Hilda blinked slowly, her body sinking into the plush mattress beneath her. The warmth of the soft blankets wrapped around her, and the gentle morning light streaming through the window bathed the room in a golden glow. She had never known such comfort, such luxury.
She shifted slightly and felt an arm draped around her waist. Carefully turning her head, she saw Val lying beside her, her golden hair spread across the pillow like a halo. Val's arm was loose but protective, and her face was serene in sleep. It was then that Hilda realized neither of them was clothed.
Her cheeks flushed as memories of the previous night came rushing back. She lifted her head slightly, her gaze landing on Jon, who lay on the other side of the bed. His chest rose and fell steadily, his dark hair tousled and a faint smile on his lips even in slumber.
The grand hall of Moat Cailin had been alive with celebration. The important people of the Moat Cailin and Frostmore had gathered to welcome Jon Frost and his wives, a momentous occasion that marked their arrival at Moat Cailin. The air had been thick with the scent of roasted meats, honeyed wine, and the sounds of laughter and music.
Hilda, nervous at first, had found herself swept up in the warmth of the festivities. Val, ever confident, had encouraged her to relax, introducing her to lords and ladies with ease. Jon, as always, had been a steady presence, his hand on her back, guiding her through the unfamiliar social terrain.
The night had ended in their chambers, where the three of them had shared laughter, whispered confessions, and finally, each other.
Hilda lay back down, her mind buzzing with the events of the previous night. It had been a night of connection and vulnerability, a moment where the three of them had truly become one.
Val stirred beside her, opening one eye with a lazy smile. "You're awake," she murmured, her voice husky from sleep.
Hilda nodded, her cheeks still warm. "I… didn't expect to wake up like this."
Val chuckled, stretching languidly. "You'll get used to it. Jon may be the Lord of Moat Cailin, but he knows how to make his wives feel like queens."
Hilda glanced at Jon, who was still fast asleep. She felt a surge of affection for him, for the way he had made her feel cherished and wanted.
Carefully, Hilda slipped out of bed, wrapping herself in one of the soft furs draped over a nearby chair. She moved to the window, gazing out at the view below. The Fortress was already alive with activity, its people working together to build a future that Jon had envisioned.
Val joined her a moment later, draping a fur around her shoulders. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said softly.
Hilda nodded. "It is. I never thought I'd see something like this. Skagos feels like another world."
Val smiled. "And now you're part of this one. Jon has big plans for the North, and you're part of them too. Don't forget that."
A low groan from the bed drew their attention. Jon sat up, rubbing his eyes before giving them both a sleepy smile. "Good morning," he said, his voice rough with sleep.
Val smirked, leaning against the window frame. "Good morning, husband. Did you sleep well?"
Jon chuckled. "Better than I have in weeks." He looked at Hilda, his expression softening. "And you, Hilda? How are you feeling?"
Hilda smiled shyly. "Better than I expected. This is all so new to me, but… it feels right."
Jon got out of bed, pulling on a loose tunic. "Good. Because we have much to do today. Moat Cailin awaits, and there are people eager to meet you both."
The three of them dressed and prepared for the day, the bonds they had forged the night before giving them strength. As they stepped out into the morning sun, the people of Frostmore greeted them with cheers and smiles.
Hilda felt a newfound confidence as she walked beside Jon and Val. She was no longer just the daughter of a warlord from Skagos. She was a wife, a leader, and a part of something far greater than herself.
With Jon's hand in hers and Val's unwavering support at her side, Hilda knew she was ready for whatever the future held.
As the sunlight filtered through the thick stone windows of their chambers, a gentle knock at the door drew their attention. Jon had just finished dressing, while Hilda and Val were preparing themselves for the day.
Val, ever confident, called out, "Come in."
The door opened, and a young servant girl stepped inside, her head bowed respectfully. "My lords, my ladies," she began nervously, "where would you like your breakfast to be served?"
Val exchanged a quick glance with Jon before smiling. "Bring it to the Stark Tower. We'll dine there this morning."
The servant nodded quickly and disappeared down the hallway.
The Stark Tower was the tallest structure in Moat Cailin, its silhouette dominating the fortress skyline. Built by builders from Essos, it served as a watchtower, offering a clear view of the marshes and roads leading to Moat Cailin.
Val loved the tower, not for its military significance but for the breathtaking view it offered. From the top, one could see the entirety of Moat Cailin, the bustling city of Frostmore to the north, and the growing Snow Harbor by the water's edge. On clear days, the marshes shimmered in the sunlight, and the expanse of the Neck seemed endless.
As they climbed the winding staircase to the top of the tower, Val turned to Hilda with a grin. "You're going to love this. There's no place like it in all the North."
When they reached the summit, Hilda gasped audibly. The view was unlike anything she had ever seen. The fortress of Moat Cailin sprawled below them, its walls ancient and imposing. Beyond it, the city of Frostmore bustled with life, smoke curling from chimneys and ships dotting the harbor.
"It's… incredible," Hilda said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jon stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "This is the heart of my domain," he said softly. "From here, we can see everything we've built and everything we're working toward."
Val leaned against the stone parapet, the wind playing with her golden hair. "This is my favorite place in Moat Cailin," she admitted. "I come here whenever I need to think or just to remind myself of how far we've come."
The servant soon arrived with their breakfast, setting a table with fresh bread, salted meats, cheese, and honey. There were also bowls of steaming porridge and mugs of warm tea. It was a simple meal, but the setting made it feel extraordinary.
As they ate, Jon pointed out key landmarks to Hilda. "That's Frostmore," he said, gesturing toward the city. "It's growing faster than I ever imagined. And just beyond that is Snow Harbor. It's becoming one of the fishing ports in the Moat Cailin."
Hilda listened intently, her admiration for Jon deepening with every word. He had transformed this land, creating not just a fortress but a thriving center of trade and culture.
Val added with a smirk, "And from here, you can also see if any enemies are foolish enough to approach. Not that anyone would dare."
Jon chuckled, his hand resting on Hilda's. "The Stark Tower isn't just for defense anymore. It's a symbol of what the North can be—strong, united, and ready for whatever comes next."
As they finished their meal, Hilda stood at the edge of the tower, the wind whipping around her. She felt a deep sense of belonging, a connection to the land and the people who called it home.
Turning to Jon and Val, she smiled. "I think I understand now. This isn't just your home—it's our home. And it's worth fighting for."
Jon nodded, his expression filled with pride. "It always has been. And now, with both of you by my side, we'll make it even greater."
Val raised her mug of tea in a mock toast. "To Moat Cailin, Frostmore, and Snow Harbor—the heart of the North!"
Hilda and Jon joined her, their voices blending as they toasted to their future. From the Stark Tower, they could see the promise of what lay ahead, a future built on strength, unity, and love.
"Today," Jon said, turning to Hilda, "you'll see the heart of what we've built. It's time you understood what our work has created and the people who make it thrive."
Hilda, still marveling at the grand scale of Moat Cailin, nodded eagerly. Though she was nervous, her excitement outweighed her fear. She had never seen anything beyond Skagos until now, and every new sight was a revelation.
Val joined them at the base of the steps, her usual confident smirk on her lips. "I'll leave you two to it," she said, adjusting her cloak. "I've got business to attend to in the wildling settlements. But Hilda, pay attention—Jon loves to talk about his accomplishments."
Jon shot her a mock glare, and Hilda laughed, her nerves easing.
Their first stop was Frostmore, the largest city in the North and the crown jewel of Jon's domain. As they approached, Hilda's breath caught. The city sprawled before her, its streets bustling with activity. Markets lined the cobblestone roads, filled with merchants shouting their wares. The scent of baked bread, roasted meats, and spices filled the air.
"So many people," Hilda murmured, her eyes wide. "I've never seen so many in one place."
Jon smiled. "Frostmore has become a hub for trade, not just in the North but beyond. Merchants from as far as Essos come here to trade their goods. It's a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together."
They walked through the market, and everywhere they went, people stopped to greet them. Men and women bowed their heads in respect, and children waved excitedly.
"Lord Frost!" a merchant called out, holding up a bolt of fine cloth. "Good to see you back in Frostmore! Your presence is always a blessing!"
Hilda watched in amazement as Jon greeted each person warmly, remembering names and small details about their lives.
Jon brought Hilda to the city hall, a grand building that stood in the heart of Frostmore. Inside, she met the Mayor of Frostmore, a sharp-eyed old man named Vorran, and the members of the city's council.
"Lady Hilda," Vorran said, bowing deeply. "It's an honor to meet you."
Hilda blushed but managed a polite nod. "Thank you. It's an honor to meet the people who keep this city running."
Vorran smiled. "We only follow Lord Frost's vision. He's the one who made this possible."
Their next stop was Snow Harbor, a growing port that served as the gateway for fishing and trade with the wider world. Ships from Volantis, Lys, Lorath, and even Summer Islands docked here, their sails fluttering in the wind.
The Mayor of Snow Harbor, a man named Floki, greeted them with enthusiasm. "Lord Frost, Lady Hilda," he said, extending her hand. "Welcome to Snow Harbor. We're thriving, thanks to your efforts."
Hilda was struck by how organized and efficient the harbor was. The docks bustled with activity, yet everything ran smoothly. She marveled at how much Jon had accomplished in such a short time.
From there, they visited the wildling villages that Jon had helped transform. What had once been clusters of rough tents and makeshift shelters were now small but thriving communities. Log cabins with chimneys sending up puffs of smoke dotted the landscape, and children played in open fields.
Elders approached Jon, bowing respectfully. "Lord Frost," one of them said, his voice rough but warm. "You've given us more than we ever dreamed. Thank you."
As the day went on, Jon introduced Hilda to more leaders—the council members of Frostmore and Snow Harbor, the village elders, and influential figures from every corner of his domain. Everywhere they went, Hilda was greeted with respect and kindness.
By the time they returned to Moat Cailin, Hilda was overwhelmed but deeply impressed.
That evening, as they sat by the fire in their chambers, Hilda turned to Jon, her expression thoughtful.
"You've done so much," she said softly. "I thought I understood before, but seeing it... Jon, you've changed the North."
Jon shook his head modestly. "I haven't done it alone. It's the people—the leaders, the workers, the families—they're the ones who've made this possible."
Hilda reached out, taking his hand. "But it's your vision that brought them together. I'm proud to stand by your side, Jon."
Jon smiled, his gaze warm. "And I'm proud to have you by my side, Hilda. Together, we'll make the North stronger than it's ever been."
As the fire crackled and the stars shone outside, Hilda felt a deep sense of belonging. She was no longer just a woman from Skagos—she was part of something far greater, something destined to shape the future of the North.
Author's Note:
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