I ran my hands over the smooth silk of my grey gown, erasing any creases. It really was a stunning gown, grey with white lace trimmings and a direwolf brooch over my heart. If anything, it was a Stark dress.

Ned, still only a week old, wouldn't be attending, but if he was older, he would be out on display in grey and white as future king and heir. Instead, Bran rode up on his horse, Dancer as the lords and ladies shouted, "Stark! Winterfell! Winterfell!"

I had insisted that I be the one to walk down the hall, but Ser Rodrik said that I wasn't the heir. Eddard was, so in his replacement, Bran was. That argument had ended with me storming out, red faced and furious. I supposed that I really did have a Baratheon temper, if not their looks.

So Bran had been seated, greeted the guests, and raised his goblet. I smiled politely and drowned my drink. I really didn't want to go through this tedious feast sober.

The wine, delicious, had made my head spin a little, but still didn't distract from the marvelous tastes of the North. I remembered a grand feast as a child, for Tommen's birth. I ate so much that I was sick afterwards, throwing up everything until my stomach was emptied.

To avoid this, I made sure to only have a tiny forkful of each dish, to make sure I tasted everything. Before everything got to loud, I made sure to stand up and make an announcement. Somebody introduced me as Queen Annablyth, wife to the King in the North, and the hall became mostly silent.

"It pleases me greatly to announce that I have birthed my child, a healthy boy by the name of Eddard, who will one day be king. In his name, I declare that all food left over from this feast shall be given to the hungry and poor of the North," The last part was barely heard, as the hall erupted into noise at the announcement of Ned. "To Ned!" One of the Umbers declared, and everyone lifted their glasses and drank.

After a while of deafening laughter and countless servings of food, a man announces the arrival of Meera and Jojen Reed. One of the Walders call them frog eaters, so I grab his arm hard and hiss in his ear, "Would you still like to lose your tongue, boy?" He shook his head quickly, and shut up afterwards.

I watched Bran's interactions with the Reeds, and note their interest with the direwolves. I cover my laugh with my hand when Bran blushes at the girl, Meera. Soon enough, the food ceases and the tables are pushed aside for room to dance.

I sighed, wishing Robb would say, "May I have this dance, my lady?" I would giggle, but place my hand in his. He would spin me around, and his eyes wouldn't leave me the rest of the night. However much I hoped, longing wouldn't make Robb come home.

I frowned and leaned on my hand, completely and utterly unqueen like. Many a lord asked me to dance, but I declined each one and left the feast soon enough. I made sure to visit Ned.

He was sleeping soundly, and didn't even stir as I opened and shut the oak door. I picked up the boy, cradled him in my arms, and started humming a tuneless melody. I sat in the soft chair by the window, and noticed two figures clad in green walking to the Godswood. Was that Meera and Jojen? I squinted my eyes, but the two people had scurried under the cover of trees and bush. Strange.

I gently laid down Ned in his crib, and left to my chambers.

I dreamed of Lady Hornwood, but I knew that this was one of the strange dreams. The dreams that came true. Lady Hornwood was stuck in a bare and stone tower, sobbing. I could count her ribs through her dingy dress. She then looked at her fingers, and then looked at the door. She took a little nibble of her small finger, and the scene that played out was so horrible and gruesome that I woke up crying.

I decided that moment that I would most definitely save Lady Hornwood.

• • •

The next morning, I personally broke my fast with her. "Lady Hornwood, I have discussed it with the council, and we all seem to agree that Beren Tallhart would be a suitable heir for the Hornwood titles," She nodded, staring at her food. "Lady Berena is the sister of your late husband, and her son has a good claim. His father, the Lord Leobald Tallhart suggests that you raise Beren as your own."

Lady Hornwood looked up at me then, and I gave her a small smile. "Why do you wish to help me?" She asks. "I am afraid that the Bolton bastard might to something despicable to you. I have heard the rumors. I believe that he would do anything, no matter how terrible."

She returns the smile to me. "My lady," I start, after a few moments of silence, "I propose that you marry somebody, just so it is not possible for the bastard to take you as a wife," Lady Hornwood looks at me. "Who do you propose?"

"It is my impression that you are interested in Ser Rodrik Cassel. He is a lovely man, strong and noble and brave, who would treat you well. He has a daughter as well, a comely young girl," I believed that a saw a hint of a blush on her cheeks. "I would be interested," she finally admits, and my smile grows. "I believe it would be best if you stay in Winterfell until Ser Rodrik is able to go with you back to your home."

When our meal is over, I allow myself a wide smile. Not only did I protect Lady Hornwood and the future of her house, but soon Ser Rodril will

• • •

The letter came on a normal day. "His Grace Robb has won a crushing victory at the Oxcross," I informed Bran and Rickon. "He defeated the large Lannister host led by Steffon Lannnister." I them turned to the Walders, "It devastates me to inform you that Stevron Frey had perished in his sleep from a minor wound," Little Walder opened his mouth to say something, but I sent him a glare, and he shut it.

"Is Robb coming home?" Rickon asked. "I am sorry little one. Robb has to win many more battles before he can return." I sent the boy a sympathetic smile.

After the meeting, I return to Ned. We play in his bedroom for a while, me reading him stories and singing little songs to him. I was on the last note of, "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" when a knock sounded on the door. I stood up, smoothed out my cream gown and call out, "Come in,"

A servant is there, and says, "Your Grace, a woman is here to see you." I sigh. "Tell her that if she has any needs, she can go to Bran in the public sessions," The servant boy responds, "She says that she knew you from King's Landing," My interest peaks, and I put Ned down. "Escort her to my solar,"

I get there first, and bring out a pitcher of wine. I ponder of who it could be.

Eventually my question is answered when the boy opens the door and my old lady-in-waiting, Eva is standing there. She looks the same as I remember, light brown hair, soft heart-shaped face, and blue eyes. "Eva!" I say, and race to hug her. She laughs and hugs me back.

Eva had always been a good friend to me, doubling as a handmaiden. Her father was a knight, but after he had died, she started working for housing in the Red Keep. Originally she was in the kitchens, and she had snuck me a strawberry pastry when I was 6. I went to my mother and demanded that she become my handmaiden.

Eva did, and eventually she was given a bigger chamber close to my own, and didn't empty chamber pots anymore. She would help me dress and do my hair, and then attend court with me. Eva slowly became my best friend.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, pulling back from the embrace. "Your mother accused me of treason, of spying on the Red Keep for you. Before I was killed, I managed to sneak out. And I have finally reached you!" I smiled.

"Please, sit," Eva does, and I our her a glass of wine. "It would please me greatly to be in your service again, Your Grace," I laugh. "Please Eva, no formalities. And of course you won't be in my service again," she looks confused for a second. "You're my best friend, you'll be treated as an honored guest here in Winterfell."

"Thank you Annablyth."

I smile as a plan slowly begins to hatch in my head. "We must meet again, Eva. I remembered that you always knew what was happening in the Red Keep."