Game of Thrones: Love Shall Find its Way

Chapter 3 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, well, just wait and see what happens.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks, glad you liked it.
Guest: Glad you like it; Sansa isn't married, they haven't found a suitable husband for her yet.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks.
Evaline101: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 3

Bran was surprised; he was standing with his family, waiting to greet their guests. He hadn't even been aware they were expecting guests. As a matter of politeness Arya had conceded to her mother and sister's wishes and was wearing a dress. She was enduring it well enough, but it was clear she was silently warning Gendry, who seemed to have a hard time keeping the grin off his face. He was aware that Meera was standing just behind him. He had to resist the urge to turn and smile at her. But he was aware of her eyes on him and knew she was smiling. Just the thought made his face feel warm. He was even more surprised when their guests arrived, he recognized the sigil from Maester Luwin's lessons; House Mallister.

'They're from the Riverlands, they serve mother's family.' He recalled. 'But why are they here I wonder?'

He watched as they dismounted and approached; they bowed respectfully. His father stepped forwards; smiling in greeting.

"Welcome Lord Mallister, I'm glad you could make it." He greeted the man warmly.

Jason Mallister straightened up. "Thank you Lord Stark; it is an honour to be received by you."

Jason turned his head and smiled when he saw Catelyn. "My lady, it is a pleasure. It has been some time since last we met."

"Indeed Lord Mallister; I trust you have been well all these years?" Catelyn replied.

He nodded in confirmation before turning to Eddard again. "Lord Stark, I must ask if we can discuss matters in private."

"Of course." Ned replied calmly. "Let us go to my solar."

Catelyn smiled and agreed to introduce the families to each other. So the two lords departed.

Bethany stood next to her brother Patrek as her father left with Lord Stark. Her mother stood smiling as Lady Stark approached them.

"Greetings my lady." She said with calm assurance. "I trust your trip was pleasant?"

Bethany saw her mother nod and reply. "Yes Lady Stark, most enjoyable. I don't believe we've met, or that you've met Patrek and Bethany?"

She gestured towards the children as she said that. Lady Stark smiled kindly and shook her head.

"No, I do not believe I have, it is a great pleasure." She replied. "Allow me to introduce my children."

With that they stepped forwards to meet the Starks. Bethany listened and joined in the greetings as she was introduced to Robb and Sansa. Then Arya and her husband Gendry; Bethany noted this and was confused, she decided to ask later. Bran and Rickon were the last ones introduced.

Bethany focused her gaze on Bran. 'So this is him, my betrothed.'

She observed him carefully; noting various things she could determine through sight alone.

'He is good looking; he seems nice enough. But I can't make any real decisions based on that.' She thought seriously. 'I have to get to know him better first.'

So together, along with the rest of the people of Winterfell; they entered the castle again. Bethany looked over at Bran and decided she would try and talk to him during the welcoming feast being set up for her family.

Bran smiled as he sat at the base of the Heart Tree in the Godswood. Meera was with him, also smiling.

Meera looked over at Bran. "We really should be in the castle, getting ready for the feast."

Bran nodded. "I know; but, we might not get a chance to be together like this today. I hope you don't mind."

Meera laughed and moved closer; their faces now inches apart.

"No, I don't." She murmured as she closed the gap and they kissed.

They still hadn't worked out a way to talk to his family about it. True Arya and Gendry were truly in love, but their marriage had still been a political one, arranged by their parents. The fact they were already in love just happened to be luck.

'But, what are the chances, seriously, of my family accepted us.' Bran thought. 'I mean, the Reeds are already loyal to my father, this won't help them.'

Despite these thoughts, he found something else that perplexed him; he had no idea why the Mallisters were here. 'They serve mother's father, but an alliance with us would help them greatly too…Is that why they are here?'

He shook his head; he would just have to wait. Knowing they couldn't delay any longer they returned to the castle and prepared to get themselves ready.

Bethany exited the room she had been given to stay. She was all dressed and ready for the feast. As she walked she could hear people talking, curiously she approached and listened in. She detected the voice of Sansa Stark.

"Now please; do behave." She was saying. "We don't want our guests to get the wrong impression, so please, no…crass innuendo with Gendry okay."

She heard Arya reply. "Relax Sansa; we won't be saying anything like that. After all, it's not like it's anybody's business."

She stepped around the corner as Sansa replied. "Arya, you know why we…"

She could see Arya shaking her head.

"Don't Sansa; let's not argue before the feast. I told you before, I'm not ready yet."

Bethany decided to speak; she might as well sate her curiosity now. "Pardon me my ladies."

They both turned and Sansa quickly smiled politely.

"Greetings Lady Bethany, are you ready for the feast?"

Bethany nodded. "Yes Lady Sansa. Lady Arya, I was wondering, could we go down together, I wish to talk you for a moment."

Arya looked at her surprised but then nodded in agreement and so they left. Sansa told them she would be down soon; she had to make sure Rickon was ready. So they made their way down to the great hall.

Bethany made up her mind and asked. "If it's not too much trouble my Lady, may I ask…"

"Please, just call me Arya; I hate that whole Lady business, I'm no Lady." Arya replied quickly.

Bethany smirked; it seemed the rumours she had heard about Arya were true. So, she modified how she addressed her and asked her question.

Later, at the feast, Bran sat, slightly uncomfortable. He could see Meera from where he was sitting. She still smiling at him from time to time, but she looked as uncomfortable as he did.

"Lord Bran, are you alright?" Bethany asked from her seat next to him.

He turned and smiled as best he could. "Yes, my Lady, I apologize, I was…distracted. May I ask; why has your family honoured us with this visit?"

Bethany nodded slowly. "I'm not surprised you don't know, I only found out by chance but…"

Before she could say anymore however, Bran got his answer. His father stood up and made the announcement.

"People of Winterfell, it is with great honour, that I announce the betrothal of my son, Bran Stark and Lady Bethany Mallister of Seagard."

Bran froze, shock overtook him as the people cheered and applauded. One didn't however and Bran felt his heart seize. He could see the colour drain from Meera's horrified face from here.

'No, it…it can't be. This is what I feared and now it's come true. We delayed too long, now we've lost our chance.' His thoughts raced. 'Meera I…I'm so sorry, how do I…what am I gonna do? What do I tell her?'

He was left reeling, still in shock and didn't have an answer.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.