"But, Mother!" Arya protested.

It was quite the scene as we prepared for supper. Sansa smiled prettily, anticipating her procession into the Great Hall with Prince Joffrey. Arya, on the other hand, could not have looked more miserable at the prospect of being led by Prince Tommen.

"Arya…" Lady Catelyn's sympathy was diminishing by the second, her face becoming progressively sterner.

"Can't he waddle in himself?" Arya demanded.

"Arya!" Lady Catelyn's voice was an impressive balance of measured and furious. Her blue eyes were wide and sparkling.

"I would be honored to be escorted by Prince Tommen," I spoke up. I gave a small smirk, "Besides, that would free Robb, and I am quite sure Princess Myrcella would be very pleased to be escorted by my husband."

When we had been introduced earlier that day, the young girl's eyes were moon-shaped and a timid smile spread across her face upon looking at Robb. It was amusing to watch. Of course, then I wondered if I was that amusing when gazing at my husband.

Lady Catelyn hesitated. "Yes, I had thought he would escort her…and that would leave you free."

I exchanged knowing glances with Arya.

"And, that is fine. I am sure Jon would be happy to escort me. I think we both assumed—"

"No, Prince Tommen shall escort you, Ana," Lady Catelyn interrupted.

I was aware that my proposal of Jon as an escort would not be well received, and it had exactly the effect I hoped for. Arya was free, and I had made a point that I considered Jon one of the family.

"I should finish getting ready," I added with a smile, feeling confident in my success.

Back in our chamber, Robb was putting his cloak on. His hair had gotten back much of the unruly, messy curl that we had fought with that morning. And, I loved it.

"Yes?" he asked in reference to my wide grin.

"You are so handsome."

I stepped in front of him and cupped his face with my hands, pulling him into a kiss. He sucked on my bottom lip, the kiss slowly smoldering and causing my whole body to enflame.

"Robb," I whispered as he kissed my neck.

A loud knock came at the door, making the both of us sigh.

"Curse the feast," Robb whispered.

I kissed him once more, hoping to have that last me through supper. Glancing the mirror, I smoothed my deep blue dress. It hugged my body tightly, accentuating curves that I usually hid underneath the warm cloaks needed in Winterfell.

Robb gazed at me, "You look perfect."

I smiled at him as he walked to the door. When he opened it, I expected to see the plump young prince with whispy hair. Instead, my eyes widened in surprise as the tall, thin, golden haired brother of the queen stood in front of us. He flashed a confident smile at me and then looked to Robb.

"I believe I have the honor of escorting your wife," Jaime stated.

Robb looked back at me, his blue eyes were ice though his face was reddening.

"Excuse me, my lord, I thought I would have Prince Tommen as an escort," I answered.

Jaime returned a sad shake of his head before looking back at me with an easy smile, "I am afraid things have changed, and you must deal with me."

I laughed lightly, somewhat nervous as my hand fluttered to my hair, "No, my lord, it would be an honor."

Robb managed to turn his face to a stonewall as he nodded towards me. "I shall see you at supper."

"Robb…"

He gave Jaime the courtesy he was due but without much sincerity before walking away. I sighed softly, watching him walk away, while Jaime had a smile on his face, fully entertained by this turn of events.

"I hope I have not upset the happy couple," Jaime added.

"Not at all."

"Shall we?"

He offered his arm, which I took with a believable smile. I was certain that my nervous reaction had upset Robb. Yes, Jaime Lannister was a handsome man. Anyone with eyes would say that, but I much preferred Robb Stark to any other man imaginable. My husband needed to remember that.

"How do you find Winterfell, my lord?" I asked, pulling myself away from my thoughts and turning out my gregarious self.

Jaime laughed, "Cold and quite a far journey."

I grinned, "It is quite different from the South I would imagine."

"Have you ever been to King's Landing?"

"No, I must confess I am not well-traveled."

"I cannot say I am surprised. My understanding is that your father never enjoyed leaving the plains after he became lord of House Samelson."

I shook my head, "No, although I hear he hid that well enough in war. Lord Eddard always speaks of his positivity and how he could find the right words to make anyone do anything."

Jaime shrugged, "Some men are easier to manipulate than others."

"Or inspire," I returned.

Jaime gave a deferential smile but I could tell behind his eyes that he was not truthful. "Forgive me. That is what I meant."

I chuckled and did not hide my disbelief. "Oh, of course you did, my lord."

Jaime looked at me with one perfect eyebrow raised as we arrived at the entrance of the Great Hall. He watched with curiosity, but my eyes quickly found Robb's. He stood with Myrcella, who smiled whimsically, sneaking glances at my husband.

"I think my young niece is smitten," Jaime whispered as though we were conspiring.

I think the lion enjoyed seeing Robb's face hardened when Jaime leaned closer to me.

"She does have the most handsome escort in Winterfell," I returned. "Of course, I am hopelessly biased."

Jaime grinned as the doors opened for the procession to begin.

"It is a shame you are not in King's Landing, my newly lady Stark. You amuse me terribly."

Jaime saw me to my seat next to Robb and kissed my hand softly. He smirked at Robb as he turned away. I glanced at Arya first, giving her a small shrug in an attempt to apologize for not helping with Tommen, who sat next to her. When I looked to Robb, he stared at me with icy eyes.

"Please talk to me, Robb," I kept my voice quiet, given the presence of the princes and princess nearby.

"What did you two discuss? Killing kings?" He returned, his voice barely above a whisper.

I scoffed and then put my hand on Robb's forearm. "Robb, please don't be so surly. This is supposed to be a nice evening."

"Why not share your smiles with Jaime Lannister? It seems you two were enjoying each other's company."

I let go of Robb's arm and looked across the table. I had grown used to seeing Jon there, but tonight, I got Theon. He seemed to be enjoying this argument greatly, which did little to improve my mood.

"I would gladly have escorted you, Ana," Theon added under his voice. "We might as well be siblings, so no danger there."

"Except the danger of me strangling you," I returned quietly and looked around the table.

Sansa was of no use, giggling with her escort, while Arya appeared irritated still. Bran was too far away to talk to. I picked up my glass in frustration and found Jon's eyes far across the hall. I raised my glass in his direction. Jon returned it, and we both took a sip. I was ready for the stags and lions to leave. They had hardly been here a day and already, they were straining things.