I swear on all the gods that all hope is gone for Robb.

"You cannot kill him," I say, though it is more of a beg. I hated begging. "He murdered your cousins," Robb says, angrily stomping down the hallway. "Second cousins," I correct, "And we need his forces. You already hanged his men, but there is still hope. Keep Rickard captive, but if we kill him, than you will most definitely lose your Karstark forces."

Robb ignores me, and continues to the courtyard. I am forced to watch as he takes out a great sword, and beheads Lord Karstark. I made sure not to turn my head, instead just pursing my lips.

Robb wouldn't meet my eyes when he walked past me.

He really was a northerner, through and through.

• • •

"I am so sorry for your loss," I told Lady Catelyn, taking her hands in my own. She gives me an appreciative smile, and says in a soft voice, "I appreciate it, Annablyth," I nodded, and Catelyn soon went off. I started to wander around, fidgeting with my wine glass and talking to many a lord and lady.

I find myself in a corner of the room, where I feel a presence beside me. "Your Grace," the girl says. She holds a tray with small shellfish. "Lady Hornwood and Ser Cassel are adjusting well to their life in their new castle." I don't turn, but feel a small smile on my face. "It is also known that Lady Hornwood is warming up to her ward, and treating him as her own,"

I take a sip of the wine. "What of the bastard?" From the corner of my eye, I can see the informer smile. "Ramsay Snow has contracted an illness of the bowels. He isn't expected to make it." My smile grows. "Pity," Then, I say, "Have a good day," The girl bows and steps back.

The feast ended, and we all moved outside where Lord Hoster, in a small boat, was set off on the river. Edmure fired a few arrows, but missed every time, until Brynden the Blackfish took it from him and lit the boat up.

Robb and I then made our way to the war council. They discussed Edmure's victory at Stone Mill. It was a stupid move, and had ruined Robb's original plan. "It wouldn't have made much of a difference," I said calmly, twirling a lock of dark hair.

"What do you mean?" Robb asks, angry. "Tywin's army was able to rush to King's Landing and ensured the Lannister victory!" I sighed. "Even without the extra men, the Lannisters would have probably won. Wildfire can beat any man,"

Robb groaned.

He then continued to yell at pour Edmure, until I placed a hopefully calming hand on his arm. He took a deep breath.

"We have lost most, if not all, of our Karstark forces. We need to make up for their loss, so we need to make an alliance with the Freys." I stood up. "No. What are you doing? The Freys, now that their stupid pride is damaged, will slit our throats the first chance they get."

"No thanks to you," Robb mutters. I take a step back (when did I stand up?), hurt. "Anna," He whispers, and reaches his hand out. "I'm protecting my family," I say, and turn away. The tears start to flow freely as I run back to my chambers.

I sit at my desk, looking out the window. The Riverlands were a lovely place, luscious green and deep blue. But now the land was black from burnt harvests and I swear that the water has a red tint to it.

A knock sounded, and I was tempted to yell, "go away," but, with a sigh, I called out, "Come in,"

The person who walked in wasn't who I expected.

It was a girl, but by the way she dressed, you would assume she was a lady. A dark blue dress with white trimming adorned her slim figure, and her blonde hair was fashioned in an attractive bun. The thing that shocked me the most was that you could see signs of a child in her abdomen. She was probably about four moons in her pregnancy.

The woman curtsied deeply. "Your Grace," I didn't have a chance to respond before she continued. "I am Lady Juliana of House Lolliston, widow of Henry Lolliston. He died fighting in the Crag," Her voice was calm, showing no emotion. "I am sorry for your loss," The words tumble out immediately.

Juliana gave me a small smile. "We have been married for scarcely two years. He preferred whores over to me, and perhaps even to our own son, Rorin." She sighed, and shook her head slightly. "I was housed here at Riverrun after he died, to give birth to my child in safety."

I opened my mouth to say something, but Juliana wasn't done. "I am currently in direct correspondence with Eva." I smile at the mention of my friend. "Please, accompany me to my solar," Juliana smiles and follows me. She sits down on a plush chair.

"What news do you bring me?" I ask. "The Bolton Bastard is dead." Juliana says, pouring a glass of wine. "Your uncle," I tense at the word; I haven't talked to Jaime yet. Juliana, seeing my face, reassures me, "Tyrion, that is. He received an axe to the head, but is alive. Margaery Tyrell has arrived in King's Landing, and is going to marry Joffrey on the new year."

I nodded.

"Asha Greyjoy has conquered Deepwood Motte." Juliana hesitated for a second. "Daenerys Targaryen." The dreams haven't been occurring lately, not since the wedding one. "What about her?" I ask casually.

"After the death of her husband, Drogo, and the birth of her son and three dragons, Daenerys Targaryen was invisible. It is believed that she crossed the Red Waste, and then appeared in Qarth again. There she married Xaro Xhoan Daxos, who is a merchant prince, and vastly wealthy,"

I nodded. "Qartheen custom states that at the wedding, the bride and groom can ask each other for one gift. Xaro asked for a dragon, naturally, and Daenerys asked for his empire if he should ever die. I believe that Daenerys got pregnant, and then Xaro was killed tragically." I had to hold in my giggle.

"Daenerys received unmentionable wealth, and her dragon back. She is currently residing in Qarth, and has hired 1,500 men to protect her and her family. She is currently looking for an army. It is, however, unknown what her next move will be." I bit my lip, thinking. "Anything else?" I ask. Juliana gave off a confident aura, but in this moment, she hesitated.

"I ask for a personal favour," My eyes narrow, but I let her continue. "When you leave for Winterfell, I ask that my family go with you. My children could be wards, if you wish,"

"Why do you wish to return to Winterfell with us?" Juliana gulps. "The castle of Lolliston is weak in defence, and I only want to keep my family safe." I felt a small smile grace my face. "I know you have a son," Juliana also says. "And if I have a daughter, then perhaps a marriage could be arranged,"

"I shall consider it, Juliana. Have a good day." The blonde stood up, curtsied, and went on her way.

It was a certainly interesting proposition, but before I could really ponder it, my mind drifted to Daenerys, where it stayed for a while until Robb came back into our chambers after dinner.

"Edmure is to marry Roslin Frey. I'm sorry, Anna." I didn't say anything, for I could feel the hatching of a plan in my cranium.