The hearth was flickering in Sansa's solar, heat rolling from the fire. Every day, Sansa noted, the flames were brighter, and paler. The once warm orange was now a pale yellow. The heat the fire burned, was warmer than before. Jon's egg is getting closer to hatching, Sansa had thought on many and occasion. Yet she knew it would not happen, not while Jon was away.

The white dragon egg was their secret. While the fire burned, it was almost invisible to the naked eye. Jon, before he left, had learned how to hide it enough for others in the room to not notice it. Sansa had a set of tongs for her to move it when necessary. She would transport it from the fire in the solar to the ones in her chambers, or vice versa. She felt she had a responsibility towards the egg, which she knew would hatch when Jon returned.

Sansa was not the only caretaker of the egg. Lady guarded it like it was one of her own pups. It was as if they both sensed something momentous would happen with the egg. Not that Sansa was fond of dragons. She'd hated the two Daenerys brought with her from Essos. Yet here she was, protecting a dragon egg, as if it were her own child. Sansa knew, as long as the dragon was raised well, then mayhap they might be able to prevent it from being like Drogon and Rhaegal. As long as the creature inside helped with the storm, that the Night King brought with him, it might be worth it.

Sansa stared into the flames, the pull of the egg was almost mesmerising, when there was a knock on the door. Sansa blinked a few times. "Come in."

Maester Fell entered the room with a small bow of the head. He closed the door behind him. "Your grace." He said, handing her three scrolls. "These just came in. One from Winterfell, one from White Harbor, and one from Castle Black.

"Thank you, Maester Fell." Sansa smiled.

"Would you like anything?" The maester asked, his voice full of concern. Sansa had been working hard ever since Jon left. She spent much of the day helping build sew canvas for more tents, and make blankets. All the while, she still had a castle and the entire gift to rule. She'd been taking Tormund through some of the jobs, ones which did not involve reading, but in truth, she needed Mance Rayder to come south. He would take over from her, and he could also read and write.

Mance needed to be among the next group coming south. Jon would need to reveal his identity in the next two or three moons. Queenscrown needed its new Lord in place and ready to take over.

"I might need to write a letter to Castle Black." She told him. "I'll be with you shortly." She smiled.

"Do you need a sleeping draught?" Maester Fell asked. "You've been working hard, your grace."

Sansa smiled, but shook her head. "I no have problems sleeping, Maester Fell." It was true, if she fell asleep in her chambers, and the fire was burning with the egg inside, a quiet calm would fall upon her. She knew the dragon egg was part of Jon, and if it were still burning brightly, then Jon was safe. "If anything, it is the amount of work which keeps me from retiring. But it is only for a short while."

"If you say, your grace." Maester Fell sighed, not looking entirely convinced, before leaving Sansa to her letters.

The first was from Winterfell. Sansa pulled apart the seal of House Stark embedded into the red wax, and unfurled the parchment.

Another request for me to ride south for the wedding. Their invitation also suggested if we were having problems of our own, preventing us from attending the wedding and swearing fealty to King Joffrey, another method fealty would be presented. One which we cannot refuse. I fear what that could be. The wedding is one moon from now.

Eddard Stark

Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North

Sansa rubbed her face. The only option the Lannisters had, was marriage. Their options to marry off were Tyrion, Cersei, Tommen and Myrcella. Sansa was already married, therefore she wasn't an option. Tywin might try to have Robb and Myrcella betrothed. It wouldn't be a terrible match, if it weren't for the fact Myrcella was a bastard of incest. She put the letter to one side; she didn't want to think about it.

The next letter was from Castle Black.

Niece, I'm coming to Queenscrown with five thousand Freefolk. I'll be there in a week.

Uncle Benjen

If Sansa had been an overly emotional person, she would have been ready to cry. There weren't enough tents to accommodate the new group of Freefolk. There weren't enough people to make them. Not five thousand new people.

Sansa had coped with similar problems in her previous life, when Winterfell was filling up and there was little food to spare. This time, food wasn't the issue. It wouldn't be long before it was in abundance, which would help with the long night. The farming, would hopefully eradicate the potential for starvation during the upcoming winter. For now, it was how to home people without causing problems with the rest of the north.

Many of the first group had adapted and filtered off into different areas of the Gift which was close to Queenscrown. Sansa just hoped the new group wasn't the giants. Theon and Ygritte's mission was mainly to select the most appropriate land for them, because although the group was small, they required significantly more room than anyone else. Especially as they kept mammoths.

Sansa left the final letter until she had written her responses. She knew it was from Jon, and was eager to open it, but she had work to do first. That letter would be personal, and she wanted to read that sat in front of the fire with a mug of cider.

Her first letter was brief and to the point.

Lord Commander Mormont,

I need Mance Rayder to be in the next group of Freefolk to come south. Certain events have taken place, which means the King Beyond the Wall, swiftly needs to learn how to run Queenscrown, as mine, and Lord Whitestark's duties may take us elsewhere and make it difficult for us to explain our different agreements with the lords. This is a time-consuming endeavour, and the running of Queenscrown needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

I will send Sigorn to collect Mance, he should be there in a week. A maximum of one thousand to accompany him, as we are already struggling to ensure there are sufficient sleeping arrangements for the people coming in with Benjen Stark.

Sansa Whitestark

Lady of Queenscrown

Sansa sighed and took a sip of cider. Lady looked up at her from her position in front of the fire, guarding the egg. Attuned to her mistress' needs, Lady got up and padded over to Sansa and lay her head on Sansa's lap. She closed her eyes and imagined herself feeling as relaxed as Lady did. Sansa opened her eyes and ran her hand through the soft grey fur, before placing a kiss on her head.

"You always know how to soothe me." Sansa smiled. "I don't know how you do it."

Lady must have understood, as she returned to her spot beside the hearth, staring at the egg, while Sansa started on her second letter.

Dear father,

You must stay steadfast and do nothing. It is too late to attend the wedding. We shall see what his notion of fealty means, although I suspect it means uniting House Lannister and House Stark. You must consider what terms are offered.

Sansa Whitestark

Lady of Queenscrown

Sansa was going to send the letters before she read the one from Jon. But both could wait until the morning. Instead, she removed the egg from the fire with the tongs, and placed it into the one in her chambers. Sansa undressed herself without help. Ever since Ramsay had covered her previous self in scars, she had refused the services of a handmaiden. Even now, with a blemish-free body, she couldn't face being touched by unwanted hands. The only people she trusted were Jon, Arya, and her mother.

Once Sansa was in her night dress, and robe, she sat down next to the fire, the brightness from the egg appeared to help the fire burn hotter than usual. Lady was laid down with her head snuggled up to Sansa's feet, and on the table was a mug of hot cider.

Sansa pulled on the red wax seal and unfurled the letter.

My darling Sansa,

I hope for you to be well, including the goings on in Queenscrown. Bran should be with you shortly. The Northern Lords have their concerns regarding the plans. When the time is right, I will write to Lord Stark to form a council. Both you and I must attend to announce the plans.

Arya and I are doing well. We will tour the shipyard on the morrow before setting sail for the south.

Dream of Lady for me.

I miss you and hope to see you very, very, soon.

All my love

Jon

Disappointment resonated within her, the letter was far more formal than she had expected. Sansa forced herself to keep her composure and ingest the true meaning of the letter, for more words were left unsaid. If the Lords had harboured concerns, then someone must have shared them with Jon.

Lord Manderly was a true and honest man, she thought. He would think to warn them of any potential conspiracy against them. Instinct led her to believe the person leading the charge would be Roose Bolton.

Previously, he had been overthrown House Stark, murdering her mother and brother, along with the Lannisters and Freys. If he was sowing the seed of discourse amongst the northern Lords, then they were facing a major crisis, at a point when Jon was once again missing, leaving her to deal with the fallout. At least he had the foresight to request the council upon his return. Sansa just hoped Queenscrown would survive until then. It was time to tell the world his secret.

The final two sentences of the letter were the most puzzling part. How could he see her so soon, when he would be away for at least another moon or two? At least he didn't forget to tell her loved her. Satisfied with that, Sansa climbed into bed, and fell into a fitful sleep.

The following morning, Sansa broke her fast in her chambers with berries and oats in water, mixed with honey. They had found a number of beehives in the vicinity, and were looking to create honey, much to the delight of Maester Fell, who liked to use it in his remedies. He was quick to claim it cured many ailments, although Sansa suspected the ailment in question was his own sweet tooth.

The fire crackled white as the egg continued to warm in the fire. Lady's large body, curled up in front of the hearth, guarding the egg with her life. Sansa worried for her. The direwolf barely moved, always keeping watch. She left the egg to do her business, before swiftly returning and continuing her duty.

Sansa finished breaking her fast and rose, ready to tackle the day, a normal occurrence. When Lady rose with her, Sansa knew something was amiss. A knock on the door, gained her attention. "Come in."

Ser Barristan entered the room with an enormous white direwolf, red eyes aglow. Ghost padded towards her and circled his body around her, pressing up against her with affection, unlike anything she'd seen from him before.

"He arrived only a few minutes ago, your grace." Ser Barristan closed the door behind him, so it was just the two of them, where they could be undisturbed. "I have never seen him run so fast, your grace. It was as if he were desperate to see you."

Sansa got to her knees and stroked his face. "I bet you're hungry, aren't you? You know who'll make sure you get the best food." She looked up to Ser Barristan. "Never bite the hand that will feed you the best cut of meat." Sansa laughed, turning to Ghost. "Shall we get you something to eat?" She stood, but Ghost sat on his haunches and placed his paw on her foot, as if to prevent her from leaving.

"Ser Barristan, can you let the kitchen staff know Ghost is back and they have my permission to give him scraps like they do with Lady."

Ser Barristan gave a knowing smiled. "Of course, your grace." He bowed his head, left the room and closed the door behind him.

Ghost padded over towards the fireplace and nudged at Lady. Sansa watched him take her place to guard the egg, finally allowing Lady to leave her post. Ghost lay down in front of the fire, while Lady stretched, before padding towards the door.

"Do you want to go out?" asked Sansa, expecting Lady to sit at the door, and wait patiently as she usually did, except she didn't sit. Assuming the poor direwolf must have been desperate, Sansa rose and walked over to the door to let Lady out.

Cold air blew into the warm room, coming through the open door. Sansa shivered, winter is coming, but not yet she thought. She had expected Lady to run off, but instead she stood beside Sansa, not moving from her side.

Before Sansa was able to question the actions of her direwolf, she heard a scream pierce the air from outside. Only then did Lady move. Silently padding into the corridor and towards the ever increasing chaotic sound outside. The direwolf stopped and looked towards Sansa, as if encouraging her to follow.

Trusting her faithful friend, she stepped out, ready to follow. The door next to hers opened, there stood Ser Barristan, sword at his hip.

"Let me go first, my lady." insisted Ser Barristan. He never referred to her as 'you grace' outside the privacy of those who knew of Jon's true identity.

"Be careful, Ser Barristan." Sansa agreed.

Lady waited to let Ser Barristan to pass, before setting off beside Sansa, protecting her as her second guard. Suddenly Lady stopped and turned her head to the door, Sansa followed her gaze, where Ghost stood in the entrance. An unknown communication passed between the wolves, and Ghost replaced Lady. His enormous size being almost one and a half times the size of the amber-eyed wolf. Ghost was a far more imposing figure, and should any trouble be found, he was the one who would terrify anyone who tried to attack Sansa.

The rain was ferocious, but nothing like when Jon and Sansa had hidden in the cave. This time it was icy cold, as were the winds. Sansa was glad she wore breeches under her coat. They were far warmer than any dress, and would get less muddy. The skies were grey, and a distinct feeling of snow was in the air.

Sansa followed Ser Barristan outside, Ghost, her silent sentinel, just behind. Chaos seemed to have erupted amongst the Freefolk. A wailing of a woman could be heard in the distance. Sansa looked around and found the fire-kissed mane of Tormund Giantsbane to her left, who looked to be arguing with someone.

"Ser Barristan." Sansa called, nodding in the direction of Tormund.

They, along with Ghost made their way to the wildling, where they found him in a deep discussion with another one of the Freefolk. A dark-haired woman, who Sansa knew to be called Karsi, patted Tormund on the arm and nodded her head in Sansa's direction. Tormund followed her gaze, which rested upon Sansa. He beckoned her over.

Once she reached him, she found him with Karsi, Stryg and three other Freefolk, whom she didn't know. A tall man with a bald head, with scars running across. He would have been handsome, if it weren't for a strange look in his eyes. She recognised him as a Thenn, known cannibals, or at least reputed to be. Two women were also there. Despite the paint on their faces, Sansa could tell one was red faced and angry. The other had red-rimmed eyes.

"What's going on?" Demanded Sansa.

"One of the Hornfoot women was found this morning. Her body had been… eaten." Replied Tormund.

"By what?" Asked Sansa.

"An animal." The Thenn replied.

"How can you tell, Advag? How do we know it wasn't one of yours?" The angry-looking woman shouted.

Sigorn was the Magnar of Thenns and a highly respected member of the group. However, he was at castle black, hopefully to retrieve Mance Rayder. The king beyond the wall couldn't come soon enough for Sansa's liking.

"We promised not to eat humans. We only do when times are desperate, in deepest winter, or when one of our own dies. There is plenty to eat and your sister wasn't one of ours. Why would we eat her?" He asked.

Tormund gave Sansa an exasperated look before leaning in. "Something isn't right about this." He whispered.

"Besides," Advag continued. "These bones are clean, not charred. We cook our dead, eat them and burn the rest until there is nothing left. Nothing can be left for the Others. We take their spirits, prevent him from taking their bodies."

As disgusting as eating their own dead sounded to Sansa's ears and understanding of how the Freefolk lived, there was a logic to their methods.

"Of course, it could be him." Advag pointed to Ghost. "Or the other one."

"Ghost only arrived a few minutes ago and Lady eats from the kitchen. She spends all of her time guarding me or our chambers." Sansa argued. Astonished to find Ghost or Lady were being blamed.

"How do we know this isn't a trap?" Advag asked.

"Jon Snow's friends are with Mance, he wouldn't risk it." Tormund growled.

"But Jon Snow isn't here to stop his men." Advag said.

"It looks like hounds to me." Karsi said.

"Where was she found?" Sansa asked.

"She was setting up traps for the fish at the southern lake. But she was found about half-a-mile south east." The angry sister had calmed somewhat.

"Barking near the lake, was heard a sennight ago." Karsi said. This was the first time Sansa had heard of this.

"Hounds?" Sansa asked.

"Big ones." Karsi nodded. "I've seen the body and heard them."

Sansa's stomach turned, she had an uncomfortable feeling about this. "How many do you think there are?"

"At least four." Karsi replied. "There was a smaller one, sounded like it was yapping."

Nausea overwhelmed Sansa, fear gripped her stomach. Ramsay, she knew it. No doubt at the orders of Roose Bolton, the traitor Jon had hinted at in his letter. Sowing discord amongst the Freefolk, to get them to retaliate against the Stark soldiers, or the northern Lords. Memories of Ramsay's torture filled her mind, she suddenly felt light-headed.

"Are you alright?" Tormund asked, suddenly looking worried.

Sansa shook her head, unable to hold down her breakfast a moment longer, she turned to the wall, rushed over and vomited all over the ground.

"What's going on?" Robb's voice came from behind, before his arms were around her shoulders. "Sansa?"

Sansa spat on the floor. "We need to talk." She whispered. Robb was the only one who knew about what Ramsay had done. "Go ask them what happened, tell them I am to look into it, but caution them it is not one of our people, and we are confident it is not one of the Freefolk. Then come to my solar and I will explain everything."

Sansa felt him squeeze her shoulders. "Alright, I'll deal with this as best as I can. You go back and sit down. Ser Barristan, can you escort my sister back to her solar, and get Maester Fell."

Sansa shook her head. "I don't need a maester. When you find out what happened, you'll understand." She said, as she felt the gentle hand of Ser Barristan holding her by the elbow.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"I will be, I hope." Sansa said. "Let us get back to my solar."