Cassana

It's not long before the feast becomes drunken and rowdy but I only find myself feeling more at home.

"It's not too much?" Robb asks as he looks around the room and I can't help but laugh.

"No, not at all," I smile to myself as I sip my wine.

"Are you allowed to drink so much?" he asks and for a moment I'm slightly offended until he glances at my mother who's watching and I realise that he's asking out of fear of my mother rather than his own concern.

"It's quite alright," I laugh dismissingly. "My drinking habits come from my parents, and tonight is a night to celebrate."

I raise my glass and he raises his as well.

"Indeed it is."

We both take a drink while maintaining eye contact and I don't know if it's the drink or something else but I can't ignore the fluttery feeling in my stomach. Something that I've read of but have never actually felt before.

Until now.

We're interrupted by a man perhaps just a little bit older than Robb who asks "Are you going to introduce me?"

"Cassana this is my fathers' ward Theon-"

"Greyjoy," I finish knowing very well who he is and why he is here, but I know my Father openly despises the Greyjoy's but I've never been one to support prejudice. Yet as I look at him I'm even more grateful father betrothed me to Robb instead of Theon as the council has recommended. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Theon just laughs "Sure it is." He slaps Robb on the back. "I'm going to find some stronger ale."

He leaves as abruptly as he came and Robb looks somewhat embarrassed. "Theon is like a brother to me."

"Ah," I realise, if Robb has taken the Greyjoy as his brother instead of his prisoner then that says what kind of a man he is, what kind of heart he has. "Well, I suppose I'm going to become well acquainted with him then."

"I know he's a Greyjoy but he's a good lad."

I put my hand assuringly over Robbs. "I'm sure he is," I say lightheartedly. "Don't worry I'm not my father, I won't go marching around with a giant hammer ranting about the Greyjoy's."

He laughs and with the liquor in me I stroke the side of his hand, if I want to see more of his heart then the best chance is to see how he is with those he loves. "Introduce me to whoever is important to you, there's no better place than a feast."

For a moment he looks surprised then his eyes soften into something akin to adoration. Taking my hand in his he guides me over towards the back of the room towards his father and he hugs an unfamiliar man who is talking to Ned.

"Uncle Benjen," Robb grins and I realise that he must be the Stark who joined the Night's Watch.

"Look at you, you're a man now," Benjen says patting Robb on the back, a common sign of affection among the men here. "You're even getting married."

"Uncle Benjen this is Princess Cassana," Robb says introducing me proudly.

"Princess," Benjen says nodding his head respectfully.

"You are a man of the Night's Watch?" I ask equally respectfully. It's no secret amongst the council that the Night's Watch is run down and they only see it as a place to send criminals however I know the history of it.

There are far too many maesters reports of the Long Night to laugh at the idea that the creatures beyond the wall are mere stories, but no matter what anyone believes they are certainly needed to protect from Wildling invasions.

"I am, if you have your Fathers ear we could use some more men."

"I'll speak to my Father," I promise him, when in reality it's the council I'll speak to considering they'll actually act, unlike my father. "I'm sure there's plenty of men in the Black Cells that can be delivered to the Wall."

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot my Father drunk with an equally drunk woman in his lap.

"Your Grace please excuse us," Ned says guiding his brother away, most likely for Nights Watch business.

My fathers' laughter echoing through the hall makes me cringe as he so openly disgraces my mother and himself. As king, he can do whatever he likes, even so, if I was ever king I would never disgrace myself in such a manner.

I clear my throat. "Robb, can we get some air?"

"Of course," he says and with his hand on my back he guides me out of the hall.

When we're outside in the cool air his hand slides down to my waist and remains there as he asks "Are you alright?"

I decide to laugh it off. "I'm fine, I'd just rather not watch my father carry on like he is."

"Well," he says awkwardly "I wouldn't want to see my father like that either."

"Your father is an honourable man Robb, surely you're in no danger of seeing that."

"But he still managed to father a bastard," a voice interrupts and we turn to see a black-haired man wielding a sword.

For a moment I'm shocked anyone would say such a thing to Ned's son and wonder if I'm about to witness a fight until I see the warm smile they give each other and realise who he must be. The bastard my father once mentioned.

"Who is my favourite brother," Robb finishes. "Jon this is the princess Cassana, Cassana this is my brother Jon Snow."

"Princess," Jon says politely but I can detect a hint of hostility in his voice that Robb doesn't pick up on.

"I didn't see you at the feast?" I ask and he almost looks amused.

"Lady Stark thought it might offend the royal family to have a bastard seating in their midst," he comments bitterly and now that hostility makes sense.

"Jon-" Robb warns but I wave off his concern, it's no wonder Jon's offended.

"No it's alright," I assure Robb and turn to look at the black-haired man who must be almost the same age as Robb, there could only be mere months between them at most. "And the only bastard that offends the royal family is my brother Joffrey."

His eyebrows raise in surprise and his demeanour changes completely as a hearty laugh escapes him "Well I can't argue with that."

Robb laughs in agreement and it seems that word of that little prick has spread all the way to the North. I'm unsurprised. He is infamous for his... I don't even know what to call it. Developing sadism?

"Come inside with us," I offer but Jon just laughs off the suggestion. "Please, I insist."

He seems like a decent man, just like Robb, however far quieter in nature, solemn even. Then again as a bastard that probably would have been expected of him. Regardless, he should be seated with his family.

"You might not mind but Lady Stark will," Jon says and I look up at Robb in confusion only to find his eyes on the ground.

"Robb?"

He looks at me and explains "My mother as you may understand is not so fond of Jon, she made the point that she wouldn't have him there in sight of the royal family."

As a woman, I can certainly understand her offence but it's hardly like Jon chose this life for himself.

"Nonsense," I dismiss. "If you get into trouble I'll happily tell her it was by my request, now come on inside. I don't know about you two Northerners but it's freezing."

Robb gives me a thankful look and Jon wears a small smile as we go to return inside the hall but a familiar figure appears.

"Uncle Tyrion," I grin, glad to have a familiar face who isn't drunk or angry. "I missed you earlier."

"It seems you've been occupied," he teases as he walks over with the usual glass of wine in hand "So is this your fiancé?"

Robb clears his throat "Yes, I am. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Tyrion."

I note the lack of warmth in his voice. One thing I am quickly coming to realise is that Lannisters are not as welcome in the North as I had previously thought.

And Robb's apparent apprehension is something I had also not anticipated, something that indeed rubs me the wrong way.

Yet more than anything else it confuses me.

Why is there any apprehension towards my family at all?

~

Robb

Cassana goes oddly quiet as I address Tyrion Lannister.

I don't know why Aunt Lysa doesn't trust them or why my father is suspicious of them but if any Lannisters are likely to be up to anything it would be the imp and the queen from what I've gathered.

Cassana however seems strangely fonder of the dwarf than any of the others.

"I'm sure it is a pleasure," he says glancing at Cassana who looks displeased.

"Well, Tyrion is my favourite uncle," she says to me almost defensively despite the smile on her face and I realise she might have picked up on my apprehension towards him.

"I wasn't aware," I laugh nervously feeling the tension in the air.

"Well, you two hardly know each other yet," Tyrion interrupts and the reminder is harsh. "But that will change in time."

"Of course," she says holding onto my arm with kind eyes and I'm glad I haven't caused offence. "I've enjoyed getting to know everybody here tonight."

"All sorts of people I see," he comments.

It's then I become aware Jon still stands with us. No other royal, or even a noble lady, would invite a bastard to a royal feast, let alone insist on it.

Everyone knows about the Greyjoy rebellion and that Theon isn't here as a guest, I was worried about how she may react but she had no prejudice against him and even now with Jon, she makes it very clear that she doesn't care what he is. Or if she does she doesn't let it show.

Even more interestingly she even seems to be against the Lannisters with how she speaks about her brother and mother.

These are things I'll have to tell my father to put him at ease. I still don't know what he's suspicious of but I'm sure I'll find out.

"I haven't seen you since you decided to see what the North had to offer, did you get lost on your way here?" Cassana jokes with him fondly and from the look in his eyes, he is also fond of her.

"I'm surprised you noticed," he comments as he turns his attention to me. "You seem to have been kept occupied."

Even in just the moonlight, I can see her cheeks turn a shade redder and it's only then I realise that mine have as well.

"Well it certainly has been an eventful day," she says as she glances at me but Tyrion looks between us, oddly protective of her.

"So you are the man who will be marrying my beloved niece," he says as he looks me carefully in the eye.

"He is," she says as she looks up at me "I believe my father found me a good match."

"I hope so," he says never looking away from me "Cassana your mother is asking for you, why don't you see what she wants while I become acquainted with my future nephew."

Only then I realise that by marrying her I won't be joining with just house Baratheon but also house Lannister. Perhaps that's why father is apprehensive.

She sighs heavily then squeezes my arm "I'll be back," she promises then says to Tyrion "Don't torment him."

"I won't," he promises with a wink and I look to Jon for help. "I believe I've already spoken with your brother."

Cassana looks a little alarmed and asks Jon "Will you escort me back inside?"

I'm surprised by the request, as is he. He seems stunned before clearing his throat and accepting. "Of course your grace."

They start walking away and I hear her whisper. "If you wouldn't mind I'd rather take the long way back to the hall."

And I realise I'm not the only one who's afraid of the queen. But I may be the only one who's afraid of her uncle.

"I suppose this isn't just small talk?" I gather and he almost looks impressed.

"Smart boy," he praises "I don't mean to scare you-"

"I'm not scared," I immediately reply and he looks amused.

"Perhaps you should be," he says as he looks me up and down with the same analytical look Cassana gave me when we first met "You are marrying the princess of the Seven Kingdoms, she is an heir to the throne."

I stare at him in confusion "Yes but she's a woman?"

"She is but out of all her siblings she has always been the best fit to rule," he begins, choosing each word carefully. "She always wanted it. She has her mothers charms and acts like a lovely lady who is happy to be the wife of a Lord, and to a degree that is true but she is not a lady, she is a princess and a Baratheon of Storms End."

I know very well what she is and I gathered from our conversation earlier that she wished she could fill her fathers' shows but he's only confusing me. It almost sounds as if he is warning me.

"I don't understand why you're telling me this?"

"Well remember that you've only just met her. She has a good heart, considering who her mother is I don't know how her heart ended up so good but she is also ambitious. You can thank our good king Robert for that," he says taking a long drink. "My family is a complicated one, my father loathes all of us children for different reasons however he does seem to like Cassana but she doesn't like him for many reasons, she also loathes her mother and Cersei hates me but-"

"Your point?" I interrupt and he clears his throat.

"Right back to my point, us Lannister's may despise each other but we also protect each other. Cersei would burn the world down for her children. I love my niece and I want her to be happy here but you must understand that for her entire life she has wanted to succeed her father. She wants to be more than just a princess or a lady. She won't sit idly by forever, she'll be harder to please than most women."

Finally, I understand. When he finally boils down to his point he just wants her to be happy. Perhaps he isn't as bad as I had thought. I certainly haven't had anyone else in her family come and speak to me as he has.

"How do I make her happy?" I ask knowing that I won't get a better answer from anyone else "If she's as complicated as you're making her sound then what do I do?"

I know my father did what he could to make my mother happy here, well except for coming home with Jon, but other than that he tried to make her feel welcome.

Tyrion smiles a little and I can see approval in his eyes. "Well, she's always felt suffocated as a princess. Not by expectations or pressure, she could always handle that without a problem but she wanted freedom, control over herself. She has always wanted to express her opinions, actually have a hand in the politics and the ruling part of being royal, unlike her father. She's always wanted to ride and hunt and do all of that as he does but Cersei wouldn't allow it. She wants to be free and well the North is a wild country," he says and as he realises that his glass is empty I know this conversation is coming to an end so he sums it up "If you want her to be happy let her be free."

It seems like such a stupid thing to say. To let her be free. I wouldn't own her, I wouldn't want to control her but I know things are different in the south. Even here in the North, I can see how Sansa is making herself into a proper lady as she believes she should be and how Arya struggles to conform with that idea. I can't imagine what that pressure must be like for a princess. I don't want her to have to pretend around me, I want to see who she is, who she really is.

"I want to be a good husband and I want to make her happy," I promise him. Seeing her smile and the life in her eyes affects me in a way I never expected, all I know is that I want her to be happy.

"Good," he says satisfied. "She was hesitant about this arrangement but she seems quite taken by you already."

"Really?" I ask as my cheeks go warm again.

She's taken my breath away more today than any woman ever has and as I expected already everything has changed. Although she's being playful and trying to get to know me I hadn't known how she truly feels. If she feels as I do.

"She is and she happens to be a good judge of character, as am I," he says seeming content. "I look forward to the wedding."

As he wanders I know that tonight is the night to make my impression on her. To show her the man I am, the man I will be for her.

~

Cassana

Jon walks beside me back to the hall.

Well, the longest way possible. I'd rather make small talk with him than confront my mother.

"You know you don't have to invite me in," he says anxiously now that we're alone. "Robb loves his mother Lady Stark but well..."

"Mother's can be difficult," I finish as I find myself walking slower knowing what awaits.

"Even yours?" he questions and I find myself laughing in amusement and dread.

"Especially. I'll admit, sometimes I feel like the bastard amongst my own family. It's why Tyrion and I are so close."

"You feel like a bastard?" he scoffs and I notice the bitterness in him at the word. The hatred for it.

"My mother hates my father, despises him and everything to do with him," I find myself confessing as it is common knowledge by now. "And here I am. The Baratheon girl amongst all these blonde Lannisters. The odd one out. Not quite Lannister enough for her, and too much a Lannister for the rest of the Baratheons. But I do not complain, I am a princess, far more fortunate than most. I could never presume to understand what it must be like to be a true bastard, how you must be treated by both strangers and those closest to you, but I can understand what it is like to be seen as one in the eyes of a mother. There is nothing worse."

"Aye," he agrees and he's quiet for a long moment, considering what I've said. "Your uncle Tyrion, when he spoke to me earlier he said to never forget what you are, the rest of the world will not, wear it like armour and it can never be used to hurt you."

I find myself surprised by Tyrion approaching Jon but then again Tyrion is much like myself when deciding who to speak to. "It is good advice. He's my favourite uncle, probably the smartest man I've ever met. He seeks knowledge, understanding. He finds himself engaged in conversation with people from all walks of life. Especially those who are shunned by society as he is."

"Well it seems he's taught you a great deal," he says and I can hear genuine respect in his voice. "It's not every day a princess treats a bastard as highly as you do."

His words do sadden me to a degree, his treatment by Lady Stark. Just as Tyrion's treatment by the rest of my family saddens me. Being treated as less solely due to his birth despite having the same upbringing as his siblings.

"A persons birth should not affect the respect they are entitled to," I tell him. "Whether they be a dwarf or a bastard. I've always believed a person should be judged by their character rather than birth."

He looks at me in complete awe. While my opinions are simply humane and logical I know they are very rare.

"I can see why Robb likes you now," he says and I'm curious. "He said you were different but I never realised how much. It's certainly not every day someone says a prince is more of a bastard than an actual bastard."

"Trust me I've called him far worse," I say and he laughs. "Families are complicated, to say the least."

"So is that why you've gotten me to take you the long way back, because you don't want to speak to your mother?" he asks and I begin to realise he's more perceptive than the average man to say the least.

"Let's just say she didn't know about the betrothal until a few hours ago."

"Ah," he realises. "I can't blame you then, I don't want to cause any offence but she seems a little-"

"Terrifying? Overbearing? Yes. She is."

He chuckles. "I'd imagine you'd be glad to get away then."

We come to stand outside the door to the hall and I can feel the warmth. "Well, I'll certainly be glad to get away once she's finished with me."

"Aye, well if it helps Lady Stark won't be happy with me either once she catches me talking to you."

"Well if my mother is offended by any of you Starks it's by your brother," I assure him knowing which one she wants to murder. "You're the last person that would cause offence."

The corner of his lip curls up and it's only in that moment of silence I realise how easy it is to speak to him while I'm still fretting over almost every word Robb and I exchange.

I was under no obligation to like  Jon, or even speak to him really, and he was under none to like me. He certainly doesn't have a filter and perhaps that's what's put me at ease, the fact I know he means everything he says.

The fact he looks at me with genuine respect.

"We best go inside," he suggests and so I reluctantly enter.

We stand at the back entrance and if I could hide behind him I would but it's a little difficult considering we stand at nearly the same height.

"You'll be fine," Jon tries to assure me but I'm not the only one hiding. It's clear he's trying to avoid Catelyns gaze as well.

My mother doesn't spot us but I notice Ned and Benjen looking at us and talking in hushed voices.

For a moment I'm worried I've gotten Jon into trouble but they aren't angry, if anything they look saddened but I don't know why.

Yet I swear as I pass by I hear her name mentioned.

Lyanna.

The woman who has haunted my father for seventeen years.

Her memory likely being another reason my mother looks so cold as I approach her.

"Mother," I greet as I'm summoned to where she sits with Robbs mother. "Lady Stark."

"Princess Cassana," Catelyn also greets, nodding her head respectfully. "How are you enjoying the feast?"

"Very well," I smile. "Robb has been introducing me to people."

"I was hoping he would," she says seeming relieved. "I remember when Ned brought me up here for the first time, I was terrified."

"Well I was nervous but I'm already beginning to feel at home," I say truthfully much to my mother's displeasure. "Robb has been showing me around Winterfell and I think I'll be very happy here. You raised a good man Lady Stark."

"I'm glad," she smiles warmly "That's really all you can hope for as a mother."

As I look to my own mother who is watching Joffrey mock one of the serving girls I know that she can't relate, however she still nods her head "Indeed."

"You summoned me?" I ask her and through her polite facade I can see the betrayal underneath, she knows that I knew.

"Yes, I was rather surprised to hear of your betrothal," she says stiffly. "It seems your Father told everyone except for me."

"Well, Father says it's been finalised," I say as I notice Catelyn suddenly looking very uncomfortable. "And I am looking forward to the wedding."

"Is that so?" Mother asks. "Most brides are terrified before their wedding, I know I was."

"Well I believe father made a good match," I tell her and I see her struggling not to snap, for once she is not in control. "In fact, I believe Uncle Tyrion is talking to Robb so he'll be able to attest to that."

My mother looks me in the eye and it's what it always has been with us. A power struggle.

"Actually I think Robb's just come inside," Catelyn says breaking the tension.

"Perfect," Mother smiles fakely "I can finally meet my future son in law."

Although her voice is chirpy I can hear the bitter disdain hidden in it. She doesn't want to let me go. She wants to keep her claws buried in me.

"I'll get him," I smile knowing how to keep up appearances just as well as she does.

Robb's chatting to Theon and Jon when I find him.

"Robb, you're back," I smile as I wrap my hand around his arm. "My mother would like to be formally introduced."

Theon snickers under his breath while Jon gives me a knowing look and I know which of the two I like best.

"Should I be afraid?" Robb asks rubbing his hands together nervously.

"Very," I answer taking his arm to guide him over and as he blinks at me I can tell that's not the answer he expected. "You should know that I'm nothing if not honest."

Well, occasionally.

"Well at least I got a warning," he comments as we approach where they are seated.

"Your Grace, this is my eldest son Robb," Catelyn introduces while my mother glares at him.

"And this is my mother," I continue "The Queen."

My mother watches him silently, waiting for him to speak first. He nervously clears his throat but his voice is nothing but confident when he finally speaks.

"Your Grace it is a pleasure to meet you and to be betrothed to your daughter."

"Is it?" she asks and I know that she's going to torture the poor man. Perhaps I should have let Tyrion do it properly as a trial run. "Most men are quite nervous or even apprehensive when it comes to their future brides."

I can tell what she is doing. She is trying to inflict doubt in him, and in me. She has always played mind games.

"Not at all," he immediately replies and as I look at his expression I realise that he isn't blind, he can tell what she is doing. He watches me as I lean in closer to him "I look forward to our wedding."

"As do I," I smile and watch her eyes burn.

Any doubts about him disappear before they can arise. Barely knowing me he still stands with me before my mother as a united front. Catelyn is taken by surprise by our sudden affection but as she glances between my mother and I, realisation dawns in her.

"It will be lovely," Catelyn smiles and my mother nods her head while grasping her glass slightly tighter.

"Indeed," she agrees painfully.

"Now if you will excuse us," I say politely taking the first chance to remove ourselves from this conversion. They nod their heads and I guide Robb away from them.

"I understand what you meant about your mother now," he comments when we are out of earshot.

"And everyone in Kings Landing is just like her and worse," I say bitterly "Can you see why I always wanted to live in the Stormlands?"

"Indeed I can," he says and once we are somewhere private he stops and to my surprise takes my hands in his. "But you're in the North now and her opinion won't matter, you won't have to deal with her or any of that up here. I want to be a good husband to you and an honourable man."

As I gaze into his blue eyes I wonder just how I came to be so lucky. I almost can't believe it. Most men wouldn't give a damn what their betrothed thought of them. Robb knows that whether we like it or not we will be wed but he still wants to court me.

"I truly believe you will be," I smile and I've never meant any words more. "I hope I can be a good wife."

His smile matches mine. "I'm sure you will be." His thumb strokes the back of my hand as he adds "Your uncle had quite a conversation with me."

"He didn't torment you I hope?" I ask knowing what Tyrion can be like. Mind games and manipulation are Lannister traits. At least he isn't cruel like my mother.

"Only a little," he chuckles before his expression turns more serious "He just wanted to know that I'd treat you well, it's rare to see someone like him show so much concern for his niece."

I smile to myself. "Well he is protective, to say we are close would be an understatement. I love him dearly."

His hands tighten around mine I realise he isn't finished. "He certainly likes to talk and what he made clear is that there are no other women like you. You are a princess and while I can't give you a crown I can give you a good home, a loving family and a husband who will treat you honourably. I can only hope that you'll be happy here."

Tears burn in my eyes as my heart becomes overwhelmed.  No one in my entire life has ever had such pure intentions for me. No one, never.

"Are you alright?" he asks as he caresses the side of my cheek and although my eyes are teary I smile brighter than I ever have before.

I place my hand over his and look up into his eyes "I will be very, very happy here Robb."

And just like that everything has changed.

A good home and a loving family is what I have always wanted. My father and mother love me in their own ways, uncle Renly is kind, Jaime is protective in his own way and Tyrion has always been loving so I have had love in my life but we were never a family.

They all despise each other, even if they love me how could we possibly be a family?

Then I look at Robbs family, there is so much love amongst them it almost doesn't make sense to me. It wasn't something I thought I could ever have and yet here is a man offering me a good family, a good home and to care for me as no one ever has which is more than I ever could have asked for.

He smiles brightly and as I look into his eyes I still cannot believe it. That this man I was so opposed to marrying is making me feel this.

And it terrifies me.

It terrifies me because I know that I might fall in love with him.