p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Brandon Stark stood on the stone balcony of Winterfell, staring down at the courtyard where his brothers practiced their swordplay. His mind, however, was far from the familiar grounds of his home. The arranged marriage to Catelyn Tully, orchestrated by his father, felt like an iron chain tightening around his soul every day. He couldn't forget Barbrey Dustin, the woman he had sworn to love always./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;""Barbrey," he whispered softly, his gaze drifting beyond the horizon where he imagined his beloved to be. The thought of abandoning her for some political alliance was unbearable to him./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"His father, Lord Rickard Stark, had made it clear that the marriage to Catelyn was necessary. It would unite two great houses, strengthen the North, and bolster their standing in the realm. But to Brandon, these strategic reasons felt hollow compared to the depth of his feelings for Barbrey. He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar surge of frustration and helplessness./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"How could he ever be happy with Catelyn when his heart belonged to another? The memories of stolen moments with Barbrey haunted him—her laughter, her touch, the way she looked at him as if he were her entire world. Brandon knew he was bound by duty, but his heart rebelled against the cold pragmatism of his father's plans./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"As he brooded, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Eddard, his younger brother, approaching with a concerned look./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;""Brandon, are you all right?" Eddard asked quietly./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Brandon forced a smile. "Just thinking, Ned. Sometimes, duty feels heavier than a suit of armor."/p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Eddard nodded, understanding the weight of their responsibilities. "Father believes this marriage will secure our future."/p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;""Perhaps," Brandon replied, his voice tinged with bitterness. "But what of love, Ned? What of the promises we've made to ourselves and others?"/p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Eddard's expression softened. "I wish I had answers for you, brother. But we must trust that our sacrifices are for the greater good."/p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Brandon sighed, knowing his brother was right, yet unable to shake the ache in his chest. He turned back to the horizon, silently vowing to find a way to honor his heart without betraying his family's legacy./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;""Barbrey," he whispered softly, his gaze drifting beyond the horizon where he imagined his beloved to be. The thought of abandoning her for some political alliance was unbearable to him./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"His father, Lord Rickard Stark, had made it clear that the marriage to Catelyn was necessary. It would unite two great houses, strengthen the North, and bolster their standing in the realm. But to Brandon, these strategic reasons felt hollow compared to the depth of his feelings for Barbrey. He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar surge of frustration and helplessness./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"How could he ever be happy with Catelyn when his heart belonged to another? The memories of stolen moments with Barbrey haunted him—her laughter, her touch, the way she looked at him as if he were her entire world. Brandon knew he was bound by duty, but his heart rebelled against the cold pragmatism of his father's plans./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"As he brooded, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Eddard, his younger brother, approaching with a concerned look./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;""Brandon, are you all right?" Eddard asked quietly./p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Brandon forced a smile. "Just thinking, Ned. Sometimes, duty feels heavier than a suit of armor."/p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Eddard nodded, understanding the weight of their responsibilities. "Father believes this marriage will secure our future."/p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;""Perhaps," Brandon replied, his voice tinged with bitterness. "But what of love, Ned? What of the promises we've made to ourselves and others?"/p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Eddard's expression softened. "I wish I had answers for you, brother. But we must trust that our sacrifices are for the greater good."/p
p style="border: 0px solid #e3e3e3; box-sizing: border-box; -tw-border-spacing-x: 0; -tw-border-spacing-y: 0; -tw-translate-x: 0; -tw-translate-y: 0; -tw-rotate: 0; -tw-skew-x: 0; -tw-skew-y: 0; -tw-scale-x: 1; -tw-scale-y: 1; -tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; -tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; -tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; -tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); -tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; -tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Helvetica, 'Apple Color Emoji', Arial, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"Brandon sighed, knowing his brother was right, yet unable to shake the ache in his chest. He turned back to the horizon, silently vowing to find a way to honor his heart without betraying his family's legacy./p