A/N: So this chapter is one of my shortest I think, but that is because the next chapter is really really long. It is going to have a lot going on so I wanted to just get this one out.

Thank you for all the reviews they have given me a few ideas ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own this wonderful world of Game of Thrones. I only own my character and my plot elements. The quote below is lyrics from "Warrior" by Demi Lovato.

Chapter 4: Better day.

"All the pain and the truth I wear like a battle wound."

Lyrina's P.O.V

"Little sister, do you find young Lord Stark handsome, is that why you blushed?" Lyrina couldn't help but smile at Myrcella. She was so young and innocent, blushing at young lords.

"He is very handsome, I wish I was old enough to wed him." Myrcella whined and Lyrina laughed. She did wish that her sister wouldn't rush growing up though, she found too many young girls wanted to be women.

"I suppose he is kind of handsome, but we mustn't tell him that. It will go straight to his head, plus I know someone you would find even more handsome." They came to the group of Stark children who were running around in the courtyard. Arya was chasing Bran while Rickon sat on the fence watching them. Lyrina pointed out Bran to Myrcella as the little boy buzzed passed them, and Myrcella just looked down with a little smile. Lyrina could maybe get used to being a big sister.

"Arya, Bran, Rickon come here and meet my younger siblings." It felt so odd to her to call them that. They were strangers but if she pretended it would get better sooner. The three kids ran over and began talking to the other two. At first Lyrina could tell Myrcella was put off by Arya's boyish nature, and would never get into the games they played. But it seemed to her like Tommen was a little more receptive to the boys, and before she knew it he was chasing Bran.

Lyrina smiled to herself as the boys and Arya began running around the courtyard. It was nice to see them all happy, all free to do as they pleased.

"Sister, I don't want to run with them." Myrcella whined.

"Well then how about-" but Lyrina didn't get to finished.

"Princess Myrcella, may I sit and tell you a story?" Lyrina was thankful Sansa had shown up to cut her off. She gave the red haired girl a thankful smile before watching the two of them scatter off. Sansa would soon be her sister, she didn't doubt that her father would see it as a good match. Sadly Lyrina wished that Sansa had her chance at a real Prince charming.

She watched silently as Tommen played with the Stark children, it was like watching two parts of her life become whole. It was an odd feelings for her, to mix two things that were so separate. She had grown so close to the Stark family in four years, where as with her own family it was like strangers. Lyrina knew she needed to try though, if she was going to live in Kings Landing she had to try. Not for her mothers sake, not for her fathers sake or even her own but for her youngest siblings. They had already began to look up to her, it was clear to her that her older brother wasn't good to them or else they wouldn't have looked to her. She was a stranger to them.

Lyrina began to wonder what it would be like if she had her own children one day, she had often thought of it. The difference between those times and now was she knew that she no longer had a chance to pick her husband. She was sure her mother already had someone in mind, or maybe even her father had a plan. She was no longer free, she was once again just another piece in the family game. But Lyrina still wondered if she would love those children, the ones she had with a man she didn't choose. What if she didn't love him? Could she stand to look upon the face of a child that looked like him, knowing she couldn't stand him? She didn't want to be her mother, she wanted to be better. But in heart she felt like she would have no choice, she wouldn't love the man. So she had to make a vow to herself that no matter how much she didn't like her future husband, she would love her children.

"They are such precious beings aren't they." Lady Stark brought Lyrina out of her thoughts and into the real world. She smiled over at the woman who in return gave her a weak smile.

"I would have to agree, they are truly enjoying themselves. I was surprised when Myrcella and Tommen wished to spend any time with me. I was never a part of there lives." Lyrina wanted to keep her voice quiet, she didn't wish for the kids to worry about her thoughts.

"Children will seek comfort where they feel they can find it, Lyrina. Children need love, and nurturing to grow up well. I can not begin to speak of your mother, but from what I have seen Joffery is her priority." Lady Stark may have been right, but even Lyrina couldn't truly speak of her mothers nature. As a young child Lyrina spent most time with her father, and a few others but never really her mother. She could always remember her mother doting on Joffery though, perhaps she continued that to this day. He was to be king one day after all.

"I would agree, Lady Stark. Children have needs, more than some people realize at times."

It became quiet between the two Ladies, and Lyrina began to wonder if things were too fractured between them. Lyrina could not imagine Lady Stark was happy about the lie, and even if the others had forgiven her she had no idea of Lady Stark. No more words were passed between them before Lady Stark called her children in for lessons.

"Can I go with them?" Tommen tugged on her dress as he asked her.

"I do not see why not. I do believe your sister is already in there, young one." Lyrina watched as Tommen ran off after the Stark children.

As Lyrina stood in the courtyard she began to wonder to herself if things could truly be going this well. After eleven years had her mother changed enough that they could be civil, had her lies been forgiven? And for a moment, just a moment Lyrina thought everything would be perfect.

Sun had set, dinner had been finished and Lyrina found herself back in the training yard with Jon. Her day wasn't as bad as she had thought it would be, dinner with her family was not horrible. She had spent most of it speaking with her father and younger siblings. Her mother, uncle and Joffery had tried speaking to her about why she would stay here in the dreary place. But she just ignored them mostly, and enjoyed her meal. Occasionally she would meet the eyes of the Stark kids, making silly faces at them to make them laugh.

Dinner was over though and night had set in. It was just Jon and Lyrina out in the training yard playing around with bows.

"You could have told me I was horrible,Jon. Robb had to corner me one night at tell me how bad I was." Lyrina was laughing as she missed the target again.

"I wasn't teaching you to me good, I was teaching you to defend yourself. You hit the target sometimes, that is enough for me."

Most of the young ones were in bed, and most of them men as well. Jon had stayed up with Lyrina so she wouldn't be alone, despite having to go hunting the next morning.

"Do have fun tomorrow on your hunt Jon, I am sure it will be fun. Are you bringing this big guy?" Lyrina was petting Ghost as Jon practiced his sword play. He was good at what he did, and she enjoyed watching him practice.

"Father thought it was best that we leave them here, as if not scare of the animals."

"Well I will have to make sure I go visit them while you are away." She laughed to herself as Ghost's ears perked up, like he could understand them. Lyrina was envious of how cute and adorable the young direwolf pup was.

It wasn't too long before Jon had given up on his beating of the practice dummy and joined Lyrina under the balcony.

"I am taking the black." Jon's voice was serious, and Lyrina searched his face for any sign of a joke.

"You can't be serious,Jon. This is your home, why do you want to leave it?"

"Lyrina, it's not that simple. Being a man of the Nights Watch is a great honor, there it won't matter if I am a bastard. I will be a brother, an equal." Lyrina didn't want to imagine the horrors he would face at the wall. She worried for him, he was her closest friend. She could understand, maybe a small part of her anyway, why he would do this. Soon his father would no doubt be in Kings Landing, Lady Catelyn could never look at him in the eyes. He needed somewhere he could feel useful, honorable. Lyrina just looked upon his face, and still couldn't shake her worry.

"I support you Jon, but please make sure you send me a few ravens. I will be lonely in Kings Landing without hearing from you." She would just have to make the most of the time she had with him left. Once he was at the wall, she didn't know when they would see each other again. Without thinking Lyrina threw her arms around Jon and hugged him tight.

"I am not leaving you yet, it is okay." but she just continued to hug him, the thought of something bad befalling him killed her. She knew Winterfell was one of the safest places and she knew he was one of the reasons it was so safe. After a minute he released the poor man from the hug only to slightly push on his chest.

"Come get me!" She yelled.

Lyrina bawled her dress in her fists and began running away from him. She didn't look back she just kept running, dodging obstacles in her way. She could hear his laugh following behind her as she ran, her own laughter matching his. She ran past a group of people and out of the courtyard toward the Godswood. He would never catch her, she knew that she was too quick for him.

When she could no longer hear his laugh Lyrina looked back to see if she could see him, but she saw nothing. As she was turning her head back forward she stumbled and fell face first into the dirt. She had never tripped while running before, not like this, and as she was about to get up she felt a sudden pain in her should causing her to cry out.

"Sister, you are very ungraceful aren't you?" Lyrina looked up from the ground to see Joffery standing over her with a sick little smirk on his face. Her face to turned red, and she felt herself shrinking back into the dirt.

"Lyrina!" Jon's voice cut through the silence between the pair as he came running toward her on the ground. She tried to get up but the pain in her shoulder was making it hard for her. Once Jon reached them, Joffrey put his hand out for her to take. He helped her up off the ground, smiling at her.

"My dear sister, you really shouldn't be running this late at night. Was this bastard bothering you?" Joffery's gaze switched to Jon and his voice became sickly sweet to her. She felt uncomfortable and subconsciously stepped back away from him.

"We were just messing around, it was a game." Lyrina didn't want Joffrey to get Jon in any sort of trouble.

"What kind of game does a bastard play with a Princess?"

"Lyrina are you okay, did you get hurt?" Jon didn't look or even speak to Joffrey, he was more concerned with Lyrina and she could see that angered her brother.

"Bastard, I was speaking to you. Are you dumb?" Lyrina flinched at the harshness in Joffrey's voice, not only had he hurt her but now he was going to mess with Jon.

"No, I am not dumb I was checking on your sister." Jon's tone was harsh, which really wasn't Jon's style. Lyrina was used to Jon being kind, and calm but he was getting noticeably hostile.

"I am your prince and you will talk to me as such, Snow." Lyrina just wanted this to end, she didn't want them to fight.

"Jon, can you walk to me to my chambers please?" Jon put his arm out and Lyrina linked her arm with his.

"Sister, I do not approve of this bastard walking you to you chambers so late at night. I am sure mother would agree with me, let me escort you."

"Brother, I appreciate that but he knows the way. But when you return from the hunt with father, you and I shall spend some time together." Peace maker, she has to be the peace maker. Joffrey just scoffed at them and waved his hand at them, shooing them away.

The whole walk to her chambers Lyrina had to keep from crying, the pain was becoming to much and she was very frightened. She didn't think her brother could be as cruel as to hurt her physically, then again she barley remembered him. Jon kept asking her what had happened, but she was silent afraid to speak. She thought she had things under control but one day doesn't make her better.

She was managing to hold all the pain in until it was time to enter her chamber. Seven hells. She slowly reached out with the arm not linked with Jon only to shrink back away. The movement of her arm shot pain through her shoulder, making it almost unbearable. Jon noticing something was wrong opened the door ushering her into her room.

"Lyrina, did you get hurt in your fall, or did something happen before I came?" Once they were safe inside her room, Lyrina sat at the edge of her bed. The pain was making her head swim, she didn't even know what Joffrey had truly done. She was sure he had tripped her there was nothing for her to have tripped on but she couldn't explain her shoulder. She didn't hit on the ground, she went face first not on her side. But what could she tell Jon? She didn't even know what happened.

"I must have tripped on my dress." She was lying, here she was again lying.

"Lyrina don't start that with me, please. I have chased you a hundred times, you have chased Arya, Bran and Rickon around a hundred times without falling. Did he trip you?" He was kneeling in front of her staring straight in her eyes. She bit her lip and looked at him.

"I think he did, but it must have been an accident. It was dark Jon, I wasn't looking where I was running. It was an accident." She was justifying her brothers behavior, but she had to. She had seen the smirk on his face, she knew he meant to hurt her but what she couldn't understand was why. Why would her brother want to trip her?

"I thought as much, that doesn't explain the pain I just saw you in. What hurts and why?" Jon was calm but there was a fire in his eyes, Lyrina had never seen before.

"I think I must have hit my shoulder on the ground, it is really nothing. I am sure it is fine." She needed it to be fine.

Jon moved from in front of her, to behind her. She felt the bed move under his weight, and she held her breath for a moment. Why had the night come to this? She felt herself flinch as Jon gently placed his fingers on the injured shoulder. The light touch didn't hurt her, but in her frightened state she worried what he was going to do to her. Was he going to hurt her too?

The single thought of her friend hurting her caused Lyrina to lose it. Every feeling she had from her encounter with Joffrey came to the surface and she just couldn't hold it back anymore. Lyrina was crying, she was always crying. She felt like a child but she was in so much pain and she just thought her best friend was going to hurt her. She felt so guilty, she knew of all people Jon would be the last person to hurt her.

"Hush now, Lyrina. Everything is fine, alright, I need to see it though. I know you are scared, I know you, but please just calm down for me." He was talking to her like she had heard him speak to his younger siblings. Once Rickon had fallen and cut his hand up, Jon had used the same tone of voice on him. She hated herself, she wished she was stronger. She took a few deep breathes and let everything settle, she needed to breathe. "Don't let your emotions control you, okay? Not right now, I need you to stay calm."

Lyrina felt Jon slowly begin to loosen the ties of her dress and she just bit her lip. She wasn't going to be afraid, he would never hurt her. He didn't loosen it much, just enough that he could slide one shoulder of the dress down slightly. As his fingers grazed her skin she hissed in a pain a little, it was a stinging pain.

"Lyrina, You must have hit the ground pretty hard, your shoulder is already beginning to bruise." He touched the skin again lightly running his fingers over it. She wished she could see it, know what it looked like. Just as Jon was tying up her dress again, there was a knock on her chamber door. The pair exchanged glances, before Jon began to slide out from behind her.

"Come in."

The door opened to reveal a very shocked Robb Stark and drunk Theon Greyjoy. For a moment there was a pause, everyone was just looking at each other. Theon leaned down to whisper something in Robb's ear, and Lyrina could only hear one word. Fucking. Did he think she and Jon had just finished fucking each other? Once more no one spoke, the door was just slammed shut leaving Lyrina feeling numb. The last thing she needed was Theon Greyjoy thinking she was fucking Jon, she didn't want Robb to imagine that either. But she knew Robb would keep his mouth shut if he thought they truly were, but she knew Theon wouldn't.

"Lyrina get ready for bed,I will go take care of that." Jon spoke, before leaving her alone as well.

She was left there alone in her room, completely numb. Just hours ago everything was going well, for a moment she thought everything was going to be okay. She could be a Princess and Rena at the same time but that wasn't the case. She couldn't be what they all expected of her. She hated her family for coming here, she hated them ruining the one good thing she had. Worst of all she hated herself for thinking she could manage it all after just one day.

A/N: Thank you all again for the reviews and such :D. I could of uploaded this last night but I wanted this chapter and the next to come out pretty close together.