Cassana

Now the excitement of the feast is over, my father has decided to go through with his plans to hold a rather impromptu hunt, but who would say no to a king?

I haven't seen Robb alone since the dinner with the Starks, it's only been a few days but my mother has had Jaime watching me like a hawk after catching us outside my room, my sworn sword she calls him but we both know why he's been placed with me. Neither of us are thrilled that's for certain. I've only seen Robb when surrounded by all his siblings, while it's been pleasant I've been wanting to see him somewhere we can be less formal.

"Will you be going on the hunt with my father?" I ask Jaime and he sighs heavily.

"I would be, but your mother has insisted I make sure you don't run off with the Stark boy."

I really can't tell if she's just being petty or if she truly expects I'll get myself pregnant before the wedding. Probably both. Robb is a very handsome man, but I do have some self-control.

Not much, but some.

"What if I came along?" I ask, wanting to get out of this room and knowing that all the men will be out hunting.

"If you want to ask your mother go ahead," he laughs dismissively. "You know what her answer will be."

"Yes, but it may be different if you tried to convince her," I suggest and he looks hesitant. "Come on uncle Jaime, you might be the only person she actually listens to."

He makes a sound of amusement. "Your mother doesn't listen to anyone."

"Please," I plead with him. "She'll listen to you more than my father, or we could just not tell her and beg forgiveness afterwards."

While he looks tempted by the second option he says "How about you talk to your father and if he says yes then I might be able to convince Cersei to let you go on a hunt. I'm just as tired of being cooped up in this castle as you are and Tyrion leaving me for the brothel doesn't help."

He sounds genuinely offended, gods know he doesn't have any friends beside's Tyrion.

"Thank you uncle Jaime," I say standing to go see my father. "And when I see Tyrion I'll make sure he stays cooped up in this castle with us."

He chuckles. "If anyone could convince him it's you, the most beloved of our nieces and nephews."

"I know," I smile vainly. "Although it's hardly like Joffrey leaves much competition."

Even he can't help but agree. "Well you aren't wrong." His eyes linger on me until he clears his throat. "You look more like your mother every day."

Something in his words feels off, so I inquire further. "And what of it?"

He looks me up and down, almost sadly. "Be glad you take after Tyrion more than her."

It's then I finally dare to ask the man who loves her more than any other. "Uncle Jaime?" He makes a sound of acknowledgement. "Has she always been so cruel?"

A shadow of a smile comes to his face, but it doesn't meet his eyes. "I wish I could say no, but she is my fathers child, far more than I or Tyrion."

"And me?" I hesitantly ask him. "Am I my fathers daughter, or my mothers?"

He finally looks me in the eye and swallows, the most uncomfortable I've seen him. "It doesn't matter. You won't be a Baratheon or a Lannister for much longer. You'll be a Stark."

And somehow the word's fill me with fear rather than relief.

~

Later that day Jaime accompanies me as I find my father amongst the chaos of the men preparing for the hunt, I'm unable to find Robb amongst them but there's no doubt he'll surely be there. 

It's impossible to miss my father, towering over the men and bellowing orders, mostly involving wine. 

"You still sure about this?" Jaime asks but I wave off his concern as I approach my father.

"Father, I have something to ask you-"

"Yes, yes you can come along," he agrees in his haste, before I can get a word out he yells at Lancel to ready his wine. "It's about time you came on a hunt. Gods know we both need to get away from your mother."

"Thank you father," I beam, both glad and surprised that I can come. Glad not just to see Robb but to be with my father before he returns south. To spend more time with him.

"Now get into some breeches and boots. I'll find you a crossbow, gods know Joffrey won't be using his."

"Thank you father," I stammer, still slightly surprised and go to leave, but before Jaime can follow me father stops him.

"Lannister you stay here, keep my wife out of mischief."

Something like amusement crosses Jaime's face. "Gladly."

~

I stand before the mirror in my chambers looking at my reflection. Looking at how the breeches I wear hug my figure, a womanly body, more curved than my mothers considering the Baratheon blood I bear makes it so. While the tunic I wear is long enough to be modest, acceptable for a woman to wear, there's no doubt my mother would have a fit to see me wearing this. I wear my hair up in a braided crown so it won't get in the way, unable to shake the slight nerves as I finish pinning it myself, having sent my handmaidens away. 

I've never been on a hunt, and I know I'll be the only woman there. It's enough to make me anxious, I'm used to the issues of court, not of hunts. But I know I need to assert myself here amongst the men, which is exactly what I plan to do.

In Kings Landing, I have respect which I have earned over the years. Here I'm little more than a pretty face who is expected to act as Lady Stark does, over the years there is no doubt she's earned the respect of the North.

Now it's my turn, on my terms.

~

Even dressed in men's clothes I ensure I'm the picture of elegance as I meet the men in the courtyard, Joffrey noticeably absent but that's hardly a surprise, it makes this all the more satisfying.

"Princess?" Ned exclaims, surprised to see me. "I wasn't aware you'd be joining us."

"It's past time she did," Father says proudly. "She's a Baratheon, a bit of blood won't hurt her."

I look around for Robb but find him also absent. "Will Robb be joining us?"

"Aye, he better be," Father comments just as Ser Barristan approaching with what I recognise as Joffrey's crossbow. 

He extends it to me. "For you princess."

"Thank you Ser Barristan," I say gladly accepting it, grateful for the company of my favourite member of the Kingsguard.

"I'd say try not to shoot your brother with it but the sook won't come," Father mutters before he walks off to find Lancel, reduced to the role of wine bearer. 

"I'll see you on the hunt princess," Ser Barristan says as he follows my father, Ned and I sharing the same awkward look at how my father carries on.

Before either of us can speak we see Robb, Jon and Theon walk into the courtyard, all of them stopping momentarily and exchanging a look as they see me in riding clothes.

"Boys," Ned says presenting me to them. "The king's decided the princess will be joining us on the hunt today. I'm sure you'll take good care of her."

I laugh lightly. "Don't worry Lord Stark, I'll be perfectly alright."

With that assurance, he leaves to go find my father who is now bellowing somewhere in the distance.

"Hello boys," I tease and Robb looks me up and down, poorly hiding his surprise.

"I certainly didn't expect to be seeing you today."

I give him a coy little smile. "Are you disappointed?"

"Definitely not," he says quickly and I can't help but feel warm at how flustered he is. "Have you ever been on a hunt?"

"No," I answer honestly and Theon raises his eyebrows, unsurprised. "My mother never allowed it, deemed it to be inappropriate."

"And now?"

"Now, I have very little regard for what she deems appropriate," I tell them, Jon being the only one seeming not scandalised by this. "And my father has decided it's well past time I joined him on a hunt."

"A woman on a hunt?" Theon scoffs and I certainly don't like his tone.

"A princess on a hunt," I correct him but it makes little difference.

"You won't faint will you?"

I cock my head at him. "Why would I?"

"Hunts can be bloody."

I could almost laugh at him thinking his words have any weight, as a woman involved in the political life of the Red Keep I've dealt with worse than him.

"As a woman, I'm sure I've seen far more blood than you ever have," I quip shamelessly and Robb and Jon quickly lower their gazes. "But I doubt you've ever spent enough time with a woman to know about such things."

"You'd be surprised," he says smugly and I definitely don't like the look in his eyes. One I'm more than familiar with having grown up with such men.

"Allow me to clarify, with a woman you don't have to pay."

His mouth clamps shut as the boys both snicker and I wear a satisfied smile.

"Please do not question me again," I say and he knows it's not a suggestion.

"Or what?" he asks, genuinely offended. "I'll have to deal with your father? With your betrothed?"

"Theon-" Robb begins to warn before I cut them both off.

"No," I answer simply. "With me."

I hold his challenging gaze until his resolve breaks and walks off, muttering under his breath. Robb and Jon stand there exchanging the same sheepish look before Robb steps forward.

"Theon is-" he begins before sighing. "He's Theon."

"And?"

"Take it easy on him," he treads and runs a hand through his hair as he looks to his friend in the distance. "He gets offended easily."

I notice how Jon cringes and rightfully so.

"Why would I care if I offend him when he is the one who sought to offend me?"

Robb opens his mouth but doesn't have a response to that. "I-"

"I am a woman, a Baratheon. I have a voice, and I will use it even if it causes offence," I say and he's most certainly stunned. "Are you unfamiliar with a woman defending herself even if it causes offence?"

He struggles to find words and I realise he must be. Then again the conservatism of the North is something I had not overlooked whilst doing my research. 

"I grew up surrounded by very powerful men," I tell him. "None of which I've ever been afraid to engage with on debate. I am not afraid to defend myself to a boy who has clearly never been questioned by a woman before."

"And you shouldn't be," he quickly says, unable to meet my eye. "I just didn't realise that you-"

"Didn't realise what?"

It's then Ned calls Robb over who looks at me painfully. "Cass-"

"You should go to your father," I suggest stiffly, unable to keep the bite from my voice. "And check to see if your friends dignity is still intact."

His lips part at that last quip before he hangs his head and silently strolls off to find his father, it's then the guilt begins to set in.

"Was I too harsh?" I ask quietly to Jon, the only one who still remains.

"Well," he sighs, shifting on his feet, surprised I'd ask him. "It's past time someone put Theon in his place that's for sure."

"You aren't as fond of him as Robb is I gather?" The look on his face immediately gives me the answer. "So he's a cunt in general and not just to women."

"That sounds about right," he chuckles, surprised but not scandalised by my language. "And Robb - he's used to everyone biting his tongue around him, not the other way around."

He's the Lord of Winterfell's son, effectively a prince of the North, of course he wouldn't be. He's the precious firstborn son, like someone else I know, and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

"I didn't seek to offend Robb."

"You haven't," he says much to my confusion. "He adores you, he just didn't expect a woman like yourself."

His comment surprises me. "And you did?"

"You're the daughter of Robert Baratheon, and I've met the rest of your family," he says with a small reassuring smile. "I'd be an idiot to expect you to keep your mouth shut and take Theon's crap, knowing who's raised you."

A small smile comes to my face but I struggle to find the words for just how I feel. "I like you Jon. You're perceptive. Sharper than you seem."

And he knows I mean it as a genuine compliment. He is a man many would underestimate.

"The same can be said for you," he says and he isn't just returning it as a thoughtless compliment, he means those words. 

It's then Robb comes back and I notice how Jon turns his body away from me. "Cass, a word?"

"Of course."

Silently, we walk side by side through the woods until we're somewhere private, away from the hunting party readying to leave, and I can feel the tension between us.

"Cass," he begins quietly. "I'm sorry if I offended you."

"You did not," I say knowing who did, knowing I didn't seek a fight but to establish my boundaries. "But you must understand I will not stand to be degraded any man or woman, no matter who they are."

"Of course," he says sheepishly and while he has the potential to be a man like his father, one who can lead, I realise that his backbone is still growing. "I- I shouldn't expect anything less."

And so I let my anger go, knowing it's no use to start a marriage with bickering before the wedding day has even occurred.

"Then there is no reason for us to argue," I say cupping his face and stroking the growing beard on his cheek. "So do not fret for all is well."

He lets out a breath of relief and rests a hand on my waist. "Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that."

I manage a smile but my faith in him has faltered. That he would chastise me for defending myself instead of defending me. I have to remind myself that though he is older than I am he is still a boy, he has never had to defend himself once in his life, and from what I've seen he must either be blind or choose to be to not defend his own brother to his mother.

And the cracks in that perfect smile begin to finally appear. Although blindness is hardly the worst trait a man can have, as that can be changed.

He presses a soft kiss to my lips and I return it, remembering not to allow my emotions to get in the way of what I am trying to achieve, a new life here in Winterfell.

"Come," he says leading me back to the hunt. "We have a long day ahead."

I offer him a polite smile as he leads me back to the hunting party, finally about to depart.

"I'll fetch you a horse," Robb says, squeezing my hand before he disappears amongst the party and Jon walks up behind me.

"Are you alright?" he asks, and he is anything but blind.

"Everything is well," I answer properly then lower my voice. "Thank you Jon."

He gives me a small, comforting smile, seeing through my words. "Robb may look like a ladies man but you're the first girl he's been anywhere near. He's used to having them fawn over him, not the other way around. It'll take some time for him to see clearly."

"But not you," I reply, watching him carefully.

"I wouldn't say that," he says and then something in his eyes changes. "I'm just not the one marrying you."

I can't help but wonder, what if he wasn't the bastard brother? What if he-

I force myself to push those thoughts aside, knowing they will bring me nothing but doubt. 

"I hope you and I will be friends Jon," I say, meaning those words sincerely.

"So do I," he replies and we see Robb returning to us. "You'll be riding at the head of the party, with Robb and your father."

Another reminder of Jon's status. "I'll see you afterwards then, thank you again Jon."

With that I go to Robb, my betrothed, to join my father and Ned at the head of the hunting party.

~

It's well into the day, with little having been caught aside from Lancel with the wine flasks.I look over my shoulder, just able to see Jon riding at the back of the party, looking about as thrilled as I am.

"Are hunts always this uneventful?" I ask Robb and he laughs.

"Patience is key," he teases. "But you are impatient aren't you?"

"I am," I say trying to keep a smile on my face, and we're interrupted by my fathers bellowing, once again.

"Here's a good spot! Let's get our weapons bloody aye!"

I raise an unimpressed eyebrow and mutter beneath my breath. "It's a hunt, not a battle."

But then again, it's the closest my father can get to battle without starting a war.

"Come on," Robb coaxes. "Let's get off these horses and have a wander about." 

And so I accept his hand as he helps me down off the horse, and with one last look over my shoulder my eyes meet Jons, and I have to force myself to look ahead as Robb takes me deeper into the woods. 

Once we're out of sight of the party he stops us and takes my face between his hands.

"What's on your mind?" he murmurs, his thumb stroking my cheek. "You can be honest with me you know, I'm going to be your husband."

I cover his hand with my own. "I just think the reality of all of this is hitting me at once."

"Are you having doubts?"

My first instinct is to laugh off his concerns, but I push it down and force myself to speak the truth for once. "Yes."

He holds my gaze carefully and there's something like fear. "About me?"

"I-" I stammer, struggling to put it into words. "Partly yes."

He nods stiffly and his gaze shifts back towards the hunting party we can hear in the distance. "Because of Jon?"

That remark makes me pull back in pure shock. "Robb-"

"So I'm right then," he gathers and I quickly shake my head. "Cass, I see the way he looks at you."

"I'm a princess, it's how all men look at me!" I spit out and don't give him the chance to get a word in. "Gods Robb, I'm sorry if you've mistaken my kindness towards him for something else, and his admiration towards me is solely because I treat him as a person, not as a bastard. Not because he wants me for the reasons you imagine. Which is truly what is making me have doubts, the fact being treating with a slither of true decency is so foreign to a man you call a brother!"

He falls utterly quiet as he tries to find his words. "Cassana, you don't understand the situation, he is my brother but-"

"There should be no buts," I say curtly. "My uncle is a dwarf, he is called a demon monkey, treated below a bastard but do you think I allow him to be slandered and hidden away as Jon is? No."

"Jon isn't slandered or hidden away-"

That makes me scoff. "Are you truly that blind? So blind that you do not see what I saw the moment I laid eyes on him?"

His jaw tightens and he shakes his head at me. "I wouldn't know, you seem to only speak honestly with him."

"What am I doing now!" I exclaim exhaustedly. "You ask me if I have doubts so I answer you honestly, and you're the one jumping to conclusions! Have I not proven to you that I care for you Robb? I am taken with you but not to the point that I would make myself a fool, you and I are strangers, I feel things for you I've never felt before but I'm still finding it within myself to be able to trust you."

Now he just looks at me in utter confusion. "Have I given you a reason not to?'

And I laugh sadly. "Trust comes differently to people like me than to those like you. Which is what I've been doubting, that I- that I'm not what you expected."

It's then his guard drops. "Cass." He takes my face between his hands once again but my eyes are on the ground. "Look at me." His voice is gentle enough that I do as he asks. "I could never have expected anyone like you, because I've never met anyone like you, but that is why I care for you like this. And I'm sorry I accused you and Jon, I- you seem to be able to speak to him in a way you and I don't."

"Because he's not the one I'm marrying," I say, repeating Jon's own words to me. "You are. I do not feel the pressure with him that I do with you. But Robb you- I've been groomed to be a wife, to act a certain way around you that I don't have to around others. And I fear that you and I - that you have the wrong impression of me."

He shakes his head. "After today, I think whatever wrong impression I may have had is gone."

If only that were the truth.

He lowers his head and murmurs in my ear "How about you and me forget this mess and put it behind us."

And I nod, knowing any further attempt to clear the air between us will muddy it further. His lips meet mine, gentle and sincere. His heart is good, that I do not doubt, but his mind and will is yet to be determined.

~

The sun is setting as the hunting party decides to make camp, Robb and I take the opportunity to stroll through the woods together.

"How was your first hunt?" he asks, us still having not spoken much since our argument earlier.

"Disappointing," I answer but laugh "But I can hardly complain considering the only thing my father caught was the wine flask my poor cousin Lancel threw to him." 

He laughs as well. "At least you got to see more of the North considering it will be ours someday."

Ours. 

"It is lovely," I say sincerely, having an affection for it I've never held for the city. "It is still so strange to me to think that this is my home now."

His eyes are gentle. "It will get easier, I promise, just give it time and you'll settle in."

"Spoken like a man who's never been taken across the realm to wed a stranger," I reply light-heartedly. "In Kings Landing I'm respected, but not merely because I'm a princess. Those in the Red Keep respect me far more than my brother because of how I carry myself, but here I don't have that respect."

"Not yet," he says wrapping an arm around me. "But you will."

"I can only hope," I reply, still feeling uncertainty lingering between us and knowing I need to fix it, to be in control of the situation. Just as Margaery taught me. "Perhaps while everyone is preoccupied we should sneak away to have some time alone together, just you and I."

His shoulders relax and he gives me a warm smile. "I'd like that."

I'm the one who kisses him, reassuring myself that what I feel for him is real, and that doubts are just that, doubts, meant to shake me. But in this moment it's him that's real. His hands settle on my waist and squeeze it tight as I deepen the kiss, taking control. Just he goes to pull me to him a branch snaps in the distance. We quickly break apart, fearing it's a man from the hunting party, but we see no one. I look to Robb and he brings his finger to his lips, and so silently, with his sword at his hip and Joffrey's crossbow slung over my shoulder we decide to investigate further.

We silently make our way through the forest until we crawl down behind the cover of a bank, mud covering us both, and it's then we see it, a stag.

Robb tilts his head towards my crossbow and I pull it free, having studied it earlier I load the bolt, and with some difficulty pull it all the way back. Robb comes up behind me and helps me aim, his hand over mine. When the stag's head is turned he breathes a single word "Loose."

And so I do, without hesitation. 

The stag unleashes a cry as it falls, and continues to wail as it lays on the ground, the shot having not killed it. Robb and I both hurry forward and get on our knees beside it.

"It's not dead," he says examining the wound, holding the wailing animal down. "Seems stags are hard to kill."

The irony of it doesn't miss me and I reach my hand out. "Your blade, let me put it out of its misery."

He seems almost horrified by the idea of me doing it. "Cass I can-"

Before he can argue any further I take his dagger myself and hold it to the stag's throat, taking no joy in it but refusing to look away as I cut it to the bone, blood spilling from the wound and reddening the grass. Finally the stag falls silent. Neither of us noticed the hunting party who approached at the animals cry and we look to see them watching the two of us, staring at the bloody blade in my hand with a variety of expressions.

"What did I tell you Ned," Father says proudly. "She's a Baratheon. Come on men, why are you standing around! Let's haul this stag back to the camp so we can feast!"

We both get to our feet as father's men lift the animal and begin dragging it away, my father putting a proud hand on my shoulder. "You did good."

With that praise he leaves us to keep moving forward with Ned and Jon and Theon both stand there still, Jon impressed and Theon's pride damaged.

I give Robb his blade back and ask Theon "What was that you said about blood?"

He bites his tongue and storms off while I wear a satisfied smile, this time Robb makes no comments besides putting a hand on my back and murmuring in my ear "Looks like we're feasting on stag tonight."

My eyes settle on the stag in the distance and then my brothers crossbow lying beside me, and somehow I know I am more Baratheon than he could ever be.

~

That night we feast on stag and sleep beneath the stars, with Ser Barristan keeping me separate from Robb and the other men.

"You've surprised me princess," Ser Barristan comments as I warm myself but the fire, not used to the coldness of the North.

"How so?"

"Well, I shouldn't say surprised," he corrects. "I should say impressed. As a child gods know you always wanted to do what your brother was allowed to do, and at Storms End more often than not I was your sworn shield, yet I was keeping you out of mischief more than I was protecting you."

I laugh with the man who has always been to me what a grandfather should be. "I was a troublesome child."

"And a troublesome adult," he chuckles. "I hear you've been stirring the Northern boys up, the Greyjoy in particular."

"He said I'd faint if I saw blood so I had to prove him wrong."

He laughs proudly. "It's something I've always enjoyed, watching you best all the men around you, especially your brother. It humbles him."

"Well somebody has to," I reply and ask him honestly "Ser Barristan, when my brother becomes King will you be happy to serve him?"

He shakes his head honestly, knowing it's just the two of us. "You know I fought for the Targaryens, it's why your father doesn't trust me. The Mad King's reign needed to end, that I can admit, but it should have been Prince Rhaegar who ruled, and his son after him."

In the distance I hear Jon laughing with Robb by the campfire. "But Rhaegar kidnapped and raped Lyanna?"

And that's when he looks torn. "They say that yes, but I never believed it. Your father would have my head if he ever heard this but- no I shouldn't say it"

I lower my voice. "You can trust me Ser Barristan, I'm not my father."

He gives me a small smile. "Oh I know that princess." His voice drops to a whisper. "They say Lyanna was not pleased with the betrothal to Robert, that she knew he would never be truly faithful to her regardless of how much he claimed to love her. The Mad King did unspeakable things to his wife, things your uncle Jaime knows of, but Rhaegar was not his father's son, he was a good man. He would have been a good king."

"Except my father killed him," I say, still waiting for the rest of the story. "From what I've heard it was with good reason."

"Your father is a quick-tempered man who does not think clearly, his hatred for Rhaegar began when the prince began making advances towards Lyanna at a tournament at Harrenhal. Some whispered at the time those advances were mutual. Rhaegar had a wife and he was fond of her yes, but she was weak, she was ill, could not bare anymore children. I had heard rumours he was going to seek an annulment."

"But how do you know?" I ask, struggling to make sense of his belief. "How do you know that he didn't kidnap and rape her." 

"I cannot," he answers truthfully. "I am only a man and I cannot profess to know what is true and what isn't, but I did know Rhaegar. If he did violate Lyanna Stark then the man I knew must have been a stranger to me. But it has always been my belief that Lyanna may not have been kidnapped and raped, but rather she went willingly and met her death all the same. As did Rhaegar, and his children."

My stomach churns at the thought of it, of the children. "Is it true what they say, what Gregor Clegane did to the children on my grandfathers orders?"

Slowly he nods and his voice catches. "I loved the children, if Tywin was there-" He stops himself again. "War is a bloody and cruel thing princess, it is the innocents who suffer. In a different world it could be Aegon Targaryen you were wedding but no, you will wed Robb Stark and be the Lady of Winterfell, but you should be queen." 

I look at him in surprise of the boldness of his words, but then again he has always been Ser Barristan the Bold. "You truly mean that?"

"I do," he answers truthfully again, having always been nothing but honest with me. "I have watched over you since you were born, watched you become a woman far superior in grace and capability than either of your parents."

And finally I confess "I've always wondered what if I was an only child, what if it was me who was heir?"

He wears a sad smile. "Then the realm would be in your debt princess, and all this bloodshed may be worth it."

It's then a rider approaches the camp with haste and draws our attention. 

"Lord Stark!" he yells and we instinctively get to our feet and run over to where the boys have gathered. The rider says something to Lord Stark and he pulls away horrified, pale as a ghost.

Ser Barristan holds me in place as Ned says something to the boys then immediately runs for his horse, as do Jon and Theon, Robb goes to follow but Ned yells an order at him which he obeys and rushes over to me.

His eyes water and his voice trembles as he tells me "Tell your father we need to return to Winterfell."

"Robb what is it?" I ask anxiously and his mouth opens but words fail him until I cup his face. "Robb, what's happened?"

"It's Bran," he stammers and without a second thought or regard for those watching kisses me hard, more for his sake than mine. "I have to go."

"Go," I say quickly, my mind spinning from the kiss and confusion. "I'll follow."

He nods and leaves without another word, running to where Jon and Ned have already mounted their horses and taken off back towards Winterfell, his words echoing through my mind.

It's Bran.