Author Note: One of my favorite chapters so far for this story, I hope you all enjoy it. Thank you for the reviews, the follows and favorites.

Dislaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones or anything related to it. I own Alara and her mother.

Chapter 9: Family

Robb

A month, a month was a long time to avoid someone but Robb Stark had done it. He took Alara's maidenhood, and refused to speak to her since. He thought she would think him a savage, an animal, and he was none of those things. He was a kind and honorable man who had fallen to the charm of her eyes. Her eyes pulled him in, and her body did not help either.

"Is this right?" Her eyes looked into his, but her voice was not speaking to him.

Robb stood upon the bridge watching her in the training yard. His friend and ward had taken his place in Alara's life. He was the one teaching her to hold a bow, teaching her how to use a sword. Though Robb could see sword play was not something she needed help in. Baring a few stance issues, the girl was a natural at what she did. She swung the sword as if it had been in her hand since birth.

"Perfect."

Robb watched as Theon cupped the girl's hips in his hands, his body pressed against hers. Something in the way his hand's touched Alara made Robb growl, he did not like the way it looked. Alara was not his, he had no claim on her, but he felt protective of her. He watched as his friend whispered in her ear, causing the girl to laugh. Soon she let the arrow fly, she missed the target by inches.

"You are getting better." Theon stepped from her as he spoke. "Why don't you go spend time with Bran, he has been begging for you to tell him the story of the knight."

He could not hear what Alara said next her voice was much too quiet, but he watched her walk away. She glanced back up at him, her purple eyes filled with something he could not place. As she faded away into the castle Robb cursed himself. He was angry with himself, and that was why he could not speak with her. He was a good man, not a man who took a woman's maidenhood. He would never forgive himself for such a folly.

"If you spoke to her, you wouldn't have to watch us like that."

Theon had found him, and soon was standing beside him on the bridge. His friend wore his smirk, and Robb thought of punching it off his face.

"I ruined her."

"You didn't ruin her, she wanted it too." His friend laughed. "She isn't angry at you for what happened."

Robb didn't care if she was angry with him, he was angry with himself. He took her, and left her in her bed before dawn. He had left the room, told himself not to take her but still he gave over and made love to her. He enjoyed every second of it, he loved the feel of her wrapped around him. He wanted it again.

"Robb, you are my friend and I know she only sought me out to make you jealous." His friend placed a hand on his shoulder. "Speak with her, or damn the Gods I will be the next one to take her."

Robb walked away from Theon, fearing the words that would leave his lips. Robb Stark had bed only one woman in his life outside Alara, despite the way his friend would like to paint him. It was a slip on a drunken night in the brothel, and he swore he would never again touch a woman till his wedding bed. Then he saw her, and everything had changed for him.

She made him lust, made him wanton for her. The first time he saw her standing before him naked it was hard for him to conceal the way his body reacted to her. She had perfect breasts, soft tan skin and eyes that would make any man fall to their knees. How was he supposed to resist her? She was supposed to tell him no, to deny him.

Robb knew supper drew close, and so he made his way to wash up. He would find her before dinner, he would speak with her and ask her to join him in his solar. They would have a private dinner, he would seek the woman's forgiveness. He felt horrid for his actions, but Theon made off as if Alara didn't care. Had it meant nothing to her?

When Robb entered his chambers he found a small white parchment upon his bed, a soft smile graced his lips. Her writing was elegant and he wondered for a moment where she had learned to write.

Have supper with me in the hall tonight. I am not asking, my young Lord.

He let out a soft chuckle. She was like no other woman he had ever met, not even Arya compared to the fire he saw in Alara. She may have been slightly uneducated, and a bastard but she fought better with a sword than some men he knew. Of course, she had a long way to go and if Theon kept teaching her she would learn nothing. Theon was good with a bow, and his cock, but not much else.

He found her sitting in the hall, her back was to him and Theon sat across from her. He could hear her laugh across the room, a soft gentle laugh. Her hair fell freely down her back, and the white dress was contrast against the black tresses. He was tempted to touch her hair as he passed, tempted to run his fingers through the locks, but he kept his hands to himself. He found a seat next to Theon, eying her a plate was set before him and his cup was filled with sweet red wine.

"Hello, m'lord."

She held a smirk on her lips, and he saw something dance in her eyes.

"Hello, miss." He too found himself smirking.

He knew next to him Theon was sending her looks, and they shared a moment of laughter at some hidden secret. Robb found himself secretly longing for the days where Alara was threatening the man with a sword, at least he had nothing to worry about then.

"I hate to interrupt your meals."

Robb turned to see Maester Luwin shuffling in, parchments in his hands. He handed a sealed envelope to Alara, stated to her it had come from a rider that morning. He watched her hold the papers in her hands, and set them down beside her. She glanced at him, and Robb could only imagine the papers had come from his father with the news of her true family.

Maester Luwin handed Robb a parchment, it was written in his sister's hand. The words did not belong to Sansa, and as he read it fire burned in him. The Queen was using his sister, using her to feed words to him on what he should do. His hand crumbled the paper, his fist tightening.

"Are you alright?" Her soft hand landed on his, and her voice soothed him.

He stood from his place, dropping her hand onto the table. His eyes met hers, and he knew she would never understand what burned inside of him. Theon looked to him, and nodded his head, Robb knew his friend understood.

"His puts my father in chains for treason, and now he wants his ass kissed."

The boy king was demanding fealty from him, demanding he ride to Kings landing to bend a knee.

"It's a royal command, if you do not go I fear.."

"I am going south, but I am not going alone." His voice was strong, and he watched the purple eyes regard him with confusion. "Call the banners."

"As wish, my Lord."

The Maester left them and Robb sat down to finish his meal. His body was shaking, and his blood was flowing at an alarming rate. He was livid, he was furious at the bastard. How dare he arrest his father, and then demand he come to bend a knee.

Robb watched Alara took her own papers and left the hall. She said nothing, and he knew she could no doubt sense his behavior. He only hoped he did not offend her further. Everything was going to change, he was going to war. King Robert was dead, and his father lay in chains. His mother had kidnapped the Imp, and his sister was in the hands of Cersei Lannister. War was coming, and winter would follow the tide.

Alara.

She had hoped they could speak, but when he stood and his body began to shake she knew it would not happen. She didn't understand what he spoke of when he mentioned his father, treason and someone wishing to have their ass kissed but she knew what the banners meant. She knew all men flew banners, and when they came together it meant war was coming.

Alara excused herself, carrying the envelope that she could only hope carried the news she had been waiting for. She had been in Winterfell well over a month, and she been gone from her home even longer than that. She could only hope the Lord Stark, father of Robb, had found her family. What if the letter held bad news? Would she still wish to read it?

She found a seat on her bed, and closed her eyes. She thought of Gendry, and she wished he was with her. He could have held her hand as she opened the letter, and for a moment she thought of fetching Robb. He too could hold her hand in his, but she knew he had his own matters to attend to. She also doubted he would take the time, he had made love to her and left her before she awoke the next morning. He ignored her for a month. She didn't need him.

With a deep breath Alara read the first letter in the envelope. It was from Lord Stark.

Alara

I wish to apologize first for my behavior when we were in each others presence. You look so much like a woman I once knew, and seeing brought memories I had long since tried to forget. I want to tell you that I found what remains of your family, of your father's family. You have a cousin, he is a young Lord and the Lord of your family's house, his name is Edric. Your father has one remaining sister, Allyria. I have contacted Allyria, and enclosed is a letter for you. I spoke with Edric, and once he is finished with a matter I have sent him on, he will come for you in Winterfell. Your family wants you home, and I hope you find peace Alara.

She let a smile reach her lips. Her family wanted her, but she did not truly know what that would mean for her future. Her cousin would seek her when his matter was done, and she could only hope they would get on. She hoped he would allow her to visit Kings Landing, to visit mother and Gendry. She took the second letter from the envelope, it was short but it brought a shake to her heart. It took her a moment to understand the words from the King Robert, and her heart began to race. She had been given a name.

The last letter summed everything up for Alara and brought true tears to her eyes.

Alara

I long since gave up on finding you, and I am sorry. When the sack of Kings Landing happened we were sure you were lost but we searched. When we couldn't have someone find you, we mourned you. My sister and I, filled the halls of our keep with cries. We lost out brother, your father, and you in such a short time. When Lord Eddard Stark sent me word of you, I did not believe it but I had friend who say you. He told me you look of my sister, the beauty she was. I wish for you to come home now, to where you were always meant to be. My brother, Arthur, he would have given you the world. I know you have grown and I do not doubt life has been hard, but I wish to make it better. I await your reply, and your face. Welcome, Alara Dayne.

Allyria Dayne of Starfall.

Alara cried, and she wept. She was no longer Alara Waters, the bastard of Kings Landing, she was Alara Dayne. She had a family,she had name she could look for in a book. She could find more about her father, and she could learn of him. The King had given her the right to her name, and he had given her a family. She would have to thank Lord Stark. As she thought of Lord Stark, she thought of Robb. His father was in chains, and she had found her family. Their lives were about to be pulled in two directions, directions neither could imagine.

She was not alone for long, soon her door was being opened and Robb Stark was entering her chambers. She placed the papers aside, and met him in the middle of her chamber. They were two feet a part, his eyes looked so full of emotion.

"You are crying." His hand reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. "Was it bad news? Is your mother alright?"

"My mother is fine, she sent me a raven last week." Her voice was calm, and his hand continued to rest on her face. "It was from your father, the King and someone else."

She watched his brow furrow and felt his hand leave her face at the mention of the King. She shifted as his gaze landed on her with suspicion.

"What did King Joffrey want of you?"

"King Joffrey? He's the Prince, silly, even I know that."

He looked down, and Alara reached for the papers she had received. She went to hand them to him, but he did not take them. He just shook his head and went to leave, but she took his arm.

"You came here seeking answers, and I will give them."

Her eyes searched his, looking for something.

"You don't need to." His voice was frustrated. "You owe me no answers."

She was growing frustrated with him, he was a frustrating man. She let out a sigh, and threw the papers onto her bed. She moved closer to him, making her body only a breath from his own. She looked into his eyes, and stared. She waited for him to speak again, and when he didn't she spoke.

"Your father found my family and the King Robert Baratheon gave me a name." Her voice shook. "Because of your father, I have a family now, a true name and house. She wrote to me, my father's last living sister. She wishes for me to come home, Robb."

He grabbed her, and pulled her into an embrace. The men held her close and Alara felt herself begin to laugh.

"Alara, that is great." His voice cracked. "Who are they? I can tell you where they come from, and maybe I know things."

Alara took herself from his embrace and found her way to bed. She sat there looking up at the Lord. As he stood there he mind wandered to the night he took her, the night she gave herself to him. But she shook those thoughts from her head, it was a moment to focus on her family, not her wanton lusts.

"My father's name is Arthur Dayne, I suppose, Dayne was the name I was given for myself."

Alara watched as his eyes filled with familiarity, he knew the name.

"You are serious? Your father is Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the morning?"

Alara did not know of what he spoke. The sword of the morning? She didn't even know her father was a knight, she thought he was a solider.

"I suppose so. My aunt wrote to me, she wants me to come to her home of Starfall."

He sat beside her, a smile on his face.

"No one would ever have thought your father would break such a vow." She looked at him with her head tilted to the side. "Ser Arthur Dayne was the most noble, and honorable knight of his age. He was Kingsguard to King Aerys Targaryen, and friend to the bard Prince Rheagar."

Alara knew the names of the fallen king and the fallen Prince. She only knew them in passing, she did not know them as history. He continued to speak of her father, and the great things the man had done. Alara wished she could have met him, could have learned of him.

"Are you scared, Alara, to meet your family?"

"Of course of I am, but it's all I ever wanted." She looked to him. "Are you scared too? You are calling your banners Robb Stark, you are going to war."

His hand found her knee, and she could feel him tremble. He was afraid.

"I am, but I must do it." His hand gripped her. "You understand that right? You understand why I must go to war?"

She didn't, if she was honest. War did nothing but take her father from her, Robb had confirmed that with his stories. Soldiers went off to war and never came home. War was vile and innocents always died.

"Your family." She nodded. "But you won't come back, Robb Stark, they never come back."

He took his free hand and placed it upon her cheek turning her face to her. Their eyes met.

"I am going to come back, I am going to bring my family back."

He looked so certain, but Alara did not believe him and anger rose in her. What if his brothers? They needed him.

"What of Bran, and Rickon? They can't come with you, and they need you." She stood from the bed and looked at him. "I talked to Rickon the first day I came here and I knew he needed someone to listen to him. He feels alone as it is, and so does Bran. They need you."

"My father needs me and my sisters do as well." He was standing too, his voice raising. She had offended him.

Alara scoffed at him, he was a child. He would not win a war against the Kingdom, and against the King. A rebellion would lead to nothing but their deaths.

"Bend a knee, bring your father and sisters home that way."

"I would never bend a knee to that prick, Joffrey."

Joffrey was the Prince, but it seemed different now. She could only assume the King had passed, the man who had given her a name had died. She still did not see the man's issue. He bent a knee to the last King, and so he should this one.

"You are child marching to war, put your pride aside."

She watched anger flash in his eyes, as she continued to offend him.

"This isn't a matter of pride,Alara. If you had a family like mine, if you had lived with your father, you would understand."

He had not meant his words to cut her, at least she hoped he didn't, but they did. She felt a sadness wash over her, and an anger.

"If your father had not killed him that day, I would have." Her eyes were glowing with rage. "I lost my father to a rebellion led with your father, and my father died doing his duty. What makes you think you won't?"

Robb Stark surprised her by pulling her against him, her body flush against his own. He looked into her eyes as his hands rested on her lower back, keeping her close to him. There was a silence between them, the only sound that could be heard was their elevated breathing.

"I know what my father did, and I know he feels terrible now." His words gave her no comfort. "You don't know me, Alara, you owe me nothing. If I go to war, and I don't come back, it doesn't matter. You'll be gone, safe in Dorne with your family. You'll have what you always wanted."

She could feel every vibration in his chest as he spoke, she could feel the flexing of his fingers as he held her. She didn't believe his words, and she wished she could. She didn't know him, he wasn't Gendry, he wasn't her friend for years. He was a man she knew for days before he bedded her and ignored her. He was a charming Lord who could have any girl falling on her knees for him, and she was a whore's daughter even with a new name. They were nothing to each other, but by the Gods she couldn't feel that way.

She had watched him as he ignored her. She watched the way his eyes would frame her body, how he would lick his lips when he looked at her. She saw the look in his eyes as Theon touched her, she knew he was jealous. Her mother never taught her of love, and she never taught her of affections with men. All she had learned was how to pleasure a man in bed, but if falling in love was the pain she felt in her chest thinking of him going to war she didn't want it.

"It doesn't matter, if I don't know you or owe you anything." Her eyes were trained on the wall behind him. "I owe your father for reaching to my family, I owe your mother for taking me even if I hated it, and I owe your brothers for teaching me how to help others. I don't owe you a single thing Robb Stark, but that isn't why I care."

She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer. She couldn't get any closer to him, but by the Gods he was trying.

"I need you," her breath hitched, "I need you to take care of my brothers while I am gone. Until your family calls you home, please."

For a moment she felt crushed, but she didn't know why she was hoping he was saying he needed her. She was nothing to him, she was just whore. He used her, but as he held her close her heart raced.

"I will do my best."

"I have seen you with that sword, Alara, you are a natural." She smiled. "You no doubt get the skill from your father, and until I leave I will continue to help you get better. I would trust no one more to keep my brothers safe. They adore you."

She nodded, she knew his brothers liked her. Rickon found her everyday, and he even allowed her to trim his long hair. They would play together, and when they would grow tired, she would practice with Theon or they would spend time with Bran.

"As I said, my Lord, I will do my best." She felt him laugh before she heard the sound.

"So, Alara, if you continue to call me Lord I will have to resort to calling you, Lady. You now are one, a Lady of house Dayne."

She too laughed at the thought, never did she think she would be a Lady. She could never get used to such a title, and she only hoped her famiy did not try to make her into a proper one. She was who she was raised to be, who she grew to be, and she hoped they would accept her.

A silence grew again, and still his hands rested on her back holding her close. She looked at him, her body flushing with desire. She knew she could not give into him again, they couldn't give into each other again. Just as she was going to pull away he leaned forward, and right before his lips met hers knock came to her door.

"Alara, Bran wishes to see you." She knew the voice, it belonged to Osha.

"I must go."

Alara pulled herself from Robb Stark's embrace and left her chamber with one last glance back at him. His eyes too had filled with desire, and Alara knew if Osha had not come they would have been in the bed moaning within minutes.

As she made her way to Bran's chambers her mind wandered to her family. Her father was once a great knight, a man who took a sacred vow but broke it for the love of her mother. He would have given up everything for them but he died, he died fighting for a woman who died as well. He was the man, he was the knight in her mother's story. The knight who died saving the Princess. She had learned of father long ago, long before she knew his name. She wished she could have seen him, could have met him, but soon she would be with his blood. Her blood. She would get her dream, and she would take her mother with her, maybe even Gendry. She would start a life in Starfall.