched his shoulder.
She felt his warmth. And when he touched his face it was too warm to the touch and damp with sweat. His brow was swollen from his wound, his eyes sunken.
"Jon? Are you feeling alright?" he took the cover off his shoulders and then Jon moved.
"P-please…" he grunted, shivering. "Please… I-it's cold…"
"Jon? You must wake up…" she shook him, more vigorously this time.
"I can't take it anymore, Lady Stark…" he said, words trembling. "Please… enough…" he cried.
Panic slowly crept Koreen. Jon was convulsing with fever. His skin was hot and damp, his lips burning red.
She went to the window only to discover it did not have its door. She looked at Jon and saw him shivering of cold.
She pushed the dresser against the window when she saw it can cover it with its height. It was heavy but she did not care.
She frantically tried to remember how the wife hunter took care of her when she was sick as a child. She remembered how terrible she felt. Oh, how she loved her hunter mother's touch.
Maester Luwin and Robb were not home. They would know what to do.
Would Lady Stark come to his aid if she told? Aunt Lysa was nice to her, would she be kind to Jon?
She went to the bath and saw a basin with water. She took it bedside and threw a clean cloth in it.
"Jon, I need you to move for me. We must remove you clothes, it's soaked in sweat, or you'll feel colder…" She was not sure if he was listening or if he was awake. Jon moved groggily, she removed his shirt with much difficulty.
Jon was heavy. His body was muscled and pulled.
Koreen shuddered with awe when she saw Jon's scars covering his body, from his chest to his back.
"I can't stay here any longer… they don't want me here…" he moaned when he put his head back down to his pillow.
"Jon, please…" she begged her to wake up, or at least stop talking none sense.
Koreen wringed the water out of the cloth and gently touched his bare chest with it.
Jon seemed he was in great pain, from the beating he got that morning; he was moaning and turning his head avoiding the wet cold cloth.
He was saying incoherent words. And he was crying. Begging for mercy.
She didn't notice it until she was blind of tears. Koreen couldn't help it.
She never thought how hard Jon's life was. All that time that he was silent, that was the reason he was so rigid and cold.
When he was certain that he was dry she put on his top shirt, and covered him with the fur sheets.
"I'm sorry… I shouldn't… I promise it won't happen again… " his cough was thick and painful, making Koreen panic.
"Listen, Jon…" she held his hot face, her tears flowing freely. "I need to go get Sansa… Or Luna… you need help…I can't..." she whispered, trying to sound calm. She pushed herself up to stand.
Jon tried so hard, managed to half open her swollen eyes and let out his hand, searching for another.
"Please… don't leave me… mother…" he cried.
Koreen took his cold hand as she knelt beside his bed.
"It's me, Koreen…" his hands were cold. She put his freezing hands against her lips and blew warm breath to it.
"Y-you're beautiful… I've always imagined…" Jon coughed dryly. "I-i prayed for you… everyday… everynight…" his cough was uncontrollable.
"Shh… it's going to be alright." She comforted Jon.
Jon was shivering and dazed. Koreen removed her robes and lifted the fur sheet. She lay beside Jon wiped his tears and she rested his head on her chest, putting her arm around him. She put the covers back, making sure his covered to the tip of his feet.
Koreen cried hard but silently as he kissed Jon's forehead.
"I'm so cold… please, stay... they don't want me here… whatever I do… I've done everything… take me with you… I beg you." His voice was husky, tired and pleading. "What did I do wrong?... They all hate me…"
"Shhh, that is not true…" she brushed his thick brown hair with her fingers, trying to massage his head. "Not everyone hates you." She whispered to his ear. He held him tighter trying to warm him up. "Somebody loves you, Jon. Someone does."