Diana was invited by the new Lady of Winterfell, Sansa, the heir Rickon and the former Lord of the Night's Watch, Jon Snow, to settle among the lords and ladies of the North. But Robb preferred to hide in the hall he used to command. He mingled with the wildlings so as not to draw any attention and felt the pain of the words of the lords who lost loved ones during their fateful campaign in the War of the Five Kings. Even so, Robb was infected by the speeches in favor of his brother.
The White Wolf. The King in the North. He saw when Jon visibly divided by the appeals and rose from his chair. His half-brother stared at Sansa for a long time until he received the smile of agreement and then looked for her. Robb smiled broadly and nodded. Only then did Jon look at the crowd and accept the new mission. Thus, Robb breathed a sigh of relief, raised his new sword and joined the chorus. "The King in the North."
The Lords of the North were gradually becoming infected and shouting for glasses of wine, singers and lively music. A banquet was improvised and the Great Hall of Winterfell took over by a festivity not seen since King Robert Baratheon's visit. For a moment, Robb thought that these seemed like memories from another life. And, indeed, they were. From his first life.
Then, he saw the singers begin their performance and the color completely drained from his face. The memories were not limited to the court banquet, but jumped to that cursed night at the Twins. His whole body shivered at the thought that he would be playing the Rains of Cashmere again and his heartbeat accelerated.
Stunned, Robb bumped into two or three members of the Free Folk until he found the exit of the main hall. The ice of the night sky did not seem to have any effect until that. The movement of a hand. He felt his hand being caught by another warm, soft and smooth. The Young Wolf turned his head and found Diana at his side.
_ Did something happen? You seemed disturbed. – said the Amazon, still holding the clasp of her hands.
_ I was. I think the music took me back to the night they betrayed me... It all started with a song. I guess I dove too deep into those memories. I just... I lost control, I'm sorry.
_ There's nothing to apologize for. It happens... You saw me lose control too. It's all right now. – she smiles and makes the boy want to laugh back.
_ You did it. – Diana looks at him confused and the young knight points to the festive atmosphere inside and outside the castle with villagers drinking and dancing on the outskirts of the Winter Village – You rescued me. You saved Rickon. You opened the gates for us to retake Winterfell. Everything is fine now because of you, Diana.
_ We did it.
Robb opened his mouth to try to make up for the mistake, but fell silent. Truly, he and everyone else were fine and in Winterfell that night because of her. But he preferred to keep the confession to himself, perhaps for later. In the distance, he noticed a very familiar quintet and gently pulled Diana by the hand in the same direction.
Uncle Blackfish, Brienne, squire Podrick, an excited Sansa and a young Rickon struggling to readjust. He found the group's formation quite unusual, especially given Sansa's visibly demonstrated satisfaction at being part of that private celebration. Robb responds to Rickon's discreet wave, approaches his younger brother and is promptly recognized by his uncle.
The Blackfish stands up, puts down his glass of wine and pulls him into a warm hug. The experienced warrior's grip made Robb let out a few sighs over his body still sore from the battle. Despite this, he smiled again. He allowed himself to smile at the happiness of finding a loved one alive, happy and in his newly restored home. However, the moment of contentment could not cover up the flaws of his past.
_ I'm glad to see you alive, uncle. But I can only ask for forgiveness for all the mistakes we've made... If we're here today...
_ There's nothing to forgive, boy. We fought and lost. Now, we start over. I was determined to die in vain in my home when I learned of your survival. You've already recovered Winterfell, let's free Riverrun and take revenge on everyone! - the experienced warrior shouts.
_ I think Jon has other priorities, but we'll settle the score in due time. Uncle, I'd like to introduce you to Diana, princess of Themyscira and the one responsible for bringing me back.
The Blackfish looked the young warrior up and down and repeated the warm hug.
_ So, this is the extraordinary warrior everyone is talking about? I don't know how you did all this that they are saying on the battlefield, but you will have my gratitude for what you did for my family, princess.
_ Please, just call me Diana. But I am only fulfilling my sacred duty. Protecting the world from evil men and the Long Night is the mission of the Amazons.
_ Amazon, then? Do you believe that, Robb? - the old commander speaks in his nephew's ear.
_ I believe it more and more every day. - the man shrugged, retrieved the wine mug and shouted something to a northern woman who was dancing in the crowd.
The song began to be heard even louder and made some couples from the Winter Village feel encouraged to take a few dance steps. Just like Sansa when she pulled the young squire by the hand.
Shyly, Podrick even tried to claim that he would not be up to dancing with the Lady of Winterfell, but the protest was promptly ignored by Sansa, who would just like to take advantage of her young age in more frivolous matters than wars, the Army of Deaths, revenge and new battles. For now, that was enough. And it seemed to be enough for Robb Star too, who shrugged, smiled at Brienne's confused expression, took another sip of his drink and turned his attention to the Amazon at his side.
_ Do you dance on your paradise island?
_ We dance, of course. But these people are just swaying. - Robb laughs at the comparison and stands up again.
_ Right. If we are going to fight the Night King, at least I need to teach you how to dance properly. Obviously, without the sword... - he frees himself from the long sword and extends his hand - If you will do me the pleasure.
_ It would be rude if I refused your invitation, wouldn't it?
_ Yes, after all, you would be refusing my help and you need it right now.
_ I disagree. You don't know how to dance. - she laughs again.
_ Just let me guide you, okay? - she agrees - So, you give me your hand like this. And I'll put my arm around your waist, like this. And now, we just... How did you say? We sway. We just sway.
_ You're too close.
_ That's the point of dancing.
_ I understand. Is that what people do when there are no more wars to fight? - Diana asks seriously.
_ Yes, that and other things. - The Young Wolf answers without breaking the connection with his dance partner.
_ What other things? - Robb thinks for a long time before answering.
_ They have breakfast. - Diana smiles widely and makes him laugh consequently. Something that was becoming more and more routine - People really love breakfast. They
wake up, work, get married, raise their children and grow old together. At least, I think so.
_ How do they feel?
_ I have no idea.
Robb genuinely didn't know what it would be like to grow old with the person he loved. He thought he would have that opportunity with Talysa in his other life, but he couldn't have been more wrong. The memory of his late wife brought him a strong sense of guilt for living and feeling all that.
He was already beginning to believe that the Gods acted in strange ways, but they didn't give him an extra eternal time. So, the former King of the North continued the dance. The dances. Little by little, the music, the toasts and the celebrations dwindled until they ended completely. Rickon walked by accompanied by the Blackfish and the couple laughed heartily at the visible drunkenness of the teenager and the old warrior.
Sansa said goodbye to Podrick and Brienne affectionately and made sure to repeat the display of affection when she approached her older brother and his traveling companion. With a not-so-subtle smile, the Lady of Winterfell suggested that Robb would be the best person to guide Diana to her new quarters, since they used to belong to him. By the redness in her cheeks, the Young Wolf noticed that his sister must also be happier due to the influence of the wine, but he returned the long hug and promised to show the way to Winterfell's most beloved guest.
When the castle courtyard seemed empty and silence already reigned in the hall, Robb considered it safe to fulfill the foolish promise he had made to his sister. He offered his arm to Diana, who accepted the kindness and they headed for the labyrinth of corridors, halls and rooms of Winterfell. The northerner stopped in front of the door of his old room and stared at the princess of Themyscira silently. He opened the door to the room and made room for her to pass, without breaking the intertwining of their hands. Robb looked at their joined hands for a long time, sighed once more and let the decision be made solely by the one who had brought him life in every possible way.
_ Are you sure, Diana?
Diana simply nodded and gently led him into the room. He brought his free hand to her face, and she closed the distance with a simple kiss. Robb woke up silently and observed the company at his side and allowed himself to smile. And he felt good when he discovered that the good feeling of smiling had not permanently left him. With extreme zeal, the Stark broke free from her embrace, got dressed and left the room. After all, he had another promise to fulfill that morning.
With the morning still rehearsing its first moments, he thought he would not find any familiar faces as he wandered through the castle he used to command. Discreetly, he made his way to the kitchen and enjoyed going unnoticed by the few servants who were trying to clean up the remains of the night's party in honor of the new King in the North. He picked up a silver tray, began rummaging through the cupboards and collecting some treats until he was caught.
_ What are you doing?
For a moment, he found himself back in his childhood and caught by his mother while doing something naughty. Robb turned and faced his sister with his arms crossed and an amused expression on his face.
_ You sounded exactly like our mother. Breakfast? – the older brother tries to explain himself miserably.
_ And why are you taking all the food from the castle away? You knew Winter is here! – Sansa holds back her laughter again in front of her completely upset brother.
_ I intended to surprise you... – admitting certain particularities of his adult life was still a difficulty, especially in front of his little sister – I wanted to surprise Diana when she woke up.
_ Ah... I see... So, you two...
_ I don't know exactly what to tell you... It just happened.
_ It wasn't something that happened. Anyone could see that something was already happening between you. But, I'm happy for your happiness, Robb. And Diana... Well, I like her more every
day.
_ That means a lot to me, Sansa. But I could say that I also noticed you and the squire. Podrick?
_ Yes, he is Brienne's squire. She swore to our mother that she would rescue me and Arya, and now she has sworn to protect me. They have saved my life a few times... And Podrick, well... He is kind, gentle, and honorable. But it was just a dance, Robb. I don't want any more of that in my life after everything.
The conversation that bordered on comedy between two brothers changes drastically and Robb is ashamed of awakening such feelings in his younger sister in the early hours of a new day. After all, Sansa had suffered everything she had because of him, for his whims and his failures. He would never ask for forgiveness enough for his.
_ I am so, so sorry for everything, Sansa. I am your older brother and it was my responsibility to save you from all of this. And I failed so badly.
_ I already said that there is nothing to forgive, but at some point you will have to do it for yourself, Robb. All of this is in the past. We are home. You are here and you brought Diana
to help us in the wars to come.
_ I didn't bring her here. She made me come back.
_ That's why we have to prepare an extraordinary breakfast for you. Come, I'll help you. We can't forget the lemon cake.
_ Of course, your favorite dessert, isn't it?
She confirms and finishes filling the tray with the improvised breakfast. With the increase in the circulation of people in the castle, Robb makes an effort to quickly get to the Amazon's room with everything intact. He opens the door, places the tray closer and celebrates finding her still asleep.
_ He sits on the bed, lovingly places his hand on her face and watches her wake up. It wasn't the first time they woke up together. After all, they had developed this routine on the boat trip to the Wall, but the intimacy was completely new and passionate.
_ Is it a new day already? - the Amazon says lazily.
_ Yes. Good morning, Diana. – he answers calmly and quietly.
_ What is all this? – the princess asks as she stands up slightly.
_ Breakfast. I told you that everyone loves breakfast. So, I had to introduce you, didn't I?
_ But, it's a lot! You didn't have to, Robb.
_ Don't think I did all this alone. Sansa made a point of helping me. I hope you like it!
_ I'm sure you will. But, it's a lot, I don't even know where to start.
_ May I suggest the lemon cake? It's my sister's favorite dessert.
_ What a flavor... Different and... So wonderful.
_ Don't you have lemons on your Paradise Island?
_ No, I would remember that flavor.
_ The two had just finished enjoying their improvised breakfast when they were interrupted by a knock on the door.
_ It's me, Jon. Sansa said I could find you here. May I come in? – Robb hurries to open the door for his brother. _ Come in, Your Majesty. – Robb uses irony when using the royal term.
_ Shut up, Robb. I had to meet them before the meeting with the Northern lords because I received a raven from King's Landing. Cersei became Queen of Westeros.
_ What? How did this damn woman get the crown? – Robb curses, intriguing Diana. – She was one of those responsible for the ruin of our family in the past and tormented Sansa for years in the capital.
Now, this woman sits on the Iron Throne...
_ She demands that someone from the North kneel in King's Landing to prove their loyalty. But I don't care... The Lannister army is in pieces and has never come this far North. They didn't come after Ramsay's Rebellion and they won't come now that winter has finally arrived.
_ Winter has arrived now? I don't know how you can say that with all this cold and snow since I stepped foot on your land. – the brothers look at each other at the Amazon's question and burst out laughing.
_ Let me explain, Diana. The North is always a cold region, but it has less aggressive and mild periods known as summer. But we always know that winter eventually returns and we must prepare for the increasingly shorter days and endless blizzards.
_ The wise men of the Citadel say that this will be the most powerful winter of all, but we know the real reason for that. – Jon admits, returning to his calm tone.
_ The Night King. – the Amazon replies.
_ Yes, and it is because of him that I am not worried about Cersei Lannister's plans. She has other kingdoms to take care of before she even thinks about riding to the North.
_ How can you know that, Jon?
_ Littlefinger told Sansa that Dorne, the Reach and the Iron Islands are rebelling against the Crown.
_ And do you trust Littlefinger now?
_ No, Sansa is suspicious of his intentions, but she assures us that his information is true.
_ I do not like this guy near our sister. We didn't finish off Ramsay so she could fall into Littlefinger's hands.
_ We'll make sure that doesn't happen. But that's also why we're having this conversation. I know you promised to take Princess Diana to face the Night King, but I'd like those plans to change again.
_ You can't ask that of me, Your Majesty. That's the sacred duty of the Amazons.
_ Only Jon, Diana. But I ask you to remember that this is my duty as well, even though I'm no longer a man of the Night's Watch. I faced and was defeated by the Night King at Hardhome. And I wouldn't dare ask you to give up your mission. I just ask that you be patient and help us help you.
_ What are you asking, Jon?
_ It would be foolish and a death sentence to challenge the Night King on your own. His army numbers in the thousands and grows every day. So let's let him bring the battle to us.
_ It's not a bad idea, Diana.
_ We've recovered Winterfell and we have the Wall to protect us for some time. Therefore, we must begin to organize ourselves and prepare for the fight. And when that happens, I will be even more hopeful of winning if I have you by my side. In the meantime, I ask for your help to strengthen our people.
_ And how could I help you with that?
_ I cannot protect the North from the Army of Death if only half of the population knows how to defend themselves. In that regard, the Free Folk have much to teach us. You saw what the free women did in the Battle of the Bastards, didn't you?
_ Of course. But you don't need to convince me of that, brother. I counted on the help of the Mormont women during my reign and I can only regret not having a few more in my own army.
_ Exactly. I will order that all Northmen between the ages of 10 and 60 be trained daily. But I believe that the Lords would be less resistant to the idea if a woman were in charge of preparing the Northern women. Sansa and I think that Diana would honor us if she agreed to help us with this task.
_ The honor is mine. When should we start? - Robb smiles with excitement, but feels even more comforted by the certainty of having more time by her side. The Princess of the Amazons.