Author's Note: Thank you massively for all the response from the previous chapter. I am overwhelmed by how many people had stuck with this story, despite how long it had taken for the last chapter to come out. I am very grateful for your support - it does mean a lot as I was certainly worried about how the last chapter would have been received after such a long delay.

I have introduced 2 canon characters into this chapter that I am still cautious about. As before, this is very much an AU story and I hope I can do the characters justice.

Thank you again and while this update has been a bit quicker than the last, I won't promise that the next will be as quick. I will try my very best though.

-Jemlou

Chapter Twenty Five

It was snowing again when I finally ventured out of the Healing Keep, the floor already scattered with a light layer of white dust. The air was icy and a sudden gust had me shivering, causing me to pull my robes tighter around me. The sight of the white blanket was still beautiful for me, who was not quite used to this phenomena yet. Today though the magic was dulled unfortunately due to the events that had just occurred.

Graycie was still alive when I had left the Keep though had not woken. Her mother had refused to leave her side and once the shock of it all had settled, she had insisted that Graycie's unconscious body be moved next to her wounded father's. The healers and I obliged and after some alterations, the family were placed together so Graycie's mother could comfort them both.

Hanna told me that she was not certain what had happened to Graycie but would monitor her progress and keep her comfortable the best they could. I informed her of my concerns before the incident, which she took on board thoughtfully, before enquiring with her mother to see if she had noticed anything different with her daughter. After consoling, Graycie's mother confessed that her daughter had been more wheezy and had been coughing more than usual but had not noticed anything else, as she was far too concerned about her husband. Guilt immediately overwhelmed the woman's gaze but the healer was quick to deminish any worries. Based on this information alone, Hanna was reluctant to give her medicine yet until they knew what had happened but had assured me that she would keep me updated on the girl's progress. She said she would seek advice from Maester Norjen when he became available.

I was lost after the event, not remembering much of my movements. At some point I had tidied up all the discarded linen once Graycie had settled in her new cot and returned it back to the supply room to sort through once more. My work in the Keep for the rest of my time there was done so in a lethargic and numbing manner, my mind blank and thoughts void. I did not know what time it had got to, having no sense of the day at all, and it was only when Lady Dacey came to urge that I would need to leave to prepare for the evening meal that I realised how late it had gotten.

I had approached Graycie's mother before I left, offering her simply a smile and a squeeze on her shoulder. She had returned the sentiment with a watery gaze and a strained "thank you". When I looked to Graycie's body my chest tensed at the sight of how small and frail she looked. She was curled on her side now, the blood thankfully wiped from her face, but her skin still just as pale as before. I wanted to weep but knew I could not. It would not be fair for Graycie's mother. So with my chin held high, I left the Keep, finding that the cool evening air did not ease the tension in my chest as it normally would have.

As we made our way across the courtyard towards the Great Keep, I noticed the various gatherings of Lannister soldiers near the Guest Keep and immediately remembered that we did in fact have guests to entertain now. With a weary sigh and the thought of Lady Catelyn's disapproving expression should I be late, I quickened my pace.

Robb was in our bed chambers already, dressed for dinner, when I eventually arrived. He turned to my entrance, offering me a somewhat surprised smile upon greeting. Absently I noted that Esma was not here to get me ready, as she usually would have been.

"Good evening." My husband murmured, from his seat at the table. Before him, I noticed were various parchments and normally I would have enquired what he was reading but tonight I felt too exhausted to do so. "I was beginning to wonder where you had gotten to." I strained a smile in return, knowing by the way my husband's expression turned serious that he had not bought my attempt to contain my internal turmoil. "Miriella, is everything alright?" I wanted to argue that everything was entirely fine, plaster a fake smile on my face and continue on with the evening like the day's events had not occurred. But there was something in Robb's concerned expression that made me falter.

"Do you remember me telling you about Graycie? A girl from the Healing Keep?" Without hesitation, he nodded.

"She is the little girl who helps you in the Keep, her father is one of the wounded there." He had been listening. "Has something happened to her?"

"She collapsed earlier today - right in front of me." I breathed, my eyes stinging with the sudden tears that threatened to break. The wooden chair that Robb sat upon creaked as he pushed himself up to his feet. "The healers said they are not sure what happened but they are going to keep an eye on her. She had not woken up before I left. Her mother is with her." I swallowed back the tightness in my throat. Robb made to approach me, perhaps to comfort me should I begin to cry but I quickly wiped my eyes and forced a bright smile. His comfort would no doubt just make me weep. "But she is in the best place and the healers will look after her. It has just been a shock, that's all."

"I can imagine." Robb muttered, tilting his head sympathetically and lingering a few feet away. "Like you said though, she is in the best place. They will do all they can for her." I nodded in agreement, smiling my thanks and moving further into the room. Absently I noticed a dark blue gown hanging up on my dressing screen - a colour that matched Robb's clothes, I noted - and let out a heavy sigh. Time to face the evening.

"Has Esma been by?" I enquired, taking a seat at the table so I could unlace my boots. Robb returned to his seat as well.

"Aye. Though she was waiting a while so I sent her away while I got ready. We were not sure how long you would be. She drew a bath for you though and I said I would call her back again should you need her. Would you like me to?" A pause as I toed off both of my boots. With a sigh, I got to my feet and turned towards my dressing screen. Studying the gown she had chosen, it did not appear to be one of the more complicated ones to get into - perhaps why she had indeed picked it.

"No I think I should fare fine without her." Up close though, I could see that the back was tied all the way up with laces - something I certainly could not do on my own. Before I could tell Robb that I did indeed need Esma's help after all, I strangely found myself hesitating. I bit my lip thoughtfully, considering the situation. Did I truly need Esma to help me? Surely my current company was more than capable of tying up some laces? It seemed like a horrible intimate thing to ask however and I held my breath a moment as I considered it. I had a plan for my husband's name-day though, did I not? Perhaps an opportunity had in fact presented itself to me now to progress my endeavours, if I only had the strength to take it. Be brave, I urged myself. My chest loosened slightly from the tightness I had been feeling, instead my heart pounding more quickly as I spun on my heels to face my husband. He was already looking at me and raised an eyebrow when he took in my suddenly mischievous expression. "You may have to help me with the back though, if that is alright? If not then I will indeed need Esma's assistance." Robb tilted his head to the side to observe my hanging dress. After contemplating the laced up design on the back thoughtfully for a moment, finally his gaze flicked back to mine. The familiar heat began to flare in the cool blue.

"Go and bathe."

I took off the rest of my clothes behind the modesty of the dressing screen, taking care to calm my nervous breathes as I did. I had bathed plenty of times with Robb in the room, though once I had submerged myself within the water, I realised it had been a while since I had done so without Esma bustling about the room as well. She had always acted as a medium between us but tonight was different. We were alone now. I cleaned my skin in silence, acutely aware to all of Robb's movements on the other side of the screen.

My bath did not take as long as usual, perhaps because I was indeed aware that I had to get ready quicker tonight or perhaps with self-repressed anticipation for further interactions with my husband - though I was less inclined to admit the latter. Climbing out of the water, I dried off and pulled on the under dress that Esma had hung up on the bath-side of the dressing screen for me. It was thin and loose and while I was used to wearing ones similar every evening under my gowns, I had not truly appreciated how revealing they actually were. Not when I was about to show it off to my unassuming husband. The thought made me hesitate, truly finding my self-consciousness and fear rise quickly within my chest.

"Robb?" I murmured softly, breaking the comfortable silence that had been between us. The man hummed his affirmative, sounding distracted. Perhaps he was reading his parchments again while he waited for me. "I am just wearing my under dress." I was not sure why I had said what I had said, not sure if Robb would gather what I was trying to tell him. The silent pause only increased my worries.

"Miriella, I can go and get Esma if you are not comfortable-" Though he could not see me, I shook my head quickly.

"No, no, you do not have to. I just- you haven't- not since-"

Absently I realised then where my fear was stemming from. Our wedding night. That had been the last time that Robb had seen me in such an undressed manner and that certainly had not been a pleasant memory I wished to relive. Though we had come a very long way since then - quite a staggering amount really now I considered it - it still left a raw sense in my chest as I recalled that night we had unfortunately shared together. The awkwardness, the pain, the emptiness. Tugging at the hem of my under dress nervously, I could not shake off one particular memory from that night - the whisper of another's name in my ear.

"Miriella?" His voice was closer now, perhaps only on the other side screen and it was his tone - ever concerned and caring - that brought me back from that internal pain. Things were much different between us now, I reminded myself. We certainly were not those same individuals all those months ago. That night was in the past and while it was not pleasant, I knew I could not fixate on it. The past could not be changed - but the future could. With a pseudo-confident sigh, I came out from behind the screen.

Robb stood facing me when I emerged, his expression just as I expected it to be - concerned and unsure. He seemed surprised when I appeared but smiled weakly nonetheless. After studying his ice-like gaze, I knew immediately that he had some inkling of the moment I had just had behind the screen. He had understood my worries and looked almost uncertain whether he should look anywhere else other than my face. My chest warmed slightly at his hesitation.

Feeling brave, I stepped close to my husband, finding enjoyment in the way his eyes widened and darkened immediately at the closeness. He struggled to keep his gaze on my face then and more than once, Robb's eyes wandered lower to glance at my scantily clad figure near him. Pushing the memories of our wedding night away, I allowed myself to bask in Robb's appreciation and proximity. His breath tickled my face and I swallowed thickly, attempting to keep up the confident facade as I reached around him and took hold of the hanging gown on the screen beside us.

"I should be fine until I need you to lace up the back." I breathed quietly, keep my eyes fixed on my husband's as I took a step back away from him. In response, Robb only nodded before backing up too and taking a seat against the wood at the bottom of our bed. Feeling the weight of his stare, I began to get dressed and in the silence felt the sudden need to talk as I did, the heat within the room increasing each second. "Have you managed to spend much time with your sister today?"

"Only briefly this morning when Mother and I escorted them to Sansa's room." Robb replied, quietly. "I believe Mother has spent a great deal of time with her though, having given her and Tyrion the tour." The latter's name was spoken with underlying venom though I had not the energy to question it, not with the other emotions I was currently experiencing. "Was meeting her as daunting as you thought it would be?" I spared him a withered look over my shoulder as I pulled my arms into the gown's sleeves. His expression, while still holding the heat, was undeniably smug.

"No it was not." I conceded, sighing as I did. Though I was sure that there would still be nerves during the evening meal - I would deal with those anxieties when the time came, currently too busy battling others. Thankfully Robb did not push it further.

Finally I was in the gown and I took a moment to straighten out the skirt first, checking everything was in place before turning back to my husband. He took the silent hint and was immediately on his feet, approaching me with slow and careful steps. I inhaled deeply, turning away and staring straight ahead at a spot opposite on the wall. I did not want to face the mirror, instead positioning myself sideways so that it was not in my line of sight - not sure I could stand looking at my husband's face in its reflection.

While I could not see him, I could feel Robb's presence behind me and as he hesitated before taking hold of the gown's laces. I could not help but shiver as his fingers skimmed against my back by accident. I expected the usual tugging and pulling that would occur usually when Esma would lace me out but instead there was another long pause in which nothing happened. I stopped myself from side glancing into the mirror to look at my husband's expression, not sure I was brave enough to see it right then. Instead, I tried to jest.

"Are you struggling? Perhaps we should get Esma if you are not feeling up to it?" In response to my cheek, Robb tugged both laces tightly. I giggled before I could help it, almost embarrassed by the noise that came from my mouth. I was glad my husband could not see my redding cheeks.

"You have no patience, my Queen." Robb muttered quietly, tugging and pulling at the laces on my back. As he did I felt my dress tighten and secure in place. "I was just thinking about something." At that, I raised an eyebrow at the wall across the room.

"About what? If I might ask." I enquired, voice just as quiet. His breath tickled the back of my neck and I could not help but wonder how close he was stood. Involuntarily, I shivered and allowed my eyes to close for a moment as I basked in his warmth. Robb's fingers worked quickly and efficiently and would faintly graze his hands against my back without meaning to - or perhaps he did mean to, I could not be sure. Absently, a traitorous and surprising thought of wishing for his fingers to trail my bare skin in such a manner crossed my mind and I was certainly glad he could not see my flushed cheeks then.

"About you." Robb's words made my eyes open suddenly and it felt as if I had been winded. About me? "About us." He continued, fingers pausing for a moment before he tugged one final time and began to tie the laces together. Even though he had finished, his hands still lingered. "About how far we have come together. You certainly would not allowed me to have laced you into your dresses once upon a time." At that, I smiled and without hesitation turned around to face my husband head on. His fingers hovered against my waist, his gaze fixed on me. My breath halted at the expression he looked down upon me with - as if I were the only thing in the entire room to look at. It took my breath away.

"I think about that too." I admitted, registering my husband's mild surprise at that. "About how we used to be with one another. And while no I would not have liked you to help me dress when we were first married, you certainly did not like me very much either-"

"I did not dislike you, Miriella." Robb argued, smiling weakly. "Though I cannot deny that I did not dislike our situation." A pause.

"And now?" I whispered, ignoring how his gaze shamelessly lingered on my lips for a moment. This was something I needed to hear. "And now what do you feel?" Such a loaded question, one that made Robb tense suddenly and pull back a little. His expression hardened a moment as he considered my question and I feared that I had ruined things. Eventually though, he let out a sigh, offering me a slight smirk.

"Well lets just say that I do not entirely dislike our situation any longer." He teased and I shoved him lightly in response, glad that his smirk fledged out into a full grin. I moved to walk away - mainly to calm myself but also to approach my dressing table to run a comb through my knotted hair. A firm hand in mine halted my tracks though. When I turned back to Robb, his expression had gone serious again. "Miriella, I-" For the first time, it seemed it was my husband who was now tongue-tied. "I just wanted to tell you- because I do not think I have been very open with my feelings-" He was stuttering now and there something about seeing my husband so nervous that was endearing. His marble mask was certainly nowhere to be seen. The King in the North had gone and Robb Stark truly stood before me now. I could not help but smile, though not at all mockingly. "I would like you to know that you have become very important to me, Miriella."

It was not an admission of love, but it certainly left me feeling shocked and without words. The teasing and playful commentary had all but vanished now as the mood in the room turned serious and mildly terrifying. We were touching on the line of dangerous territory here and for a moment, I wanted to retreat and shy away from the intimacy but I was far too busy digesting his words to do so. Judging by the expression on Robb's face, it had taken a lot for him to confess what he had and I felt myself soften.

I considered my own feelings then. My head was still overwhelmed with everything else but in the silence of our bed chambers, I allowed myself to let my feelings for my husband come to the forefront of my mind. There seemed to be two layers to my affection for Robb - the physical attraction and the emotional connection beneath. The physical side of it was easy; the man was simply beautiful. I looked at him sometimes and was overwhelmed by simply how handsome my husband actually was. With the added recent interactions between us, I was not naive enough to ignore where this was going either. The idea of the physical intimacy was both terrifying and also alluring, but one that I was preparing myself for. While I was unsure what I should expect, given my only experience had been quite dreadful, it was something I was prepared to face when the time came. When I knew I was truly brave enough for.

The emotional feelings I had for the man felt more complicated though. Knowing I was attracted to Robb was easy, but understanding how I felt about him was something I was still trying to untangle. I definitely liked him as an individual but that seemed too insignificant to say in regards to someone who was my husband - like he was simply a friend. To say I cared for him also fell short of where I considered my feelings to be. Though to say that I loved him - that was something I was certainly not sure about right now. Perhaps I did or perhaps I did not, but I was not prepared to throw it into the mix until I was completely and utterly sure.

What I was sure of though was that Robb did indeed hold a special place in my heart.

"You are important to me too, Robb." I returned quietly, pleased when his eyebrows shot up, matching my previous surprise.

The chambers felt warm in temperature then and I knew that there was no hiding the redness in my features. If I only cared. All I cared about in that moment was the man before me, the man who had just confessed that I was important to him, the man I was bonded with for the entirety of our remaining days. All this time I had spent wondering and trying my hardest to be the best I could, to be what I believed Robb and the North deserved - in the process I had no prepared myself for what might have happened when my husband and I got close, not truly. This was entirely different to the jesting and heat between us only moments ago. This felt so much more sincere, more tender, more powerful. This single moment was better than one hundred of Robb's heated gazes.

Gods was this what falling in love felt like? I only wish I knew for sure.

I shivered once more when Robb's callous and gentle hand reached up and carefully trailed across the curve of my chin. I held my breath, fearing to move and fixed beneath my husband's gaze. His touch was soft but brief and suddenly his face came in close. The familiar sensation of his lips against my forehead allowed my eyes to drift closed peacefully. I felt so content in that moment, I did not want it to end and without thinking, I reached out to grip Robb's leather tunic - to ground me. Silently, and with his lips still pressed against my skin, Robb snuck an arm around my waist. His palm felt warm against my back and I allowed him to pull me closer, feeling his lips leave my forehead as he rested his head upon mine. Absently I realised this may be the only time we had embraced when it had not been to comfort one another. Without thought, I wrapped my arms around my husband, embracing his warmth and his closeness.

I did not know how long we were stood there but typically were interrupted with a firm knock against the chamber door. I did not even bother to suppress my sigh of disappointment and Robb hummed a chuckle, squeezing me once more before pulling back to look at me. His smile was that of pure contentment.

"Enter." Robb called, turning to the side to look at whoever had disrupted our moment. It was a older man who had an expression void of humour and unfamiliar to me. As my husband addressed him, I turned away to approach my dressing table. I picked up my comb with a shaky hand and a quivering heart.

"Lady Stark is enquiring whether your graces will be joining the evening meal and if everything is alright, my King." At that, Robb barked a laugh.

"You may inform my mother that we will be down soon; once Queen Miriella is ready." I glanced over my shoulder to see the humourless man offer a sharp bow before leaving the room, the door closing loudly behind him. When Robb met my gaze, I raised an eyebrow.

"'Once Queen Miriella is ready'? Well thank you very much for getting me in trouble with your mother for our delay to dinner!" My husband only grinned, eyes suddenly giddy.

I rolled my eyes, turning away to return to styling my hair for the evening, only for a pair of strong arms to wrap around my waist from behind. I yelped in surprise, Robb's chuckling breath hot against my ear, before a quick kiss was pressed into my cheek. His arms were gone as quickly as they came and I looked over my shoulder again to see my husband walking towards where his evening clock was hung up with a large grin plastered upon his face. I watched him go, a small smile sneaking onto my own before turning away before Robb caught me staring. As I combed through my hair and pinned it up for the evening, my thoughts were consumed and overwhelmed with that of one very important individual.

The walk down to dinner that evening was quite anxiety provoking the closer we got the main Hall. I was very much conscious that we would be entertaining two exceptionally special guests and knew that it would be both an exhausting and important task. On top of this began to spiral my nerves surrounding getting to know Robb's sister, Sansa.

"I believe you are overthinking things, my Queen." Robb murmured beside me as we walked side by side to dinner, Lady Dacey and a handful of other guards of my husband's trailing behind us silently. I noted vaguely that it was the second time this evening that Robb had used that endearment, unsure of the significance of that. "You have managed to meet both my mother and Arya without worry - both of whom infinitely more terrifying than Sansa, believe me." I smiled vaguely at Robb's warm tone when speaking about the ladies in his family before sighing.

"I want her to like me, Robb." I admitted, fussing with my skirts in an nervous manner.

"And why would she not?" I did not respond, uncertain myself why but aware that this whole ordeal left me incredibly anxious. "If you can get Arya to like you then I can assure you the task of getting Sansa to will not be as difficult."

"At least with Arya I have had more time to wear her down until she finally could not help but like me." My husband laughed at that and I offered him a smile when he looked my way. "I do not have the luxury of as much time to get to know Sansa." A pause then.

"And why is it so important that she does like you?" Robb asked quietly. I did not hesitate this time before answering.

"Because she is your sister." I replied simply, noting Robb glance my way again out the corner of my eye. Up ahead I could see the Hall doors.

"As is Arya." Robb countered, eyeing me with a look that reminded me that I had not been like this when I had met the younger Stark sister. I frowned thoughtfully before responding.

"Though bringing to attention our recent conversation regarding how far things have come between us; I do not think I cared so much back then because things were so tense between us. Now though," I did hesitate then, unsure if our voices were carrying as I did not want our guards to be listening to this particular conversation. This was something personal and private. I stepped closer to Robb silently and lowered my tones. "I care for you and understand that it is important that your sister and wife like each other. I want her to like me for you." My husband studied me with a contemplative expression and I felt unsure if I had spoken out of turn regarding the past. As we came before the main doors to the Hall, Robb hesitated.

"Well, I see it as so; if you can make two of the most difficult individuals I have ever met like you when you were not trying then imagine what you can do now you are trying and the individual is Sansa - someone who is too kind-hearted for her own good." His tone turned offhandedly bitter upon the last sentence and I knew it was directed more for his sister than I. His gaze drifted for a moment as he considered something but soon he returned to me with a cheeky grin. "Besides, do not fear; even if she does not like you, I still do." I let out a laugh at that, feeling warmed by my husband's words. After studying my face with a smile, Robb waved a hand towards the door. "Shall we endure this evening then?" After smoothing out my dress and running a hand over my pinned back hair one last time, I nodded, and without instruction, two guards were on hand to open the door for us.

Before entering, Robb offered me the crock of his arm as he always did and I gladly took it. With a gentle squeeze on my hand of reassurance, my husband led us inside.

The Hall was vibrant with laughter and noise and I was thankfully that we had entered the room via one of the side doors near the top table, saving us from having to walk straight down the middle of all the Stark and Lannister soldiers. Those at the top table stood for us, the men bowing their heads in our direction as we walked by. Robb pulled my chair out for me, something he did not normally do, and I took a seat, meeting my good-mother's knowing expression with a smile. There was a strange sense of approval in her expression - and not disappointment for our tardiness as I had expected. It took me a few moments and a meaningful look between Robb and I for me to realise what was going through Lady Catelyn's mind. What the reason she thought was why we were late to dinner. I turned away with a flushed expression, and took a large mouthful from my goblet of wine.

Seated next to Lady Catelyn was Sansa, who was making conversation currently with an unfamiliar lady, perhaps someone from her party. When I looked to Robb's side, I noted Lord Tyrion sat on the seat next to him with an unfamiliar man dressed in Lannister colours. The rest of the councilmen were seated further down the table. Taking in my husband's expression, he looked exceptionally unhappy with this arrangement as gone were all the smiles and the twinkle within his gaze. His marble mask had returned and I could detect a hint of concealed anger within the tension of his features. Before I could say anything though to him, our food arrived.

"Sansa and I were just talking about all the improvements in Winterfell, all the renovations that you are currently leading." I hesitated at my good-mother's words, slowly chewing the mouthful of food I had, before turning to the ladies on my left. Lady Catelyn was eyeing me meaningfully and I forced a smile.

"I can only hope that I am doing its past glory justice." I returned, Lady Catelyn looking at me with satisfaction and approval, informing me that I had provided the right answer.

"I saw people coming in and out of the First Keep when we arrived," Sansa began then, tilting her head around her mother so she could address me fully. "What do you use that for now?" With the memory of my husband's words and Sansa's welcoming smile, I returned an honest one of my own.

"We use it to house the wounded at the moment." I replied, smiling waning at the thought of what had happened earlier with Graycie. It returned though quickly, due to the company and the ever watchful eye of my good-mother. "The Maester had already set up the wounded in the there before I arrived. Its size is good for the numbers."

I considered Maester Norjen's words from earlier though and knew some renovations needed to be made with the current arrangements. Though that was a thought for another day, in different company. Absently I took a mental note to speak with Lord Glover regarding what had confided me in - it being the man's area of expertise. Lady Catelyn had told me a couple of weeks ago that the man was currently overseeing the rebuild of settlements across the North, helping Robb with organising help to the Northern people. In his absence, I had taken over the care of Winterfell's rebuild and wounded. I knew the man would lend an ear though to my queries and it certainly would be a good place to start.

"How was your journey though?" I enquired quickly, feeling my mood turning serious and sour. "Hopefully without worry or issue?"

As the evening progressed, I found my worries in regards to Sansa fade. As my husband had assured me before dinner, the eldest Stark sibling was kind-hearted and a strangely pleasant breath of fresh air to the darkness of Winterfell. She was a contrast to Arya, who was moody and still sometimes hard to read, and instead was enthusiastic and soft spoken. There was still an air of carefulness about her, some hesitation within her words but it did not divert her from propriety. I soon decided that I liked her. Sansa was kind, intelligent and there seemed more to her than initial meeting but I was happy to learn more if she would allow it. Her companion however was another story.

Margaery Tyrell - or Baratheon perhaps - was a woman that reminded me far too much of my sister, Miah. She was undeniably beautiful - many of the Northern men eyeing her up with approving stares, I noticed, and the women tutting in jealousy. She was also fiercely confident. I had recalled vaguely once Sansa had introduced us that she had married Joffrey Baratheon - it was in fact her wedding that the crazed young King had died - and not soon after that, she had married his younger brother, Tommen, once he had claimed the throne. However brief that was, before King Stannis and Robb charged King's Landing. She had been Queen of Westeros for a brief period of her life, and yet here she sat upon my table now addressing me as "your grace" rather than the other way around. I wondered vaguely how that must feel for her, having lived in such standing to now be reduced to a lodger to her husband's uncle's home. Apparently she now lived with her young husband with Lord Tyrion and Sansa in Casterly Rock.

"How come you decided to make the journey with my daughter, Lady Margaery?" Lady Catelyn enquired, a sharpness to her tone as she addressed the young woman. I studied my good-mother's face briefly and noted the stern lines of her features. She seemed to feel the same as me in regards to the woman.

"Because of the honour to meet the King and Queen in the North, Lady Stark!" Margaery gushed, a perfect smile on her face. "And I have never had the blessing of seeing the North before!" Her manners were impeccable and yet there was something false about her, something that did not quite sit well with me. It seemed it did not sit well with my good-mother either, judging by her raised eyebrow. "Sansa and I are firm friends and I would have terribly missed her if she was away for too long." The two girls shared a smile.

"Though you would not miss your husband enough to be parted from him?" Lady Catelyn returned, cuttingly. The expression on Sansa's face dropped immediately upon her mother's words though Margaery's remained firm with a smile. She only chuckled before sipping her wine. Sansa stared at her mother in somewhat disbelief and silently the Stark mother and daughter seemed to be communicating without words. With the sudden growing tension, I cleared my throat and quickly glanced around to take in those to my right.

Greatjon and Lord Brynden had both brought their chairs around to sit in front of the King and Lord Tyrion after the food had been removed, so they could all speak as a circle rather than across from each other, as we were. Their words were quiet and I could not make them out, though I could see their expressions were incredible serious. Concerned, I braved placing a hand on Robb's arm to gain his attention. He turned to me without a pause, a small and honest smile forming as he did. Absently, I smelt the hint of alcohol on his breath.

"Is everything alright?" I enquired, noting that the other men had quietened now that I had interrupted. Greatjon forced a grin when I met his gaze briefly.

"Lord Tyrion was just telling us about their journey here." Robb informed me, sitting back so I could see the dwarf lord. Taking in Lord Tyrion's grave expression, I found that I did not need many guesses to figure out what they were speaking about.

"There has been more Bolton attacks?" The men did not answer but their silence was answer enough. "Were there any casualties, my lord?" Lord Tyrion's smile was forced.

"Some, your grace." He admitted, saying no more on the matter.

"It seems that the attacks are travelling further South than we've had reports for." Robb informed me, quietly, his expression thoughtful. "They were attacked near the Twins." At the the mention of my childhood home, I raised an eyebrow. Concern briefly swelled in my chest as I thought of my family there. "They would be stupid to attack your father, Miriella. He is well armed for anything Ramsay Snow might attempt to throw at him. Though I will write to him to advise him of this development, I assure you." I nodded, my anxiety soothed as quickly as it came. Robb was right; more fool any Bolton that tried to breach the Twins.

"We cannot wait for Ramsay Snow to come out from his hole, your grace." Greatjon urged then, eyes wide and expression so deathly serious. "We must send more forces out to look for the Boltons." Robb said nothing to this at first and instead took a long sip from his goblet before responding.

"We will discuss this in the council chambers soon. This is not dinner talk."

At that, I felt Robb's warm hand grip my knee beneath the table and I jumped in surprise at both the contact and the quick squeeze he gave it. It sent a pleasant feeling down my spine and I was shocked by the affection that he was displaying in public. Out the corner of my eye, I saw he went to move his hand away but without thinking, I reached a hand down and grabbed his before he could do so. Robb said nothing and allowed his palm to rest back onto the curve of my knee, on top of the skirts of my dress. His fingers hooked in between mine and I had to take a mouthful of wine to calm my sudden nerves. Thankfully the men had carried on talking in the meantime.

"Queen Miriella, I must apologise for my poor manners this evening." Lord Tyrion spoke then, interrupting something Greatjon was saying and drawing an unpleasant expression onto the man's face at the interruption. At the call of my name, I turned to the dwarf lord with a questionable raised eyebrow. With a slight smirk, the man gestured to the unknown man beside him. "This is my good friend Ser Bronn of the Blackwater."

I racked my brain a moment to study my Septa's teachings before realising who this man was. He had been a large figure within the tales of Lord Tyrion, acting as his guard for all intents and purposes. Though he was indeed famous for his own involvement in the Battle of Blackwater, which had been a rather pivotal point in the war in how it had weakened King Stannis' position. I was uncertain how I should feel about this man - though in the same way, he was in the same position as Lord Tyrion in that during the war his place had been undistinguished. He was just following orders after all, just for the wrong side. He had been a pawn, like many, and had not been an instigator. With that in mind, I pushed back the prejudice, as I had done with Lord Tyrion.

"Pleasure to meet you, your grace." Ser Bronn had the same mannerisms as Lord Tyrion and I imagined the pair were great friends. His smirk was unbashfully shameless and he studied me without care. At my side, I noted the tension in my husband's expression and the inappropriate glare that he sent the man's way. I squeezed his hand beneath the table, hoping he would remember his manners and place as King. Regardless of the company we were keeping.

"And you, Ser Bronn." I returned, smiling brightly in hope to compensate for Robb's openly sour mood. Ser Bronn winked in return, something that did not go unnoticed by the other men at the table.

The evening continued as best it could. While I had had many anxieties about tonight, I had not been prepared to play medium and remind those who I assumed knew better, of their manners and standings. Lady Catelyn was better at concealing her contentment than the men but it was still very clear to me. While I found that out of all of the guests, Margaery was the one I was struggling with the most, I did not forget who I was - Lady Catelyn's own teaching firm in my mind. I was the Queen and I needed to act as such. Therefore, though I internally was cringing, I forced on a smile and put on a mask that would rival my husband's. My good-mother however had disapproval written all over by the younger woman's antics and she certainly was not happy when Lord Tyrion ventured over to their side of the table to speak with Sansa and Margaery. She eyed the man with concealed contempt and I had to draw her into conversation to stop her from making an inappropriate comment towards him.

The men were an entirely different story. They did not even bother to hide their emotions when conversing with the Lannister lord and his Knightly companion. The fury on my husband's expression was overwhelming at times and I was glad for the hand on my knee so I could gain his attention when his emotions began to shine through too strongly. Unfortunately I could not do the same for the council men and the night ended with a snarky commentary between Lord Tyrion and Lord Brynden that was only stopped when Sansa got up and told her husband that she was retiring to bed. He bid to join her and offered all the men a somewhat sarcastic smirk and a very pleasant and polite smile to me. I returned it with a genuine one of my own and a bid of goodnight to Sansa. The council men, Lady Catelyn and Robb were all equally relieved once the Lannister party vacated - Ser Bronn and Margaery not far behind the Lord and Lady.

I however was exhausted with my evening's efforts and feeling a little annoyed at everyone who remained, I quietly excused myself too.

"Goodnight all." I smiled to the group, allowing Greatjon to stand and lean across the table to kiss my cheek goodnight. Robb squeezed my hand one last time before offering me a beautiful smile.

"I will be up soon, Miriella." I nodded, turning to Lady Catelyn to offer her goodnight. She eyed my hand in her son's with a careful but pleased expression and with reddened cheeks, I left the Hall with Lady Dacey at my heels.

"How was your evening, your grace?" My guard asked politely, an expression on her face like she was expecting the worst. At Lady Dacey's expectation, I frowned.

"It was fine, thank you." I returned briskly, feeling a little annoyed by the whole evening's affairs. Thankfully, she did not enquire anymore and the journey back to my bed chambers was a silent one. I was sincerely glad when I was finally within the seclusion and solitary of my room.

Grey Wind raised his head at my entrance, whining when he saw me and hauling himself to his feet to greet me. I stroked his fur absently when he nudged his wet nose into my side as I considered the night.

It was supposed to be a pleasant evening, where I got to know my good-sister properly and meet an important and esteemed figure in our recent history. But instead it had been reduced to me playing advocate between all parties. Lady Catelyn had always been the one to remind me of my manners, always quick to tell me where to improve. And yet tonight she was the one who was letting her emotions show. And Robb, ever the marbled mask, had been incredibly open with his emotions and feelings over the course of dinner. The council men, respectable members of the King's council, had been no better. Why was tonight different to the rest? The guests? Had the prejudice that was clearly coursing through their veins taken over their actions and how they should be acting to such a strong degree?

At the thought, I only felt my anger flare. Regardless of their feelings towards the Lannister man and his party, they had important positions to uphold. They should know better.

The marriage between Tyrion and Sansa was a confusing one for me, one that I had not got a grasp on and the actions of my family and council only made me wonder if there was something more to it. Was there something more malicious within the reason why the pair had not annulled their marriage? Though Sansa did not act like a tortured wife, I thought. Then I recalled Lady Dacey's comment from earlier and wondered if it was perhaps simply a case of prejudice towards Lord Tyrion's name. "He is a Lannister though." The Lannister name had almost been a curse word after the war around the Twins and I hardly expected Winterfell to be any different. Regardless of how he had aided in the war, regardless that he was indeed married to one of their own and regardless that she actually appeared quite content with him, the curse of his house was too strong. Perhaps there was no escape for the Northern distaste for Tyrion Lannister.

It was an uneasy thought as I then considered my own name - my name before Stark. Mine had been an unpleasant one too and for a bitter moment, I wondered if they had judged me as such when they had first met me too. Had the connotations that came with House Frey clouded their impressions of me too? It made me feel incredibly sick at the thought and did not want to linger there, feeling my insecurities flare.

Or perhaps tonight had been a mixture of exhaustion from travelling from the Lannister's side and apprehension from the Stark's? Perhaps tomorrow would be different and my family and council would remember who they were and would act as such. We would have to wait and see, I realised and decided to quit ruminating and leave it at that.

My anger faded with the rising exhaustion and I stripped my clothes and got into my night dress. Absently I noted how much easier it was to get out the dress that it had been to get into it and was sincerely glad that the direwolf was my only company then. There certainly was no hiding my redding cheeks then, the excuse of the room's heat certainly not credible enough.

Grey Wind soon settled again before the fading fire and after patting his head once last time, I clambered beneath the warmth of the furs with a tired sigh. In the silence, I stared up at the roof of the bed, absently considering the events of the day. It had certainly been eventful and I realised that the rest of Sansa's and Lord Tyrion's stay here would not doubt continue with the same theme. Again though, it was a waiting game and I would have to pace myself for the days to pan out. Now though, I could finally rest.

No sooner had I settled under the furs, my eyes drifted closed and sleep began to welcome me into its embrace.

I woke up the following morning by the sounds of my husband bustling around the chambers. I lay listening for a moment, tracking his movements as he paced about quietly. It brought a slight smile to my face and I made to sit up.

"Good morning." Robb murmured from his spot at the table. He appeared to have just sat down and was tying up the laces on his boots. He was already clad in his leathers and tunic for the day.

"Good morning." I returned, swinging my legs around to place them on the stone floor. A pause as I rubbed some sleep from my eyes before I heaved myself up. "Are you not joining me for breakfast?"

"I am afraid not, Miriella." Robb sighed, smiling up at me as I approached the table. "I have some things to deal with this morning first-"

"Is it the council meeting regarding the Boltons? Because I should like to attend that too-" Robb shook his head, getting to his feet and making his way over to where his furred cloak was hung up.

"No, no. It is just some simple training queries that Lord Umber wanted to go through with me. I am only going early because he does not normally care for breakfast and will be busy all day with the men." I nodded, satisfied that I would not miss this important upcoming council meeting. Silently, I watched as my husband threw the heavy cloak over his shoulders, clasping it together at the front to hold it in place. With the furs around the shoulder, it made him look much bigger in stature but I know that it was necessary for both the cold and for his image as King. He smiled when he met my gaze.

Before either of us could speak, a knock sounded at the door and following my husband's shout to "enter", Esma came into the room. She bowed at us both though offered a friendly smile as she did. I beamed in greeting.

"Good morning, Esma." Robb offered, tilting his head to the woman with a friendly smile of his own as he pulled on his leather gloves. "I trust you are well?"

"Very well thank you, your grace." Esma nodded and I studied my friend, noting a flush to her cheeks and a happiness in her expression. Something seemed different today about her, I noted.

"I will leave you both to it. Greatjon will no doubt be waiting for me and cursing my name for making him wait." At that, Robb approached me, footsteps heavy on the stone floor, before placing a soft kiss to my cheek in a bid of goodbye. The affection made my heart leap and I could feel the weight of Esma's stare as well. When my husband stepped back, I studied his expression, noting the gentleness of his features, before he bestowed one last smile. At the sound of the door closing behind him, I released the breath I had been holding.

When I looked to Esma, she was smiling.

"Things are progressing well with the King I see." The older woman noted as she went to retrieve what I was wearing for the day. I said nothing for a moment, staring at the door my husband had left from with a thoughtful smile.

"It would seem so." I returned quietly. Esma came to my side then, her gaze studying my face for a long moment, a frown suddenly forming as she did.

"At a pace I hope you are comfortable with?" Her tone held many implications and I quickly smiled in hope to quash her worries.

"I am entirely comfortable with the pace, do not worry!" I laughed, before pausing a moment. "Though I will admit that I am a little nervous for where things are heading but it is not as if I do not want them to happen." Esma seemed satisfied with that, a smile reforming onto her face and the same twinkle from before returning. I studied my oldest friend curiously, wondering what was different about her this morning. "You seem happy today, Esma." She hesitated.

"I am always happy." She returned though I was not convinced.

"You always listen to my troubles and worries, no matter how trivial they can be. I am happy to lend an ear in return, should you feel comfortable to do so, Esma." My handmaiden smiled.

"There are no troubles, I assure you."

With that she turned to hang up some of my clothes on the dressing screen. When she turned back to me though, her own dress pulled slightly at the collar from the angle she was twisted in and when she faced me, some more of her skin was showing. My eyes were quickly drawn to it however as a small but very evident bruise was clearly visible there upon a collarbone and immediately my smile fell.

Esma took only a moment to notice my attention and looked down, gasping at the sight of the bruise on her skin and quickly arranging her dress back so it was not visible. However, the damage was done and the silence that followed was incredibly deafening. I felt my mood sour then, memories of the King's Ball back at the Twins coming to mind then, how Ser Quentyn had tried to force himself on me. Seeing the bruise on Esma's skin reminded me of my own bruises and my stomach plummeted at the thought that someone had hurt my friend as Ser Quentyn had tried to do with me.

"Ella-"

"Who did it?" Esma's face fell white and she shook her head. "Esma, please. You must tell me who hurt you."

"No one hurt me." She returned, quietly, her cheeks reddening in a strange way. She looked embarrassed now, rather than upset, I noticed.

"Then where is the bruise from?" I demanded, stepping closer. Esma looked down at her hands, her face uncertain as she considered the question. She thought for the longest of moments before finally her head fell into her hands and her body fell into the nearest chair. Esma's body began to shake and for a moment I thought she was crying and I took the seat opposite her, ready to comfort her. Soon though I realised she was in fact laughing.

"Oh Ella, I am so incredibly embarrassed." She mumbled into her hands. I only frowned with confusion as Esma allowed her hands to fall into her lap so she could meet me gaze again. Her gaze studied mine for a moment before she sighed and pulled back the dress' collar once more. The bruise was small and up close, I could even make out what seemed to be teeth marks. Thankfully Esma continued before my mind went crazy with worry. "This bruise is not from someone attacking me."

"Then what-?" Just as I began to speak, it dawned on me. Esma's mannerisms of the morning, the twinkle in her eye, her embarrassment now as she spoke about it. Quickly realisation hit me and I sat back in my chair with raised eyebrows. All at once, I felt incredibly naive.

"I apologise for being inappropriate-" At that, I did laugh.

"No do not apologise. Your time is your own time to do as you please. I was being incredibly dim that is all." Esma laughed too. A pause followed as Esma readjusted herself and I studied her expression. "May I ask who it is?" It seemed a nice change of pace to have the tables turned for once with my friend. Normally it was her who had to listen to my qualms and watch as I got flushed over a man. Here she was, reddened cheeks and an expression that was both happy and uncertain. Her eyes twinkled as she thought for a moment and I wondered then how I must have looked to her. I could not help but smile, feeling my chest warm at Esma's expression.

"As we are not married, Ella, I fear to say." She returned and I hesitated at that, considering something close to home.

"I should hope that he is not married." Quickly Esma shook her head.

"No not at all."

"And has it been a single night or-?" I trailed off, watching the ever changing features on my handmaidens face as she stared down at her hands in her lap again. She looked cautious, unsure almost.

"So far yes." Esma informed me. "But I should like there to be more." A pause. "I really like him, Ella. I have done for a little while now but I could not imagine that he would like me too. I did not mean for it to happen between us but it just did." Her gaze seemed distant and her smile increased as she considered something thoughtfully. My heart only swelled more at her happiness, though I was conscious of her worries. She was right - they were not married. "No one else knows."

"And I will not tell anyone." I assured her, smiling warmly when she met my gaze. "But please you must tell me who it is! Do I know them?" At that, Esma blanched. "Ah so I do!" A pause as I considered something. "It is not one of the councilmen is it?!"

"No!" Esma giggled and for that I was thankful. An image of her and Greatjon crossed my mind and it was not a pleasant thought. "I am not sure how you should take knowing who it is." I only raised an eyebrow, expression patient as I waited for her to continue. Eventually, Esma sighed. "It is your brother, Olyvar."

"Olyvar?"

All at once realisation dawned on me and I understood her hesitation to tell me. If my brother and I had been close, than perhaps I would have reacted more emotionally at the knowledge but I had many brothers and while I had interacted with Olyvar pleasantly enough, we were not close enough for me to react dramatically. I considered my brother instead. He had been a background figure during my time in Winterfell, our interactions brief but always pleasant. He had typical Frey traits in some respects but had confided with me how he was happy to have left the Twins. Olyvar was to be knighted but had chosen to delay this in favour of serving my husband longer. He had great respect from Robb, that much was evident. I only hoped he would hope the same level of respect and devotion for my friend too - she certainly deserved it.

"Well, whatever happens, I am happy that you are happy." Esma beamed at the comment, looking so overwhelmingly happy that it made my heart ache. It was clear from her expression only that she cared for Olyvar and I could only hope for her happiness that he felt the same. He would have been a fool not to.

"And I hope you are happy too, Ella." She murmured then, eyes probing but gentle. At that, I smiled, considering my own situation and my own love life - if it was appropriate to call it as such. While things were still uncertain and steadily progressing between us, there was something I could be sure of.

"I am happy, Esma." I nodded, feeling the warmth spread throughout my chest. "I am very happy."