Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OCs. All rights go to Game of Thrones of HBO and George R.R. Martin.
A/N: Welcome to my new story. I've been messing around with Game of Thrones for a while and have been dawdling with this story as well as a few others. Reviews and feedback are always welcome.
Ch. 1 Winterfell
A month she had been confined to this prison of a carriage. A month she had endured the relentless jostle of the carriage and the constant upturn of her stomach. She rather preferred the open air of the road and the steady canter of a horse. But her mother refused. Unbefitting of a lady of her stature.
Cersei Lannister watched her eldest daughter closely, her cat-like green eyes always observant. She never watched Joffrey like that, her eyes only adoring when she gazed upon the crown prince. Myrcella and Tommen were given favorable looks, but less endearing than that towards her brother, her mother's favorite. Cersei always stared at her as if she were waiting for something. What it was, she never knew.
Cassana Baratheon stared back at her mother with wide, bright blue eyes. Robert always remarked fondly how his eldest child inherited some part of him. His other children had the same appearance as their mother and perhaps a reason for her discontent with Cassana. She was not a perfect version of her mother like the other three. She was not a lioness as Myrcella was called. Though she possessed the golden curls of the Lannisters, they were not quite as shiny, not a true gold. They were diminished in her mother's eyes by the strands of light brown layered throughout. She was not a true Lannister.
"I would wipe that look off your face. A lady should never have such an ugly countenance on her face," Cersei scolded. Cassana whipped her head back towards the curtains of the carriage, the filtering light the only indication of light outside of her cage. She hadn't thought she was making a face, always keeping her emotions in check around her mother.
"Yes, mother," Cassana replied in turn. It was a learned habit. She had come to find out that protesting did nothing to curb her mother's dislike of her. One minute Cersei lavished all the attention a mother should on her eldest, the next she struck like a viper.
"I will speak to your father again about this nonsense again. A southern flower should not be the bride of a northern lord. You deserve a far better match than a Stark. And he's bringing you here earlier than agreed." Cassana shook her head, swallowing the bile that threatened to bubble up to her lips. She was already nervous enough about being on the road for a month and now her mother was bringing up her impending marriage which had been rearranged due to the death of Jon Arryn. And now her father marched them to Winterfell for two reasons.
"Cassana should be married to my cousin, a Lannister. She is far too good of a bride for a Stark!" Cersei argued to Robert. Cassana could hear her screams echoing in the halls surrounding her mother's chambers in King's Landing. A loud slap followed. Cassana shuddered.
"You know damn well that Ned Stark's son would be the best for her. He'll treat her like a queen." Roberts booming voice followed. "It's already been arranged by Jon Arryn. She will marry the boy when she comes of age. That's the end of it." Robert's loud footsteps bounded out of the room and Cassana tried to scramble away from her father's approach. But he caught her. Ten years old she had been then, peering up at him with confusion.
Robert grasped her chin tightly, Cassana's eyes unwavering. She never looked away from her father's gaze. She knew not to be fearful of him. "Ignore your mother's tricks. You shall be Lady of Winterfell one day. You will be a Stark." She nodded obediently. "You will do your duty to me."
Cassana knew she would never marry for love. She would marry for her house, for duty. That was a sacrifice all noble ladies made, especially princesses. And now she was sixteen, a year younger than her betrothed. She was lucky. Most brides married men twice their age if not older.
"Mother, it has been settled. I would not ask you to run a fool's errand. This has been planned for six years. I don't think your refusal to accept will change father's mind." Cersei narrowed her eyes, her lips pursed in irritation. She did not reply, her gleaming eyes words enough.
"I think it's quite romantic, mother," Myrcella spoke cheerfully. "Cassana is traveling all the way from King's Landing to Winterfell, and she will finally meet her betrothed. It's just like my favorite book about the knight and the maiden." Cersei's hard gaze turned upon her younger daughter, a frown exchanged for a smile.
"Perhaps you're right, my darling. Perhaps your sister will be happy in the North. And she will always remember her loyalty when Joffrey is king. The North will be a dutiful subject." Cersei's tone was sweet, but a threat was veiled underneath her tone. Myrcella was too naïve to understand, and Tommen was too busy with his toys to realize the silent battle between mother and daughter.
Cassana held back her tears, her anger outweighing her frustration against her mother. She craved the love her mother denied her, the love that Cersei kept hidden from her. Her reply was simple. "Yes, mother." Her ocean orbs stared defiantly back at her mother's emerald irises. Cersei remained silent for the moment, ending another battle of their endless war. She wondered if Eddard Stark would accept her father's offer to be the king's hand.
The walls of Winterfell could be seen on the horizon. Cassana breathing out a sigh of relief. She couldn't take it any longer, the mindless chatter of her mother's ladies and the seething glare of her mother burning a hole into her heart. She couldn't breathe. She was suffocating in the carriage and even when she would emerge from her shackles she would be bound to a new cage: her husband.
Cassana shuddered in anticipation, clutching the hand of her closest lady. Alys Redwyne, granddaughter to Olenna Tyrell, was her truest companion. They resided in the Red Keep together, had been taught by the same septa, and were thick as thieves in their childhood. It was yet to be known if she would remain behind at Winterfell after the wedding. Alys squeezed back in reassurance, her gentle grey eyes comforting in the wake of her meeting her betrothed. Cersei seemed unbothered by the sight of Winterfell, focused on arranging Myrcella's hair around her shoulders as they readied themselves to descend from the carriage.
Alys had helped Cassana ready herself that morning, choosing a beautiful blue gown that accentuated her eyes. A grey cloak lined with white mink fur lay around her shoulders. A pretty pair of sapphire earrings from her father were donned and a singular gold ring with the Stark emblem engraved. It had been a proposal gift from her betrothed for her 12th birthday. It had become a principal piece of her wardrobe. She fiddled with it constantly, moving it back and forth between the ring finger on either hand. She always twisted her rings when she was nervous. The lion pendant on her mother's and sister's neck glared back at her mockingly. Perhaps that was why she favored it so, because she had her own future identity to embrace while her mother denied her current one.
"The boy has sent you a pathetic excuse for a gift." Cassana peered over at the unwrapped birthday present her mother had decided to open, a pretty silver ribbon lying next to the wrappings. She stared back at the gold ring with interest. It was simple, not adorned with jewels. She smiled slightly, careful not to seem too excited. She slipped it onto her finger. It was loose but she would grow into it. She still had a child's fingers though her courses had started.
"I suppose your father will be pleased. Do not worry, Cassana. I will make sure you never have to go to the North with those savages. I will make sure you never marry a Stark."
Cassana attempted to watch from the window as they passed under the portcullis, but the curtain had been fastened and Cersei would slap her hand if she dared open it. She hadn't expected her mother to speak soothing words to her, a random act of kindness she gave to her eldest daughter every so often. "He would be stupid to not be pleased with you." She leaned forward, tucking a stray hair behind her daughter's ear. "You are a beautiful prize that any man would fight for. It's a shame your father has just given you to the Stark boy. There should be men fighting over your hand and proving themselves to you."
Cassana swallowed hard, her eyes daring to lift from her lap and connect with Cersei's. "Thank you, mother."
Cersei suddenly pressed a brief kiss to Cassana's forehead. "My firstborn. My golden doe." It had been years since she had heard that nickname. Since her betrothal had been announced Cassana pondered. Her mother truly looked at her in that moment, as if she saw some part of herself in her daughter. Now that realization had set in, Cersei may have seen her scared 19 year old self when she married Robert Baratheon and now, she feared her daughter would be in a loveless marriage as she was.
The carriage jolted to an immediate stop. It was time. Cassana would be presented to the Starks. Like cattle sold at market. Like a slave in shackles. She merely repeated what her mother had taught her. Marriage was a transaction, a business of alliances for political gain. There was no love in duty.
Cersei's ladies exited first, their outlandish southern hairstyles attracting attention as they step foot from the carriage. Cassana was sure of it. Alys and Cassana's other ladies followed, Alys sparing Cassana a sympathetic look. Tommen and Myrcella were next. Cassana thought she was to follow her siblings, but Cersei held her hand out, making Cassana falter. "A bride shall be last. We save the best for last."
Cassana could hear her father's loud voice booming throughout the courtyard, Cersei rolling her eyes at her husband's obnoxious nature. Cersei ascended gracefully from the carriage, leaving Cassana alone for a moment. She envied her mother's grace, and she was now worried she would stumble from the carriage and embarrass herself. Her heart raced frantically; her breath shallow as she built her confidence.
"Where's the imp?" Cassana heard faintly. She emerged from the cage she had called home for the past month, the sunlight hidden by the grey clouds that covered the sky. She was met with the sight of a dirt courtyard, grey stone walls, and a biting wind that seemed to only exist in the North. She pulled her furs closer around her, her eyes flittering over to watch the scene before her. She stepped away from the carriage and her mother. Alys loyally trailed behind. She strolled into the center of the courtyard and behind her father, so she was out of view.
"Will you shut up!" Cassana chuckled to herself. She knew a sibling's quarrel when she heard one. It sounded awfully like Tommen's and Myrcella's squabbles. And when she turned to look at the Stark family, she was relieved to see they were absorbed with the king, giving her time to collect herself. She briefly witnessed her father hugging Lord Stark and his wife before playfully tousling the little boy's hair next to Lady Stark. She assumed it was Rickon, the youngest. He spared her a toothy smile, Cassana returning the gesture. At least it wouldn't be hard to win over the youngest Stark.
Cersei's watchful gaze lingered on Cassana, and she couldn't deny that her eldest daughter also held the same countenance that she had: calculating and cautious. Jaime Lannister approached his eldest niece, also accompanying the royal party to Winterfell. He said nothing, Cassana leaning back slightly as Alys whispered into her ear. "He's quite handsome, my lady. Not like those pompous lords in King's Landing. He has a sort of rugged look to him, though it looks like he's shaved a beard."
Alys was right, Cassana curiously staring at her betrothed. Robb Stark possessed the same auburn hair as his mother, Catelyn Tully. And he was tall, like her father. Though Robert still towered over him. He was always the largest man in the room. "And you must be Robb." He held her father's gaze when they shook hands, Cassana impressed by how direct her betrothed was. He didn't look away like she thought he would, a sign of strength and respect. He hadn't noticed her yet and she was glad of it. Especially since she was watching him so intently.
Cassana heard Alys retreat back a few steps, Jaime Lannister's imposing figure towering over his niece. "You are fulfilling your duty today, my dear. You will honor your family with your marriage." Cassana nodded, feeling Jaime grasp her hand tightly before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Remember yourself." It was a warning, Cassana was not stupid. Her eyes turned upwards to her uncle's sharp gaze, the same as her mother's. He was reminding her that she was not only a Baratheon, but also a Lannister. You will always show favor to me, to your mother's family. You will honor the Lannister name. Her grandfather was not there but her uncle's imposing stare reminded her of him.
Cassana had feared her grandfather as a child, but now she realized he never treated her as a child. He always treated her as a woman, as a princess. He expected her to grow up faster than her years and she had to please him. Joffrey lacked that skill, his spoiled nature always earning him a lashing from Tywin when he stepped out of line. Cassana was no fool and for that, she knew Tywin favored her over Joffrey, a sentiment her brother hated. Jaime also favored her, more so than her siblings. He never spent any quality time with them, only her. She couldn't quite put her finger on the reason why.
As Robert reached the end of the line, her mother approached the Starks. Cersei held out her hand in an entitled manner, Eddard Stark faltering for a moment before grasping it and presenting her the courtesies due to her rank. Lady Stark followed suit, curtseying and muttering "my queen," before spotting Cassana behind her mother. Now she was self-conscious, a light blush arising on her cheeks and warm heat pooling in her stomach.
Cassana saw no hatred Lady Stark's gaze, merely a look of understanding. It was always a young maiden's nightmare to fear her future good mother would hold a dislike for her good daughter. But she had been in the same position almost 18 years ago when she came from the Riverlands to marry Lord Stark. Catelyn only wished her son to be happy in his marriage, just as she had been with his father.
"Cassana!" Robert called out. He had finally remembered why they were there, pleasantries cast aside. All attention was now on the Baratheon princess, bride of Robb Stark. She felt utterly helpless, but she would not show weakness. She wouldn't dare look in Robb's direction now. Besides, her father had stepped in front of him, holding his hand out in a beckoning manner and blocking Robb from her view. In his youth he had been lean and handsome. She thought he was the strongest man, the strongest king. Now he was a shadow of his former self, overweight and vulgar.
Cassana held her head high, the way her septa had taught her, the way her mother had drilled endlessly into her mind. And when her hand met her father's, her eyes lowered to the ground as she swallowed the harsh tears that threatened to spill. She was beyond terrified, but she would not let them see. Even as she trembled, she held herself elegantly like the royal she was.
"Say hello to your godfather." When Cassana lifted her eyes once more, Eddard Stark stared down at her with a forbearing look that was replaced with kindness. The grey of his eyes had transitioned from storm to fog, softening just for her. His brown hair fell just above his shoulders, pulled back slightly to clearly show his face. The Starks were known for their serious nature, but she had a feeling his cold exterior was different with his family. She curtsied unlike her mother. She may have been a princess, but she would show respect to her godfather.
"The last time I saw you, you were a wild thing. Always demanding your father bring you on hunts. And you would disappear for hours. I always found you in the dungeons with the dragon skulls," Eddard remarked fondly. Cassana beamed, her blush depending at those far away memories.
"I've outgrown my wandering tendencies, my lord. I can assure you," Cassana retorted. Earning a soft chuckle from Lord Stark and his wife.
"You'll have to teach our Bran the same lesson then. He is much like you were. Always disappearing and climbing all over the place," Lady Stark added, trying to lessen the awkward tension that hung in the air. Cassana noted her stunning cheekbones and her silky, auburn hair. She was jealous of the red color, bored with her golden tresses. Cassana waited, her patience running thin.
"May I present your betrothed, my son Robb." And now it was that fateful moment Cassana had been waiting for. When her eyes met that of her future husband's as he stepped forward. A slight intake of breath and she had to admit to herself, she was immediately drawn into his beautiful blue eyes. They were oddly intense, almost as if they were glowing. She could drown in them she decided, and she would be perfectly content.
"Robb," Cassana responded. It felt odd, her tongue tingling at saying her betrothed's given name. She afforded him a delicate smile, adrenaline running through her veins.
"Princess," Robb murmured, his thick accent making that annoyingly girlish blush appear on her cheeks again and deepen. His gaze was captivating and when he spoke, a lovely shiver racked her body. Cassana had never felt more aware of herself, her body no longer under her control. He lifted her hand to kiss it in respect and he bowed before her as was expected. But he dropped her hand as quickly as he raised it. The grin that had graced her features now curved into a grimace at his cold behavior. She had expected him to say her name as she had dropped formalities. She had done something wrong and all that excitement she felt now turned to dread.
Cassana waited for Robb to speak, her mind screaming at him to show her some resemblance of reassurance but all she received was a cold stare and a tightened jaw. A beautifully sculped jaw but a hard, unmoving one it seemed. It would be an effort to unwrap her husband's hidden layers. It would not be as easy as she desired it to be. She had no knowledge of his dreams and desires. She was marrying a stranger.
"Come on, now. That's not a proper greeting for the man who will be your husband. Why don't you give him a kiss?!" Robert exclaimed. Cassana's embarrassment deepened, her eyes searching Robb's for any sort of emotion. Still nothing behind those gorgeous blue orbs. She was saved by her mother. Robb barely bat an eyelash, his face unchanging.
"Come now, my love. That would be highly inappropriate. Leave our girl, alone," Cersei murmured, a hint of sultriness to her voice. Her voice always sounded like silk when she tried to influence her father into something she wanted. Cassana stepped away, backing towards her mother who stepped in front of her like an impenetrable wall. Cersei gave her daughter a possessive look before her eyes scanned Robb, trying to find a dent in some invisible armor.
It only made it worse when her father spoke, Cassana wanting to be anywhere but in that courtyard. "Take me to your crypts. I want to pay my respects." Those dreaded words fueled her mother's hidden anger, Cersei's cat-like eyes narrowing. But she would hide her true intent with sweetened words.
"We've been riding for a month, my love. We have much to do before the wedding in three weeks' time. Shouldn't we be focused on your daughter's nuptials?" Cersei questioned. Cassana hoped her father would just listen, but he ignored his wife's plea. When it concerned Lyanna Stark, it was best not to fight. Her ghost was a more powerful force than Cersei would ever be. "Surely the dead can wait?"
"Ned." Cassana closed her eyes in dismay and let out a soft sigh. Her father's words ensured a fight later between her parents. Ned spared the queen and her children a look of pity Cassana assumed as him and Robert headed to the crypts.
"Where's the imp?" Cassana's head turned to the Stark girls, Cersei turning on her heel towards where Joffrey and their uncle were standing. She frowned at the insult, but she knew the girl meant no harm. Cassana's defense was broken with Cersei having left her vulnerable to the stares of Lady Stark and her family.
"Where is our brother? Go and find the little beast!" Cersei seethed with irritation at Jaime, her uncle conceding to the order.
"I am sure you and your children are tired from the journey, my queen. Perhaps it would be best to escort you to your chambers?" Lady Stark questioned graciously. Cassana felt a tug at her skirts, looking down to see Rickon gawking up at her. His mouth was open in awe and his eyes were filled with childish innocence that Cassana adored. She kneeled to his level.
"Are you to be my sister?" Rickon questioned. He had no regard for personal space, the charms of being a child. His hands reached for her face, tugging lightly on her golden curls before he placed his hand on her cheek gently. He was merely inquisitive, but his mother cast her worried eyes at the pair.
"Rickon—" Catelyn warned, but Cassana cut her off.
"It's quite alright, Lady Stark," Cassana spoke, earning a delighted smile from her future good mother.
"Yes. I suppose I will be," Cassana answered, tapping him on the nose. Rickon scrunched up his nose but was entertained by her gesture.
"Will you give me a kiss like you were supposed to give to Robb?" From her peripheral vision, she saw Robb smirk at his brother's comments. His brother's cheeky comment had finally gauged a reaction. Cassana laughed, placing a kiss on his cheek, and making Rickon giggle the contagious childish laughter that made everyone else chuckle. She rose to her feet, dusting off the blue silk of her skirts and rising to her full height again.
Catelyn quickly ushered the royal party inside, Cersei impatient to get settled after their journey and her husband's dismissal of her. Rickon pulled on her hand now, leading the charge into the keep. Cassana secretly glanced back at Robb.
Robb was already gone.
Lady Stark had left the royal family to settle in their chambers, Cersei quite displeased that the rooms were smaller than in King's Landing and that she was placed in the room across from her husband's. She did not hide her displeasure, her gaze narrowing at the contents of the room before uplifting her nose in a smug manner. Lady Catelyn ignored her, being the gracious host and appearing aloof to the offense.
"You'll stay here until the wedding night, princess. And then your belongings will be moved into Robb's rooms. I hope they are to your liking." Catelyn gestured to the open room, Cassana a great contrast to her mother as her eyes lit up gratefully. The room possessed a sort of allure to it that her rooms in King's Landing did not. A grand fireplace with the stark sigil burned brightly, an array of furs spread over the floor as well as the bed. Cassana ran her fingers over the one hanging off the edge of the bed, a beautiful white color. The room had been decorated in greys and blue instead of the red and gold she was so accustomed to.
Rickon tumbled into the room, a burst of never ending energy as he jumped onto the bed and watched excitedly as the servants started to bring in the chests containing Cassana's belongings. Cersei soon followed, hearing Catelyn's remark. She remained unimpressed.
"That will be unnecessary. Cassana shall have a separate chamber of her own," Cersei protested. "Won't you, my sweetling?"
Catelyn again responded with an air of refinement Cassana hoped to possess one day. "As you wish, my queen." She curtsied, leaving mother and daughter to themselves. Cersei darted her vicious stare across the room, doing a look over.
"We shall have to redecorate to our liking, my love." Cersei spoke sweetly, Cassana questioning her mother's intentions. "You are a princess. There's no reason for you to a share a room with your husband. You only need to see him to make little lords and ladies. And then you shall spend your time running Winterfell and raising your children." She grasped Cassana's chin, moving her face side to side as if scrutinizing for some flaw. "Perfect," she declared. "Utterly perfect. You are too great a beauty to stay locked up in the North." She dropped her chin, a far off look in her eye. "I'll see you at dinner."
Cersei nodded to Alys as she left, a silent command to start doing her mistress' bidding. Rickon had followed his mother, leaving the girls to themselves. Cassana wanted it no other way, sending the maids away to allow her and Alys some privacy. The facade Cassana had borne for the past few minutes started to crack, her happy exterior breaking into soft tears as she crumbled on the bed.
"Oh, my lady. There is no need to cry," Alys comforted, setting aside the dresses she had laid out and sitting next to her mistress. She was not the one to be married, but she did understand the same loneliness that crept upon Cassana. She had left her family to escort Cassana to Winterfell and she would most likely remain with her.
"He didn't even say anything. Did I do something wrong?" Cassana questioned. She felt pathetic, sitting there crying over her betrothed. He'd paid her no heed, turning on his heel at the earliest opportunity. "I had thought saying his name would help with the fact that we are complete strangers. I had hoped my words would incite him to call me by my name and that it would aid in our relationship."
"He too must be filled with feelings of uneasiness, my lady. I am sure he has his doubts as well," Alys added. "It did not help that your mother had a murderous look about her. She often frightens her handmaidens. They're afraid she'll claw their eyes out." Cassana giggled at Alys comment, wiping her tears.
"Yes, I suppose you can compare her to a mountain lion though she's more like a cobra to me, always hissing and spitting…. And biting." Cassana laid her head on Alys' shoulder, the two holding hands as they were absorbed with their thoughts. Alys fiddled with the gold ring on Cassana's right ring finger, smirking down on it.
"He must have cared a great deal to have that ring made for you." Cassana rolled her eyes.
"I was twelve when I received this ring, him a year older. You think he sent this to me?"
"Perhaps Lord Stark had it made but it was sent with the right intentions," Alys remarked. Her silver eyes twinged with recognition as she nudged Cassana sightly, noticing Sansa in the doorway. She curtsied eagerly while Arya lingered behind. Cassana noted Sansa was rather proper and growing into quite the maiden. She cringed when she thought of Joffrey marring her innocence. Arya was the exact opposite, a tomboy and rather inclined to the ways of her brothers. She had no interest in being there, Sansa having dragged her along.
"I thought I would come help you, princess," Sansa announced, gazing enviously at Cassana's dresses. She didn't have any southern dresses and she longed for just one. Cassana noticed immediately, gesturing to the bed.
"I have too many. I would be glad for you to have as many as you like." Cassana rose from her seat, clasping her future sister's hands in hers. "We are to be sisters and it would gladden my heart to share with you." Sansa beamed brightly up at the golden haired princess, nodding her head enthusiastically. "I have a gift for you…for both of you." Cassana caught Arya's intrigued gaze, but she still wouldn't enter the room fully. It was like she was tiptoeing around some boundary Cassana theorized.
Cassana released Sansa's hands to reach into the chest closest to her. Two pendants with the stark sigil were revealed from grey silk bindings. "I hope you enjoy them." She wanted to please them, craved their acceptance. Sansa's would be easy to gain, Arya would be tricky. Sansa squealed in delight while Arya strolled over rather slowly and analyzed the pendant. A small but brief smile flittered over her expression before its rather humorous scowl returned when Sansa began talking again.
"What type of gown is this?" Sansa questioned. Cassana blushed, forgetting her wedding night garments had been laid out by Alys. It was a beautiful garment of white linen, but when you lay your hand underneath you could see the flesh underneath.
"It's a night gown, little fox. A bit too mature for you." Cassana played with the end of Sansa's braid as she came up behind her, trying to change the subject.
"It looks too beautiful for a nightgown and rather thin," Sansa remarked. "We don't have many dresses made from this material in the North and never this thin. You need some thicker nightgowns or rather you'll have to wear some skirts underneath. Why would you have a nightgown like this?"
"It was made special for the wedding night," Alys admitted, though Sansa didn't quite understand.
"Your mother explained what happens on the wedding night, Sansa?" Cassana noted that her new sister reddened adorably. Catelyn was sure to have told her, but Sansa had yet to be married. She was too pure, too young. "When a man and woman are married, you are allowed to see each other. I'm sure your mother explained that your husband will touch you and bed you. Its rather intimate, the whole act. Your husband for a lack of better words will enter you and it hurts at first…"
Sansa appeared unbothered by her explanation. "But what is the dress for?"
"Well, this is to…" Cassana swallowed hard, trying to find the words. "Let's just put it this way. Men like to see their wives naked bodies. It entices them and they enjoy it. And I thought this dress would please your brother." She was quite mortified she admitted her thoughts, remembering Arya was present. She thanked the gods she was wrong; the youngest Stark having disappeared. She was even more surprised when Sansa giggled quite loudly, using her hand to muffle the sound. Her and Alys joined. She was sure they would get along just fine.
Robb internally admonished himself for his stupidity. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, and he had stood their tongue-tied like a complete idiot. And now he was taking his anger out on the training yard dummy in the courtyard. Theon and Jon watched with amused smirks on their faces. The lucky bastard truly had no idea how lucky he was to have such a blessing for a wife. Cassana Baratheon had her mother's beauty. Her demeanor was still unknown but at least she was not ugly.
Theon joked him further, making Robb roll his eyes. "You could have at least said something about her looks, Robb. The poor girl was practically begging you to say something with her eyes."
"I couldn't very well say something when the damn queen was glaring daggers at me." He had noted that Cersei Lannister was anything but pleased with his upcoming nuptials with her daughter, though she never spoke a word. She didn't have to. Her green eyes were like a poisonous knife that was threatening to stab him if he turned his back on her. He knew the queen was renowned for her beauty, but little could be said for her heart. He hoped Cassana was different.
"They say the queen is punished when Robert Baratheon prefers his whores over her. He summons her to his bedchambers and tells her to watch. And that he taunts her brother with his whores. He finds all sorts of ways to insult the Lannisters. Maybe she thinks you'll do the same. Maybe she knows you'll fuck Ros in front of the princess. You could teach her a thing or two." Robb halted his assault, turning painfully slow to face his childhood friend. Ros was popular among many of the men of Winterfell, Theon included. He had even convinced Jon to come to the brothel though he knew Jon had politely declined to bed her.
Robb by no means would deny his loss of innocence. He had become a man and sowed his oats. But he had done so in the comforts of Winterfell, not a back alley, and with a woman whose reputation had not been tarnished. A few dalliances here and there over the course of the past two years but they were respectable, they were brief. He could count them on one hand, and he remembered all their names. Theon had just insulted his wife-to-be by suggesting she was of the same value as a common whore. Theon's eyes were raised in a challenge, Jon having the decency to look appalled by Theon's comment. He was used to his brutish comments, but this had crossed the line.
"I would ask you to refrain from insinuating such a thing with vulgar language in the same sentence as my betrothed or else you may lose your tongue." The practice sword he was using was now pointed at Theon who eagerly picked up his own and faced Robb. They danced around each other for a moment, waiting for the other to make a move until Robb parried first, driving Theon effortlessly back with ease.
Jon watched intently, his eyes darting between brother and friend. Robb's irritation made his movements more precise, and Theon could not keep up, much better with archery than swordplay. In the end, Theon had tripped over his own footwork and a wooden blade was pressed to his throat. He ate his words.
"I apologize my Lord Stark," Theon snickered. His mission had been accomplished. He had proven his point and gotten a rise out of Robb. The eldest Stark widened his eyes in realization, pushing his friend backwards. Theon and Jon both howled aloud now. They were both having a laugh at his expense. His ran his hand though his hair, desperately trying to get ahold of himself. He sighed deeply, his eyes spotting Arya from the corner of his eye. She leaned against one of the posts surrounding the tiltyard, leisurely chewing on an apple.
"Why aren't you inside with the others?" Robb questioned. Arya made a look of disgust, as if being with the royal party was the ghastliest thing in the Seven Kingdoms.
"They won't shut up about stupid dresses and jewelry and your wedding. Its dreadfully boring and was giving me a headache," Arya retorted. "Sansa's enjoying herself. She fancies the princess will seek her out for anything she needs."
Robb chuckled. "Is that why you're scowling?"
"They wouldn't stop talking about some nightgown…"
Robb frowned at her comment. "What the bloody hell are you talking about?"
Arya was just as confused as he was. "Sansa was helping the princess unpack and there was a nightgown of sorts. But it didn't look like one. And the princess tried to explain it was for the wedding night."
"What exactly do you mean, Arya?" Robb questioned further, his throat becoming dry at the mention of the wedding night. He knew somehow this was connected to the bedding ceremony, but she was blissfully unaware. She was on the cusp of womanhood and even if their mother had spoken with her about her "flowering" he was sure she did not quite comprehend that or she did not care to understand.
"Is it a nightgown if you're practically naked in it?" That had done it. Robb's face turned a deep red. Theon and Jon resumed their barking.
A/N: Comments? Reviews?
Some key notes below:
· Cassana is the eldest child of Robert and Cersei, the twin of their first son before Joffrey. His fate remains the same as it was in the series and will be mentioned in a later chapter.
· Cassana is the only child of Cersei to have Robert's blue eyes. In the show blonde hair is seen as a recessive gene. However, Robert's mother Cassana Estermont does not have a clear description of her appearance and Robert's grandmother was Rhaelle Targaryen. The show portrays that Robert could never have had a blonde child while genetics say otherwise. It's a slim chance but it is possible that if Robert was the father of all four of Cersei's children, one could have been blonde because of his ancestry. Therefore, Cassana is blonde like Cersei.
· Robb and Cassana are a year apart and have been engaged since they were 10. She was not sent to the north as a ward as was the custom.
· Flashbacks will be in italics as well as inner thoughts.