That morning Joanna stood in front of a mirror only this time she looked far from a fair maiden. Her hair was braided back leaving no strand of hair in her face and she wore the armour of a soldier marching into battle. She breathed in deeply as her eyes scanned over her. Conflicted - she didn't want to betray her family but she was tired of the injustices caused by her family. It was time to face the consequence because if not the war between the houses of the seven kingdoms would never know peace.

"You look beautiful." A voice complimented her. Joanna's lips pursed as she noticed Robb standing in her doorway.

"What lies do you mean to speak my lord. I look no different than a man." She laughed. Robb's blue eyes gleamed as he laughed at her comment

Robb stepped forward. It didn't matter whether she was wearing silk or breaches she still was the most beautiful woman in all of the seven kingdoms. Robb knew that he found attractive in more than just a physical way - but his father raised him to be a man of honour. King Robert was dead so the agreement between their fathers was void. Their betrothal no longer existed.

"Robb, I'm scared." Robb breathed out as he extended his hand, Joanna taking it with hers. The physical contact making her heart beat faster already

"I promise you Joanna, you have nothing to fear. I will protect you from anything and anyone."

"You don't have to protect me Robb. They're my family, remember?" She asked. The reality sinking into her more and more because come day break she would no longer be Joanna Lannister - she'd be Joanna, a soldier to Robb's Starks war and there was no turning back from it.

The bannermen left at the peak of nightfall. Towns fallen asleep and roads empty with nothing but it's ash. Joanna stayed with Shae as the two rode together. Only three men fighting for the Starks. Joanna, Shae and Lady Mormont. The two girls by far the youngest and the least respected. They couldn't ignore the glares and stares the men sent them. Some in disgust and some in lust that made Joanna even more fearful on what might happen to her.

"If you want I can have your tent set up next to mine." Shae kindly offered to her

"Thank you, that would be more comforting."

"Is this your first time from home? This far I mean?" Shae question as their horses walked along the roads

"Yes, in my lifetime I haven't done as much travelling. Not that my mother would want me to go anywhere without her supervision." Joanna rolled her eyes in the memories of her sneaking out of the Red Keep to the markets only to find Jaime already expecting her failed sneak arrivals

"At least your mother was over protective. My mother is the reason I have so many scars. She'd fill my head with stories of fairies and elves. One time even climbed the tallest tree in our gardens and fell as hard as I did." The two women laughed at their polar opposite upbringings.

"You know as suspicious as I was I'm really glad you're here my lady. I hope not to embarrass you but I've never - actually been around a girl my age." Shae shyly confessed. Joanna's face softened as she her lips curved upward

"Really?"

"Yes,most of my childhood was sitting in on meetings with my father. Being the only heir and a girl I was taught how to be a warrior so I never had time to be a girl."

"I'm glad you're here too. Besides for Robb, you're the only friend I have here." Joanna replied. Shae turned to the girl - overwhelmed with joy. One grew up in armour and the other in silk robes but it seems they similarities in their upbringing was all the same.

Her first council meeting was summoned. Growing up Joanna and Joffrey would sneak through the passages of the Red Keep listening in to the conversations Jaime would have with the Kingsgaurd, memorize every drunken statement Robert would make at the table as Cercsei forced herself not to fling the table knife in his eye- for a while it was all amusing to both children. But Joffrey grew out of those habits.

Deciding that it was immature and weak to sneak around corridors listening into conversations when he should be seated next to the king. Joanna never stopped – she even remembered the day Jaime found her five year old body hidden underneath Roberts desk after he had a meeting with the Master of Coin. Jaime, of course encouraged it. Vowing her curiosity would never reach the ears of her mother.

She remembers one night when she supposedly went to her chambers earlier. She waited until the castle was quiet and took the wooden sword she asked the doll maker to make for her. Swing it left and right across the room. Jaime stood in the doorway as Joanna valiantly fought off the enemies that were the dolls on her bed.

That day he made the wise decision to train her. She was a quick learner – she was small which meant she could be vigilant and quiet – striking at any moment. Jaime was by far impressed by her but Robbs men were much harder to convince than her favourite uncle.

"The River lords are falling back with Jaime Lannister at the heel." Robb stated setting the lion piece on the map. Joanna felt she could sink into her chair as she felt the eyes of some of the men boring their glares at her. Shae seated next to her sympathetically patted her shoulder reminding her she was not alone.

"And Lord Tywin is bringing around a second Lannister army from the South. Our scouts confirm its even larger than the Kinglslayers." Joanna felt out of place. Many of the men Jaime had were men that she knew – practically grew up in front of them

"One army or two, the Kings in the North threw back hosts ten times this large." Commented Greatjon. Shae rolled her eyes turning to him

"That means absolutely. You could have all the men in the world but it means nothing without skill and strategy." Joanna smirked when she noticed the council men growing irritated by her.

"Honestly my lord, what is the purpose of having these women sitting during the meeting. I'd say they'd serve more purpose in their homes than on a battlefield." Lord Stargis rudely commented as he stood.

"Need I remind you that Lord Lin was the mastermind behind many of Robert Baratheons triumph victories in war. He had one heir and vowed to teach her everything she knows. Lady Joanna and Shae serve more purpose than you realise. I expect you to serve them with the same amount of respect youd give their late fathers." The men were stiff by Robbs affirmed tone – he clearly didnt need to yell or scream to make his statement clear. Their attention was soon brought to Catelyn as she entered their tent. Catelyns eyes widened with shock when she took notice of Joanna in Northern armour.

"Mother!" Robb called

"Lady Catelyn, youre a welcome sight in troubled times." Greatjon nodded to her

"We had not thought to meet you here, My Lady." Theon replied

"I had no thought to be here. I wish to speak with my son alone. I know you will forgive me, my Lords – and Ladies." She hesitantly added looking to the young women

'You heard her! Move your asses! Come on out! Greatjon rushed them out of the tent." Joanna speed walked grabbing onto Shaes arm as she tried to avoid eye contact with Catelyn. Last time hearing from her – Lady of Winterfell believing she somehow was related to the incident that left her second youngest son paralysed.

"All right you can let go now – anymore and you'll break my arm off." Shae sighed as Joanna finally let go. They were at the end of the camp site where the horses were being saddled. Joanna untied her tight braid letting loose of her hair. She didnt want to complain but she was deeply uncomfortable with her hair and the armour. Her body not being used to carrying all the weight.

"Sorry, I just had to get away from her. I haven't seen her since –"

"Since she wanted to accuse you of attempting to kill her son – hours after you saved him." Shae retorted resting her body against the wooden post. Joanna shrugged as she crouch down to sit

"Yes, in a manner of speaking. Also heard word that she captured my uncle Tyrion and kept him as prisoner in her sisters home. Manage to get out by trial by combat." Joanna nervously bit her nail shaking her head.

"Shae, what am I doing here. On one hand I want to keep my family alive but on the other hand I want their act of greed and violence to end. What if Im on the wrong side – what if theres nothing I can do to restore my house name – what if –" Joanna rambled on and on. Shae laughed involuntarily at her

"Joanna, stop. Let me ask you this – do you believe youre fighting on the wrong side?"

"No."

"Then why do you keep doubting yourself. Because of what those men think? Fuck them. Youre Joanna Lannister – the first and only of her name to join sides with the Starks to redeem her family names honour. Whether you believe it or not but me – including the Greatjon and my men find it very noble."

"Really? "She coyly asked

'Yes, do yourself a favour and stop caring what others think. You're not in a castle anymore princess that means theres no one here to correct you on what you do. You have to make that choice for yourself and be able face the choices that you make. Starting with this war. Think you can do that for me?" She confidentially bellowed

"Yes - I mean yes." Joanna confirmed deepening her voice. The two laughed as they turned their heads to see Catelyn and Robb exist his tent. Robbs eyes glancing back to Joanna as he continued to look at them – more specifically Joanna.

"Now, how much you want to bet you two will be fucking each other before the first battle." Shae mocked as her blushing friend turned around to hide her face from her.

Robb had summoned them again. Joanna felt more at ease with herself this time. She was analysing the map

"The scouts report Lord Tywin moves north. We need to get him on broken ground, put his knights at a disadvantage." Ser Rodrick suggested

"No, we need to get around him and break Jaime Lannisters siege of Riverrun. Do that and the River Lords will join us." Greatjon stated.

"I would'nt put faith in the Lord of Riverrun. Lord Walder Frey. I have to say I was pleasantly disappointed when I met him as a child. My advice to you my Lords is not to put faith in him." Shae advised the table – for once her warning being taken seriously. Robb looked to Joanna who – since arrival had been very silent, more than usual.

"Joanna?"

"You want my opinion?" She nervously asked. Robb smiled as his nod in agreement. He knew she was smart – more than she'd even admit to herself. Joanna stood up as she moved the two lionheads that represented her grandfather and uncles army.

"Well, I'd say try and kill two birds with one stone. I would suggest you make my gran-" she stopped in her words. She noted to herself that she was at war and couldnt see family bonds anymore. Her grandfather might already disown her. She needed to push family ties aside and focus on the task ahead.

"You make Lord Tywin believe hes the centre of you attention but in truth youll focus on Jaime. I suggest that you send a small group of men to Castlery Rock while the real battle will be in the Riverrun with Jaime. Not only will they not expect it – but you stand chance at winning fealty of the river lords. You'd strengthen your number in soldiers giving greater advantage to face Lord Tywin." For the first time she commended respect. Shae and Robb looked proudly at the young girl.

"Well fuck my bridges, we truly are in the presence of Tywins kin." Greatjon laughed. No one expected her advice to actually be of help but it was. Joanna felt a sense of pride as Robb nodded his head. The tent opened as guards entered with a boy no older than Joanna entered. His hands behind his back, Theon quickly reacting by flipping the map over to hide it.

"Don't worry lad. He won't be leaving this tent with his head."

"Where did you find him?" Robb asked as he approached the captive in arms.

"In the brush above the encampment. He looked to be counting." The guard answered

"How high did you get?"

"20 000 maybe more." The man looked to Joanna and gasped. She uncomfortably coughed knowing well enough this was the most subtle reaction she would receive once the Lannister army found out where she was.

"You dont have to do this yourself. Your father would und- "Ser Roderick stated but Robb turned to interrupt

"My father understands mercy when theres room for it and he understands honour and courage. Let him go." Robb ordered. Each of his advising men looking startled at his words. His mother standing to question him. He took one look at his mother before turning away. Stepping closer to the captive warning over his shoulder

"Tell Lord Tywin, Winter is coming. Twenty thousand Northerners marching South to find out if he really does shit gold." Sending the man out he looked to his council – all flabbergasted by his actions.

"Are you touched boy?! Letting him go?!"

"Call me boy again." Robb dared. Joanna didnt know why but she could feel the neck of her hair stand up. She'd never seen Robb this – different. She knew he was loyal to his family but around her he was so caring and kind. It was strange to see him this confident and boasted – her eyes scaling him up and down. Her palms felt sweaty and her heartbeat was racing. She was overwhelmed with an emotion she knew of but never wanted to act upon. That was until Shae gentle nudges her in the stomach to keep her emotions at bay.

After all the men had left she stayed behind. Robb seated by the head of the table overlooking the map. He had to analyse everything. Repeating every strategy in his mind. He couldnt just think of the battle. He needed to plan the war out before he could remove his sword. For his father, his brother and sisters. Joanna came behind him as she wrapped her arms around she shoulder resting her chin on his broad shoulders.

"Its going to work ,you know that? My plan I dont think it's going to fail." She sang quietly. Robb laughing as he turned his head so their noses where just inching way. To think - by this time they were meant to be married. She his wife and he the luckiest man alive but it seemed didnt have that planned for them.

"I know it will because its your plan. I will say youre a lot smarter than I envisioned." He mocked. Joanna chuckled she separated taking a seat on the desk in front of him.

"Did you expect me to be some airhead boy." She countered. Robb shook his head knowing well enough she was the only one hed ever allow to call him that.

"Not a complete airhead, but its not everyday you meet a Lady who know strategy of war like the back of her hand." He stood up taking a closer step towards her. Joanna felt her breath become shallow as she took in his intoxicating smell. Sly smirk she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck as Robb rested his head against hers. Their eyes staring into one another both wondering where they could have been if they were to be married by now. Joannas breathing pattern followed his as she felt his warm hand rest against her frame.

"I want to kiss you, so badly." Robb claimed as he shifted her hair backwards exposing her neck. She wasn't wear her fur cloak which gave him easier access to her neck. Gently placing his lips against her smooth skin. His lips traveling up to her ear, Joanna moaned. Knowing where this might lead to she shook her head

"We can't. You can't kiss me." She whispered. Robb sighed as he removed his head. He was'nt angered or frustrated.

"Why?"

"Because were at war – and before you say anything – We cant Robb. You have to focus on getting your sisters and father back. I'll only be a distraction and personal weakness." She admitted playing with the curls in his hair.

"Yes, but a very desirable distraction – one I can't refuse." He arrogantly smirked loving to see her hide her face masking her blush. His grip tightened as he brought their bodies closer- lips just inches away from each other

"No." She whispered unable to conceal her laugh. She climbed on the table to look back at him. Cupping his face she idly kissed cheek before sauntering out of his tent.

"You're a real tease you know that." He admitted taking a seat again – feeling as though his legs didnt have the strength to stand anymore.

"I promise all the wait will be worth it in the end." She winked before existing the ten

authors note:
okay so i absolutely suck at being consistent and updating properly so if I even have readers still left I just want to say thank you, especially since given my horrible personal life I don't have as much time to be on Wattpad anymore
but none the less tell me whether you like Joanna and Robb so far

and don't forget to vote and comment