Cassana

We are almost at Winterfell.

I try to get a glance from the carriage window and find us approaching a small town, behind it rests the looming towers of Winterfell.

As we pass through people line the streets, cheering for their king.

"Princess!" they shout as they spot me peeking through the curtains of the carriage. An enthusiasm that is rare in Kings Landing and I realise that although I am their princess soon I will also be their lady, wed to their lord. They shall be my people.

And so I put on a smile and wave to them, warm and lovely, everything my parents are not. It's then I begin to realise my role here, to be the accessible princess while the rest of my family is so distant. To make the North feel like part of the realm.

A true role.

It makes me feel a little less bitter about the matter but as that bitterness subsides the nerves begin to surface. Especially as the gates of Winterfell grow nearer.

"Oh gods," I murmur and Tyrion laughs to himself.

"You're too worried."

We've been travelling for a month, for the most part, I've been in the carriage I share with Tyrion so I can read up on the North in peace without mother asking questions.

"Of course I'm worried," I hiss and he only looks amused. "I am meeting my husband."

"A situation that you have been dreadfully overthinking," he drawls as he closes his book. "Varys even told you that he is his fathers' son. You shouldn't be worried."

"Oh, I'm sorry, when was the last time you were married off and shipped off to the North?"

He rolls his eyes. "Cassie, you're acting like you've been sent to the Night's Watch."

"Well, it's only a little further north."

He leans forward and looks me in the eye. "You're fighting for no reason, you've wanted to get away from your mother and my father for as long as I can remember. This is your chance, a chance to have a good life."

"You sound like my father."

"And for the first time ever I've got to agree with him," he says and reluctantly I listen. "Who knows, gods forbid you might even like the boy."

I've hardly allowed myself to even consider the possibility, to get my hopes up. "But what if I don't?"

"But what if you do," he counters and sighs. "Come on, at least try to be positive. Make the best of your circumstances. At least you aren't marrying Loras Tyrell, I can hardly imagine you'd be happier having to share your husband with your uncle."

"Well I can't argue with that," I admit and he reaches across to squeeze my hand.

"I know you're nervous, but you've always known that you were born for this. I admit you were born for far greater but make the most of it."

"How do I do that?" I ask him quietly. "I don't even know if he wants this marriage."

"He's a seventeen year old boy who's been told he is marrying the princess after living in Winterfell his entire life, I can hardly imagine him not being beside himself with nerves," he assures me. "And he's not just marrying a princess, he's marrying you. If he's not thrilled then he's the stupidest man alive."

I smile to myself and squeeze his hand. "Thank you, Tyrion."

"You are Cassana Baratheon, Princess of the Seven Kingdoms, most admired and beloved woman alive. You will win even the most cold-hearted northerners over in a heartbeat."

His praise makes all the difference as the carriage begins to slow and I peek out to see us passing through the gates of Winterfell.

"Oh gods," I murmur wrapping the cloak that I had made out of the pelt father gave more me tightly around myself.

The Stormlands have made me used to less temperate weather but come winter I imagine the North shall be frozen, buried in ice and snow just as the Stark's words promise.

As soon as I see the crowd I immediately pull back from the window and clear my throat. "Is it too late to turn back?"

"Cassie," he says slowly. "Come on, it will be fine."

"Alright, alright," I mutter fiddling with my hair. "Do I look alright?"

His eyes soften. "You look fine, now stop your worrying and remember who you are."

My hair is done simply, it's loose aside from the braided crown I wear. It's how I prefer it anyway.
I straighten my skirts suddenly oddly self-conscious, I wear a black and gold gown adorned with gold embroidery, my gold stags antler belt rests around my waist and helps show my figure.

It's ridiculous how self-conscious I suddenly am since I suppose it doesn't quite matter if he likes me or not considering neither of us has a choice in the marriage but I know that if I'm going to make the best of my circumstances I need to make a good impression. Not just on him but on all the Starks, and the North itself.

I take a deep breath to steady myself before the carriage door opens and the cold air hits me hard, startling me slightly but only for a moment.

"Oh, gods here we go," I mumble under my breath as I wear a polite smile and hold my skirts up to descend down the steps to find the Northerners bowing to us.

The crowd rises and my eyes find the man who greets my father, Ned Stark. My father blocks the view of the Stark children standing beside Ned much to my frustration.

"You've gotten fat," Father says to him only for Ned to just look him up and down until they both laugh and embrace each other.

Father looks back at me and smiles proudly as he grabs my wrist to pull me to his side rather unceremoniously. "Ned meet my daughter Cassana."

And then I see him.

Robb.

The sight of him takes my breath away, he is far more handsome than I had ever hoped for.
Very, very handsome.

Suddenly I forget why I ever had objections.

He struggles to hide his nervousness as his eyes meet mine and as I smile at him I realise that I'm just as nervous as he is. Oh gods.

My attention is torn back to where it should be as my father continues his introductions. "Cassana this is Ned."

"Princess," he says taking my hand and bowing his head politely.

"Lord Stark my father has told me so much about you," I smile remembering my courtesies. "He admires you greatly."

"Don't give it away," Father teases as he pats me on the back and I laugh lightly as my eyes again meet Robb's.

"Princess Cassana this is my son Robb," Ned says as he formally introduces me to the man I shall marry.

My heart skips a beat as Robb takes my hand and presses a courteous kiss to my knuckles. "Princess."

The mere touch has me losing my composure more than any wine ever could and I never thought my body would ever react this way to a man I don't even know.

Perhaps I may actually be happier here than I could have ever dreamed of.

"Robb," I breathe as I take him in and find myself more and more entranced by him.

He's tall, well then again he is almost a proper man at seventeen. His hair is dark however it shines auburn as the light hits it. His jawline is sharp and his face is sculpted, as is his body from what I can make out under those heavy Northern clothes.

He truly is handsome.

Despite the cold, his hand is warm and so are his eyes. Those blue eyes are surprisingly kind. Eyes that are unguarded, letting me see exactly what he feels and I'm sure that very same look is reflected in my own, albeit not as obviously.

Ned clears his throat and I realise we've been looking at each other a little too long. I reluctantly release Robbs hand to address Ned's wife.

"Lady Stark it's lovely to meet you," I smile and unlike my mother, my courtesy isn't fake "Thank you for hosting us in your home."

She actually seems surprised by my warmness but considering they were likely basing their impressions of me off of my mother I'm not surprised.

"It's a pleasure to have you and your family here," she says and I can only hope I'll have a better relationship with my mother by law than my actual mother.

"Come on Ned let's leave the kids to get to know each other while we go make this official," Father says and he leaves with Ned while Catelyn followed by her youngest son escorts my mother away who's only just appeared and looks quite unimpressed.

Tyrion gives me a look and I know he'll soon be telling me 'I told you so.' Then he leaves, heading back towards the town to find what would no doubt be a brothel while the crowd begins to depart.

With my family gone I look at Robb's siblings who are still standing beside him. "Will you introduce me?"

"Of course," he says nervously "This is Sansa, Arya and Bran, Rickon the youngest left with my mother."

"Princess," Sansa smiles as she curtseys, she's a sweet young thing with the most vibrant red hair.

"Hello Lady Sansa," I smile warmly as I take her hands in mine. "How old are you?"

"Thirteen," she answers.

The poor girl will soon be of age to marry, I pray Father decides to wed Joffrey to someone who will be better trained to deal with him, not this innocent girl.

"Your hair is the most vibrant shade of red," I compliment and her eyes light up. "The most lovely."

"Thank you, your grace."

"And you two?" I ask the younger ones who resemble Robb more closely.

"Arya is eleven and Bran's ten," Robb answers fondly and immediately I can feel the warmth he has for his family. The look in his eyes says all I need to know.

"You should meet Tommen and Myrcella, they are about your age," I say to the children while I notice that Robb is trying to analyse me as much as I am him. However reading people comes easy to me, growing up in the Red Keep it's second nature to me.

"Sansa why don't you take them inside to mother," Robb suggests to not so subtly send them on their way.

Arya gives a bit of a huff but they go on their way leaving Robb and I alone in the courtyard.

"It's good to finally meet you Princess Cassana," he smiles and I can tell he definitely isn't used to having to use royal titles.

"Please just call me Cassana," I smile knowing there is little point in formalities if he is to be my husband. "And it is good to finally meet you as well."

"Cassana," he repeats a little breathlessly.

For a moment we can't meet each other's eyes and we both laugh awkwardly. What are you meant to say to the person you're meant to marry?

"My father tells me that we are to be married," I say as I look up at him not knowing where else to start.

"Mine tells me the same," he says somewhat bashfully. "I was more than a little surprised when he told me we would be marrying."

Surprised he may be but he definitely doesn't look disappointed, and much to my surprise neither am I.

"As was I but I think my father made a good choice," I boldly admit knowing that now isn't the time to be modest and proper.

I do not know what I expected, but looking at him now it's clear he is anything but. He doesn't seem like a cold, rough Northman. He still has a boyish charm to him, an innocence that doesn't exist in kings landing.

He clears his throat and colour comes to his pale cheeks as his eyes widen in surprise "Really?"

I laugh lightly. "Yes."

A smile spreads across his face that I can't help but return.

One thing I had wondered about was if I'd be marrying a man who was already experienced with women but from his nervousness, I can tell that he is not. And I happen to be inexperienced in courting as well. However, lack of experience isn't a lack of knowledge.

"Let me show you around," he offers as he extends his arm to me. "Considering that this is going to be your home."

"Happily," I smile as I take it, until now it hasn't really registered that Winterfell will be my home.

Our arms link together and his breath catches as I rest my free hand on inside his arm as I've seen many women do while courting. It certainly brings a sense of intimacy beyond courtesy.

He's not quite a proper man yet but I can feel the muscle and the strength beneath the fabric of his shirt. He is already handsome now so I know I certainly will not be complaining when he comes into proper manhood.

As we walk by people watch us but their gazes are not as friendly as I had hoped. Despite the warmness of those on the streets, I know that the Northerners have a long tense history with the crown, perhaps it wasn't forgotten after my Father claimed the throne.

Robb notices my discomfort "Northerners are wary of outsiders, even a princess, but soon this will be your home."

"It will be."

The reality of never returning to Kings Landing is finally sinking in. As much as I hate the city it is familiar and so are the people.

"I know it mustn't be easy leaving your home to come to a place you've never been," he says and I note that he's understanding, for him to even have concern shows me what kind of man he is.

"To be honest I've always wanted to leave Kings Landing, I was raised there but it was never my true home," I tell him and he listens attentively. "I always felt most at home at Storms End, but I suppose that is quite a travel from Winterfell."

"One day I'll take you back there," he promises without a second thought and I look up at him in surprise.

"You would?"

"I will," he says and I see a determination in his eyes that interests me greatly.

"Thank you, Robb," I breathe in genuine gratitude. Some of that weight, some of the fear, being lifted off my shoulders.

"Are you close with your family there?"

Already I can tell that family is very important to him in a way that I can't relate to.

"Well I'm close with my Uncle Renly but because he's on the small council he's in Kings Landing and Uncle Stannis hardly leaves Dragonstone so it's not quite the family there I miss, it's the land. Kings Landing is hot and dry but the Stormlands are wild and well stormy," I laugh lightly. "I forgot what the cold felt like before we arrived in the North."

"Just wait until winter," he chuckles as we come to a stop. "This is where we train with our master at arms Ser Rodrick."

"With which weapons?" I ask and he looks surprised by the question.

"Swords mostly but I'm stronger with a lance, we also practice with bows"

So he is a fighter, I knew he had to get that muscle from somewhere. Now I'm curious to see him fight, I've always appreciated the art of a good duel.

"I was just curious, I watch jousts often and it's incredible what men can do with all sorts of weapons," I say as a few specific memories come to mind. "Have you ever seen a Dornishman fight with a spear?"

"I haven't," he says and I realise he's probably never left the North or if he has the furthest south he's likely gone would be to the Riverlands.

"You must it's incredible. An art of its own really."

"You enjoy jousts then?" he asks and I know that it may be strange for him to hear but I never watched for the knights or the extravagance, my father likes to say I have some of his bloodlust but I certainly won't mention that to Robb.

"Most women watch to fawn over the knights on their horses but I prefer the melee. That is proper skill and strength. It's what the best warriors compete in, it can be bloody and brutal no doubt but it's always fascinated me," I confess. "My father says that if I was a boy he would've had me training with a warhammer since I was old enough to walk."

"Well thankfully for me you're not a boy," he comments in good humour and I find myself at ease and laughing.

"Are you sure? If I was I'd become king, you could be my queen?" I offer and he laughs with me.

"Well I can't make you a king but I can make you Lady of Winterfell," he says as he takes me up onto the wall and I finally begin to realise that I won't just become Lady Stark, I will be the Lady of Winterfell, wife to the Warden of the North. "What do you think of the North so far?"

I look out at the horizon and truly see the land. It's so green, so wild. My father was right when he said it resembles the Stormlands.

"It's beautiful," I breathe in awe. "It reminds me of home."

I go to look at him and find his eyes not on the horizon, but on me. The look in them warms my heart in a way I've never felt before.

Never thought I could feel.

"I hope you'll be happy here Cassana," he murmurs as I stroke my thumb along his forearm.

Happy. Something I never thought I could ever be. Something that seemed as laughable as a folk tale.

And yet for the first time, I can see it within my grasp.

"I believe I will be."

I hardly know him but I can see something in him I've never seen in anyone else before. Goodness. No manipulation, no ulterior motives. Just this pure innocence that I didn't know could exist.

I have yet to discover what romantic love truly is, I've certainly never felt it, nor even seen it. But something deep inside of me tells me that I am looking at it. Yet every bit of sense in me fights it, telling me that it's too good to be true.

And perhaps it is too good to be true.

"Cassana," I hear a familiar voice call from below and I look to see Jaime. "Your father is asking for you."

At least it's not my mother asking for me.

From the look on Jaime's face it's clear he's put two and two together, surely by now my mother has as well.

"I best get going," I say and I'm surprised by my reluctance to let go of him.

"There's a feast tonight," he mentions before I can let go of him. "Will you join me?"

"Of course," I answer knowing my presence is expected either way but it's still sweet he's asking "I'll see you tonight."

My hand brushes against his as I let go of his arm and the mere friction makes me exhale slightly in pleasant surprise of the nerves that come alive.

As I descend down the stairs to Jaime I can't keep the smile from my face but I know that I must be in danger if I'm already fancying him.

"You know your mother's going to murder someone when she finds out," he tells me.

"Well good thing my father has you to protect him."

"And the boy?"

"Come on, she's not that obvious," I scoff but there are still doubts in the back of my mind about that.

Even so, whatever worries I have regarding my mother are overshadowed by other thoughts that have Jaime shaking his head at me.

"Oh don't look at me like that," I laugh. "You're as bad as Tyrion. I'm sure when he returns from whatever questionable venue he's ventured into that I'll never hear the end of it."

"Ah so my brother was in on this as well," he gathers. "I best not tell Cersei that. I don't quite feel like having to stand between her and Tyrion."

"No, you best not," I agree as I look back and see Robb still standing on the wall watching me go.

Well, I certainly did not expect to like him as much as I do.

~

I'm taken to my Fathers chambers and it's been a while since I've seen him so happy.

"Gods I've missed Ned," he laughs heartily over his cup of ale. "The North is a good place, good people."

"It is," I agree, feeling a sense of peace I haven't felt since I was last in the Stormlands which my father clearly also feels.

"Did you get a chance to talk to Robb?" he asks as he refills his cup.

"Yes, he is a good man," I decide however with him it's not a decision, it's a fact "He hopes I'll be happy here and I believe I will be."

"Good," he says as he pours a second cup, thankfully for me. "Ned and I have made the betrothal official, drink up."

I can't hide my smile as I take the drink "Thank you, I really do think I'll be happy with Robb."

"Ah so you do like the boy," he teases. "At least I did one thing right. I'll talk to your mother before the feast and tell her before someone else does."

I raise a hesitant eyebrow knowing that she has almost certainly put it together and skull the drink knowing I'll need the strength.

"You'll need more than that to deal with her," he comments. "Trust me I would know."

"When will the wedding be?" I ask more eagerly than I intended.

"Soon," he answers. "Ned and I will figure that all out in time, we'll announce the engagement at the feast tonight."

I nod my head and refill my cup as I feel my cheeks begin to turn red at the thought of seeing Robb tonight.

~

Robb

Before the feast, I'm with Jon and Theon making sure that I look respectable. I've never cared much for my appearance before but I should at least try to impress her. I want to impress her.

"So what do you think of the princess?" Jon asks as he fiddles with his hair, he's never met a girl he likes better than his own hair.

"I think I might like her almost as much as you like your hair," I tease and Theon slaps me on the back playfully.

"She's not bad for a southern girl that's for sure," he laughs and I don't know whether or not to feel uncomfortable.

"She's not like a southern girl that's the thing," I say and as I try to put her into words but I end up rambling "She seems like she has a good heart, her brothers a prick but she's the opposite of him. You should have seen her with Sansa, she's actually nice. She actually has a sense of humour, she likes watching melees and she actually knows things about weapons, she seems clever. We didn't talk for long but she's warm and she held onto my arm like this and she's just- I can't explain it."

"So she's a pretty girl," Theon scoffs and I know how ridiculous I sound. I've only just met her but she's not what I expected, I'm definitely intrigued by her.

"No more than that," I try to explain but I don't know how. "There's something else to her I can't put into words."

"She's a princess," Jon points out as if it wasn't already obvious. "And she's already got you wrapped around her little finger."

Well, he's not wrong.

She certainly has the grace of a lady but when she joked about being king it almost seems like she would rather be filling her fathers' shoes than her mothers. She admires him and she doesn't care much for her roles as a lady, she wants something more than that.

I don't know her but it feels like I'm starting to. I smile to myself as I think of how much Sansa and Arya will like her. I can tell Sansa already admires her but once Arya sees what I've already begun to see I know they'll all get along well.

She'll be good for them both.

For me.

The door opens and all three of us freeze as Father unexpectedly enters.

"Good to see you're all dressed well," he comments as he glances between us. "Can Robb and I have a moment?"

My brothers leave and it's just Father and I.

"I heard that you took the princess up on the wall and that you looked rather close already," he says somewhat apprehensively as he takes a seat and I know this won't be a quick conversation.

"Is there something wrong with that?" I ask unable to think of a reason for the visit, or why he'd disapprove.

"Your mother and I are just a bit wary of her, well not her but the Lannisters," he confesses.

"But she's a Baratheon?"

"Her mother is a Lannister and well we have reason to be suspicious of them," he reluctantly admits and I need to know more. I need to know what he's going on about.

"What do you mean?" I ask as my stomach twists slightly. It's stupid, I barely know her but the thought of her not being who I think she is doesn't sit right with me.

"It's probably nothing but I'm worried that she may be more Lannister than Baratheon," he begins before cutting himself off and getting to the point "If she starts asking about Jon Arryn I want you to let me know."

"Jon Arryn?"

"It doesn't matter," he dismisses. "I just need you to let me know if she starts asking questions."

"She is going to be my wife," I remind him curtly. "I am not going to treat her like she's - I don't even know what, a spy?"

"You do like her," he realises. "I know that she seems charming but you don't know the place that she's from."

"You told me I'd like her- what's changed since then?" I ask incredulously. "Why are you now-"

"Things have changed since then," he says then hesitantly continues. "You're aunt Lysa has told us not to trust them. We're heading her warning."

I'm just left even more bewildered. "I know the Lannisters are bad but she's not one of them."

"For all our sakes I hope not," he says quietly. "I'm sorry to bring it up but we just need to be cautious."

I nod but I still don't understand what exactly he thinks the Lannister's have done. It doesn't matter.

Like I told Cassana, Northerners are wary of outsiders and well she's certainly a bit more extravagant than a Northerner so maybe he took that the wrong way.

"She's just a girl," I remind him "From what I've seen she's nothing like the queen or the rest of them". After a moment of thought, I add "Honestly I think she wants to get away from them."

That pricks his interest. "Really?"

"Really," I confirm. "She seems to take after her father more than her mother."

"I'll have to have a proper conversation with her. I trust your instincts Robb but just don't let a pretty girl blind you."

"She's going to be my wife, shouldn't I let myself be interested?"

"Your right I'm sorry to bother you, son," he smiles to himself as he pats me on the back and he heads to the door. "I'm glad you like her."

"So am I."

He disappears and Jon and Theon walk back in looking equally confused "What was that about?"

"I don't even know," I say laughing it off as nothing. I just hope that it's nothing.

"So when are you escorting your future bride to the feast?" Theon asks and I fall short of an answer.

"Escorting her?" I ask as if there's something I've missed.

"Robb," Jon groans stretching my name out.

"You have a pretty girl, a princess, who is going to be marrying you," Theon says putting a hand on my shoulder "You need to impress her."

Why didn't I think of that before and how did they think of it before me?

"You're right," I agree but I've never done anything like this before "So do I just turn up to her room?"

"You have to be romantic," Jon says as he and Theon share a look.

"That's right," Theon agrees and I can't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of Jon and Theon giving me advice.

"And I'm meant to take romantic advice from you two?" I scoff. "The closest either of you have come to actually courting someone is paying for Ros."

"That's more experience than you have," Theon retorts and I can't argue with that. "You have to be romantic when you go see her. You can't just be all casual about it, you need to go and take her hand and ask to escort her and be all formal and crap."

Jon and I look equally surprised by Theon.

"Just don't screw it up," Jon says more simply and I nod along.

"Alright, I'm going to do it," I decide. We might be betrothed but that doesn't mean I don't have to court her. I want to, I want this to be more than something loveless and arranged. I want it to be real.

They clap their hands and cheer me on as I take one last look in the mirror and go to see her.

~

Cassana

Myrcella is with me as I dress for the feast.

I've realised that the clothes I wear in Kings Landing might be considered excessive in the North so I opt for a more simple low necked black gown with light gold embroidery as opposed to some of the yellow-gold more extravagant gowns I packed that I would typically wear to a feast in the capitol.

I secure my gold Baratheon belt around the waist, it goes well with almost everything and it's as much a part of me now as the gold rings I wear on my fingers. Thank you uncle Renly for having good taste.

My hair is loose except for a braided bun which I've seen is one of the styles in the North.

I've only been here for less than a day but I've gathered that Northerners do not like excess or extravagance. If I want to assimilate here then I need to tone what I would usually wear down.

"Is he kind?" Myrcella asks as I style her hair. She always prefers me to do it over her handmaidens who we gave leave to prepare for the feast so it's just us two.

"Very," I blush. "I always worried that I wouldn't like whomever father would choose to marry me to but I truly do believe that I will be happy in this marriage."

"I hope for the same but sometimes I worry father won't care who he weds me to."

I recognise the look in her eyes far too well and reach forward to grasp her hand tightly. "Father does care for us."

"But you're his favourite."

"He loves all of us," I promise her. "Never doubt it, no matter what our mother says remember that Father does love us"

A knock on the door interrupts us and when I open it Robb stands there dressed in fine clothes looking nervous but sweet.

"Well this is a pleasant surprise," I smile as I find myself rather taken aback. I didn't expect to have him at my door.

"May I escort you to the feast?" he asks and I turn back with a bright smile to Myrcella who nods her head and mouths 'yes'.

"Of course," I answer as I smooth down the skirt of my dress. "I'm not overdressed am I?"

"Not at all," he laughs to himself as he takes a proper look at me. "You look beautiful."

I can't help the warmth that comes to my cheeks as I take his extended hand. His hand is warm, calloused from the years of training with a sword yet it feels so soft pressed against mine.

It feels right.

I rest my hand on the inside of his arm as I had earlier and find that it also feels right. It feels as if I've known him for far longer than I actually have. I'm more comfortable with him in this short time than I had ever imagined being.

"Well, aren't you a gentleman escorting me to the feast," I praise as he straightens his back to make himself appear taller.

"It's the gentlemanly thing to do," he says and I smile at how cute he looks all nervous, even so, I decide to put him at ease a little

I laugh and bring my lips close to his ear "Well thank the gods for that because I would have likely gotten lost and never made it to the feast if you didn't come. I'd probably end up drinking by the stables."

His laugh echoes through the hall and the sound immediately makes me join in with him. He's good-humoured. I don't want him to pretend around me because I'm a kings daughter like everyone else does. I want him to be at ease like he is now.

"That would be a sight," he laughs and I can tell he's struggling to imagine it.

"It wouldn't be the first time," I confess as I remember several specific occasion when Tyrion was left to babysit me. Then another when my Father decided to take me to the Stormlands to celebrate my fifteenth name day. The men in my family are far from responsible when it comes to looking after children but it made for an entertaining youth.

"There certainly is more to you than meets the eye," he chuckles. "I can't wait to see more of what's behind them."

I squeeze his hand as I smile "Well they have finalised our betrothal so you won't have to wait long."

"Have they?" he asks seeming more eager than I had expected. "So I'll be calling you my wife soon then."

Just hearing him say the word ignites something in me. I've always been hesitant at wedding a man that wasn't my choosing, had been bitter about it the entire journey, but now I feel as if I had chosen him myself.

"It's so strange thinking that in a few weeks I could be married to a stranger but for us, for our houses, it's expected."

"Hopefully by then we won't be strangers," he says stroking the back of my hand. "By the time we're married hopefully you'll want to be my wife."

"Well, I'm certainly not opposed," I tease, shocked at how willing I am as opposed to this morning. "I consider myself to be a good judge of character and after being raised in Kings Landing I can quickly distinguish people who are good at heart from the rest, and you Robb Stark are a good man. I believe that you will make a good husband."

Just from first impressions and from what conversation we have had I truly do believe he will be. He has concerns and cares for me that I can't imagine any other possible husband having. He cares for my happiness which is invaluable.

"If someone told me a month ago that the princess of the Seven Kingdoms would want to marry me I'd have asked if they were drunk," he comments. "I still can't quite believe it."

"Well I can't believe that I'm getting married to a man like you," I say to test one thing I haven't yet.

Many men seem perfect until they have their masculinity or anything else questioned. Then they become monsters. Robb however doesn't become hostile or offended. Instead, he's curious.

"A man like me?" he asks curiously instead of hostily which many men would.

"A Northerner, someone a bit rough around the edges. A good man," I clarify and before we enter the hall I add "And a very handsome one."

I laugh to myself at how his jaw drops and he laughs to himself. "You are something else indeed."

"Indeed I am."

We enter the hall and as we approach our respective families arm in arm the hall turns to look at us. Clearly, the Red Keep isn't the only place where news spreads quickly.

My eyes immediately find my mother who watches from beside Catelyn in silent disapproval. I know her well enough to know that she must have been fighting with my father before she came. She doesn't want me here away from her. She wants me in the city, or at the very least in the south.

Robb rests his hand lightly on my back and gently guides me to the table where his siblings and mine are seated together and I take a seat beside him.

My Father stands and raises his drink "Now would be a good time to announce the betrothal of my eldest daughter Cassana to Robb Stark. Cheers to finally joining the great houses of Baratheon and Stark."

People raise their drinks in good spirit and Ned stands to make his own toast "The North welcomes Princess Cassana and is honoured to have her wed to my eldest son Robb, tonight we celebrate the future Lord and Lady of Winterfell."

Everyone old enough to drink raises their drinks aside from my mother. I hold her deadly stare, she can't control me now. I am no longer her's.

I also raise my glass. A glass to my future in Winterfell. To my future with Robb.

A glass to my freedom.