A/N: In response to the feedback received-Thanks! I won't write a Littlefinger POV because we just don't know enough for me to write him. I was trying to decide which POV to choose for the next chapter showing what Dany is up to and Victarion might work particularly for what I have planned (I'm going to have to keep that cryptic). With regards to the Wall I plan a Davos chapter because he has the best links to all the characters there right now for what I want to cover. I don't want to annoy my readers by veering away from Arya too long now they are finally almost at King's Landing but I do need to include those two chapters, a Jaime chapter plus I need to visit the Dornish and Bran (not necessarily straight away but soon).

OMG that new WoW chapter! I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it yet but I have to think now. It kind of impacts in a minor way on some things I had planned. There is a small reference in here which mirrors something from it but I wrote that before I read it :-)

Chapter 73

The wolves remained in the godswood. Arya heard the men speak of it. She gave the order for them not to be harmed and at first light she risked anger by taking food to them. Nymeria snapped and snarled at the smaller wolves, keeping them in line. They were not afraid of Arya and Arya did not fear them but she was not stupid. They killed men and they were quite capable of killing her if not for Nymeria.

She heard the whispers afterwards and saw fear in the eyes of people in the castle. They called her half wolf, she-wolf, warg and sorceress. Arya held her head high. They once said Robb was half a wolf too. Her own men, the Northmen, treated her no differently. Nothing had changed for them. She saw Aegon looking at her intently when she went to the great hall for dinner but when their eyes met he looked away.

He is still angry because I compared him to Robert.

It stung her but it also made her angrier. She had chosen to sit with the man in charge of the horses rather than one of her bannermen that night and she tried to focus her attention on him instead. He was explaining to her how many horses had been lost from lack of feed. She nodded, absorbing his words and hoping her expression matched what she should be feeling on the subject. As soon as an appropriate amount of time passed she excused herself.

Ser Bonifer set his solemn face on her as she passed him and Arya tried to avoid eye contact with him. It was easier when Lemore was with her. The Septa gave her some protection from judgement. Elsewise she was certain to hear much of sinners and how she would be best off returning to Winterfell. She still heard him behind her.

"It is no place for a maiden. The lady must needs repent of her sins and leave before harm comes her way. Her false gods will not protect her."

Arya had to bite back a retort. The poor fellows surrounded him and it might come to blows if she said anything about the gods. There had already been scuffles and Ser Brynden told her Aegon had intervened to avoid bloodshed. Arya was not the only one Ser Bonifer and his men disapproved of. Any who worshipped the old gods were considered dissenters. The Northmen had clashed with them more than once. Thoros was confined to the camps for his own protection.

Arya stalked to her quarters finding Cara waiting for her. The handmaid smiled hesitantly when she entered and Arya made sure to return the smile. They sat together, Cara helping Arya with her hair while Arya told her of what she had learned at dinner. She did not need help with her hair but Cara became upset if she resisted so they had settled into a routine. The young woman listened quietly, a little smile on her face. The smile dropped at the same time Arya heard the scuff of a boot.

"Lady Nym" she said without turning to look. She knew that footfall even if she had not known the scent of the Dornishwoman.

"We are still friends" Nymeria said lightly. "There is no need for formalities."

Arya kept her expression neutral as Nym pressed a kiss to her cheek and managed to eject Cara from her chambers without even saying a word. Arya watched the handmaid hurry out wondering whose company she really wanted. She didn't really know. Nym took the chair Cara had vacated.

"He misses you. He has been most terrible company."

Arya pursed her lips. "If he has something to say to me he should tell me himself."

Nym sighed. "He is being most stubborn about it. I have tried to tell him but Lord Connington has his ear and Lord Connington is not your friend."

Arya could picture what Nym was describing. Lord Connington would see nothing wrong with Bella's death either. She kept her expression calm even though she felt unhappy.

"It is better this way anyway. I will be leaving after the battle."

Nym's expression darkened. "You will really remain so angry with him? You cannot leave him like this."

Arya's temper flared. "I only agreed to help him take the throne. I always had to leave. My brothers need me."

Nym remained angry. She tossed her ebony hair over her shoulder and set viper eyes on Arya. "You judge him harshly. Aegon needs you."

Arya knew better than to trust her in this. Nym thought she was clever but Arya knew that the Dornish did not want Daenerys. Arya was certain that Nym's desire for Arya and Aegon to reconcile was not out of affection for Arya or Aegon. They haven't thought it through. Arya did not know what might happen if she and Aegon were not arguing and she remained at his side when his aunt met him. She did know it would not be a good outcome.

Nym still looked at her with narrowed eyes and Arya's tone became blunt. "Ask Aegon how different things might be if I did not have mercy for those who have done no wrong." She picked up her hair brush and waved it in the direction of the door. "I won't talk about this with you anymore. Leave me be Nym."

The Dornishwoman leapt to her feet, her eyes flashing and her mouth twisted unattractively. "You are both too stubborn."

Arya turned away, pulling the brush through her hair and pretending to pay no more attention to Nym. In truth she could think of nothing but her argument with Aegon and Bella's death. It brought to mind Gendry and Arya prayed that he was as far away as possible. Stubborn bull, I hope he listened to me. They might not be so close as they used to be but Arya had not forgotten what they went through together. She would not have him share Bella's fate.

It did feel wrong not seeing Aegon and speaking with him. He knew her better than anybody else now and she knew him best too. At least I thought I knew him best. Arya had to leave friends before when she changed faces in Braavos but this hurt more. It felt like there was a void inside her not going to visit with him and even Lord Connington. She did question whether she judged him too harshly. He had overlooked things she had done but then she thought of what might happen if murder of smallfolk was considered acceptable.

I cannot relent first. It will make him think he is right.

Arya did not like games but this was how it had to be. She felt relieved when Cara returned and she did not have to be alone anymore.

The Blackwood men arrived four days after Arya reached Harrenhal. Robett Glover was not with them. Arya met them in the camps and was advised that only part of their forces had arrived.

"We sent the rest to Seagard" Lord Tytos explained. "There are some Frey forces keeping the Mallisters captive. They may have abandoned their cause by now but we could not be certain."

Arya nodded and tried to remain composed. She showed her anger, it was only to be expected that she would be angry but she wanted to rage over the conflict with the Freys still being unresolved. I thought I could take them off my list. She passed Thoros on her way back into the castle and stopped with him briefly.

"It isn't fair that they want to hurt you for what you believe in."

Thoros looked at her rather too knowingly. "Beliefs are often what cause us trouble."

Arya wanted to ask him what he meant but he moved away from her and she was surrounded by other people before she had the chance. She retreated to the godswood to see Nymeria and pray at the heart tree once more. When she returned to the castle she ate her dinner in the Barracks Hall instead, mingling with the men-at-arms and a select few of her bannermen who chose to join her.

She knew many of them. Arya had resumed training and she saw some of them in the training yard. She also tried to share her time by mixing with different people as her father used to. When she could she joined those who served, not just the lords and knights. It was not quite the same as when she was a girl though, they saw her as queen and it put distance between them. She persisted regardless. She did not want to talk of war and castles and holdings all the time.

Ser Raymun, one of the knights attached to the Brackens, insisted on escorting Arya back to her chambers when she took her leave from the Barracks Hall. He had been very persistent in his pursuit of her and Arya could not seem to dissuade him, even when she was rude or wielding a sword. She saw Aegon on her way back to her quarters and in the moment of distraction Ser Raymun took hold of her arm. She wrestled free of him before she reached her door. He did not get the message, pushing inside as she made to leave him.

"You must get lonely" he slurred.

Arya knew he had been drinking. She was not sure how he had enough to get drunk. "I have lots of friends" she said abruptly.

"That isn't the same" he stepped close enough for her to feel his breath and his hand stroked her arm. "I could make you feel good."

Arya felt for her finger knife. "I highly doubt that" she said dryly. His eyes were heavy lidded. He was tall and handsome and Arya guessed he had bedded plenty of maidens. "I am your queen" she reminded him, reaching for the crown on her head. She extricated herself and placed the circlet on the desk in the solar.

"You are still a woman."

Arya laughed. "I am a woman who will make sure you never fuck another woman if you don't leave me be."

He looked angry, even sulky. He stepped towards her again and Arya heard a familiar raspy voice. "If you want to keep your cock I suggest you listen to her."

Sandor Clegane filled the doorway. He wore a hooded cloak but Arya recognised him instantly. Ser Raymun must have too because he darted from the room with haste.

"I didn't need your help" she said indignantly.

Clegane snorted. "I saved you from having to get blood on your floors. A little gratitude might be nice."

Arya narrowed her eyes. "Ser Bonifer and his men want your head. How have you managed to evade them?"

Sandor smiled grotesquely. "I don't need to tell you about evasion she-wolf. I keep my head down and nobody takes notice. As long as you don't plan on telling anybody I should manage to keep it a while longer."

Arya watched him go. She wondered why he still remained. He did not want gold, she had worked that out. Her conversation with him in her tent still confused her and she had resolved to leave him be so long as he caused no trouble. Something happened to him in King's Landing with Sansa. Nym had told her of the beatings her sister received when they argued once more after Sandor left her tent. It made her even more determined to go to King's Landing.

It was still hours before bed and Cara and Lemore came to join her. Cara sat with a pile of Arya's clothes before her trying to mend all the tears. Arya still sewed badly, it was one of the duties she gratefully gave over to the handmaiden. She had been reading a little while by her candle with the two women for company when she heard a familiar tread and confirmed who it was by Lemore's smile alone. Cara started and moved to rise but Arya shook her head at her.

"Aren't you worried our womanly parts will corrupt you?" she asked.

Aegon's laugh was the same as it had always been. The sound made her want to smile but she remembered she was still mad and contained it. His voice was half japing and half serious when he spoke.

"Ser Bonifer is quite vocal on the subject but I decided it was worth the risk. I have letters for you."

Arya turned to look at him. He held the unopened letters in his hand and looked uncertain. She leapt to her feet and ripped them from his hand, seeing him smile again.

"You could have sent a messenger with these."

His smile dropped. Arya sat back at the desk to look at the seals. One was from Winterfell, the other bore the seal of the Night's Watch. These are from Jon and Rickon. Her eyes stung and she rubbed at them roughly before breaking the seal on the one from Winterfell first. She heard Aegon and Lemore talking and blocked them out. Disappointment hit her when she saw it was not from Rickon after all but from Brienne.

Queen Arya,

I know you must be displeased with me. Harwin and Gendry arrived at Winterfell and told me of Lady Stoneheart. I did not know how to tell you. No matter what I do I seem to fail somebody and for that I am sorry. I am still in your service if you wish me to remain so. Rickon is as well as possible even though he persists in being wilful. He has freed Theon Greyjoy. Alysane Mormont is ensuring he remains under close watch.

Brienne

Arya made certain to hide her reaction to the letter and once she finished reading it she rose and dropped it into the fire. She saw Aegon pause and study her with concern on his face as she returned to the desk to read the second letter. I will reply, I'm just not ready yet. She was relieved to hear that Gendry was far away though she wondered how old the letter was. It hurt to have no word from Rickon.

He is still wroth with me for leaving him.

The second letter was from Jon. She recognised the handwriting instantly.

Dearest Arya,

Times grow more perilous in the North. I do worry about you waging war in the South but part of me is selfishly grateful you are away from the reach of the cold and what it brings. I fear a time will come soon when I will wish for you to bring Rickon to join you. As much as I worry about those around you, it would ease my mind to know you and Rickon were sheltering away from the threat when it comes. Please be safe.

Jon Snow

Arya read the letter three times and each time it hurt more. He did not call her little sister. He does not want me near. Part of her wanted to rush straight to the Wall and demand answers even though she knew it to be foolish. She was still staring at the letter when Aegon's voice cut across.

"I am told the raven from Winterfell waited here for some time but the one from the Night's Watch only arrived today."

Arya nodded dumbly but did not reply to him. She heard him approach and stiffened as he rested his hand hesitantly on her shoulder.

"Arya" he said softly "Was it bad news?"

She stood quickly, folding up the parchment. "It is nothing to speak of with you."

She knew instantly she had hurt him. His expression clouded over and his mouth set in a grim line. He turned to leave and Arya wanted to take it back. She turned to glance at Cara and saw the handmaid had her head bent over the sewing still. She was clearly trying to pretend she wasn't listening. Arya darted forward and caught Aegon's sleeve. He still scowled as he paused but he did stop. She thought quickly.

"Cara could you fetch me some water?"

The young woman did not speak as she rose and hurried from the room. Arya studied Aegon, remaining silent until the door closed. Lemore stayed but the septa needed to stay. Harrenhal was not a place for Arya to be seen alone with Aegon and they all knew that.

"Why did you come here?"

The scowl faded into petulance instead and Arya could see Aegon wrestling with himself. "You are avoiding me. We have never quarrelled like this before."

"You never gave me reason to quarrel with you like this before."

Aegon looked frustrated. He ran his hand through his hair and exhaled loudly.

"Is that why you now allow Ser Raymun to get close?"

Arya wanted to shout at him. She very nearly did. He is jealous. She moved away from him, sitting in a chair and crossing her legs. "The only thing Ser Raymun came close to was finding out how sharp I keep my knives."

Lemore gasped before resuming a pretence at being invisible. The corners of Aegon's mouth twitched and Arya knew he wanted to smile. "Nym told me what you said about mercy. You made things difficult. I had to avoid her questions about what it meant."

Arya frowned. "She would not let up. I said it to make her leave but you know it is true."

Aegon began to pace. "I don't understand why you are so angry. I did not kill the whore."

Arya took a steadying breath. "The whore had a name. They called her Bella. You condone her killing so you should know who she was."

Aegon stopped. "She was Robert Baratheon's bastard. I do not condone it." He sighed. "I spoke with Thoros. I did not know you knew her."

"Whether I met her does not matter" Arya said, suppressing her irritation. "It is still wrong and you do condone it by not condemning it."

Aegon faltered. "Lord Connington is adamant I should not be bothered about it. They will do worse if given the chance."

Arya's anger threatened to boil over and she knew it showed on her face. "I fail to see how a young woman who was a bastard could do anything considered worse. Do you think that makes it right?"

"You sound like Thoros."

"Thoros can make a lot of sense."

"He tells me you behave much as your father did when Robert did not condemn the deaths of my family only... your father left."

Arya stiffened at the comparison and the reminder of her father. "I might have left too if the North did not have to take part in the battle."

Aegon looked horrified. "No."

Arya met his gaze without backing down. He stepped towards her quickly, the emotion still clear on his face and Arya knew he wanted to make amends. Her pulse quickened and she uncrossed her legs ready to get to her feet and accept his affection. It seemed like it had been so long. She wanted to tell him of her brothers, to have him make her feel better.

Just before he reached her he stopped and shook his head. His expression hardened. "You cannot dictate to me what is right and wrong. I cannot be led by a woman, no matter who that woman is." He spun on his heel and left leaving Arya reeling.

Lemore shot to her feet and was by Arya's side in moments. "He is just proud" she said in a soft voice as she smoothed Arya's hair. "He always has been especially with Lord Connington telling him tales of Rhaegar. I was surprised he came here at all."

Arya let the septa think she was offering comfort. Aegon's words only confirmed her fears for the fate of others like Gendry. She had a decision to make. She wondered what her father would do. He left Robert but Arya thought she might be able to reach Aegon. His visiting her quarters meant something. He is listening to the wrong people. His words stung in the moment but she saw past them to the struggle within him.

He is repeating somebody else. He is not certain.

Arya might be able to make him see but not in Harrenhal. In Harrenhal she needed to distance herself. She needed to be separate and ignore the looks from her uncle and anybody else who wondered why she and the prince no longer conversed as they once did. Arya had to play a part and that was something she was good at.

Arya wrote her letters back to Jon and Brienne. Both were difficult. She informed Brienne she wanted her continued service. The letter sounded abrupt but Arya couldn't seem to make it sound any better. Her letter to Jon stated that her place was in the North and nothing short of death would keep her from returning once the fighting was done.

One thing she did enjoy about Harrenhal was the bathhouse. Ser Bonifer's men frowned at her when she entered but she ignored them. They made sure she bathed with only female company. It felt good to soak in the hot water and the guards on the door meant she could relax even though her training ensured she never truly let her guard down.

She knew Bran watched her in the godswood and she told him everything she could think of. Every so often she heard him in the rustle of the leaves but he only truly spoke to her in her dreams. She knelt before the heart tree, the wolf pack watching her and removed her crown for every visit. It felt wrong to wear it and she told him so.

"One day" came the answer on the breeze.

Thoughts of her brothers and her missing sister had to be pushed aside when the men from Seagard and the rest of the Blackwood army arrived. Arya met them, greeting Robett Glover warmly.

"I am pleased at your safe return my lord."

The new Lord Robett looked pleased. "The remaining Frey men posed little trouble your grace" he assured her. "Most had retreated to the Twins before the castle was taken."

Arya nodded trying not to be bothered that she had not been there herself. She was glad Lord Robett was back. She took him and Lord Jason Mallister with her to a meeting of her bannermen. There they discussed the plans for the march to Kings Landing. A raven reported that Lord Manderly's fleet were still sailing but would never reach the Blackwater in time for the battle, let alone the Citadel where they planned to lend aid. They did not confer long before reaching a consensus.

"We will have to attack without them" Arya announced. "They can continue on to the Citadel after the city is taken."

She asked her uncle to speak with Aegon and tell him of their plans. Ser Brynden frowned. "You cannot keep avoiding him."

"I won't" Arya said quickly. She thought for a moment. "I will come with you."

Aegon looked surprised when they joined him with his men. Arya noticed immediately that Lord Connington looked displeased. He also looked guilty. She began to tell them of the men and of the Manderly fleet.

"We can be ready to march whenever you wish."

Aegon appeared tired as he considered what she said and Arya remembered what he told her of his dreams. She fought hard to keep strong. I cannot be his friend now.

"We march the day after tomorrow" he announced. "That will give us time to ready the supplies."

Arya left him after giving her assent but she did not get far before Lord Connington stopped her. She told her uncle to go ahead before turning on him.

"You have been telling Aegon things to keep him from me."

Connington did not deny it. "He needs to stand on his own. You will not remain much longer."

"That is true" Arya agreed and she saw Connington's surprise. "Driving a wedge between us was hardly necessary. I already took measures to create distance. He needs good counsel now, not manipulation."

She immediately saw Lord Connington become offended. "I only ever offer him my best counsel" he said gruffly.

"Was it your best counsel to tell him that killing bastards makes no matter?"

Connington glowered at her. "Do not presume-"

She cut him off. "I presume nothing. I know that beginning his reign by walking over the corpses of a previous king's children is a little too like history repeating itself. If you would have them die because of who their father was I dread to think what you originally had planned for me."

Lord Connington paled and she knew she had struck a nerve. She saw him look past her over her shoulder and realised his reaction wasn't for her. She heard the footsteps behind her and didn't resist as Aegon took hold of her arm and guided her until they reached an empty chamber. He let go of her.

"We can't be seen together" she hissed. "If the others saw-"

"I won't keep you long." Aegon's voice was clipped and his face strained.

"How much did you hear?"

"I followed you. I thought you might have known but Lord Connington clearly didn't."

Arya had thought somebody was listening. The conversation was not one she was ashamed of. She did not realise it was Aegon though. She had been close to saying something about Connington's arm. She now didn't know whether to be grateful for the interruption or not. She started as Aegon's fingers brushed against the side of her face. He jerked his hand back.

"I would never allow you to be harmed. It would not matter who it was. You cannot think I would ever have accepted that."

Arya bristled. "You considered my father a traitor too. Why am I different to those who share Robert's blood but never even knew him?"

Aegon blinked. "I love you" he whispered and she heard him swallow loudly. "I would hunt down anybody who hurt you or your blood."

"What of Robert's other bastards?" she pressed. "He was known for whoring. Will you turn a blind eye to their deaths too?" If you find Gendry what will you do?

Aegon hesitated. "I don't know what you expect me to say" he said unhappily. "Lord Connington-"

"Do not blindly take counsel from anybody" Arya said as she moved away from him. "Lord Connington wants you to have the throne so badly he will do things you cannot imagine. If you really love me you will not accept terrible things done in your name. I thought you were better than that."

He reached for her but she darted away from him quick as a snake until his arms dropped to his sides. "I am" he protested.

Arya reached out for just a moment and he closed his eyes as she cupped the side of his face. "Words are wind Aegon. Prove it."

She made sure she was gone before he opened his eyes. Arya did not see what action he took afterwards. She busied herself with the Northmen and those from the Riverlands. The preparations for the march took up all her time. The next time she saw Aegon was in the column when they set out down the Kingsroad. He looked grimly determined.

Arya had her own determination as each moment took her closer to Kings Landing. She was so close, so very close to finishing what she had started. The names repeated in her head as she drew closer to the city where she would find them. Queen Cersei, Ser Meryn, Queen Cersei, Ser Meryn, Valar Morghulis.

The wolves were following and she heard them howl.