It was unclear to me who was angrier with themselves the next morning: me for finding myself with my head on Robb's chest, or Robb for holding me so tightly in his arms.

Neither of us had forgotten our argument, but somehow, through the night, our bodies had betrayed us.

"Can I blame you?" Robb asked before the handmaid arrived to help me dress.

"Why not? You will anyway," I returned.

"That was a jest!"

I shrugged, "Hysterical."

"Now who is being the child," Robb muttered.

I felt my eyes flash fire as I stared into his icy blue eyes, but I knew he was right. Maybe that was the part that I disliked most. That, and the fact his messy hair, shadowing chin, and perfectly fitted doublet made me want to take him back to bed. I held my breath for a moment as he waited expectantly for me to say something. Instead, I just exhaled and began brushing my hair vigorously.

Robb was already dressed. "I will see you in the courtyard."

He started to walk past me to the door. "Robb, wait."

His eyes questioned my intentions as he turned around. I took hold of his belt and pulled him closer, and before he knew what was happening, my lips crashed against his. He kissed me with the same intensity, sucking on my lower lip, before he pushed me onto the table before us. His hands ran up the outside of my thighs, pushing my skirts higher with them.

"Milady?" A loud knock came at the door as Robb groaned in frustration.

"Just a moment," I called to the door before looking back at Robb. "I am still angry with you."

"And I still think you handled last night poorly," he returned.

Robb leaned in for a slow, smoldering kiss, running his fingers lightly over my groin as he pulled away, yet again sucking on my lip for one extra moment. All of the breath came out of my body as he pulled away.

"But I forgive you," he added and quickly moved towards the door.

"Damn you, Robb Stark!" I exclaimed.

He knew that would be the most irritating send off – acting as though he were taking the high road and leaving me on the table, desperately wanting him and yet also absolutely furious.

"My lady," he replied with a deep bow and a knowing smirk.

I exhaled in frustration and initially dressed quickly before slowing as I got closer to being ready. It was another morning and another set of goodbyes that I was in no hurry to make. I dallied while I could and strode slowly to the courtyard.

Robb was speaking with his father as I came near. First, I went to Sansa and hugged her tightly.

"I shall miss you so much, Ana."

I smiled at Sansa, "I shall miss you too."

"You will come for my wedding to Joffrey; you will come, yes?"

I nodded, "Of course, but remember, you are still a Stark. Your first responsibility is to your father and sister."

Sansa nodded.

I hugged her again, "Be safe. Be smart."

Arya was waiting, looking at the ground. I kneeled down to eye level. From that vantage point, I could see her fighting away tears.

"Think of this as an adventure," I suggested. "You will have to write me about the trip, I want to know everything about the city and your activities."

Arya sighed, her eyes raising upwards, "You mean, singing and stitching, dancing—"

I smirked, "I bet your father might surprise you with something a little more fun."

Arya raised her eyebrow, but I just shook my head with a knowing smile.

"You shall have to write me."

She nodded, her almond eyes staring widely. "You have to write too."

I hugged her and promised, "Every week."

As I walked towards Lord Eddard, Robb passed me. We glanced at each other. Robb had a knowing smirk on his face while I glared. Before I reached Eddard, I looked over my shoulder for a moment as Robb took a knee. Arya could no longer contain her tears. Robb reached out, touching her cheek with his hand as his eyes softened to a watery blue.

I could tell from his expression that he was starting to tease her – it was in his wry smile and slightly squinted expression. Arya was soon giggling.

"He'll be good with your children," Eddard said proudly.

I turned my attention to him with a smile, "He is good most anyone."

Eddard nodded, "It's the Tully in him. They are much more charming than we Starks."

"Oh, I've found you Starks to be..." I trailed off, not wanting to joke anymore. I met his eye as I said in all truth, "To be more than I could have asked for. I could never have hoped after losing half of my family, that I would feel part of another so quickly."

Eddard smiled warmly, hugging me, "I am proud to call you my daughter."

"We hope you will come back to us soon."

"Tired of ruling Winterfell already?"

"I just know there is much we could still learn from you."

Eddard pulled back, squeezed my hands and added, "You'll learn. I trust you."

When I stepped away, the royal family began to make their procession. I watched the queen as she regarded the carriage with disgust, but she was pleasant enough as she walked towards Robb and I. We stood together with little Rickon next to me.

"I suppose now we shall address you as Lord and Lady of Winterfell," Cersei commented.

"We shall do our best to serve you and our king," Robb returned.

The queen forced a smile, "Yes, I'm sure."

I curtseyed as Tommen and Myrcella walked towards us. I grinned, watching the princess look at Robb, still as dazzled as before. The farewell to Joffrey was cold at best, but as Jaime Lannister waltzed towards us, I bit the inside of my mouth, feeling Robb's jealous stare on my face.

"My lady," Jaime gallantly kneeled, taking my hand. I tried to fight a smile, but his act was impossible to completely resist, especially when you were angry with your husband. "It breaks my heart that you shall not join us in King's Landing."

"I am sure you will survive."

"Barely."

I laughed, "Well, I shall pray for you."

He kissed my hand before standing and kissing my cheek. "Forgive me, my lord." He turned to Robb with the most sincere of insincere looks. "She is too beautiful."

"Yes, my wife is beautiful," Robb returned, stressing my.

I smirked slightly but was also pleased to have Jaime on my side.

"May the gods smile upon you both." It was Jaime's farewell, along with a wink.

Shaking my head, I held back a laugh. Robb pulled me a bit closer and finally, the King came to take his leave.

"My Lord and Lady of Winterfell. You already look a family with little Rickon there!" he exclaimed.

I looked down at Rickon with a smile.

"Robb, I trust you will lead with the same honor and strength as your father," the King added.

Robb bowed, "Yes, your grace."

"And I hope a bit more fun," he laughed heartily.

Robb laughed, "I shall do my best."

"Lady Stark," the King began with a smile. "I'm pleased to have met the daughter of House Samelson. Support Robb well."

I curtseyed, "Your grace."

As the King got himself onto this horse, I took an extra moment to look at Eddard, Sansa, and Arya. I had only spent half a year with them, but they were my family and some sinking feeling told me they would be gone for a long time, possibly forever.

Stealing a glance at Robb, I saw his gaze firmly fixed on his father. Eddard looked to his youngest son, nodding with a strong smile. Eddard then looked upon his eldest son. In his smile was so much pride, which tried to fight away the sadness in Eddard's eyes.

Robb's eyebrows hardened as his jaw jutted out at an odd degree, matching his father's expression as they both fought back tears. They held each other's gaze until Eddard turned his horse and began the journey down the King's Road.

I took Robb's hand as we watched the massive company disappear from Winterfell. I didn't know quite what to say. We stood there with the cold wind whipping into our faces, waiting for probably much longer than was comfortable for those behind us. They people would not leave until we did, however.

I squeezed Robb's hand, reminding him silently to turn back to the Keep. After a moment, he glanced at me with a sad smile and moved. I followed him, but soon after, Theon was next to us.

"Here it is, Robb! Winterfell is now fully yours." Theon threw an arm around his shoulder, laughing, "We can do anything, but what shall we do first?"

Theon carried himself with such arrogance, a deserving smile, his head held even higher than Robb's. Despite my irritation with Greyjoy, I saw the smile slowly come back to Robb's face, and I couldn't fault that.

I left Robb to Theon and took Rickon's hand, leading him back towards his chamber.

"Do you think he'll come back like you?" Rickon asked.

"What do mean, Rickon?"

"You tried to leave, and then you came back."

I smiled softly, "I don't think it will be the same with your father, Rickon."

"But I miss him."

"And he misses you. Shall we send him a letter? You and I can write one tonight and tell him everything you did today. We can do so tomorrow and every day you wish. We shall send ravens to King's Landing and he shall have many letters waiting for him, so he can be a part of your days even if he is the King's Hand."

Rickon seemed to brighten at the idea, "Will he write back?"

"Oh, yes. Perhaps not until he arrives in King's Landing, but yes, absolutely."

Rickon now smiled, "Then, yes, I want to do that."

"Good, I shall find you before supper. Remember everything you do today, Rickon. You must give your father good notes."

The boy smiled and ran off. I smiled after him before taking a breath and turning to perform my own duties.