Game of Thrones: Trials of Marriage

Chapter 7 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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SweetImagination15: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah; that's what I thought.
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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Truth Revealed

Arya looked out of the window and bit her lip; Winter had set in and overnight snow had fallen heavily. From the window she could see the forge, the door was half-buried in snow; Gendry would have to clear the snow aside to even get out of the forge. It would be a risk even opening the door, the snow would likely fall into the room. Arya couldn't help but feel guilty.

'I'm in the castle, we have the hot springs and everything keeping the castle warm.' She thought forlornly. 'But Gendry's stuck out in the forge; I can't even go see him at night like I used to.'

She thought desperately; wondering if there was something she could do. As she turned away an idea came to her; however she then realized various problems that could arise. However she shook her head.

'Forget this; consequences or not, I'm going to do this.'

She hurried back to her room; for many years she and Sansa had shared the room; that changed when Sansa got married; now Arya had the room to herself. Something she was grateful for, particularly at times like this. She quickly pulled on her boots along with gloves and a warm cloak; all line with fur; desperate to keep warm she had pulled on several layers. Another thing that she was grateful for was her family's acceptance finally of her wishes. Ever since returning from King's Landing Arya had only ever worn a dress on family member's namedays, her own namedays or events like Bran's wedding. The rest of the time, she wore her preferred breeches and tunics. Once she was ready she hurried from her room and slipped out of the castle.

She ran into difficulty almost immediately; the cold air threatened to seep through and under her clothes; she had taken care to cover her lower face, protecting her nose and ears too; the parts most susceptible to frostbite. The snow was waist high on her and she cursed her short height. While she had grown in the intervening six years, it was only by a couple of inches. She finally trudged through the snow and made it to the forge. She knocked on the door this time before opening it. Gendry was standing next to the forge; the coals burning low; for heat. He looked up when she came in and seemed surprised as she uncovered her head.

"Arya, what are you doing here, you should've have come out." He exclaimed. "It's not exactly…"

Arya nodded. "I know; it's freezing in here; that's why I want you to come to the castle; stay there instead…" She paused and then added. "With me."

Gendry stared at her in shock and shook his head. "What; Arya no…That…"

"I know what you're going to say, I don't care, I don't care about what my parents and the others will say. I don't want you stuck out here…freezing to death; while I'm up in the castle, warm and safe."

Gendry sighed, knowing that it would be impossible to change her mind.

Gendry knew this was a bad idea, but for some reason, found himself allowing Arya to lead him through the snow and into Winterfell Castle. She suddenly hissed at him to stop; he did so and watched as Arya looked around before finally turning to him.

"Right, we have to be quiet; follow me." She whispered.

He nodded slowly and followed her; still amazed at how quiet she could move; even amongst her own home. It did not take long for them to arrive at her room; but it was then Gendry's fears were confirmed.

"Arya!"

They both spun around and found themselves face to face with Catelyn Stark. Arya groaned as Catelyn walked over to them.

"What is going on Arya?" She asked; her eyes flickered over to Gendry. "May I ask why…?"

Arya quickly cut across her mother. "It's Winter; he would've frozen to death in the forge."

Catelyn nodded. "I am aware of that; I'm not asking why he's in the castle. I'm asking why he's here, at your room."

Gendry bit back a groan; he wanted to say something, to help Arya. But he wasn't sure if anything he had to say would be of any help at all. Arya then bit her lip and turned her head away. However her blush told Catelyn everything; her eyes widened.

"No." She whispered; Arya looked up, realizing she was caught. "Arya; surely you're not…?"

Arya nodded in confirmation and Gendry realized then, their long held secret was exposed.

Catelyn Stark stared in shock at her youngest daughter; she couldn't believe what she was hearing; she had thought her daughter had simply been good friends with the young man. Now she had realized the truth; they were in fact, secret lovers.

"Arya; why?" Catelyn asked. "Do you realize the trouble this could've caused for your father and me; what your father would say if he knew about the two of you?"

Arya glared. "I know what you would've done for me." She snapped. "Married me off to some lord like some cheap whore."

Catelyn looked scandalized at this but Arya didn't stop.

"Well that's not me; if I ever do get married, it has to be to someone I love." She paused and then added. "Besides; I doubt you can marry me off now."

Catelyn sighed. "Actually Arya we…Wait, are you saying that you're no longer a maiden?"

Arya nodded. "Yes; I gave my maidenhead to Gendry."

Catelyn sighed and shook her head. "But why; Arya. He's…"

"I know; but I don't care." She said; "I love him, and that's all. Please, can you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Catelyn remained quiet for a minute; she carefully observed Arya's face; saw the determined expression on her daughter's face and knew that no matter what happened; Arya wasn't going to back down. The only possible way to resolve this would be to allow them to remain lovers; or have them marry. The thought of Arya marrying a bastard did not sit well with Catelyn however. Finally however she made up her mind and decided to let her husband decide the matter. She knew that any further argument would lead to a fight and Arya would likely run away with Gendry. The last thing she wanted under these circumstances.

Later that night a fierce snowstorm raged; the chill even worked its way into the castle, through the windows. Bran and Meera lay in bed; following Meera's suggestion they lay close together; holding each other. Their bodies were pressed tightly together as they had the furs pulled up around them; sharing body heat and keeping each other as warm as possible. As they lay Bran was quiet for a moment before finally revealing.

"I heard that Arya and Gendry were caught today."

Meera smiled. "I heard that too; well Gendry's staying with her in the castle now. Your father spoke to them and allowed it."
Bran sighed. "The question is; how's mother going to deal with it; she wasn't happy at first. But she seems to have calmed down now."

"I think it was your mother's idea that, if Arya and Gendry wanted to stay together they would have to get married." Meera stated. "Maybe she thought Arya would refuse that."

"Well, didn't work out that way, did it?" Bran remarked with a smile; Arya had indeed agreed, showing her dedication to stay with Gendry.

They did their best to ignore the surging winds and held each other for warmth; listening to each other's heartbeats. Winter may have come but they knew they would endure it together.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.