I slept in my own chamber that night. I had rarely done so since I married Robb, but I could not be near him after our argument. If I were, we would have fought more, grown angrier. It was best to walk away for the night.

I lay in bed for a long time, staring into the darkness as my blood boiled underneath my skin. If he honestly thought for one moment that I would stay in Winterfell, Robb Stark had no idea who he had married. My anger did little for my sleep, but I did manage to close my eyes for a few hours.

I awoke, feeling no better. Robb had already left our chambers and was awaiting the arrival of the Umbers in the courtyard.

"My lord," I offered curtly as I took my place next to him.

"My lady," he returned.

We stood with our shoulders just touching, but neither of us said another word as we waited for the Umber party to make their way through the gates.

"Are you and Ana fighting?" Bran asked with curiosity.

"Not now, Bran," Robb returned with authority.

"That would be a yes," Theon whispered.

Robb shot him the dark glare, so I didn't have to. I kept my head forward and painted on a smile as the Greatjon rode into Winterfell. Instantly, I felt sorry for the horse. This man was gigantic.

"Well, I hear we will have ourselves a good fight with the Lannisters," he called, walking towards Robb. With a bow, he added, "I look forward to crushing them with you, my lord Stark."

Robb grinned, "It may not come to that."

"That grin on your face suggestions otherwise. You're relishing it as well!" The man guffawed. "And this must be your wife, Lady Stark."

"Lord Umber," I returned with a smile.

"You've done well, Lord Stark."

Robb gave a begrudging smile to me, "I did."

"So, who else do we have here? We need to see what warriors have come to fight the Lannisters. They will regret doing this, my lord."

Robb led him away towards the other men, the Umber sons in tow. I watched them walk on, my eyes stuck on the back of Robb's messy curls. He could feel my gaze. He almost turned back, but with resolve, kept on walking.

"You must have done something particularly terrible," Theon commented.

I shot him a dark stare.

"Oh, harsh reaction."

I waited until I was sure everyone was out of earshot before stating, "He's said he would leave me here in Winterfell."

Theon's confident smirk fell into a frown as his eyebrows furrowed. "Sorry?"

"He said he wouldn't take me with you all."

"No, he has to. I've finally got you in fighting shape, and—"

"—I am serious, Theon!" I exclaimed, my tone lashing out like a whip.

"So am I!" He returned almost in a hiss. "You have to come. You can see things."

I expelled all the breath within me, staring for a long time at the ground.

"You have to come," he repeated softly.

"I know."

"I'll speak to him," Theon offered.

"Best of luck to you," I called after him.

I wasn't sure how to begin with Robb, so I could only imagine how poorly this would go for Theon. It was clear at supper that the Ironborn had done little to warm the icy air between Robb and me.

I found myself sitting at the table as the men bandied words about who would be in charge of what. I spent most of the conversation casting pointed stares at Robb, but with each glance, I found my anger subsiding bit by bit, changing into worry. While the men seemed hungry for battle and war, the discussion was weighing on my husband. He put on a brave face, but I could see the darkness behind his eyes.

If any of this conversation were to come true, it would mean that negotiations had failed, that he did not have his father back, that he'd be asked to do something no man his age should have to do.

"Forgive me, my lady. Such words are not fit the ears of such a beautiful woman."

I turned towards Lord Umber with a wry smile. In truth, I hadn't heard any of his words. I was looking at Robb, trying to determine when he would explode in frustration.

"I assure you, my lord, I am made of much stronger stock than I appear," I returned.

"Yes, I'm sure your father saw to that. Great man."

"He was. My brother and I seek to emulate him in all we do."

"So this is why you sit in on a meal amongst us warriors? The only woman in the room. Tell me, Lord Stark, do you feel comforted with your wife in the room. I realize you've had not yet a year with her, but there are times to leave aside your women."

"I find my wife helps me to keep a cool head, something that we could all stand to be mindful of." Robb's tone was a warning, but the Greatjon seemed not to notice.

"Well, we will miss your father, Lady Stark. I suppose it's good to be reminded of the Samelsons. Now that was the only man fit to lead the vanguard other than me! But since he is gone, I shall do it," the Greatjon continued.

I could see the flash of red in his eyes as Robb stared at the man. Robb's hands clenched into a fist as the Greatjon threatened to march his men home if he did not get his way. Within a moment, Robb was on his feet.

"And after I'm done with the Lannisters, I will root you from your keep and hang you for an oath breaker," Robb threatened.

I cast a quick look to Theon, who had already begun to go for his sword as the Greatjon stood to question Robb's authority. But as Grey Wind came flying across the table, Theon yielded, and I let my fingers slide away from my dagger as everyone stood.

I will still never understand how tension that was so palpable you felt stuck in place could dissipate in an instant, but apparently, direwolves tearing off fingers had that affect on people.

I cast a glance at Bran as the men began to laugh at Robb and the Greatjon's exchange of words. He seemed to share in the confusion, staring uneasily at all of the men. I excused myself early to walk back with him and Hodor.

"Doubtless he meant only to cut my meat for me?" Bran repeated Robb's words, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Your brother has quiet a gift with words when he wants to use them to his advantage. That was something he always accuses me of," I added.

"How can they laugh about all of this? My father lies in prison and they treat this like it is a game!"

"I think sometimes, Bran, it is easier to laugh because if you are truly honest with yourself and truly let the gravity settle in, you'll begin to cry."

"I feel like crying, thinking about my father; is that wrong?"

"No, no, Bran. Of course, it isn't wrong, but there is a time to cry and a time to be brave and even at times, you have to tell yourself everything is fine when it isn't so you can get to the next moment. I think that's what Robb feels he needs to do."

"That sounds exhausting to lie like that all the time."

"It's not all the time," I promised.

"It feels like it. Robb is always so serious now, so cold. He's changed."

"We all have, Bran," I replied as Hodor set the boy down on his bed. "That is part of growing up, but I hope you don't think because Robb is so serious that he cares less for you. You and Rickon, the girls, Jon, you are all just as important to him as ever. Now, he feels he must protect you all, and it is very hard to know what is best when you're so young without your parents."

"And you," Bran added. "I know he wants to protect and do what is best for you too."

I sad smile came to my lips with a slight chuckle. I knew last night that fear was fueling Robb's anger, but hearing Bran's words, I remembered that I needed to apply the same logic I was using on Bran to myself.

"What is it?" Bran asked.

I shook my head, "Nothing, Bran. I fought with Robb last night and what you've said, you just reminded me that when you're angry, the obvious answers are hard to see. Now, I shall see you tomorrow."

"You all leave tomorrow don't you?"

Although I had not gotten the agreement from Robb, I nodded nonetheless. The boy threw his arms around me, and I gave him an extra squeeze in the hug. I felt tears coming to my eyes, and though I would usually try to be brave for him, I wanted to show Bran that it was okay to show emotion.

"Goodnight, Bran, and thank you for the reminder," I whispered, almost soothed by letting the tears fall.

When I opened the door to Robb and my chamber, we both looked at each other with raised eyebrows and a slightly open mouth before we cast our eyes towards the floor. I was surprised to find him back so early, and I knew he was surprised that I came to him that night when we had not made up.

"Ana," he said, breaking the silence; my name almost sounded like an oath on his lips, forcing my eyes to meet his.

"I know you are trying to protect me," I began.

"Always," he answered earnestly.

I felt my heart sinking as I began, but I didn't know how else to say it. "Negotiations will go poorly, Robb, and if you don't take me with you, I'm not sure if I will ever see you again."

Robb swallowed hard. "Will my father die?"

"I don't know, but we will be at war," I answered, honest and exhausted by it, as I sat down on the edge of the bed, staring at my hands.

I hated knowing so much and yet so little. I could tell my husband we would survive when everyone else in our company would die but I could not tell him for how long. I could foresee a long war, but I had no idea if Robb would fight as the acting Lord of Winterfell or as the true Lord of Winterfell. And, I could tell a Bolton would betray us, but I did not know which one or where.

"Are you going to tell me everything you have seen so far – every detail, not the general comments you make all the time?" Robb asked.

"I will tell you everything tonight," I swore.

Robb nodded as he took a seat next to me and let out an exhausted sigh. "Before you start, have someone begin preparing your clothes and pack your bow and sword just in case."

He could see my expression begin to light up, but as it did, he put a finger up, "I make no promises that you will see a battlefield, Analysa Stark."

I kissed him softly on the cheek. I didn't need that promise tonight, just the knowledge that I would be with him. I quickly fetched a servant to make preparations for me that night. When I came back, Robb sat at the desk, his head in his hands.

I walked over, running my hand along his back. Robb returned an encouraging smile. When I moved to pick up a few items I planned to take with us, my husband took hold of my hand, pulling me into his lap.

"We are going to survive this war," he promised, his blue eyes binding me to him.

I nodded, trusting Robb completely. With a soft kiss on my lips and then my hands, he let go of me. As I began to carry away my things, I saw him return to his slumped position, head in hands. The worry creased on his forehead made me feel rooted to the ground, but I knew for the moment, there was nothing to say.

He was questioning if he made the right decision to bring me with him. When I returned to our chamber and started telling him all that I had dreamed of, I could see the doubt slowly evaporate from his mind; however, the worry only seemed to knit further into his brow.