Six months had passed since Gendry's coronation and thus far the Kingdoms had been improving. The people were happy and growing happier by the day. The final crops of the season flourished and the stores were fully stocked for the coming winter. Gendry and Lord Stark worked tirelessly for months to create the new system which was then enacted as a new law. It was a form of taxes that all business owners had to pay on top of the regular fee, and all of the Lords in the Seven Kingdoms had to collect and contribute to the funds. All money collected was sent to the King where the Master of Coin took one sum and put it towards the crowns debts to the Iron Bank, and another sum was used to buy food and supplies for the common people. It was often difficult for people to afford but they were all happy to comply as they had a great respect for their new king. It also helped that King Gendry was willing to listen and help them in any way he could.

They had received word back from Danearys Targaryen. She had responded as they had all expected. She refused Gendry's offer to return to Westeros in peace and made a promise that she would one day take the Iron Throne as it was hers by right. Though, since hearing from her she had lost her husband to a fatal wound and some sort of magic and through the tragedy she also loss the baby she was carrying. As a result, she lost a majority of her Dothraki army and was left nearly defenseless. They had also heard recent rumours of her having three dragons but it had to be just talk because dragons had been gone from the world.

The Night's Watch had also come before the King in the months passed begging for more men to guard the wall. They brought news of white walkers and wildlings and needed forces to aid them in keeping them all beyond the wall. Gendry had been hesitant in believing them but they had placed a withered, icy hand before him and it was all the evidence he had needed. He sent word across all of Westeros and had any able men sent to the wall. He made it known that they did not need to join the Black and could return home when the problem was taken care of. There were many complaints about his orders and there had been many men to refuse but there had also been many that were willing to serve the realm. Now, they had many hands to defend the realm. The army of Wildlings were kept at bay for the time being and they had discovered that dragon glass was the one thing that destroyed the white walkers. Defenses were much better.

. … . … .

Joffery Lannister sat in his chambers. Six months and he still had yet to take back his throne. Well, he couldn't really say take it back cause it had never truly been his. But, he deserved it. He was raised to sit on it. It wasn't his fault that his mother was an unfaithful whore.

He knew of a few Lords who had been opposed to the bastard who sat on the throne but they had since switched sides and refused a rebellion.

He spoke to his grandfather, and even he would not aid him. Tywin Lannister was all about his family name and their reputation but because of his children's incest there was not much good left in their name. He had told Joffery that not only was he not a Baratheon but he too was a bastard born of such incest and he was the last person he would aid to take the throne.

He was infuriated!

The Iron Throne was to be his, one way or another, if it was the last thing he did.

. … . … .

It was her name day, ten and two at last.

She woke to the sight of her father and sister standing over her bed and then pummeling her with hugs and kisses. It would have been better had her whole family been there but she was happy nonetheless.

They broke their fast together and then they gave her their gifts. Sansa gave her a new dress, she had made it herself. It was simple, and much more to Arya's taste then the dresses she was normally forced to wear. It was a dark gray cotton dress that fell loosely to the floor, cinched only at the waist to make it easier to move around in. The top of the dress was slightly tighter fitting to show that though not yet fully bloomed she was beginning to develop. The sleeves ended just below the elbow the way she liked it and there was no extra fabric then necessary.

Next, Lord Stark, her father, first gave her a letter. It was from her mother Catelyn back in Winterfell, it read:

Dear Arya,

I cannot believe you are ten and two already. I remember the day you came into this world screaming and fighting. You have always been a stubborn girl and fiercer than anyone I know. I only wish that I could be with you on this day to see you grow into the beautiful young lady that you are. Do remember that your brothers and I love you, no matter how far you are away and we will always be here waiting for your return. Stay strong in King's Landing, and remember to always be who you are.

Love always,

Your mother.

P.S. remember to use your manners and try not to get into too much trouble.

When she finished reading the letter she realized she was crying. It wasn't the longest letter but it meant the world to her. She knew that her mother and father wrote to each other as often as possible but she herself had only received word through her father. So, for her to get a letter addressed only to her filled her with joy. Her father sat next to her with his arm around her as she sobbed. She missed her mother and brothers more than anything, she had never been away from them until now. After a few minutes she was finally able to pull herself together, it wasn't often that she cried.

Ned released her before reaching into his pocket. She watched him as he pulled out a golden locket. She looked at it wide eyed as he placed it in her hands. She turned it over carefully, looking at the intricate designs around the edges. It was oval shaped, on one side her name was engraved and on the other was the family sigil, a direwolf. On the inside it was flat on either side and written into it were her parents' names on one side and the names of all her siblings on the other. It was beautiful.

"That way, no matter how far we are away, no matter where you go, you have all of us with you," her father told her as he took the locket from her grasp. He walked behind her and fastened the locket around her neck.

"Thank you," she said turning and jumping into his arms, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"I'm glad you like it," he said smiling into her hair as he held her tight. He was happy to see her grow and was happy with the changes he has seen in her the past six months. Changes may not be the word he would use, he was more implied to say she has reformed. She was still a frivolous young girl full of spirit, she still avoided wearing dresses as much as possible and she still enjoyed sword fighting more than stitching. She was most definitely still Arya Stark. But, by changes Ned meant that he saw her becoming more of a lady. She curtsied in greeting without being reminded, she attended court when she was supposed to and stood properly in the gallery next to her sister, and she allowed Septa Mordane to do her hair each day, sometimes the way she liked it pulled back but most days she allowed an up-do of the southern style. All anyone could be sure of was that Arya was growing up.

"Can I go to my dance lessons now?" she asked her eyes still filled with joy. It was the one thing in King's Landing she loved most and would dread missing it, even if she were spending time with her family.

"Yes, run along," her father said in reply, and before she knew it she was already halfway down the stairs with needle in hand.

. …. . …. .

Gendry had been waiting for what seemed like a long time. He had dismissed Syrio Forel for the day so that he could surprise Arya for her name day. He knew that it wasn't proper for a girl to accept a gift from a boy who was not of blood but he had hoped that since they were friends, and he was king, that it would be okay.

He had realized months ago that his feelings for her were a bit more than just friends but he couldn't help but to try to deny it. He enjoyed spending time with her and though she is younger than himself he felt completely drawn to her. But, he wasn't sure how she felt in return. In the months after his coronation, they often spent his free time together. They would go riding and have picnics in the Kingswood before returning to the Red Keep, she would help him practice his sword play and give him pointers on how to improve, and sometimes they would just go for walks in the garden when there wasn't much time to spare. He liked the fact that he could be himself around her because to her he wasn't just the King, he was Gendry. He could let his guard down and speak the way he wanted to, he could tease and joke with her – though he was often met with a hard punch in the arm. They got along quite well. One could say they complemented each other.

He turned where he was standing when he heard her footsteps drawing closer. He stood smiling as she came winding around the corner sword in hand. When she saw him, his smile faltered as he saw the look of disappointment on her face.

"What's the matter?" he asked confused at her reaction.

"Where is Syrio?" she said answering his question with a question.

"I gave him leave for the day, I…" he started, but she cut him off.

"Why would you do that? My father is the one who hired him, not you. You know I look forward to my lessons each day, and yet you ruin it on today of all days!" she said with spite in her voice. He didn't really think that it would be such a big deal that she miss one lesson.

"I'm sorry, Arya. I just thought it would be nice to spend time with you on your name day," he looked at his feet, suddenly feeling guilty that he upset her on her special day.

"Oh," he looked up at her and saw that she too had looked to her feet. He was about to speak when she looked up at him. "Well, are we going to just stand here or do you have something planned?" He couldn't help but laugh then as he grabbed her hand and lead her out of the castle.