The next morning, Robb and I shared everything. He told me of Bran waking up, of Tyrion Lannister's return, how the direwolves nearly tore him apart, the saddle design for Bran, and also shared his own embarrassment of treating Tyrion so coldly even after seeing his attempt the help Bran.

"You have reason," I insisted.

"What threat does Tyrion Lannister pose with guards surrounding Bran day and night now?"

Robb had a point. In my own way, I offered sympathy. I had been foolhardy too to gather such a showing of powerful friends. The essence of the plan was in tact: all alliances remained. The colorful Lord Whyte seemed to fascinate Robb the most.

"We should invite him to Winterfell!" Robb suggested.

"I doubt he would come. I mentioned he said I was conniving, yes? He did not seem to like me."

"But if he can help you, we must try."

I tacitly agreed although did not plan to act on it. Even though I was desparate for his insight, I could not imagine him uprooting himself again unless war did break out and he had a personal need for my dreams to benefit our cause.

Rather than argue with Robb, however, I let it go. The Lord of Winterfell was welcome to extend the invitation.

"What news?" Robb asked Hal.

We were in the courtyard, greeting the remaining members of the company as they arrived.

"Sellswords. None with any distinctive marking. Well made blades, which we kept, but we have little information."

"Thank you for looking—"

"—My lady," Maester Luwin smiled softly at me as I walked towards him. "I am glad you are safe."

"Thank you. I'm happy to be home although I imagine we have much to discuss."

With a comforting smile, Maester Luwin began to lead me away, "Yes, indeed, much to discuss."

I glanced over my shoulder, watching Robb as he stood tall next to Hal and the other men. He had an air about him that was different than last night. He looked stronger and harder.

"He is doing well," Maester Luwin commented.

"I'm not surprised. But if he has done so well, then why are you already calling upon me," I teased with a good-natured smile.

"There is a raven for you," he answered. "From your brother."

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Already?"

I knew Willem hoped I would read his words as a joke, but there was nothing amusing in it.

Summoned to King's Landing. Apparently, they want to meet the new lord of our house. If murdered, I bequeathed Plenair to you. Philip will understand.

Will

"My lady?" Maester Luwin ventured, seeing my face drain of color.

"Excuse me," I replied, somehow remembering manners, but in another instant, I was rushing down the stairs. Would Willem have to pay for my mistakes? I was ambushed on the way home; what would happen to him?

My feet took me to the stable to Chimera before I even realized what I was doing. My hands worked furiously to ready him, but they barely seemed to function. Chimera sensed my agigtation, picking his front feet up in an attempt to hurry me further as he snorted.

"What are you doing?" It was Robb's voice from behind me.

I barely looked at him as I tightened the saddle, "Will has been asked to King's Landing."

"And you what? Plan to meet him there?" There was an evenness in his tone that surprised me.

"He can't go there without me. What if they hurt him?"

"Good point, your presence would certainly temper that more so than my father's."

"Yes, exac—" I cut off suddenly, realizing that Robb was mocking me.

Fire flashed in my eyes as I turned to meet the ice in his. That evenness in his voice now made sense as he tried to be as cold as possible while I knew there was no chance of calmness as I spoke up.

"Do you realize what could happen to him?" I demanded, my blood beginning to burn my skin.

"My father will look after him. You said yourself you attracted a great deal of attention. They merely want to confirm his loyalty."

"Truly? You think the people who tried to kill your brother are just looking to confirm the loyalty of mine."

"It would be a foolish time for them to hurt him when they summoned him. They would realize how suspicious it would seem."

"You don't know that!" I screamed.

"It's logic."

I scoffed, "Yes, it is wonderful that you can employ logic when my brother's life is at stake."

"Well, one of us has to keep the other grounded," Robb replied, loosening Chimera's saddle.

"You don't understand, Robb," I started, the tears brimming in my eyes.

"I do. This is frightening."

"No, no you don't. You have no idea what it's like to lose a family member!" I screamed.

Robb stopped what he was doing and stared at me. His icy eyes beginning to warm.

"A part of you dies. A part of you that you can never get back, and I—" My voice failed me as a sob choked my throat.

Finally, the tears fell from my eyes. Robb's arms closed around me.

"I would give anything to have another minute with my father. I can't lose him, Robb; I can't lose my brother too."

Robb kissed my hair, "I think he will find his way back to Plenair, but Ana, no matter whether I am right or wrong, you have another brother. And if he becomes a lord at his age, you have to be there for him, and I need you. You have to trust Will to get through this without you."

"But he can be such a fool, so unguarded," I was starting to laugh as I said it. "The both of us can be. I'm amazed we are still alive sometimes."

Robb brushed away my tears, "I'm not. You both certainly have your moments, but when things need to be done, I would trust you both with my life."

I started to breath normally again, repeating mantras to convince myself. "The king is there. Your father is there. Willem will be fine. But if it's not to hurt him, it can't just be for a test of loyalty."

"No," Robb agreed. "But what could they want from him?"

I shook my head, lost in thought.

"You should send back his men now so they reach him before he leaves and tell him to take a scenic course rather than what would be expected. I will write to my father and ask that he meet Willem outside the city and bring him safely within."

As I left to find my brother's men, I found myself slamming into Theon.

"Ow! Gods, Ana!" Theon exclaimed, his hand flying to his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry."

"Yes, I hope so."

I felt the instant desire to smack him, but realizing I was likely overreacting, I held my breath for a moment as Theon raised his eyes to the heavens, walking away. He was a complete ass, but I did owe him two words.

"Theon," I called.

"What?" he asked with a sigh.

"Thank you." I turned to him, seeing the surprise register on his face. The shock that replaced his typical haughty smirk that made this slightly less difficult to say. "I don't think I ever said that to you, but thank you for protecting me."

"Of course, I won't let anything happen to you," he returned softly.

Now, the surprise registered on my face.

"Robb would kill me," he added quickly.

"Yes, he would," I agreed with a laugh. That was to be expected.

Theon nodded at me and quickly turned for the stables as I picked up my feet again to find my brother's men.