Chapter 16

"Robb?" Sansa's voice called from the carriage.

Robb guided his horse closer, leaning slightly to hear her better. "Yes?"

"How long until we arrive at the inn?"

"Not very long," Robb replied. "We'll be there before sunset."

"Good," Sansa sighed in relief. "They do have a warm bath ready, don't they?"

"They should. Father sent Jory ahead to make the arrangements."

"I hope the bed will be more comfortable this time," Sansa added with a faint pout.

Robb couldn't help but smile. "We still have a long journey ahead of us, Sansa. Maybe it'll be easier if you remind yourself why we're going to King's Landing."

Sansa's face lit up at the thought. "I still can't believe we're going to the royal wedding. There will be so many handsome young lords there."

"Probably," Robb chuckled, his grin widening. "And I'll spend all my time chasing them away from you."

Sansa's brows furrowed as she huffed. "Robb!"

"Stop teasing your sister, Robb," came Margaery's voice as her head appeared at the carriage window, her tone playfully admonishing.

Robb straightened in the saddle, casting a glance at Margaery. "I'm only having a bit of fun," he said, his grin unapologetic.

"Careful," Margaery replied with a playful glint in her eye. "If you tease her too much, she might start plotting her revenge. Sansa is more clever than you give her credit for."

Sansa smiled triumphantly, leaning out of the carriage window. "See? Margaery understands me."

Robb raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I've no doubt about that. But if I didn't tease you, who else would?"

Margaery chuckled softly. "I'm sure the lords in King's Landing will be lining up for the privilege."

Sansa blushed, retreating into the carriage. "That's enough, both of you."

Robb smirked but said nothing more, guiding his horse back into position alongside the carriage. Margaery turned to look at him again, her expression softening.

"You must be tired after riding the whole day," Margaery said softly, her tone carrying an undertone of concern.

"I'm fine," Robb assured her, his voice steady. "How about you?"

Margaery's lips curled into a mischievous smile, a glimmer of humor lighting her eyes. "Oh, I'm just looking forward to… taking a bath, husband."

Robb cleared his throat, feeling the weight of his mother and sister's ears inside the carriage. He kept his tone as even as he could manage. "As am I."

He could feel Margaery's gaze lingering on him, and despite his efforts to remain composed, a flicker of warmth rose to his cheeks. It had become their unspoken ritual during this journey, those shared moments in the privacy of their bathing chamber. And though he'd never admit it aloud, Robb found himself anticipating them more and more with each passing night.

The sound of hooves on the dirt road filled the brief silence that followed, broken only when Arya's voice rang out from somewhere behind them.

"Are we there yet?!"

Robb sighed, shaking his head. "Almost, Arya!"

"Better be!" she shouted back. "I'm starving!"

Margaery stifled a laugh, and Robb smiled despite himself. "I swear, that girl could talk a tree into giving her its fruit."

"Or convince it to fight her," Margaery added, laughter dancing in her voice.

Robb chuckled softly. "Wouldn't put it past her."

"Robb?" Ned's voice called as he rode toward the carriage.

"I will see you soon," Robb said to Margaery, giving her a warm smile before guiding his horse closer to Ned's.

"It seems we may have to replace the wheel of the third carriage," Ned informed him. "But it shouldn't be a problem, we're making good time."

Robb nodded, glancing briefly back at the line of carriages. "That's good. Aunt Lyanna wouldn't be happy if we missed Aegon's wedding." He paused, a flicker of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth. "And I don't think Sansa would ever forgive us."

Ned let out a quiet chuckle at Robb's comment, his stern face softening just slightly. "No, I don't think she would. She's been dreaming about this wedding for months."

Robb glanced back toward the carriages, where Sansa's silhouette was visible through the window. "She'll fit right in at court. Probably better than I ever could."

"You're not giving yourself enough credit," Ned said. "The gods know your mother has done her best to prepare you all for what lies ahead. And the North isn't as far removed from court as you think."

Robb shrugged lightly. "Still feels like another world, though."

"It is," Ned admitted, his voice growing quieter, almost as though he was speaking to himself. "And it isn't."

Robb didn't press further, sensing there was a history in Ned's words that he wasn't ready to share.

They rode in silence for a few moments before Robb shifted in the saddle. "What do you make of this match, Father? Aegon and Faye?"

Ned's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, his expression unreadable. "A union like this strengthens the crown. It secures the Vale's allegiance and keeps the realm stable. Strategically, it makes sense."

"That wasn't what I asked," Robb pointed out.

Ned finally looked at him, his gray eyes steady. "What I think doesn't matter, Robb. What matters is whether they can find a way to make it work. A marriage bound only by duty can be a cold thing."

Robb nodded thoughtfully, though a faint shadow crossed his face as he considered his father's words. He couldn't deny that he was worried about Faye.

"Speaking of unions," Ned continued, his tone shifting slightly, "how are you and Margaery finding married life?"

Robb straightened instinctively, caught slightly off guard by the question. "It's... good," he replied carefully, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "She's... surprising, in the best way."

Ned's brow lifted ever so slightly, and Robb felt heat rise to his face. "I mean," he added quickly, "she's clever. Sharp. And…"

"You don't need to explain yourself to me," Ned interrupted, though there was a hint of humor in his tone. "I've seen the way she looks at you, and the way you look at her. That's more than most have in their marriages."

Robb exhaled, relieved that his father seemed to approve. "Thank you, Father."

Ned gave a small nod before glancing back at the carriages. "We should keep moving. Sansa's patience is wearing thin, and Arya's won't last much longer."

Robb grinned. "I think Arya's patience ran out days ago."

"Come here, Ser Fury," Lyanna said softly, offering him a piece of meat.

The direwolf hurried to her side of the table, eager for a treat.

"Must you feed him from the table, my love?" Rhaegar said, although he sounded like he was fighting an already lost battle. "That wolf is no doubt the most spoiled animal in the realm already."

Lyanna looked up, giving her husband a sweet smile. "And he deserves every bit of it. Just look at how adorable he is."

Jon hid his smile behind his hand as Rhaegar sighed, clearly ready to surrender. Jon was sitting beside him, with Faye on the other side of the table next to Lyanna. Brandon, who had joined them for dinner, was sitting beside Jon. Lyanna had called this a small and intimate dinner, but the food was fit for the finest banquets.

Brandon chuckled, raising his goblet. "I think Ser Fury's earned his spoiling. After all, a direwolf is a loyal companion, and a fierce one when needed."

Rhaegar arched an elegant brow, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You're only encouraging her. Soon, she'll be letting him sit at the table."

Lyanna gasped in mock offense. "Sit at the table? Don't be ridiculous. He doesn't need to sit at the table when he's perfectly content on the floor by my side." She scratched behind Ghost's ears, and the direwolf leaned into her touch, his tail thumping against the floor.

Jon certainly couldn't deny that Ghost, or rather Ser Fury, truly was spoiled.

"He does seem like a loyal companion," Faye said, her voice composed. She hadn't really spoken during dinner, apart from a few mandatory pleasantries.

Jon had noticed how different she seemed in the company of his parents, especially his father. She was quiet, polite, and her eating was flawless.

Jon stole a glance at Faye as she sipped from her goblet, her movements graceful and deliberate. She looked every bit the perfect lady. It was a side of her he wasn't used to seeing, not after she had become at least somewhat more comfortable around him.

"He is," Lyanna agreed, her gaze flickering to Faye. "But direwolves are more than companions, they're protectors. Ser Fury has been with Aegon ever since he was a pup. He was a nameday gift from Aegon's uncle, my brother, Lord Eddard."

Faye offered a small smile, though her posture remained composed. "I have met Lord Eddard, Your Grace."

"Oh, that's right, you have." Lyanna paused, looking at Jon. "I received word from your uncle Ned today, Aegon. They are on their way. I hope they'll bring at least some of Ser Fury's siblings with them. I'm sure he would be glad to see them. I think Robb might at least bring Grey Wind."

Jon shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Robb. Ever since he had found out that Faye would have married Robb without Rhaegar's interference, he hadn't been completely sure what to think. Even though Faye had said that she hadn't known Robb well, Jon still had some doubts.

Lyanna didn't seem to notice Jon's sudden discomfort, continuing with a smile, "The reunion will be wonderful, don't you think, Aegon? It's been far too long since we have seen your cousin."

"Yes, Mother," Jon replied, his voice steady despite the thoughts swirling in his mind. He could feel Faye's gaze flicker to him briefly, though she said nothing.

Brandon, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke. "Grey Wind's grown big. Almost as big as a horse the last time I saw him. I wonder how Ser Fury will react if they're reunited."

"I imagine they'll get along fine," Lyanna said lightly. "Direwolves know their kin."

Rhaegar, who had been quietly observing the exchange, turned his attention to Jon. "Aegon, you've been unusually quiet this evening. Is something troubling you?"

Jon straightened in his chair, his father's sharp gaze making him feel exposed. "No, Father. I was just thinking about how long it's been since I saw Uncle Ned and the others. It'll be good to see them again."

Faye glanced at him, her expression unreadable, but he caught the faintest trace of concern in her eyes.

"It will be," Rhaegar agreed, his tone calm but thoughtful. "Family reunions are rare treasures." He shifted his focus back to Faye. "You mentioned having met Lord Eddard. What was your impression of him?"

Faye's posture remained perfectly poised as she answered. "He was kind, Your Grace. Stern but fair. He reminded me a great deal of my father."

Lyanna's face softened at the mention of Ned. "That sounds like my brother. He's always had a strong sense of duty and justice. I'm glad you saw that in him."

Jon listened, trying to ignore the twist in his chest. He couldn't help but wonder how things would unfold when Robb arrived. Would he and Faye speak of the past? Would it stir feelings she had buried?

He clenched his jaw, forcing the thoughts away. Whatever happened in the past was beyond his control. For now, he needed to focus on the present, and on the complicated feelings Faye was starting to stir in him.

"May I escort you to your chamber?" Jon asked after dinner was finished.

"Of course, Your Grace," Faye replied, offering him a faint smile. She bid good night to Lyanna, Rhaegar, and Brandon with a polite curtsy. Ghost, clearly more than pleased after receiving several treats from Lyanna, followed Jon and Faye as they left the dining hall.

"Is everything alright?" Faye asked when they reached the hallway.

"Yes, everything is fine," Jon assured her.

Faye hesitated for a moment before continuing. She lowered her voice to keep the guards following them from hearing. "I saw your reaction when Her Grace mentioned Lord Robb, and I want to clear things up right now." She paused and pressed her lips together. "I was… examined when I arrived at court. To make sure that… I was a maiden and capable of giving birth to your heir. You have nothing to worry about."

Jon stopped in his tracks, turning to face her with wide eyes. "Faye… you didn't have to…"

"Yes, I did," she interrupted, her voice steady but her expression betraying a flicker of vulnerability. "I know how this might appear to you. I was meant to marry Robb. And while that union never came to pass, I can see it's still troubling you. I just want to be clear."

Jon looked at her, unsure how to respond. He appreciated her honesty, but the thought of her being subjected to such an invasive examination filled him with anger. "That shouldn't have been done to you," he said softly, his voice laced with regret.

"It's the way of things," Faye said, her tone practical. "It was my duty. I can't say that it was pleasant, but you are the Crown Prince. They needed to be sure that I am…worthy of you."

Jon's jaw tightened at her words. "Worthy of me?" he repeated, his voice low and laced with frustration. "No one should have to endure such a thing to prove their worth, least of all you."

Faye looked at him, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a faint, wry smile curved her lips. "You are kind, Your Grace, but you know as well as I do that duty often takes precedence over comfort. I was raised to understand that."

Jon shook his head, running a hand through his dark curls. "Understanding doesn't make it right."

"It doesn't," Faye admitted, her voice softening. "But it is done. You shouldn't let it weigh on your mind."

Jon studied her carefully, noting the calm resolve in her posture. He envied her composure, her ability to compartmentalize what would have left many others bitter or resentful. Still, he couldn't shake the anger that simmered beneath the surface.

"Perhaps I shouldn't let it weigh on me," Jon said after a moment. "But I can't help it. You've been put through so much, and you're still so…"

"So what?" Faye asked, tilting her head slightly as she regarded him.

Jon hesitated, searching for the right words. "So composed. So… strong."

For the first time, Faye's expression softened into something almost vulnerable. "You flatter me, Your Grace. But strength is born of necessity, not choice. I simply do what I must."

Jon nodded slowly, understanding her sentiment more than she realized. "I suppose we both do."