Hi! I'm so sorry I have not updated. Life has been hectic. Here is a new chapter. Now, someone recently asked me if I would be doing a story about HOTD. I have a small idea for it, and it will be referenced in this chapter. If you guys would be interested in reading it, please let me know.

The image for the gown Ophelia wears is on dressartmystery .store. It's the fantasy medieval fairy elven dress. The wedding dress is Danielle's "Just Breathe" dress from Ever After and the other is Morgana's sleeveless red dress from Merlin. Again, thank you for the reviews from the last chapter. I hope you guys enjoys this one.

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones. Only Ophelia and House Pyralis.

1st P.O.V. Winterfell

"Now, what do you do when you need stock up on grain?"

I started to scratch my arm, a testament to my nerves about getting this question wrong. I glanced around me from the candles above us, to the stones that made up the floor in the Great Hall.

"You...uh...get more?" I answered sheepishly. My Lady stared long and hard at me before pinching the bridge of her nose. "Ophelia, you must learn these things, or else you fail at being Torrhen's lady wife. Is that what you wish? To bring shame upon yourself, you house, and that of your husband?" We had been at this for hours. Ever since my betrothal a month ago to Lord Karstark's son, My Lady has swooped me under her wing, insisting that I know every bit of running a household, all while begging to prepare for my upcoming nuptials. Gone were the days of dance lessons, and in ushered the age of balancing books, how to handle disputes, and today's lesson, how to stock up for winter.

"My Lady, I do not wish to bring shame upon anyone. However, it is a lot to take in at once. I have been learning as fast I can and as have been studying all the due diligence I can muster. I just need a break for a moment." I pleaded, while scratching my arm. My mother's dress, this time a green dress with long billowing sleeves, started to get a bit of a stain from my scab on my arm that had peeled off with my scratching it constantly.

"Ophelia, scratching your arm is unbecoming. You must stop that!" My Lady's voice held a bit of a bit to it as she addressed my nervous habit, and I immediately stopped. It's not as if I could help it- these lessons and the thought of my upcoming wedding had me in a bit of a nervous frenzy. Add onto the fact that Torrhen had gone home since then, and has asked me to visit Karhold, to which My Lord agreed to as a condition before our marriage.

While he was here, it was surprisingly nice to have him around. He didn't press me for anything or ask anything unseemly of me. All Torrhen asked for was some of my time each day to go on a walk with him. Usually, Robb would join us. Theon did once, but there was something about Torrhen's presence that made him unusually irritated. After one too many comments about our upcoming wedding and how Torrhen would "make a woman out of me", Torrhen finally asked him to leave us be. As a result, Robb tagged along instead. It did feel a bit odd to have the two of us on our walks, getting to know one another with Robb lagging behind to keep a watch on us, so I would always ask him questions such as "How is your training going?", "What's your opinion in what Torrhen just said?", or even, "Do you think there's any specific thing we should do for our wedding?"

All of his answers were "Good, but could be better", "I think he was wise to say that", and "Keep it small, keep it Northern". I felt odd being in this position. Robb was chatty whenever he and Torrhen were alone or with the other young men. He was even chatty with me when it was just the two of us. But as the opposite of Theon (who had nothing but snarky remarks to say), Robb was uncharacteristically quiet when it came to those walks with Torrhen. Eventually, when the second son of Karhold had to leave, Robb went back to normal. It gave my head quite this spin, however, nothing compared to these lessons.

"If you want to take a break, you may do so. But only to visit Maester Luwin to put some salve on your scratch. Gods forbid you lose your arm before your wedding."

"Yes, My Lady."

"Be sure not to dawdle. While you're gone, I'll gone over the feast planning with the cook. I was thinking quail for for your wedding. Would that be alright?" Not knowing what else to say, I merely nodded.

I walked out the main entrance, and once I was sure to be out of sight, I let out a breath of air and leaned against the wall.

"Why can't this all be easier?" I murmured to myself. I lifted up my arm to inspect my scratches and moaned. "Scars on my back, a wound on my hand that refuses to heal, and now this? Will this torment cease to end?!" I gently hit my forehead against the stone wall, exacerbated due to the stress of everything.

Three months. That was it. Three months before I was to wed Torrhen Karstark, and take my place among his family in Karhold. I was barely getting used to Lady Ophelia Pyralis, and soon I was to become Lady Ophelia Karstark, wife of Torrhen. I had a mere three months to know all the intricacies of running a house and being a dutiful wife, whilst planning a wedding and a trip to Karhold. My Lady was certainly not making it easier by hounding me all hours of the day with these lessons either.

"Why is this so hard?" I covered my face with my hand and let out a deep breath.

" 'Felia, you of all people should know that being a Pyralis in the North was never going to be an easy thing." I let my hands down and turned slightly to catch a glimpse of Robb behind me, with an amused smile on his face as his arms were crossed. He was a bit dirty and smelly, as he had just finished training in the tiltyard with Ser Rodrick.

"Leave me alone as I wallow." My voice came out muffled, and Robb let out a laugh. "Now, now. It's not the time to despair. You could do worse than marry Torrhen." Robb put his hand on my shoulder and gently turned me around to fully face him.

I gave him a small smile. "You're right- I could marry you." Robb's impish grin grew wider and said, "That's the spirit! I pity the woman that has to marry me." I let out a laugh at his self-deprecating comments. "As do I. Poor soul, the girl who will be saddled to you. Hey, why did you say that earlier?"

"Hmm?"

"You know, the 'Being a Pyralis in the North' comment. I would assume being a Pyralis anywhere nowadays would not be ideal." Robb held out his arm, and I took it as we walked towards the direction to where Maester Luwin's apothecary was. "Because of Aedelia, that's why." His tone was a bit somber.

My eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. "Who is Aedelia?"

"Honestly Ophelia!" Robb threw his arms in the air and put his hands on his hips at he stared at me.

"What?"

"I thought you would have read those books by now!"

I sheepishly shrugged my shoulders and said, "I may have skimmed through them...come now! Don't be like that!"

"Be like what?"

I held an imaginary piece of string in front of me and wiggle it. "Hang a piece of information in front of me, and not tell me what it is." I set my hand down and asked, "So, who is she? Aedelia?"

Robb glanced around and scratched the back of his head. "Fine. I'll tell you, but don't go shouting it about."

I made a swiping motion across my chess. "On my life." Robb gave me a crooked grin and took my arm, once more walking with me.

"Okay, so, where to begin..." Robb trailed off as he tried to think of where to begin his tale.

"Perhaps at the beginning? Yes, I think that should suffice." I giggle as Robb playfully flicked he side of my head. "You jest, but it is quite the tale." Robb shook his head and said, "Fine. You know how Mother is strict with you right now? Regarding your rigorous training on becoming a good Lady?"

I nodded. "Of course. It seems like all she ever does is hound me nowadays on stocking for winter or settling tenant disputes."

"Well, I think there's a reason behind that, asides from the obvious lack of education." He saw me give him a sharp look. As if my lack of education was my fault, and not the fact that I was a servant for so many years. "Not that it was any fault of your own", Robb quickly added as we entered in the building where Maester Luwin's apothecary was located. "You're not the first Pyralis to be betrothed to a Northerner. There was one other, a very long time ago. It didn't go so well."

I felt a bit of a smile tug at the corner of my lips. I knew about my mother and Lord Stark if that's what he was getting at. I didn't say a thing as I let him continue. "Years ago, my ancestor was a young man who ruled the North. His name was Cregan Stark."

I let myself think for a moment. Where have I heard that name before? I knew we must have learnt about him in our lessons beforehand, but I would rarely go to my history lessons. "Remind me again, which ancestor was Cregan Stark?"

"He was the one who led the Blacks in the Hour of the Wolf during the Dance of Dragons." Robb said seriously as he started to lead me up a flight of stairs. "He was an ardent supporter of Rhaenyra Targaryen when she went to war against her brother, Aegon II, for the Iron Throne. It was even said that he became good friends with her son, Jacaerys Velaryon."

Of course! The Dance of Dragons. That was such a terrible time in history for all of Westeros. Even though the Pyralis family was tied to the Targaryens, I didn't know what their role was during that time. Furthermore, what did that have to do with my own betrothal? It's not as if I was a regal Southern highborn women. I was of the North, born and bred into a life of servitude until recently.

"Alright...and what does this have to do with me?"

Robb stared straight ahead as he responded with, "Hold on, I'm getting to that." We turned the corner and he said, "Cregan Stark, like most Stark men, was a person to keep his vows. He took them seriously as all men should. One day, he hosted an important family who was visiting from the south. This family went to White Harbor to negotiate trade with their ports and while there, sent a raven to the Starks, asking to visit. It was quite an impromptu way to pay call, yet, Cregan agreed. He saw no harm to it." Robb's Tully blue eyes bore into my own crimson ones and quietly asked, "Can you guess what family that was?"

My breath hitched. "Mine?" I felt my heart beat slow down, but I wasn't sure why. I felt like this story was not going to be a goo one.

Robb gave me a small smile. I hadn't even noticed that we stopped walking. "Yes, the Pyralis family from Highgarden. It was said that Aed Pyralis was travelling with his son and heir, Rhys. Along with Rhys came his son Hestarion, and his second daughter, Aedelia. Aed knew and honored the tradition of their house, to have the Pyralis members make their own matches, yet he believed in giving those member a nudge in a more favorable direction. After all, what is more favorable than the Warden of the North?"

Robb grinned at me and stood up straighter, puffing out his chest with a bit of pride. I lightly hit his upper arm. "Oh stop you! I'm sure that is not what happened."

"It did!" Robb insisted. His smile dimmed as he said, "Cregan and Aedelia were introduced. It was said that he was quite fond of her, to point where he fell in love. Many people wrote that she fell for him as well. Aedelia was the summer, Cregan was the winter. Their opposites complimented one another."

I thought about what it was like, all those years ago. How House Pyralis was at the height of it's power when dragons were in abundance and how it was one of the Great Houses of Westeros. If only my ancestors could see us now, broken and bent to the Baratheon crown. How disappointed they would have been to see our House now, with only me left- a girl who was to inherit nothing.

Robb continued his story. "Soon, they were betrothed once Aedelia had permission to wed him. Both of their families were pleased with the match. Cregan was reportedly happier than he'd ever been. The usually stoic man was always smiling and had a good demeanor. However, the pleasant times were not to last. Stories say that the Dance of Dragons began when Prince Aemond Targaryen attacked Prince Lucerys Velaryon after both had went to Storms End in order to get the Baratheon's on their respective sides. It was there that he met with his niece once more, and seduced her. Other accounts say she ran off from Highgarden before the war even started to in order to be with Aemond. Some say he kidnapped her while she was travelling North to wed Cregan. Another account said that Aemond 'One-Eye' threatened Cregan with ancient Valyrian blood magic if Aedelia did come with him. One thing can be certain though: Cregan and Aedelia did not marry.

Prince Aemond had forced his niece to write a letter to Cregan, breaking off their betrothal, and with the permission of King Aegon II, his elder brother, forced Aedelia to marry him. A few people say she did it out of her own accord, but most agree that she was only saying that because Prince Aemond forced her to. It outraged Cregan, and while he could not do anything to help his beloved, he did lend his support to Princess Rhaenyra's cause. After the war had ended and both Aegon and Rhaenyra died, Cregan went looking for Aedelia. She was last seen with Prince Aemond before the Battle Above the God's Eye. After that, she just disappeared. No one knew what happened to her. Not her twin sister, who is your however many times great-grandmother Seraphinia, nor her brother-husband, Hestarion. They went searching with Cregan as well, but no one ever found her. Cregan realized he would never be able to find her, so he went back to Winterfell, married someone else, and went on with his life. Yet, he never forgot that girl who brought the warmth of the summer sun with her when she came to Winterfell."

I felt tears prickle my eyes. It was as if I could feel that sadness that Cregan felt. Even more than that, I could feel the hopelessness that Aedelia felt. Separated from her love, by forces out of her hands. It was horrid. "Did anyone find Aedelia? And why is being a Pyralis bad because of her? She was kidnapped, it wasn't her fault."

Robb nodded in agreement as we began to walk again. "Aye, 'twas not her fault. She was just a lass. But there are some that say she was truly in love with the cruel Aemond 'One-Eye' and was only using Cregan to get over her infatuation with Aemond. It doesn't help that Targaryens and Pyralis' inter-married so often, it would be believable if she truly was in love with Aemond. Add on to the fact that her and her twin were raised in the Red Keep for some time, she could have very well grown attached to him. Most people in the North who know the story don't see her as a victim, only a villain. Aedelia was part of the reason Cregan was gone from the North for so long-he spent ages trying to find her to no avail.

As for what happened to her, I couldn't say. One account claims she turned into a giant bird, and took flight across the sea, singing a sad song for her lost Prince. Others say she tried to return North, but was raped and murdered by remaining Greens. Some say she could not bare to look at Cregan after being made to bore Prince Aemond's child, so she fled to Dorne, where she sought protection from House Martell. One person said she was made to be a whore on the Street of Silk, eventually sold to a pleasure house in Lys. A Maester even claimed that the Pyralis family hid her themselves until the dust from the Dance settled and then smuggled her out of Westeros to Essos, where she lived as a fruit merchant. It was nearly two hundred years ago, so no one can really say for sure what happened to your Aunt."

We arrived at the door and Robb knocked on it, his gaze now shifting to my arm. "You should take better care of yourself. No man wants to see his wife hurt."

Rolling my eyes, I muttered, "I'm not anyone's wife."

Robb must have heard because he said, "Well soon, you will be. I'm sure Torrhen would agree with me that he would not like seeing your scratch yourself raw. You need to relax, 'Felia."

Maester Luwin opened the door and without even looking at my arm gave out a large sigh. "Ophelia, you're nearly a woman grown. How is it that you keep hurting yourself? Even Rickon is more careful." He glanced at my arm and muttered, "You'll need a poultice for those scratches."

I hopped up on the Medical table as Maester Luwin went about his quarters in a flurry of grey robes, opening up jars to take out various herbs. As he was doing so, his voice asked, "And you? Are you hurt as well, Robb?" Robb leaned against the doorframe as he glanced from me to Maester Luwin. "No, I'm not. I just thought to escort 'Felia here in case she falls down the stairs."

Maester Luwin chuckled as turned, holding a bowl of dark green poultice in one hand, and bandages in the other. "Good thinking, lad. It's truly a miracle of the Gods that she hasn't broken a bone yet."

"Hey! I am right here, you know."

"We know." Both men said in unison. I felt a blush settle on to my face as I looked away from them. As Robb crossed his arms and kept his eyes on me, I began to think about the story that Robb had told me. The one about Aedelia. I felt so bad for her. To be forced to marry a man who was mostly likely a cruel monster to her AND to be separated from her love, only to go missing after the Dance of Dragons was heartbreaking to hear. It wasn't her fault that she went through that, and it was unfair that all these years later, Aedelia was painted as a villainess in Cregan Stark's story. That's all she was reduced to. A villain.

How history sees the people that witness it is very cruel.

I think the reason Robb told me that story was his way of telling me to be cautious. The last time my a Pyralis was formally engaged to a Northman, it ended badly. He wanted me to be careful, and to gain understanding of why My Lady wanted me to do everything perfectly.

As Maester Luwin began his work on my arm, Robb cleared his throat. "Ahem. If you'll excuse me, I must get back to my duties. Maester Luwin." HIs gaze flickered to me and he nodded his head. "Ophelia. Hope you feel better." He turned heel and left.

Once the sounds of his footsteps receded, Maester Luwin spoke in a low voice, "He worries for you. Robb thinks you won't adjust well to Karhold."

I blanched at what the older man said. "What makes him think that? Robb has seen me and Torrhen. He has nothing to fear. Torrhen is a good, kind man."

Maester Luwin looked up from my arm that he started to spread the warm poultice on. His grey eyebrows furrowed, causing little wrinkles to form between them. "It's not Torrhen he's worried about, girl. It's you. He thinks you still need time to adjust to being a Lady."

I let out a hiss as the poultice began to sting me a bit. Gritting my teeth, I replied, "I suppose he's not wrong. I do need time to adjust. But I'm not getting married tomorrow. I still have time to get my bearings." As he started to wrap my arm in a clean white bandage, Maester Luwin gave me a soft smile. "Aye. You do. Soon you'll be visiting with Lord Stark and Robb. Speaking of which, I received a raven for you earlier today." Digging through his pockets, Maester Luwin pulled out a well-sized scroll for me. "I believe it's from your betrothed." He handed me the rolled up scroll, and sure enough, on the wax seal there was the signature Karstark sigil: a sun.

Using my other hand, I unfurled the scroll and read Torrhen's letter to me.

Dearest Ophelia,

I'm sorry I was not able to stay as long as we had hoped. Urgent matters required my presence here. Furthermore, my family has given me nothing but grief for our upcoming wedding.

"We thought you'd never marry" my elder brother said. How right he was. In truth, I had not been that worried with finding a potential wife until you came along. Although our time to get to know each other was brief, it was memorable. There are happier marriages who have had less than that before the couple wed. So, I am thankful.

Father keeps pressing me for you and the Starks to have the wedding here in Karhold, but I've remained steadfast in my choice to keep the wedding at Winterfell. (I actually believe that Father doesn't to travel. I do pity him in this manner). I think it will be nice, the joining of the family that has been fostering you, as well as my own. I don't expect as many people as there was for your nameday celebration (and I certainly hope that nuisance Greyjoy won't be there) but if it gets too loud or rambunctious for us, we can always escape to the library for some books and respite.

I look forward to seeing you soon. There is much I want to show you for Karhold. We could ride to the Grey Cliffs in less than a day, and watch the sun rise or set. It's the most beautiful sight you'd ever see. Harrion wants me to stay at Karhold with him, rather than run a little keep. He think I'd be a good councilor to consult with when it comes to tenant problems. He also believes that my skill with a sword can help train up and coming knights that will represent our House.

Ophelia, I do not come from the wealthiest House, nor the most prominent, but I swear to you that I will do my best to make Karhold a home for you. I swear it, by the Old Gods and New. You'll feel safe and home here with me and my family. We shall accept you with open arms (especially my Father, as he speaks so fondly of yours). I can't wait for you to get here, so we may resume our walks and talks together.

Ever yours,

Torrhen

I felt a warmth come over me. Torrhen was eager to see me again.

This was promising. Although I did not love him, to see that he was truly making an effort to make me feel welcome was a beautiful thing. I was grateful for it. Not every girl would be lucky to have a suitor going through all of these hurdles for her.

"That's the third letter this week." Maester Luwin tied the bandage neatly and petted the raven with an index finger. The bird squawked, but allowed the elderly man to stroke it's black feathers. "Any more, and I will be naming this bird and keeping it. He's beginning to get far too familiar with me."

I hopped off the table and put the scroll in my dress pocket. "Well, if you do name the bird, try not to name it Aemond."

Maester Luwin stopped stroking the bird and took the dirty poultice bowl off the table. "And why ever not?"

"It's an awful name." Before he could ask why, I bolted from the apothecary, down the stairs, and outside.

Now, it was time to go back to My Lady. She did ask that of me after all.

However, she never said I couldn't take my time.

I went to my room and opened the door to see the table where I've been making my baths for Ros and her boss. I needed to see her soon. I haven't since my party, and even though she told Theon to tell me that it wasn't my fault, it still made me feel bad about what had happened. She was my friend, regardless of what anyone thinks.

Ethaesper was asleep on my bed. She was finally starting to outgrow her cage, so she had take to sleeping on my bed with me. I glanced to the box that was in the corner of the room. It was a present, still unopened. While most of my presents were fine things such as sweets, gloves, modest jewelry, or in Lord Manderly's case, a whole crate of the sweet sticky fruit, there was one gift I had yet to open.

It was in a large box wrapped in the finest pink brocade wrapping parchment I'd ever seen. Larger than the Martell's gift, this one was delivered by twelve ravens. Attached to the box was a sigil I was afraid of: a Baratheon stag imprinted into golden wax.

The sigil of the king. I had yet to open it, afraid of what it could be. I hadn't even told My Lady I received it since I saw that it was delivered the same time I snuck into Maester Luwin's for bath ingredients. It had been a while since then, and the thinnest layer of dust began to form on the package. Katherine knew, as she knew most things, but I swore her to secrecy. She didn't see the fuss about yet another present, but she grouchily agreed nonetheless.

Enough time had passed, though. Surely whatever it is would be harmless, right?

I remembered the time Robb opened the trunk with me because I was scared to do it on my own. He can't always be around for me when I'm feeling afraid or weak.

There were times when I would need to face fear myself.

And that time was now.

Kneeling to the ground, I touched the box and began to untie the pink rope that encased it. After it was fully loose, I took a deep breath.

Slowly, I tore the paper off and saw a white box with a lid on it. I lifted the lid and I felt my heart stop.

It was a dress.

The most beautiful dress I had ever seen.

Encased in crystals and glittering jewels, it sparkled a beautiful silver color. This Southern dress was so grand, it almost seemed out of place up here in the harsh North. I gently lifted it up to inspect it closer. As I did, I noticed another dress underneath it. This one was red and gold. The material was shear and Dornish, and the cut of the dress was too revealing for me, as it showed off the shoulder and arms of the wearer.

I put down the first dress and reach for the envelope, finally reading the King's words.

Hello,

I hope you've found these to your liking, as one of them will be your wedding dress.

May you know that you can put trust in the Crown.

Her Grace,

Queen Cersei of House Lannister

No wonder stamp was in golden wax. It was a gift not by the King, but by the Queen herself.

I felt relief come over me as I put down the letter, then I giggled a bit.

What was I worried over? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It was fine gift, given to me most graciously by the Queen herself. How kind it was of her! Perhaps by extension, this meant that the King would be benevolent as well.

I stood up with my future wedding dress in hand and I held it to my body. I twirled with it, spinning in a small circle.

What a beautiful gift indeed. I'd have to write to the Queen to thank her.

It was then I got the feeling of relaxation and that everything was going to be alright.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please let me know what you think! :D

Next Chapter: A trip to Karhold? Or more time at Winterfell? I will let you guys decide! Put it in the reviews or message me! I appreciate all your thoughts and thank you all for sticking with me while writing this story. It truly does mean a lot to me.