I could hear the party long before they arrived. Hugging myself, the king and Eddard came in first, laughing. All of the party seemed happy. It had clearly been a successful hunt. Robb rode in, his face ruddier than usual from the whipping wind. For a moment, the smile upon his face pulled me away from what I had to tell him. Somehow, he could still steal my breath with something so simple.
"Ana!" He exclaimed, surprised to find me standing there. "You missed a great hunt!"
"Except for when that wolf of yours let out that terrible scream," Joffrey commented, looking in disgust at Grey Wind.
Robb did not look at Joffrey. Instead, he looked at me, tossing his eyes in the crowned prince's direction and shaking his head. I tried to offer him a smile, but I couldn't manage, thinking of the wolf's cries and Bran's broken body upstairs. Robb's expression faltered.
"You should have joined us!" King Robert added with a boisterous laugh. "You could have helped Ned and I take down that beast."
He gestured back towards whatever animal they had captured, but I didn't look. I simply laughed lightly in a tone that wasn't my own. Robb noticed instantly, his brow creasing with concern as he dismounted, striding towards me.
"Where is your cloak?" Robb asked. He put one arm on my shoulder and the other on my cheek. "You're ice. How long have you been out here?"
"A while," I whispered, feeling the lump growing in my throat and a sickness growing in my stomach.
"Is it Jon?" Robb asked. His face was turning white as the thought crushed into him.
"No, but you need to come with me. You and your father."
Robb turned back to look at his father, who was already walking towards us. His eyes softened with concern. I nodded them towards the Keep, wanting to put some distance between the hunting party and us before telling them what had happened.
When we reached the entrance, I took a deep breath, letting all of the air escape before turning around. "It's Bran."
I could feel the tears starting to sting in my eyes. Robb's lips parted slightly over his lips, trying to understand before I could speak, while Lord Eddard's face tightened. Only his eyes showed the worry he felt.
"He fell from the tower, and he's very, very badly hurt. His legs and back are broken. Maester Luwin said that tonight is the most important."
"Wait, Bran fell while climbing?" Robb asked in disbelief.
I nodded, "I did not see it, but Maester Luwin said as much."
"He never falls," Robb said, shaking his head. He turned his confused eyes to his father.
Lord Eddard's brows creased with concern; his mouth starting to twist. "Where is he?"
"His chamber. Lady Catelyn is there as well."
He turned away quickly, hurrying to his son's side. Robb started to follow him but paused.
"We need to tell the king," he stated.
"I can tell him. Go to your brother," I offered.
Robb shook his head, "No, I need to do this. Wait for me."
He took a breath, steadying himself before he faced the rest of him. He gazed at me, his mouth starting to twist as his father's did.
"Robb," I whispered, taking a step towards him, putting my hand on his shoulder.
He hung his head, trying to hold back tears. I felt my own face start to contort as I fought them as well, terrified for Bran and physically hurting for Robb. Finally, he looked up at me, nodding; he exhaled deeply and turned away to walk towards the king.
I couldn't hear him, but he kept his head up as he spoke. The king's typically happy expression dropped as he listened to Robb. He put an arm on my husband's shoulder and nodded towards the Keep. Robb turned around with King Robert next to him.
Nothing could hide the sadness in Robb's eyes or the sickened worry creased in his brow, but he held strong. Once inside Bran's chambers, we found Lord Eddard standing over Bran, speaking with Maester Luwin. Lady Catelyn sat in the same chair I had left her in. King Robert quickly moved to the men with Robb at his side.
I returned to my seat next to Lady Catelyn, taking her hands in mine and watching the men speak. I knew Maester Luwin would not have any further information, but Eddard, Robb, and the king needed to hear it themselves.
"I think we should give Lord Eddard and Lady Catelyn some time alone with their son," Maester Luwin suggested to Robb and me.
I gave one more look to Bran. His breath was still shallow; his face was completely colorless. I sighed deeply, wishing I could push that breath into him. Robb's arm wrapped around my shoulder. Stealing a glance, I saw Robb's jaw stiffen, trying to fight the water filling his eyes.
Back in our chamber, Robb just paced. "I hate not knowing."
"He's still breathing, Robb. You can't give up if he's still breathing."
"I'm not! I just…knowing he's there but not really there…I wish there was one thing I could do." He sat down on the bed, fidgeting with his hands, unable to keep still.
"I know." I gently ran my hand along his arm, down to his hands, and laced my fingers with his. "I know."
"Will you sit here with me?" Robb asked.
"As long as you want," I replied.
Robb smiled softly, "Forever then."
I smiled back at him and kissed him softly on the lips before laying my head on his shoulder.
The next morning, Robb and I hurried to Bran's room. He had made it through the night, but there was no change in his condition. Eddard, Catelyn, and the king had not left the chamber.
"Robb," Lord Eddard began. "Some ravens came in from the outskirts of the North. Can you read the messages and determine what to do with them?"
Robb nodded, "Yes, absolutely."
"You know where to find me if you have questions." He turned to me now, "Ana, we are pushing back our departure; can you ensure everyone is aware and make preparations within Wintefell for the royal party to remain another fortnight?"
I nodded, "Yes, of course."
"For all intents and purposes, Robb, Ana, you are Lord and Lady of Winterfell. It's high time you started."
I half-expected some reaction from Lady Catelyn. She would continue to live there, but she said nothing, never looking away from Bran. No, until her son woke up at least, it would be left to Robb and I.