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Mature
Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
F/M
Game of Thrones (TV), A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin
Jaime Lannister/Original Female Character(s), Tyrion
Lannister/Sansa Stark, Past Cersei Lannister/Jaime Lannister, Cersei
Lannister/Lancel Lannister, Talisa Maegyr/Robb Stark
Jaime Lannister, Original Female Character(s), Ned Stark, Tyrion
Lannister, Jon Snow, Robb Stark, Sansa Stark, Cersei Lannister,
Joffrey Baratheon, Catelyn Tully Stark, Dacey Mormont, Jon "The
Greatjon" Umber
Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Jaime and Cersei broke up,
There's another Stark, POV Original Female Character, Lyanna
Reborn, OFC - Freeform, Canon-Typical Violence, Explicit Sexual
Content
Published: 2016-02-09 Updated: 2016-06-29 Chapters: 25/? Words:
104823

She Runs With Wolves and Lions

by SALStratton
Summary

To the rest of Westeros, Lady Caryssa Stark was the true beauty of the North with a voice
from the heavens. To her family, she was loving, kind and nurturing, and a fierce fighter.
To strangers, she was cold like steel with a wall of ice around her heart that could not be
broken. After marrying a Lannister, Caryssa learns what it is to be a wolf surrounded by
lions. AU-ish.

Notes
See the end of the work for notes

Chapter 1
Chapter One - Archery Lessons
All things truly wicked start from innocence.
-Unknown
Winterfell
Caryssa watched as her little brother pulled the bow string until it was taught underneath his
fingers, watched to make sure that he counted his breaths before he released the arrow. It sunk into
a barrel just to the left of the target, and little Bran stamped his foot in frustration. Her other two
brothers, Robb and Jon, circled him, before Jon put his arms around him.
Caryssa supposed that she should be doing something more lady-like. Such as knitting or sewing
or planning the future wedding that she was inevitably to have, as she was now nineteen years
old. After all, she was Lady Caryssa of House Stark, eldest child to Lord Eddard and Lady
Catelyn Stark, the Beauty in the North. She hated that nickname. It always reminded her that she
was seen as simply something to look at, a woman to marry a lord and bear his children. While
she was not opposed to marriage, certain moments in her life had led to the belief that the only
honorable men that still existed where those in her family and a few others in her household. So
when she inevitably married, she did not want to marry some unpredictable stranger, but a man
she knew had enough honor to respect her as a wife, a woman and a person.
So instead of sewing, Lady Caryssa was helping her brothers teach her second youngest brother
archery, and thus far, they had been having very little success.
Go on. Fathers watching and your mother, Jon said, and Bran turned his head up to look at his
parents standing on the balcony above, watching him with encouraging smiles. Also, the Lady
Archer watches, and as men, we cannot let our elder sister best us, Bran, or the other men will
tease us relentlessly.
Bran looked towards his sister, as she leaned against a fence, her bright blue Tully eyes watching
him, a beautiful smile on her lips. His sister was the best archer in Winterfell, everybody knew it.
Some didnt like that a woman could wield a weapon, but most respected her for learning. Winter
was coming, after all. Her smile turned into an encouraging one, a warmth in them that the woman
only reserved for her family and loved ones, and she nodded at him to continue.
So he strung his arrow to his bow, pulled it taut again and released it, and they watched it as it
flew over the target and cleared the fence behind it. Jon, Robb and Rickon laughed at their
brother, as Bran sighed, getting even more frustrated.
And which one of you was a marksman at ten? Ned Stark questioned his sons, as all his
children there at the time stared up at him in silence. He watched as his daughter came into view,
raising her hand, a smirk on her face. Ned shook his head at her, knowing that she was right, but
choosing not to say anything. His eldest child, his precious daughter, had begged him when her
sixth name day was approaching to have a bow of her own and to learn how to wield it. He never
could deny her anything. Not only was she his eldest, his first born, but she reminded him so
much of his dead sister. They were both untamable Stark she-wolves, fiercely protective of their
own, beautiful, but deadly if opposed. Keep practicing, Bran. Go on.
Bran looked down, before he pulled strung his bow again. Except this time, long, pale fingers
guided his hands, and he glanced behind him to see his sister.

Remember what I taught you, Caryssa murmured into his ear, as she moved his hand towards
his mouth, pushing his elbow down slightly, and nudging his feet apart. Anchor your hand, relax
your bow arm, breathe slowly and count the beats of your heart. Between the beat, is when you
should release the arrow.
Caryssa stepped back, letting her younger brothers take control, and turned around to walk back to
her leaning post, but spotted her younger sister, Arya, stringing a bow, getting ready to release the
arrow. Caryssa immediately stepped to the side, out of her sisters way, but continued to walk
towards her. Arya released her arrow, before Bran could, and it whizzed through the air before it
sunk straight into the middle of the target.
The men all turned around sharply, trying to see who had made the shot.
Take your bows, sister. Caryssa whispered to her, and Arya did so, curtseying and mocking her
slightly younger brother. Caryssas eyes narrowed in on the twitch of Brans now clenched jaw,
and stepped out of the way just before he threw his bow to the ground and launched himself at
Arya, leaping over the fence and chasing her as she laughed and outrun him.
Caryssa laughed along with her brothers, moving to grab Rickon, settling him on her hip.
When can I learn archery like you and Bran? Rickon questioned, and Caryssa chuckled at him,
pressing her lips to his cheek. Caryssa was like a second mother to her younger siblings, apart
from Robb and Jon as they were closer in age. She felt it was her duty as the eldest to help her
mother raise her siblings, teaching them and guiding them through life. Especially with Sansa and
Arya. Caryssa helped Sansa become the young, civilized lady that she was, whilst encouraging
Aryas wild personality as it reminded her of herself at that age. Catelyn Stark would say that if
Caryssa were split into two different people, they would be Sansa and Arya.
You, little pup, are too young, but when you are old enough, I promise that I will teach you.
Caryssa promised, smiling at the beaming boy, kissing his cheek again, before placing him onto
his feet.
Why do you always call me pup? Rickon asked, and Caryssa began to run her fingers through
his light auburn hair.
Because we are wolves, and you are the youngest. You are my pup, Bran, Arya and Sansa are
my little wolves, Robb and Jon are my young wolves and I am the she-wolf. Mother is the Old
She-Wolf and father is the Old Wolf, Caryssa explained, smiling down at him as he gave her all
of his attention. We are the wolves of the North, Rickon, dont ever forget that. Now, lets go
help Robb and Jon collect the arrows.
Rickon immediately set off, anything to impress his older siblings, and Caryssa watched with a
soft smile, as her youngest brother bounced around, though stopped when he held the arrows in
his grasp. He remembered that his sister had warned him about hurting himself on the sharp ends.
He picked up a few before he rushed back over to his sister, and handed them to her. Caryssa took
them, and handed them to a distracted Jon.
He was staring upwards, and Caryssa followed his line of sight to see that her mother was glaring
disdainfully down at him. She gave her mother a disapproving look, like always, and placed her
hand on Jons arm.
Were wolves, were strong and whether she likes it or not, youre part of this family. You are
my brother, Jon, not my fathers bastard, not my half-brother. Youre my brother. Do not ever let
her make you feel any different. She whispered, and Jon gave her one of his rare, beautiful
smiles. Jons smiles only ever seemed to be reserved for Caryssa and Arya. Jon didnt feel like he

was a Stark, mostly because Lady Catelyn Stark seemed to push her husbands war transgressions
from him to his guiltless child.
They worked on, collecting the arrows and putting bows away, when Theon Greyjoy, ward of
Lord Stark, approached the three eldest Stark (and Snow) children and smirked.
Go get ready for a ride. An oath breaker is being held awaiting the Kings Justice. Bran is going
with us as well. Theon announced, and Caryssa and Robb exchanged a concerned glance. Well,
she gave Robb a concerned look and he shrugged his shoulders.
Hes too young to experience such things. Caryssa stated, and Theon gave her a smirk.
You saw your first death when you were younger than Bran, if I remember correctly, Ryssa. He
said, watching with glee as her eyes steeled with her anger, and her jaw muscles clenched.
Speak of that again, Greyjoy, and your whore will have to find new business. Do we have an
understanding? Caryssa glared at the man, only a couple of years her senior, and he gulped,
eyeing the dagger at her waist. Normally, she would carry a sword strapped to her hip, though she
couldnt really use one. Jory had tried to teach her when she was a little younger, but she could
never quite grasp it, so had stuck to her bow and dagger. The sword was simply a warning to any
man who thought that they could easily attack her. Run along, Kraken. Go find Bran and get him
ready. Ill meet you all at the stables.
Caryssa did not like Theon. While she usually tolerated his sense of humor, as crude as it was, he
did not seem to have an ounce of propriety or decency. There were two moments in her childhood
that were seemingly traumatizing. One was the first time she saw her father give the Kings Justice
and she had been nine. The other no one dared discuss in front of her or Lord Stark, as it was both
traumatizing and infuriating, and the very reason she carried a sword around with her.
She nodded to her brothers and stormed past Greyjoy, purposefully bumping shoulders with him
roughly as she passed. Ryssa headed to her room, to put on a thick green wool dress, her fox fur
cloak, pinning her wolf brooch to keep the material together, her leather gloves and to get her
weapons. She tied her vambraces to her arms, and opened the oak trunk that held her weapons.
She supposed it was unladylike for her to wield a weapon, but she had learned that while it was
not appropriate for her to carry a weapon, she could still die upon one. Caryssa did not like being
unprepared for anything, so she always slept with a knife under her pillow, and carried a dagger
always.
She pulled out the new weirwood bow that her father had commissioned for her last namesday,
and the quiver of arrows that had come with it. When she was finished collecting everything that
was necessary, she strode from her room, and hurried to the stables.
Her horse was already saddled and waiting for her upon her arrival. Her horse was a beautiful
snow white steed that she had received on her twelfth namesday, which is why the steed bore the
highly original name of Snow. In truth, Caryssa had named her after Jon, because she wanted to
show him how much she loved him, and always thought of him. Her father nodded to her from
atop his horse, knowing that she was not happy that Bran was accompanying them, and she
mounted her horse and followed him out of the stables.
She just hoped that Bran was as ready to see the execution of a man, deserter though he may be,
as the men believed him to be.
~*~

Stags, Direwolves and Ravens

Chapter Summary

The eldest Stark children watch a deserter of the Night's Watch beheaded and
Caryssa believes she has found an omen in the woods. A raven arrives for Ned and
he and Caryssa discuss it's contents.
It's kinda a slow chapter, but it picks up later on.

Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

Do not seek death. Death will find you,

But seek the road which makes death a fulfillment.
-Dag Hammarskjld
Chapter Two Stags, Direwolves and Ravens
Winterfell
A large group of twenty two riders rode to watch a man be punished as a deserter and oathbreaker. Twenty one men, and one woman. It was Bran's first time seeing his lord father carry out
the king's justice, and the woman of the convoy was less than happy about it.
Robb Stark's eyes kept flittering to his sister as she rode sullenly beside him, the only sound
coming from her direction being Snow occasionally tossing his head. He knew that she was
worried about Bran, about what their father had told them of the oath breakers claims. He also
knew that half the guards that were accompanying them, and Theon, would watch his sister as she
rode her horse, and by the looks in their eyes he could tell that they were picturing something else
entirely.
Robb knew what people said about his elder sister. The Beauty of the North, the Northern
Nightingale, they called her, and she was, beautiful in both body and voice, but Robb did not like
that everyone else knew about it. They would say that her beauty easily rivalled the Queen's, and
outmatched all of the women in the North, but it didn't mean that their compliments made Robb,
or Caryssa for that matter, happy.
Caryssa and Robb often described themselves as two halves of a whole, twins even. They loved
each other, needed each other, not in a romantic sense, but in the way a person loves and needs
their own soul. Robb and Caryssa may have been two years apart in age, but they were kindred
spirits, both bound by duty as the eldest children of their house to mature before their time and
help their parents to run the land.
So when Robb caught men ogling the other half of him, his dear sister, it frustrated him, even
though he knew that it couldn't be helped. Caryssa truly was the Beauty of the North, what with
her glorious dark mane of hair, her icy blue eyes and perfect, porcelain skin. He knew that his
father had been ignoring proposals of marriage on her behalf for quite a few years. Caryssa was a
true daughter of the North, a she-wolf, wild and untameable, cold and fierce. She didn't want
marriage so soon in her life.

His sister had always told him that she deemed marriage to be a cage, and that wolves did not do
well in cages, though she accepted her fate. She was a beautiful high-born lady of a noble house,
and she would have to marry someday to solidify ties between their house and another. It was just
the way things were. They both dreaded that day, as she would have to leave Winterfell and join
her husband wherever he may be, and they would be lost without each other. They had never
been separated before and would not welcome the day they were.
"I don't like this. Bran is too young." Caryssa said, unknowingly breaking her brother out of his
thoughts of her. She turned her gaze to him, her blue eyes always seeming as though they could
see into the very depths of a man's soul, and found his eyes already on her.
"We were much younger than Bran when we first witnessed the King's Justice. We survived it,
and you're a girl, for pity's sake! Bran will be fine!" Robb pointed out, and Caryssa rolled her eyes
at him, before sighing.
"We are different to Bran. We are the eldest. We needed to be steeled for the harsh realities of this
world. I will be a wife one day to a great lord or knight, and you will be Lord of Winterfell,"
Caryssa grimaced, thinking of her bleak future. "Bran doesn't have the same responsibilities as we
do."
"Winter is coming, Ryssa. You know that." Robb replied, and Ryssa glared at him.
"I know our words, brother, but that does not mean that I have to like it, or this." Caryssa snapped,
turning her face away from him to gaze ahead, realising that they were nearing their destination.
Neither Stark said anything as their father and the rest of the party to their destination; twenty men
and one woman travelling to see a beheading of a deserter. Ryssa looked forwards, and caught
sight of her lord father. Lord Eddard Stark rode grimly forward, his long-ish brown hair stirring in
the wind. Caryssa noticed that her father looked tired, older. He never enjoyed delivering the
king's justice. Usually he was laughing. Surrounded by his children, his wife, his trusted friends,
Ned Stark would laugh and it would light up his face, but more recently, Caryssa noticed, he
looked very much like the other miserable lords she had heard of.
He was more grim in the face of the impending Winter.
When the northerners did reach their destination, Caryssa stood herself behind Bran, next to Robb,
but before Jon, waiting as the oath breaker was brought forward. Ryssa took in the traitor as he
shifted forward, muttering about the white walkers. She noticed that he looked very beaten, in
every sense of the word, with cracked lips and an altogether haggard exterior.
It made Caryssa wonder what he had truly seen. Most men who took the Black understood the
consequences of breaking their vow, and very few men ran away. Most were rapers or murderers
or thieves who would otherwise lose a body part or their life, so gladly chose to freeze their arses
off on the Wall. So whatever the man had seen, Caryssa mused, must have been worse than the
harsh temperatures or a beheading.
Ryssa listened as the deserter spoke to her father, of the white walkers (which sent chills down her
spine, shivers of dread), of his family and how he was no coward. Throughout the whole speech,
Ryssa's face as a mask of cold indifference, one which Robb and Jon quickly learned to adopt.
When he was finished, she watched her father nod to Theon, who brought him his sword, and the
guardsmen forced the deserter to his knees in front of the weirwood stump, already stained with
the blood of other oath breakers and traitors.
"In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon, the first of his name, King of the Andals and the
First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm, I, Eddard of the House Stark,

Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, sentence you to die." Her father muttered the same
speech he always had to, and Caryssa braced herself.
Yet, as Lord Stark raised his sword, Caryssa wrapped her arms around Bran's shoulders, unable to
contain her need to support him. She felt his body tense, and his heart race underneath her hands,
as their father swung his sword. With one easy swing, the man's head dropped to the floor,
staining the ground with red.
Caryssa stared, transfixed on the spot where the earth was now greedily drinking the blood of the
dead, before she blinked, letting her brother go, but leant down towards him.
"You did well, little wolf. I am proud of you." Caryssa whispered into his ear, before placing a
small kiss on the top of his head.
She was the first to walk away, never having liked the sight of the dead. She mounted her steed,
and waited for her father to finish talking to Bran, most likely regurgitating the same speech he
had given her, Robb and Jon on their own first times. 'The man who passes the sentence should
swing the sword', a line that she had always remembered since.
Once her father mounted his horse, they were off again, heading back to Winterfell. Caryssa rode
at the head of the party, instead of with Robb, and her brothers noticed immediately.
"Why is Caryssa riding so far ahead? Why is she not riding beside you?" Bran questioned Robb,
as all four Stark men, and a Greyjoy, watched the lone woman atop her snowy white horse.
"Women are complicated creatures, little lord, and it never ends well to start questioning them."
Theon remarked, and Robb wanted to give him a dirty look, that was his sister he was talking
about, but knew that Theon told the truth. Women were complicated creatures, something he
knew all too well living with four of them.
"While your sister is fierce when she is training with your brothers, Bran, she also has a gentle
soul. She does not like death," Lord Stark told his son, who nodded at him, as if he heartily agreed
with his sister. Death was not something enjoyable in the little boy's eyes. "She is the perfect
balance of warrior and maiden. She is strong and gentle, wise and wilful, wild and contained. She
will make a challenging woman to be wed to."
"She doesn't want to leave Winterfell." Robb said quickly, as though he were trying to dissuade
his father from any further thoughts of marrying his sister off to some old lord somewhere far
away.
The men rode in silence from then on, their eyes watching the woman galloping ahead of them.
The eldest of the men, like Lord Stark and the Cassel men, were taken aback, still to this day, at
the likeness between the late Lady Lyanna Stark and the eldest Stark daughter. Caryssa was so
much alike Lyanna, both in body and in soul, while little Arya resembled her long, dead aunt in
her wild, untameable personality. Caryssa possessed Lyanna's beauty, which worried Lord and
Lady Stark (and their eldest son) immensely.
The Lady Lyanna's beauty had started a rebellion, and ended with her untimely, bloody death.
That was the reason his daughter was still unmarried.
Ned did not want to lose his daughter the same way he lost his dear sister.
"Father!" Caryssa's startled voice called to him, breaking him out of his silent reverie.
The men sped forward, catching her up as she dismounted across a stone bridge, having stopped

in front of a dead stag with its stomach ripped open. The lady was inspecting the area around the
stag, when the men dismounted as well, eyeing the dead creature with interest. Her father
approached it, his eyes flickering from the stag to his daughter. She looked upset, but her sparkling
blue eyes betrayed her burning curiosity.
"What is it?" Jon questioned their father.
"Mountain lion?" Theon suggested, though it was only slightly plausible.
"There are no mountain lions in these woods." Lord Stark replied, dismissing his ward's theory,
and then he noticed his daughter had begun to walk into the forest, her eyes scanning the ground.
His own eyes dropped to the ground, and noticed the blood trail that led to where Caryssa was
heading. Thankfully, she had drawn her dagger from its sheath, ready to defend herself. Ned
followed his daughter, his three sons and his other men following behind him, all withdrawing
their swords.
He heard his daughter gasp, and he quickened his pace, until he spotted her crouched by a very
different, very wrong, very dead animal. Ned and Jon crouch down in front of the beast, either
side of the woman.
"It's a freak."
"Oh, and I suppose a kraken isn't a freak? This, Greyjoy, is a direwolf." Caryssa snapped at him,
not taking her eyes off the beautiful, dead creature and her six adorable pups.
"Tough old beast." Her father said, yanking the horn of the stag out of the dead mother's chest.
Caryssa flinched slightly, as her father tossed the horn over his shoulder and she felt the breeze of
it as it flew past her. A dead stag's horn in the neck of a dead direwolfCaryssa could only take
that as an omen, but didn't voice her dark thoughts aloud, lest she be laughed at by the men for
being too superstitious.
"There are no direwolves south of the Wall." Robb stated, as though the scene in front of him
became completely inaccurate just by that knowledge alone.
"Now there a six," Jon said, picking one up and passing it to Bran. Ned watched as his daughter
picked up a pup of her own, an almost pure white one with patches of grey spotted randomly on
its coat, smiling at it as it attempted to lick her face. His wife was not going to like this. "You want
to hold it?"
"Where will they go? Their mother's dead." Bran said, already growing attached to the adorable
creature in his arms.
"They don't belong down here." Ser Rodrik said, and Caryssa's head snapped towards the man, a
sinking feeling in her stomach, and she clutched the pup closer to her heart at the implication. He
surely wasn't suggesting what she thought he was suggesting, was he?
"Better a quick death. They won't last without their mother." Her father said, standing, and
Caryssa's eyes widened, before she turned to glare at Greyjoy as he almost gleefully jumped down
beside Bran and reached out to take the pup in the boy's arms.
"Right. Give it here."
"No!" Bran cried, as Theon snatched the direwolf pup.
"Put away your blade." Robb ordered, and Theon looked at him, scoffing at his 'future lord of
Winterfell' tone of authority. It was one of the reasons that Caryssa had always hated Theon. His

family were traitors, and her father had taken him in as a kindness, yet he managed to become
entitled and arrogant regardless. It infuriated her to no end.
"I take orders from your father, not you." Theon replied, and went to say more until he felt the
cold feel of steel at his throat. He turned his head slowly to spy the Lady Archer holding her
sword at his neck, a pup in her free hand and a deadly ice in her eyes that spelled trouble for him if
he did not comply.
"That may be, but not even the King will be able to save you if you do not put away your blade,
Greyjoy. Just remember, there is no place on this earth where you could hide that I would not find
you," Her voice retained the pleasant, soft quality it always had, but had a dark, deadly tone to it
that sent shivers down all of the men's spines. There was nothing more frightening than an angry
woman, especially an angry Stark woman. "Give the pup back to Bran or lose your head."
Theon masked his own apprehension, but didn't relinquish his hold on the pup. He was waiting
orders from his lord, who had a look on his face that was a cross between amusement at his
daughter's threats and irritation that she was threatening his ward yet again. He knew that there
was no love lost between the pair, but he had hoped that it would eventually get better as they
grew older. Yet it seemed that they had only gotten worse with age. Or at least Caryssa had. As
his daughter grew more beautiful with each passing year, he had noticed his ward take more
notice of her, but he was just one of many who did, and more likely had less chance than the
butcher's son.
"Lord Stark!" Jon called, as their father was walking away, getting his attention. "There are six
pups. One for each of the Stark children. Three males, three females. The direwolf is the sigil of
your house. They were meant to have them."
Caryssa didn't lower her blade until she was certain her father was going to concede to their
wishes. Even then she didn't lower her blade until after he had finished telling them that the pups
were going to be trained by them, and that they alone would bear the responsibility for their fates.
Once Theon had passed Bran his pup back, he looked pointedly at the sword still held to his
throat.
"Aren't you going to put this away, before someone gets hurt?" Theon questioned, and Caryssa
arched a brow at him.
"As you wish, but next time, perhaps I won't hesitate," Caryssa smirked darkly at him, before
turning her attention to Jon, who was direwolf-less. "We can share this pup. I don't feel right
having one when you do not."
"I'm not a Stark." Jon replied, and tried to ignore the upset look on his sister's face. He knew that it
hurt her when he himself separated himself from her family with harsh words, because in her eyes,
he was much of as Stark as she was.
She turned her back on him, and began the short trek to her mare, until she noticed that Jon had
not followed the rest of them. She twisted her head to look back, and saw that John had a pure
white, tiny direwolf in one hand.
"The runt of the litter. That one's yours, Snow." Theon said, smirking at him.
"Close that needless hole you call a mouth, Greyjoy. Shit keeps falling out of it." Caryssa said,
resuming the short journey back to her horse, leaving her three brothers and the idiot Theon
behind her. She sheathed her sword, and put it back into her saddlebags, and then awkwardly
remounted her horse with the pup in one arm. As soon as she managed to get herself seated
comfortably again in her saddle, the direwolf pup yipped excitedly and caused Caryssa to laugh.

"I shall name youRhaenyra." Caryssa said to the pup and it barked happily at her in response.
Winterfell would not know what hit it when they brought these direwolf pups home.
~*~
Her mother came to her with news from King's Landing. Caryssa was then sent to the Godswood
to break the bad news to her father. Ned Stark and his eldest daughter were always close, being
that she was his firstborn, and were each other's confidantes. Catelyn was always there for her
husband, in all things, but sometimes, she knew, he needed his daughter's comfort more than hers.
Caryssa was softer than she was, more comforting, more like the cold, falling snow than the harsh,
freezing ice. So instead of going to the Godswood herself - she still felt like an outsider in front of
the old gods, despite having six Northern children - she sent her daughter, knowing that she could
break the news gently.
So Caryssa made the trip to the woods alone, listening to the soft crunching of the fallen leaves
under feet and staring at the small scroll in her hand. Her father was sitting in front of the Heart
Tree, cleaning his sword, Ice, from the earlier execution. He never failed to feel guilty after an
execution, especially when it came to men who had fled from the Wall and their vows out of fear,
like the man today had.
He didn't look up, though she knew he had heard her approach.
"I can still remember the first time I came out here to find you cleaning your sword. You placed it
on the ground, pulled me up onto your knee and told me that you were going to ride off into a
war." Caryssa said, a soft, sad smile played on her lips as she remembered that particular memory.
Ned looked up at his daughter as she strolled ever closer to him, her blue Tully eyes not on him,
but on something far away, lost in her own memory. He remembered that moment too, being one
of his hardest moments. Leaving behind his wife and two year old had been difficult for him,
harder than he had expected it to be. Even as she toddled around, a precious little dark haired
babe, she had been far too intelligent for him to just leave and come back without her notice. He'd
had to explain to her, his small, beautiful girl, that he had a duty to his friend, that he had to ride
into a war to remove a mad king from his throne, to save his sister, her aunt. He remembered how
she had cried silently, her large, wide eyes making him feel the most incredible guilt.
"I'm surprised you remember, you were still only a babe." Ned replied, watching her as she
seemed to glide towards him, her eyes now fixed on the tall, white Heart Tree behind him.
Caryssa always seemed at home in the woods, in nature, and he had always assumed it was due to
the Northern blood that ran through her veins.
"I remember the pain of it, but also the pride. My fathersaving the realm from the evil king. I
worshipped you, you know," Caryssa smiled widely, finally turning her gaze to her lord father, a
twinkling of amusement in her unusually sad eyes that made a smile spread on his face. "A
fearsome, intimidating warrior, a man that men would gladly fight and die for. I may have been
but a child, but I was always proud of you, father."
"As I have always been of you, daughter."
It was only then did Ned spy the rolled up parchment in between her hands, and her sad
expression, but it wasn't sadness for herself. It was for him, he noticed. Caryssa saw where his
gaze had gone to, and looked down at her hands, fiddling with the parchment.
"I'm so sorry, father." She said simply.
"Tell me."

"There was a raven from King's Landing. Jon Arryn is dead. A fever took him. I know how dear
he was to you. It says it was quick, he didn't suffer too much." Caryssa said, emphasising the last
of her words, trying to give her father that small comfort.
"Your aunt, the boy?" Ned questioned, pushing his own grief, as debilitating as it was, aside for
the moment, needing to know that Jon Arryn's family were well and looked after.
"They both have their health, gods be good," Caryssa said, as she took a seat on the only stone
seat left in front of the Heart Tree, close enough for her to reach out to her father should he need
her. He remained stoic, working through his emotions quietly in the same solitary way he always
had, the same way she had learned to. "The raven brought more news."
Her father's head snapped back towards her, and she gave him a moment, before she continued to
speak.
"The king rides for Winterfell, with the Queen, his children and all the rest of them."
"If he's coming this far north, there's only one thing he's after." Ned replied, looking towards his
daughter, whose face had become an emotionless mask. She had perfected that over the years,
withholding the emotions that she thought would only add to the burdens already on his shoulders,
he knew. They were always open with each other, but his daughter was always a complicated
character.
"My fatherthe Hand of the King. Winter is truly coming," Caryssa said, her voice hiding her
emotions as well as the stoic expression of her face. "You could always say no, father. King
Robert would understand."
"Only a fool says no to a king." Her father replied, and she shook her head at him.
"No. Only a fool would walk willingly into the lion's den."
Both father and daughter knew that while Robert was king, it was the Lannister's who had overall
control, with their money and their lioness on the throne as Queen. Aye, a man, or woman, would
surely be a fool to walk into the lion's den, and the Stark's were not fools.

Chapter End Notes

Hi!
So, this story was originally posted on fanfiction.net, but due to a problem on that
site, I'm moving the story over here. I hope you guys all enjoy it as much as my FF
fans do.

The She-Wolf and the Lion

Chapter Summary

Amid such contrary winds, in a frail bark, I find myself at sea without a tiller, so light
of wisdom, so laden with error, that I myself do not know what I want; and I shiver in
midsummer, burn in winter."
- Petrarch

Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

The King was coming to Winterfell, and was now only hours away.
Caryssa was unsure how she felt about it. After all, it would mean that her father, and possibly
some of her younger siblings, would have to leave Winterfell and go to Kings Landing. Half the
wolves would be leaving the den before winter came, and, in her opinion, that was just plain
foolish.
Shed had to help her mother with all the preparations so she hadnt been able to spend much time
with her brothers and sisters. She, Arya and Bran hadnt done much archery, she and Robb hadnt
been out riding recently or spending nearly every waking moment together, she and Jon hadnt sat
in companionable silence or had their quiet, private conversations about everything and nothing all
at the same time, and she and Sansa hadnt spent time talking about princes, knights and fairytale
romances for quite some time.
Consequently, Caryssa found herself tired and dreadfully bored.
Which is why when the morning came for the Kings expected arrival, she was dressed quickly in
a pale blue dress, one Sansa had made for her, made of thick blue cotton with blue lace and blue
silk over the top to make it look prettier. Sansa had a better eye for making beautiful things than
Caryssa had. Caryssa could sew well enough to mend clothes and make shirts for her father and
brothers, but dresses and gowns were far beyond her skill.
Her mother had come in to her room early that morning and brushed her long, silky raven locks,
deciding to just leave her slightly waved hair to just fall to her lower back with a couple of small
braids at the front to keep her hair out of her face, promising theyd do something more elaborate
for the feast that night.
Today, her mother had decided, they would leave first impressions to be made by her natural
beauty.
Caryssa was now pulling her cloak across her shoulders, resettling her necklace around her neck,
and making sure that her direwolf brooch hadnt been moved or twisted where it was pinned on
her dress, just under her bosom. Once she had deemed herself suitable, she went to make sure that
youngest children were ready. Sansa would have undoubtedly been dressed and waiting
impatiently for a couple of hours now, and Robb, and Jon were capable of seeing to themselves.
No, Caryssa headed to Aryas room, making sure she was dressed, her hair wasnt a wild mane
and her face was clean.

Arya groaned and moaned, and fought her the whole way, but soon became cooperative once
Caryssa promised to practice her fighting skills when she had a moment to spare.
Remember you promised. Im only letting you play doll with me because you promised youd
convince Jory to give me sword lessons. I hate acting like a girl, its soSansa. Arya said, before
letting out a yelp when Caryssa accidentally tugged her hair too sharply as she braided it. The
elder girl muttered an apology, before continuing her mission.
Just be thankful it was me who came looking for you, little wolf. Had it been Septa Mordane, the
hair pulling would have come with a lecture and nothing beneficial for you at all. You have gotten
the better bargain, Arya, Caryssa pointed out to her, as she tied the last of the third braid she had
just finished, after having twisted one into a bun in the middle of her head, and draping the other
two over her shoulders. There. Done. Now, put on your cloak and Ill let you wander around the
castle, until the king is in sight.
Arya beamed, before rushing with Nymeria to grab her cloak.
With one little wolf done, Caryssa went to find Bran. She checked his room, and upon finding
him missing, she knew exactly where he would be. She strode off, venturing outside, eyes on the
walls, Rhaenyra suddenly at her heels. She had left her in the kitchens that morning, the kitchen
staff happily playing with her and feeding her scraps that wouldnt be used for the feast that night,
but apparently the pup, that had grown twice her size in the month Caryssa had had her, had been
kicked out and had searched the castle for her mistress.
Rhaenyra seemed to find her brother before Caryssa spotted hers, as the pup suddenly darted
forwards, leaving Caryssa to follow in amusement. The little unnamed direwolf (Bran had yet to
decide on one) was sat, tail wagging, staring up at a tower and Caryssa rolled her eyes as she
immediately understood where her little wolf was.
It seemed her mother, who was blowing through the castle like a storm, with Maester Luwin
following dutifully behind her, also spotted the direwolf and then her son, who was swinging
down the side of the tower like it was second nature to him. Which it was. Caryssa liked to joke
that Bran was more monkey than wolf sometimes.
Brandon! Catelyn Stark called, and Brans dark head snapped to the location of the voice, and
Caryssa laughed. He didnt slip once. Her little wolf was always so surefooted and nimble.
I saw the king. Hes got hundreds of people. Bran said, excitedly, as he continued to lower
himself down the side of the castle wall.
How many times have I told you? No climbing. Catelyn scolded her son, whilst Caryssa tried to
hide her amused expression, so that she didnt undermine her mothers parenting. Bran would
never stop climbing. He just wouldnt.
But hes coming right now, down our road. Bran replied, dropping to the thatch roof, before he
continued his descent. Caryssa moved forward to pluck him down from a beam, kissing his cheek
and laughing at him, before setting him down, before he could fuss about her showing him sisterly
affection. Bran was a stubborn child that wanted to be treated like a man, like his two elder
brothers. He didnt enjoy his sisters more motherly affections.
Catelyn bent over to be at eyelevel with her son, looking into his dark eyes with her light ones,
and trying to convey her seriousness.
I want you to promise me, no more climbing. She insisted.

Bran looked down at his feet, a sign that he was lying, and Caryssas lips curled up into a smirk.
I promise. Bran said, as his mother straightened, looking more amused by his solemn vow than
he had expected. He looked up at his sister, standing at his side, and noticed the same amused
expression his mother wore, which just confused him.
Do you know what? Catelyn asked.
What? Bran questioned, still suffering from his confusion.
You always look at your feet before you lie, Caryssa stated, ruffling his hair as they chuckled
together. Their mother smiled warmly at her children, and then told Bran to go and tell his father
that the king was close. Bran rushed off, with his direwolf pup in tow, and Caryssa turned to her
mother. He wont stop climbing. Hes a Northern spirit. He follows his feet and his curiosity.
Hell grow out of it one day, though.
You havent. Your father told me that you were the one that found the direwolf puppies. You
will make an interesting wife for a great lord someday. He would not know what to do with your
curiosity. Her mother said, giving her that same exasperated look she always did. The one that
made her feel slightly bad for being a slightly difficult daughter. She took after the Stark side than
she did the Tullys, apart from her blue eyes. The wilderness of the North ran through her veins,
she could not help it any more than she could help breathing.
Her mother didnt say anything more on the subject, simply gesturing for her to follow and
Caryssa did as she was told.
They dropped Rhaenyra off in her room. Her mother had deemed it an accident waiting to
happen for the direwolves to join them in greeting the King and his entourage, so they would be
left in their rooms. They then went to gather everyone. Caryssa hunted Robb, Jon and Theon,
thankful that they were dressed and ready when she found them in Robbs room.
The King approaches. Mother wants us to go and get-Did you shave? Caryssa questioned,
seeming to forget all of her mothers instructions upon seeing all three of the young men without
any of their usual facial hair.
Your mother made us. Jon said, clearly not happy, as his fingers toyed with his shorter hair. Jon
loved his hair, the dark, unruly curls that reminded him he was a Northman, a Stark. His curls
came from his fathers family, one of the things that connected him to his family.
Caryssa walked further into the room, towards Robb, and cupped his face between her hands and
smiled widely at the softness of skin underneath her fingers. Seeing his face shaved reminded her
that he was actually younger than her, that he was still only ten and six years old, and not a true
man.
I remember this boy. You look so much younger now, much more like the little brother who used
to cling to my skirts, while he tried to toddle around after me. Caryssa teased him, planting a
noisy kiss on his cheek, laughing and enjoying his embarrassment as he batted her hands away
from him. He probably felt some sort of relief when she moved onto Jon.
Your hair still looks wonderful, Jon. A lot less wild. The Southern women shall fall at your feet,
brothers, Caryssa said to them, affectionately ruffling Jons hair, and kissing his forehead. She
smiled at them, her two boys, not Theon, before gesturing to the door. Now come along. We
need to be standing with father when the King arrives.
Robb and Jon rose together, and held their arms out to her. She took them both, looping her arms

through theirs, and together the three eldest Stark children (Caryssa refused to discredit Jons
validity as a Stark) walked to the castle gates where their family waited for them.
Caryssa took her place as the eldest next to her father, with Robb beside her and Sansa beside
him. Bran was at the very end. Rickon, as the youngest, stood beside their mother, whilst Jon and
Theon stood behind them, as they were not considered (by Lady Stark) to be a part of the family.
Caryssa noticed the lack of Aryas presence before her mother did, but she did not worry as she
knew that Arya was most likely getting a closer look before joining them.
Wheres Arya? Caryssa, Sansa, wheres your sister? Their mother questioned, and both girls
shrugged.
As though she knew that her name had been mentioned, Arya hurried forward, trying to sneak the
helmet she wore past her father, but he grabbed her arm and stopped her in front of him.
What are you doing with that on? He questioned, pulling it off the girls head. Robb and
Caryssa chuckled at her, as the girl groaned when her father sent her to her place in line. Caryssa
watched her father pass the helmet backwards to Ser Rodrik, before they all stared forwards again,
waiting.
The visitors suddenly poured through the gates, a river of gold and silver, and both the banners of
House Baratheon and of House Lannister fluttering in the Northern winds. Together, stags and
lions rode forth into the cold den of the wolves.
Caryssa instantly recognized the prince, though she had never seen him before. Sansa had talked
about him often enough, though she had only heard talk of him too, that Caryssa felt as though she
could pick him out in a crowd of a hundred men. He was not as handsome as her sister and many
others described. Caryssa felt a nudge at her side, and looked at Robb, who gestured to Sansa.
Their little sister was staring adoringly at the prince, who was giving her similar looks. Neither
Robb nor Caryssa were pleased about that particular development. The prince was flanked by a
member of the Kingsguard, and the Hound, if his armor were anything to go by.
Caryssa caught eyes with the knight cloaked in white and gold, and recognized him. Jaime
Lannister was his name, the Queens twin brother. A smirk settled on his face as he caught her
staring, but she did not look away like he obviously expected her to. Caryssas blue eyes stayed
fixed on his green ones, and scrutinized the lion. She suddenly felt like all those stories she had
heard whispered about the handsome oath breaker did not do him justice.
~*~
Jaime Lannister wondered why the eldest Stark girl had not turned away when he had caught her
staring at him. Most women did, often blushing as they did so, but not this one. She just kept
staring, her ice blue eyes seeming to search his for something that neither of them knew what, until
disinterest flashed in her eyes. He saw it. She was not interested in him, and dismissed him
without a word or greeting. Jaime was not used to such a rejection, and from a woman he had yet
to talk to, and that interested him all the more.
~*~
Caryssas eyes were drawn away from the Kingslayer by a wooden coach adorned with red and
gold, flying the banners of House Lannister, was drawn in next, and Caryssa guessed that some of
the ladies of the court, and the Queen, were within. Caryssa could think of nothing worse than
being stuck inside a dark carriage for hours upon hours instead of riding on horseback, as free as
the wind.

A man flanked by more of the Kingsguard rode in next, and Caryssa assumed that it was the king,
though he was nothing like her father had described. Ned Stark had described a tall, slim,
fearsome warrior, but the man who they were knelt before now was shorter and fatter, not one bit
the brilliant soldier he had once been. It was disappointing to say the least. Caryssa kept her eyes
to the ground, when everyone bent the knee at the sight of the king, but heard clearly the kings
footsteps as he approached them.
He stopped right in front of her father, and then gestured for them to rise. Ned Stark rose first, his
wife, his children and the rest of his house following after him. Caryssa kept her face down, her
eyes on the ground at her feet. Her father had warned her that he did not know what the kings
reaction would be to her, as she looked so much like her aunt, the woman the king loved. So until
it was her turn to greet the king, she would keep her eyes on the ground so her father could greet
his old friend properly.
Your Grace. Her father said, bowing his head in respect.
Youve got fat. The king said, and Caryssa bit her lip to stop herself from laughing as she saw,
out of the corner of her eye, her father nod his head at the kings swollen stomach.
Both men laughed, and then embraced each other warmly, and Caryssa smiled at her brother as
she looked towards him, still keeping her head low. The king then embraced their mother, and
ruffled Rickons hair affectionately.
Nine yearsWhy havent I seen you? Where the hell have you been? The king questioned his
old friend.
Guarding the North for you, Your Grace. Winterfell is yours. Their father said. Caryssa heard
Arya ask where the Imp was, referring to the Queens younger brother, Lord Tyrion Lannister,
and heard Sansa promptly tell her sister to shut up.
Who have we here? The king questioned, and Caryssa could feel his eyes on her, and knew the
time had come and braced herself inwardly, as she lifted her head to look upon her king.
She saw the shock in his face, and heard his withdrawn breath, and knew that he had made the
connection between her and his late love. Caryssa just raised her chin slightly, refusing to back
down now, and kept his gaze despite the many eyes that were now questioning why the king had
had such a reaction to the Northern Lady and the thumping of her anxious heart in her chest.
Lyanna? He questioned, and Caryssa shook her head, looking to her father for help.
Lyanna Stark was my aunt, your grace. She said, her voice a little breathy as she was nervous as
to what his next actions would be.
This is Caryssa, my eldest. She was but a babe the last time you saw her. Ned explained to his
friend, and the Baratheon king nodded, his eyes still on Caryssa.
By the Gods, Ned, she looks like your sister, Robert said, before clearing his throat and taking
Caryssas hand, lifting it to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on it. He quickly let her hand fall, and
moved on down the line of Stark children. Caryssa refused to follow the king with her eyes, but
instantly regretted it as she caught the cold green eyes of the queen. Cersei Lannister glared at the
ghost who now haunted her in the flesh, but broke the gaze when she saw that the Stark girl
would not. Caryssa was too stubborn to cower to a Lannister, no matter what her station. You
must be Robb.
The king shook her brothers hand, and drew Caryssas attention again. She smiled at Robb as he

returned the handshake with a rather regal nod of his head. Caryssa mused, not for the first time,
that Robb would have made a good King of the North, like so many of their ancestors had before
the North was claimed as dominion of the king of the rest of Westeros.
My, youre a pretty one, The king said to Sansa, before moving on to talk to Arya, Your name
is?
Arya. Caryssa was happy that her sister stayed true to form and did not flinch when the king
addressed her. The king moved on again, smiling slightly at Bran, before he spoke with
amusement coloring his tone. He seemed to have a way with the younger children.
Oh, show us your muscles, He said, and Bran pushed his cloak back and flexed his arm. The
king chuckled at the little wolf and smiled. Oh, youll be a soldier.
Brans replying beam of happiness made Caryssas heart warm. It was no secret amongst their
family that Bran wanted to be a knight or a member of the Kingsguard someday, and for the king
to say that to him obviously meant the world to him. Caryssa mused silently that the king probably
did not even know the kindness that he had just done the boy.
Thats Jaime Lannister, the Queens twin brother. Caryssa heard Arya mutter to Sansa, and her
eyes flickered back to the Lannister lion, who had removed his helm, shaking out his golden hair.
Caryssa could fully see him now, and was now certain that the whispers did him no justice. His
hair was like spun gold, not unlike the Queens and her childrens, and he had a very handsome
face. He had dismounted his horse, with the prince and the Hound, and his eyes scanned the area,
before being drawn back to her. She unashamedly let her eyes roam his body, taking in his
expensive armor and his physique, before she grew uninterested again, so snapped her eyes away
from him and gave her attention to the Queen, who had finally approached them.
She gave her father a slight smile, placing her hand in his. Ned lifted the Queens pale, cold hand
to his lips and pressed a quick, gentle kiss to it.
My queen. He said, and his wife curtseyed and repeated his words in greeting, earning another
twitch of a smile from the Southern Queen, which was quickly wiped away by her husbands
request.
Take me to your crypt. I want to pay my respects.
Weve been riding for a month, my love. Surely the dead can wait. The Queen said, and
Caryssa saw her point. The ride from Kings Landing to Winterfell was not exactly a short trip, nor
would it have been rather comfortable, but the King paid that no mind.
Ned. He called to Caryssas father, before turning his back on his wife, disappearing from view.
Caryssa watched her fathers eyes flit to the Queen, giving her an apologetic look, before
reluctantly following his king, and his friend, even if he did not want to.
Caryssa felt slightly awkward, and slightly disappointed by the man that she had just seen. It
became clear very quickly that there was no love between the king and queen, and that he did not
honor his wife as he should, because of the love he still bore to a woman long dead. Caryssa gave
the Lion Queen a kind smile, but both of their attention was drawn to the youngest Stark girl as
she asked, slightly louder than she should have, where the Imp was.
The Queen strode away towards her brother and son, and Caryssa found the Lannister Lions eyes
on her again. She quirked her head, giving him a questioning gaze, but rolled her eyes when he
smirked at her. He was clearly one of those men. The type of man who would toy with a person

for his own amusements. Caryssa was a little apprehensive about his gaze, since she was not nave
enough to believe that he actually remained as celibate as his vows would have him, couple that
with the fact that he was a Lannister who had enough wealth and power to believe they could
have anything or anyone they wished and Caryssa found herself unhappy that she had caught his
apparent interest.
The kings visit would not bode well for her it seemed, not well for her at all.
~*~
Jaime Lannisters interest was piqued by the Stark girl, that was for sure. He had heard rumours of
her beauty and her singing voice many times from inn keepers and villagers on their journey north,
but while she was breath-taking, a pale, dark beauty, she was only as beautiful as his sister was.
His sister. He and his sisters own forbidden relationship had come to an end a couple years after
their last bastard had been born. Their love for each other was still there, but it was less potent than
it had been in the beginning. They had realised that it was nothing more than a childish dream to
continue, praying one day that they could be together. They were both sick of hiding, of the
secrets, of all the terrible things they had had to do in order to protect their secrets, and so ended it,
even though their love still remained as something more than a familial love.
Unless he found someone he could love without having to hide their relationship, a distraction
from the love he had had to let go. Cersei found her distraction in her children, and in her hatred
for her husbands whoring and refusal to let himself love his queen. Jaime thought that his duties
as a Kingsguard would be enough, but it wasnt.
Maybe the Stark girl could be distraction enough, or perhaps even grow into a tolerable
companion. He knew that the King and Ned Stark would be discussing possible betrothals for the
eldest Stark girl since there were none in the North that the old wolf deemed worthy. Maybe he
would throw his name into consideration. Seeing the Kings reaction to the girl, he knew that
Robert would want his Lyanna look-a-like to be in Kings Landing where he could look upon her
when he wished, so he would probably look to some of the knights or lords in Kings Landing.
Jaime Lannister smirked, as he realised that maybe his visit to the frozen hell that was the north
wouldnt be so terrible after all.

Chapter End Notes

Hi!
This story was originally on fanfiction.net, but due to problems on the site, I've started
to post on here instead.
I hope you enjoy the story as much as my reviewers on FF seem too!

A Tale of Two Betrothals

Chapter Summary

"Happiness is different from pleasure.

Happiness has something to do with struggling,
and enduring,
and accomplishing."
-George Sheehan

Sometime in the middle of the day, Caryssa was getting frustrated by the amount of people that
seemed to be packed within the castle. So she went to seek refuge in her usual place; the
Godswood. She sat in front of the Heart Tree, her head bowed and her eyes closed. She loved the
quiet of the forest, the only sounds to be heard were the rustling of the leaves and the cheerful
chirping of birds. Caryssa understood why her father would come out here after an execution, to
pray to the gods and clean his sword. It was peaceful enough that you could clear your head and
sort through the noise within your thoughts.
Caryssa would always come out to the Godswood, to sit in front of the Heart Tree, when she was
little. Often shed find her father out here, and theyd sit together in the silence of the woods.
Shed sit on the ground while he sat on a small stone seat, and shed lean against his legs and hed
run his fingers through her hair while they both worked through their own thoughts. Sometimes
theyd talk through problems that her father was having, she would offer her opinion and hed
take what she said into consideration. Her mother would joke that Caryssa was more her fathers
advisor than his daughter at times and that she was too wise for someone so young.
Perhaps she was too wise for her own good. Caryssa had always had a knack for knowing when
something was going to change, when something was coming in the horizon. It wasnt anything
that wasnt natural, she wasnt a seer or a witch; she just had good instincts. For example, the
kings arrival in Winterfell spelt a change coming that she knew that she wasnt going to like. Her
father would have no choice but to accept the kings offer of becoming the Hand of the King, and
he would leave Winterfell. That was a change that Caryssa did not want. They were of the North,
their blood ran differently to those in the South, they were different, and Ryssa knew that she
couldnt protect her father if he were in the South. She wouldnt be able to race to his side quickly
enough to protect him.
She shook her head of those thoughts. Her father was Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and
Warden of the North, he had put a king on the throne and stopped rebellions, and he could look
after himself, even if her instincts were telling her that sometimes even that wouldnt be enough.
Caryssa was certain that everyone would be too busy or too occupied with the feast tonight to
bother her here, even praying to the Gods to give a few moments peace, but her prayers went
unanswered. She heard the snapping of twigs underneath feet, and turned her head to see that
Jaime Lannister stood behind her, leaning casually against a tree, though no longer in his golden
and white armor. Caryssa supposed that he would look a lot less intimidating like this, than he did
in his armor, though Caryssa herself couldnt say that she felt intimidated by his presence. It was
more a lust that she wouldnt give into. A Lannister was not someone she as a Stark wanted to
involve herself with.

While a wolf is not afraid of a lion, both being predators, a wolf is wise not to venture too close to
a lion, lest they rip each other apart.
What do you pray for, Lady Stark, on a happy occasion such as this? He questioned, as he took
in her moment of surprise before she stamped it out, schooling a mask of indifference on her face.
On a happy occasion such as this, I pray for the patience to deal with unwanted attention from
Lannister lions, Ser Jaime. Clearly the gods have their attentions elsewhere today. Caryssa
replied, smiling at him briefly, a sarcastic smile to match her witty words.
The Ice Lady has a wit. What a lovely surprise, Caryssa scowled at Jaime, before turning
around to face the Heart Tree again, choosing to ignore him. She stared down at her pale hands,
wondering how they could still be smooth and soft in spite of the cold weathers she had grown in,
and hoped he would simply leave as his presence troubled her. Was nowhere sacred anymore?
She had been certain that none of the Southerners wouldnt come into the place of the Old Gods.
Have I offended you, my lady? I do hope that you accept my most humble of apologies.
Im sorry to say that I dont take any notice of honeyed words from pretty men, Ser, Caryssa
rose to her feet, brushing leaves away and flicking mud from the bottom of her skirts, and turned
to face him. And an apology is only humble when the person giving it truly means it, and is not
using it to disguise his smugness and arrogance.
Your words wound me, Lady Stark. What have I done to earn such cynicism? Jaime
questioned, strolling towards her and Caryssa fought the impulse to step backwards like a skittish
animal. She saw the amusement in his green eyes, eyes she noticed were not as cold as his sisters
were. He was enjoying this.
Nothing, Ser, except being a Lannister. I have been warned that it is not wise for a lady to play
with lions. Caryssa replied, now having to look up to keep looking into his eyes as he had moved
directly in front of her. Her sense of propriety and decency, as well as her mistrust of men, was
telling her that she should step away, leave before he could do anything to compromise her honor,
but the arrogance in his eyes and her own stubbornness rooted her feet to the very ground where
she stood.
Or for a knight to play with wolves, but you dont strike me as the type of lady to stick to the
rules, Lady Stark.
Caryssa took a confident step forward, eliminating a large amount of the space between them,
surprising the lion with her boldness. She had surprised herself, allowing herself to be in a rather
intimate position with a strange man who was not her husband or even her betrothed, but she
continued anyway.
It has been my experience, Ser Jaime, that rules are more like guidelines in a game, Caryssa
said, smiling at him, and he blinked in surprise at the difference between the cold, blank
expression she had had before and the beaming smile she had plastered on her face now. It made
her even more pleasing to look at, if that were possible. In any case, I dont recall inviting you to
play.
With those final words, Caryssa left the golden knight in front of the Heart Tree, a satisfied smirk
playing on her lips.
She had been toe-to-toe with the golden lion, and walked away without a scratch, that was a
victory to be proud of.
~*~

After her brief encounter with Jaime Lannister, Caryssa headed to Sansas room, knowing that her
younger sister would want to choose the dress she would wear and how she was going to have
her hair so that she wouldnt get embarrassed by her older sisters appearance. Caryssa insisted
that she was perfectly capable of dressing herself, but when it came to feasts and princes and
dresses, Sansa was not one to be argued with.
So that was where Caryssa was, lying across her sisters bed, watching her mother braid Sansas
beautiful red hair. Sansa was wearing one of her own creations, a pretty blue gown, and she was
having her mother braid her hair in an elaborate Southern style in honor of their guests.
Do you think Joffrey will like me? What if he thinks Im ugly? Sansa questioned, and Caryssa
had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. Her sister valued nothing more than approval from the prince
and the rest of the royal family. It quite annoyed Caryssa, who believed that no ones opinion or
approval mattered but that of your blood. Family, Duty, Honor was the motto of House Tully, her
mothers family, and Caryssa took that seriously. Family first, duty second, and honor third.
Then he is the stupidest prince that ever lived. Catelyn told her daughter, and Caryssa nodded.
And a blind fool to boot. Caryssa added, sitting up and looking at her sister as the girl stared at
her reflection in a hand held mirror.
Hes so handsome. When would we be married? Soon? Or do we have to wait? Sansa
questioned, and Caryssa frowned. Sansa was in love with the idea of love, of marrying a prince
and bearing his children. She didnt seem to understand the reality of it. Joffrey could be a cruel,
evil little brute underneath the nice, charming exterior, and Sansa wouldnt know it until it was too
late.
Hush now. Your father hasnt even said yes. Their mother reminded her, continuing to braid the
silky red strands of her daughters hair.
Why would he say no? Hed be the second most powerful man in the kingdoms. Sansa replied,
and Caryssa shook her head at the little wolf.
Father would have to leave Winterfell, leave mother, and you along with him. Winter is coming,
little wolf, and when winter comes, what do the wolves do? Caryssa questioned, rising to her feet
and moving into her sisters eye line. Sansa sighed, and stared at her sister stubbornly until she
knew that she was waiting for an answer.
The wolves stay in the den and protect each other, but, Caryssa, Id be queen someday, Sansa
said, before turning to look at her mother, with wide, pleading eyes. Please make Father say yes!
Please, please! Its the only thing I ever wanted.
Lets drop this discussion for now. What dress do you plan to wear to the feast, Ryssa? Catelyn
questioned her eldest, and the young woman smiled in response at her mothers quick subject
change, and decided to help her.
I was thinking of the grey one that I wore for Robbs last namesday. Its pretty enough. Caryssa
replied, shrugging her shoulders in indifference. She did not care for feasts. She was too much like
her father. They both felt like a bear in a trap when it came to feasts, although, Caryssa did enjoy
dancing, so she would often try and miss the first part of the feast to arrive just in time for the
dancing and would then leave just as quickly. Though that would not be the case with this feast,
she would be obligated to stay as long as possible as it was a feast for the king.
I actually had a dress made especially for you for this special occasion. Sansa helped. Its in the
Southern style, in honor of our guests. Her mother said, finishing Sansas last braid, and leaving

the room to go fetch the dress.

Caryssa gave Sansa a curious look, and Sansa feigned innocence, which made her elder sister
laugh at her obviousness. Ryssa sat back down on the bed, and waited for her mother to return,
trying to persuade her sister to give her more details about the dress that she knew next to nothing
about. Sansa refused to cooperate however, saying that it was a surprise, and Ryssa just grew
more frustrated and antsy.
She had never been a fan of surprises. Especially when they were often bad.
This one turned out to be one of those rare, wonderful surprises.
Her mother waltzed back into the room, a dress of light blue cotton - with a layer of silk above it
so that it was beautiful, but warm in the Northern temperatures - draped across her arms. It didnt
have sleeves, but Caryssa was used to the cold northern air, and she would be inside most of the
night anyway. Caryssa took the dress from her mothers arms, and looked at it more closely. There
was silver embroidery on the bodice that just added to the beauty of the gown. It was most
definitely the most beautiful dress that Caryssa owned.
Its beautiful. Thank you both. Caryssa said, before she disappeared behind the screen in
Sansas room, and undressed.
She slipped the new gown on, smoothing the skirt out and loving the feel of silk underneath her
hands. Most of her gowns were made from thick cottons or wool because of the temperatures, so
silk was a rare thing for her to come across. She felt every bit the Beauty of the North in the gown
she was now wearing. She moved out from behind the screen, and turned her back to her mother,
who promptly moved forwards to tie the laces up in the back.
When Caryssa turned around, after settling the jewel of her necklace over the neck of her dress,
both her mother and her sister cooed at her apparent beauty, and then forced her into the seat that
Sansa quickly vacated, so that they could do her hair. They twisted and tugged her hair in their
hands, plaiting two braids on either side of her hair, then connecting them into a larger braid that
went down her back, whilst leaving a large section of her hair flowing down her back in dark
waves.
When her mother and sister were done, Caryssa rose to her feet.
It truly is a beautiful gown, Mother, but I had so many suitable gowns fit for a feast with the king,
so what is the real reason behind this gift? Caryssa questioned, arching an eyebrow and daring
her mother to not speak the truth. Her mother sighed, and her sister rolled her eyes at the challenge
in Caryssas eyes.
Your father has been thinking of potential suitors for your hand for a few weeks now. I believe
the king will help your father make a decision tonight. Catelyn told her daughter in the softest
voice she could muster, knowing that her daughter would not take kindly to being kept in the dark
for all this time.
Sansa watched her sister closely, expecting a strong reaction. If there was one thing that Caryssa
Stark hated, it was secrets or being kept out of affairs that she deemed she was privy to. She was
the eldest, she deserved to be kept in the know, it was her right. Also this was directly connected
to her sister, so she was certain to be angry that their father had kept this from her.
Who are the suitors they are considering? Caryssa questioned, her eyes staring at the skirt of her
dress, her voice quiet, but still as strong as it would normally be.

They have narrowed it down to a few, among them Lord Loras Tyrell, and Ser Jaime Lannister.
Jaime Lannister has taken vows. He cannot take a wife. Caryssa denied, and she glared at her
mother for not coming to tell her when it appeared that her father would not. She was not a child
no longer, and even when she was considered a child, she had been privy to a lot of sensitive
information, because she was trustworthy and wise for her short years.
The king is considering releasing him from his vows. He believes it would relieve the tensions
that have been between the Houses of Stark and Lannister for years. Catelyn explained, realizing
immediately that her words were not the ones her daughter had wanted to hear, when the girl let
out a frustrated growl, sounding very much like a wolf of her House.
You should be happy, sister, both Ser Loras and Ser Jaime are very handsome. If you marry Ser
Jaime, we could both have beautiful blonde babes. Sansa said, and Caryssas head snapped
towards her sister, fixing the romantic-minded girl with a dark look. Sansa couldnt understand
why her sister was not happy with the way things were turning out. If Ser Jaime was released
from his vows, and they married, Caryssa would be Lady Lannister of Casterly Rock someday.
Caryssa had suddenly had enough of pampering and preening, and made her escape while she
could. She rushed to her rooms, purposefully trying to avoid being seen by anyone. The feast was
in less than an hour, and if someone saw her now, she would have to go then and not halfway
through as she wished.
So she snuck through the hallways, until she managed to sneak into her rooms, where she picked
up the book on healing that Maester Luwin had loaned her, trying her best not to focus on the
betrayal her father had committed against her. Caryssa and her father had a strict no secrets policy.
She had never kept a secret from him in her life, but he had been keeping one from her for weeks.
She was hurt, but she knew she would have to push her feelings aside when she entered the Great
Hall. The good thing about feasts and banquets and court was that it was like a masquerade. You
need only put on the right mask and then no one could see through it to who you truly were or
how you were feeling.
A couple hours later, Caryssa donned her own mask and made the trip to the Great Hall, steeling
herself before she entered. She plastered on a wide, pretty smile, and told herself that the next day
she would ask her father when he intended to tell her, but for tonight, she would attempt to play
the happy daughter who knew nothing of her impending betrothal. She would dance, she would
drink, she would sing if the king asked for it, and she would forget her fathers small betrayal and
enjoy the rest of the feast.

The Lady Dances

Chapter Summary

"We are puppets, dancing on the strings of those who came before us, and one day,
our own children will take up our strings, and dance in our steads."
-George R. R. Martin

Chapter Notes

Disclaimer: The song in this story is Sleepsong by Secret Garden. It's a beautiful Irish
lullaby and it does not in any way belong to me. I just can't write songs or poetry so I
used it for this story.

Jaime Lannister had been looking for her all night, from where he leaned against the furthest wall
from where the king was. The King had talked to him after their little rendezvous in the
Godswood, telling him that he was being considered by Ned Stark and himself to marry the shewolf.
Merely a couple of years past, he would have protested at the thought of marrying anyone that
was not his sister, though he would have remained silent about that little fact. No one would have
matched his sister, but now, the idea of marriage was a lot more agreeable. It wasnt like he was
dishonoring his sister. They were no longer partaking in their taboo relationship, and Cersei often
found her pleasures in others now and he found it didnt bother him as much as he used to think it
would.
Marrying the Stark girl could be a lot of fun. The only part he objected to was no longer being part
of the Kingsguard, and he had gotten that fool of a king to agree to let him keep his post, whilst
still marrying the young woman, should he be the final decision. His marriage would make his
father happy as his son would be able to become the heir to Casterly Rock.
His eyes searched the room for her again, until he heard a chuckle from his side. His eyes moved
reluctantly down, knowing immediately who the chuckle belonged to. His little brother (in every
sense of the word) stood beside him, with an all too knowing look.
You should make it less obvious, brother. Tyrion suggested, and Jaime rolled his eyes.
Im sure I dont know what you mean, brother. Jaime said, looking away from his brothers
smug face.
The Stark girl is rumored to be the most beautiful thing in the North, maybe even the whole of
Westeros, with a singing voice that could lure even the most honorable of men to her bed, Tyrion
said casually, as he sipped his goblet of wine, and watched his brothers face. Though, I also
heard she refuses any that try to court her. Apparently the last man tried to force himself on her, so
she cut off his hand herself.

I have not heard her sing, but she is a beauty, that I cannot deny. I dont know about her skill
with a blade, but she does have a sharp tongue. It could rival yours, brother. Jaime replied,
scanning the room for the woman they were speaking of once more.
Then the doors to the hall opened and she sauntered in, her head high and a wide smile on her
lips. She was wearing a dress that looked like it belonged in the South, clearly something her
mother had made for her in their honor. She did look a vision in the pale blue silk, and Jaime
found himself transfixed until another chuckle made him turn his eyes away from her, but it didnt
last long, and his eyes were drawn back to her, like every other males in the room. She seemed
happy to have finally joined them, but her smile was a clear lie. Hed seen the same smile on his
sister before. It didnt quite reach her eyes, which made him question why. Perhaps she had heard
of their potential betrothal and was less than happy about it. Or perhaps she disliked feasts as
much as her father seemed to.
And then he caught her eyes, and knew that it wasnt about the feast.
~*~
Caryssa glided into the hall, and when she felt eyes on her, she turned to find them. Green eyes
appraised her, and instead of that smug, warm feeling she had gotten that morning, she found
herself feeling like a prize mare in an auction.
Despite the fact she still lusted over the golden lion, tonight she couldnt bear to look at him,
knowing that her harmless flirting could suddenly become an invisible iron chain binding her to
him for life. She looked away quickly, but her eyes caught his sisters instead. Cersei managed to
quirk her lips at her, but Caryssa knew it was fake. The Queen did not like her, because Caryssa
was the living form of the ghost that haunted her marriage. It was not a secret that the Kings heart
still belonged to Lyanna Stark, and that Cersei hated him for that. Caryssa did not flinch from her
gaze, and it seemed that Cersei would not either, until Catelyn pulled her into a conversation.
Caryssa rushed to the table where her siblings were sat, wanting to distract herself from her
thoughts. She pushed herself in between Robb and Theon and stole Robbs mug of ale, drinking it
quickly without spilling a drop. Robb had made a noise of protest, until he saw his sisters hands
shaking as she placed the mug back in front of him. Caryssas hands never shook, not unless she
was angry, and despite her furious temper, she did not get angry often. Which meant that
something was terribly wrong.
Get my sister a cup of wine! Robb called to a serving wench, and a cup was immediately placed
in front of her. Caryssa immediately drained it, clenching her hand around the cup when she
finally noticed that her hand was shaking. Are you going to tell me what is wrong?
Gods give me strength, Caryssa muttered, before she looked at her brother and Robb
immediately saw the anger in her eyes. He had been right. Father has been making plans with the
King to marry me toJaime Lannister or Loras Tyrell. Im not sure what is worse; my potential
suitors or father keeping secrets from me.
He is only doing what is right by you and by the family. You should not worry so much, sister.
Perhaps you are right, but that does not make me feel any better about it, Caryssa said, snatching
Theons mug of ale, and gulping it down before he could snatch it back. She then rose to her feet,
and held her hand out to her brother. Come dance with me, brother. It should help me forget the
mess my life will soon become.
Robb rolled his eyes at her, but took her hand and led her to the only open space in the Great Hall.
The music picked up as the entertainers saw Lady Caryssa take to the floor, and it brought a smile

to her face. Robb pulled his sister into the circle of his arms, and then they danced, practically
flying around the space to the beat of the music. Robb was just glad that his sister was now
laughing, instead of angry as she was before.
When their dance was over, Caryssa was practically passed around, dancing with pretty much
anyone who asked. She even danced with Theon, but that could have been because of the mixture
of ale and wine she had consumed. Still, she did not expect, when she was dancing with her sister,
Arya, to suddenly be pulled away into the strong arms of Ser Jaime Lannister. He smirked at her,
as he moved her around the room, as though he expected her to pull away and go back to dancing
with her sister, but she smiled at him, even if it was a terse, bitter smile, and kept on dancing, even
though she tried to escape when a slower song was played but Jaime held onto her.
You look beautiful, my lady. Ser Jaime said, and Caryssa rolled her eyes at him, being forced to
hold in her words as he twirled her in a circle before pulling her back into his arms.
Oh spare me your flattery, Ser. Caryssa snapped, and Jaime smirked at her.
I take it you heard about the possibility of our marriage. Ill try to hold off the sting of rejection,
until you tell me why you object so much to the idea.
I object to the idea because wolves and lions do not belong together, and I do not belong in the
South. The North is where I belong, especially now.
Winter is coming. You Starks are a paranoid bunch, arent you? Jaime questioned, and
Caryssa laughed in his face, but he could tell that it was in a mocking way instead of amusement.
Not to be rude, Ser, but you Southerners spend too much time giving your attentions to
tournaments and feasts and courts. You dont feel and see the changes we do here in the North.
The winds get harsher each year, the air colder, and our warm months grow shorter. Winter is
coming, and the North will be prepared while the rest of you freeze and complain about your
short-sightedness. Caryssa said, her voice low and dark but her smile was one of ease and
smugness, until she saw that her words had not had the desired effect upon her dance partner.
In fact, he was looking at her in amusement, and slight surprise, and there was something strange
in his eyes that Caryssa did not want to dwell on for fear of answers she was not ready to hear.
His stupid grin, however, caused her to scowl. She wanted him to take her words to heart, wanted
him to take offence, and maybe even threaten her. She wanted to put him off of her, so that he
would rush off to King Robert and her father and take himself out of the running for her hand.
I think I might enjoy being married to a woman with such a sharp tongue, Jaime smirked, and
Caryssa found herself smiling in spite of herself, which the golden haired man caught as he was
staring down at her as they danced. Ah, the lady smiles! My mission is complete.
What? Caryssa questioned, and Jaime saw the confusion in her blue eyes, though her lips were
still curved up into a smile.
When you walked in, my lady, your smile wasnt real. Probably because you found out about
our possibly upcoming vows. So I made it my mission to get the Ice Lady to smile, and, my lady,
it was much easier than I thought it would be. Jaime teased her, and she narrowed her eyes at
him, before she noticed a familiar figure behind across the room from them and a wider smile
spread across her face. She pushed Jaimes arms away from her, leaving him in the middle of the
other dancers, watching as she rushed to embrace another man.
Caryssa ignored her father, practically shoved Robb out of her way, and threw her arms around
her uncle, squeezing him tightly as he chuckled at her enthusiasm.

Uncle Benjen! She cried, leaning back slightly to take in his face. He had more lines on his face
than the last time she had seen him, which had been a couple of years ago.
Caryssa, my girl, you grow more beautiful each time I see you. Her uncle replied, grinning from
ear to ear, as his niece crushed herself to him again and planted a kiss to his cheek. She let him go
after a moment more, and leaned into Robbs side, his arm immediately curling around her waist.
Caryssa saw her fathers eyes twinkle at the sight of them. He was always happy that his two
eldest had formed such a close bond. He knew that it meant they would always look after each
other.
I think your eyes are not as keen as they used to be, uncle. I have not changed since last we met.
Caryssa laughed, resting her head on her brothers shoulder.
My eyes do not deceive me, my girl. Your aunt was the same. As she grew older, she only
became more beautiful. Benjen replied, his eyes taking on a soft sort of sadness. It was the same
look that had been in the kings eyes that morning when he had looked upon her for the first time
during their introduction. That raw pain still evident even after all these years.
Ryssa noticed that her father looked like he was going to speak to her, so she untangled herself
from her brothers embrace, and turned on her heel quickly. She did not think she could contain
her temper at that present moment, should he speak to her about what her mother had told her. So
she decided to head towards her two younger brothers, both of whom looked close to falling
asleep.
However, instead of the quick escape she had wanted, she found herself staring at the chin of a
golden lion. She tilted her head back to look into his eyes, but his eyes were on the man behind
her. Her father had followed her, and now she was trapped between the two, with no hope of
escape.
Your pardon, ser. Ryssa said, hoping Jaime would move, but she was promptly ignored.
I hear we might be neighbors soon. I hope its true. Jaime said, and Caryssa sighed, and waited
for the masculine display to be over.
Yes, the king has honored me with his offer. Ned replied, pulling his daughter back slightly by
her hip. He was uncomfortable with how close she was to the Kingslayer. They were not married
yet, and she was still his daughter.
I also heard that I might be marrying your lovely daughter here. Jaime said, finally
acknowledging her presence. She gave him a terse smile in response, and made to move around
him, but he just stepped forward and made sure she was properly trapped. Caryssa sighed in
frustration, and looked around the room to see if anyone was paying enough attention to come and
save her, but the only person who was watching was Tyrion Lannister, and he seemed to be
enjoying her situation far too much.
She shot the Imp a dark look, and he just laughed into his goblet of wine, shaking his head at her.
That is also true. The King and I have been discussing suitors for her in the capital.
Im sure well have a tournament to celebrate your new title and my marriage to your daughter, if
you accept. It would be good to have you on the field. The competition has become a bit stale.
Ser Jaime replied, with an irritating, yet handsome, smirk on his face that made both father and
daughter grind their teeth in annoyance. Jaime noticed that, and his smirk became more
pronounced. Caryssa truly was her fathers daughter.

I dont fight in tournaments. Ned stated, much to Jaimes amusement.

No? Getting a little old for it? He teased the older man, who just chuckled in return, letting the
comment roll right off of him.
I dont fight in tournaments because when I fight a man for real, I dont want him to know what I
can do. Her father said, and Caryssa had to bite back her laughter at the very subtle threat in his
words. It would not do well to threaten a Lannister, but her father knew that.
Well said. The Lannister lion grinned at him, and Caryssa decided that she had finally had
enough.
Now that you are both done with wasting precious moments of my life, I should put Bran and
Rickon to bed before they fall asleep in their seats, Caryssa said, raising her voice slightly to
really get their attention. Jaime just smirked at her, as he had in almost all of their encounters, and
she glared up at him as he made it clear that he had no intentions of moving out of her way.
Move, Ser Jaime, or you can choose which appendage youd most like to lose.
She is feisty, isnt she? Could be entertaining should we marry. Jaime said, before stepping out
of her way and with a sweeping gesture, allowed her to finally leave.
She just rolled her eyes at him, before sauntering away, well aware that her father and Jaime were
still watching her. Caryssa moved quickly towards her little brothers, holding back her laughter as
Rickons head drooped before he jerked upright again. She curled her arm around her younger
brothers neck, and he looked up at her with sleepy, child-like eyes.
Come on, pup, its time for bed, She said, plucking him up from his seat, settling him on her hip.
Rickon immediately buried his face into her hair, nuzzling her neck before falling asleep almost
instantly. She cooed quietly to him, before holding out her hand to Bran. You too, little wolf.
Youre coming as well.
Bran didnt even bother to protest, knowing that he was tired and that his sister knew it as well.
He just took her hand, and let her lead him out of the hall, having to pause every so often as his
sister was forced to say goodnight to someone.
Eventually, Caryssa made it outside with the two boys, and unsurprisingly, Robb and Arya at their
heels. Arya had flung food at Sansa while the prince had been watching, so Robb was forced to
escort her to her room by their mother.
Sansa is such a baby! Arya grumbled, as Robb and Caryssa rolled their eyes at her. Caryssa
shifted Rickon on her hip, ignoring Robb when he offered to take him. The little wolf pup was
already asleep, and Caryssa didnt want to risk jostling him and waking him up.
Says the baby who still flings food at her sister, Caryssa said, giving her little sister a
disapproving glance. Young ladies do not throw food.
You always tell me that Im fine the way I am, so why should I have to act like a lady? Arya
questioned, and Robb snorted at her, making Caryssa glare at him for his lack of support. Arya
was so wilful and stubborn, like her, which made it more difficult to be stern with her and not
sound like a hypocrite.
Because you were in the presence of royalty. We must keep up pretenses, Arya. Even if we let
you run around like a wildling, does not mean that we can allow you to do that in front of the king
and queen, Caryssa informed her, and Arya huffed a little, though she knew her sister was right.
You shouldnt have humiliated Sansa like that in front of the prince. They are to be betrothed,

Arya, and she is trying to make a good impression.

She always acts so prim and proper, like she didnt use to join in on our pranks on Theon. Arya
grumbled, as they came to a halt outside her room. Bran was leaning heavily against Caryssas
side now, practically sleeping on his feet, and Rickon was almost drooling on her shoulder.
Every person is different, Arya. Sansa wants to be a lady, you want to be a knight and Caryssa
wants to be a blend of both. No woman is the same. Robb said, earning himself a surprised smile
from the other half of himself. Caryssa arched a brow at him, before nudging Arya with her foot.
You understand what your oh so wise older brother said? Caryssa questioned, and upon
receiving a nod from her sister, she nudged her again. Good. Now get to bed. Ill be checking
youre asleep when I return from the feast.
Arya rolled her eyes, and mumbled a goodnight to her siblings, before turning and trudging into
her room. Caryssa turned to move, but almost slipped over due to losing balance since Bran had
indeed fallen asleep against her, resting his full weight on her when she was not prepared to take
it. Robb was the only thing that stopped her from falling over, pulling her fully upright again.
He just snickered slightly, before heaving Bran into his arms, and carrying down the halls to the
little wolfs room. Caryssa watched her brothers leave, knowing that she would meet Robb back
in the feasting hall. As much as she wanted to just return to her room and sleep off the dancing she
had done, she knew that, as the eldest, she had a duty to stay until at least her mother and father
retired.
Knowing that shed rather get the rest of the feast over and done with, Caryssa turned on her heel
and carried a slightly stirring Rickon to his bedchambers. He was half asleep when she managed
to get him into bed, with Shaggydog (Caryssa almost wished she hadnt let him name the direwolf
himself) curling up beside him immediately, but he was awake enough to complain about being
too hot under his furs with all his clothes still on.
Caryssa rolled her eyes at him, as he simply lifted his arms above his head and waited for her to
remove his tunic for him. She tugged gently at the laces, making it loose enough for her to pull it
up over his head, leaving him in a shirt and his breeches. She tucked him in tightly underneath the
furs, and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead before turning to leave.
Ryssa, sing me a lullaby please? Rickon whined, and Caryssa sat by his side again, smiling
gently down at him, running her fingers through his soft dark hair.
Which one would you like, pup? She questioned, her heart warming as her little brother
snuggled towards her, and yawned. Despite refusing many suitors, Caryssa had yearned for
children of her own since she had first flowered at thirteen. She loved her younger siblings so
dearly, saw how deeply her parents loved their children, and she knew that someday she wanted
that. She just didnt want it to be all she did with her life. She didnt want to be wife and mother,
and nothing else like so many other women. She wanted more, she just did not know what.
The sleep song.
Naturally. Okay, Caryssa said, clearing her throat, before she began to sing.
Lay down your head and Ill sing you a lullaby,
Back to the years of loo-li lai-lay,
And Ill sing you to sleep and Ill sing you tomorrow,
Bless you with love for the road that you go,

May you sail fair to the far fields of fortune,

With diamonds and pearls at your head and your feet,
And may you need never to banish misfortune,
May you find kindness in all that you meet,
May there always be angels to watch over you,
To guide you each step of the way,
To guard you and keep you safe from all harm,
Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay,
May you bring love and may you bring happiness,
Be loved in return to the end of your days,
Now fall off to sleep, Im not meaning to keep you,
Ill just sit for a while and sing loo-li, lai-lay,
May there always be angels to watch over you,
To guide you each step of the way,
To guard you and keep you safe from all harm,
Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay,
Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay.
Caryssa ended her song and kissed her now sleeping brother on the brow, before gently rising to
avoid waking him. Her quiet, calculated movements were almost in vain when she turned, and
almost screamed at the sight of Jaime Lannister leaning against the open doorway of little
Rickons room. Caryssa managed to slap a hand over her mouth, and bit back the scream, before
glaring at him, as he laughed silently.
The she-wolf pushed him out of her way, closing the door to Rickons room behind her, before
trying to storm past him. However, the lion had other ideas and grabbed her arm to force her to
look at him.
I did not mean to frighten you, my lady. Im sorry. Jaime said, and Caryssa regarded him for a
moment, before smirking at him.
Liar. Why else would you be skulking in the doorway of my brothers bedroom? She
questioned, ignoring how the knights hand had dropped to her own, and was gripping that
instead of her forearm. Despite her irritation from him, and her anger towards their proposed
marriage, she couldnt help but think of how nice his warm hand felt around hers.
Skulking, milady? I merely heard the faint sounds of a beautiful melody over the noise in the
feast hall, and decided to investigate. It is true what they sayyou truly are the Northern
Nightingale. Caryssa felt something strange in her stomach, a slight fluttering, but when she
realized that it was due to the Lannisters words, she squashed the feeling quickly. She would not
turn into Sansa, and melt over a man because of honeyed words and good looks.
Thank you, Ser Jaime, She said, with a slight smile, before she gestured in the general direction
of the feasting hall. Would you accompany me back to the feast?
It would be my pleasure, milady. Jaime said, bringing her small, dainty hand to his lips. Caryssa
felt herself blush involuntarily and scowled inwardly at herself, before allowing a small smile to
grace her face as a response to his action.
Jaime curled her arm around his, a smirk on his lips that let her know that he had seen the heat in
her cheeks, before escorting her back to the feast, where she instantly untangled herself from him

and left his side.

Caryssa cursed herself and Jaime Lannister for the rest of the evening, because even when she
was having a stiff, borderline polite conversation with the Queen and her mother, her Tully blue
eyes would always find his Lannister green orbs wherever they were in the room.
She cursed herself because she was supposed to be rebelling any sort of connection to him now
that she could be bound to him for life, but instead she was like a child staring in awe at a golden
knight. She had become no better than her little sister, staring across the table at her betrothed with
rose tinted vision.
The Northern woman caught eyes with him once more, after she had retreated from her subtle war
of words with Queen Cersei, when she was in conversation with Robb and Theon about the
krakens luck with women. He was watching her while he sat with his brother, talking quietly to
each other, and occasionally Tyrions gaze would flicker to her, so she knew they were talking
about her. Caryssa couldnt comprehend as to why the lion seemed so intrigued by her. She was
no more or no less special than any other woman in the room. In her opinion, there were far more
beautiful women than her, like the Queen or her little Sansa, so she couldnt fathom why he only
stared at her.
Maybe it was her words in the Godswood, maybe it was her sharp tongue, or maybe it was
because she had shown only the slightest of interest in him compared to the adoration she was sure
other women lavished upon him. Whatever it was, she was only slightly sorry for it now. A small
part of Caryssa felt slightly smug his attention was only on her, and no other. It made her feel a
little bit more powerful that she had that kind of hold over a man.
However, his attentions also irritated her as she found she couldnt concentrate on her brother and
his idiot friend while trying to understand why Ser Jaime stared, so she removed herself from the
conversation and the feasting hall.
Caryssa wandered outside, until she heard the hard thumps of a blade against a straw dummy. She
knew of only one person who would be outside in the cold practicing his swordsmanship instead
of inside drinking and eating. She rubbed her arms, trying to fend off the chill in the air, as she
headed towards the source of the noise, where she found her other brother, who had been missing
all night, slashing at the straw filled burlap sack that worked as a test dummy.
Who are you picturing that as? Caryssa questioned, as Jon stabbed the dummy again. He spun
around, and looked at her, as she shook from the cold.
As beautiful as you look, you also look like youll turn into an icicle if you stay out here any
longer. Jon said, instead of answering her question. He grabbed his cloak that he had discarded
for his training, and draped it around her shoulders as she moved closer to him. She muttered her
thanks, grabbing his hand to keep him next to her, the other hand grasping the cloak close to
herself.
I picture Theon. Hes the only person I hate enough to make me want to run him through with
my sword. Caryssa joked, well half-joked, and Jon chuckled slightly.
Ive never understood why you dont like him. Robb loves him like another brother.
I dont trust him. Never have and never will. Caryssa shrugged, though it was barely noticeable
because she was still shivering. Jon shook his head at her, before tugging her hand, beginning to
lead her back to the hall.
You should go back inside. Its too cold for you out here in that dress. Jon said, and Caryssa

shook her head and locked her legs in place so he couldnt move her without swinging her up into
his arms and carrying her back inside.
Only if you come in with me. Ive missed you this evening, and you are the only one of my
siblings I havent danced with, so you have to rectify that, brother dearest! Caryssa said, her
voice soft, but with an edge. One that said that she was not going to be argued with and that he
should just do as she asked with no complaints.
Your mother wont allow it. She thinks it would insult the royal family to seat a bastard in their
midst. Jon said, and Caryssa could hear the shame in his voice, and a sense of dislike and
disappointment welled up inside her towards her mother. She couldnt believe that she constantly
made a boy feel so terrible about his own existence because of the mistakes of her husband.
You would not be seated, you would be dancing, Caryssa teased him, and Jon rolled his eyes at
her, shaking his head but still not caving to her wishes, so she tried another tactic. Everybody is
too drunk to care, and if Mother gets angry, I will deal with it. Please, Jon, dont make me beg. Its
not becoming of a lady.
His sister smirked at him, and Jon rolled his eyes at her and sighed, letting her lead him inside,
smiling at her sweet giggles. She had obviously consumed some wine. It was the only real time
she got giggly. His sister laughed a lot, well only around her family, and chuckled, and snickered,
but never giggled unless she drunk wine.
As soon as they were inside the hall, the musicians picked the music up, and Jon wondered how
they always knew that his sister was going to dance. Caryssa smiled at him, and Jon sighed
heavily again, and pulled her into his arms, trying to remember the dance lessons she had given
him and Robb.
Jon twirled his sister around the small dance floor, and tried to ignore the burning gaze of Lady
Stark. Every time he glanced over at the royal table to see if Lady Stark was giving him the
disapproving, hateful stare, Caryssa would force him to keep his eyes on her by stamping on his
toes, or punching him in the arm. The people watching would laugh, and he would shake his head
at her subtle ways, and gave her his attention again.
After a couple dances, Caryssa finally let him go, but dragged him to the table where Robb and
Theon sat, and got him an ale to drink. She forced him into her vacated seat, planted a kiss on his
forehead and then sat on his left, sipping from a goblet of wine, her free hand grasping his arm
tightly in reassurance.
Jon spent the rest of the night enjoying himself, drinking and laughing with his brother and sister,
which brought happiness to his siblings and father. Catelyn Stark, however, was not best pleased
that her daughter had defied her wishes and had brought the boy in to the feast, though even if she
scolded Caryssa, the girl wouldnt regret it.
Caryssa smiled a genuine smile the rest of the night, something that Jaime noticed. She smiled
with her brothers on either side of her, as she ended up, and looked genuinely happy, something
that lit up her whole face in a way he had never seen Cerseis. Jaime knew that the two women
were different in their looks just from the first glance at the Stark girl, but it was only then that he
had realized that the two women he had or used to have a romantic interest in were two vastly
different in personality too.
Cersei was a fierce beauty, golden and bright like the sun. Caryssas beauty was no less
magnificent, but it was darker and gentler like the moon. Yet, he mused, they seemed to adopt the
opposite of themselves. Cersei was often grim, unsmiling, and cold and what he had observed of
Caryssa is that she was light, cheerful and warm. He shook his head, cursing the cold Northern air

for making him think like a flowery bard.

They were both complicated women, regardless, and Caryssa frustrated him more than anything.
She wasnt like Cersei at all, the only woman he had ever known intimately. Cersei was all
passion, hard and rough and very clear in her intentions. Caryssa was a mystery wrapped in an
enigma covered in a puzzle. One moment she was staring at him, the next she was pretending he
didnt exist. It was infuriating.
Caryssa felt his eyes on her again, and this time she turned to acknowledge him, raising her goblet
slightly towards him with a smile, before turning back to her brothers and her conversation. Her
actions only left the lion even more confused by her, and she smirked in satisfaction.
Confusing Jaime Lannister was going to be her lifes mission, should her father agree to the kings
proposal of marriage between them, and she was going to enjoy it immensely.
~*~

Broken Wolves
Chapter Summary

"Because I could not stop for Death,

He kindly stopped for me,
The carriage held but just ourselves,
And immortality."
-Emily Dickinson

Caryssa awoke with the rising of the sun, her eyes bleary with sleep and a dull ache in her head
from the drink she had consumed the previous night. Remembering that she had to speak to her
father about her potential betrothals, she hurriedly dressed, pulling on a dark blue gown made of
wool and her boots. Before leaving her room, she made sure to braid her hair so that it was out of
her face, and quickly left her room.
As it was still quite early, she guessed her parents would still be in their room, so headed there
first, smiling politely at all the staff she passed and muttered a few good mornings. After a long
process of polite greetings and short conversations, she arrived at her parents room, and a servant
announced her presence. She waited to be let in, her hands clasped together and a passive look on
her face.
Let her in, Her fathers voice said, and the servant opened the door for her, and she gave him a
small smile in return, which quickly vanished as soon as the door was closed behind her. The
room seemed darker, smaller now than it had been when she was a small child, creeping in to her
parents bed after a nightmare had plagued her sleep. Say what youve come to say, Caryssa.
Dont just stand there and leave me in suspense.
Why did you not come to me? If you had said that it was time to properly discuss betrothals, you
know that I would have been willing to listen, but instead you chose to discuss it with the king
behind my back, treating me like other men would treat their daughters.
Your father did not mean to upset you, Caryssa. He is just doing what he thinks is right, Her
mother said, before her father could reply to her words. Besides, you seemed to get along with
him enough last night at the feast.
I was getting along with Theon Greyjoy at the feast last night, but that does not mean I want to
marry him! Caryssa snapped, before she took a deep breath to calm herself down, before
muttering an apology. Why him? Why Jaime Lannister?
If we go to Kings Landing, I will not be able to be with you all the time with my duties as the
Kings Hand, but under the protection of the king, myself and Ser Jaime, no harm shall befall
you. Her father explained, and Caryssa frowned at his words, disagreement clear on her face.
I am not a child anymore. I do not need a man hovering around me for protection anymore.
It would help me sleep better, Caryssa, knowing that you had the protection of not just our house,
but that of House Baratheon and House Lannister. I need you to understand that the world is far
more dangerous than you know. I have tried to protect you as much as possible from the world
but Kings Landing is politics and murder and mysteries and lies and secrets all wrapped into one.

I am only trying to do right by you. Caryssa felt her resolve waning at her fathers words. Maybe
she had been too harsh with her father. She was just angry at the initial betrayal and the Jamie
Lannister of it all. She could learn to love or tolerate the Lannister lion, if only for her fathers
peace of mind, but would it be enough? She didnt know.
There was still time for her father to change his mind, and while she could not pin all her hopes
upon him doing so, she could still pray to the Gods for things to work out in her favor. If there
was any way for her to stay in Winterfell with Robb, Bran, Rickon and her mother, than she
would do it.
If not, she would resign herself to trying to make her marriage to Ser Jaime at least a tolerable one
if she could not spark any form of romantic feelings between them.
She would find some way to make her life worth living, while appeasing her father and taking one
more burden from his shoulders.
She would make it work somehow.
~*~
A few days after the feast and her conversation with her father, Caryssa was dressed in one of her
riding dresses, her long, dark tresses in a large braid over her shoulder, her cloak draped over her
shoulders, her boots laced up to her knees, and was striding purposefully towards her saddled
horse. She was joining the men on a hunt. Caryssa loved hunting, and thats why she had left
Rhaenyra with Arya and Nymeria, and had quickly gotten ready when her father had informed
her that the king had asked her to accompany them, knowing that she was a skilled huntress.
The Southern men watched her as she checked over her newly sharpened arrows in her quiver,
counting them to make sure she had a good amount, and she glared down at her weapon, trying to
ignore their ignorant stares. Women were not supposed to join the men on hunting trips, but
Caryssa had always insisted on joining her brothers when they first started hunting with her father.
She had already been learning archery by then, and wanted to join the men.
A hunt is not the place for a woman, my lady. One of the southern guards said to her, just as
Robb and her Uncle Benjen approached her. Her father had already mounted his steed, along with
King Robert, Ser Jaime and a mix of the Baratheon, Stark and Lannister house guards.
The man that had spoken to her was tossing an apple up into the air, and Caryssa smirked at him,
before quickly stringing an arrow to her bow and letting it fly in his direction. The Lannister guard
cried out, thinking that she had tried to kill him, only to see that his apple was pinned against the
stable wall by her arrow.
Neat trick, my lady, but hunting is an often bloody sport. Women should not see such a sight.
Ser Jaime said as he pushed his horse into a walk towards her.
She rolled her eyes at him, a dark glint in them as she looked upon her betrothed. Her father had
made the announcement to their family at dinner two nights past, and Caryssa had frowned at her
dinner, before leaving with Robb on her heels. She hadnt cried, nor did she speak any words, but
her brother just held her in his arms. She knew that it was going to happen, but she had hoped that
her father would change his mind, so she wouldnt have to leave the North and her brothers.
While it is true that most women are unaccustomed to the sight of death, blood is something we
see plenty of, Ser. Besides, I am not an ordinary woman. Here in the North, we are made of
stronger stuff than your southern women, Caryssa smirked as she stowed her bow into her
quiver, checked that her riding dagger was tucked away in her saddle bag. She mounted Snow,
and shared an irritated glance with her father who was beside the king, as the men began to

grumble at her presence. Does anyone else have any objections with my going on this hunting
trip, because Id be happy to leave you all behind and go by myself?
The Lady Caryssa will be joining us, have you all got that? The Kings voice boomed, and the
men silenced themselves for fear of angering their king. Caryssa smiled, and realized that it was, in
this instance, a rather handy thing that she looked so much like her aunt. The King would be more
willing to come to her aid against the stubbornness of his men. Kingslayer! Youre guarding
Lady Caryssa today.
My pleasure, Your Grace. Jaime replied, smirking at the woman with a strange satisfaction.
Caryssa sighed, but didnt fight the kings decision the way she would have if it was her father.
She didnt need protection from any man, she had learned to protect herself. Yet what the king
wanted, he got. The Lannister lion would be following her around like a hawk now, and she
would have to deal with his attentions.
Come on, boys, girl, lets go kill some boar! The king said, as he turned his horse towards the
gates, but he turned his head back towards them, and gestured towards Caryssa with his hand.
Lady Caryssa, come, ride next to me.
Caryssa plastered on a smile, but her eyes darted to her brother. She always rode next to Robb
unless she was upset, and Robb was giving her the same sad look. It was these moments where
Ned Stark realized just how lost his two eldest children would be without each other. They were
both young adults, yet in some aspects they still seemed like children. They needed each other,
and Ned knew he was going to hate himself for splitting them up.
He had accepted the Kings offer of the title of Hand of the King, and he was taking his three girls
with him to Kings Landing. Caryssa would be marrying Jaime Lannister, Sansa would be
marrying Prince Joffrey, and Arya would be learning the ways of the court in the hopes it would
turn her into a lady. It meant separating the wolves before winter, but they would have to deal
with that as it came.
Caryssa turned her eyes away from her brother, and took her place at the kings side, ignoring the
look the prince gave her, one that was a mixture of pleased and lust. The boy prince was an idiot.
Her sister was far more beautiful than she, and yet here he was staring at her with a familiar
hunger in his eyes that she had gotten used to seeing in mens eyes. Caryssa knew she was
beautiful, but she never understood why that was all men could see. There was far more to her
than just her beauty.
So, your father tells me that before the Kingslayer, you had refused to marry any other suitor.
Why was that, girl? King Robert questioned, and Caryssa smiled, though kept her eyes focused
forwards.
The truth, Your Grace, or the white lie I tell to keep people happy? Caryssa asked, and King
Robert chuckled at her.
The truth, girl. Its a crime to lie to your king.
Very well, my king, Caryssa said, pausing as she decided how to word her thoughts. Before
now, I saw marriage as a cage, confining me to a life of misery. I would have to leave my home,
everything I have ever known and loved, for the sake of marrying a stranger who couldnt love
me as he wouldnt know me and would take away what little freedom my father gives me. I
would have to give up my own hobbies and pursuits for running a household and bearing
children. What part of that sounds even remotely appealing to a young lady, Your Grace?

Its the way the world works, my lady. Dont you want to be looked after? Dont you want
children? Prince Joffrey questioned, and Caryssa nodded a couple of times, before explaining.
I want children, my prince, like any woman, but when I was younger, I had my siblings to help
raise. In my eyes, I already had my children and I always used the excuse that my family needed
me and thats why I didnt want to leave, but I suppose that it was more that I needed them. I
didnt want to be the lone wolf out on her own when the winter came, Caryssa mused, her smile
turning a little wistful, before she shook her head to block out any of her more morose thoughts
and feelings. She plastered on a new grin, and looked at the prince. Now what of you, my prince,
what was it like to grow up in the Red Keep?
Joffrey and the King kept her entertained with stories of Kings Landing, and of childhood stories
and of battles and wars. The king made her laugh, and Joffrey was only mildly annoying that
morning. He seemed to be on his best behavior, or as close to good behavior as the prince got,
which made it easier for her to listen to his lies (the tales of his victories over the other younger
men in court were truly lies because Caryssa had seen him spar with Robb and he was not very
skilled with a sword).
When they were deeper into the Wolfswood, Caryssa excused herself and let her horse drop
backwards a little bit, until she turned Snow to the left and cantered into the forest away from
them. She knew the forest like the back of her hand, knew where the boars were and where the
largest stags grazed, and she knew how to herd them to wherever the other hunters were. She had
always done this on hunting trips with her father, brothers, Jory and Theon, ridden on alone and
herded their prey, but this time she found that she had her own follower. She pulled the reigns
back, getting Snow to slowly come to a stop.
Is there any reason that you broke out of line, Lady Caryssa?
She turned her head back at the sound of the lion that had been commissioned to protect her, and
blinked her eyes at him innocently, something he saw right through.
Maybe I was seeing who would chase after me. What a pleasant surprise, Caryssa teased, before
continuing before he could open his mouth to speak. I know a watering hole where the animals
go to drink, which is where they are at this time of day, which also happens to be a little north of
where the hunting caravan was going, so I was going toherd the animals in the right direction.
And you thought youd accomplish that alone? Jaime questioned, and Caryssa arched a brow at
him as his horse came to a stop right beside hers.
Im not incapable, Caryssa stated, before narrowing her eyes at the disbelief on his face. I hope
that you dont plan to try to control me, Ser Jaime. Im only marrying you because I believe it will
help my house and because you are the mostattractive offer Ive received since my father started
to take marriage proposals seriously.
So you only agreed because of my dashing good looks. I suppose they had to come in handy
someday, Jaime smirked at her, and she rolled her eyes, exasperated by his inability to take any
of their conversations seriously. And I dont plan on controlling you, Lady Stark. Its rather
attractivethat fire in you, that defiance. They do not make women like you, my lady.
Caryssa grinned at him, before it turned into a smirk.
If they did, men like you would be left very frustrated, Caryssa teased him, before turning her
mind back to the hunt. Now, Jaime Lannister, how fast is your horse?
Without waiting for his answer, Caryssa clicked her tongue and Snow galloped off into the trees,

his rider expertly maneuvering them through the trees. She heard the pounding of hooves behind
her, indicating that Jaime was following her, obeying the kings orders. Caryssa quickly found the
watering hole the animals frequented, and pulled out her bow and a single arrow.
The deer were already standing to attention, having heard her approach, but as she had slowed
Snow down to a trot, they had yet to bolt. She strung her arrow to her bowstring, and pulled it
taut. She enjoyed archery simply because when she was like this, bowstring taut and her arrow
almost seeming to come to life underneath her fingers, it felt like she was in her own world, and
there was nothing but her, her weapon, and her prey.
It was delightful to feel as though she had a place where she could be alone. She loved her family
dearly, but she never had any time alone. If she wasnt with her mother learning how to run a
household, she was with her father discussing how to run the North and various other important
things, or with Robb, Jon, Theon, Rodrick, and Jory training, or with Sansa and Arya in a
needlework class, or with Bran in his lessons, or looking after Rickon. She never had a moments
peace, but she usually didnt mind. Yet, since the announcement of her impending marriage, she
had begun to crave her time alone. Though it probably didnt count as alone time now as her
betrothed was just a few paces back, watching her intently.
She took her shot, missing the animals to make them dart into the right direction, and then began
her pursuit, the Kingslayer right behind her. Every so often, Caryssa would have to make Snow
go off course so she could herd the animals in the right direction again, but eventually she heard
the cheers of the men as the first stag had been taken down. Caryssa and Snow, with Jaime and
his own horse following, bounded into a small clearing where the king, the prince, her father, her
brother, her uncle, Lord Tyrion and the household men of both houses were circled around a
couple of fallen stags.
Caryssa spotted a larger stag that had yet to flee, but was heading towards the king, who had
dismounted his horse to inspect his kill. She quickly strung an arrow to her bow and let it fly,
watching as it buried itself into the stags eye killing it instantly.
It dropped to the ground right at the kings feet, and King Robert stared at the fallen animal before
raising his eyes to the young woman still perched atop her snow white horse, and he immediately
thought of his Lyanna. She had always wanted to join him and her brothers on their hunting trips,
but they had never allowed her, which was one of the reasons that the king had been so insistent
on the ladys attendance.
Caryssa smiled at her kill, before putting her arrow away. Her brother was laughing at the victory
in her eyes, along with Jory, her uncle and Theon, the king was chuckling and her father was
beaming with pride, and Caryssa did not know how that moment could have gotten better.
It was a shame that she never found out.
A rider burst through the tree line, as Caryssa had moments before, with a frantic look on his face.
Lord Stark! My lord! I bring a message from Maester Luwin, my lord! Its Lord Bran. He fell
from a tower- The messenger started, but the sound of a galloping horse cut off his speech.
The men of the North and South watched as the only woman of their hunting party, turned her
horse around and galloped away in the direction of Winterfell, pushing her snowy white horse to
go as fast as he could. The other Starks followed closely behind, with the king and Jaime
Lannister close on their tails. They chased after the woman, who had clearly forgotten the
existence of reason and logic, and whose only thought was of her brother who may or may not be
dead.

Caryssa ignored the riders behind her, having a head start and no desire to slow down for them,
and found herself riding through the gates of Winterfell in moments. She didnt stop until she
reached the courtyard of the castle, and quickly dismounted her horse, leaving the poor creature
for a waiting stable hand to take back to the stables.
She ran through the castle to the healing rooms, where the rest of her family was waiting outside,
clearly not allowed into the room.
What has happened? Caryssa questioned, her voice sounding breathless, but still managed to
maintain a hint of authority. She wanted answers and she was going to get them.
Her mother looked up at her with tears in her eyes, a clear look of despair and desperation in the
usually calm blue that sent a stab of fear into the heart of her daughter. Only once before had she
seen that look in her mothers eyes. The day that her father brought home his son from the war.
The day her mothers heart had been broken.
Hes not dead, is he? He cant be dead. Someone say something! Caryssa yelled, startling her
younger siblings at the harshness of her voice. Sansas slim resolve crumbled at the fear in her
elder sisters voice, something that she had never heard before in her thirteen years of life, and she
burst into tears again.
Caryssas anger quickly ebbed away, and she pulled her sister into her arms, kissing her auburn
hair, whispering soft comforting words she had no idea whether they were true or not. It was then
that the men arrived, the king demanding to be kept up to date on Brans health status, before
muttering apologies to his friend and disappearing, Robb pulling a sobbing Rickon into his arms
and Ned comforting his wife and youngest daughter. Caryssa pulled Jon into her and Sansas
embrace, and he squeezed them to him tightly, giving as much comfort as he needed himself.
Thats how Jaime Lannister found the Stark family a few moments later, holding desperately onto
each other, as they all silently prayed to the gods to spare their son or brother. Caryssa looked over
Sansas head and spied him, standing almost awkwardly as he watched her family. His green eyes
had an odd hint of sympathy in them, and hers unshed tears that her family would never see.
In that moment, Jaime saw a crack in the ice around the North womans heart, a vulnerability that
he had not yet seen in her, and then he knew that they were more similar than he had originally
believed.
Her family was her life, just as his family was his.

Seven Hells
Chapter Summary

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."

- E. E. Cummings

Winterfell
In the days that followed Bran's fall, he had been moved to his room, where his mother stayed
firmly at his side, never being persuaded to leave for sleep or food. The rest of his family lived out
their day-to-day lives, though there was no laughter heard in Winterfell anymore. The little lord
seemed to have taken all that with him the day he had fallen.
Ned Stark was worried for his son, for his wife and for his eldest daughter, who, like her mother,
had slept and eaten very little since his son's accident. Caryssa had been dividing her time between
trying to find something to wake Bran with in the medical texts that belonged to the Maester,
tending to her younger siblings' needs, training with her brothers, helping her father see to their
Southern guests and praying in the Godswood.
Everyone, even Winterfell's guests, could see the light in the Northern Nightingale's eyes had been
dimmed significantly. While she had always come across as slightly standoffish and proud, there
had always been a fire in her that was visible to all who came across her. It was just a gentle fire
that burned slowly, slowly building. Before her brother had fallen, that fire, at times, could build
into a raging inferno if provoked, but it seemed that her fire had been doused, leaving behind only
burning embers.
Caryssa was less concerned about herself, and feared only for her brother's life, and obsessed over
what had caused him to fall. Never had he fallen. Through wind, through rain, even through
snow, her brother had never slipped nor fallen whilst climbing. He had the surest feet in the whole
of the North. Something had caused him to fall, but she had never voiced that paranoid thought
aloud.
Her days began to feel repetitive. In the mornings, she headed to the Godswood and prayed before
she would wake Rickon and Arya, get them ready to break fast, make sure everyone else,
including their guests, were fed, before she would depart and oversee the management of the
house, and at midday, she would go to the healing rooms and try to find some herb or plant that
the Maester had missed that would help wake her little lost wolf. In the afternoons, she would
make sure the children had attended their lessons before training with Jory, Robb, Jon and Theon.
Once she was done there, she would oversee the dinner feasts and then head to Bran's room,
where she spent the night watching over her sleeping brother with their mother.
Catelyn and Caryssa had grown even closer during this ordeal, forming an alliance against Ned
and Maester Luwin when the two men would insist they go and get some rest, perhaps something
to eat. In their eyes, they had failed Bran. Catelyn believed that if she had been stricter with him
and his climbing, he would have listened to her about not climbing and he would not be a cripple,
should he live at all. Caryssa believed that if she had not left to hunt with the men, if she could
only have been content with living the life of an ordinary lady, then maybe she would have been
there to watch over him, make sure he did not act so recklessly. Both women believed that they

there to watch over him, make sure he did not act so recklessly. Both women believed that they
had much to atone for, and so seemed to punish themselves by not sleeping and starving
themselves.
Yet nothing could persuade them to change their habits, or at least Caryssa's habits, until one man
finally took action. She had brought Rickon and Arya to break their fast with the rest of their
family and the king and his family, a rare sight as the families usually ate apart, and made to leave
when an arm snaked around her waist, stopping her.
Caryssa turned her head and glared at the man who belonged to the arm gripping her middle, and
he did not show that her anger bothered him in the slightest. He pulled her down onto the bench,
and put a plate of food in front of her. Just a roll of bread and a goblet of water, since he knew that
her starving stomach would not be able to take much more than that.
"Sit down and eat." Jaime ordered, not caring about any gentlemanly airs or graces. Caryssa just
stared at him, wondering why he was doing this, before shaking her head.
"You are wasting my time, Ser Jaime. I am not hungry and I have things to attend to. So if you'll
excuse me." She said, as she tried to get up again, but this time the king spoke up. He had not
intervened with her self-destructive ways as he felt it was Ned's place, but clearly the girl refused
to listen to her father's reasoning, so he decided to pull rank on her as king.
"You will sit down and eat, girl. We can't have you wasting away into nothing. You'll be no use
to your brother if you're dead." The king snapped at her, and Caryssa lowered her eyes to the plate
in front of her for a second, feeling like a scolded child, but raised her head, her eyes narrowed
into a harsh glare, and began to eat. Everyone else began to eat, as soon as they were certain she
had, but the table remained quiet. The adults were silent because of the tension in the room, and
the children were silent because they were simply afraid to speak without angering someone,
particularly the practically growling she-wolf.
"Lady Caryssa, are there any signs that the boy is going to wake?" Tyrion questioned, the only
one who seemed to be brave or bold enough to talk about the broken wolf pup in his sick bed.
"The Maester says that he is unsure when Bran will wake. My mother and I try to make him as
comfortable as we can, but there is not much we can do but wait." Caryssa answered after a long
pause, her voice quiet and her eyes on her goblet of water.
"Maester Luwin tells me that you spend your afternoons in the healing rooms, surrounded by
books. Why not the library? Is that not a better place for reading?"
"The books on healing are in the healing rooms, Lord Tyrion. I have no need of the library tower
when the books I desire are not there." Caryssa remarked, her eyes flickering to him, an almost
dark fire, just barely simmering, burning inside the bright blue orbs.
The little lion was going to ask one more question when it appeared the she-wolf had enough of
their tense-filled conversation.
She finished the roll of bread, and drained her glass of water, smacking the goblet down hard onto
the table, before she climbed to her feet, gave a low, mocking curtsey to her king and lord father
and quickly left, without any words to her family, her betrothed or her king as she did so.
"That girl's temper is enough to frighten armies." Robert said to his old friend, who nodded to his
words. His daughter did not have a quick temper by any means, but should she feel threatened or
pushed, there was a rage inside her ready to be released.
"She disrespected her king." Cersei snapped, with a scowl on her face.

"She meant no disrespect, Your Grace. My sister is under a lot of stress." Robb quickly stated,
coming to the aid of his sister, knowing that she could be punished for something as trivial as
mocking the King.
"Don't shit yourself, boy. I know she didn't mean it. She's a Stark. You're a stubborn lot, and your
women have worse tempers than Baratheon men." The King said, guffawing at his own words.
Ours is the Fury were the words of House Baratheon, but Robert could tell that the Stark girl, the
double of his Lyanna, could rival even his temper if pushed.
"She's a she-wolf, Your Grace. When one of the pack is under threat, the she-wolves become
dangerous and deadly to all." Ned said, and Robert nodded his head, his eyes misting over as his
mind fled to his memories of his own Stark love. Lyanna had a fierceness in her that only flared
up when her family was threatened.
"Caryssa is strong," Cersei mused, and Jaime could see the cogs turning in his sister's head. Their
eyes connected, and he shook his head so slightly that only she would have caught it. "She has
taken on the management of your house, and the care of your youngest children, as well as
helping in the care of your boy. She'll make a dutiful wife for my brother."
"Lucky me. I've always wanted a dutiful wife." Jaime said sarcastically, a sour look on his face as
he looked at his sister still. Ned Stark looked at the Kingslayer with contempt in his eyes. He had
taken Jaime's words as an insult to his daughter, rather than the intended insult to his sister. Yet it
wasn't the Lord Stark who voiced his take on the imagined slight.
"You could do no better than my sister, Lannister. She's better than any man deserves." Robb
said, glaring at the golden haired lion with as much fury as the young wolf could muster, though
he did nothing but spark the lion's amusement.
"I hope I did not offend. Your sister is a remarkable woman, I admit, but she doesn't need you to
champion her cause. I'm fairly certain she could do that herself." Jaime remarked, and Robb's
anger seemed to dissipate slightly at the kingslayer's words, which only made the golden man
smirk at the younger man.
Robb spent the rest of breakfast, glaring at his bacon, and visualising the many ways he could kill
his sister's betrothed and not suffer the consequences of the murder.
"I like Lady Caryssa. She's not like the rest of the simpering roses you find in the capital. There's a
real fire in heror was." Tyrion said, as he sipped wine from his goblet, his eyes on his brother.
He had watched Jaime the entire time his betrothed was in the room, and while there was his usual
uncaring, sarcastic glee in his eyes, there was a hint of concern for the woman.
Tyrion was beginning to believe that the Lady Caryssa must be some sort of enchantress or
sorceress or siren or something, as his brother was slowly becoming bewitched. Though truthfully,
he was just thankful that his brother and sister were no longer involved with each other. It was one
less secret that he had to worry about someone stumbling across. If only Cersei was smart enough
not to get involved with their cousin, the Stark boy would probably not be crippled in his bed.
"If anything, my lord, I believe that my brother's fall has only stoked the fire in my sister." Robb
said, and all around the table silenced again, thinking through the implications of the young wolf's
words.
~*~
"Lady Caryssa, please take some rest. Bran's awakening is not dependent on you and your mother
harming yourselves." Maester Luwin said, as he followed the young woman he had helped bring

into this world as she rushed about the castle, seeing to the overall running of the household.
"My mother sits by Bran's side all day and all night, and my father spends most of his time with
Robb, making sure that he is ready to take on the responsibilities as the Lord of Winterfell when
we go to King's Landing, which leaves my mother's role as the lady of the house up to me,"
Caryssa said, pausing as she stopped a kitchen hand to bring up another barrel of ale as the ones
they had were getting low. Lord Tyrion truly did drink all night and was putting a massive strain
on their supply of ale. "I have a million and one tasks to complete, along with looking after
Rickon, Arya and Sansa, and completing my own duties. It is too much for one person, yet I have
no choice because if I stop"
It was then that Maester Luwin saw that the she-wolf was truly fearful for her brother's life, and
was distracting herself by any means possible from the horrible thought that he may not live.
"If I stop, then my mind begins to wander to dark places it does not belong and I begin to question
things that are too dangerous to even question inside the safety of my head." Caryssa said, as they
stopped in one of the corridors.
"Such as what, my lady?"
"Such things can not be spoken of out in the open. Or at all. Like I said, they are too dangerous
and I am too busy. If I promise to sleep for a while in the afternoon, will you watch the children?"
Caryssa questioned, and a smile spread across the old man's face.
"Of course, my lady."
Caryssa paused a moment, thinking her next question through fully in her head before she voiced
it aloud.
"What do you think of Ser Jaime, Maester Luwin? They say he is a man without honour, the
terrible Kingslayerwhat say you?" She questioned, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinised his
face.
Caryssa's instincts on when a man was lying to her had always been pretty sharp, but Maester
Luwin had either never told her a lie, or was very skilled at hiding when he was. He was a very
hard man to read.
"I believe that deep down he is a good man, and that we cannot truly understand his motivations
for his actions in the event you speak of as he has never given any to my knowledge. If you are
worried about your betrothal, I am certain the king will postpone the wedding until you are
ready." Maester Luwin replied, and Caryssa could see the concern in his eyes.
Caryssa shook her head with a sad smile. She was not sad that she was marrying Ser Jaime, or
about her impending marriage in general. She had long ago accepted that a man worthy of her
would come for her one day, but she did not know Ser Jaime all that well, nor had it come at an
opportune time. She was needed in her household, she didn't want to leave them now.
"Father and the king wish for us to be married as soon as possible. My wedding will be a couple
of weeks after we reach King's Landing," Caryssa replied, and tried to make her smile seem more
real, but with her brother on his sick bed, still appearing to be asleep, it only came across as a
twisted grimace. "I'm not worried about Ser Jaime at any rate. I'm sure he'll make a good enough
husband."
"Then why do you ask?"
"You have guided my parents through their marriage, and their trials and troubles, and I trust your

counsel above nearly all othersI simply wanted your judgement. I would not want to marry and
not receive your judgement of my betrothed." She actually managed to smile for him this time,
though it lacked the warmth her smiles usually held.
"Oh child, sometimes I feel unworthy of the high esteem in which you hold me," The old man
said, returning her smile, before he gestured at some of the papers in her hands. "What are those?"
"I was taking inventory before you arrived. This visit from the king has really put our stock under
strain. These are lists of things that we need to order before I leave for King's Landing so that
those in Winterfell won't end up starving and freezing in the absence of my father and myself."
"This is the steward's job." Luwin said, as he took the lists out of her hands, looking them over
herself.
"I know, but I want to be sure that I've taken care of everything. I don't want to leave Robb any
stress." Caryssa said, as she held her hand out for him to give her back her lists, but the old man
shook his head. He had had enough of Caryssa taking on more than she could handle in her sleep
deprived and emotional state.
"My lady, leave this to Poole while he is here, I will deal with the rest of your tasks today. As the
maester, and an old man who loves you as dearly as he would his own, I am telling you to rest in
your rooms for the rest of the day," Maester Luwin said, hurrying on when it looked like the
young woman was going to protest his orders. "Do I need to escort you to your chambers or will
you be able to find your way there yourself?"
"No need, Maester Luwin, I'll escort her." A quiet, but gruff voice said, and Caryssa turned
around to see Jon standing behind her, the same sadness in his eyes that reflected the looks in all
of her families faces.
Caryssa wanted to argue, but as soon as she knew that Luwin would take her duties off of her
hands for the day and seeing the worry in her younger brother's eyes, her lack of sleep seemed to
spring to the forefront of her mind. She had not slept for nearly a week now, and that realisation
seemed to make her nearly fall asleep where she stood.
So she nodded, and took Jon's hand, leaning in to his body for support and let him lead her down
the corridors and hallways to her room, where he put her into bed, taking her boots off for her.
Her younger brother tucked her under furs, pressed a loving kiss to her brow and drew the shutters
so the room was somewhat darker.
He had not even left the room when the gentle, barely audible snores drifted from his now
unconscious half-sister. Jon Snow smiled at the eldest Stark girl, a grim, worried smile, but the first
one he had smiled since his brother's fall. Watching her a moment, he realised that the only time
his sister truly looked at peace was when she was fast asleep, and thought it a tragedy.

The Pack Divides

Chapter Summary

"Because what am I but a lost traveler,

Caught between my past and my present,
Needing the stars to guide me on my way."
-Unknown

Caryssa had dreaded this day.

It had been three weeks since Brans fall, and while the Maester had confirmed he would not die
from his fall, he had still yet to wake. Caryssa, under much duress from her father, brothers and
her betrothed, had taken more time to care for herself, getting slightly more sleep and eating more.
Only this meant that her rapid improvement in health stopped delaying the inevitable.
Today they rode for Kings Landing. Caryssa had packed her things and had a maid take them to
one of the carts. Sansa was also ready, having already said her goodbyes as she was eager to get
on the road and on her way to her new life. Caryssa had only rolled her eyes at her sister when
she had spoken those words, before she went about her business, making sure that everything else
was ready, but Poole had waved her off when she tried to check over their supplies and
belongings.
Which, of course, had only left one more thing for her to do; saying goodbye to the family she
would be leaving behind in favor of another. She had already said goodbye to her mother, and a
still sleeping Bran, making her mother vow that she would send a raven the moment he woke.
She didnt need to say goodbye to Jon just yet. He had always been honest with her in his desire
to join the Nights Watch and become a ranger, so it didnt come as a surprise to her when he had
told her he was leaving for the Wall with their uncle. Caryssa feared for him, though, and had one
try at convincing him to stay with Robb. Jon was stubborn, though, and not even the rumors of the
White Walkers would dissuade him.
This left Robb and Rickon. Her other two boys.
She had saddled Snow, her weapons in her saddle bag in case she needed them, and she sighed
when she saw Robb approach, already trying to stop the tears that threatened to fall. How could
she leave the other half of her behind? How could she live without half her soul?
Robb seemed to be having the same dilemma, his Tully blues welling up with the same emotions
she was enduring. Caryssas resolve broke, and she hurtled herself at her younger brother,
clinging to him like it would be the last time they would ever see each other again. Robb held her
just as tightly, his hand fisted in her dark locks, his other wound around her waist. Her arms
snaked round his neck, her fingers tangling themselves into his hair and shirt. They both refused to
cry, but it was inevitable.
I do not know how I will bear this. Caryssa whispered, knowing that there were many witnesses
to their sad embrace but not caring in the slightest.

Well bear this because we have to, Robb said, leaning back slightly, his fingers reaching to the
pale skin of her cheeks and wiping away her tears. The North will never look as lovely now that
it has lost its Beauty.
Caryssa chuckled at him weakly, tears still streaming down her face, and she cupped his cheek
with her hand, her thumb swiping along his cheekbone, memorizing her dear brothers face.
Promise me something. She said, and Robb quickly nodded, knowing he would promise her
anything her heart desired in their parting moment.
Anything, Ryssa. Anything you ask of me.
Do not forget who we are. Winter is coming, and our pack is dividingyou cannot forget that
we are Starks of Winterfell, we are the wolves of the North, and we are strong, even when we are
apart. The North remembers, and so must you. Promise that no matter what happens in our future,
that you will always remember the strength to be found in our family.
I promise. Robb said, his words earnest and sincere. Caryssa smiled her watery smile at him,
and leaned forward to press her lips to his cheek, not even scrunching her nose up at the bristles
that irritated her lips on contact.
Keep our family safe, keep the North secure and find happiness, little brother. Ill send ravens,
and you have to send ravens to me. It will be painful enough to not be able to just walk down the
hall should I need to talk to you, but to endure no contact at all would surely kill me. Caryssa
said, hugging her brother to her again once he had nodded, before she felt something latch onto
her leg and almost made her and Robb fall to the ground.
Caryssa looked down and found a sobbing Rickon clinging to her skirt, his eyes red, his nose
running and Shaggydog crying with him, probably at the loss of four sevenths of his own siblings.
Rhaenyra, Lady and Nymeria would of course be accompanying their mistresses to Kings
Landing, and Ghost would follow Jon to the Wall. It was two packs dividing, and Caryssa was
apprehensive about it for more than one reason. Her instincts were telling her to beg her father to
not go to Kings Landing, but she only had one reason why they shouldnt; Bran.
She heaved Rickon up into her arms, hugging him to her as he wrapped himself around her and
kissed his forehead as he sobbed into her neck.
Why are you all leaving? The little pup cried.
Father is the Hand of the King now. Hes even more important than he was before, and Sansa
and I are going to get married, remember? Sansa is marrying the prince and I am marrying Ser
Jaime, and were going to live in Kings Landing with them. Caryssa explained once more,
rubbing his back with one hand and running the fingers of the other through his hair in a soothing
motion.
Why do you have to marry Ser Jaime? Why do you have to leave?
Because I have to have a family of my own, pup, but believe me, if I could bring you with me, I
would, but there must always be a Stark in Winterfell and Robb, Bran and Mother need you.
Someone has to look after them all for me, do you think you can do that? Caryssa questioned,
pulling him away from her a little bit, so she could look into little Rickons eyes.
Rickon nodded, his eyes wide to convey how serious he was.
I know you can. You have to be strong for me, my darling brother, okay? Mother is watching

over Bran, so she wont be able to look after you as much as she used to, and Robb will be very
busy, so you have to be strong, play with Shaggydog, attend your lessons, and be a good boy for
me, okay? Do you promise? Caryssa pressed, and when her little brother nodded, she smiled
weakly and kissed his cheek.
My lady, your father is ready to leave now. One of their household servants informed her, and
she sighed, but nodded.
Come on, little pup, I have to go now. Hug Robb for me. She said, passing Rickon to Robb,
and the little wolf pups crying intensified, and thoroughly dragged Caryssas heart through the
mud.
Caryssa kissed Robbs cheek one last time, before she turned, heart heavy, and mounted Snow,
not turning her head to look back at her brothers once. If she did, she knew that she would lose
her resolve again, and would try her hardest to stay in Winterfell with them.
So she pushed Snow into a trot, hurrying forward to where her father and Jon stood waiting for
her. Sansa and Arya would be riding in a carriage with Septa Mordane and Jeyne Poole, the
stewards daughter, but Caryssa never liked the confining shelter of a carriage. She preferred the
burn of the cold Northern winds on her face, the feel of it whipping through her hairit was like a
true freedom she would never experience as a woman.
She greeted her father, her uncle and brother with a solemn face, and nodded towards them, a sign
that she was ready to leave. Ned Stark knew that it was tearing his daughter apart to leave their
family, almost as much as it was killing him to do the same, but it was necessary. He believed the
king could be in danger, and he had sworn his best friend an oath long ago to always come when
called upon. So he returned his daughters grave nod, and they rode off, their home at their backs
and their futures ahead.
Six Starks left Winterfell that day, dividing the pack, but a dark thought crept into Caryssas mind
as she rode out of the gates of her homehow many would return?
~*~
Before joining the kings caravan, Ned and Caryssa had to see Jon off. He would be joining the
Nights Watch, following in his uncles footsteps, and Lord Tyrion seemed to be accompanying
them. Before he rode off with her uncle, Caryssa called to the heir of Casterly Rock and halted his
progression northwards.
Lord Tyrion! She called, leaving her father and brother to say their goodbyes to say her own to
her future good-brother.
Lady Stark. Tyrion said in greeting.
I have come to say goodbye, my lord, and to express my hopes that youll have a safe journey to
the Wall. Caryssa smiled with as much warmth as she could muster (which was not very much).
Out of all the Lannisters, including Ser Jaime, Caryssa identified more with the sarcastic dwarf the
most. He was the very first who came to offer his condolences when he heard about Bran, and
visited frequently. Caryssa was shocked by his kindness, and promised him that she would never
forget it. They had talked many times over his stay in Winterfell, and she would even go so far to
say that they had formed a friendship. One she was sure she would be thankful for some time in
the future.
Many thanks, my lady. I hope to return in time for your wedding, but should I not, I offer you my

congratulations and my humble apology now. Tyrion said, clasping his hand to his heart, making
play at being completely sincere and Caryssa managed a laugh for him. It took a lot to make her
laugh since her brothers fall, let alone by a person she still deemed an outsider.
I will accept them, my lord, only on the condition that you watch over my brother while you are
with him. My brothers make play that they are men, but they are still boys in my eyes at leastI
fear he does not really understand what he is getting himself into. Caryssa said, and Tyrion
nodded.
I accept those terms, my lady, but what could I do to protect your brother? He is much taller than
me, and has better skill with a blade.
A sword is a soldiers weapon, my friend, but you are not a soldier. You can protect him with
your mind, and your words. I am already indebted to you for your kindness to my brother, Bran,
but if you could also do this for me, wellthe Lannisters are not the only ones who repay their
debts. Caryssa stated, and Tyrion could see the same honor and seriousness that was in her lord
father behind her Tully blue eyes. He could see that there was also a slim amount of trust in her
eyes, she trusted him, and he found that his own face had taken on a rare seriousness that he
usually tried to avoid.
Consider it a wedding gift, my dear sister, Tyrion replied, watching a spark of warmth enter her
eyes at his words. It almost made him smile, that warmth in the Ice Ladys eyes. Tales were told in
the North of the warmth that the Beauty of the North showed only to those she deemed worthy,
and it seemed she thought him worthy of it too. That was an accomplishment he was truly proud
of. Now, I bid you farewell. Until next we meet.
Until next we meet, brother. Caryssa smiled, nodding her head regally, before turning her horse
around and riding back towards her true brother.
Her father had taken his leave, waiting for her a little ways off, giving her and Jon some privacy
for their goodbye. Caryssa edged her horse as close to Jons as possible, and awkwardly hugged
him to her. Jon returned her embrace, knowing that he was going to miss her comforting presence
when they departed from each other, before he pulled away.
I will miss you, Stark. Jon stated, and Caryssa smiled at him weakly, the fears she mentioned to
Tyrion playing on her mind.
And you, Stark, Caryssa replied, and quickly hurried on when Jon opened his mouth to protest
her words. You are a Stark. You always have been and you always will be, and nothing in this
world, no cruel words or harsh tortures could get me to say otherwise. You are my brother, my
blood, and I want you to remember that. Which is why I got you this.
Jon watched in silence as his sister reached underneath her cloak, into her boot, and pulled out
something wrapped in cloth. She handed it to him, and gestured for him to open it with a nod of
her head. Jons eyes lowered to the black cloth, an homage to the new path he had put himself on,
and slowly unwrapped it.
A silver wolf pin lay on the dark cloth, and Jon raised his eyes to look at her, only to see hers were
on her gift to him.
It is the same- Jon started, but his sister cut him off.
The same as mine. I wanted you to have a piece of me with you, a piece of the family. I had it
made for you when Uncle Benjen came to me and told me that you had asked him about joining
him again, Caryssa said, still staring at the silver wolf, her gloved fingers touching its twin which

was pinned to the belt of her dress. She shook her head, and then wrapped her arms around her
brother again, pressing her lips against his prickly cheek. Do not forget me, Jon Stark.
Not even the white walkers could make me forget you, Caryssa Stark. Jon whispered back,
kissing the side of her head, before letting her go.
Farewell, brother. Caryssa said, moving away from him slightly.
Farewell, sister.
Jon stayed where he was and watched his sister gallop towards their father, and then watched as
the pair disappeared over the hillside together. The dark haired bastard paused a moment longer,
before he turned his horse to follow his uncle and the Lannister dwarf, wondering how long it
would be until he next welcomed his familys embraces.

A Bite Worse Than Its Bark

Chapter Summary

"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.
Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.
We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest."
-Maya Angelou

A week later, when they had stopped at an inn for another respite after a long day of riding,
Caryssa was helping Septa Mordane finish setting up the tent she would be sharing with Arya and
Sansa, with Rhaenyra always at her heels. Her sisters had wandered off; Arya taking Nymeria to
go find the butchers son, Mycah, whom she had made friends with, and Sansa leading Lady
along on a short leather leash. Caryssa had let them wander off, preferring to get everything done
without the added stress of her younger sisters squabbling like babes.
As Caryssa busied herself with making hers and her sisters beds, she thought about her journey
so far. The journey along the Kingsroad had thus far proved to be uneventful. They had already
stopped three or four times, the last halt being at Moat Caitlin. Their next stop after this would
most likely be The Twins. Caryssa wasnt particularly looking forward to that. Her mother had
told her about Lord Walder Frey, and how his lust for women and power had not diminished with
his age. His wives got younger and younger as he got older and older. Caryssa could only hope
that having her betrothed at her side, no matter how much Ser Jaime annoyed her, and would be
enough for the old miser to leave her be.
She was pulled out of her worried thoughts by Rhaenyra growling.
What is wrong with that wolf? Septa Mordane questioned, as they both looked at the angry
direwolf.
I think that might be my fault.
Caryssa turned to the opening of the tent, and stared at Ser Jaime as he stood just inside the tent,
his eyes on her.
You cant be in hereSer. Septa Mordane snapped, only adding his title on at the end as she
remembered her propriety.
I wished to talk to my betrothedalone. He shot a sharp look towards the septa, who, though
she wanted to protest that it was improper for a young unmarried woman to be alone in a tent with
a man, bit her tongue and quickly left, though not without giving the Lannister lion a glance that
screamed bloody repercussions should anything indecent occur.
Caryssa eyed Jaime with suspicion, but continued to make Aryas cot up, so it would be ready for
her to sleep in come the night.
What do you wish to talk about? Caryssa dared to ask, sensing that it was most likely something
that would make her more miserable than she already was.

Well first, my sister has moved our wedding forward. Well be man and wife a week after we
arrive in Kings Landing.
Caryssa froze, turning her head towards the golden knight, shock clear on her face.
Why? She gaped.
It seems my father wants us to start making heirs as soon as possible. Caryssa glared at him,
before turning away from him.
Her mother had told her what to expect from marriage, what to expect from the bedding and Septa
Mordane had tried to help as well, as best she could. Her best source of knowledge on that subject
had actually come from one of Theons whores. Caryssa had caught the woman leaving Theons
room and curiosity got the best of her. Ros, Theons favourite whore, answered all her questions
in shocking detail, but for once, Caryssa was actually thankful for bluntness. It meant she had a
very good idea as to what she was going to be in for come her wedding night. She had just
expected to have more time.
Im a Lady of the North, not a mare used for breeding, Caryssa seethed, fury glinting in her eyes
as she dropped the sheet in her hands and turned back to him. And I will not be treated like one.
Not even by the Queens brother.
Did I manage to light a fire in the Ice Lady? That must go on my list of achievements, Jaime
teased her, and Caryssa just continued to glare at him, refusing to let his words amuse her. We
were going to have to get married anyway, might as well make it as soon as possible, and the
sooner we are married, the sooner we make our fathers happy by giving them grandchildren.
And Im sure that giving your father grandchildren is the only reason you want to bed me as
quickly as possible. Im sure it has nothing to do with your own base desires. Caryssa replied
dryly.
Before Ser Jaime could reply with something she knew would be vulgar and rude, her father burst
into the tent, with Sansa at his heels, pushing past the Lannister lord and storming towards his
eldest daughter.
Have you seen Arya? Has she been here?
Caryssa had only seen her father this panicked and flustered when Bran had fallen from the tower.
She looked to Sansa, but her sister seemed just as shaken. Caryssa instantly pulled her sister into
an embrace, holding her slightly trembling body to her own. Sansa seemed to be somewhat
comforted by this, and the shaking stopped.
Whats wrong? What happened with Arya? Caryssa questioned, grabbing hold of Neds arm to
stop him from leaving the tent. What is going on?
Aryas wolf bit the prince. Sansa said Arya fled with Nymeria. I need to go out and look for
her. Ned replied, and Caryssas eyes widened in shock. How could things already be so messy?
They had not even made it to the lions den yet. Then her eyes darkened. The prince mustve been
doing something to Arya in order for Nymeria to attack him. She just hoped that her sister was not
harmed, because she was not sure she would be able to control her temper and stop herself from
finishing what the wolf started.
Ill come with you. Caryssa started, but her father and Ser Jaime blocked her exit.
No, I need you to stay here. Arya might return. I need her in safe hands. There are none safer
than yours. Her father stated, and Caryssa reluctantly nodded.

Ned left quickly, but Jaime lingered, watching as his betrothed maneuvered her sister to perch on
the edge of one of the cots. Caryssa dropped to her knees in front of Sansa, the younger girl
gazing down at her in wide eyed curiosity.
Sansa, you need to tell me exactly what happened. Why did Nymeria bite Prince Joffrey? When
Caryssa saw her hesitance, her Tully blue eyes glancing at Ser Jaime and away again, and Caryssa
took her hands and softened her voice. Pretend he isnt here. Its just you and I, little wolf. Tell
me.
We were walking, Joffrey and I, and he offered me some more wine. Thats when we heard
Arya and the butchers boy pretending to be knights with wooden sticks. The butchers son hit
Arya, and Joffrey cut his face with his sword, Sansa recounted, her words almost blurring
together with how quickly she was speaking. Sansas eyes filled with tears. It was terrible,
Caryssa! Arya hit Joffrey with her stick, and then heand then Nymeria bit his arm. Arya took
his sword and tossed it in the lake and ran off.
And then he what, Lady Sansa? Jaime questioned, stepping closer to the two women, but
keeping an appropriate distance. He didnt want to intimidate the girl when she was already
clearly shaken and terrified.
He-he Sansa trailed off, but Caryssa squeezed her hands and gave her a nod of
encouragement, but the young girl shook her head. Sansa was terrified of what the repercussions
would be if she spoke against her betrothed. She didnt want him to cast her aside because she
wouldnt lie for him. I dont remember.
Sansa-
Caryssa was cut off as a couple of Lannister soldiers opened the tent flaps, and walked in. Caryssa
rose to her feet, a look of outrage spread across her face.
Who permitted you to enter my tent without my expressed permission, without even announcing
yourselves? Caryssa questioned, her voice at a regular level, though there was so much venom in
her voice that the occupants of the tent were surprised that the two soldiers had not dropped dead.
The Queen, my lady. She requests that the Lady Sansa be brought before the King to testify
against her sister and her sisters wolf for attacking Prince Joffrey. We were sent to retrieve her.
You will retrieve nothing. I will escort my sister to the King myself, and Ser Jaime will come
with us. You both should make yourself scarce, because if I see either of you near my tent again,
Ill have you both flogged for your indecency. Caryssa hissed, hauling her sister to her feet, and
barging past the two Lannister guards, who balked at her rage.
Jaime followed behind the two females, laughing loudly at the terrified expressions of his fathers
men. He would have to speak to his father about that. Lannister soldiers should fearsome and
brave, not be frightened by angry women. Even if that angry woman is Caryssa Stark.
Lions do not fear the wolves, not matter how fierce their bark or bite may be.
Caryssa, half-dragging her sister behind her, tried to maintain some grace and dignity as she
marched into the Inn, and was promptly led by a guard to where the King, Queen, her father and
Arya were convened, surrounded by some of the southern entourage and a few men of the North,
namely Jory. Seeing a few friendly faces made Caryssa feel a little bit braver, as she stepped
forward, with her sister shielded behind her, to address the royals.
Lady Caryssa, I was told you were asleep. You brought your sister with you, I take it? The

King smiled at her, and she nodded once, a frown marring her face. Not exactly the smile the
King had been hoping to see. It was so much like her aunts.
I did, but I would like to be told why exactly she was summoned here in the first place, and why
Arya was not brought to our tent. They need rest if we are to be travelling again in the morning.
Caryssa replied, managing to hold back her anger as she spoke to the King, though she did not
manage to stop her eyes from narrowing at the Queen, who was smirking at her.
Your sister and the butchers boy attacked my son, beat him with clubs and disarmed him, before
they set her little beast on him, The Queen hissed, and Caryssa turned to glance at Arya, who
shook her head at the Queens words. So that wasnt what happened. She would believe her
younger sister over the Lannister Queen any day of the year. Arya would never lie to her over
something so serious. Joffs arm was nearly ripped off.
The Prince still has both his arms well intact, as far as I can see. If Nymeria had wanted his arm,
shed have it, Caryssa explained, as calmly as she possibly could while staring down the Queen,
who hated her beyond all rational explanation. Besides, I oversaw the training of all the direwolf
pups. They would not attack without provocation.
What are you saying, Lady Stark? King Robert questioned, and Caryssa turned her eyes back to
him.
Im saying, Your Grace, that I fear the Prince, Arya and the butchers boy were roughhousing
and it got a little out of hand. Maybe someone got too violent with their play, and Nymeria saw it
as a threat to her owner. She-wolves are infamous for their protective nature, especially when it
comes to their cubs. Almost as protective as a lioness. Caryssa answered, her eyes looking
pointedly at the Queen, whose lip curled down in a sneer at her comment.
She attacked me, my lady! She did! Joffrey insisted, trying to bring Caryssa to his side. On their
journey, he had often talked to the Northern lady, bragged rather, and made quite crude
comments, and Caryssa knew that he, like his father, had an interest in her that went beyond her
status as the Hands daughter or Jaime Lannisters future bride.
I would like to hear Lady Sansas testimony now, then maybe I can get some bloody answers
and be done with this blasted mess, The King grumbled, and Caryssa reluctantly stepped aside,
nudging her sister forward, but keeping a hold of her shoulders, keeping her in front of her. Now,
child, tell me what happened. Tell it all and tell it true. Its a great crime to lie to a King.
Sansa glanced at our father, then at the prince, and then over her shoulder at her elder sister, and
Caryssa could tell she was nervous. She didnt want to displease Joffrey, as they were to be
married, nor did she want to anger father or Ryssa by not standing by the family, so the eldest
Stark woman smiled at her as warm as she could manage in the stressful situation, and squeezed
her shoulders gently, encouraging her to answer truthfully.
Sansa turned back to King Robert, and sighed deeply.
I dont know. I dont remember. Everything happened so fast. I didnt see. Sansa said, trying to
be diplomatic.
Arya didnt see it that way. She surged forward, almost knocking Caryssa to the ground, and tried
to grab Sansas hair. She would have managed if it had not been for Jaime grabbing her about her
waist and physically holding her away from the red-headed Stark. Arya still struggled in the
Lannister mans arms, until she caught the murderous look on her eldest sisters face, one that was
mirrored by her father.

Shes as wild as that animal of hers. I want her punished. Cersei stated, her victorious smirk
plastered back on her face.
Caryssa was beginning to feel her fathers dislike for the Lannisters now. She felt as though she
wanted to knock the Queen down and rip that bloody smirk off of her beautiful face, but her own
sense of propriety and decorum held her rage within her, and stopped her from doing something
that could very well lead her to losing her head.
Arya was placed back on her feet, calmer now, and she glared at her sisters betrothed, wanting to
beat his smirk of his face, unaware that her thoughts were terrifyingly similar to her eldest sisters.
What exactly would you have me do, whip her through the streets? King Robert demanded,
barely looking up at his wife from where he sat in his chair. Cersei glared down at him from
where she stood at his side, when she realized he was not going to give her the satisfaction she
wanted. Damn it, children fight. Its over.
Joffrey will bear these scars for the rest of his life. Cersei reminded her husband, but all it did
was make the King turn to his son, a look of disappointment in his eyes.
You let that little girl disarm you? Robert questioned his son, and Caryssa saw the shame in the
Princes eyes for causing his father to be disappointed in him. Ned, see to it that your daughter is
disciplined. Ill do the same with my son.
Gladly, Your Grace. Ned replied, turning with a gesture to all three of his daughters, meaning
for them to follow him out. King Robert climbed out of his chair, wanting to wish the Lady
Caryssa a good night, when his queen stopped them all where they stood.
And what of the direwolf? What of the beast that savaged your son?
Id forgot the damned wolf. King Robert mumbled, turning to one of the Lannister guards
behind him, looking at him expectantly.
We found no trace of the direwolf, Your Grace.
No? So be it. The King said, turning to leave once more, eager to speak with the woman who
resembled his Lyanna.
We have another wolf.
Caryssa snapped her eyes towards the queen, and glared at her. She knew that Rhaenyra was
perfectly fine in her tent, Septa Mordane would never let the wolf be taken without Caryssas
consent, so that meant they had Lady.
As you will.
You cant mean it. Ned uttered to his oldest friend, as he brushed past him, urging his king to
see sense. Sansa had done no wrong and neither had her direwolf.
A direwolf is no pet. Get her a dog. Shell be happier for it. Robert replied, and Caryssa could
no longer remain diplomatic and calm.
And where is the justice in that, Your Grace? Lady has done no wrong, neither has Sansa. The
wolf who committed this crime is long gone, what sense is there in mindless bloodshed?
Caryssa questioned, her eyes screaming bloody repercussions and her hands curled into fists. She
couldnt stand by and see Lady slaughtered, especially not with Nymeria gone. Her sisters needed
as many comforts from home as they could have and Lady was the best thing there was. What

sense is there in the murder of an innocent animal and the heartbreak of a young girl?
The wolves are wild, my lady. They belong in the wilds of the North, not in the capitol. They
arent meant to be tamed.
And yet you would take me from my home in the North, where I belong, and try to tame me,
Caryssa commented, causing many in the room to chuckle at her words. Jaime smirked at her as
she tried to convince the king to change his mind. Should I be killed too, Your Grace? Perhaps
you can find Sansa a new sister in the South, one that belongs there, one shed be happier for.
Now, wait a minute-
Leashes! Caryssa cut him off, making the king turn red with anger, but pause when he
registered what she had actually said. The remaining wolves wear leashes at all time, until we get
to the capitol and then they are only allowed to be free of them in our rooms. No death, no
slaughter of innocent animals. A compromise that is fair and just to all.
The King was silent a moment, considering her word, his eyes on hers at all time. Just like
Lyanna, he mused silently, always bloody fighting against the smallest of injustices. Caryssa,
Sansa, Arya and Ned all waited with bated breath, hoping that the She-Wolfs compromise would
be accepted.
Finally, Robert nodded, and Caryssa smiled widely at him, much to his pleasure.
They must be leashed at all times, girl, do you hear me? Dont let me catch them running wild.
The King warned, and Caryssa nodded wordlessly, grateful for the lenience, even if the Queen
was not.
Robert, you cannot be- Cersei started, but the King raised his hand and silenced her.
That is my command. No more discussion. And with that said, the King stormed away,
grumbling about wild kids and bloody wives nagging him.
Ned, grateful that Sansa would no longer lose her direwolf and Caryssa had not gotten herself into
trouble, decided that he would take his three daughters back to their tent. Except Caryssa resisted,
when he tried to nudge her towards the door. Instead, she walked towards the Queen and Prince,
much to everyones surprise.
Does it pain you much, my prince? She questioned, showing genuine concern to the boy who
had tried to get her sister flogged or worse.
Joffrey was stunned at this turn of events, but shook his head, quickly putting on an air of bravado
and arrogance, thinking that was the kind of act that she would like, and not knowing that it was
the opposite.
No, my lady. It did at first, but the pain is barely there now.
I am glad, but should it bother you, my maester gifted me with some salves that would soothe
your wound. Id be more than happy to share it with you. Caryssa offered, trying to ease some of
the tension that the whole Arya-Joffrey-Nymeria situation had created between the two families.
T-thats very kind of you, my lady, but Im sure it wont be necessary. Like I said, it doesnt hurt
too badly. Joffrey replied, and Caryssa smiled politely at him, before nodding once, and, with
one simple half-glare at the Queen, she turned her back on the two royals and proceeded to leave
with her family, mending bridges with the person she saw as the biggest threat should he remain
displeased.

Jaime followed his betrothed out of the Inn, though he stopped her before she could follow her
family into the females tent. She looked at him quizzically, but remained with him outside of the
tent, curious as to what he had to say to her.
Well played, little wife.
Im not your wife yet, Ser Jaime. And Im sure I have no idea what you mean.
Appeasing Joffrey? The heir to the throne? Youre playing the game well, I must say. Jaime
remarked, a smirk on his face that he was surprised to see mirrored on her face as she stared up at
him.
I may be of the North, dear Jaime, but I am a woman. We are well versed in mind games, and I
will do what is necessary to protect my family when we arrive in that rats nest you call a capitol,
even if it means stooping so low as to befriending the prince.
My, my, I may make a lioness of you yet, my lady. Caryssa rolled her eyes at her future groom,
but smiled at his comment nonetheless, no matter how false it may be. She was not a lioness, she
was a she-wolf, and, no matter how much exposure she got to the Lannisters, nothing would take
the ice from her veins.
Instead of voicing this, Caryssa leaned up and pressed her lips to Jaimes cheek, before walking
inside her tent, leaving him both pleased and confused at her action.
Goodnight, Ser Jaime. Her voice floated back, and he smiled, not knowing that his sister
watched from a window above, a scowl marring her beautiful face.
Cersei had not thought the Stark girl would warm up to her brother, she thought that the very idea
repulsed her, but she had kissed him. On the cheek, but, even from a window view, Cersei had
seen the affection with which the Stark kissed him.
This did not please the Queen. Not one bit.
~*~

The Rat's Nest

Chapter Summary

"You can sacrifice and not love.

But you cannot love and not sacrifice."
-Kris Vallotton

Caryssa could admit that there was a kind of beauty about the Red Keep; it was formidable and
daunting, towering over the lower city, where the poor and unfortunate dwelled, but in its way it
was a sight to behold.
Caryssa rode in between her father and Jory, as the Northerners entered the Red Keep, riding until
they reached the courtyard in front of the Tower of the Hand. She turned her eyes backward,
checking up on her sisters from where they sat on a cart. Both of them had not wanted their view
to be restricted as they entered, so sat with Septa Mordane in the open cart, rather than the closed
off carriage. Both Arya and Sansa had a look of child-like wonder on their faces, which caused a
grin to play on Caryssas lips.
Jory nudged Caryssa, forcing her to turn back around and pay attention to her surroundings, just
as her father pulled his horse to a halt, with everybody else following suit.
Ned dismounted his horse, allowing a stable hand to take the stallion from him, and stepped
forward as a servant walked quickly towards him, a slightly nervous smile on his face. The
Northern party were a rather intimidating group, Caryssa mused, still atop her horse at Jorys side.
Welcome, Lord Stark. Grand Maester Pycelle has called a meeting of the Small Council. The
honour of your presence is requested. The man said, giving her father a half-bow.
Ned sighed, looking around his shoulder at Septa Mordane and his eldest.
Get the girls settled in. Ill be back in time for supper. And, Jory, you go with them.
Yes, my Lord. Jory accepted Lord Starks orders, and Caryssa smiled at him. Even if she felt as
though she was capable of protecting herself, Caryssa felt much more at ease knowing that Jory
was going to be close by. Knowing him all her life, there was no man outside of her family,
except Ser Rodrick, Maester Luwin and perhaps Ser Jaime, that she trusted more with her safety.
If youd like to change into something more appropriate The servant remarked, though
quickly turned on his heels as Ned gave him a dark look, and simply removed his gloves. His wife
had made him the leather tunic he was wearing, and he quite liked it.
Caryssa watched her father stride away, a quirk on her lips. She didnt suppose he had expected to
be called to duty so soon after arriving, yet he made no complaints. Her father was nothing if not a
man of duty.
She turned to Jory, the same smile still firmly in place.
Come, lets get the children settled and our rooms ready for when the Hand of the King arrives to

be fed. Caryssa grinned, and Jory laughed at her, both of them dismounting from their snow
white horses together.
~*~
The rift had not healed between the youngest Stark girls. Arya was upset and angry at the loss of
her direwolf; upset that Nymeria was gone, and angry that Sansa had not stood up for her and
Nymeria. Sansa was upset because she had almost lost Lady, and that Lady and Rhaenyra had
been forced into cages for the remainder of their journey.
It made things rather unpleasant once Caryssa and Septa Mordane had organized their new
household and had gotten supper ready for the girls. They sat side by side, but in frosty silence.
The only sound that was heard was Arya stabbing her knife into the table, which was beginning to
irk both her septa and her sister.
Enough of that, young lady. Eat your food. Septa Mordane scolded.
Im practicing. Arya grumbled, continuing her actions, and Caryssa narrowed her eyes at her
from across the table.
Practicing for what? Sansa questioned, trying her best to ignore her sisters hostility and eat her
meal.
The prince. Arya answered simply, as though there was nothing wrong with her words, even if
all of the other three at the table gasped in surprise.
Caryssa though had more than enough of her sisters attitude, rising from her seat, moving around
the table and yanking the knife out of Aryas hand. Arya scowled at her eldest sister, and tried to
reach for the knife, but Caryssa moved it out of her reach and handed it to the septa.
That is enough, Arya. Caryssa warned her, but her sister refused to listen.
Hes a liar and a coward and he killed my friend.
The Hound killed your friend. Sansa reminded her, and Arya narrowed her eyes at her sister,
glaring at her as though she was the most nave and stupid person alive.
The Hound does whatever the prince tells him to do.
Yes, and what do you think the Hound would do to you if word gets back to the prince that
youve been practicing to kill him? Caryssa questioned, kneeling down beside her sister, gripping
her chin and forcing Arya to look at her. This place isnt the North, these people arent
Northerners. This place is full of corruption at every turn and spies listening to every conversation.
You cannot say such things, not even here. Do you understand me?
Hes a liar and so is Sansa! If she had just told the truth, then Mycah would still be alive! Arya
said, slamming her little fist against the table and Caryssa squeezed her eyes closed, taking a deep
breath.
Septatake Arya to her room. Shes finished with her meal. Caryssa sighed, standing to her full
height.
The septa nodded, gently pulling Arya out of her seat, and leading her away, just as Lord Stark
returned from his council meeting. Caryssa noticed that her father looked more worn from the
meeting than the long ride they had endured, and wondered how well it went.

What is happening here? He demanded, and before Caryssa could open her mouth to explain,
Septa Mordane beat her to it.
Arya would rather act like a beast than a lady. Caryssa has ordered her to her room.
Arya looked at her father, who looked between her and his eldest, who bore an expression of
weariness. Ned turned back to his youngest, and gestured with his head for her to follow her
sisters instructions.
Go on. Go to your room. Well speak later, Ned ordered her, and Arya sighed before finally
doing as she was told. Ned turned to his eldest, who had collapsed into Aryas vacant seat,
running her fingers over the tiny prick marks the young girl had made in the wood with her knife.
What was that all about?
Arya is still angry over Mycah and Nymeria. She was saying things she shouldnt and stabbing
the table with her knife. She just needs some time before shell listen to reason, Caryssa
explained, waving her arm around as if she were batting away the problem. She pulled on a smile
for her father, looking up at him from her seat, and arched an eyebrow, as she gripped the arms of
the chair. How did you fare in the Small Council, father?
We can talk more on that later, Ned said, his daughter giving him a knowing smile. Sometimes
he worried that his daughter could read his every thought, but he knew it was more that she knew
him so well that she could interpret every shift and change in his body language and work out for
herself the answers to most of her questions. He held up the package in his hand, and gently place
it on the table beside Sansa. Thats for you, love.
The Tully-haired girl daintily placed down her knife and fork, before picking up the leather
wrapped package as carefully as her father had placed it down. Caryssa gave her father a curious
glance, and his lips quirked a moment before he turned back to Sansa, sitting down in the last
vacant seat at the table.
Sansa tugged on the ties and unwrapped the leather to reveal a pretty doll dressed in blue and pink
clothing. Caryssa moved her chair slightly so she had a better view of both the present and Sansas
face. She didnt look too impressed with it, but one glance at Caryssa had her plastering on a smile
for her father.
The same dollmaker makes all of Princess Myrcellas toys, Ned informed her, and Sansa kept
her smile, even if her and her sister both knew she hadnt played with dolls since she was eight
years old. Do you like it?
Itsits beautiful, father. Thank you, Sansa lied, and while Caryssa had always been a strong
advocate for the truth, they both knew a little white lie was better in this case, so Sansa didnt hurt
their lord fathers feelings. May I be excused?
Well, youve barely eaten a thing. Septa Mordane protested, but Ned shook his head.
Its all right. Go on.
Sansa gave her father another smile, taking the doll with her as she left the table. Ned waited until
Sansa was out of earshot before he sighed deeply and turned to Septa Mordane.
War was easier than daughters. He commented, and Caryssa quirked a brow at him.
You flatter me, father. Caryssa remarked, making her father chuckle. She always felt a little
proud when she managed to make her father smile or laugh. Ned Stark was like the North, a grim
beauty, fair but harsh. He was a very reserved man, her father, so any laugh or smile brought out

of him was a victory.

You have always been the one child I had no worries about, Ned informed her, and she beamed
at him, only for him to laugh and continue. And you repaid me by becoming a woman and
giving me grey hairs. You were this charming little girl one moment and a beautiful young woman
the next. Near gave me a heart attack.
It cant have been that much of a surprise to you. Children have to grow sometime. Caryssa
replied softly, her eyes warm as she gazed at her father. He was looking worn, tired, like all the
battles and trials he had fought in life were suddenly all catching up to him. He was still very
handsome as he had been in his youth, when she was a child, but time was working its magic on
him, that she could see quite clearly.
When you have children, youll understand. Your first born is different to the rest. While you
want them to grow and become the people they were born to be, you want them to stay children
forever, to stay yours forever. Ned sighed, his gaze soft as he looked over at his daughter.
She was so wise, so much more mature than her nineteen years would have her be, and so
beautiful, so like his sister, that sometimes it hurt to look at her, yet he didnt want her to leave
him. Caryssa was his first born, his eldest daughter, the first of six precious gifts his wife have
given him, and soon she wouldnt be his, shed be Jaime Lannisters. He knew that it had to
happen, but he didnt like it much.
Caryssa rose from her seat, circled around the table, and wrapped her arms around her fathers
shoulders, and he immediately moved to hold them, rubbing his thumb over the material of her
sleeves. He noticed that she had changed from her riding garb into one of the dresses her mother
had given her so she would blend in better with the southern styles in the capitol. Plus, it was a
creamy yellow, not bold enough for it to be obvious, but it was a nod to the King and his family,
and Ned knew it was a deliberate move on Caryssas behalf.
Ned knew his daughter was clever, far cleverer than most would believe, and she had a keen mind
for politics even if she pretended she didnt. She knew that by currying favor with the King and
the prince, she could better keep their family in a better standing, but he didnt want her to have to
do that. He just hoped that she didnt end up like the Cersei Lannisters of the world, manipulating
men into doing what they want, gaining power through dishonesty and other unsavory tactics.
I am a Stark of Winterfell, the She-Wolf of the North, and your daughter, first, last and always.
Jaime Lannister, the King, the Queen and all the gods, old and new, couldnt change that.
Caryssa declared, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, resting her head against his for a couple
moments, before straightening up and heading to the door that led to her bedroom.
Where are you going? Ned questioned her, stopping her in her tracks.
I was told the gardens were beautiful. I thought Id get Rhaenyra and take her for a walk there.
Shes been rather unhappy being cooped up inside. Caryssa answered honestly, though she was
just as unhappy being confined within the towers walls.
In Winterfell, she could roam anywhere and everywhere she wished, but here, in the Red Keep,
she dare not go far beyond the Tower of the Hand. While she knew that Jaime, at the very least,
would not cause any harm to come to her, not directly, she could not shake away the hate she felt
rolling of the Lannister queen in waves. She was in Cerseis world now, and she had to tread
carefully or else find herself imprisoned or worse.
Go on then, dont forget to leash her. I dont want any more trouble with these wolves.

There wont be, Father. Dont fret, Caryssa replied, smiling, before she walked into her rooms,
having to push the excited direwolf puppy down off of her as she did so. She smiled at the
affectionate, larger by the day, pup before grabbing her leather leash. I know you dont like it,
but the King has ordered it, so we have to accept it, okay?
Caryssa chuckled as Rhaenyra seemed to nod her head as if conceding to her wishes, before
allowing her owner to slip the leash over her head and pull it tight. Caryssa and Rhaenyra walked
back through the rooms, and out of the tower, trying to remember the directions one of their new
staff had given her to the gardens.
She found them soon enough, and Caryssa was almost overwhelmed. There were so many bright
and colorful flowers, something she was not used to seeing in the cold, unforgiving North, and it
felt like it was too much on her eyes all at once. So the Northern lady hurried past the pretty
flowers, deciding to slow herself through the tall, green bushes, until she came to a fountain in the
middle of it. There was nothing in the middle of it, like it was awaiting a statue of some sort to be
built there, but no one had decided on what yet.
It was incomplete. Very much how Caryssa felt within herself. Throughout their journey, and for
most of her day so far, she had managed to preoccupy herself. Yet now, she was perched on the
edge of the fountain, running her hands through Rhaenyras fur, and her mind wandered of its
own accord to Winterfell and its inhabitants.
She wondered if Bran was awake yet, if he had recovered from his fall. She knew that he would
never have use of his legs again, that his dreams of being a knight were lost to him, but he was
alive. That was a miracle in itself.
She thought on her smallest pup, little Rickon, and how well he was taking their separation. He
was probably sticking to poor Robb, hanging off his leg and insisting on following him wherever
he went. Caryssa probably could have mothered him less, treated him more like her baby brother
than her surrogate son, but she had done it with all her siblings. She mothered them all. It was just
in her nature. Maybe it would turn out to be a bad thing. Without her pseudo-motherly support,
and her mother still despairing over Bran, how would Rickon fair without someone to coddle
him?
Next, her mind moved onto Robb. Robb. Her heart ached from the very thought of him. He had
become the Lord of Winterfell now, in all but name. It was a responsibility that she was not sure
he was ready for. He was just past his seventeenth year, and still very young. It was a heavy
burden, the protection of the north, to place upon his shoulders, but she also knew that he would
do his very best to honor their family, and his promise to her. She missed him terribly. When she
first saw the table they would have their meals at, she had almost wept at the pitiful size of it. Of
course, they had given them that table since only three, plus Septa Mordane, would truly be eating
at it once Caryssa was married, but it had only served as a reminder that she was missing half of
her pack.
Feeling a wet, scratchy tongue lapping at her cheeks, she focused on where she was, and realized
that she was weeping quietly. Rhaenyra was whining, licking away her humans tears, and
Caryssa bit the inside of her cheek, trying to push back at the wave of emotions that was
threatening to wash her walls away. She buried her face in Rhaenyras grey-white fur, hugging
the direwolf tight to her.
Ive never really known what to do when a woman starts crying. It appears your wolf is better
versed in that respect than I.
Caryssa jumped to her feet, grabbing tight on Rhaenyras leash when she started to growl lowly at
the man in front of her. With her free hand, she started furiously scrubbing her cheeks free of tears,

before glaring at the unknown man in front of her.

I dont believe Ive made your acquaintance. Caryssa said sharply, her eyes showing a clear
distrust. Rhaenyra, like her owner, seemed to sense when a man was worthy of trust or not. She
had not growled at either Tyrion or Ser Jaime, at her brothers or father, at Jory and Ser Roderick
or at the King. The people the direwolf had growled at where Theon, the prince and the hound,
Ser Ilyn Payne, several Lannister soldiers, the Kings squire (Another Lannister. Lancel, was his
name.), Cersei, and now this man.
I am a friend of your mothers, from when we were children together, maybe shes mentioned
me. Lord Petyr Baelish. I am a member of the Small Council.
Caryssa eyed the man, taking in his goatee, his slim build, noting that he could not have been a
warrior like her father and uncle had been, and his eyes. It were his eyes that made her distrust
him. They screamed mischief and deceit to her, and the slight superior smirk on his lips only
added to that image. She imagined he would have quite the silver tongue as well.
When Caryssa did not reply, Lord Baelish simply continued to talk, noting her narrowed us and
the way she loosened her grip on the still growling direwolfs leash as he took a couple steps back.
He could see the sword at her hip, one that he was sure her mother would be less than pleased
about her carrying, and the casual way her hand rested on top of the hilt. She did not trust him, not
even after the mention of his previous friendship with her lady mother.
I heard you may be in the gardens, and I thought you might like a tour of the grounds. I did not
expect, from all the stories I have heard of the illustrious Lady of the North, to find you weeping.
What gives you cause to weep, my lady? Do you not like your new home?
It is too early for me to have formed an opinion, my lord. Caryssa replied simply, being vague in
her answer on purpose. He may know of her, but she knew not of him. Her mother had made no
mention of him in all of her life, so she could not know if he told the truth or not. She would ask
her father when she returned to the tower.
Perhaps it is due to your upcoming wedding. Are you worried about marrying the Kingslayer,
Lady Caryssa? Baelish questioned, but before Caryssa could answer, a voice spoke for her.
I believe its I who should be worried. Some of the stories you hear on the road about the SheWolf of the North are quite terrifying, I must say. Jaime grinned at her as he stepped into view
from behind one of the bushes, seeing her breathe a sigh of relief, though she did not realize it
herself.
Ah, the man himself. Ill leave your future bride in your capable hands, Lannister. Baelish spoke
through gritted teeth, and both Jaime and Caryssa knew that he was leaving rather reluctantly.
After all, he had practically hunted her down with the intention of showing her around the keep.
Caryssa did not know his game, but she would work to understand this stranger, to work out his
motivations.
Caryssa did not speak, and Rhaenyra did not stop growling until the man had gone, and only then
did both woman and direwolf relax.
He said his name was Petyr Baelish, that he knew my mother. Was that true? Caryssa
questioned, her eyes still on the break in the bushes where the man had disappeared to. He had
sent unpleasant shivers down her spine, the same kind Theon Greyjoy had always given her. It
was how she knew the Iron Islander was not to be trusted, so she never did.
Jaime nodded, confirming Baelishs story, and Caryssa turned her eyes to him.

I spent some time in the Riverlands when I was a boy. Littlefinger was very much in love with
your mother, even going so far as to challenge your uncle, Brandon, to a duel for her hand. Jaime
revealed, as he stepped closer to her, a smirk on his face as the grey-white wolf did not growl at
him, and at how his bride to be did not tense at his approach the way she had Baelishs.
I sometimes forget that Uncle Brandon was betrothed to my mother first, Caryssa mused, before
amusement sparkled in her eyes. My uncle would not have taken kindly to the challenge that
much I remember of him. He was rash where my father was more calculated. Uncle Brandon
obviously won that battle. Baelish strikes me as a man who fights with words and plots, not a
sword. Can I trust him?
It wouldnt be in your best interest, little wife. Baelish is ambitious, and would most likely say
anything and do anything to further himself. His is a quest for power, Jaime informed her, and
she nodded, storing that information within her mind, ready for later use. Caryssa looked up at the
white-gold clad knight, seeing him already staring down at her. She wondered what was going
through his mind, when he suddenly reached up, cupping her cheek with his hand. Her eyes
widened, until he rubbed his thumb under her eye, wiping away the dampness she had missed. I
did not know that ice maidens could cry.
Caryssa scoffed, trying to muster up enough anger to retort with, but she couldnt. Instead she
chuckled in spite of herself, in spite of the man before her. She found herself warming to him, and
she was both terrified and thankful of it. Terrified because he was an unsafe bet to make, a man
with his reputation was a dangerous one to entrust yourself and, more importantly, your heart
with, and thankful because she could not imagine a marriage without trust and some form of
affection.
She knew that her parents marriage had not started out on the best of terms. Her uncle Brandon
had married some other woman, a farmers daughter, which had almost put the Starks and Tullys
at odds. Her uncle had left Hoster Tullys eldest daughter without a husband, and him without an
alliance to the North, that is until her father had asked the Warden of the Riverlands for his
daughters hand, to reestablish that alliance and smooth things over after the mess his eldest
brother had made. Her mother had loved Brandon, and she knew her father had loved some other
woman, she had guessed as much from his story, but they grew to love each other immensely and
wholly. She wished for a love like the one her parents had.
I suppose even the ice maiden melts when exposed to this ridiculous southern heat. Caryssa
remarked, her dry tone not going by unnoticed.
The weather here is not to your liking? How shocking, Jaime teased her, and she rolled her eyes
at him, before she really took him in. She had seen his Kingsguard armor all but once, and that
was only for a brief few minutes back in Winterfell from a distance. She was seeing it up close
now, and had to admit that it was an attractive look on him. Jaime must have caught where her
eyes had wandered to, because when she glanced back up at his eyes, he was smirking again.
See something you like? Were to be man and wife, you are more than welcome to ogle me as
much as youd like, as long as I can return the favor.
How gallant of you, but, as tempting as that offer sounds, I would have to pass. As you seem to
have been relieved of your duty, you can escort me around the rest of the gardens.
Now it was her turn to smirk, as she held her hand out to him, waiting for him to take her arm and
do just as shed said. He eyed her, seeing if she was being serious or not. His future bride had yet
to express a real desire to spend any time with him. Perhaps the ridiculous southern heat, as she
had so eloquently put it, had meddled with her mind. Yet she seemed genuine enough. She could
be trying to make the transition from perfect strangers to man and wife easier on them both by

tearing down a few walls to let him in.

Regardless of her reasons, he looped her right arm through his left, keeping a gentle grip on her
hand, before leading her away.
I had an interesting conversation with your father earlier today. He quipped, as they walked
through the gardens, neither realizing that they were in tandem with each other. Right foot first,
followed by the left.
Oh yes? He did not say.
It was in the throne room. I was on guard, and may have provoked him a little, but he was quick
to retaliate. We spoke of the deaths of your uncle and grandfather. I dont know if you met them.
I was but a small child, barely two, but I remember them. I remember crying when father told me
what the Mad King had done, when he told me that they would not be returning home. I did not
know them very well, not like my uncle Benjen, but all I knew was that my father was saddened
by it, so I cried for him, for his loss. Caryssa divulged to him, trying to let him in, little by little.
She knew she had resisted at first, she had not wanted to leave Winterfell, but she was in Kings
Landing now and there was nothing to be done about stopping this marriage, so she would make
the best of it. The way her mother would expect her to.
I cannot imagine what that is like. Jaime replied, and Caryssa looked at him in confusion.
What do you mean?
I love my family dearly, I do, but I have never cried for them, for their losses. Jaime revealed,
and Caryssa squeezed his hand, gazing up at him.
Ive been told that I can be overly compassionate when it comes to my family. I remember when
Robb first started to walk, we were in the Great Hall in Winterfell, and father had finally come
home from the war with Jon in tow. Jon could already toddle, but Robb was like a newborn doe
on his feet, all shaky and unsure. He tried all the same though, because he wanted to follow me
everywhere. One day, he climbed to his feet as I was walking away, following my septa to my
room, and tried to follow, but I was walking too quickly and he fell. I rushed back to him and saw
that he had cut his knee, Caryssa chuckled at the memory, and Jaime gazed at her, in wonder.
She was revealing all these private memories of her family, information she usually kept close to
her chest, and he had no real idea why, but he dared not question her, in case she decided to stop.
It was not a terrible thing, he decided, to get to know his little wife. The boy didnt even cry. I
saw the blood, thought he must be in such pain, and cried for him. My father rushed into the room,
thinking something terrible had happened, and it took forever for him to calm me down, insisting
that Robb wasnt really hurt. Ive always felt my familys pain more than my own. Perhaps that
speaks more about my character than it should.
Caryssa smiled, not realizing that they had come to a stop at a balcony overlooking more of the
keep below, and she looked up at him, surprised to find him already gazing down at her, with a
warmth in his eyes that she hadnt expected to see.
What? She questioned, and he simply chucked in return.
You are a puzzle, Lady Stark, and sometimes, I really cannot fathom you.
But isnt that part of the fun? Caryssa asked, and Jaime looked at her in confusion. Fun? What
was she talking about? If I was easy to understand and completely uncomplicated, you would tire
of my company in an instant, and if you were the same, I would be bored of you also. Puzzles are

fun, because trying to solve them is almost as fun as the actual solving.
Jaime snorted, causing his female companions eyebrows to pinch together as she tried to
understand why he could possibly be laughing at her, or at the audacity of him laughing at her in
the first place. It was rather rude to laugh at a lady when she had not embarrassed herself, or even
when she had.
I see why Tyrion liked you so much now. You both have a fondness for games of the mind.
Jaime chuckled, and Caryssa rolled her eyes at him. She feared her eyes would eventually ache
from the amount of time she spent rolling them at him.
Tyrion has a wonderful brain and wit. Of course he liked me. Caryssa teased, letting her own
ego show for a moment.
She knew she had one, but she rarely liked to acknowledge it or let it dictate her actions. She
knew that she was beautiful, which often inflated it, and she knew that her intellect was nothing to
scoff at either, like her skills with a bow. What made her ego controllable was the knowledge that
there were people in the world, she knew, that were more beautiful, more intelligent and better
skilled in her weapon of choice than she was. She recognized this, even if others like to
exaggerate her attributes.
Of course, how stupid of me. He wrote to me, Tyrion, and asked me to tell you that your brother,
the bastard, was doing well on the Wall, despite it not being what he thought it would be.
Jon would do well in anything. I raised him, Caryssa stressed her brothers name, making Jaime
roll his eyes, but he stopped when concern flickered in her eyes and worry transformed her face.
Did Tyrion say if he was fitting in well with the other men? Hes only ever had Robb, Theon,
Sansa, Arya, Bran, Rickon and I. Im worried that the rapers and thieves and murderers will treat
him badly being the son of Ned Stark.
You truly care for him, dont you? You bear him no ill will despite the circumstances of his
birth? Jaime questioned, and Caryssa blinked at him in surprise.
Why would I? Jon had no say in his birth, nor his parentage, but I had a say in whether to love
him or not, so I did. I love him as I do all my family, full blood or not. Hes a Stark, even if he
doesnt have our name. Though he would if I had my say.
Youd have him legitimized? Why?
Hes a Stark, through and through. He looks like my father, like my uncles, and no matter who
his mother may be, it is the North that runs through his veins. He is a wolf of Winterfell and he
should be known as such.
Too late now, the boy will be a crow. Jaime replied, and Caryssa sighed. She had not wanted
for Jon to become a man of the Watch. She had been sorely against it from the first moment he
had mentioned it at the age of eight. It bothered her immensely that her mother almost seemed to
encourage him to choose that path. Caryssa knew that Jon had almost created a fantasy as to what
the Wall was like, and she knew that he would be facing a harsh reality now. She had warned him
against it. She had truly tried, but in the end, she knew that his happiness, his fate, were entirely up
to him to achieve, so she had plastered on a smile and gave him her best wishes.
She would pray to the old gods and new that he would remain safe on the Wall until the day,
whenever that was, they next saw each other again.
The she-wolf shook her head, willing away the dark thoughts that threatened to ruin her good

mood, and turned to her companion, her betrothed, and smiled.

Ser Jaime, tell me about Casterly Rock. Ive heard it is beautiful.
~*~
Jon Snow was depressed. The Wall was not what he thought it would be. He had been there
nearly two weeks now, and hed already made himself more than a couple enemies when he
should have been making friends, brothers to replace the ones he had left behind.
Not that any man could replace his brothers. The Starks were a hard bunch to shake off once they
dug their claws into you.
The bastard placed another blunt training sword into its holder, ignoring the two other recruits in
the room with him. Theyd been glaring at him since he walked in, watching every move he
made. He remained as silent as Ghost, not wishing to provoke them further, until he heard the
door open and close behind him.
You broke my nose, bastard. A voice growled, and Jon froze for a moment, before putting
down another training sword, and turning to face the man.
Jon noticed that he still had fresh blood staining his face, and he smirked, in spite of himself. He
hadnt wanted to cause problems for himself, but he couldnt help the words that tumbled from his
lips, reassured by his superior skills to the men surrounding him.
Its an improvement. Jon Snow remarked, enraging the bloodied man further. A man grabbed
him from behind, holding him in place, while the angry man charged at him holding a rusty, most
likely blunt, blade to his throat.
If we threw you over the Wall, I wonder how long it would take you to hit. He sneered, another
man, smaller and leaner, moving closer so he could also taunt the trapped lords son.
I wonder if theyd find you before the wolves did.
The door creaked open, and all four mens eyes turned towards the newcomer, expecting it to be
someone whod flog them for fighting amongst themselves, only to find Tyrion Lannister, the
half-man, the Imp, standing in the open doorway.
What are you looking at, half-man? The recruit with the blade to Jons throat questioned,
wanting to frighten the boy from Winterfell. The man wasnt a killer, no, but he was angry, very
much so, and wanted to scare the green boy whod broken his nose, like it was as easy as a sharp
knife through butter.
Im looking at you, The Lannister dwarf replied, dryly, and tauntingly. These men could most
likely all best him in combat, but he had his own weapon, as his new, and only, female friend had
pointed out to him. Yes. Youve got an interesting face. Hmm, very distinctive faces. All of
you.
And what do you care about our faces? The man holding the Snow boy asked, feeling a little bit
nervous in the presence of the Imp. Not because of his physical stature, that was not threatening at
all, but because of his social stature. He was a guest of the Lord Commander of the Watch, and if
any harm came to him, it would be their heads.
Its just, Tyrion paused slightly, as he leaned against the nearest wall, and smirked at them. I
think they would look marvelous decorating spikes in Kings Landing. Perhaps Ill write to my
sister, the queen, about it. Or my brother, the Kingslayer. After all, it is his future good-brother

youre holding a knife to, and Lady Caryssa would be incredibly angry at me if I let any harm
befall her brother.
The three men looked at each other, before releasing Jon. Two of them remained, the small one
and the angry one, while the other left, not wanting to be in the same room as the clever Lannister
lion any longer.
Well talk later, Lord Snow. The bloodied man whispered to him, before stepping off to the side
to remove his training armor.
Jon panted slightly, leaning back against the heavy wooden sword holder, as he gazed at the halfman whod saved his life with only his words. Perhaps Jon should read more, he mused to
himself, if only to sharpen his wits. His sister read. Caryssa read as often as her schedule allowed
her to, saying that a slow mind meant a quick death, but he and Robb had always scoffed at her.
He wasnt laughing now. He missed her. Missed all of his family. He wished he hadnt left
Winterfell now.
Everybody knew what this place was and no one told me. No one but you and my sister. My
father knew and he left me to rot at the Wall all the same. Jon lamented. He knew his father loved
him, deep down he knew that, but it stung to know that the only people who had cared to tell him
that a life on the Wall was not what he thought it would be was his eldest sister, who he thought
he had known better than, and the dwarf who stood before him.
Grenns father left him too, outside a farmhouse, when he was three, Tyrion informed him, both
of them looking at the man in question as he stared at the Lannister dwarf, wondering how he
knew that. Pyp was caught stealing a wheel of cheese. His little sister hadnt eaten in three days.
He was given a choice his right hand or the Wall. Ive been asking the Lord Commander about
them. Fascinating stories.
They hate me because Im better than they are. Jon seethed. He felt guilty, after having heard
their stories, but he did not feel that it was their right to treat him as the outcast because of it.
Its a lucky thing none of them were trained by a master-at-arms like your Ser Rodrik. I dont
imagine any of them had ever held a real sword before they came here. I wont write your sister
about this mess, Im sure shed ride North in an instant to beat some sense into you, Tyrion
retorted, trying to get the bastard boy to see some sense himself. He was starting to believe that the
Lady Caryssas intellect had been handed down to her from her mothers side. Tyrion started to
walk away, before he remembered the letter in his pocket. OhYour brother Bran. Hes woken
up.
Jon snatched the offered paper wordlessly, only opening it once the dwarf was gone.
Bran was awake.
~*~
A double rap on her chamber door had the queen up in an instant, yanking the door open and
closing it again as soon as her guest was through. She had heard the news about the Stark boy,
and she was more than concerned.
How could you be so stupid? Cersei almost growled, like the lioness she truly was.
Calm down. The man opposite her instructed, and she glared at him for that. How dare he tell
her to calm down? When all she had built was at stake because of him?

Hes a child. Ten years old. What were you thinking? Cersei questioned, her fingers fiddling
with each other with her nerves. Bran Stark was awake, and, as far she knew, could not remember
a thing of what he had seen.
If he had, her and her lover, theyd both be dead by now, their heads displayed for all to see above
the city gates. Everything would be lost to her. Her children, her power, her crown. All lost for a
moment of passion with the man she loved. Passion, love, they were both their own killers, she
was starting to see.
I was thinking of us. I was thinking of you. I had to protect you. Its a bit late to start complaining
about it now, is it not? What has the boy told them?
Nothing. He said nothing. He remembers nothing. Cersei informed him, resisting the urge to roll
her eyes at the confusion on his face. If she knew one thing about men, is that it does not do well
to damage their egos with a simple gesture such as a roll of the eyes. No matter how exasperating
they may be.
Then why are you worried? He doesnt remember. Doesnt that make us safe? He asked, and
Cersei almost sighed as she had to explain it to him.
If it had been Jaime, she doubted hed be this clueless, but they had finished their forbidden tryst a
good six years ago. Cersei wondered what hed say if he were in Lancels place. Probably
something crude and mildly enraging, knowing her brother.
But he was not in Lancels place. He was with the Stark girl, and suddenly, Cersei saw red for a
whole new reason.
What if it comes back to him? If he tells his father what he saw.
Well tell them he was lying. Well say he was dreaming. Well say whatever we like. Im sure
that they would not take the word of a ten year old over that of the queen. Lancel answered,
trying to be reassuring.
And my husband?
Ill kill him if I have to. Anything for you. You know that.
His words sounded sincere, and it only served to spark an idea in Cerseis mind. Anything for
her? She would have to see about that.

When Innocence Was Lost

Chapter Summary

"All the powers in the universe are already ours.

It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark."
-Swami Vivekananda

Caryssa was waiting in the throne room for her father after another meeting of the Small Council.
She had spent a large portion of her first day in Kings Landing with her betrothed and she
realized that he was not as terrible as the rumor mill would have her believe, though she did not
dare tell him that. He seemed to enjoy the benefits that came with his reputation as a man without
honor, though she knew that it bothered him when it was thrown back into his face. Jaime
Lannister had surprised her, asking her many questions about herself, and genuinely seeming to
care about her answers. It did occur to her that he was simply pretending, but to make her life
easier for her, she would pretend to believe him.
That morning had been a particularly difficult one for her. She had been swept out of her bed by
Septa Mordane, Sansa and, most surprising of all, the Queen and her handmaidens for a fitting for
her wedding gown. Cersei had given a lot of input, claiming that the bride of the great Jaime
Lannister had to look the part. Caryssa had stayed mostly mute throughout the whole process,
only nodding or humming her agreement with the Queen or Sansa. Her mind was with her
mother, wishing that she was there to help her. How could she even marry without her mothers
guiding hand there to aide her in everything? Her mother would not be attending her wedding,
being in Winterfell, and that made her heartache immensely.
Yet, when she saw her father striding towards her, she smiled widely at the sight of him, refusing
to burden him with her own problems when he looked tired from his meeting.
She stretched out a hand, and her father accepted it, pressing a fatherly kiss to it, before looping
her arm through his, glad to see her done with her fitting and to be done with those men who had
been badgering him all morning long.
Just as Caryssa was about to open her mouth to ask him how his meeting had gone, a voice
stopped them in their tracks.
Lord Stark, An old, raspy voice called, and both Starks turned round. An old man shuffled
towards them, wheezing slightly, and Caryssa kept a polite smile on her face as he stopped before
them, a leer in his eyes for her. Is thisyour daughter? A true beauty, just like they say.
Is there something you wanted, Grand Maester? Ned reminded, wanting to get his unsavory
gaze away from his daughter.
Oh, yes! The old man remembered, holding up a rolled up letter in his hand. I meantto give
this to you earlier. So forgetful these days. A raven from Winterfell this morning.
Caryssa watched her father take the small parchment from Pycelle, nodding at the old man to
dismiss him, and then, instead of reading the letter with her father like she wanted, she watched
the approach of Littlefinger.

Good news? He drawled, as he strode towards them, smiling at Caryssa, making her shiver
unpleasantly as he did yesterday. Neither Stark answered him, but it did not deter him. Its lovely
to see you again, Lady Caryssa. Perhaps youd like to share your news with your mother.
She is in Winterfell, Lord Baelish. Caryssa replied, attempting to be polite in front of her father,
even though she wanted to be far away from him.
Is she? Baelish smirked, and both Ned and Caryssa watched him as he walked away, before
following the man, understanding the hidden message in his words and his expression.
Catelyn Stark was here in Kings Landing, and Lord Baelish knew where.
Without asking any questions for fear of who would overhear, they saddled their horses and
followed the Master of Coin deeper into the city, until they stopped outside of a pleasure house.
Caryssa was less than impressed as she dismounted, keeping step with her father, who looked
even less pleased than she did.
I thought that shed be safest in here. One of several such establishments I own. Littlefinger
informed them, Caryssa wrinkling her nose in disgust as a man left the building with rumpled
clothes and an all too happy grin spread across his lips.
Ned, displeased by what he thought was a game of Littlefingers concocting, grabbed the man by
the neck and held him by the throat against a wall, much to his surprise.
Youre a funny man, Caryssa watched him grip the mans throat a little tighter as he struggled.
Huh? A very funny man.
Ned!
Hearing her mothers voice, Caryssa rushed inside with as much dignity as she could manage
when entering a whorehouse, climbing a flight of steps, just ahead of her father. As soon as she
caught sight of her mother, she almost completely forgot herself and bounded into her mothers
arms.
Mother! Caryssa sighed happily, feeling safe again. Of course, she felt safe with her father, or
Jory, or even Jaime, but there was something about a mothers embrace that just took all lifes
worries away. Caryssa and Catelyn gripped each other tight, only letting each other go, so her
father and mother could embrace. So overjoyed was she to see her mother again, that it almost
slipped her mind that she was supposed to be in Winterfell. Mother, what are you doing here?
Her mother sobered up then, releasing her father, but not his hands. Her mother grasped his hand
tightly as she looked him in the eye.
There was an attempt on Brans life. An assassin created a diversion by setting a fire just away
from his room, and then crept in intending to take his life, but I held him off as best I could, until
his direwolf finished the job, Her mother explained, her eyes flickering to her daughter who had
a hand clasped tightly over her throat. Her brothers life was threatened, again, and she had not
even known about it. Then she saw the bandages around her mothers hands. Caryssa stepped
forward and tugged one away from her father, running a finger across the tight cloth. He cut my
hands with the same knife he was going to kill Bran with. Petyr told us that it was his knife until
he lost it in a bet against Tyrion Lannister.
Caryssa turned her blue eyes onto Littlefinger, who kept up a stoic expression as he locked eyes
with her. She did not trust him, but she did trust Tyrion, even if it was a tenuous trust, forged from
their shared hobbies and her brothers crippling. She did not believe that Tyrion could have

ordered her brothers murder. He was far too clever to leave a trail that would lead back to him,
even if he had. Someone was implicating him, and she knew it was Littlefinger, though she did
not know why.
The mere suggestion that the queens brother tried to kill your boy would be considered treason.
Baelish stated, and her mother and father finally turned to face him, bringing him into their
conversation.
But we have proof. We have the blade.
Which Lord Tyrion will say was stolen from him. The only man who could say otherwise has no
throat, thanks to your boys wolf. Baelish replied, and Caryssa stared at him coolly.
How did you lose this blade to Lord Tyrion? Its hard to imagine a man with a mind like yours
could place a bad bet. Caryssa questioned, using a backhanded compliment to try and earn
herself the truth.
As I told your mother, I bet on Jaime Lannister in the tourney held in honor of Prince Joffreys
last namesday. I believed it was a safe bet, Ser Jaime is the best in the Seven Kingdoms, only he
was unseated by Lord Loras Tyrell of Highgarden. I lost the dagger to Lord Tyrion, a man with
better luck than I, it would seem.
Caryssa found it hard to believe that Tyrion, knowing how skilled his brother was, better than
most people, would bet against him. The Lannisters could be dishonorable, but not to their own.
She was beginning to question exactly what Littlefingers motives were.
Caryssa, Petyr has promised to help us find the truth, Her mother insisted, and Caryssa nodded,
though she did not believe that the truth is what Petyr would help them find. Early graves,
Caryssa thought, thats what he wishes us to find, except maybe mother. Her mother turned to her
father, and pleaded with him to trust her friend. Hes like a little brother to me, Ned. He would
never betray my trust.
Ill try to keep you alive, Lord Stark, for her sake. A fools task, admittedly, but Ive never been
able to refuse your wife anything. Baelish declared, but Caryssa did not like his tone. Jaime was
right. He was still very much in love with her mother, and that was something that Caryssa did not
like. Love was a powerful motivator, and it could drive even the most rational of people to
perform the most horrendous of tasks.
I wont forget this. Youre a true friend. Her mother stated, her blue eyes wide and trusting as
she looked at Littlefinger, while her daughters were the opposite.
Dont tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.
~*~
Caryssa was torn the next day. The king had summoned her to visit him in his solar, but she
wanted to see her mother off, bid her farewell because she knew not when they would meet next.
She debated with herself for quite a while that morning, but she knew a direct order to the king
could not be ignored.
So she dressed herself in a blue gown, Tully blue for her mother, though she would not see it,
slipped on a pair of silver shoes and strapped her knife to her leg, before placing all of her jewelry
where it belonged; her brooch just under the bust of her dress, her necklace settling in the dip
between her breasts, and her direwolf ring on the middle finger of her right hand. Once braiding
her hair back, pulling it into an intricate bun, she left her rooms to start her day.

Caryssa could not stomach food that morning so did not break fast with her sisters, though she
made sure that they had eaten well, and that the two direwolves were taken out by Jory, before she
left to meet with the king.
She had almost gotten lost, the keep was very large and there were so many unfamiliar hallways
and doors that had her completely turned about until she found a servant happy enough to help her
find her way. The girl, no more than six and ten, nattered on the entire way, about the goings on in
the keep, about how excited the castle was for the wedding and the tourney for the Hand of the
King that would come after.
Caryssa nodded or gave polite, short answers whenever the girl aimed a question to her, until they
finally reached their destination and she came face to face with her betrothed. She took a moment
to thank the servant girl, dismissing her, and then to shamelessly (almost shamelessly, her
propriety got the better of her eventually) ogle her intended, before approaching him and the door
he guarded.
Miss me already, little wife? He teased her, and she gave him an indulgent smile, before
answering.
We are not married yet, Ser Jaime, and I am not here to see you, my white knight. The king
requested my presence, Caryssa replied, and Jaime nodded, suddenly serious, more serious than
she had ever seen him, and quickly opened the door for her. Thank you.
Jaime nodded at her once, a small smile on his lips, before he closed the door behind her, and she
stepped a little further into the room, waiting to be told by King Robert what he had wanted her
for.
There you are, girl! Come sit down, have a glass of wine! Ser Barristan and I were talking about
first kills!
She did as the king instructed, taking the seat opposite his at his desk, and taking the glass offered
to her by Roberts squire, Lancel Lannister. She quietly spoke her thanks, taking a gulp of the
sweet Dornish wine, far sweeter than she was used to, to calm her nerves. The king simply eyed
her for a moment, before he continued his conversation.
Yes, its been a long time. But I still remember every face, The king said, and Caryssa quirked
her lips, wondering why the king had summoned her to his solar just to listen to his war stories.
Do you remember your first?
Caryssa turned her head, looking back at Ser Barristan, as he stepped a few steps closer as he
replied.
Of course, Your Grace.
Who was it? The King pressed, and Caryssa had to admit, that she was curious about it herself.
She had always loved her fathers stories, though he did not tell the particularly gruesome ones;
those came from Ser Rodrick when she begged him to tell her about his own battles and wars he
had fought in.
A Tyroshi. Never learned the name. Ser Barristan answered from a few steps behind her, and
Caryssa turned back to face the king, not wanting to crane her neck around anymore. Though she
did not know what was worse; the smell of wine and sweat that was rolling off the king in
pungent waves or the neck ache she would receive looking at the Lord Commander of the
Kingsguard.

Hmm. How did you do it? The King questioned, his voice a little slurred from his intake of
wine.
Lance through the heart.
Quick one. Lucky for you. Mine was some Tarly boy at the Battle of Summerhall, Her father
had told her of that battle. She couldnt remember what had happened as she had been so young,
but she remembered the name. My horse took an arrow so I was on foot, slogging through the
mud. He came running at me, this dumb high-born lad, thinking he could end the rebellion with a
single swing of his sword. I knocked him down with the hammer. Gods, I was strong then. Caved
in his breastplate. Probably shattered every rib he had. Stood over him, hammer in the air. Right
before I brought it down, he shouted, Wait! Wait,.
The king laughed quietly, taking his eyes off the man behind Caryssa to turn them to her.
They never tell you how they all shit themselves. They dont put that part in the songs. Stupid
boy, King Robert muttered, before speaking louder again, returning to the now instead of his
memory. Now the Tarlys bend the knee like everyone else. He could have lingered on the edge
of the battle with the smart boys, and today his would be making him miserable, his son would be
ingrates, and hed be waking three times in the night to piss into a bowl. Wine!
His squire seemed to hesitate a moment, before moving to pour him some wine. Caryssa winced
as only a small amount trickled into the wine glass. The king would be displeased by that.
Lancel, The king scoffed, as Lancel tried to shake a few more drops from the gold jug. Gods,
what a stupid name. Lancel Lannister. Who named you? Some halfwit with a stutter?
Perhaps, you should have him fetch some more wine, Your Grace, as your supply seems to have
run dry. Caryssa pointed out to him, trying to save the man some torment. The king was not a
very kind drunk when it came to Lannisters it appeared.
Shes right. Go get more wine, The King ordered, and his squire obeyed, shooting her an almost
grateful look as he departed. When he opened the door, Caryssa saw Jaime, his body half tilted
towards the door, almost as hed been listening. Tell your cousin to get in here. Kingslayer! Get
in here.
Caryssa saw Jaimes jaw clench and unclench, as he pulled back whatever sarcastic or angry
quips he had and held them in, before he turned, skirting round Lancel, and moved into the room.
Lancel closed the door behind him, all too eager to be free of the kings torment.
Surrounded by Lannisters. Every time I close my eyes I see their blond hair and their smug,
satisfied faces. It must wound your pride, huh? The King questioned, taunting Jaime as Caryssa
sat quietly, her cup of wine gripped tightly between her hands. Standing out there like a glorified
sentry. Jaime Lannister, son of the mighty Tywin, forced to mind the door while your king eats
and drinks and shits and fucks.
Being a member of the Kingsguard is a high honor, I am told. Ensuring the safety of the king is a
feat that only the most noble of men can undertake. Caryssa defended, though King Robert
laughed loudly at her words.
Shes already battling your side. Youre a lucky man, Lannister, that Ned Stark thought you fit to
marry his daughter, Jaime simply nodded, though he shot an odd look towards Caryssa, possibly
wondering why she would stick up for him in the first place. Come on. Were telling war stories
for the lady. Who was your first kill, not counting old men?

One of the outlaws of the brotherhood. Jaime answered, and Ser Barristan looked at him.
I was there that day. You were only a squire, 16 years old.
You killed Simon Toyne with a counter riposte. Best move I ever saw. Jaime enthused, and
Caryssa smiled at his enthusiasm, in spite of herself. He clearly respected his lord commander, as
much as Ser Barristan seemed to respect him, regardless of his Kingslayer status. It reminded her
of how Jory spoke to her father sometimes.
A good fighter, Toyne, but he lacked stamina.
Your outlaw... King Robert trailed off, gaining back their attention, and Caryssas. Any last
words?
I cut his head off, so no. Jaime replied, casually, and Caryssas smile fell. While she enjoyed
war stories, she did not like to take death so casually. Death changes people. Killing someone,
having blood on your hands, it stays with you, haunting your very dreams. Or rather, it should.
Hmm. What about Aerys Targaryen? What did the Mad King say when you stabbed him in the
back? I never asked. Did he call you a traitor? Did he plead for a reprieve?
Caryssa froze stock still. The Mad King, she knew, was a touchy topic for her future husband,
whether he would like to admit it or not. He would not say why he decided to stab him in the back
after all that time and all that blood shed that could have been avoided, nor did he like to really be
reminded of the event itself. Yet he was, almost daily.
Jaime had been quiet, his eyes narrowed and his jaw taut just enough for Caryssa to know that he
was unhappy with the line of questioning, until the King had finished asking his questions. A beat
of silence came after that, before he replied.
He said the same thing hed been saying for hours. Burn them all, Jaime revealed, and Caryssa
did not know what to make of his words. Jaime saw the confusion in her wide, blue eyes, but did
not say anymore. He had not even told his father the true reason he had killed Aerys Targaryen,
he doubted very much that his little wife would be understanding enough to comprehend his
reasoning behind it. After all, she was her fathers daughter. If thats all, Your Grace
No, thats not all, Lannister, King Robert stopped him from leaving, his eyes turning to Caryssa.
We havent heard about Lady Starks first kill yet.
Caryssa froze in her seat, cursing the drunken king in her mind for saying anything at all, and
cursing her father for having told him her worst moment, her ever-present nightmare. Her jaw
clenched and her knuckles turned white from the force with which she was gripped the wine cup
in her hand. Fearing she might smash it, she placed it down onto his desk.
Come on, girl, tell us how it happened.
I think I would prefer to leave, Your Grace, with your permission. Caryssa said, moving to
stand, but the king barked at her to sit down, so she lowered herself reluctantly back into her seat.
You do not have my permission, now sit and tell us the story. How old were you?
Seven, Your Grace. It was my seventh namesday. Caryssa bit out, hating that she had to sit
there and relive the worst moment of her life in front of the king, the lord commander of his
Kingsguard and her future husband.
Gods, your namesday? How did it happen again? Your father told me a couple of times, but I

dont remember the details. The king pressed, and Caryssa kept her eyes on her fingers, on the
wooden direwolf ring that her brother had carved her for her last namesday. It bared its teeth at
her, and, for a moment, it was like seeing the blood on her hands again. Crimson red dripping
down her arms, sticking to her dress and hair.
He was a new guard in Winterfell, a farmers son from nearby who could not be housed by his
family anymore, and he was drunk. Extremely so. The feast was still going on, but I had gone to
bed. He had crept into my room, and he tried to Caryssa trailed off, her words sticking in her
throat, but she forced them down, deciding to simply continue with the story. Id been having
nightmares all week, a scary story told by my old wet nurse that I couldnt shake off, and I had
snuck one of my fathers old daggers into my room, sleeping with it under my pillowWhen he
climbed on top of me, I fought him as best I could, but he easily overpowered me, butI
managed to grab the knife. I stabbed him in the chest and in the throat, wherever I could reach.
Caryssas eyes had glazed over as she told her story with her eyes still on her hands, the haunting
image of the boys blood on her skin, on her dress, as vivid as the day it had happened.
Im sorry, Lady Stark, that you went through that. Ser Barristan offered, and Caryssa nodded,
finally lifting her eyes off of her hands and placing them upon the king. King Robert was almost
taken about by the burning anger in them, even if it reminded him of his Lyanna. He remembered
one time he had laughed at her when she expressed a desire to be a knight, and she had glared at
him with such hatred that he had apologized profusely, until she had forgiven him.
He was just seventeen. No older than my brother is now. He had a father who loved him, and
three sisters who worshiped the ground he walked on. He was drunk, yes, but he was too drunk to
have done anything. And I killed him. His blood is forever on my hands, and you make it sound
like it was nothing, like it meant nothing, Caryssa hissed at him, her hands clenched together in
her lap. No man, woman or child deserves for their life to be cut short, no matter who or what
they are. Your war stories and the tragedy in my past are completely different things, Your Grace,
and, if you do not mind, I wish to leave now, before you humiliate me further.
The King was speechless it seemed, and simply nodded. Caryssa wasted no time in climbing to
her feet, and sweeping out of the room, resisting the urge to slam the door closed behind her.
The King was a damn fool, she seethed in her mind, and not for the first time, Caryssa wished that
she was in Winterfell, with her brothers. She wished her whole family were there, that the King
had never gone to Winterfell, that her father had never accepted the role of the Hand of the King,
and she wished that things were as they once were, when the past was where it belonged and no
one pushed her to relive it or talk about it.
But it all had happened, and there was no changing the past. When she was seven years old, she
had lost her innocence in a sense, and there was no way to reclaim it.
Nothing could change what had already been. Nothing could change what she had done, and one
day, perhaps, she could learn to live with her past actions.
One day.
~*~
Another couple days passed and Caryssa did all she could to avoid her betrothed, and, for the
most part, she was very successful. In lieu of her mother, the Queen, Septa Mordane and her new
handmaiden, Daena, were planning her wedding, all three rarely asking for her input, though they
did keep her busy with dress fittings and telling her their plans.

When she wasnt being whisked away because of wedding details, she was spending as much
time as possible with her family. She would watch Arya with her dancing lessons with Syrio
Forel, sometimes participating herself and she found she responded much better to the water
dancing of the Braavosi than she did the regular Westerosi way. Sansa kept her occupied with
walks with the direwolves in the gardens, and with more discussions of her wedding. Her sister
was going to ask the gardeners if she could pick some flowers to weave so Caryssa would be
wearing a flower crown; Sansa had found some white and winter roses she thought would
complement her dress perfectly. If she were not with the girls, she trained with Jory in a secluded
area, trying to better her skills with a blade so she could keep herself safer in the cesspool that was
the capitol, or she would help her father sort through his thoughts about the matters of the Small
Council, trying to help him alleviate some of his burdens.
Her regular meetings with Cersei werent something she particularly enjoyed, and she knew the
Queen did not either, as both of them found ways to verbally belittle the other with as much tact
and subtlety as they could manage in their war of words.
She had hidden herself away this day though, hiding under her bed like an infant when Daena had
come in to look for her, needing some time alone. She had even sent Rhaenyra along with Arya to
her dance lessons so anyone looking for her would go to the gardens assuming that she had gone
to take the wolf for her daily walk.
So she sat needlepointing in the corner of her room, trying to occupy herself. She couldnt go
riding, not alone or with Robb like she would in Winterfell, and she couldnt go to any of the
places she had come to like in Kings Landing, like the markets in Flea Bottom or the gardens or
the royal tailor, as her father, as well as the King, had insisted on giving her an escort when she
was wandering alone.
The she-wolf felt caged, and she was not happy about it.
Caryssa was staring down at the grey direwolf staring up at her, when she noticed that she was
suddenly not alone. She turned her eyes upwards, eyes wide when she saw the familiar golden
knight that was her husband, in only a matter of days. Jaime looked less than impressed as he
gazed down at her from his place in the door.
How did you get in here? She questioned, placing her needlepoint to one side as she rose out of
her chair.
The door. Jaime replied, in a tone that said his answer should have been the obvious one.
All right, let me rephrase that, why are you in here? Caryssa pressed, her hands on her hips as
she stepped a little closer to him, angry that he had violated her private space, also a little
concerned that he was in here, while she was in the tower alone.
Her father was in another meeting with the Small Council, Sansa was in the gardens with Septa
Mordane and Lady, Arya was at her dance lessons with Rhaenyra, and Daena was out searching
for her somewhere. She was in her chambers, completely alone with the man who was to be her
husband, the same man she had been avoiding ever since the king had forced her to admit her
darkest secret. Only her father, her mother, Maester Luwin, Ser Rodrik, Jory, Robb, Jon and
Theon knew about her seventh namesdaymishap, and now the king, Ser Barristan and her
future husband knew about it too.
Youve been avoiding me. He did not even question it, he knew that she had been avoiding him
and stated it as fact, leaving her no other choice but to admit it.
I have.

Because you think that I would think less of you for saving yourself from the advances of a
drunken raper. Again he merely stated it, as though it was practically a truth that had tumbled
from the lips of one of the gods.
I do not particularly care if you think less of me. I care about how you found out. That secret was
mine to choose when I revealed it, my past, my burden, and the king forced it out of me like it was
sport, like it was funny to watch me wriggle and squirm as I relived every detail of it, Caryssa
divulged, averting her eyes away from his. Pity was not something she wished to see aimed at her,
especially not from a Lannister, and especially not from him. It was my secret to tell, and I would
have liked to have felt completely comfortable with you, and with ourcoupling, before I told it.
We are to be married in four days, you can call it a marriage, little wife. It wont kill you to
accept it as such.
I have accepted it! Caryssa hissed at him, narrowing her eyes at him, not even realizing that he
had stepped further into her room, closer to her than what would be deemed appropriate for two
unmarried people alone and unsupervised.
Have you? So you wouldnt mind if I do this? Jaime said, before he took an extra step forward,
raised her chin with two fingers and covered her mouth with his own.
Her first kiss with Jaime. At first she stood stock still, flummoxed by the sudden action, enraged
by it even, because how dare he just attack her like that, but then her body betrayed her. Her eyes
fluttered closed, her fists unclenched at her sides and moved to grip his arms, and her mouth
moved against his. Jaimes arms moved to her waist, circling around her and pulling her body
close to his, and she did not even protest it.
Caryssas mind, or rather her sense, had seemed to disappear, as she simply melted into their
shared embrace. Her hands trailed up his arms, realizing that she was feeling leather under her
fingertips instead of cold armor, only then recognizing that he was not on duty that day as his
white gold Kingsguard armor was nowhere to be seen, or felt rather. Her fingers danced along his
shoulders, until they moved behind his neck and tangled themselves into that glorious golden
mane.
Neither of them let go as they broke apart for air, Caryssa not even opening her eyes.
You wouldnt mind that? Jaime repeated, and Caryssa shook her head, before claiming his lips
again, feeling a little wanton and wonderful at the same time.
Caryssa had only shared brief kisses with her brothers before, familial affection, and once with
Theon. Many things were said about Caryssa Stark, but no one in Winterfell ever said that she
backed away from a dare. Robb had dared her to kiss Theon, and, despite her hatred of the Iron
Islander, she kissed him full on the lips for ten seconds, before pulling away and wiping her mouth
with her brothers sleeve. That had been when she was eleven. The only other man she had kissed
was Jory. That had been on her eighteen namesday, and she had gotten far drunker than she had
wanted, and so had he, and they shared a rather sloppy, but no less passionate, kiss that neither
spoke of again.
This kiss, or these kisses, were far different to all of those. This was like fire; it seemed to burn and
soothe at the same time. Jaimes hands moved to the small of her back, pushing her even closer,
eliminating all space between them. His mouth, Gods his mouth. She had once thought that he did
not remain as celibate as a man of the Kingsguard should be, and with how his mouth both teased
and took hers, she knew that she had been right, but she realized that she did not seem to care. His
experience now made up for her lack of it.

She gasped in surprise as he nipped her bottom lip with his teeth, before soothing it with his
tongue and just when she had opened her mouth to his, a squeal of surprise had them both
springing apart.
Daena stumbled through her apologies, before backing out of the room, and just as Caryssa was
about to follow her, smoothing down her hair and her dress, Jaime gripped her wrist and pulled
her back into him, pressing a chaste kiss to her mouth.
There will be a lot more of that come our wedding day, best prepare yourself for it. He
muttered, stealing another kiss, before he let her go, leaving her alone once more in her room.
Caryssa pressed her fingertips to her swollen mouth, marveling at the tingling she still felt in them.
Perhaps, if kisses like that came with him, marriage to Jaime Lannister would not be as terrible as
she had first thought it would be.
She may even enjoy it.

The White Wedding

Chapter Summary

"No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible."
-George Chakiris

The day had finally arrived. Today was the day Caryssa would become the new Lady Lannister
of Casterly Rock. Today was the day her father would lead her past hundreds of guests in the
Great Sept of Baelor and give her hand to Ser Jaime Lannister, and she would become his lady
wife, and he her lord husband.
Caryssa was racking with nerves. Outwardly, she appeared as calm as she did on every other
given day, but inwardly, she was shaking like a tiny leaf in the harsh northern winds during the
summer snows. Septa Mordane and Daena had woke her up much earlier than she thought was
really necessary and practically pushing her into a bath of hot, scented water. They scrubbed her
skin until she thought it would bleed, and then washed her hair with more scented oils. Caryssa
wondered what difference it would make to Jaime if her hair smelled like the same white roses or
if it smelled ordinary, as she knew after the actual ceremony that he would only be after one thing
and it wasnt going to be a sniff of her pretty smelling hair.
Once she was out of the bath, and dry, they dressed her in her wedding gown, tightening the laces
in the back, until her bosom was slightly more pronounced, something that made her roll her eyes,
and it was a little more difficult to breathe. Even when she asked them to loosen it, the septa told
her to stop complaining.
Catching sight of herself in the floor length mirror in her room, Caryssa could hardly believe her
eyes. She had never actually seen herself in the dress, and, while she did not like the Queen in the
slightest, she could see that Cersei had excellent taste. The gown was made of white silk with a
layer of white lace with a flower pattern over the top of it, the sleeves and bust were well fitted,
with an off-white belt to bring in the waist, with the skirt flowing down past her ankles so it
brushed the ground when she walked.
Caryssa thought herself to be a true beauty in the dress, marveling at how it felt against her skin,
and how it looked. She wondered what Jaime would think of it. He more than likely would make
a crude suggestion on how it would look better on the floor of his chambers than on her.
Eventually, her sisters and the Queen and Princess Myrcella joined Caryssa, the young girls
looking excited (except Arya, who complained that her wedding was getting in the way of her
dance lessons) for what the day would bring. Caryssa sat in a chair by her vanity table, her hair all
brushed through and clean, waiting for the women behind her to decide what they were going to
do with her hair. The Queen was advocating for an intricate southern style, while Septa Mordane
wanted to do a simple northern braid leaving most of her hair down to flow around her shoulders.
Caryssa wanted the northern style. She wanted to feel comfortable and normal, but she knew that
her opinion would not really matter. It did not even feel like her wedding. It felt like the kingdoms
wedding. It felt like everyone, but her, had a say in what happened, how it happened and what it
all looked like.

When she was a child, no older than nine or ten, she talked to her mother about what type of
wedding she wanted. Caryssa had always wanted to be married in front of a weirwood tree, to say
her vows in front of the old gods, to be married in a true Northern way. Her mother had smiled,
and said, that when the time came, Caryssa could have anything she wished as it would be her
day.
Yet, she had nothing of what she wanted, but that didnt mean she wouldnt try.
I would like northern braids, and Sansas flower circlet. I would like that one thing, if thats not
too much to ask, Caryssa snapped, as the queen made another comment on how Caryssa would
no longer be a northerner once marrying her brother so clinging to her northern ways was almost
childish. I am sure Jaime would prefer my hair to be down anyway.
Little Dove, you can do your sisters hair, since she wants something so simple. Cersei
commented, her lip curling into a smirk that let Caryssa know that the whole simple bit was
meant as an insult.
Caryssa said nothing in return, but simply stared back at the queen as she draped herself across a
chaise, sipping from a large goblet of wine. Cersei wore a crimson dress with gold
embellishments, her hair twisted up and out of her face in one of the very designs she had been
advocating for the Stark woman. Yet Caryssa felt she would look silly with her hair like that,
especially in comparison to Cersei. There was a reason that men called the lioness the most
beautiful woman in the seven kingdoms, and Caryssa did not want yet another reason to feel
inadequate when it came to Cersei.
She was just the Beauty of the North, Cersei was the Beauty of all Westeros. She couldnt even
compare to the older woman, in her eyes, but she wouldnt let Cersei have that satisfaction.
Caryssa would have her own style and be her own woman without following the rest of the
women in court. Shed remain true to herself and her northern roots.
Sansa was more than happy to do Caryssas hair, twisting and tugging, brushing it through again,
before she had finally finished. It looked beautiful, and far less simple than Cersei had said. One
large thick braid fell down her back, on top of a curtain of her dark hair, with smaller braids
twisted through it and falling down her back. Sansa then placed the white and winter rose circlet
on top of her head, and Caryssa beamed proudly.
Thank you, little wolf. Its beautiful, Caryssa stated, rising from her seat, and kissing Sansas
cheek. She then stole a glance at Arya, surprised that her hair was neatly braided and she was
wearing a pretty grey dress, similarly designed to Sansas light blue one. I must be dreaming,
after all, I had not heard the usual battle that comes with getting this little wolf into a dress.
Septa Mordane told me that I wasnt allowed to cause trouble on your special day. Arya huffed,
and Caryssa laughed.
Not even a little? That sounds absolutely boring. Caryssa replied, a smile still spread across her
lips. If she couldnt have her mother with her, her sisters would be comfort enough. If Arya
managed to cause even a little mischief at this wedding or the feast after, Caryssa would feel a
little less homesick.
This is my brothers wedding. No one is going to embarrass him, especially not wild little
wolves. Cersei snapped, and Caryssa did not even turn to look at the queen, bending down to
kiss Arya on the forehead, then her cheek, so she was close enough to whisper something in her
ear. The frown on the youngest Stark girls face disappeared almost instantly, and she nodded
once.

Caryssa straightened up, before walking over to the trunk in her room that held her wedding
shoes. Grey-silver slippers with glittering beads sewn all over, they were very pretty. Caryssa
slipped them on, before turning back to the women behind her.
I think Im ready.
A knock came at the open door, and Caryssa saw her father stood there, his eyes fixed on her,
almost as though he were dazed at the sight of her. She wondered if it was really her he was
seeing or his sister, something that only bothered her a little.
Not without this, He murmured, stepping into the room, a large, heavy piece of cloth in his
arms. Her maiden cloak, she realized, as he unfolded it. Your mother started sewing this for you
when you were born. She made sure I had it before we left Winterfell.
Caryssas eyes glassed over with unshed tears that she tried her best to hold in, as Ned stepped
closer to his daughter, wrapping the cloak around her shoulders and fiddling with the clasps until
he was sure it would not fall. Caryssa had barely noticed that all the women had left, too absorbed
in this one beautiful moment with her father to see them all shuffle out to leave for the Great Sept
of Baelor.
Ned wanted to weep for the first time since Bran had fallen, but he didnt. He could see that his
daughter was struggling to keep up her mask of indifference, the one she opted for when she was
feeling vulnerable, and knew that he had to be strong for her. Ned grasped her hands in one of his,
using his free hand to force her chin up so she would look at him.
I am, as I always have been, proud of you. I dont know if I say that enough, Ned muttered, his
eyes on their hands for a moment before lifting to those shocking blue Tully eyes she had inherited
from her mother. The one thing that did not belong to his sister. Ive fought wars, rebellions,
battlesand nothing has terrified me so much as standing here with you on your wedding day.
The day I lose my daughter to another man.
You arent losing me, I told you that. Caryssa tried to smile, let him know that she had finally
accepted her fate, but she wasnt sure it was very convincing. She knew that there were a lot
worse men out there than Jaime Lannister, and that maybe their marriage would work out well,
like her parents one did.
Ned Stark nodded, remembering her words from the other day.
I am a Stark of Winterfell, the She-Wolf of the North, and your daughter, first, last and always.
She would always be his, would always be an untamable she-wolf with the cold of the North
flowing through her veins, the essence of Winterfell in her blood. Ned knew that if Jaime
Lannister thought he could change his daughter into a lioness then he would end up a miserable
man indeed.
I know that things are difficult, tensions between our family and his will cause problems, but you
should know thisif he hurts you, Ill kill him.
If he hurts me, hed be dead long before you could get your hands on him. Caryssa stated, and,
having heard the millions of death threats she had issued to his ward, Theon Greyjoy, over the
years, Ned was not surprised to hear those words fall from his daughters lips.
Come. Everyone is waiting. Ned said, offering her his arm.
She took it, and Ned led his daughter to her future, unsure of whether he had made the right
choice in marrying her off to a Lannister.

Only the Gods could see all ends, and only time would tell if his choice was right or wrong.
~*~
When the doors to the Great Sept opened, revealing all the people it held within, the nervous
Caryssa had all but vanished. She had channeled the grace her mother had tried to instill in her,
and the confidence Robb often exuded. She kept her head raised high, and a smile on her lips,
ignoring the murmuring of those around her that threatened to distract her.
Her fathers hand on her arm only reassured her further, as they walked up the aisle and up the
steps to where Jaime stood, dressed in deep red clothes trimmed with gold, waiting for her. Ned
removed the maiden cloak from her shoulders, symbolically removing her from his protection,
and, with an almost dramatic flourish, Jaime removed his cloak of House Lannister and draped it
around her shoulders, making her his.
Caryssa eyed him, as she took his hand and let him lead her up another couple of steps until they
were stood before the High Septon. Jaime was smiling, not a smirk, a real smile, and it confused
Caryssa. She did not think that their marriage would bring him happiness, after all, he was
adamantly keeping his position as a knight of the Kingsguard. So why was he smiling so widely?
The High Septon stepped forward, a length of cloth in his hand to wrap around their joined hands,
and began to speak.
Let it be known that Caryssa of the House Stark, and Jaime of the House Lannister are one
heart, The High Septon declared, wrapping the cloth around their hands, and placing his hand on
top. Caryssa locked eyes with her husband as the cloth was removed, and allowed a small smile to
grace her face. One flesh, and one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder!
Look upon one another and say the words.
Jaime and Caryssa spoke their vows together, as was the custom, and Caryssa could barely hear
herself say them. All she could think was that now she was a Lannister. She was married.
She would never go home again.
With this kiss, I pledge my love. Jaime declared, following tradition, his green eyes never
leaving her blue ones, before he leaned in and pressed a firm kiss to her lips, both of them pulling
away to the sound of applause.
Tearing her eyes off of his, Caryssa swallowed the lump in her throat and beamed at the
congregation, who still applauded the newly married couple. Her eyes found her family, and the
smile she was faking became real as she watched Sansa clapping almost too enthusiastically, a
wide grin on her face, Arya looking positively bored as she clapped half-heartedly and her father
worried as he looked upon her, and she knew that he was second guessing himself again.
Caryssa was a Stark in name no longer. Now the world would know her as Lady Caryssa of
House Lannister, and, for now, she did not know what exactly she felt about that fact.
All she knew was she very nearly trusted the man she stood beside, enough so to marry him, and
for now that would be enough.
Love would have to come later.
~*~
The feast was a small affair in the Great Hall of the Red Keep, but Caryssa was pleased with it.

She sat with Jaime at the left side of the King and Queen, talking quietly with him about anything
and everything; about Casterly Rock, about how he had servants move her belongings during the
ceremony to the rooms they would be sharing as man and wife, about his uncles who had come to
their wedding and his father who had not been able to make it.
Caryssa was not all that disappointed about the lack of Tywin Lannister at her wedding, but she
was disappointed that Tyrion had not made it back. He had written her a letter, sending his most
humble of apologies for being absent from their celebrations, but he had just left the Wall and was
making his way to Winterfell before journeying the Kingsroad back to the capitol. She hoped that
he and her mother would not cross paths, as she knew her mothers temper would surely get her in
to trouble.
Caryssa sighed. Her mother. She wished her mother and her brothers were with them. Robb had
always promised to dance with her at her wedding, and to threaten her new husband to keep her
happy or hed rip said man to pieces with his bare hands. Caryssa had always laughed at him
when he said that, but shed always thank him for it. Now she wished he was here to keep his
promises.
But he was in Winterfell, miles and miles and miles away from her.
You wish that the rest of your family were here, dont you? Jaime questioned, reclaiming her
attention, and she nodded, popping a grape from her plate into her mouth. She had not eaten
much, her insides twisted with nerves for what was to come, but she tried to eat enough that the
wine she was drinking would not go to her head.
My family is important to me. I would have liked them to be here, especially my mother,
Caryssa sighed again, but shook her head. Bran is still too weak to travel and he needs a lot of
care and attention. And there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. I understand why it was
impossible.
Yet, you still wish they had come.
Stupid and irrational as it may be, yes. Do you wish that your father had been able to attend?
Caryssa asked, taking another sip of wine to calm herself.
The feast had been going on for some time now, and she knew that any moment now, some
drunken letch would call out for the bedding ceremony to begin. Call her a prude, but Caryssa had
always thought the bedding ceremony to be barbaric and distasteful. Only a brides husband
should see her naked, not scores of other men.
Do you really wish to talk about my father or do you wish to leave before the king announces its
time for the bedding?
Caryssa eyed him curiously, wondering why he was playing at being gallant, and opened her
mouth to question him about it, when he leaned further towards her.
I do not want any other man to see exactly what is under that beautiful dress of yours. Its our
wedding and Id rather not have to kill several men for staring at my naked wife. Jaime
explained, his warm breath leaving the skin of her neck heated and tingling.
She had never really felt attracted to other men before. The men she spent most of her time with in
Winterfell had been her brothers, her father, the master, and Jory. She had believed once that she
had felt something more than friendly affection for Jory at one point in her life, but she realized
that it was really just a friendly love.

With Jaime, while he frustrated her beyond belief at times and he could be crude and verbally
repugnant, there was no denying that he was by far the most handsome she had seen, that had not
been related to her. She was physically attracted to him, she knew, and she had actually begun to
be comfortable in his company, which is why she had fought him so hard.
At the time of their betrothal, she had thought it was in her best interests to fight her attraction for
him, to hide those feelings beneath an icy exterior, in case she could make her father change his
mind. Then she had come to know Jaime, and her father did not change his mind, and she realized
that underneath his mask of arrogance and bravado, Ser Jaime was not as bad as he wished
everyone to believe.
Now, Caryssa nodded her acceptance, and rose from the table with her husband. The King was
not in his seat anymore and everyone else was too drunk or too occupied with their own
conversations to notice the bride and groom sneak out of the hall. Except Ned Stark. He caught
Jaimes eyes, and nodded his approval, surprising the Lannister man. Ned Stark giving him his
approval? Times really had changed.
Once they reached his bedchamber, Caryssa heard the click of the lock on the door as Jaime
bolted it behind them, as she noticed that he really had gotten her things moved. Her vanity table
was pushed up against the far corner, with her brush, hand mirror, jewelry box and hair things all
neatly placed on top. She moved to his closet and saw her dresses hanging next to his clothes. Her
books were stacked on her bookshelf, and she saw the trunks with her shoes and weapons in them
by the vanity table.
The comfort of seeing her belongings, things from home, almost evaporated completely when her
eyes found the large bed.
I hope everything is to your liking. Your sister gave your handmaiden a list of things she thought
you would like to bring over. Shes going to bring your wolf here in a couple of days once were
settled. Jaime informed her, handing her a goblet of wine, which she accepted gratefully, taking
large gulps of the sweet Dornish wine to calm her nerves again.
Caryssa moved away from him to her vanity where she placed her goblet down and started to
remove all the pins and braids Sansa had put into her hair. It gave her a little more time, but Jaime
seemed to sense that she was stalling because of her nerves. She felt him behind her before she
really even knew he was there, so she didnt start when his fingers brushed her long hair over her
shoulder, before they moved to the laces of her dress.
The she-wolf bit her lip as his fingers ghosted down her spine every time he undid a lace, more
aroused by simple touches than she thought she would be. Every so often, his lips would press
against the soft skin of her neck and shoulders, and Caryssa bit back sighs of pleasure. He was
being gentle. Far more gentle than his sister had told her to expect.
~*~
Cersei had called her to afternoon tea in her solar, and, as she was the queen, Caryssa was forced
to accept the invitation. As soon as their tea had been served and Caryssa had taken the first sip,
Cersei had started talk about the upcoming wedding, the only conversation the Stark woman
seemed to have with anyone as the wedding grew closer.
They talked politely about her dress as it had now been finished, and whether the king or her
father would walk her down the aisle. Caryssa had chosen her father, though she had thanked the
king for his offer, and the queen seemed to become less tense at her answer. Then the
conversation took a rather unwanted turn, in Caryssas point of view at least.

Did your mother tell you what to expect from the marriage bed, Lady Caryssa? Cersei
questioned, and Caryssas body tensed and she paused in taking a sip of her sweet tea, lowering
the cup back to the table.
Yes, Your Grace. Why do you ask?
I simply doubt she prepared you for Jaime. That is all, little wolf. After all, Jaime is a warrior, a
knight of the Kingsguard. Warriors are far rougher when taking a woman than most men. Robert
was the same. All sweetness and civility in public, than brutal when he took my maidenhead,
Cersei stated, as if it was perfectly normal to talk about such things at afternoon tea with the
woman you hated who was going to marry your brother. I imagine Jaime will be the same. He
most likely will not have had much opportunity to sate himself since we were in the northern
wasteland you called home. Yet you will do your duty to him as his wife, and take the pain he
inflicts, and bear him sons. Wont you, Lady Stark?
Yes, Your Grace. Caryssa bit out through gritted teeth, not knowing that her future husband had
heard every word his sister had said.
~*~
I wont hurt you, wife. Jaime murmured against her skin, her dress falling away as he tugged
loose the last lace and pooling at her feet, leaving her in a thin white shift.
Good, Caryssa managed to choke out, turning around to face him, surprised when she saw he
had already removed his doublet and tunic, leaving him bare chested. She felt her cheeks redden
as she stared, but tore her eyes away from his torso and to his face. Because if you did, youd
become more acquainted with your hands than you would with me.
Jaime barked out a laugh at her words, causing an indignant look to appear on his wifes face. She
did not enjoy being laughed at.
Would I, little wife? You think that you could go without me sating your own desires? Jaime
questioned, ducking down to press his lips feverishly to hers. Caryssa gasped against his mouth,
her hands flying up to grip his shoulders to avoid falling back at the passionate kiss. Jaime
wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling him flush against him, while the other tangled itself in
her long, dark locks, as both of their mouths moved together, both out to take as much as the other
would give. He pulled away too quickly, Caryssa still leaning into his phantom kiss. You think
you could go without that?
Im-Im sure I could find a way to occupy myself. I could read, I could- Jaime cut her off with
another bruising kiss, his hands gripping her thighs tightly as he lifted her up, her legs instinctively
wrapping themselves around his waist. She gasped as she felt his hardness against her belly, and
Jaime took her surprise as opportunity to lick inside her mouth. Her own tongue hesitantly moved
to tangle with his, and pride warmed her chest when she heard a low moan erupt from Jaimes
chest.
Jaime walked them to the bed, breaking their kiss to put Caryssa back on to her feet, before
slowly, teasingly, removed his breeches leaving him as naked as his namesday. Caryssas eyes
widened slightly as her gaze fell downwards, before abruptly looking back at his face, her cheeks
burning red in her embarrassment.
No need to blush, dear wife, were married now. Which means you can shamelessly examine my
cock as much as you like. I encourage it even, Jaime teased her, and Caryssa glared at him,
wishing hed use less abrasive language when she was clearly nervous. Are you going to leave
me naked alone?

Staring back at him, a glare still present, Caryssa found the hem of her shift and pulled it over her
head, dropping it to the floor. Instead of covering herself up, like her inner insecurities desperately
wanted her to, she raised her chin and kept her arms by her side as Jaimes eyes roamed her naked
body. She knew that he was attracted to her, she could see the evidence of that very clearly so she
tried to ignore the little voices in her head that told her otherwise. Funnily enough, they all
sounded like his sister.
Jaime didnt pounce on her like she expected him to, like the Queen had told her he would. No,
instead he moved past her, her eyes following him as he sat on the bed, before he reached out to
take her hand and tugged her towards him. He pulled her onto his lap, smirking at the little
involuntary moan that escaped her mouth when his cock brushed against her entrance, before
smothering the delicious sound with a kiss. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders, her brows
knitted together as she felt an uncomfortable, but not undesirable, heat pooling below. She shifted
slightly in Jaimes lap, gasping into his mouth at the satisfying feeling the friction created.
Her husband laid her on her back, refusing to break their kiss again, and caged her underneath his
body. Ordinarily, Caryssa would not have accepted this, not liking anything that closed her in, but
her mind was otherwise occupied with the muscled, golden man flush against her to care all that
much about what position she was in.
Im curious, Jaime panted against her mouth, sipping from her lips once more before continuing.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like bedding your future husband?
Caryssa opened her mouth to answer, but all that came out was a sigh of pleasure as Jaime sucked
her nipple into his mouth, suckling and lightly nipping with his teeth. Only once he had made her
moan, did he stop and kiss down her body, licking down the valley of her breasts before kissing a
path down her stomach. Caryssa felt him nudge her knees apart, settling between her legs.
Her eyes shot open as he kissed her inner thigh and then felt his breath hitting the wet heat
between her thighs. Their eyes locked together, as he swept his tongue over her warm wetness,
her eyes widening in shock and pleasure.
W-what are you doing? Her voice was shaky, breathless, and she was unsure of whether or not
this was appropriate, even between husband and wife. Her mother had certainly not told her about
that, and for that matter neither had Ros, Theons whore. Perhaps Theon wasnt as accomplished
in bed as he liked to tell everyone, because she had, though she would not say the words aloud,
enjoyed what Jaime had done, especially the sight of him between her legs.
Just trust me. Itll feel good. Jaimes voice smooth and seductive, sending shivers down her
spine.
She nodded, and he moved his mouth back to kiss her soft folds, feeling her body surrendering to
his ministrations. Jaime listened to the noises she made, as he licked her lightly, before pushing his
tongue inside of her. Caryssas moans almost seemed to echo throughout the room, especially
when her lord husband slid a finger, then another, inside her, groaning at how tight she felt.
Her hands tangled in his hair as he continued to lick, kiss and suck her until she tightened around
his fingers, his name repeatedly falling from her lips as he brought her to the height of pleasure.
He rubbed that little nub of nerves with his thumb, making her hips buck into his face, as her body
spasmed around his fingers.
Caryssa panted, trying to catch her breath as she came down from the high Jaime had taken her to.
She could feel herself trembling, both from the pleasure she had just experienced and from the
anticipation of what else was to come, as Jaime crawled back up her body. He kissed her, trying to

distract her, as he placed himself at her entrance, pushing the head of his cock in. He was rock
hard, almost painfully so, having listened to all those breathy sighs and throaty moans escape her
mouth as he went down on her. Her relaxed body tensed slightly at the intrusion, but he whispered
comforts into her ear that calmed her again, before he slowly guided himself inside of her.
He hitched her leg around his hip, their eyes locked together as he broke through her maidenhead.
She gritted her teeth against the pain, desperate not to cry out, but Jaimes lips against hers forced
her to relax her jaw again.
You feel amazing, Ryssa. Relax. The pain will ease up, Jaime murmured against her lips, his
hands smoothing down her sides. Instead of choking out a reply, Caryssa buried her face into his
shoulder, biting her lip at the discomfort she felt. I promise you nothing but pleasure from now
on.
Jaime stayed still as long as possible, resisting the urge to move for the sake of letting her body get
used to him, but soon he had to move. At first, his slow thrusts into her did nothing to decrease the
uncomfortable, unfamiliar feeling of being stretched, but soon, sparks of pleasure started to build,
and her gasps of pain turned into sighs of pleasure that were in time to his own groans of
satisfaction.
This is amazing, she thought, as she bucked her hips up into his, spurring him to move faster.
Jaime shifted slightly, pushing deeper with each thrust, finding her pleasure spot and repeated the
action over and over again once he felt her walls begin to tighten around his cock. Caryssa
worried about being too loud, though she knew most people would still be at the feast, so muffled
her cries by clamping her mouth down on Jaimes shoulder, not that he noticed.
Her legs wrapped tightly around his hips, pushing her feet against his buttocks to get him deeper
within her, feeling a strong desire to have his body as close to hers as they could manage.
After several more thrusts, Jaime felt his wifes nails dig into the skin of his back as she peaked,
her groans of ecstasy muffled by his shoulder in her mouth, and he picked up his speed, chasing
his own end until he came hard, emptying his seed inside of her.
They were both breathing heavily when Jaime pulled out of her, and rolled onto his back beside
her, and Caryssa resisted the urge to laugh. She had been so against marrying Jaime, marrying
anyone at all, and yet it came with this amazing benefit. Perhaps the married life wouldnt be so
bad.
She almost squealed in surprise when her husband tugged her into his side, cuddling her against
him. Caryssa rested her head on his chest, smiling when she felt his lips press against her damp
hair, his hand running down her arm and side.
The motion, as well as their lovemaking, lulled her into a peaceful sleep, the smile widening as she
dreamed.

The Favor of the Wolf

Chapter Summary

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."
-Mother Teresa

The week following her wedding seemed to pass by in a blur. The following day after their
wedding, Caryssa and Jaime had not left their bed. It took some convincing, but Jaime eventually
managed to keep his little wife in his bed the whole day, learning all there was to know about her
body, its likes and dislikes. Caryssa thought she knew what exhaustion felt like, when her limbs
were heavy and aching, but she hadnt truly felt it until then, until Jaime had taken her in every
which way he desired, and she desired, until they both collapsed onto the sheets, barely able to
move past cuddling into each other once more.
They had settled in to a routine after that. Jaime would wake her by curling his fingers inside her,
theyd fuck or make love, depending on whether or not she was happy to be woken, and then
shed linger in bed a while longer when he dressed and went to train with the other men of
Kingsguard. Caryssa would then be dragged out of her bed by Daena, washed and dressed by her
handmaiden, before she decided what she would do that day.
Being the future Lady of the Rock, when her husband decided to step down from the Kingsguard
like he was offered, she had no real duties in the Keep, aside from breaking fast with the royal
family on occasion. After the first time of breaking fast with the Baratheons, having the king ask
her crude questions about her and Jaimes lovemaking, Cersei making snide comments, and the
Prince following his father with rude statements about her sex life, she decided that shed rather
not make their visits a regular occurrence, preferring to break fast with Jamie alone, or with her
own family.
This day, however, she did not have to struggle with something to occupy her time with while her
husband did his duties to the king. This day was the beginning of the Tourney of the Hand.
Knights from all over Westeros had journeyed to the capitol to take part, and people from all over
had converged on the capitol to watch the festivities.
Caryssa was excited. Her mother had told her stories of tourneys, of knights and champions and
the maidens that were selected to be the queen of love and beauty. She was not a foolish romantic
like her sister, Sansa, but she did love those stories for the excitement and thrill she knew her
mother must have felt being part of them.
When she woke that morning, Jaime had been slow with her, the way he had been when they first
consummated their marriage, his thrusts languid and long, like he was trying not to tire himself
before he took part in the days events. It was only when she saw stars, her moans getting louder
as she came, did he fasten his pace, chasing his own satisfaction, before he collapsed beside her.
Caryssa smiled once she caught her breath, turning to Jaime when she felt his eyes on her.
I never thought youd be so willing in my bed. Under all that ice is fire, like Tyrion said. Jaime
commented, sweeping her hair over her naked shoulder.

She had many nightgowns, but with Jaimes never sated lust, she never had opportunity to wear
them. She had tried once, but her lord husband had only gotten frustrated with the barrier between
their bodies that he ripped it away from her. Caryssa had been livid, and showed him by digging
her nails hard into him as he took her, biting down on his shoulder so hard she accidentally broke
the skin. She didnt apologize and he didnt ask for one, simply chuckling at the mark, before
pulling her into him.
Our bed, husband. And a person cannot be both ice and fire. Theyd melt from the heat and
douse their own flames, and Im sure youd be positively overcome with sadness if your Ice Lady
melted into nothing. She mocked him, as she crawled onto his lap, straddling him with a smirk on
her lips.
Im sure I would. Ive become quite used to returning to a dutiful and insatiable wife warming
my-our bed, Jaime replied, his fingers gripping her hips slightly, correcting himself when she
pinched his arm at his slip-up. He patted her on the rear, before pinning her to the bed in a move
so quick she wasnt quite sure how hed accomplished it. And, as much as Id like to take my
sweet wife again and again until she could no longer move without being reminded of me rutting
between her legs, I have a tourney to start winning.
Caryssa rolled her eyes at his arrogance as he reluctantly climbed off her with a parting kiss, and
began to dress himself. His armor would be waiting for him in his tent by the tourney fields, so he
simply pulled on his tunic, breeches and boots, turning back once he was dressed to find his wife
watching him from under the covers of their bed.
He moved back towards her, remembering that he had one thing to claim from her before he left
for the tourney, and perched himself on the edge of the bed, hand reached out to cup her cheek.
Lady Caryssa Lannister, dear little wife, might I have your favor? Jaime requested, his eyes
sparkling as he teased her, daring her to say no. Caryssa smirked at him, pushing his hand away,
before she climbed out of the bed. At first she had been hesitant to walk about their chambers
naked in front of him, but she had done it once and hed taken her roughly against the wall, and
Caryssa had decided that perhaps being more of an exhibitionist was not so unwelcomed.
How do you know that I havent already given my favor to one of your competitors? Caryssa
asked him, as she picked the dress she would wear for the start of the tourney. Picking a dress of
light blue, a color that made the Tully blue of her eyes stand out, with fur trim around the sleeves,
she turned to him and held it against her frame for his approval. Not that it mattered. She dressed
for herself, but she found she liked the little morning routine they had developed.
Who would you give your favor to if not your husband? Jaime questioned, as he nodded, liking
the look of the light blue against her fair skin. She did not have any Lannister colors in her
wardrobe, and Jaime wondered what she would look like in crimson. Hed have to have the royal
seamstress make her some gowns. He couldnt have people think that she was still a Stark in
name, not when she was his now.
I heard Lord Loras of House Tyrell would be in the joust today. Perhaps I gave him my favor.
Ive heard hes quite handsome. Caryssa teased, as she pulled the dress on, reaching behind her
to pull on the laces she could reach, until his hands replaced hers.
He tugged tighter than was necessary, causing his wife to scowl and grip her vanity table for
support. Even Septa Mordane was gentler than him, and she pulled her dresses so tight that she
sometimes struggled to breathe. When her dress was tied, Jaime spun her in his arms, and pressed
his mouth to hers, possessing her completely, but just when she started to respond, he pulled
away.

Who are you giving your favor to, wife? Jaime smirked in victory at her dazed, heavy-lidded
gaze, until she rolled her eyes at him.
As irritating and oddly attractive as I find your strangely possessive habits, please do not attack
the Tyrell boy just because I said that I heard he was attractive, Caryssa instructed, as she turned
to her vanity table and picked up her direwolf pin. It was important to her. More important than
scraps of ribbon or a handkerchief with her initials sewn into the corner. She turned back to him,
her fingers stroking the silver pin reverently, before she held it out to him. Here is my favor,
husband. Dont lose it or damage it, or Ill have your head. It was a present from my uncle
Brandon before he died. He gave it to me for my second namesday. Its all I have of him.
Jaime nodded, taking the pin, before mentally planning where he would put it on his person for
the crowds to see. If her favor had come in the form of a ribbon or handkerchief it would have
been all too easy to tie it around the armor protecting his arm, but now hed have to think of
something much cleverer.
Caryssa smiled, as Jaime looked thoughtful, before she continued to get ready. Turning to her
jewelry box, she pulled out her necklace and fastened it around her neck, just as Daena knocked
to announce herself, opening their chamber door, Rhaenyra scrambling inside to see her mistress.
The direwolf guarded their door at night, even though they had acquired her a large dog bed that
was placed near the fire.
Oh, my lady, youre already dressed! Daena exclaimed in surprise. Caryssa had to hold in a
chuckle at that, as she crouched down to pet her wolf. Her first week of sharing a bed with a man,
with Jaime, had left her quite useless when it came to getting herself ready for the day.
My hair still needs brushing and braiding, Daena, if thats alright? Caryssa asked, ignoring
Jaime when he scoffed. He had come to realize that his wife was probably more courteous and
polite to servants and the common folk than she was to high-born lords and ladies, and it amused
him to no end, even after she explained that it must be a difficult job rushing about to clean up
after lords and ladies while catering to their every whim.
Of course, my lady. Daena replied, moving towards her charge, ushering her into the chair in
front of the vanity and taking her long, ebony locks into her hand to begin combing it through.
Ill look for you in the stands, little wife.
Ill be sitting with Sansa and Arya, so find Sansas flame-red hair and Ill be the slightly taller
woman in blue. Caryssa teased him, hearing him chuckle as he left their chambers, whistling for
her wolf to follow.
Surprisingly, Jaime and Rhaenyra had taken quite well to each other. Caryssa was expecting to
have to keep Rhaenyra with Arya, fearing that shed decide she didnt like her mistress new
husband and try to attack him. Jaime joined them on their walks in the gardens and she knew that
he sneaked the wolf extra food when he thought she wasnt looking. Rhaenyra trusted him, and it
made Caryssa trusting him that much easier, because she knew that her wolfs intuition when it
came to people was always on point.
Caryssa did not worry about why he had called for the direwolf, guessing that he was going to
take Rhaenyra to relieve herself, before sending her back with a squire. She just hoped hed pick
someone who wouldnt wet themselves with fear at the animal. When she and Rhaenyra would
walk the gardens, anybody she encountered would turn and walk away as quickly as possible,
except for Baelish. The couple times she had walked Rhaenyra without Jaime, when he had been
back on duty, shed almost always bumped into Baelish.

She didnt like him. That stare, the glint in his eyes, the smirk on his lips. The way she always had
to replay his words and work out the underlying meaning. He was ambitious, Jaime had told her
so, but just how far he would go for power is what remained to be seen. Caryssa knew that he was
casting doubt over Tyrion, and she just hoped that her mother was wise enough not to try and find
the little lion without her father finding any proof.
So caught up in her musings, she barely noticed that Daena had finished braiding her hair.
What do you think, my lady?
Its beautiful, Daena. Thank you. Sansa will envy your handiwork. Caryssa praised, rising to
her feet, as Daena stepped away to her oak trunk and found a pair of blue shoes to wear to match
her dress, while Caryssa strapped her dagger to her leg as soon as her maids back was turned.
She liked Daena well enough, but she suspected that the girl was under Cerseis thumb, so didnt
want the fact that she wore a secret dagger to get back to the queen.
She slipped on the pair of shoes, murmuring her thanks to Daena as the girl led her out to her and
Jaimes solar to eat her morning meal. It was fruits mainly, bread, butter and jam, and some bacon.
Caryssa ate quickly, knowing that soon shed have the impatient knocking of Arya on her solar
door, and as though her sister sensed that thought, the rapping on the wood started.
Daena let them in, not surprised to see Rhaenyra back with them as Arya led her in by her leash,
smiling politely at Septa Mordane who was chaperoning them.
Have you both eaten? Caryssa questioned, noticing the leftover food she had not consumed
herself.
They ate well when they broke their fast this morning. Septa Mordane answered for them, and
Caryssa nodded, turning to Daena.
Have you eaten this morning?
Not yet, my lady. The household staff eat after their lords and ladies. Daena replied, and
Caryssa ushered her into her vacated seat, ignoring the girls protests. She knew that Daena would
eat with the rest of the staff in the kitchens later, maybe some leftover fruit and bread, but she
knew that a growing girl like Daena needed to eat more. She thought her maid to be a little too
skinny than what was healthy.
I insist that you help yourself to some food. Once youve eaten, you can tend to your chores,
Caryssa declared, her tone of voice not leaving much room for argument, and Daena shook her
head. Septa Mordane and I will be taking the girls to watch the tourney, so you will have most of
the day to yourself to do as you wish. Just make sure that someone takes Rhaenyra for her walk
around midday.
Thats most kind of you, my lady. Thank you.
Caryssa smiled, before she gestured for her sisters and the septa to follow her from the room.
Are you excited for the tourney, Ryssa? Did you give Ser Jamie your favor? Sansa questioned,
as they began their walk to the tourney grounds. Caryssa turned her head to smile softly at her
younger sister, who had looped their arms almost as soon as they had walked out of the door.
Arya walked on Caryssas other side, though Caryssa knew that there would be no hand holding
with the little she-wolf. It just wasnt her.
I am and I did. Caryssa answered, and Sansa looked her sister over, trying to see what was
amiss so she knew what to look for. Sansa had thought she would have given him the necklace

Aunt Lyanna had given her when she was a babe to wear, but it still hung from her neck. Then
Sansa saw it, or rather didnt see it. Her direwolf brooch that she usually pinned to her dresses was
missing. Caryssa almost jumped in the air, when Sansa started to laugh, the laugh light and
twinkling but louder than she was used to from the young girl.
You got Ser Jaime to wear your direwolf pin. The golden lion wearing the pin depicting his
silver she-wolf. He must love you, Sansa stated, and Caryssa kept up her smile. She did not want
to ruin Sansas romantic notions of knights and their ladies. She knew that she and Jaime werent
in love. They werecontent in their marriage, in each others company, but it wasnt love. She
wasnt fool enough to believe that their marriage and clear physical attraction equaled love.
Joffrey doesnt even like me.
One thing you have to learn about men, sweet sister, is that their egos are easily bruised and
dented, easier than they are swollen and inflated. When Nymeria attacked him and Arya bested
him, it wounded his ego and his pride, and hes angry at you because you witnessed it all,
Caryssa stated, trying to soothe her sisters mind. Youll just have to wait for him to come to his
senses. Hes just a boy, after all. If he doesntperhaps I can persuade my husband to meddle.
Do you think he will? Joffrey, I mean. Do you think he will come to his senses?
I do. No doubt the queen will help him. Men always need a little nudge from a woman to see
sense, before they claim that they figured it all out themselves, Caryssa joked, causing a smile to
brighten her sisters face again. Im sure everything will turn out right in the end.
~*~
The tourney had not yet begun, but the King was already drunk, wine spilling out of his ivory
drinking horn when he wasnt focused on it. Caryssa rolled her eyes, and turned her head back to
the field. They were seated close to the royal box, just in front of Lord Renly, the Kings younger
brother. There was a space next to Caryssa meant for her father, but he had other matters to tend
to, and would most likely not be able to attend until the next day.
She saw Sansa smile up at Joffrey in her peripheral vision, and saw him look away, leaving her
sister disappointed. Caryssa took her hand and squeezed it about to open her mouth to remind her
to give it time, when another voice sent chills down her spine and stopped her.
Lovers quarrel?
Im sorry. Do I? Sansa trailed off, not really knowing what to say to the strange man towering
over her sister where she sat. She noticed that Caryssa did not seem very pleased to see him,
feeling her sisters hand grip hers just a little bit tighter and knew that Caryssa did not trust him. So
Sansa was hesitant to as well.
Sansa dear, this is Lord Baelish. He was at your sisters wedding. Septa Mordane informed her,
and Caryssa faked a smile for the man.
And what a beautiful bride she made. I hope married life is to your liking, Lady Lannister?
Baelish inquired, and Caryssa nodded, though she had no real desire to talk to Littlefinger about
her marriage.
Its been an enlightening experience. Jaime has been very kind to me, Caryssa answered
honestly, as he sat beside her, smiling that odd smile that unnerved her. She turned her head to
face Sansa. Lord Baelish is an old friend of mothers when she was still living at Riverrun.
Yes, Ive known your mother a long, long time. Baelish added, smiling at the two girls who

reminded him so much of his unrequited love.

Sansa was Catelyn in body, but that stubbornness and polite courtesy in Caryssa did not simply
come from the Starks. He knew the she-wolf did not trust him, not yet, but he could sway her. Her
blue eyes were precisely the same shade as her mothers, enough that if her hair was colored red,
he could be looking at a young Catelyn. The world talked about Caryssa because of how similar
to her deceased aunt she looked, but Petyr could see her likeness to Catelyn, in the way she held
herself, her eyes and the curve of her mouth. The She-Wolf of the North was not hundred percent
Stark, as she liked to believe. She was equal parts Tully too.
Why do they call you Littlefinger? Arya questioned, much to the shock of Sansa and her septa.
Baelish could see that the new Lady of Lannister was not surprised by her youngest sisters
curiosity, sighing to herself and he could see that she was resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
Dont be rude! The girls septa scolded, but Caryssa was surprised when Baelish simply
chuckled.
No, its quite all right, Lord Baelish stated, and turned his body so it was more angled towards
the four women. When I was a child, I was very small, and I come from a little spit of land called
the Fingers, so you see, its an exceedingly clever nickname. Almost as clever as the Beauty of the
North is to describe a beautiful Northern lady.
Have you placed a bet on todays tourney, Lord Baelish? Caryssa questioned, ignoring the
unpleasant shiver she had suffered from his attempt at flattery.
No, my lady. I have learned my lesson when it comes to gambling, but I am certain that your lord
husband will most likely win. He normally does when the king allows him to compete. Did you
give him your favor?
He is my husband, Lord Baelish. It would not be appropriate to give my favor to any of the other
knights.
No, I suppose- Caryssa was almost thankful for the Kings next drunken outburst, though she
could see that the Queen certainly wasnt, when it cut off whatever Lord Baelish was going to say
next.
Ive been sitting here for days! King Robert bellowed, still clutching the ivory drinking horn in
hand. Start the damn joust before I piss myself!
Caryssa did not blame Cersei when she rose from her seat and disappeared, a stone-faced
expression still unable to hide her displeasure at her husbands antics, as she knew that if Jaime
ever dared to embarrass her in such a way, she would probably ban him from her body for weeks.
The crowds still cheered at his words however, especially when the first two knights to joust
appeared. Baelish noticed that the Stark girls all seemed to be transfixed at whoever was riding
towards the king from behind him, and turned his head to see who it could be.
Dark heavy armor cladded the knight atop a dark horse, and Baelish knew who it was in an
instant.
Gods, whos that? Sansa questioned, unable to comprehend how that poor horse was able to
seat so big a man. The man was monstrous in size. Almost like a mountain, Caryssa thought.
Ser Gregor Clegane. They call him the Mountain, Caryssas lips curved up into a slight smile at
her thoughts being reality. Clegane. The name was familiar to her, but she could not remember
why. She knew it was one of the Houses of Westeros, but she felt it was more familiar than that.

The Hounds older brother.

And his opponent? Caryssa asked, and Littlefinger quickly obliged her with an answer.
Ser Hugh of the Vale. He was Jon Arryns squire. Look how far hes come. Littlefinger
informed her, a smirk on his lips that led her to believe that there was more to Ser Hugh of the
Vale than she knew, particularly about how he had been knighted from a lowly squire.
She pondered the thought, barely listening to the King as he told them to have at him.
The two riders turned away from each other, riding to their posts to the sound of fanfare. Their
squires handed them their lances and shields depicting their houses, and Caryssa suddenly felt ill at
ease, which only grew as the jousters charged at each other.
The first encounter between the two knights was nothing all that thrilling, though the Mountain
came closest to hitting Ser Hugh.
The second chargeCaryssas hand gripped Sansas tightly, her eyes widened in shock. Sansa
had screamed slightly in horror, while the rest of the crowd gasped in surprise. The Mountain and
Ser Hugh had rode towards each other, but the Mountain stabbed his lance into Ser Hughs neck,
the wood splintering off and forcing the newly-made knight off of his horse.
The knight from the Vale lay on the ground, helplessly, as he choked on his own blood, drowning
in it.
Caryssa kept a cold mask of indifference, knowing that she was being inspected by Baelish and
others, finding comfort in her sisters hand squeezing hers and the sight of Jory on the other side of
the tourney grounds. Sansa had paled at the sight of the dead knight, while Arya had seemed
oddly fascinated but still shocked, and Baelish noticed the tightness of the new Lady Lannisters
jaw, as he leaned in to talk to her once more.
Not what you were expecting? Has anyone told you the story of the Mountain and the Hound?
Caryssa and Sansa both shook their heads, both of them turning their heads slightly to gaze back
at Joffreys guard, the man with the scarred face. Lovely little tale of brotherly love.
Caryssa forced herself to stare at the muddied ground below the stands, not wanting the Hound to
catch them staring, noticing that Arya and Septa Mordane were now listening to Baelishs tale.
The Hound was just a pup, six years old maybe. Gregor a few years older, already a big lad,
already getting a bit of a reputation. Some lucky boys just born with a talent for violence,
Baelishs breath was hot on her neck, a testament to how close he believed he could get to her.
Caryssa strongly resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Lucky boys just born with a talent for
violence? Violent was not something that one should relish in being. One evening, Gregor
found his little brother playing with a toy by the fire Gregors toy, a wooden knight. Gregor
never said a word, he just grabbed his brother by the scruff of his neck and shoved his face into
the burning coals. Held him there while the boy screamed, while his face melted. There arent
many people who know that story.
I wont tell anyone. I promise. Ryssa wont either. Sansa murmured, and Caryssa resisted the
childish urge to tell Baelish that she wouldnt keep the story to herself, but common sense had her
bite her tongue. She knew that Baelish was not a man to openly cross. He had spies everywhere,
Jaime had told her, and he knew as many secrets as the Spider, Lord Varys. He was also clever
enough to have her own mother under his thumb, and perhaps her father too, but she would not be
so easily fooled.

Baelish was not someone to trust, nor would she want him to be on the opposing side. For now,
she would continue to play him, as he was attempting to play her and her little sister.
No, please dont. If the Hound so much as heard you mention it, Im afraid all the knights in
Kings Landing would not be able to save you.
The rest of that days tournament went by in a blur. Caryssa found herself barely paying attention
to the jousts, clapping mindlessly with every victory, managing to gasp if a knight was injured or
killed as brutally as Ser Hugh had been.
Her mind had been suddenly overcome with unpleasant thoughts; Lord Baelish and his dark
words to Sansa, her mother and her temper getting herself into trouble on the road, her father and
his curiosityOnce a thought entered her mind, she found it a hard battle to remove it.
She knew Kings Landing to be a dangerous place. The game the lords and ladies played here
was a deadly one, one that Caryssa was hesitantly dipping her toes into. She had not wanted to be
here, but now she was and had little choice in the matter. Her mothers words were Family, Duty,
Honor, so she was had no choice but to stay at her husbands side. Not unless her family needed
her. Family came first, duty second and honor last. She did not want anything to happen to her
father or sisters, and she would strive to make sure that it didnt, but Baelishs words had her
tense.
Lord Tyrion, her good-brother, should be on his way out of the North by now, possibly near
Riverrun, coinciding with her mothers should-be whereabouts. This thought had Caryssa praying
to all seven gods. She hoped her mother would be able to keep her temper, to think about what the
consequences would be should she act rashly. The last thing Westeros needed was another war.
She knew that her father was doing some investigations into the last Hands death and she was
inwardly terrified, both by what he might discover and what it would lead to. She knew the people
here. Murder and lies and secrets were not below any of them, perhaps not even Jaime, and she
could only imagine the great lengths the corrupt would go to keep their wrongs buried. Caryssa
did not want her father to get hurt, or for his actions to cause a war, because his curiosity and
honor could not keep him from unearthing truths that people wanted to remain in the dark.
It was only when Sansa nudged her was she pulled away from her panicked thoughts and back to
the tournament. Caryssa focused on the sight in front of her and saw a sight that brought a smile to
her face.
Jaime sat upon a white steed, in magnificent red and black armor, the lion emblazoned in gold
upon his chest. He was not competing for the King or the crown, but for House Lannister and,
despite her hatred and imbedded mistrust of all things Lannister (always forgetting that she was
technically part of that family now), Caryssa found herself smiling more widely.
Look, Ryssa! Your direwolf pin is tacked onto Ser Jaimes saddle! Arya beamed at her, and
Caryssa chuckled, happy to feel Baelish bristling beside her in quiet annoyance.
Caryssa tuned out Sansas girlish giggling about how romantic it was for Jaime to so openly
display his love for his she-wolf and focused on her husbands opposition. He was a Kettleblack,
she hadnt heard which, but he looked intimidating in his armor and wondered if he would pose a
threat to Jaime. She did not love her husband, nor did she fully trust him, but she would not wish
him hurt, especially after he had been so kind to her the past couple of weeks.
Ryssa, hes coming this way.
Who? Caryssa questioned, not taking her eyes off of Jaimes opponent.

My sweet little wife, might I trouble you for a good luck kiss? Caryssa rolled her eyes as she
turned her eyes forward, and arched a brow at her husband as he moved his horse as close to the
stands as possible, his helmet tucked underneath his arm as he gazed at her in amusement.
I gave you my favor, husband. Is that not good luck enough? She asked, biting back a whelp as
Sansa pinched her in the side and did her very best not to yell at her little sister. She was also
trying to ignore the whispering behind her from other lords and ladies, all but tuning out their
hushed voices as she put her focus on Jaime.
Perhaps your husband needs all the luck he can get, my lady. Baelish suggested snidely, and
Caryssa rose to her feet, brushing imaginary specks of dirt off of her skirt, before taking a couple
steps to the banister of the stand.
I dont think so, but I suppose there is no harm in having luck to spare, Caryssa smirked, leaning
towards her husband and pressing her lips firmly to his. It was a brief kiss, for dignitys sake, but it
seemed to please Jaime all the same. There. Good luck, Ser Jaime.
Jaime nodded, a smirk on his face, before he rode off to his starting position. The king had
stopped all the pomp, preferring all action to start as quickly as possible, so Jaime and the
Kettleblack man moved to their appropriate sides, both fully armored now.
Once the fanfare died down, they charged.
Caryssas heart thundered in her chest as the Kettleblack man tried to thrust his lance at Jaimes
neck, probably hoping to accomplish an end like Ser Hughs, but he missed. The Lannister lion,
however, did not. Jaimes lance hit his opponent straight in the chest, sending the man flying off of
his horse and into the dirt.
All three Stark girls rose to their feet to applaud Jaimes quick victory, and Caryssa could picture
the satisfied smugness that would be hidden underneath his helmet. She felt this warm feeling in
her chest and, for a moment, struggled to place it until she tried to think of other times she had felt
like this.
When she had helped Robb to walk for the first time. The time that Jon first beat Theon in a duel
at training. When Sansa had stayed in the birthing chamber with her and the Septa to see little
Rickon born. The first time Arya hit a bulls-eye with the bow. When Bran climbed for the first
time and didnt hurt himself. When Rickons first word was Ryssa. Anytime she had seen her
father with his men and the devotion they had for him. The time her mother pushed aside her
jealousy and hatred and looked after Jon when he was sick as a young boy.
It was pride, she realized. She was proud of her husband and his win.
She shook her head, not noticing that Baelish was scrutinizing her closely, watching her smile
tighten at the corners of her mouth, and her eyes gloss over the way Catelyns always did when
she was in deep thought.
In a matter of moments, Caryssa had become deeply concerned. Her father, her uncles, her
mother, practically all the adults that she knew and loved and trusted, had always told her as she
grew to never trust a Lannister.
Deep down, Caryssa knew that she could say truthfully that she did not trust Cersei, not one bit,
nor her eldest offspring. Myrcella and Tommen seemed harmless, but Joffrey was something else
entirely. Caryssa did not know Tywin, but the stories were enough. She would never like her
goodfather, nor trust him. Tyrion was a grey area. She definitely liked him. He was witty and kind
and liked it when she spoke her mind, and even though he was a Lannister, he had kept his

promise to look after Jon at the Wall.

With Jaime, however, it should have been clear cut and defined. He was her husband, but it was
not a marriage born from love. It was a political marriage. A way to guarantee her safety in Kings
Landing. She should not like him or trust him, because he was the Queens brother, the one Cersei
actually liked, and because he was a man without honor.
Yet, she did trust him and she did like him, without her even realizing it. Somehow, Caryssa knew
that this would not bode well for her.
Never trust a Lannister, she thought, but now I am one. The gods certainly do have a strange
sense of humor.
Caryssa watched her husband take off his helmet, shaking out his golden hair, before his eyes
connected with hers, and she found her smile widening when he grinned back at her.
Gods, was she in trouble.

A Pleasant Interlude
Chapter Summary

"The gods envy us.

They envy us because we are mortal,
because any moment may be our last.
Everything is more beautiful because we are doomed.
You will never be lovelier than you are now.
We will never be here again."
- Homer

Caryssa was awake earlier than usual. So early it must have been still dark outside.
She knew this because Jaime had yet to wake, and, after struggling to escape his arms, Caryssa
was gazing at him as he slept. The she-wolf was soaking in all the little details of his face; the
gentle creases in his forehead, the light beauty mark beneath his eye, the bumps on the ridge of his
nose where it had been broken once or twice before.
From afar, Ser Jaime, the golden lion of Lannister, looked like the perfect man with his light
golden hair, sparkling green eyes, sun-kissed skin and the white and gold armor of the
Kingsguard, but up close you could see the effects that time had worn into his skin. It was not so
noticeable, time had been kinder to him than it had been to other men his age, but being as close as
she was she could see the slight crinkling around his eyes.
It reminded her once more of the age gap between them. She had reached her nineteenth year
several moons ago, and Jaime had to be at least thirty six. There were seventeen years between
them, though that was not unusual. Many lords desired young brides. Lord Walder Frey was the
most ridiculous example that sprung to mind, being no younger than Caryssas grandfather with a
young wife maybe a few years younger than she was. Thinking of it that way, Caryssa mused that
she had a lucky escape in marrying Ser Jaime.
After all, it could have been much, much worse.
Then again, Caryssa supposed it could have been better. She could have married for love, married
a Northman and stayed close to the rest of her family in Winterfell.
Winterfell. The new Lady of Lannister let out a quiet sigh at the thought of home.
She had not heard from Robb for nearly a week now. He had sent her a letter that she had
received the day after her wedding, congratulating her on her marriage, threatening her new
husband if he hurt her and lamenting her absence from Winterfell all at once.
She was not alone in feeling his absence so keenly.
Caryssa could freely admit that she still felt lost without her baby brother with her, especially now
that she were married.
From the day he had come screaming into the world, he had given her a purpose. As his elder

sister, it was her responsibility to care for him, to guide him and protect him in everything he did.
Caryssa had made it her lifes mission to make sure her siblings were safe, happy and healthy and
now she was at a loss as to what to do with herself.
Back in Winterfell, she would plan her day around her siblings own schedules. She would rise
early to go and pray in the Godswoods, before she would make sure that the youngest Stark
children were up and ready to break fast with everyone. Then she would attend lessons with
Sansa and Arya to make sure they were behaved and to keep her needlepoint skills sharp. After
that she would train with Jory and her brothers, before learning how to be the lady of a keep.
Whatever free time she had was spent with Robb, Jon, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon (and
Greyjoy, though that was not by her choice), and now she only had her two sisters and her
handmaiden. While she loved Sansa and Arya, they did not understand the responsibilities she
had, nor the burdens. She could not talk to the two young girls about them and she didnt want to
bother her father. She wished she had her mother or Robb or Jon to speak to, or even Maester
Luwin.
She was not sure she could be play the part of a docile lady-wife. She was not sure she wanted to,
but it was too late. Marriage had its benefits, yes, like their bedroom antics and the weight and fear
behind the title Kingslayers wife. A guard of the citadel had been rude to her the day before
when she was walking through the gardens with Rhaenyra and all it took to have him an
apologetic mess was to tell him her name.
I am Lady Caryssa Lannister, ser. I think it best you give your apologies to me now before I
mention this to my husband.
She was a she-wolf. She fought her own battles, verbal or otherwise, but she found that being
Kingslayers wife meant she did not have to engage in such things. The she-wolf was not so sure
that she liked it.
Stop thinking so loud, go back to sleep. Jaime murmured, and Caryssa chuckled quietly.
I was not thinking at all. It is too early for such things.
Yes, it is, so sleep.
I am no longer tired. If you released me, I could go not think elsewhere and stop disturbing you,
Caryssa replied, making a point of wriggling in his embrace, but his arms only tightened around
her. She huffed in response, before a mischievous smile spread across her lips. I could make you
let me go.
Jaimes eyes flickered for a moment before opening, narrowing almost immediately.
I hope you dont mean that knife you keep under your pillow.
If I wanted to kill you, Lannister, I would have done it before you took my maidenhead, so I
wouldnt have brought shame upon my family.
So how exactly do you plan to escape my evil clutches then, little wife? Jaime questioned, and
Caryssa said nothing in return.
Instead, she pressed her lips to his roughly, sucking his bottom lip into her mouth before tugging
on it with her teeth. Caryssa pushed him onto his back, only struggling slightly with his arms still
tight around her, and moaned when she felt his hardness beneath her. Jaimes mouth moved
against hers, his arms loosening around her and slipping down her sides to grip her hips and grind
her against his arousal.

Pulling away from his mouth, Caryssa moved her lips to his neck; kissing, nipping and sucking
the skin there while her hands moved to his, entwining their fingers and pushing his hands into the
pillow underneath his head, one on each side of his face.
Caryssa smirked as she abandoned her teasing, hovering over him, but no longer touching him
anywhere.
Looks like I am free. She murmured.
Seconds later, she knew she had spoken too soon.
Jaime broke free of her hands and flipped Caryssa onto her back, pinning her to the bed with his
body, both of them groaning simultaneously when his throbbing manhood pressed against her
heat. She was wet. She knew she was, but she found it too hard to care when her husband was
rubbing against her, teasing her.
Jaime buried his face into Caryssas pale neck, using it to muffle his groan as he filled her. He felt
her teeth biting down on his shoulder as he snapped his hips against hers once, growling at the
brief, but sharp, pain of it. He should have known that the she-wolf of Winterfell was an almost
literal description of his wife. She was a wolf in their bed; biting, nipping and howling through the
act.
Caryssa rested her hands on his shoulders, trying to give herself some leverage as she tried to copy
the pace Jaime was setting, bucking her hips against his. She found she was being more
aggressive that morning, needing to shut off her mind, needing to forget all the bad thoughts
swirling around her head. If Jaime noticed, he did not say anything.
It was a clear battle for dominance between the couple; their kisses were hard and rough,
demanding and controlling, both trying to take rather than give, but neither minded much at all. It
was almost animalistic, the way they moved together. The lion and the she-wolf. An odd match.
Her husband reached between their bodies, stroking Caryssa felt that rush of pleasure overtake
her, and Jaime still rutting against her until he followed her over the precipice of pleasure. Caryssa
laughed breathlessly as her golden lion collapsed on top of her, his face burying itself between her
breasts, trying to recapture his own breath.
I could get used to waking up to this, Jaime muttered, pressing his lips to her breast, before he
moved from top of her, falling to his back and pulling her into his side. Caryssa wrapped an arm
around his torso, nuzzling his neck, as she got comfortable again. Now sleep. I have a
tournament to win.
When you win, you wont give me that silly flower crown, will you?
The flower garland for the Queen of Love and Beauty? I do believe your father would have my
head if I gave it to anyone else.
Well, give it to Sansa. She is the one who longs for the songs to be true, for knights and fair
maidens and grand romantic gestures. I am content to just revel with you in your victory.
You are so sure that I will win?
Of course. All the talk says that you are the greatest knight in all the seven kingdoms. Besides,
you said it yourself, you have a tournament to win, Caryssa stated, tilting her head back so she
could gaze up at him and rubbing his side in a comforting fashion. Now, hush. No more talk. We
must sleep. I have to look my best when my husband wins the tourney.

Ill endeavor to do my best to please you.

Caryssa sighed. She truly did not care who won the tourney, but she knew that Jaime did. All the
men still competing in the tourney cared almost too much about winning. It was silly the
importance that men placed on valor and small victories. Family and honor were more valuable to
her, and sometimes she couldnt understand why others did not feel the same.
The Lannister family prized power and position, something she knew very well. House Stark was
one of the largest families in Westeros, highly respected and powerful, and she knew that was one
of the reasons that Tywin Lannister had agreed to the match the king proposed between his son
and her.
If it pleases you to win, then I will be pleased, Caryssa corrected, snuggling back into his arms.
Since that is my duty as your wife. As your sister likes to remind me every time I see her.
She is protective of me.
Well, I believe that is one thing we have in common. That undying concern for our younger
brothers. Id kill for Robb. Cersei has alluded to me that she would do the same.
She threatened you?
In not so many words.
Cersei and Caryssa were overlooking the sea. The Queen had invited the young she-wolf to walk
with her through the gardens and they had ended at the overlook, the dark water of Blackwater
lapping at the rocks, and Caryssa was waiting for the lioness to reveal the true reason behind their
meeting.
It was a couple more days to her wedding and both women were incredibly busy with the last of
the preparations, so the Stark woman was rather confused as to what the Lannister queen could
possibly want from her.
In two days, you will be married to my brother. I did not agree to the match, but my husband and
my father both insisted. Jaime does not seem unpleased by the match either, Cersei started, and
Caryssa simply stared out at the water, refusing to show any sort of emotional response to the
other womans words. My brother deserves better than some unruly Northern girl who plays at
being a soldier. You carry a sword and practice with a bow. You forget your place in this world.
I know my place in this world. I am a woman, like any other, but when my times comes, I will
not accept a harsh and painful fate like other women. If there is one thing to be learned from the
rebellion, Your Grace, it is that while it is not appropriate for a woman to wield a sword, she can
still die upon one. The Martells know that better than any, Caryssa turned her head to catch the
signature Lannister green eyes she saw in Jaime and Tyrion. Cerseis were still as cold as the first
time she had seen them however. What happened to Elia Martell, what happened to my aunt
that will not be my fate.
Cersei chuckled at her, and Caryssa cast her eyes away from the snickering woman, masking her
anger beneath the mask she often affected now.
Our fates do not belong to us. I remember being your age and wanting to marry the Prince.
Instead, my father married me off to a King, a man who was already in love with another woman.
A ghost. Do you believe that this is the fate I would have chosen?
No.

My brother wouldnt have chosen you if he had the choice. You are going to be the perfect bride
for him, arent you? You are going to make him as happy as you can, bear his children and give
up this woman warrior nonsense, Cersei stated, and Caryssa said nothing, making no promise
and showing no sign that she had acknowledge the queens words. My family is the most
important thing to me, Lady Stark, and people often underestimate exactly what I would do to
those who would hurt them; physically, mentally or emotionally. Do you understand?
I do.
She more wanted to make sure that I kept you happy. After all, what more could a sister want for
her brother than happiness?
Caryssa truly believed that if she did make Jaime unhappy, if she did not give him children or
displeased him in any way, Cersei would have her head on a spike along the walls of the Keep or
she would be locked in the Black Cells in the dungeons until the day she died.
I am quite content with how things are going so far in this marriage of ours. I am not unhappy.
The she-wolf held in a sigh, and made a noise of agreement, staring across from her at her vanity
table.
She was not unhappy either. Caryssa find herself quite the opposite of unhappy, and she was
almost certain that it was a problem.
Because Jaime Lannister, son of Tywin Lannister, made her, Caryssa Stark, daughter of Eddard
Stark, happy and she knew that it was only a matter of time before it was proved to be a mistake.
There was a storm coming. She could feel it in her bones. She did not know what destruction
would occur when it finally hit.

At Tourney's End
Chapter Summary

"She's the girl ablaze;

Her kiss burns like whiskey,
Her touch trails fire,
Her eyes burn brighter than city lights.
She's the girl ablaze;
Who flames like the sun,
The moon and the stars,
She will ignite."
-Unknown

Kings Landing
The soft breeze ruffled the soft yellow silk and lace of Caryssas skirt around her legs as she sat
with her father, Sansa and Septa Mordane and watched the tourney. It was the very first tilt of the
day, but they had yet to see who would be competing. Jaime had her favor again, though today
wore a silver-grey handkerchief with the Stark sigil tied around the armor on his arm. He had
returned her direwolf pin to her as he (and inwardly she thought so too) didnt want to test his luck
with it further and get it damaged.
That is a pretty dress. Dont think Ive seen that one. Ned murmured to his daughter, and
Caryssa smiled at him, eyes twinkling with something akin to mischief as she glanced down at the
light yellow gown. It was adorned with small gold and brown leaves along the bust and in a
pattern down the bodice and skirt, as well as the sleeves. It was just one of many dresses that she
had received from her husband over the last week. Most of them had been red, but there were a
few yellow, gold and blue ones thrown in too.
Technically, you are the Lady of the Rock, so its time you started dressing the part. Or my father
and sister will have my head. Jaime had said, narrowing his eyes when Caryssa had rolled hers.
My husband had the royal seamstress make me nearly an entire new wardrobe. Most likely the
Queens idea to remind me that Im a Stark no longer.
Youll always be a Stark.
Caryssa grinned, gripping his hand in hers and leaning her head against his shoulder, ignoring the
eyes searing holes into the back of her head. She had felt rather than seen Lord Baelish as he had
taken the seat just behind theirs, with Lord Renly just behind him. The she-wolf had gathered it
was some strategic move on his part, being close to her and Sansa in order to whisper his lies and
try to charm them with his silver tongue for whatever his reasons.
Wheres Arya? Ned then asked his two daughters, his eyes searching for the little she-wolf
around the tourney field.
At her dancing lessons. Sansa replied, her eyes not leaving the tourney field as the first
competitor made himself known.

The Mountain still dwarfed his horse, his armor cleaned of the blood spray that had splattered
across the dark steel after he had defeated Ser Hugh a few days prior. He bowed his head towards
the king, but Caryssas eyes were narrowed in on his opponent.
The Knight of the Flowers. Sansa murmured in childish awe as she gazed upon the handsome
knight as he rode towards the stands with two roses in his hand.
Caryssa smiled politely as he came near to her and Sansa, taking the offered rose carefully from
him and murmuring her thanks as Sansa did the same. She noticed however his eyes flickered
upwards and behind her, to Lord Renly and Caryssas smile grew wider.
Ser Loras Tyrell smirked before riding to present himself before the king, giving a low bow. The
She-Wolf narrowed her eyes when the Mountains stallion seemed to lose focus so close to the
Tyrell lords mare, but they were moving away from each other before she could draw any
conclusions. The crowd jeered at Ser Gregor and cheered for Ser Loras, the two sounds mixing
with the grunts and whinnys of their horses. Their squires handed them their lances and, in Ser
Loras case, helms, and Caryssa could feel Sansa tensing beside her.
Dont let Ser Gregor hurt him. She whispered loud enough for their father to hear, looping her
arm through Caryssas and edging closer to the comfort of her elder sibling.
Hey. Ned said, reaching around Caryssa and resting his hand on Sansas shoulder, giving it a
gentle squeeze for fatherly reassurance.
I cant watch. Sansa breathed, her fingers tightening around her sisters arm, causing Caryssa to
grit her teeth and grab Sansas hand to relieve some of the pressure.
Behind her she could hear Littlefinger and Lord Renly making bets, and taunting each other. The
she-wolf had to hide her grin when Renly told Baelish that with a hundred gold dragons he could
buy himself a friend, but only because her sister was so concerned for the Tyrell knight.
Hes going to die.
Ser Loras rides well. Ned informed Sansa, trying to assuage her fears.
Caryssa watched avidly, hearing the fanfare go off, signaling the beginning of the joust. The
Mountains stallion was still fidgeting restlessly, whereas Ser Loras horse was perfectly at ease.
She was starting to get a clearer idea as to why that was.
The two knights pushed their horses into a gallop, lances at the ready, helms hiding their faces.
After Ser Hughs untimely death, Caryssa understood why Sansa was so worried for the Knight
of the Flowers. Her own mind was flashing back to the dark images of Ser Hugh choking on his
own blood, replacing his face with Ser Loras instead.
Yet, thats not what happened.
When the two knights met in the middle of the tourney field, Ser Loras lance splintered Ser
Gregors shield, knocking him and his horse back before galloping away as the victor. Some in
attendance gasped in surprise, probably as sure as Sansa had been that Ser Loras would be the one
to be defeated, while others laughed at Ser Gregors hulking mass as it was flung to the ground.
Caryssa knew she heard Lord Renlys chuckles of delight, having won himself a hundred gold
dragons, and she found satisfaction in the fact that Baelish had been silenced.
Such a shame, Littlefinger. It would have been so nice for you to have a friend. Caryssa heard

Lord Renly taunt the Master of Coin, and saw an opportunity too good to let pass, even if it meant
making an enemy of one Baratheon.
Im sorry to disappoint you, Lord Renly, but Lord Baelish has a friend in me, at the very least,
Caryssa turned her head to smile at the two men. She looked down at her rose and held it towards
the kings brother. With a hint of confusion, he took it and she explained. I believe your friend
meant to give this to you, my lord.
Seeing Baelishs wicked grin, Caryssa knew that she had him or he was at least playing along
with her charade, though Lord Renly took her jest as sincere and smiled at her, even if his eyes
were begging her not to say anything before flickering to the victor.
Baelish took his seat again, though he leaned forward to whisper to the two Stark girls. He still
couldnt consider the Lady Caryssa a Lannister, even if they had been married near to two weeks
now.
Loras knew his mare was in heat. Quite crafty, really.
Ser Loras would never do that. Theres no honor in tricks. Sansa replied, as all three Starks
turned their heads to look at Littlefinger.
No honor and quite a bit of gold.
Caryssas attention was stolen from Baelish, much to his disappointment, when Ser Gregor finally
rose to his feet, tugging off his helmet and tossing it angrily to the ground, yelling out to his squire
for his sword. The She-Wolf felt her brows knit together as she tried to work out why he would
need his sword, because surely the knight would not attack Ser Loras for winning. There was no
honor in being ungracious in defeat.
His squire raced towards him with the heavy two-handed blade, much like her familys ancestral
sword, Ice, while the Tyrell knight presented himself in his victory in front of the King and his
children. Much to her horror, Caryssa found she could not pull her eyes away as the Mountain
beheaded his horse. She could not make sense of such mindless killing.
She grabbed her fathers hand, and gripped it tight, just as Sansa was doing to her own as Ser
Gregor advanced on Ser Loras and used his great sword to knock the knight off of his horse. Ser
Loras hit the ground hard but managed to recover enough to hold up his shield in his defense
when Clegane tried to clove him in two.
Caryssa pushed herself up onto her feet and looked towards the Kingsguard.
Someone do something! Hell be killed! She implored, her eye catching that of the Hounds just
as he moved to act.
He drew his sword, leapt from the stands and growled at his brother as he came to the Tyrell
knights defense.
Leave him be! Sandor ordered, as their swords clashed together and he forced them apart.
Ned pulled Caryssa down to her seat, curling an arm around her as she did the same to Sansa, all
of them staring at the scene in front of them as the two Cleganes began to fight. She noticed that
the Hound seemed to fare well against the Mountains heavy blows and proved to be a good
swordsman when he wasnt chasing down the butchers boy or being Joffreys dog.
Caryssa turned her head back to watch the king, their blue eyes connecting and she saw a moment
of blood lust. She had seen it before in a mans eyes, mostly from the murderers about to be

executed by her father and she was disappointed that King Robert almost wanted it to continue.
She tore her eyes from his and refocused on the fight, seeing the Hound quickly blocking another
would-be death blow from his own brother.
Stop this madness in the name of your King! She heard King Robert cry and a small smile
spread across her lips, evaporating just as quickly when the Hound narrowly avoided being
beheaded by the Mountains sword when he immediately dropped to one knee by order of his
king.
The Mountain stayed on his feet, angrily throwing his sword to the ground before he stormed off,
the crowd separating for him to avoid his ire. Caryssa suddenly felt her heart beating rapidly and
shared a worried glance with her father, wondering if it was such a good idea to let Ser Gregor
just leave.
Ser Loras approached the Hound and lifted his arm into the air for his victory against his brother
and the crowd cheered and applauded the two men.
Caryssa saw how uncomfortable the celebration had made him, so remained seated when most
rose to their feet to clap and holler.
The sight of the two Clegane men fighting had an uneasy feeling spread through her. Brother
against brother in a battle, fighting to kill.
It almost felt like another omen, like when she had found the fallen stag killed by the she-wolf
who then died after whelping the pups.
She shook away the disturbing thoughts, rising to her feet and joining the applause if only to take
her mind off of the path her mind had decided to wander down.
~*~
Winterfell
Bran watched wistfully as Theon practiced his archery, the sound of each arrow cutting through
the air and sinking into the target distracting him from his lessons with Maester Luwin. He longed
for his lessons with Robb and Jon and Ryssa, before their family had separated. Before he had
been the Cripple of Winterfell.
He still had Robb, Rickon and Theon, but he was supposed to have his mother too. She was
supposed to be there when he woke up, but she wasnt. She wasnt even in Winterfell. He toyed
with the small pewter trout in his hands; the sigil of his mothers house. Why wasnt she here?
The tap of Maester Luwins stick pulled him back to the map of Westeros on the table, and he
stared sullenly down at it, seeing where his teacher had pointed.
The Iron Islands. Sigil a kraken. Words We do not sow. Bran recited, his voice as dull as
the lesson he was being forced to endure.
Lords? Maester Luwin pressed.
The Greyjoys.
Famed for their skills at archery, navigation and lovemaking. Theon added, with a cheeky grin
that failed to make Bran smile.

And failed rebellions. Luwin retorted, though Theon had turned back to his archery, and rapped
his stick onto another part of the map, on the eastern side this time.
Sigil a stag, a crowned stag now that Roberts king.
Good. The Maester praised his charge, watching him play with the little trout figure in his
hands.
Words Ours is the fury. Lords the Baratheons, Brans eyes flickered the west of the map
where Luwin pointed his stick and his jaw clenched slightly. The Westerlands. Sigil a lion.
Words A Lannister always pays his debts.
No. A common saying, but not their official motto.
Lords the Lannisters. Bran continued, ignoring Maester Luwins corrections, as his eyes were
once again drawn to the sight of arrows thunking into the wooden target.
Were still on their words. Maester Luwin pushed, and Bran stared at the table in front of him,
digging the sharp edge of the trout into the wood.
I dont know them.
You do know them. Think.
Unbowed, unbent, unbroken. Bran murmured, and Maester Luwin shook his head once,
seeming to understand that the boy was purposefully being difficult now, but tried nonetheless to
get his lesson back on track.
Thats House Martell.
Righteous in wrath.
House Hornwood.
Family, duty, honour. Bran all but sneered the words. Caryssa liked to use those words when
any of their siblings were fighting, particularly to Sansa and Arya. Family comes first, little
wolves. Never forget that. She would say that, and then make them promise to try to get along
better. Sansa and Arya would try, but an hour later theyd be arguing again.
Those are Tully words your mothers. Are we playing a game? Maester Luwin questioned
him, and Bran didnt look up at him, simply continued to carve into the wood.
Family, duty, honouris that the right order? Bran asked.
You know it is. Your sister has told them to you enough that you would remember.
Family comes first?
Maester Luwin finally understood why the boy was being unreasonable. He was angry at his
mother. For leaving his side, for not being there when he woke, for still being gone days later,
Maester Luwin did not know which was the most likely, but if he had to garner a guess it would
be all three.
Your mother had to leave Winterfell to protect the family. The maester repeated his words from
when Bran woke and realized his mother was not there.
How can she protect the family if shes not with her family? Bran questioned, finally looking at

How can she protect the family if shes not with her family? Bran questioned, finally looking at
his teacher who was gazing back at him with soft, sad, old eyes and a furrowed brow.
Your mother sat by your bed for three weeks while you slept-
And then she left! Bran snapped, and Maester Luwin decided to try another way to convince
the boy of his mothers love.
When you were born, I was the one who pulled you from your mother. I placed you in her arms.
From that moment until the moment she dies, she will love you. Absolutely. Fiercely.
Why did she leave? Bran pushed the old man, and he sighed.
I still cant tell you but she will be home soon. Luwin replied, hoping that would convince Bran
to stop fretting and being angry at his mother. Lady Catelyn had not sent word back to them to tell
them how the journey to Kings Landing had gone and whether or not her suspicions had been
confirmed, but the maester assumed it would not be long before she returned to tell them in
person.
Do you know where she is now? Today?
No, I dont. Maester Luwin answered reluctantly, knowing that his honesty was only adding
fuel to the boys fire, but he couldnt bring himself to lie to the boy.
Then how can you promise me shell be home soon? Bran retaliated, and Maester Luwin smiled
slightly, knowing that he had been bested, and shook his head.
Sometimes I worry youre too smart for your own good.
Bran brushed off the backhanded compliment from the man at his side, watching once more as
Theon shot another arrow into the second ring of the target. He felt his anger bubbling up within
him again, but pushed it down and settled for sadness instead. He was a cripple now. He would
not become a knight or a member of the Kings Kingsguard. He would not fight in battles and
earn glory for the Stark name. He wouldnt swing a sword. He would never shoot another arrow.
When he voiced the last of his upsetting thoughts, Maester Luwin was quick to ease his mind.
And where is that written? The old man questioned.
You need legs to work a bow. Bran stated, and the maester hummed in disagreement.
If the saddle Lord Tyrion designed actually works, you could learn to shoot a bow from
horseback.
Just like Ryssa on a hunt? Bran asked, remembering all the times his sister had gone hunting
with his father and brothers with her bow and would come back with deer and rabbits with her
arrows in their eyes or hides. He missed her. He missed Father, Sansa and Arya too, but Caryssa
wouldnt have left his side if she had not been betrothed to Ser Jaime. She would have stayed with
him until he woke. He did love his mother, but he was so angry at her for leaving when he needed
her the most.
Yes, if she were here, your sister could help you, but youll have to make do with your brother
and Theon instead.
Really?
Dothraki boys learn when theyre four years old. Why shouldnt you? Maester Luwin informed

him, finally bringing a smile to the little Lords face.

This time when Theon drew back the bowstring and his arrow whizzed forward to its target,
Brans face did not sour.
~*~
Kings Landing
Once the horror left behind in the Mountains wake had been cleared from the ground and the
barrier had been fixed, the tourney continued for its final joust.
Caryssa saw her husband at one end of the tourney field fiddling with the handkerchief she had
given as her favor, making sure that the direwolf was clearly displayed for her. She smiled at that,
though she heard her father grumbling under his breath. He was still unhappy that she had been
married, though it had been his decision in the first place, so she tried to placate him by gripping
his hand a little tighter.
The next thing she noticed was that Jaime had changed his horse. Throughout the tourney, Jaime
had been riding a white stallion, but now he was seated on a black mare. Caryssa could not help
the smirk that spread across her lips. Her husband was not a fool and had surmised the same thing
as Baelish; that Ser Loras own mare was in heat and had distracted the Mountains stallion to his
defeat.
Jaime cut a significantly more intimidating figure now with his fierce black and crimson red armor
and black mount, especially when compared to Ser Loras flowery silver armor and pretty white
mare. It was this moment that made Caryssa almost glad that her father had chosen to marry her to
the Lannister lion instead of the Tyrell rose. While she was satisfied in her marriage to Jaime, she
could hope for happiness and perhaps even love one day with him. She could not foresee the same
outcome from a marriage to Ser Loras, especially when his eyes continued to flicker towards Lord
Renly behind her. She would not have found any happiness with a man that could not love her.
The two men rode towards the royal stands, bowing their heads towards their king and his family,
before each riding to their starting positions and making their last preparations. Caryssa was glad
that Jaime had not made a spectacle of them again by requesting another good luck kiss, because
she was certain her father would not have found it remotely humorous or charming as she had
done.
The fanfare signaled the beginning of the joust, and Caryssa found herself practically on the edge
of her seat as she watched her husband and the Knight of the Flowers charge towards each other.
When Ser Loras almost knocked Jaime from his horse, Caryssas grip on her fathers hand became
iron tight, surprising Ned. He looked at her, but her eyes were fixed on the joust, excitement and
worry warring for the dominant emotion on her face.
Jaime recovered quickly, and on the second charge almost forced the Tyrell knight from his own
mount. The two men were providing the crowd with a great show, gasps filling the tourney
grounds whenever one knight nearly bested the other.
It was the fifth charge when it finally came to an end.
Ser Jaime and Ser Loras rode towards each other, lances and shields at the ready, and the crowd
all held their breath to see who would be the victor. Caryssa rose to her feet the moment she saw
Loras Tyrell tumble from his mare and fall into the dirt, clapping for her husband with a wide
smile. The rest of the tourney audience did the same as Jaime took a small victory lap, removing
his helmet as he did so. He was wearing a smug grin that exuded the arrogance she associated

with him, but she could also see the happiness there too.
Caryssas smile fell when she saw Jaimes squire hand him the flower circlet and saw the
mischievous grin on his face as their eyes connected. She shook her head once, as she and her
family took their seats once more but he pushed his horse into a trot to ride towards her and she
did her best not to scowl in front of the crowds.
Jaime stopped in front of her, reached out his hand and placed the crown of roses in her lap.
Winter roses, she noted. As blue as frost. She felt her father stiffen beside her, and she
remembered why she had not wanted to be crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty in the first
place. No doubt her father was remembering the tourney at Harrenhal all those years ago, when
his own sister had been crowned with winter roses by Prince Rhaegar instead of the Princes own
wife, Elia Martell. She supposed that at least Jaime had not made the same mistake, even if she
had all but begged him to crown Sansa instead. Sansa would have appreciated it more than she
did.
Reluctantly, she smiled and placed the circlet of blue roses on her head and even went so far as to
kiss her husband for his victory. The crowds roaring cheers erupted around them, and Caryssa
could not help the blush that warmed her cheeks at the very loud approval she received for her
actions.
When she took her seat once more, Jaime having moved towards the royal stands to be announced
the victor properly by the king, she did not look at her father.
She did not want to see that same look he sometimes gave her when he thought of his sister.
The look that said he was seeing a ghost.
~*~
Jaime was in very high spirits. He had won the tourney, crowned his wife the Queen of Love and
Beauty and watched as the king squirmed before congratulating him on his victory. He had retired
to his bedchambers with Caryssa, who had scolded him for going against her wishes by placing
the flower crown on her lap, and had readied himself for the feast before her handmaiden had
ushered him out of his own bedchamber to help his wife prepare herself.
He had gone ahead to the Great Hall, and was on his second cup of wine, when he realized that
his wife still had not joined them. He looked around the hall and noticed that Lord Stark and his
two daughters had come to the same realization.
Daena had sworn that Caryssa would not be too long before she joined him, yet she was still not
here and Jaime could not help the irritation and disappointment that bubbled up within him. They
were supposed to be celebrating his victory.
Finally! I thought you werent ever going to bloody show! The Queen of Love and Beauty has
seen fit to grace us with her presence! Jaime heard the King slur loudly, and his face snapped
towards the entrance doors and a grin spread across the Lannister lions lips.
His wife was forgiven for her tardiness.
~*~
Caryssa restrained an eye roll at King Roberts rather childish announcement of her arrival, but
she knew that she somewhat deserved the embarrassment. She was incredibly late, even if it were
not her fault. Daena had forced her in front of her vanity table and spent what felt like hours
messing about with her hair and face, after forcing her into the gown she was wearing. Her hair

braided twice at her temples, just underneath the crown she wore, weaved together until all four
braids joined together at the back of her head and formed a larger braid that rested above the rest
of her hair that had been left to cascade down her back.
She had been tempted to wear one of the new red gowns Jaime had commissioned for her, but that
plan had been dashed when he placed the winter rose crown on her lap. Blue and red clashed in a
rather garish way.
The dress the she-wolf wore instead made her feel more at home. It was made from pale blue silks
and looked as though it was covered in white frost and large snowflakes along the sleeves, bodice
and hem. Daena had told her that she looked like a winter queen, and Caryssa had laughed, even
if she inwardly agreed with her. She would not have been able to wear such a dress in the North
as it would have been too thin and flimsy for the harsh northern winds, but at the very least she felt
like she belonged in a painting inside of one of the old tomes in the library at Winterfell about the
old Kings and Queens in the North.
The compliment had worked in boosting Caryssas confidence, feeling that tenfold when she
caught sight of her husband and his pleased grin. He was unashamedly trailing his eyes up and
down her body, sending warmth pooling into her stomach and a slight blush to her cheeks. She
could clearly see the desire in his eyes from across the hall though she tried to appear unaffected
by it.
Ryssa! She heard Arya call to her, and she tore her eyes away from her husband to see the little
wolf rushing towards her, having been forced into another dress, paying no mind to the lessons in
propriety she had been taught by Septa Mordane. Sansa and her father approached her as well,
though with more grace than Arya.
You look beautiful. Her father complimented her, pressing a gentle kiss to her brow which
made her smile.
Thank you, father, She took in the dark grey surecoat he wore, one that she had made back in
Winterfell, the silver direwolf proudly displayed on his left breast. Caryssa pressed her hand over
it, running a finger along the familiar stitching she had toiled over for months to have it ready for
her fathers namesday. I havent seen this for an age.
It is one of my favorites. I wouldnt want to ruin it.
Caryssa smiled widely, before she glanced at Sansa, who was eyeing her with something akin to
jealousy. She knew that Sansa had no reason to be jealous. With her flaming auburn hair and
pretty blue eyes, the same shade as her own, Sansa was a beauty that even the southern women
could not match. Hearing music pick up, Caryssa turned to her sister in excitement.
Sansa, sweetling, dance with me?
Sansa nodded, taking her sisters outstretched hand and following her sister into the center of the
room where many others had gathered to dance. Caryssa noted that it was mostly couples, but she
and her siblings always danced together at feasts. It was just their way.
The two she-wolves danced merrily with the other couples, the southern style of dance not
unfamiliar to them as their mother had taught them all manner of dances being from the Riverlands
and then the mother of Northern children. Even if they stumbled on steps, it did nothing to stop the
laughter coming from the sisters as they enjoyed themselves.
Caryssa felt freer than she had since she had left the North behind her as she danced with Sansa. If
she focused on nothing but the steps and her little sister, she could almost pretend that she was

back in Winterfell, at someones namesday feast, with no worries or cares and no games or politics
to navigate. Just her home and her family and northern music.
Gods, how she wished that her dreams were true. Marriage to Jaime was fine, but the Red Keep
was no Winterfell and the Crownlands were not the North. She did not belong here and she still
felt that knowledge resting heavily on her heart, even during such a fun occasion as her husbands
victory feast. Her whole being still ached for her home, for the Godswood and the Great Hall and
her old chambers and the Healing Keep and the training grounds where she and her brothers spent
most of their time together.
Every time she thought of home, that weight in her heart grew heavier still and the more she came
to regret her fathers decision to marry her into House Lannister, which only made her feel guilty.
Jaime had been nothing but kind to her, attentive and as close to loving as they both could
manage.
But she had yet to let go of that fantasy of returning home to the North and until she did, she knew
she would not be happy.
Still, the She-Wolf of the North twirled and spun to the music, laughing as she did so. Because
even if she could not find more enjoyment in this new life of hers, outside of her shared
bedchamber with her husband, she would pretend for her familys sake.
Eventually, the dance was over and a slower, more romantic song filled the air as a pair of arms
wound around Caryssas waist. She looked over her shoulder as she and Sansa separated and saw
Jaime smirking down at her, that lustful expression still in his eyes.
Without a word, Jaime tugged Ryssa away from her sister, who went and found her father and
sister, and pulled her into the circle of his arms. Caryssa gazed up at him with a soft smile,
thinking that his emerald eyes were possibly warmer than the last time she had looked into them.
She couldnt fathom why, but she liked the change.
They danced in time to the song, doing the appropriate lifts and turns, but always ending up with
their bodies almost pressed together. Their closeness as they danced went against propriety, but
Caryssa felt herself minding less and less as the song stretched on.
When the song came to an end, Jaime took Caryssas hand and all but dragged her out of the hall,
no one paying them much attention.
Where are you taking me, husband? Caryssa questioned, as she looked around at the part of the
castle her lion was tugging her down, making sure that no one was watching this strange display.
Jaime remained silent, finding the place he was looking for, and pulled his wife towards him.
Ryssa eyed the dark, abandoned passageway with hesitance and suspicion broke out when she
was taken to a darker still alcove. All her confusion was erased, however, when Jaimes hands
gripped her waist and gently pressed her into the wall.
You must be joking.
I won a great victory today. Arent you going to reward me, my sweet, little wife? Jaime teased
her, as he captured her mouth with his, silencing whatever witty remark she may have had.
In spite of herself, Caryssa found herself melting against Jaimes hard body and his hot mouth
against hers, her fingers diving into his golden hair and tangling themselves there to keep his head
in place. Jaimes hands however wandered her body, teasing the silk and lace covered flesh of her
sides and back.

In that debauched moment, Caryssa threw caution to the wind and allowed herself to indulge in a
momentary happiness unclouded by her pining for home.
For one moment, she allowed herself to just be Caryssa and for him to just be Jaime and for
nothing to exist but the two of them, their passion and that dark alcove. She allowed herself to be
wanton, as Jaime lifted her skirt up past her hips, his fingers rubbing circles over her damp
smallclothes as his mouth swallowed her sighing moans.
Jaime was rocking against her when she decided that friction alone was not enough. She needed
him, even if she would likely go to one of the seven hells for this act of indecency. It would most
likely be worth it, she mused, as she unlaced his breeches and freed his cock from their damning
confines. While her husband fiddled with the laces on her smallclothes, she ran her hand along his
manhood, relishing in the power she felt as he groaned and rested his forehead against her
shoulder at her actions.
Yet, they both grew impatient, and Jaime all but ripped her smallclothes away, picked her up and
slammed inside her. Caryssa bit his shoulder, her fingernails digging into his surecoat, to muffle
her gasp of surprise at how incredibly full she felt with her husband suddenly inside her. Once the
surprise dissipated, she wriggled her hips against his. They both let out groans simultaneously at
the movement. Jaime showered her neck and shoulders with small kisses as he withdrew slightly
and pushed back in.
Burying her face in his neck, Caryssa clung to his shoulders as Jaimes thrusts became deeper and
faster, the fire rising within her as she writhed against him. Vaguely, she could feel cold stone
against her back and a slight breeze against her bare legs. Ryssas head fell back against the wall.
Her eyes drifted close. Her pulse accelerated. Her body seemed to be burning as she rose higher
and higher, that coil in her lower stomach becoming tighter and tighter.
Look at me, Ryssa, Jaime ordered, and her eyes snapped open and fixed themselves open his
face. Emerald eyes stared into winter rose blue. His face was painted with pleasure and
satisfaction, those green eyes fierce and possessive. She felt one of his hands leave her waist,
fumbling down between their bodies to work at making her explode before he did. Let go, wife.
She struggled to keep her eyes from rolling up into her head once she finally reached her peak, her
walls fluttering around him, her cry muffled by her own hand that she had bitten down on.
Everything went fuzzy and hazy at the intense feeling. It was so much more powerful than it had
ever been before and she felt weak because of it.
Somehow she managed to keep rocking her body until Jaime tensed and she felt his strangled
moan against her skin as he shuddered his release deep inside her.
Jaime panted, kissing Caryssa as he lowered her back to her feet. Quickly he smoothed down her
hair as she straightened her dress and tucked him back into his breeches and laced them up.
Looking down at her flushed cheeks and satisfied grin, he couldnt help the chuckle that escaped
between his lips.
What are you laughing at? Caryssa asked, blinking up at him as her fingers combed through his
hair in order to make him look less debauched.
Whatever came over you, my lady? Fucking your husband in a hallway. Anyone could have
walked by and heard. Jaime teased her and she blushed an even darker scarlet red, but rolled her
eyes at him.
You are a terrible influence, She blamed him, before pushing him away from her, back into the
hallway. Do I look like Ive just brought shame upon my family or can we return to your victory

feast?
You look beautiful.
Caryssa stared up at him, a smile on her face, before she took his hand and tangled her fingers
with his.
She missed home, but perhaps, one day in the future, she would be able to let her longings go
enough for her to be happy here with Jaime.
Maybe.

The Start of Everything

Chapter Summary

"When the gods wish to punish us,

they answer our prayers."
-Oscar Wilde

Caryssa was spinning around in the lightly falling snow, peals of laughter escaping her mouth, her
arms spread wide to stop herself from falling. Her tiny fingers stretched outwards, trying to catch
snowflakes to show to her mother. They all melted almost as soon as they touched her palm, but
that thought didnt occur to the small girl.
Ryssa! Caryssa stopped her spinning and stumbled as she turned to the sound of her little
brother. Little three year old Robb was toddling towards her with tiny solemn Jon being pulled
along with him. Her mother and father stood in the entrance to the Great Hall, her septa behind
them, smiling as her two brothers reached her, even if her mothers smile was half sad at the sight
of her husbands bastard son playing with her two children.
Robb! Jon! She giggled, as her brothers started pulling on her skirts, trying to pull her to their
level.
The little she-wolf reached down and embraced both of the little boys, pulling them hard into her
body as they laughed gleefully and tried to wriggle free, even if they wanted nothing more than to
stay in her arms.
She let them go, but grabbed their hands and led them back over to her parents, still watching the
siblings interact with one another. Her mother, heavy with child, held her hand out to her daughter
as she approached and Caryssa let go of Robbs hand to take it.
She always kept a hold of Jon. Robb knew that his big sister loved him unconditionally and, even
as young as he was, he felt it down to his very soul, but Jon was more solemn and unsure of his
siblings affections. Lady Starks coldness towards him often had the little boy questioning his
familys love for him, so whenever she was with her little half-brother, her hand was always
firmly grasping his. For a seven year old, she was very observant about other people and she
knew that Jon often felt out of place.
She had made it her lifes main quest to make him feel like he belonged with them and shed do it.
Even if it killed her.
Caryssa took her mothers hand, grinning widely up at her, wide blue eyes staring into their
mirror.
If Catelyn had to pick one thing she loved most about having a little girl was having her own eyes
staring back at her, the Tully signature blue blinking up at her with the child-like innocence that
she herself had long forgotten.
How she had retained that innocence after what had happened to her on her namesday was
beyond Lady Starks comprehension. She could still feel that burning anger and freezing terror

that had gripped her when she and her husband found their darling first-born covered in blood
with a mans body cold and lifeless on her bed. The sight still plagued Catelyns dreams, and her
daughters. Often, Catelyn would wake to find Caryssa had snuck into her and Neds chambers in
the middle of the night and was curled up in her fathers arms. It made her so incredibly angry that
her daughter had been forced to defend herself from a drunken letch who had tried to steal the
very innocence that little Ryssa was gazing up at her with now.
Caryssas smile fell when her mothers face started to screw up in pain.
Mama? Whats wrong?
Ned, I think the babe is coming.
As soon as the words had fallen from her mothers mouth, her father had placed Robb back onto
his feet and swept his wife up into his arms, rushing her to the Maesters Tower. Caryssa handed
her brothers over to Septa Mordane and rushed after them. Her mother had promised she could be
there when the babe was born. She had been too young with Robb, but she was seven now and
nothing was going to stop her from holding her mothers hand and being the first to see her new
sister.
She ran as fast as her little legs could take her, managing to rush into the Maesters Tower before
the heavy door could swing shut on her. She climbed the steps to the birthing chamber, ignored
her father standing guard at the door and pushed past all the people bustling about to move to her
mothers side. She didnt clamber onto the bed like she would have, but silently took her mothers
hand and smiled at her.
Catelyn was not surprised to see that her daughter had followed them, or that she had pushed past
the Maester and the healers who would assist him to take her place at her side, but it still filled her
eyes with tears when her little girl wordlessly took her hand and gripped it ever so gently as a
display of comfort and reassurance. I am here, Mother, it spoke to her and Catelyn thanked the
Mother for gracing her with a child as thoughtful and kind as her little she-wolf.
Lady Caryssa, you should not be in here. The birthing chamber is no place for little girls.
Maester Luwin stated, and Caryssa took her eyes away from her mother and stared up at him, her
gaze even and cold.
I am not a little girl anymore, Maester Luwin, and you will not move me from Mamas side. She
declared as diplomatically as a seven year old could manage, and Maester Luwin chuckled in spite
of himself at her determination and resolve. She was certainly Lord Starks daughter. Only he
could bring a child into the world that could flit between child-like playfulness and adult sincerity
and seriousness the way Lady Caryssa did.
Of course, my Lady. Excuse me.
Caryssa nodded at him to continue, and returned her gaze to her mother, who was smiling in spite
of her pain.
I wont leave you, Mama. I promise. Caryssa whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her mothers
hand.
And she didnt.
Hours went by as Lady Catelyn pushed through her labor pains and finally began to push, and
Caryssa didnt leave her side once. She took to dabbing her mothers forehead with a damp cloth
given to her by one of the healers, and nattering on about how excited Robb and Jon were for the

babe to arrive and how they needed a little sibling so they could learn how to love someone as
much as she loved them. Her presence was soothing to her mother, Maester Luwin and the healers
soon realized, as she was trying so badly not to panic in order to not to frighten Caryssa that she
was actually more relaxed then her two previous births.
Soon the cries of her newborn babe filled the air, and Caryssa grinned at the sight of the bloody
baby girl and gently wiped the sweat off of her mothers face.
Shes here, Mama! Shes here! Caryssa squealed in excitement, and Catelyn smiled tiredly.
Lady Caryssa, why dont you come over here and help the midwife clean the babe, while I tend
to your mother?
Caryssa looked to her mother, who nodded her consent, and she let go of her mothers hand,
taking the damp cloth with her and joined one of the midwives. She didnt do any of the cleaning,
simply watched as all of the blood and goo was wiped clean and only pale, soft skin was left
visible.
Would you like to hold her, Lady Caryssa? The midwife questioned, and Caryssa nodded her
head rapidly, holding out her arms the way she had been told to when Robb was a baby.
Carefully, the midwife placed the babe into the little girls waiting arms, making certain that the
girl had her before she let her go. Caryssa blinked wide eyed at her beautiful baby sister in her
arms, as mystified as she had been when she had first held Robb and Jon in her arms.
Throughout her mothers pregnancy and the long labor, Caryssa had thought nothing but what the
babe should be named. Her parents had promised her that she would be able to name her, as she
had begged and pleaded for days once her mother had told her that she was to be a big sister once
again. They had relented, and she had started a list. There had been Lyanna, Berena, Jocelyn,
Sansa and Marna to pick from for a girl and Brandon, Rickard, Jonnel, Olyvar and Torrhen to
pick from for a boy. Yet, until she set her eyes on her new sister and held her in her arms, she had
been undecided.
Slowly, the little she-wolf bent her head and, as gently as she could, pressed her lips to the babes
forehead.
I promise that I will not ever let any come to you, little baby. I am your big sister and I will
always protect you. I swear it to the Old Gods and the New, Caryssa whispered, staring down at
the wriggling babe with faint wisps of red hair and big blue eyes that seemed almost too large for
her head. I love you, Sansa.
Sansa? Thats a fine name, little wolf.
Caryssa turned and beamed up at her father, who immediately took in the sight of the newborn in
her arms.
He seemed mystified as he stared at his new daughter and he knelt down in front of his children,
just as the bells began to toll. Caryssa seemed confused and she looked to her father for answers,
but he was reaching out for the baby. With as much care as possible, Caryssa passed little Sansa
over to her father pressing a kiss to his cheek before marching back over to her mother and pulling
herself up onto the bed, as Maester Luwin had finished his examination and had left the room to
look after the boys.
Why are the bells ringing, Papa?
For Sansa. Theyre going to ring for a whole day in celebration of her birth. Ned explained,

with a small smile as he brought the babe over to Catelyn, who immediately opened her arms to
hold her baby for the first time.
Caryssa watched as her mother stared down at Sansa, a wide smile spreading across her tired face.
Shes perfect. She whispered.
~*~
Neds thoughts were consumed with finding the truth about Jon Arryns death, but still he found
time to worry about his daughters. Especially with Caryssa being married now. His first born, his
precious daughter. He was still coming to terms with the fact that she was not his anymore.
She had always belonged to him, even above Catelyn. The girl loved her mother dearly, but it was
Ned she ran to when she hurt herself or was afraid. It was Ned she cried to about her nightmares.
It was Ned she sought approval from and took advice from and gave advice to. It was Ned who
had been the first person her eyes had ever laid upon, the first thing she ever witnessed was his
face staring down at her in his arms.
Once she was placed into his arms, he had loved her and fallen in love with his wife too. Their
marriage was one of duty, and, until the birth of their first child, that was all their marriage had
been; duty. Though, after the precious gift of their daughter had been given to him, how could he
not love Catelyn?
Robert had been the decider. He convinced him that marrying her to Jaime Lannister would be the
best thing for her. Ned had his doubts and was very reluctant, but his friend had always been good
with words when it came to twisting his arm into doing something.
And now she was a wife. And no doubt soon, she would be a mother. Catelyn had gotten with
child after the very first night they had laid together as man and wife, and now they had six
children together. Caryssa would certainly inherit her mothers fertility and have plenty of babes of
her own.
It was hard to see his eldest daughter growing up and starting a family of her own, especially as all
he could see when he looked at her was the little girl who had held her newborn sister in her arms
and solemnly promised to be her protector forever before giving the babe a name.
Suddenly a knock at his solar door interrupted his silent reverie and Jory poked his head around
the door.
Lord Varys is here to see you, my lord.
Send him in. Ned ordered, and the door was pushed open wider, allowing him to see the Spider
as he sauntered through the door.
There were very few people that had Neds trust in the capital, virtually none bar his own
household staff and his daughters, but not one of them was Varys. He wouldnt trust the pale,
entitled eunuch as far as he could throw him.
Ned gestured to the chair in front of his desk for Varys to sit and then nodded for Jory to wait
outside, which he did though he did not close the door.
Varys did not sit either. He looked about the room, inspecting it most likely, before he even
opened his mouth.
How is your son, my lord? Varys questioned, and Ned frowned, thinking of poor Bran all those

miles away.
Hell never walk again.
Varys closed the shutters to the Lord Hands windows before walking towards the other side of
the room, and Ned focused on his desk, paying no mind to the fact that Varys was clearly making
the room safe to talk freely in. As freely as one can talk in the capital.
But his mind is sound?
So they say.
A blessing, then, Varys stated, closing another shutter, before he moved towards the door. I
suffered an early mutilation myself. Some doors close forever, Varys closed the door, but not
before giving a small smug wave to Jory where he stood guard, Others open in most unexpected
places. May I?
Ned nodded, and Varys finally took a seat.
If the wrong ears heard what Im about to tell you, off comes my head. And who would mourn
poor Varys then? North or South, they sing no songs for spiders, but there are things you must
know. You are the Kings Hand and the king is a fool your friend, I know, but a fool and
doomed unless you save him.
Ive been in the capital a month, Ned glared, holding Varys with the cold icy stare that Starks
were famed for. Why have you waited so long to tell me this?
I didnt trust you. Varys replied simply. Ned resisted the urge to scoff. The Spider, the keeper of
secrets, didnt trust him, Eddard Stark, a man famed for his honor and loyalty?
So why do you trust me now? He questioned instead.
The queen is not the only one who has been watching you closely. There are few men of honor
in the capital. You are one of them, Varys stated, his face portraying his honesty. Ned could not
tell if the eunuch was being genuine with him, but he seemed to be. Yet the Northern lord had
learned long ago that not everyone was what they seemed on the surface. I would like to believe
that I am another, strange as that may seem.
What sort of doom does the king face? He wanted to get to the point of things now. The quicker
he learned of the danger posed to the king, the quicker he could eliminate the threat.
The same sort as Jon Arryn, Ned felt as though he had been dunked into an icy bath, the way
his whole body seemed to freeze at the spiders words. The tears of lys, they call it. A rare and
costly thing, as clear and tasteless as water. It leaves no trace.
Ned pushed away from his desk and rose to his feet as he tried to process what he had just heard.
He knew that Jon Arryns death was suspicious, but for him to think it and for another to confirm
his suspicionsthey were two different things entirely. He paced behind his desk for a moment,
before turning away from Varys and staring out of the room, out onto his balcony.
Who gave it to him?
Some dear friend, no doubt. But which one? Varys asked rhetorically, shrugging his shoulders
even though the Hand of the King was not watching him. There were many. Lord Arryn was a
kind and trusting man. There was one boy. All he was he owed to Jon Arryn.

The squire, Ser Hugh? Ned prompted, turning to face the Master of Whispers.
Pity, what happened to him, just when his life seemed to be going so nicely.
If Ser Hugh poisoned him, who paid Ser Hugh? Ned gripped the back of his chair, leaning his
weight against it slightly. This news was unwelcome, though he knew he had to get to the bottom
of it. He had hoped, had prayed, that his suspicions would be proved wrong. That it was just a
sickness. The Gods did not always answer his prayers.
Varys held his hands up.
Someone who could afford it.
Jon was a man of peace. He was Hand for 17 years 17 good years. Why kill him? Ned
pondered, his voice gruff with his sadness.
He started asking questions.
Ned felt a tremor ripple through him.
Jon was asking questions, just like he himself had been ever since he had arrived in Kings
Landing.
Ned had ever such a terrible feeling.
~*~
Stop feeding that wolf from the table. She eats enough as it is.
Caryssa ignored her husband, holding another piece of her bacon in her palm for Rhaenyra to
devour. The direwolf gently nibbled it from her mistress hand, being careful not to harm her,
which made the she-wolf smile and pet her with her free hand.
Jaime watched her as he chewed on his own meal, trying not to smile at how happy his wife
looked even when she was disobeying him. She seemed a little bit more at peace than she had the
day before and wondered what had changed.
Why are you staring at me? Caryssa asked him, arching a brow at him when he didnt stop.
Im just admiring my view. Its improved significantly since my return to the capital, Caryssa
fought off a blush at his compliment, shaking her head at him and choosing to eat her buttered
bread to avoid ruining the moment with her ingrained sarcasm. It had been two days since the
tourney feast and their debauched coupling in the abandoned corridor, and they had been getting
along quite well. What plans have you made for the day?
Im going to the Tower of the Hand to meet with my father and have lunch with my sisters.
We could go riding in the Kingswood when youre finished with your family, Jaime suggested,
and Caryssa looked at him in confusion. Outside of their marital bed and their chambers, they
spent little time together. He would train with the Kingsguard and do his duty by protecting the
King, and she spent her time with her sisters or, very reluctantly, with the Queen and her children.
You miss it, dont you? Riding in the Wolfswood with your brothers? The Kingswood is just as
pleasant to ride through-
Jaime, that would be lovely, Caryssa cut him off, smiling widely at him. He was being
thoughtful, and he was trying. In truth, she did miss the Wolfswood. She missed the feeling of the

cold northern air biting her cheeks and blowing through her hair. She missed the quiet of it, of
hearing nothing but the chirping of birds and the rustling of the wind through the trees. She missed
Robbs loud laughter and Jons silent snickering as she got them to chase her. It will be nice to
actually get to ride my horse. Poor things probably forgotten me.
I doubt theres a creature on this earth who could forget a face like that. Jaime complimented,
and this time Caryssa didnt hold back her comment, even if her face felt warm from his flattering
words.
All of his compliments were setting off alarms in her mind. He was being too nice, and it was
strange. Jaime was not one to mince his words or hand out needless compliments. He, like his
entire family, used compliments as barely veiled insults or tools of manipulation. She had noticed
that a lot since she had met them, especially when it came to Cersei.
Cersei was almost a master at using compliments as her way of molding a person into becoming
her spy or something amongst those lines. Caryssa had already had to warn Sansa not to be taken
in by the queens pretty words, but she doubted that Sansa had taken her warning to heart.
What have you done? Her eyes were narrowed, and she had placed her food back on its plate,
giving him her full attention, ignoring her direwolf for the moment. Rhaenyra had placed her head
firmly on her lap, blue eyes staring up at her intently. She most likely wanted more food or just to
have her head rubbed, but Caryssa was determined not to have her mind taken away from the
topic at hand.
What are you talking about?
Ive learned enough about married men from the women in Winterfell and my mother to know
that an increase in compliments and effort has a direct correlation to some sort of misdeed, so what
have you done? Caryssa questioned, and Jaime looked at her in surprise, before he grinned in
that oddly attractive smug way of his.
Surprisingly, I have done no wrong, little wife, but its nice to see that you cant be easily swayed
by a pretty word from a charming man. My mind will be at ease for the next time the King decides
to throw a feast.
Caryssa rolled her eyes at him.
Out of all the women in Westeros, her upbringing with her honor above all father and her
family, duty, honor mother would make her the least likely to stray from her marital bed. Though
she didnt feel the need to defend herself. It should go without saying.
Well, as long as your mind is at ease with my fidelity, Im going to go take Rhaenyra for her
walk. Caryssa stated, rising from her chair and grabbing the leash.
Rhaenyra was at her side in an instant, though she seemed to grumble as the leash was placed
around her neck.
Lady and Rhaenyra hated the leashes, though Sansas wolf seemed more tolerant of it. Caryssa
had once taken her eyes off of her wolf, only to turn back and find she was trying to chew through
the leather of her leash. The snowy white and grey pup had stopped the action as soon as she
realized she had an audience, but it was enough for Caryssa to know that she hated the silly thing.
Hush, Caryssa murmured to her companion, and she could have sworn she saw Rhaenyra nod
at her, as she tightened the leather around her neck so the wolf couldnt slip out of it. Straightening
up, Caryssa turned to look at her husband. Ill meet you in the stables in the afternoon for that

ride.
I look forward to it. Jaime smirked and Caryssa shook her head at him, knowing just from the
look in his eyes where his mind had gone. The dirty bastard. She was not going to go for a roll in
the hay with him, no matter how debauched and wanton he seemed to want to make her.
She left their chambers without another word, choosing not to fall into the same trap she had
found herself in many times before where she retorted with something witty and sarcastic and
Jaime replied in kind. They would end up in the same back and forth for too long and she would
end up late. Her husband had caused her to be late one too many times to certain functions and
private meetings, mostly with the queen. It was almost as if he was trying to fuel the hate his sister
bore her.
Not that Cersei needed any help in her burning hatred for Caryssa. The lioness seemed to manage
well enough on her own in finding reasons to belittle and pick at the she-wolf. Not that Caryssa
cared much. She refused to let Cersei push her unhappiness onto her.
Shaking her head to free her of her Cersei-centric thoughts, Caryssa vowed not to let anyone ruin
her day.
Today would be one full of peace and tranquility, and nothing would get in the way of that.
Well, she hoped not.
~*~
Her trip to the gardens was pleasant and calm and overall peaceful.
Rhaenyra was well behaved even when some of the other ladies in the court walked by and
visibly recoiled at the sight of her. The wolf had even attempted to chase some butterflies that had
fluttered in her vision, but Caryssa had ordered her to stop before she could actually catch and
harm any.
She had stopped to talk to one of the servants tending to the garden about the new flowers that
were being planted (the King had ordered for more winter roses to be planted, and Caryssa knew
it was not a coincidence that they were being planted in the same area she always took Rhaenyra
to) and how grateful she was for his hard work (he had blushed and stumbled in his thanks which
had made her smile).
The gardens were beautiful, but seemed to be more vibrant and full of life than usual, so she had
complimented him on his work, like she did at Winterfell to the servants who tended to the Glass
Gardens. The dedication the gardener had and the love and attention he gave to each flower,
shrub, bush and tree reminded her of the staff of Winterfell.
She was just about to leave the gardens when she found Jory searching through them for Arya,
and her peace was shattered.
Her sister was missing.
No one had seen her for hours.
Insisting that Jory let her join in the search, he took Caryssa and Rhaenyra to the Tower of the
Hand, the last place someone claimed to have seen Arya. Slightly panicking about the harm that
could befall her sister in such a place as the Red Keep, Caryssa almost didnt notice that her
direwolf had started to tug on her leash.

What is it, Rhaenyra? Caryssa asked, and the wolf just whined as she continued to pull against
the leather lead.
Perhaps shes telling us where Lady Arya went. Jory suggested, and Caryssas eyes widened at
the thought and loosened her grip on the leash to see what Rhaenyra would do.
The wolf sniffed the ground around them, her owner exchanging a look with the head of her
fathers guard, but once she had the scent, her wolfs nose barely left the ground. She led them
through the Tower of the Hand, deep down into the castle, so deep down that Jorys hand never
left the hilt of his sword and he walked as closely to Caryssa as he possibly could while remaining
a decent distance.
Rhaenyras nose led them to one of the rooms off of the dungeons which held a few surprise
objects.
Dragon skulls. Caryssa breathed as she stared at them in awe. One was so large that it brushed
the high ceiling of the room, and the she-wolf could only imagine how large a dragon it must have
belonged to. Maybe it was Balerion, the largest dragon known to history, the dragon whose breath
forged the Iron Throne, she mused.
The wolf led Caryssa and Jory passed the dragon skulls, bypassing a locked gate in favor of a set
of stairs that led them to a small alcove that lead to the Blackwater, where old men were fishing.
What was she doing out here? Jory questioned aloud, as they picked their way across a small
path of rocks until they finally made their way back to a solid path.
Chasing a cat, most likely. Syrio Forel has her doing it as part of her dancing lessons, Caryssa
replied, as the wolf led them back to the gate that would give them entrance to the keep once
more. Im going to be having words with that girl. She shouldnt be leaving the Keep. Its
dangerous.
I think youll have to wait in line, my lady. Lord Stark looked ready to have a fit when Lady
Sansa told him that she hadnt been at her lessons and that no one had seen her.
I think I will have first try at trying to instill some sense in to her, Caryssa claimed, as her eyes
lapsed onto a dirty ruffian that looked very familiar in front of a pair of guards that werent
allowing her passage. Passing Rhaenyra over to Jory, she hurried forward and grabbed the child
by the shoulders, breathing a sigh of relief. What do you think youve been doing?
They wont let me passed! They think Im a boy!
You know this boy, Lady Lannister? One guard questioned, and Caryssa looked at them both.
This boy is my sister, Lady Arya Stark of Winterfell, daughter of Eddard Stark, the Kings
Hand. Now if you dont mind, I am going to take my sister to my father so he can put some sense
into her head. Caryssa snapped, because, while she was relieved that her sister was well and that
she had been found, the overwhelming worry that had rushed through her had dissipated into
anger at her sister for not being more sensible.
This was not Winterfell. In Winterfell, she could explore to her hearts content from morning until
night.
Kings Landing was not Winterfell. It was not safe here, especially for children wandering about
in places they had no right to be in.
Yes, Lady Lannister. Well let you be on your way. The second guard replied, stepping out of

their way and Caryssa promptly pulled Arya forward, with Jory and Rhaenyra following.
Arya grumbled all the way back to their fathers solar, but a sharp glare from her elder sister
silenced her each time she started up again. Caryssa was silent and her hand shook around her
sisters arm. Arya long ago learned that meant her sister was truly furious, and that let her know
that she had done wrong.
As soon as they were in their fathers solar, his eyes were on them and he seemed relieved and
angry at the same time, mirroring his eldest daughters emotions. Jory closed the door behind
them, still holding Rhaenyras leash in one hand, and Caryssa nudged Arya forward until she
stood in front of their fathers desk, before she sat down.
Ned was seated, his hands clasped together on the table, his concern written plainly on his face.
You know I had half my guard out searching for you? Arya was silent, and Ned shook his
head. You promised me this would stop.
They said they were going to kill you! Arya exclaimed at her father, and Caryssas eyes
widened.
Who did? She questioned, a fresh panic filling her heart. This was exactly why she hadnt
wanted to come to the capital. There was no one around that they could trust but the people they
had brought with them, and now her fathers life was at risk.
I didnt see them, but I think one was fat. Arya answered, and Caryssa grimaced almost in time
with Ned.
Oh, Arya. Ned sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Im not lying! They said you found the bastard and the wolves are fighting the lions and the
savageSomething about the savage. Arya insisted, and Caryssa was inclined to believe her.
Arya had never been one for tall tales, especially about something as serious as this.
Where did you hear this? Their father asked, taking Arya just as seriously now as his other
daughter seemed to be given the look of worry on her face and the way she was practically
gnawing at her bottom lip.
In the dungeons, near the dragon skulls.
What were you doing in the dungeons?
Chasing a cat. Arya replied to her fathers question, and both Caryssa and Ned rolled their eyes
at the same time.
Thankfully, the girl was saved by Jory knocking at the door with a message.
Pardon, my lord. Theres a nights watchman here begging a word. Says its urgent.
With a nod from Ned, Jory gestured to the man from the Nights Watch to enter. Caryssa stood at
the same time her father did, both of them moving to stand by Arya. The Lady Lannister smiled
politely at the man, though he did not return the gesture, simply moving his eyes over her body
before giving his gaze to Ned.
Your name, friend? Ned requested, as polite as he was taught to be by Jon Arryn. Any man of
the Nights Watch was friend to the Starks.

Yoren, if it please, Yoren gestured to Arya. This must be your son. He has the look.
Im a girl! Arya protested, and Caryssa looked down at her.
People would not be mistaken about your gender if you kept yourself clean and tidy.
Did Benjen send you? Ned questioned, trying to keep things on topic and an argument between
his daughters from breaking out.
No one sent me, my lord. Im here to find men for the Wall, see if theres any scum in the
dungeons that might be fit for service.
Oh, well find recruits for you. Ned sighed in relief, as though he were about to receive some
bad news from the Wall. Caryssa had been worried of that too. As soon as Jory had announced
him, her mind had jumped instantly to Jon and her uncle Benjen, wondering if either of them had
been hurt or worse.
Thank you, my lord, but thats not why I disturb you now, His words knocked the wind out of
Caryssa. Just as she had stopped worrying because of his previous words, he spoke again and
filled her with more concern. Your brother Benjen, his blood runs black makes him as much
my brother as yours. Its for his sake I rode here so hard I damn near killed my horse. There are
others riding too. The whole city will know by tomorrow.
Know what?
Best said in private, my lord. Yoren suggested, and Caryssa felt her blood run colder than it ever
had.
I wont leave. I want to hear this. She stated, looking at her father to show how serious she was.
She would not move for anything or anyone and she would put up a hell of a fight before she
allowed anyone to remove her from the room.
Knowing that Caryssa at least would not leave, Ned placed a kiss to Aryas forehead and nudged
her towards Jory.
Go on. Well talk more later. Jory, take her safely to her room. He ordered and Jory nodded.
Come along, my lady. You heard your father.
Jory led her away and Yoren closed the door behind them. All the while, Caryssa braced herself
for whatever news was so terrible that a man of the Nights Watch deemed it necessary to ride all
the way from the North to tell her father before anyone else could.
Well? Ned pressed, resting his hand on his daughters shoulder and squeezing it slightly to give
her some comfort. He could see in her eyes that she was steeling herself for the worst.
Its about your wife, my lord, Caryssa held her breath and tried to stop herself panicking while
she waited for the man to finish speaking. Shes taken the Imp.
Oh, Gods.
~*~
Caryssa paced her chambers in her hunting garb, quiver, bow, sword and all, waiting for Jaime to
return. She had told him she would meet him in the stables, but he had not been there. She had
been tempted to go out and look for him, but she wouldnt know where to start.

Her heart was racing. She could feel it thundering in her chest and she knew it was because she
was worried that Jaime had found out about what her mother had done. She was panicking. She
knew little of Jaimes temper, but if he was anything like her, he would be furious that his brother
was being held prisoner.
The phrase Lannisters always pay their debts was running through her head over and over again,
possibly making her more frantic. She did not dare to think what Jaime would do to repay her
mother for taking his brother. To make things worse she had not seen her father since he had gone
to see the king. This only pushed her already frayed nerves closer to the point of no return.
Rhaenyra was sitting in front of the fire, her eyes following her mistress every move, making the
occasional whimper to let Caryssa know that she knew that she was worried.
It was only when Daena entered that Caryssa stopped moving about the room like a mad woman,
mumbling under her breath and pacing.
Ser Lannister has ordered me to pack some of your things, my lady. Daena informed her, before
entering Caryssa and Jaimes chambers to being her task.
Caryssas eyes widened, possibly bugging out of her head at an alarming degree, and rushed after
her handmaiden.
Did he tell you why?
No, my lady, but perhaps you are going to Casterly Rock. Ive heard its beautiful there. Daena
replied, and Caryssa shook her head. That couldnt be possible. He would have mentioned it that
morning. Well, she hoped he would. Besides, a journey of that distance would require more than a
few hours planning. Provisions would need to be collected, his men would need to be
organizedshe would need to be organized.
Where is he now?
Hes gone to find Lord Stark, my lady, he didnt say why- my lady! Daena called, as Caryssa
bolted from the rooms with a barking Rhaenyra following closely behind. She went straight to the
stables, thanking the Gods that she had ordered Snow to be saddled, mounted her steed and
cantered through the city.
She could only think of one person who might know her fathers whereabouts, one person who
would be more than willing to help her, and that was Lord Baelish, so she pushed Snow into a
gallop, yelling at bystanders to keep out of her way, which they did.
The she-wolf had expected there to be more drunken lechers and half-dressed whores around, but
as she grew ever close to Baelishs place of business, she was surprised by how few people were
around. Caryssa slowed Snow to a trot, looking around the houses to see that people were leaning
out of their windows clearly watching some sort of dispute.
Thats when Caryssa dug her heels into Snows side and forced him to go faster once more.
Her jaw almost hit Snows saddle when she pulled him to a stop outside of the brothel. Jaime and
her father were fighting. Bodies lay across the ground. When she focused more clearly on the
dead guards, some Lannister and some Stark men, she felt her heart break.
Jory! She yelled, tears running down her face.
Both Ned and Jaime were distracted by her cry of anguish, leaving them both vulnerable to attack,
yet neither of them landed a blow. It was a Lannister guard who thrust his spear through Lord

Starks leg, forcing him to the ground. The only sound heard was a mix of Neds cry of pain and
his daughters scream.
Caryssas vision tinged red. She felt anger bubble up within her, a fury that she did not often feel,
and she barely registered her arms moving back to her quiver, her fingers grasping both her bow
and an arrow. Without thinking, she strung the arrow to her bow and let it fly, watching it with a
dull satisfaction as it sunk into the guards eye and he fell to the ground dead.
She climbed off of her horse, replacing her bow to its quiver, and ran towards her father, falling to
her knees in front of him. Her hands cradled his face and lifted his head to look up at her. He was
in agony, but he tried to mask it for her and she saw right through him as his body shook from the
effort.
I am so sorry. Caryssa choked out, tears still running down her cheeks.
Jaime hadnt wanted her to be involved. He hadnt wanted her to see him like this, to see him at
odds with her father, let alone his dagger in her old guards eye and a Lannister spear through her
fathers leg. Yet, there was nothing he could do about it now. She would understand later. She
had to.
He moved forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, almost wishing he hadnt when she looked
up at him. Her eyes were rimmed with red. The blue irises that were usually sparkling with
mischief and warmth were shimmering with yet to be shed tears and pain. There was no trace of
the smile that had been there when they broke their fast together that morning, just anger and
misery, her mouth halfway between a frown and a snarl.
Why did you do this? She questioned quietly, her glassy eyes accusing.
Ill tell you on the way to the Eyrie.
If you think Im going anywhere with you, you are a fool. Caryssa hissed at him, and Jaimes
expression turned sour. He had to leave now, and he wasnt going anywhere without his wife, so
he only had one of two choices.
You can leave with me now, willingly, or Ill bind your hands and your feet and throw you over
the back of my horse, Jaime gave her the ultimatum, as she looked back at her father, who was
gritting his teeth so he wouldnt cry out again. Its your choice, wife.
Go, Ned murmured to her, and Caryssa glanced at him in surprise. Once my leg is healed, Ill
come for you. The King will send men. Ill persuade him. Go.
Caryssa did not want to leave her father wounded in front of a brothel where his men lay dead, but
she couldnt disobey him either. Squeezing her eyes closed, she pressed her lips to his forehead
and murmured something almost inaudible in his ear, before releasing him.
Glaring at her husband, she rose to her feet, giving him a wide berth as she made her way to her
horse once more and mounted the snow white stallion.
From his place on the ground, Ned Stark watched his daughter reluctantly ride away with his
enemy and felt his body shake with a whole new kind of pain. He had been wrong to trust Jaime
Lannister with his daughter. He had let Robert persuade him that it would be the best thing for her,
but seeing the misery in her eyes when she saw Jory dead and him wounded, he knew that he had
made a grave mistake.
I will make things right, he vowed, and I will get you back.

The Good-Father
Chapter Summary

"And it was Death itself who stood behind me,

With his arms wrapped around me as tight as iron bands,
And his lipless mouth kissing my neck as if in love.
But as well as the horror, I felt a strange longing."
-Margaret Atwood, Alias Grace

Caryssa had not spoken since they left Kings Landing.

It was frustrating her husband, she could tell, but she still did not speak. Any time that they
stopped, she would dismount her horse on her own, ignore Jaime and release Rhaenyra from her
cage. Whenever he tried to touch her, she would move out of the way before he could reach her. It
seemed childish, but it was all she could do when she was surrounded by Lannister soldiers. She
wanted to hit him. She wanted to scream at him. Gods, she wanted to hurt him the way he had
hurt her.
She had not yet been able to shed tears for Jory. She wanted to, she intended to, but she would not
give any Lannister soldier the satisfaction of seeing her in a vulnerable place. Instead, she was
holding back her grief, her anger, mining it for a time when it would serve her best.
Jory had taught her how to wield a sword, how to fight, how to defend herself. If she had needed
a best friend other than her siblings or her parents, he would have been it. They shared their
thoughts with each other. He gave her honest opinions. He had been her first real kiss, the first
man she had desired. Jory had always been with her, for as long as she could remember, and now
he was dead.
Dead. By her husbands hand.
She could not forgive it. She would not forgive it.
Nor would she forgive Jaime attacking her father, nor what she had done to his soldier who had
injured him. She had taken another life, something she had vowed not to do. She had been so
angry that she had strung the arrow to her bow and released it without a thought.
She was a murderer, no better than her husband and that thought made her furious.
That anger fuelled her resolve to not let the man touch her. Every night, she would climb into bed
wearing a nightgown and immediately turn her back on him. If he tried to touch her, she just laid
there and listened to Rhaenyra growl at him until he stopped.
Jaime did not help himself, really.
On their final night of camping, just before they reached Tywin Lannisters camp in the
Riverlands, Caryssa and Jaime were sat at their table for another awkward dinner.

I did not realise that you were so close to your fathers guard, He was only met by silence, so he
continued, trying to get under her skin to get her to speak to him. Even if it was just in rage. I
know that you didnt fuck him before our marriage, given the blood on the sheets on our wedding
night, but I bet he wanted to. Did you ever kiss him? Ever let him touch you? I know that youre
not as prudish as you seem given how much you enjoyed fucking me in that rather public alcove.
Caryssa bit her cheek hard, feeling coppery liquid slide down her throat, and kept her retort inside
of herself. He was trying to make her angry, trying to get her to speak even if it was to shred him
to pieces with her own accusations and vicious words. Her eyes stayed on her plate because she
was on the brink of tears and did not want him to see her cry. Nor did she want to give him the
satisfaction of fleeing.
I guess silence is its own answer.
He was twice the man that you are, She said finally, ending her four day silence. She relished
his surprise that she had pushed aside her stubbornness and had actually replied to his
childishness. Though her actually words did not seem to surprise him at all. Id known him all
my life and he was my friend. You took him from me.
Well, he would have killed me had I not killed him first. Would you rather I had died, sweet
wife?
Yes. I would, Caryssa stated, raising her head and glaring at him. I would rather have Jory
alive and be back in Winterfell, than be stuck here with the man who murdered him and tried to
kill my father.
A brief silence fell between them as they stared at each other. Caryssa thought for a moment that
she had wounded him with her words, but if she had, he quickly hid his true emotions and
replaced them with that smug arrogance that made her want to cut his throat with her knife.
Im surprised you havent attempted to kill me yet. After all, I did kill your precious Jory and
your father was injured by my soldier-
Who I did kill, Caryssa cut him off, tired of the conversation already. Besides, Ser Lannister, I
am not as stupid as you clearly believe me to be. I wouldnt kill you when Im surrounded by your
soldiers. That would be suicide.
Back to Ser Lannister now? Jaime quipped, seemingly displeased by the formal term of address
and Caryssa rolled her eyes at him and rose from her seat.
Informal terms of address are for people you like or for family. You are neither anymore.
Caryssa replied, walking behind her changing screen in their tent.
She pulled off her gown, wishing that she could bathe to get some of the grime off from their
travels that was clinging to her skin. Caryssa sighed as she pulled off her shift and replaced it with
her nightgown and then shuffled out from behind the protection of the screen and over to their
shared bed.
Jaime still sat at the table, swirling his wine and staring at the burgundy liquid sloshing around the
glass, when she climbed into the bed. Rhaenyra immediately climbed up and laid herself dutifully
at her mistress feet. Sighing once more, Caryssa raised her head from her pillow and glanced over
her shoulder at him.
Goodnight, Ser Lannister.

Goodnight, Lady Lannister. Jaime replied, his eyes briefly leaving the glass and locking with
hers.
When staring into those green orbs, she felt that stab of longing for how it had been days ago. The
buddingsomething that was forming between them, the lightness of their interactions and the
fluttering in her chest when he pinned her with those eyes. When he looked at her now, she just
felt angry and guilty; anger because of what he did as well as what he said and guilty that she had
to fight against the urge to soften because of whatever feelings she had been developing for him
prior to this whole mess.
Because she had. She knew she had. She had been slightly terrified of the prospect of loving a
Lannister, so had deemed it best to ignore it and not mention it.
Turns out that had been a wise move on her part. Caryssa couldnt imagine actually being in love
with Jaime now, not after everything that had happened.
She wouldnt love him.
On the Old Gods and the New, she, Caryssa Stark, would not fall in love with Jaime Lannister.
Not now. Not ever.
You did not actually answer my questions before, She arched a brow at him, silently asking him
what in the seven hells was he talking about. Did you love him?
Caryssa stared at him a couple moments before she answered.
I could have.
With that said, she lowered her head back to her pillow and feigned sleep until she was no longer
pretending.
~*~
The next day saw the joining of the two Lannister groups; Tywins large army from the Rock and
Jaimes small party of loyal Lannister soldiers from Kings Landing.
Caryssa had to continuously resist the urge to roll her eyes at the sea of deep crimson that
assaulted her eyes everywhere she looked. Tents, armor, banners, saddleseverything was
bloody Lannister red and it made her eyes burn. She looked so out of place here in her grey
riding gown and furs. She might as well have written a giant sign that she did not belong. Im a
Stark, come and kill me, it said.
She was deep behind enemy lines here. And completely wary of it.
Just because she was Jaimes wife, and technically a Lannister now, did not mean that she could
not suffer an untimely demise whilst she was being held captive by her own husband.
Still, the She-Wolf of Winterfell did not cower in front of lions, so Caryssa held her head high as
they rode into the Lannister camp and an icy expression. She could hear them mumbling about
her. Things about her mother, about her father, about her beauty or her coldness, but she did not
care.
Let them talk, she thought to herself, Let them talk and make their stories.
While waiting for their tent to be erected, Caryssa released Rhaenyra. Shed had to hide her smirk

when she saw grown warriors flinch away from the direwolf, who grew larger and larger every
day, as she started sniffing her way around the camp. Catching Jaimes stern look, Caryssa made a
gesture to Rhaenyra and then watched her scamper off into the woods by the camp to hunt for her
lunch.
Problem?
She should be on a leash. She makes the men nervous. Jaime stated, and looking around and
she knew he wasnt wrong.
Good. Theyd be foolish not to be nervous. She could rip off their arms, Caryssa smirked,
giving some of the Tywins men a dark look as they eyed her. She looked back at Jaime with a
cold expression, before returning her eyes to the whispering men. Id let her.
They looked back with unamused looks until they were obstructed by another armored man.
Caryssa glanced at him and saw that he looked vaguely familiar, with the salty blonde hair and
green eyes. He was a Lannister if she ever saw one.
Uncle Kevan, its good to see you.
This must be your bride, Ser Kevan Lannister somewhat smiled as he held out his hand to her,
and she reluctantly placed her slight one in his. Lady Caryssa, you are as charming as they say.
Thank you, my lord. I am sure your words would mean more were I not a reluctant pawn in my
husbands foolishness. Caryssa smiled falsely as Kevans own expression soured somewhat and
Jaime rolled his eyes.
Isnt she wonderful, Uncle? A woman with beauty and an untamable tongue. Jaime huffed
sarcastically, and Caryssa glared at him, until she felt something bump the back of her knee. She
turned around and saw Rhaenyra had returned.
She looked even more frightening now to outsiders; her white muzzle was stained with the blood
of whatever woodland creature she had taken down and devoured. For a moment, Caryssa stood
transfixed by the color, the deep red a stark contrast to the snow white fur. Shaking her head, she
crouched down and pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped the blood away.
Im sure that she is providing you with a challenge, nephew, Caryssa once again resisted the
urge to roll her eyes at the atypical maleness of Ser Kevans words, as she rose to her full height
again and scrunched the bloody hanky up in her hand. Your father wishes to speak to you.
Jaime nodded, and turned to Caryssa.
Make sure that you get the tent organized-
Your father wishes to meet your wife too.
Weve been travelling for a few days now. Im sure that my wife would-
Would love for you to not speak for her. I have my own voice and I can use it and I would love
to meet your father. Caryssa interrupted, smirking at her husband as she took Ser Kevans offered
hand and let him lead her forward to the largest tent.
Outwardly, she was confident and poised and calm, but inwardly, she was nervous and panicked.
Tywin Lannister was unlike any she had ever encountered before. She had heard many stories of
the head of the House Lannister, mostly from her father and his men and Maester Luwin, snippets

from Tyrion during his time in Winterfell and little anecdotes from her husband from his
childhood. He was a force to be reckoned with, a strong and powerful man who did not suffer
fools lightly, but also had no problem with the needless bloodshed of innocent people. Like
Princess Elia and her children.
It was why Dorne no longer considered themselves apart of Westeros. Their hatred for Lannisters
and what had been done to their Princess and her children was well known to all Westeros. Tywin
Lannister made a great enemy in the Dornish the day he sent the Mountain to kill the sister of their
Prince and her children.
But she knew that their deaths were proof enough of how great an enemy that he could be, and
one she wasnt sure she wanted to face head on, but knew she had little choice in the matter. Ser
Kevan had said that Tywin had wished to meet her, but she knew from personal experience that
when men used that word it really meant that it was an order.
Before she knew it, Ser Kevan was pulling back the flaps to the tent and she was entering it, with
her husband behind her and her wolf at her side. Almost immediately, Rhaenyra started growling
and Caryssas was instantly full of dread. Rhaenyra only growled at people she perceived to be a
threat or those who had upset her mistress and that meant that Tywin truly was a threat to her.
Rhaenyra. Caryssa silenced the direwolf, who fell back to her side and pushed her face into
Caryssas hand.
Tywin Lannister was tall for an old man. He had broad shoulders and his eyes were the same
shade of green as Cerseis. He had the same thinning silvery blonde hair that his brother had and
he was donned in all black leathers. The worst part of him was his entire presence. Just standing in
front of him, Caryssa knew that he was a man who demanded respect, with an intense,
intimidating gaze that made her want to disappear into the background.
Instead she just stood straighter. This was her first meeting with her good-father. She would not
make a terrible first impression.
Robert Baratheon was a fool, but he made one right decision in marrying you to my son, Were
his first words he ever said to her and Caryssa said nothing in return. She thought it might be
pushing her luck to make a smart comment on how it was more than likely the worst decision
Robert Baratheon had ever made. Cersei has wrote to me many times about you, but I think
perhaps she was wrong. You certainly wont be a blight on my familys good name, will you,
Lady Caryssa?
Its not in me to be a blight on a family name, my Lord. I shant embarrass you.
Though you are still wearing Stark colors, I see.
Maybe by marriage I am a Lannister, but I will always be a Stark. The North runs through my
veins, my lord, it always has and always will. Caryssa stated, the pride for her House and her
origins clear in her voice.
You are a Lannister now. You will act like a Lannister and dress like one. I expect to see more
Lannister colors on you the next time we see each other. Tywin ordered, his eyes sharp on hers
as he picked up his carving knife and turned his attention to the felled stag on his butchers table.
Another omen if she ever saw one.
And if Im not?
She could practically hear Jaimes sigh behind her and she almost agreed with him. Why was she

picking silly little battles with his father? What was she gaining from this? Yet the words had
already left her mouth and it was too late to take them back now.
I will have all your clothes burned and replaced with new ones more befitting a Lady of the
Rock, He replied, looking over his shoulder at her, jabbing his skinning knife in her direction.
Do not test me, girl. You wont ever win a battle against me.
I wouldnt dream of it, my lord. Caryssa sighed.
And is that a sword at your side?
For my protection, yes, my lord.
Thats what husbands and guards are for, Lady Caryssa. You are not to carry weapons any
longer either, He sniped, and Caryssas jaw clenched and her eyes narrowed. Its not a womans
place to carry a sword. War is the dominion of men.
War is the dominion of all, my lord. Men may fight the battles but it is women who are left to
deal with its effects-
Perhaps you could tell me why you summoned me and my lovely wife to your tent as soon as
wed arrived, Father. Jaime cut her off, so that she wouldnt get into a debate with his father of all
people. Only she could pick a fight with the mighty Tywin Lannister.
I received a raven from Kings Landing. Tywin pointed towards his desk and Jaime
immediately walked over to it, his eyes skimming over the writing.
You are summoned to court to answer for the crimes of your bannerman, Gregor Clegane, the
Mountain. Uh, arrive within a fortnight or be branded an enemy of the crown, Jaime stopped
reading and pacing, his eyes glancing at his wife before landing on his father as he sharpened his
knife. Poor Ned Stark, brave man, terrible judgement.
The same kind of judgement you showed when battling him outside of a busy brothel? Caryssa
snapped, and before her husband opened his mouth to retaliate, his father beat him.
Shes right. Attacking him was stupid, Tywin started carving into his kill, slicing it down the
middle and pulling out its insides. Jaime seemed surprised by his fathers words and the fact that
he had agreed with his wife, but she always did insist that she was right. Lannisters do not act
like fools. Are you going to say something clever? Go on. Say something clever.
Catelyn Stark took my brother.
Why is he still alive?
Tyrion? Jaime questioned, and Caryssa remained silent, knowing exactly who his father had
meant.
Ned Stark.
My wife arrived and one of my men interfered. Speared him through the leg before I could finish
him. Jaime explained, and Caryssa closed her eyes, clenched her fist in Rhaenyras fur to ground
herself and counted to ten in her head. If she lost her temper now, she would say things that they
would definitely make her regret and she could not even imagine what Tywin would do to punish
her.
Why is he still alive? Tywin pressed, still skinning his stag.

It wouldnt have been clean and I do not doubt that if I killed her father, my beautiful wife would
stab me in my sleep.
Clean, Tywin scoffed, You spend too much time worrying about what people think of you.
I couldnt care less about what anyone thinks of me. Jaime insisted, and Caryssa arched a brow
at him. He cared. He cared probably more than anyone about what people thought. He just
pretended he didnt.
Thats what you want people to think of you.
Its the truth.
When you hear them whispering Kingslayer behind your back, doesnt it bother you? Tywin
pushed his son. Caryssa could see Jaimes jaw clenched in frustration. A few days ago, she might
have reached over and held his hand, tried to show him that he had her support. Now, she stood as
still as a statue, except for her fingers raking through the soft fur of her protective direwolf.
Of course it bothers me.
A lion doesnt concern himself with the opinions of the sheep. I suppose I should be grateful that
your vanity got in the way of your recklessness. Im sure your wife is as well, Tywin paused in
his activity and half-turned back to face his eldest and his wife. Im giving you half our forces.
30,000 men. You will bring them to Catelyn Starks girlhood home and remind her that
Lannisters pay their debts.
I didnt realize that you placed such a high value on my brothers life.
Hes a Lannister, Tywin half-chuckled. At least thats what Caryssa thought it was. She had a
hard time believing that the Lord Lannister had ever laughed in his life. He might be the lowest
of the Lannisters, but hes one of us, and every day he remains a prisoner, the less our name
commands respect.
So the lion does concern himself with the opinions of the sheep-
No, thats not an opinion. Its a fact, Tywin raised his voice, so much so that Caryssa saw
Rhaenyras hair stand on end and her face shift from neutral into a snarl. It was not an audible
change, but she knew that he had seen it so she rubbed behind Rhaenyras ears to try and calm her
down. If another house can seize one of our own, hold him captive with impunity then we are no
longer a house to be feared.
You lose the fear, you lose control. Caryssa murmured, and Tywin nodded at her.
Shes a smart girl, Tywin commented, before returning to his butchering, turning his back on
them once more. Your mothers dead. Before long, Ill be dead, so will you and your wife. And
your brother and your sister and all of her children and any children you might have in the future.
All of us dead, all of us rotting in the ground. Its the family name that lives on. Its all that lives
on. Not your personal glory, not your honor, but family.
With one more flick of his knife, Tywin stopped once more and turned back to face his son.
Do you understand?
Jaime nodded, knowing that said more than any words could, especially since he didnt
particularly agree with his father. His family name would live on, but his personal glory and his
honor would be remembered as well. Or his lack of it.

Tywin though seemed to accept his nod as an answer, and turned back to his skinned deer.
Stabbing his skinning knife into the wood of the table, he began to wipe his bloody hands as he
continued to lecture his son. Caryssa almost felt like she should have left a long time ago. She did
not really have a place in the direction that the conversation had taken a turn towards and she felt
like she was intruding.
Youre blessed with abilities that few men possess. Youre blessed to belong to the most
powerful family in the kingdoms and youre still blessed with youth and what have you done with
these blessings, huh? Youve served as a glorified bodyguard for two kings. One a madman, the
other a drunk-
Protecting the king is a noble task, my lord. A task that any man should be proud to undertake.
Caryssa interjected, though she did not know why. Perhaps it was because she felt pity for Jaime
in that moment. A fully grown man still being belittled and berated by his father? It was almost
sad. If anything it was awkward to watch, so Caryssa had felt the urge to step in and help him. It
was her duty after all, even if she did loathe him.
For a second son perhaps, Tywin retorted and Caryssa sighed. She suddenly saw where Jaime,
Cersei and Tyrion had inherited their one-mindedness. Once a thought entered their heads, they
were very singular about it. Tywin stepped forward towards the pair, ignoring the quieted
growling of the grey and white wolf at his good-daughters side. The future of our family will be
determined in these next few months. We could establish a dynasty that will last for a thousand
years or we could collapse into nothing like the Targaryens did.
Caryssa averted her eyes when Tywin placed a hand firmly on his sons cheek. She was definitely
intruding now.
I need you to become the man you were born to be. Not next year, not tomorrow. Now.
With that final word, Tywin turned away from them and returned to his carving. Jaime stood there
for a moment, seeming to absorb what his father had said to him, before he left the tent, beckoning
for her to follow him with a simple flick of his hand.
Surprising as it may seem, but she had no desire to linger on alone in Tywins tent, so she hurried
after him, Rhaenyra at her heels.
They were silent on their way to their tent, and she was just thankful that it had been erected and
was ready for them to return to. As soon as they were inside, Caryssa headed for the wine and
Rhaenyra headed for the foot of the bed. She poured two glasses of wine, holding one out for her
husband, who accepted it with an arched eyebrow.
She shook her head and simply knocked her wine back, before refilling her glass and gulping it
down like it was the last drink she would ever have.
The Gods knew that they both had needed it after that horrible encounter.
Tywin Lannister was many things, but warm and inviting were not two of them. Caryssa sincerely
hoped that it was the last she saw of Tywin Lannister for a long while. She was almost thankful
that her husband was now marching on her mothers childhood home of Riverrun, because at least
that meant she was away from the patriarch of her new family.
And Gods did she want to be far from him.
A few days ago, Caryssa could honestly say that she feared nothing. Not wildlings, not those
stories that Old Nan used to tell her about white walkers and the foul creatures beyond the wall

and not the criminals that her father sometimes had to execute when they refused the Black.
Now? She would unashamedly say that she was slightly afraid of Tywin Lannister. Nothing was
more dangerous than a wise man driven by blind ambition. And thats why she feared him,
because she was starting to see the lengths that he would go just to defend his legacy.
And nothing made her more wary.

Reunions
Chapter Summary

"Killing is not as easy as the innocent believe."

-J.K Rowling

Catelyn Stark could not believe her eyes.

Her husband was in chains in the capital and she had left the Eyrie, left her sister and her madness,
because her son was leading a host to war. Her precious Robb, who was barely a man grown, had
an amassed an army of his fathers loyal bannermen to fight for his fathers and his sisters
freedom.
The Gods had seen fit to declare the Imp innocent of the crimes against her son, and in return, they
had repaid her with more misery. With a war against her family.
She halted her horse as thousands of tents came into view, and Ser Rodrick did the same at her
side. They quickly glanced at each other, a thousand thoughts being expressed in one look
between both of them, but only one was voiced.
Summer snows, my lady. Ser Rodrik commented.
There was indeed a light layer of the white powder dusted across the grass beneath their horses
hooves. They were in the borders of the Riverlands, and very rarely did the northern cold reach
here, but there were north men camped just before her.
Robbs brought the North with him. Catelyn commented lightly, though her heart was anything
but.
She pushed her horse forward, wanting nothing more than to be reunited with at least one of her
children.
Entering the camp was easy. The Northerners recognized her and nodded their heads in respect as
she and Rodrik rode past, guided by a couple of soldiers, until they dismounted their horses and
were led to the war tent where her son was surrounded by the lords of the larger houses making
battle plans.
She could scarcely believe her eyes. One day, not all that long ago, he had been a boy. Her boy.
Now he was a boy with an army at his back. The Gods were not answering her prayers recently it
seemed.
Lord Umber noticed her approach first, stood and bowed his head, causing all the other men to
take noticed and follow suit.
Mother. Robb breathed, and for a split second, he had moved to embrace her until he
remembered himself. He was leading these men now. He could be a mothers boy no longer. Now
he was a man. A man with a single purpose; to bring his family home.

She gazed at her son, finding him to look different from the last time she had seen him. He carried
himself differently, she mused, more like Ned did. Like a lord, instead of a lords son. Technically,
he was the lord now.
You look well. Catelyn said simply, though there was so much more to be said.
Lady Catelyn, youre a welcome sight in these troubled times. Lord Umber commented, and
before she could reply to him, her husbands ward piped up.
We had not thought to meet you here, my lady. Theon admitted, and Catelyn spared him a
glance, noting that he looked the same. A green boy wearing mens clothing and calling himself a
man. Catelyn had never voiced this aloud, but she shared her daughters dislike of the Greyjoy
boy. He was a traitors son and something about him did not sit right with her. Especially now.
I had not thought to be here. I would speak with my son alone. I know you will forgive me, my
lords. Catelyn ordered, though her parting sentence made it seem more like a request. She had
become well versed in such phrasings over her years as Lady of Winterfell. Some men did not like
being given orders by a woman, so she had found a way to work around them.
You heard her! Move your arses! Come on, out! You too, Greyjoy. You bloody deaf? Lord
Umber ushered all the other lords out, even nudging Theon out with a firm push to the shoulder.
He himself paused a moment longer in the tent, lingering to give Catelyn a small bit of comfort.
Even if it did come from a rough northerner such as himself. Have no fear, my lady. Well shove
our swords up Tywin Lannisters bunghole and then its on to the Red Keep to free Ned.
Catelyn nodded her thanks to him, ignoring him as he embraced Rodrik behind her, her eyes
locked with her sons.
As soon as the two men were away, Catelyn broke into a smile and pulled her son into her
embrace. She had missed this. The last time she had held one of her children had been in secret in
the Red Keep, holding her eldest as they were reunited for the first time in a couple of months.
She leaned back and smiled up at him, her hand brushing back his auburn curls behind his ears.
I remember the day you came into this world, red-faced and squalling. And now I found you
leading a host to war.
Robb frowned at the change in his mothers voice and face. She wasnt proud of him. She was
unhappy that he was leading these men.
There was no one else.
No one? Who were those men I saw here? Catelyn pressed, and Robb fought back a scowl.
None of them are Starks. He explained, wondering why his mother couldnt see why it had to
be him. Nobody else could lead them. He was the Lord of Winterfell while his father had been the
Hand of the King, and he was Lord of Winterfell now that his father had been imprisoned. Only
he could call the banners. It was his duty.
All of them are seasoned in battle.
Robb was beginning to get frustrated.
If you think you can send me back to Winterfell-
Oh, would that I could. Catelyn sighed, cutting her son off midsentence. If she could send him

away, she would without regrets or shame. She would rather her son be protected and safe at
Winterfell than fighting a war. There was no doubt about that. But she couldnt send him away.
He may be her son, but he was a man grown now. He would have to be.
Robb pulled away from her, stepping round the table with their battle strategies marked with
wooden pieces, to reach into his satchel for the note sent from Sansa.
He had read it over and over. They were the queens words, aye, but thats not why he continued
to read it. There had been no mentioned of either Caryssa or Arya. None at all. It made him worry.
He wondered if it meant that they were dead, but every time that particular thought entered his
head, he stopped it immediately.
If Caryssa were dead, he would know.
When they were children in Winterfell, they had talked about what it would be like to die during
the last winter. Caryssa said that they would have to die together, because she was certain that the
pain of living without him would be agonizing. He felt the same.
His connection with this elder sister was something he couldnt really explain, but was something
undeniably to do with just how strongly his sister loved.
She then went on to say that if they were ever separated, and one of them died, they would know.
He had asked her how, and she had explained that she had heard that when part of your soul dies,
you feel it deep within yourself. At the time, he hadnt known what she meant, but now that they
were separated, he did.
Robb did not feel that agonizing emptiness now and his sister definitely still shared half of his soul
and he half of hers. That is how it always had been, ever since he was born into this world.
He handed his mother the letter, explaining who it was from, and half smiled when his mother
guessed what he already knew. Sansas handwriting, but the words belonged to the queen. Sansa
might as well have just been a scribe.
His mother had sat down to read it and she looked up at him when she finished.
Theres no mention of Caryssa or Arya.
No.
Catelyn looked forlorn for a moment, praying silently to the Mother and the Warrior to watch over
her daughters, to protect them from all harm, before she returned her gaze to her son.
How many men do you have?
18,000, Robb answered her, taking a seat opposite her. His hand clenched and unclenched
where it rested on his knee, the leather of his gloves straining against the repeated action.
Mindlessly, Catelyn thought that if Caryssa had been there, his hand would be in hers and his
nervousness or agitation would be less visible to the world. If I go to Kings Landing and bend
my knee to Joffrey
You would never be allowed to leave. No, Catelyn shut that idea down immediately. It was no
longer as simple as just bending the knee. The Queen and her son had declared war on their
family by imprisoning her husband and holding her daughters hostage. Our best hope, our only
hope, is that you can defeat them in the field.
And if I lose? Robb asked, though he felt he already knew the answer.

Do you know what happened to the Targaryen children when the Mad King fell?
They were butchered in their sleep. Robb looked away, his eyes focusing on a patch of snow on
the ground a little bit away from them, disgust filling his features. Murdering babes and children, it
wasnt right.
On the orders of Tywin Lannister. And the years have not made him kinder, Catelyn informed
him, earning her sons gaze again. She continued, her voice taking on as serious a tone as she
could possibly manage to convey the importance of her words. If you lose, your father dies, your
sisters die, and we die.
Well, that makes it simple, then. Robb half-smiled. Putting it like that, the choices he had to
make were simple. He would do whatever it took to win this war and keep his family safe.
I suppose it does.
~*~
Riverrun was beautiful.
Or it would be, were it not shrouded in the air of war.
Caryssa had only seen it once, before Arya had been born, but she didnt remember it looking so
magical. She realized the castles sudden almost ethereal beauty was probably due to the fact she
was a prisoner in all but name and she was longing for family, even family she barely knew.
She and Jaime were still on unsteady ground, barely speaking past questions and one worded
answers. Things were extremely uncomfortable. How could they not be? One moment they were
on the brink of somethingmore than the typical polite political marriage, the next her father had
been stabbed, her life-long friend had been killed and she was being forced to march to war
against her own family, her own mother.
Jaimes army had already won several battles with some of the river lords who gathered their
armies against his, and Caryssa had been forced to sit in a tent, guarded by twenty of his soldiers,
waiting impatiently for news on who had been victorious.
Rhaenyra seemed to sense her unease and unhappiness as she was constantly at her side, nuzzling
her face into Caryssas legs or whining or placing her head in Caryssas lap. In an odd way, her
beloved furry companion was reminding her of her littlest brother and it made her heart ache for
home once again. She missed having someone to look after, a little wolf child to follow her around
and crave her attention and approval. Rickon clung to her skirts as often as he did their mothers
and it made her feel needed.
Here, in Jaimes army, Caryssa served no purpose. She was helping no one by being here and she
was resenting her husband more and more for making her leave her family behind.
Back in Kings Landing, she could have been useful. She could have looked after her sisters while
her father recovered from his injury. She could have tended to him herself. She could have made
the preparations to have Jorys body returned to the North, where he belonged. So many things
that she could have done, but instead duty bound her to a man who was the cause of all her
troubles.
The same man who was standing at her side as she gazed upon her mothers familys home as he
laid siege to it.

Have you ever been to Riverrun?

Yes. When I was a girl. It was for my Uncles namesday and it was the first time I had met him
or my grandfather. Caryssa replied, her eyes sticking firmly to the castle ahead of them.
Tomorrow, it would be laid siege to and it is very possible that her family could die.
I was sent here a few times when I was a squire. Hoster Tully would make me stay and eat. He
always made me sit next to his daughter, Lysa. I think he hoped that wed become fond of each
other and wed marry, but I was always more interested in talking to the Blackfish. Jaime smiled
wistfully as he thought of his old memories and Caryssa finally cast her gaze over him.
Uncle Brynden?
Have you met him?
I have. He said I reminded him of my mother, Caryssa turned her eyes away from him again as
she thought of her mother. She wished she was with her now. Catelyn, as brash as she sometimes
was, would know what to say to her now to make her feel better about things. That was the first
time anyone had ever said that to me. To everyone else, Im just
Lyanna Stark reborn, Jaime finished for her, and she nodded. I have never seen you as anyone
other than yourself.
Caryssa couldnt even bring herself to roll her eyes. She didnt care for his charm or his attempts
to bring her around to his side once more. She couldnt forgive what he did. She wouldnt.
You wont win. Riverrun wont fall. Not while the Blackfish is there to hold it. You and I both
know that this siege will last a long time unless you withdraw your forces, Caryssa informed him,
and Jaime snorted at her. Instantly she knew that he was doubting her knowledge of warfare
simply because she was a woman. Well, she was the eldest daughter of the lady of one of the
Great Houses, of a castle. It was her duty to know about sieges and how to prepare for them and
how to survive one. Just because she hadnt lived through one, didnt mean that she had no
knowledge of them. If you and your father carry on this way, you will start a war that will ravage
these lands. The North and South will be at odds for centuries over a misunderstanding!
Thousands of people will die for nothing more than your familys pride-
Your mother started this-
The person who ordered my unconscious, defenseless crippled brother to be killed started this.
The person who came into our home and pushed my brother from a tower started this, Caryssa
shouted at him, squaring up to him now, not caring that they had gained the attention of some
nearby Lannister soldiers. Let them watch, she thought, I do not care what they think of me. Do
you think my mother would simply let that go? You saw how Cersei was over Joffrey being bitten
by an animal. Imagine it had been an assassin threatening his life instead of a wolf, she would
have hunted them down herself if it meant bringing them to justice. That is what mothers do. They
go to the ends of the earth for their children. No matter the consequences. Tywin Lannister doesnt
care about his dwarf son. He doesnt care that Tyrion may die. He cares that his reputation may be
tarnished. That his house may be seen as weak. Its sick.
Bite your tongue, wife, or lose it. Jaime threatened and Caryssa barked out a laugh, surprised
that he would have the audacity to actually threaten her with physical violence. He had never
seemed to be such a man. His father, perhaps, but Jaime had seemed like a more decent man.
Then again, she had been wrong about him before.
Try it. Rhaenyra would rip your arm off before you could even step near me with your knife,

Caryssa stated, Rhaenyra growled as if in agreement, and she took a brazen step towards her
clearly angry husband. She had never seen him in such a way before. Not ever. But she knew that
he would not truly hurt her. He wasnt that stupid. I do not fear you, Ser Lannister. Nor do I fear
your men. If any harm should come to me, you would be hunted by my father, my brother, even
the King. They would hunt you down and kill you and we both know it.
Caryssa could see her words registering behind her husbands eyes, and he took a step back from
her. Before he could say anything in retaliation, his squire ran towards them with a panicked look
on his face.
My lord, news from the capital, Peck panted, and both Ser and Lady Lannister looked at him
with a one-minded interest. What had happened now? The King died a couple weeks past and
the Queen Regent has locked Lord Stark in the black cells for treason against King Joffrey. The
North is raising an army...
Her heart stopped.
Her ears were ringing.
Treason?
Not possible.
Her father wouldnt. Not without just cause. Not unlessThis wasnt realand what on earth was that noise?
Jaime had grabbed the tops of her arms and Rhaenyra was whining worriedly, and that noise was
still going; a strange, strangled choking sound, a sound she had never heard before, not in her life.
Breathe, Caryssa, you have to breathe, Jaime instructed, and she only then realized that her
hands were clutching at Jaimes armor, but finding no purchase, and his had moved to her face,
forcing her to look at him. Breathe with me. Itll be alright.
The noise was coming from her.
She was panicking. She couldnt catch her breath. She couldnt. She was trying.
The world went black.
~*~
Jaime caught his wife in his arms after she had fainted, completely to his shock. He had never seen
her like that before, so panicked and terrified. And she was. The news from the capital had
frightened her into losing consciousness.
They both knew what the news had meant.
Her father had been declared a traitor.
Eddard Stark was as good as dead already.
Jaime knew that she had not forgiven him for attacking her father and killing her friend, but he
could only hope that she would not hate him for this also. Her fathers arrest had nothing to do
with him. He would not have been so foolish. If Robert was dead and Joffrey had already
declared himself King, it was under Cerseis influence.

He also knew that Eddard meant a lot to his daughter. They had a bond and a friendship that he
could not truly understand as he had never had such a relationship with his own father. While her
reaction had not been what he had anticipated, thinking of it, Jaime was not all that surprised.
Caryssa worshipped her father like he was sent from the Gods themselves; she respected him and
loved him in a way he just couldnt respect and love Tywin.
Jaime was her husband now and, as he gazed at her, he realized he hadnt the faintest idea as to
what he was supposed to do now.
How was he supposed to comfort his wife when she hated him?
My lord? Should I call for a maester? Peck questioned, but Jaime shook his head.
Ill take her to our tent and wait with her until she wakes. Tell Ser Addam that he is in charge of
the siege for now, I do not wish to be disturbed, Jaime ordered. His squire nodded and ran to find
Ser Addam to relay his lords message. Jaime lifted his wife into his arms and stood, pausing only
when he heard the growl of her wolf. He turned his eyes down to see the grey speckled white
direwolf in full snarl before he managed to snap his fingers at her. Come, Rhaenyra.
Oddly, the wolf seemed to sense that this was not a moment to be arguing with him, or the animal
simply chose her concern over her mistress over her anger towards him. Either way, Rhaenyra
stepped into line and followed him back to their tent.
Once inside, he placed a still unconscious Caryssa on their bed, pulling off her riding boots and
her cloak and tucking her underneath the furs.
Instead of moving away, Jaime perched on the edge of the bed, his eyes transfixed on his wifes
pale skin. Her skin had darkened slightly from the sun in the capital, but now she was as pale as
snow, the color drained from her complexion.
She had truly been shaken to the core by todays news and he did not blame her. His wife tried so
hard to be strong, and she was mostly, but everyone had a weakness. For some it was money, for
others power. Caryssas one weakness was her family. The same as his.
In that way, he understood her, and she him, but it was their actions and their way of dealing with
things that differed. Caryssa was calm and collected. She thought things through. Jaime was brash
and unpredictable. He acted first, and thought later. Caryssa thought about the consequences that
her actions could have, and Jaime didnt, not until after. If he did, perhaps he wouldnt have
attacked her father just when things were starting to look good for them.
Jaime sighed, his fingers brushing some flyaway hairs from her eyes and tucking them behind her
ear, before he cupped her face with one hand.
She did not deserve what his family was putting hers through. What he was putting her through.
~*~
When she awoke, it was dark and she was alone.
Caryssa blinked rapidly, trying to battle her disorientation and trying to work out what had
happened.
She had been arguing with Jaime, she remembered that, and then his squire had come over with
that note from Kings Landing
She bolted upright and stifled a gasp with her hand. Her father had been imprisoned. Hed been

branded a traitor. Eddard Stark had been declared a traitor. The fact that people could believe that
her noble, loyal and honorable father could be anything but a true servant of the rightful king was
absurd.
Caryssa felt her heart beating rapidly in her chest. The King was dead too. Robert Baratheon, her
fathers oldest and dearest friend, the man who had loved her aunt so much he had started a
rebellion for her, was dead. Her mind started to whirl. What was happening to the girls? Were
they being looked after? Who was looking after them? Were her fathers men still alive or had
they been killed protecting their lord?
And for one selfish moment, Caryssa thought, Who is going to come for me now?
Rhaenyra, who was keeping guard at the flaps of the tent, started to growl and Caryssa rose from
the bed, immediately pulling out the dagger she still wore underneath her skirts. Fuck Tywin
Lannister, she wasnt going to be surrounded by her enemies without being armed.
The direwolf was standing now and barking at whatever commotion was sounding outside,
because now her mistress could hear it too. It sounded like a battle was being fought out there. Not
being privy to Jaimes war councils, she had not known that her brother had called the banners
and raised an army of his own to free their father from his imprisonment and save their sisters. Nor
did she know that her husband and her brother were meeting at that very moment on the
battlefield.
Not until a half crazed Lannister squire came stumbling into her tent, wielding a sword stained
with blood.
Rhaenyra backed up towards Caryssa, intent on guarding her, and the woman raised her free hand
toward him as he stared at her.
Theyre like animals, He muttered. Animals. Theyre killing everyone, but a few of us who
managed to escape. They are like animals.
He was clearly in shock, and Caryssa was very wary of the sword that he waved around as he
spoke, so she used as soft a voice as she could manage in the circumstances and kept her distance.
Who? Who is killing everyone? Caryssa questioned, but seeing that he was seeming to not even
hear her, she raised her voice. I asked you a question, soldier. I expect an answer. Who is
attacking us?
He came here for you. This is your fault! He charged towards her, but he did not get close.
Rhaenyra pounced on him and knocked him to the ground, her teeth like small blades as they cut
through his throat. He screamed, the sound gurgling in his throat as it filled with his own blood,
but Caryssa could not find it in her to feel sorry for him. He would have run her through with his
sword if Rhaenyra hadnt protect her.
While her wolf finished her kill, Caryssa scrambled towards the chest at the bottom of her bed.
Heaving up the heavy lid, she quickly grabbed the items she needed. Her bow and quiver, her
bracers, her swordshe did not know how many men still remained alive, but she would be
leaving this camp, one way or another.
After strapping her weapons to her body, she quietly peered out of the tent and her eyes widened
with what she saw. Tents on fire, Jaimes men scattering, and riders on horses cutting down
Lannister soldiers the same way hunters cut down boar. Rhaenyra had padded to her side now, the
deranged man dead now, and looked up at her, waiting.

Come, Rhaenyra. Were leaving.

Creeping out of the tent, Caryssa tried to avoid the confusion of the raid, deciding to hide rather
than cut through what men still had their wits about them as she made her way to her horse.
However, it was only a matter of time until she was caught.
Where do you think youre going? A gruff, unfamiliar voice questioned her, and Caryssa
instinctively drew her sword and turned around quickly to face her attacker.
He was a Lannister man, his red and black armor smattered with dark crimson blood. He was at
least a yard or so away from her, and she simply stared at him while she calculated how long it
would take her to withdraw her bow and nock an arrow before he could reach her.
Caryssa decided to go for it, reaching back for her bow, nocking an arrow and releasing it. In a
matter of seconds, the man was dead at her feet. She stared at his lifeless body for a moment, her
breathing becoming shallow once more as it sunk in that she had taken another life, before
Rhaenyra was tugging on her skirts to get her to move.
The she-wolf turned and spotted Snow, rushing towards the snowy white mare. Caryssa quickly
saddled Snow, cooing to the horse to calm the skittish beast before climbing into the seat and
pushing the mare into a gallop.
The young woman afforded herself one glance backwards at the camp, only to make certain that
her direwolf was still with her, and saw a white and grey blur directly behind her. Knowing that
the wolf was still with her, protecting her from harm, made her feel safer than she had since she
had left Winterfell.
Cantering through the woods, Caryssas eyes scanned the area, having to squint through the
filtered forest light in order to make out her surroundings. She couldnt afford to lead Snow over
uneven ground and lose her seat and be lost in unfamiliar territory during a raid.
Suddenly breaking through the tree line into a wide clearing, Caryssa pulled Snow to a complete
halt as she realized she had managed to stumble across the ongoing battle.
Fear spread through her body and, for a moment, she considered turning around and just
disappearing back into the woods. Yet a flash of grey caught her eye and she saw the Stark
banners waving in the wind on the other side of the field.
Robb, she thought as she yanked an arrow from her quiver, strung it to her bow and saved a Stark
man from being killed from an unsuspecting blow to the back of the head. He spun round to find
his savior and his eyes widened before he nodded his thanks. Caryssa didnt recognize the man,
but she mused that he must have known her face. Or, at least, the face of her aunt.
Rhaenyra immediately dived into the fray, as though sensing that her brother was here too, ripping
out the throats and tearing off the arms of any who moved too near herself or her mistress. It was
bloody and terrifying to witness, but Caryssa held in all of the natural hysteria that came with
being entirely too uncomfortable with actually taking lives and pushed her horse forward, shooting
any Lannister men who tried to reach her.
Caryssa!
Her head snapped towards the sound and lapsed on Jaime, who, with dead men at his feet and
blood splattered across his fair face, managed to convey pure terror mixed with subtle anger at
finding her on the battlefield. She opened her mouth to reply, but saw a young northerner charging
at Jaime from behind.

No! She cried, only to scream when Jaime turned and stabbed him through the eye, kicking his
body off of his sword.
Ignoring her inner conflict, she focused on her rage. That was how Jory had died. Thats exactly
how Jaime had murdered her mentor and friend, and she had just watched him kill a boy the same
way. Putting away her bow, she unsheathed her sword and sloppily cut through unsuspecting
southern men as she made her way to her husband.
However, she was beaten there.
The battle had been won. Robbs army had triumphed. Jaimes army had fled or been killed or
captured, just as her husband had been by at least four men. She had provided sufficient
distraction to him and he had let his guard down enough for him to be wrestled to the ground.
Ryssa! Ryssa!
Tears pricked her eyes as she heard that voice. It sounded exactly as it did in her head when she
thought of home. Caryssa all but launched herself off of her mount and into her brothers arms as
he ran towards her and she threw her arms around neck, clutching him to her.
Brother and sister clung to each other, unsuspectingly reunited against all odds, and neither cared
who watched. Her gloved fingers moved from around his neck to cup his cheeks and she got her
first good look at his face.
Robb looked different. Older. Weary. Burdened. He was a green boy no longer, but a man grown,
and leading an army to war.
How did it come to this? Caryssa whispered, and Robb shook his head, pulling her back into his
arms.
He didnt have an answer for her.

Stark Siblings
Chapter Summary

"You couldn't have strength without weakness,

You couldn't have light without dark,
You couldn't have love without loss."
-Jodi Picoult

She rode beside her brother back to his camp.

Robb had told her that their mother had joined him and his army mere days before, having left the
Eyrie once Tyrion had been released. Inwardly, Caryssa had been pleased that the Gods had
found the youngest Lannister to be innocent, but she knew that her mother must have been
disappointed as it meant that the person who ordered Brans murder was still at large.
Caryssa was anxious to see her mother. She needed to be held, to be reassured that everything
would be alright, in a way that she hadnt needed since she was a little girl.
When her mother had found her the morning after her seventh namesday, Catelyn had held her in
her arms and she had clung to her mother, leaving bloody smears all over her mothers grey gown,
and just sobbed. Her mother had cried with her, so upset that her baby had been forced to take a
life to protect herself in her own home, and rocked her against her pregnant belly while her father
had men dispose of the body.
Physically, Caryssas hands now were clean, but she had taken lives today. She had broken a vow
she had made with the Gods after she had killed the man who stabbed her father, and she was
terrified of what the consequences would be. And there would be consequences. The Gods were
nothing but swift with their justice.
She needed her mother.
Were almost there, Robb informed her, cutting through her thoughts. When he only received a
nod in return, he glanced at her and grew concerned. The last time he had seen her look so
pensive and closed off was when Bran fell. You had no choice. They could have harmed you.
Caryssa wasnt surprised that her brother had seen right through her and known why she was
upset.
He always knew.
They were my husbands men. They wouldnt have hurt me, but I didnt think of that. I just
thought of getting away. Im not a warrior, Robb. Ive never wanted to be one, Caryssa admitted,
her head bowed and her voice quiet. I justI didnt want to ever be put in that position again. I
didnt want to be vulnerable. Thats why I begged Jory to teach mebecause I was scared. I still
am.
Robb stared at her, but couldnt find the words to comfort his sister. She had never told him any of
that. Whenever she had been asked why she wanted to learn how to defend herself, Caryssa had
always replied with, Why not?, and when an answer was given, usually a rendition of, Because

its unladylike, Caryssa had always rolled her eyes and walked away.
Nobody told the She-Wolf of Winterfell that it was unladylike to hunt or do archery or attempt to
learn to swordfight and if they did, they never said it twice.
Now, Robb was seeing his sister in a new light. That quiet confidence she displayedthat was
just a mask, a defense, to hide the fact that those horrific circumstances had made her vulnerable
and that sometimes she still was.
His hatred of the man who had attacked her that night burned all the more brightly now.
Before Robb could finally say something, anything, they broke through the tree line on the edge
of their camp and saw their mother waiting for them with Rodrik at the top of the hill.
Caryssa silently dug in her heels and urged Snow into a canter, breaking away from Robb and his
men.
As soon as she reached them, she was off of her horse. Catelyn mimicked her, and they crashed
into each other, their arms snaring round each other like vines. Caryssa could feel her mothers
tears dampen her hair where her cheek rested against the soft strands of ebony. The she-wolf
managed to hold back her own tears. She had admitted a weakness to her brother, but she would
not be a whimpering waif in front of his men.
How are you here? Catelyn questioned, as the two women separated slightly. She noted the red
rims around her daughters eyes and the general tightness and tenseness of her body, and knew
that things had not been well for her.
My husband, Caryssas eyes lowered to the ground, focusing on a patch of snow where the
grass was still fighting to be seen. She was still ashamed that she had not fought against him more
to stay with her father. He took me with him when he left Kings Landing. I had no choice.
Catelyn saw how hard it was for her daughter to admit that. Having a choice was something that
her daughter wished for most in the world, so being forced to leave her injured father behind and
leave her sisters in Kings Landing was something that her daughter would have hated.
As though Robbs men had heard the Kingslayer mentioned, the lion himself was dumped at the
feet of the two women, who looked at him unsympathetically.
By the time they knew what was happening, it had already happened. Robb revealed proudly.
Jaime righted himself and looked up at his wife and her mother. Stood side by side, he could see
the similarities between them. Always being likened to her dead aunt, nobody saw Catelyn Stark
in Caryssa, but Jaime could now. They were holding themselves in the same way, the same fierce
dislike displayed on the two womens faces as they stared down at him, and their eyes were the
same shade of ice blue.
Lady Stark, Jaime greeted cordially, despite being tied up. Caryssa wanted to roll her eyes,
because of course Jaime would try to downplay the seriousness of the situation he had gotten
himself into. I dont have my sword. I seem to have lost it.
It is not your sword I want. Catelyn bit out.
Caryssa felt more than uncomfortable. This was the first meeting between them since she had
married and she would have rather reintroduced her mother and Jaime on better terms. This should
have been a happy moment for her. She should be showing her husband off to her mother, even
with his Lannister name, not standing beside her mother as she glared daggers into his dirty face,

probably wishing him dead.

Give me my daughters back. Give me my husband. Catelyn ordered, and Jaime gave her a
sarcastic response that had Caryssa fuming. He had caused this. The least he could do was show
some respect.
Ive lost them too, Im afraid. All but my lovely wife.
Kill him, Robb! Send his head to his father, Theon advised, and Caryssas eyes snapped
towards the Kraken, wondering how he seemed to get more stupid instead of more intelligent as
he grew older. He cut down ten of our men. You saw him.
Has sense taken leave of you, Greyjoy? If we kill him, Tywin Lannister will kill my father, my
sisters, and any Stark men left in Kings Landing! Caryssa all but snarled at him. She had no
patience for fools, not when it came to her familys safety. And then he would not stop until
House Stark was nothing more than a song sung in warning, like the Reynes of Castamere. We
cannot kill him, but we can use him to our advantage.
Are you just saying that because he is your husband, Lady Lannister? Theon responded, and
Robb had to stop Caryssa from starting forward and showing just how wrong the Kraken was.
He killed Jory. If it werent for my father and my sisters being held prisoner by his sister and
nephew, I would have killed him myself.
Im hurt, my love! I thought we shared something special- Jaimes blatant attempt at riling her
up was cut short by Lord Umber striking him in the jaw, silencing the Lion of Lannister before the
She-Wolf of Winterfell could change her mind.
Keep your mouth shut, Kingslayer.
My sister is right. Hes more use to us alive. Robb interjected before his sister and Theon could
start arguing again.
Take him away and put him in irons. Catelyn ordered and Lord Umber and Theon moved to do
as she commanded, but, though he stood, Jaime did not walk away.
We could end this war right now, boy. Save thousands of lives. You fight for the Starks, I fight
for the Lannisters, Jaime tempted Robb, and Caryssas eyes widened as she looked between
them. Her brother and her husband. Fighting to the death. Right now, she could think of nothing
worse than being put through that. Swords or lances, teeth and nails, choose your weapons and
lets end this here and now.
If we did it your way, Kingslayer, youd win, Caryssa felt a sigh of relief leave her body and
she was grateful that Theons stupidity had not rubbed off on her brother all of these years. Robb
shook his head. Were not doing it your way.
Come on, pretty man. Say goodbye to your wife. I doubt shell visit you often. Lord Umber
taunted Jaime, and Caryssas eyes connected with Jaimes green ones. They seemingly looked
right through her.
I believe she will. Its her duty, after all, and she is a woman of duty. Jaime said with a smirk,
before Lord Umber tugged him away to the cheering of the Stark army.
Caryssa shook her head, and looked towards Robb as Theon approached him. He had a sad look
in his eyes and it made her want to pull her little brother into her arms as she used to. She couldnt.
Before he was simply her little brother, the one who came to her with his nightmares and troubles.

Now he was Lord Robb of Winterfell, leading an army to save their father and sisters. He was no
longer free to show affection and love as he used to be.
I sent two thousand men to their deaths today.
The bards will sing songs of their sacrifice. Theon replied, trying to soothe his friends guilt.
The one thing she could not fault Theon for was that he really did love her brother as if he were
his own blood.
Aye, but the dead wont hear them, Robb answered, and Caryssa took his hand, her eyes soft
with understanding and sympathy. He tugged her along as he stepped forward to address his men,
never relinquishing his hold on her. It was soothing to have her by his side once more. He felt
morewhole again. One victory does not make us conquerors. Did we free my father? Did we
rescue my sisters from the Queen? Did we free the North from those who want us on our knees?
This war is far from over.
Robbs speech had left his men silent and silent is how he left them, his sister in tow. He walked
away, to the tents that had been hastily erected upon his return, and pulled his sister into the
largest, the one that belonged to him.
It was only then did Caryssa speak again.
I am proud of you.
For what? Robb asked, beginning to tug at his armor to remove it. Caryssa moved forward
silently and helped him, undoing the clasps and buckles that held it together. Robb kept his eyes
off of his sister as she helped him shirk his heavy armor, not wanting to see the understanding in
them that was always there for him. For killing men, for sacrificing two thousand innocent
Northmen to Tywin Lannister-
For doing what you believe is right, Caryssa cut him off, cupping his cheeks in her hands to
force him to look at her. Blue connected with blue and Robb saw pride and understanding and
fear and guilt in her eyes. For keeping your promise to me. I asked you to protect our family, to
keep the North secure and to not forget who we are. You are doing more than what I expected to
uphold that promise. I have never been more proud of you, little brother.
Robb shook his head, a little smile spreading across his lips.
Its stupid, but when I called for the bannermen, I hoped youd still be in Kings Landing with
Sansa and Arya. I wanted to defeat the Lannisters, ride into Kings Landing and save you, like in
those stories you used to tell me and Jon when we were little.
Caryssa smiled weakly at him. Those stories she had told her brothers was just one. The story of
her Uncle Brandon and her Aunt Lyanna, except with a happier ending for all. She changed the
names and changed the location to a grand palace in Essos, but the hero of her story saved his
beloved sister from her cruel fate and took her home in the end. Unlike her uncle and aunt, who
only returned home in spirit.
Robb and Jon had loved that story, and when she told it to Sansa when she was old enough to
appreciate it, the little girl would make them all play it out with Jon being the wicked prince who
stole the young maiden and Robb the gallant lord who went to save his sister.
She missed the innocence of their youth. She missed being able to pretend these tragic parts of
their family history could have had happier endings. She missed believing in happy endings.
Caryssa just missed.

The young woman had half a mind to tell him the true origins of that particular story, but couldnt
bring herself to do it. She couldnt tell Robb that he was her Brandon and she was his Lyanna,
because that was like felt like tempting fate. It felt like asking for history to repeat itself, and she
did not want her story to end the way her aunts did, nor did she want her brother to die for her.
No, she could not tell him that.
The tale of Caryssa and Robb would not end in the same way as the tale of Brandon and Lyanna.
She would make sure of it.

Broken Dams
Chapter Summary

"You wake every morning to fight the same demons

That left you so tired the night before,
And that, my dear, is bravery."
-Unknown

How could you?

Her words, while quiet, were full of anger. Caryssa was furious, completely and utterly livid. In
fact, she could not remember a single moment that she had ever been this angry at her brother and
her mother. The pair of them eyed her with concern from across the table, seeing the fire in her
eyes and her clenched fists and knew that they were in for a fight.
We had to cross the Twins. You know that Walder Frey always demands a toll. Robb
answered, then winced as he realized just how badly he had phrased that. He was lucky to be
wearing his armor, because he wasnt certain if her love for him would be enough to stop her from
trying to stab him.
Soinstead of gold or some land in the north, you gave him our sister? Caryssas voice had
risen at the end so she was almost shouting the words at them.
Catelyn squeezed her eyes closed and counted to ten, knowing that her daughter was really upset
by this and needed to be handled in a calm manner so she wasnt agitated further.
It was the only way. Daughters have been given away for alliances for centuries. Its just how the
world is. Catelyn stated, her voice even and calm, even when she saw her daughters expression
darken.
Is that what you tell yourself to ease your guilt, Mother? Its just how the world is. Does that
bring you comfort when you know that Sansa is trapped in Kings Landing, betrothed to a boy
who disembowels his brothers pets and thinks peoples pain is a funny joke? Will that ease your
mind when this war is over and Arya resents you for marrying her to a Frey boy when she didnt
want that life? Caryssa questioned, her voice oddly calmer than it had been, though her face
betrayed just how disgusted she was. The world was wrong and one day, if Caryssa ever had
children of her own, she would not force her children to marry for anything other than love. The
way the world should work. Did it bring you comfort when you were riding away from Kings
Landing, knowing that in a couple of days I would be marrying the Kingslayer?
That is not fair- Catelyn started, but her daughter cut her off.
Do not speak to me of what is fair. You sold your daughter like a slave for a bridge! A bridge,
Mother. Arya is not even here to speak in defense of herself. That is unfair.
Before Robb or Catelyn could defend themselves, Theon sauntered into the tent, a sealed letter in

his hand, and all three Starks shot him murderous glances, angry that he had interrupted what was
clearly a private family discussion.
What do you want, Theon? Caryssa demanded, and Theon looked at her in surprise. She hadnt
called him by his first name in years. She was too angry with the family sitting before her to even
bother to participate in her usual hatred for the Kraken.
A raven from Kings Landing. Theon handed the paper over to Robb, who opened it quickly,
wondering if it was another letter from Sansa. Maybe there had been news of Aryas whereabouts.
Caryssa watched as her brothers eyes scanned the page, and she could pinpoint the exact moment
she saw his face pale and his eyes dull at whatever news he had been given. He was silent as he
dropped the letter to the table and stormed out of the tent, Theon following him and asking him
what was wrong. Caryssa quickly snatched the letter up and read it herself.
Eddard Stark,
former Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North,
has been executed for his treason by order of Joffrey Baratheon,
First of His Name,
King of the Seven Kingdoms.
Long live the King.
Caryssa read those few words over and over again, until her vision was too blurry to see them
anymore.
A note with just thirty five words had broken her heart and destroyed her world. The young shewolf felt like she couldnt breathe. Her free hand moved to her chest, her nails digging absently
into her skin as though she could claw the pain out with bloodied fingers.
What does it say? Why did Robb leave like that? Catelyn asked, gasping when she saw the
devastation in her daughters eyes.
Caryssas anger had melted away and had been replaced by pure heartbreak. The one other person
she was closer to in this world than Robb was her father and now he was gone and Caryssa
couldnt even find the words to tell her mother.
So she didnt.
She handed the note over to her mother, not even bothering to hide her tears in front of her. This
was not the time for vanity or pride.
Catelyn read it once, twice, three times before she crumpled it and tossed it away, her entire being
in pain right to her soul.
They killed him, Catelyn looked up at her daughter, who was staring at the table and she knew
that, despite the tears rolling down her pale cheeks, Caryssa was holding most of her pain back.
They killed him. Fathers dead.
Caryssa repeated the words over and over, aloud and in her head, and they still did not seem real.
She could not fathom a world in which Ned Stark did not exist. As a child, you always believe
that your parents are immortal beings that will not die and leave you, and while Caryssa was old
enough to not believe that fairytale anymore, she also couldnt believe that her father had been
killed.
He had fought in wars against men bigger and stronger than him and had walked away from them.

He had battled wildlings and hunted bears and mountain lions and had never been harmed. How
could he have been killed at the order of a boy who had never fought a day in his life?
Catelyn moved around the table, sat on the bench beside her and pulled her daughter into her
arms.
Which is when the dam broke inside Caryssa and the flood began.
She sobbed onto her mothers shoulder, big, hearty cries, not caring that Robbs men outside the
tent may hear her. Her father had been killed and nothing like that mattered anymore. Not her
pride, not her vanity.
She was just a broken, damaged girl crying over the loss of her father, seeking comfort from her
mother.
They killed him!
We will avenge him, my love, Catelyns voice was hard, harder than her daughter had ever
heard it, and as strong as steel. Well show them just what the Wolves of Winter will do when
they hurt us.
Caryssa nodded against her mothers shoulder, her breathing still harsh.
She would show them.
The wolves would come for them.
And the lions would die screaming.

~*~
Once her mother had left the tent to search for Robb, Caryssa threw on her cloak and tied her
sword about her waist and stormed out of Robbs personal tent, only once her tears had dried,
with Rhaenyra in close pursuit.
It was dark and several fires had been lit, but Caryssa did not give the change of hour any
attention, deciding to put her efforts to avoiding as many of Robbs men as possible.
She did not succeed.
Everyone she encountered gave her their condolences, having heard the news from Robb or
Theon or perhaps her mother, and she nodded gracefully as a way of thanks to any who did,
though she did not smile. On the outside, she imagined she looked like the ice lady everyone
thought her to be, but on the inside, she was lost and fragile and broken.
Some of the Lords must have expected her to stop and talk to them, really listen to their
condolences and thank them for their service to her father, but she did not.
Caryssa had someone else to speak to and she would not waste her words on anyone else.
She marched past everyone until she was deep within the camp and was near to the place the
prisoners were kept. Her pace slowed as she approached him, her footsteps quiet but for the sound
of leaves crunching underneath her boots. That coupled with the soft growls rising out of
Rhaenyras throat alerted the man she had come to see to her presence.

I was wondering when they would allow you to come visit me. I didnt think it would be this
soon- Jaime cut himself off, seeing the red rims around his wifes eyes and having already heard
the news about the newly departed Ned Stark. She was closest to her father out of all of his
children and Jaime knew that his death would come at a heavy personal price to her. I am sorry
to hear about-
Im going to kill them, Caryssa interrupted him, her voice taking on a quality not unlike her
mothers had earlier. Hard, cold, detached, unfeeling. Im going to kill them all. Cersei, Joffrey,
TywinThey are going to die by my hand and I will make sure they die screaming.
Jaime stared at her, wide-eyed and in a state of disbelief and shock.
He knew that his wife enjoyed more male pursuits, like hunting and politics, but she had always
hated death. He knew that from the guilt he saw in her eyes when she told the story of the first
man she killed, and how she barely spoke after her friend Jorys death and killing the soldier who
had stabbed her father. Killing was not something she relished in, not like him. She did not wish to
be a soldier or a warrior, like her little sister had. That was not why she had learned how to shoot a
bow or wield a dagger. Caryssa had only wished to have the means to protect herself, as she
thought all women should have.
The woman standing before him sounded all too eager to end the lives of his family. This new
Caryssa was bloodthirsty and chomping at the bit to see Joffrey, Cersei and Tywin dead, but
strangest of all, she wanted to be the one to do it.
Jaime knew better than most the pain of losing a parent and how it could change a person if they
were not prepared for it. He hadnt been and Caryssa certainly wasnt. It hadnt been Lady
Joannas time when she died, and it had not been Ned Starks time either, and he knew how close
she was to him. He knew that Caryssa idolized her father, respected him and adored him, perhaps
even more than she loved the brother who had him chained to this post.
But he never believed that Lord Starks death could push her to such a dark place.
I cant let you do that. Jaime finally said. Not just for the sake of his family, but for Caryssas
own sake as well.
His feelings had grown exponentially for his little wife over the course of their short marriage. She
was no longer just an amusement to him, a distraction from his ended relationship to Cersei.
Caryssa meant more to him now. He just didnt know what the feelings were exactly. It was
different from what he felt for his sister, that was for certain, but it was just as strong.
Caryssa looked at him, her blue eyes usually so light seeming dull and darker than usual, and her
gaze left him feeling cold. The Ice Maiden, Jaime mused, colder than the lands beyond the Wall.
An odd, weak smile spread across her lips, though it felt wrong to be smiling with how she was
feeling on the inside, and she watched confusion sweep across her husbands face.
They killed my father. They have my sisters, Caryssa stepped closer to him, and then dropped to
her knees in front of him, not caring about the mud that would surely cake her skirts now, and she
cupped his dirty cheeks between her hands. What do expect me to do, Jaime? When you
believed my mother would kill Tyrion, you immediately sought revenge. Why do you expect me
to do any differently?
Because you are a good woman, you arent a murderer, Caryssa shook her head at his words,
her hands sliding away from his face and to her sides. She was. She had taken more lives than she
had ever wanted to. The guard at Winterfell, the Lannister guard who speared her father in the leg,

the guard who tried to kill her in her tent, and a few in the battle. Caryssa knew that there was
blood on her hands that wouldnt wash away and guilt that would never leave her because of it.
Jaime could see where her mind had gone and shook his head. You arent. Lives taken in selfdefense do not count. There was no malice behind themwell most of them. What you should
seek for your father is justice, not vengeance, just like he did for his father, brother and sister.
Because that is what Starks do, isnt it? Fight honorably and seek justice. Leave the vengeance to
darker, more twisted people, like me.
Caryssa stared at him, tears welling up in her blue eyes once more. Thats all she seemed to be
doing recently. Crying like a child. Gritting her teeth to try and stave off the tears, she took in his
words. Even though she thought she had gone to him with the intention of taunting him with her
plans for his family, she realized that what she really sought was advice.
Like her mother and father would, she thought numbly.
Even though Jaime sometimes played the fool, he was anything but, and his words did resonate
with the part of her that was screaming for good and clean justice, instead of the more immoral,
messy and altogether painful vengeance the other half of her was crying out for.
She was a Stark and, be him alive or dead, she was still the daughter of Eddard Stark. She knew
that her father had been welcomed by the Gods in the Seven Heavens and was watching over her,
so she had to live her life as honorably as she could.
After a long while, Caryssa nodded and Jaimes body relaxed.
When he had looked at her a moment ago, he saw a dark haired version of Cersei; vengeful and
hate filled.
It had surprised him how unsettling that had been.
Lady Caryssa! They both snapped their heads towards the voice, and saw Lord Umber standing
just a distance behind her, his son, the Smalljon, beside him. Caryssa rose to her feet, brushing off
the mud from her skirts the best she could before she turned to face them. You should not be here
alone. Hell try to poison your mind with his lies.
If you believe that anything I say could influence my wife to do anything or believe anything
you do not know her very well, do you, Umber? Jaime forced a smirk onto his face, as he
watched his wife step closer to his enemies and further away from him.
Ive always taken everything my husband says with a grain of salt, Lord Umber. Im not a nave
child, Caryssa replied, her voice dull and cold once more. Has Robb returned to camp with my
mother?
Yes, he asked for us to find you. There is to be a war council in his tent, my lady. Smalljon
informed her, and she gave him a wane smile that lacked warmth.
Then we should not keep him waiting, Caryssa said, twisting her head round so she could look
at Jaime once more. I got what I needed here. Goodbye, Ser Jaime.
Until next time, Lady Caryssa.

Long Live The King

Chapter Summary

"We all burn.

We burn in fire. We burn in blood.
We burn in dreams and it never ends."
-Unknown

She could feel the damp grass through the skirt of her dress, she could hear the wind softly rustling
the leaves of the trees around her, but she felt like this was a dream.
The cold air spoke to her of the North, and it was just quiet enough for her to hear faint voices on
the wind from the castle.
She was home.
Caryssa opened her eyes. In front of her, the same sad face of the heart tree stared back at her as
though it looked into her very soul. Her hands were clasped tightly together in her lap, as though
she had been praying to the Gods, and she wondered what for.
They had not helped her father.
Why would they help her?
Because youre an innocent girl, Caryssa, and the Gods protect the innocent.
Caryssas whole body froze for a moment, before slowly, cautiously, she looked over her
shoulder, with tears welling up in her eyes at the familiar voice coupled with the sight of him. Her
father sat on his tree stump, cleaning Ice like he usually did in the Godswood. He looked exactly
how she remembered him; long dark hair, brooding face, trimmed beard.
It was almost like he had never left her, never been attacked by her husband, never committed
treason, like he had never been murdered.
He looked almost younger, like the world had been lifted from his shoulders.
Are you just going to stare at me all day long or are you going to come sit with me? Ned
questioned, and Caryssa got to her feet mindlessly, not even bothering to remove the flecks of
mud, broken blades of grass and old, wet red leaves from her skirts, and sat on her own tree
stump.
This is a dream, isnt it? Were not really here.
No, were not, Ned agreed and Caryssa felt the need to cry. She wanted home more than
anything. She wanted her mother and her father and all her siblings together in Winterfell, not
scattered across the Realm. But that doesnt mean that were not together.

Were not. Youre dead, father, and Jon is at the Wall, Sansa and Arya are in Kings Landing,
Bran and Rickon are at home, and Robb, Mother and I are marching to war, Caryssa pressed,
trying to rein in her emotions. After all, her father was the dead one, if anyone deserved to cry, it
was him, not her. Our pack has been divided.
She watched her father sigh, as he put away Ice and turned to face her fully. He reached out and
took her hand, and Caryssa nearly sobbed in relief. He felt real. She could feel the warmth from
his hand, the weight of it, in hers. It meant that she could almost convince herself that none of it
had happened. That they were really home in Winterfell and that he wasnt dead and he was here
holding her hand.
But she had never been one for delusions.
The lone wolf dies, Caryssa, but the pack survives. I taught you that from when you were a little
girl. That same little girl who promised each and every one of her siblings that she would allow no
harm to come to them, who looked after her mother and gave her father the best gift of all; peace
of mind, Ned gripped her hand tightly in his, moving his free hand to catch the tears that had
started to fall from her eyes, wiping them away with his knuckles. Youll keep them all as safe as
you can, and youll never give up trying to bring our family back together again, because it is not
in your nature, just like it wasnt in mine.
FatherI dont know what to do.
Ned chuckled and gave her a soft, sad look, one he often gave her when she seemed lost or under
pressure. Not that he had ever put her under any. Caryssa was the type who put pressure upon
herself. She asked too much of herself, even when others asked nothing of her. She didnt even
realize that she did.
Not many do, who live to see times like these. Youve always been a smart girl. You will work
out the best path for you, but you must not give up hope or give up on your faith, Ned leaned
forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his daughters forehead, and Caryssas eyes fluttered closed at
the bittersweet moment. You have to wake up now, Caryssa. Wake up, girl.
~*~
Caryssa, wake up! Wake up!
Feeling someone shaking her, the young woman bolted upright, one hand curled round the handle
of a knife, and blearily looked around for the intruder.
She sighed in relief when it was only her mother. Caryssa dropped the knife instantly, and
dropped her head into her hands when she saw that it was dark outside. She had not intended to
go to sleep when she had returned to her tent. They had spent the whole day planning their
strategy; which roads they were to take, which castles they were going to visitand they had
paused their council meeting, after a disagreement between Lord Glover and Lord Umber over
something inconsequential, to clear their heads.
Im sorry, Mother. You startled me. I didnt mean to pull a knife on you. Caryssa apologized,
and Catelyn nodded, a smile spoke of her forgiveness.
In truth, there was nothing really to forgive. War did things to the young. Made them paranoid and
overly cautious. Her daughter had nothing to fear while she was in this camp; her tent was in the
very center of camp with Robbs right next to it and Catelyns on the other side. No harm would
come to her. Especially with the direwolf curled up at her feet.

You were mumbling in your sleep, Catelyn said softly, her heart twinging slightly when she
remembered what her daughter had said. Father, I dont know what to do. Catelyn wished these
burdens had never come to her children, having to fight a war to save their siblings, but there was
little she could have done to stop it. You spoke of your father.
Caryssa wondered for a moment if she should tell her mother of her dream, to ask her if the things
she had dreamt her father had said would have really been said by him if he were there with them
now or if it was just her mind telling her things it thought she wanted to hear.
Looking at the pain in her mothers eyes, she decided not to. Talking about him hurt them both.
It was just a dream, Caryssa replied, turning away from her mother as she climbed off of her
bed, earning herself a huff of annoyance from Rhaenyra whom she had disturbed with her
movement. Come, Rhaenyra. The meeting has begun again?
Yes. Your brother asked me to come fetch you. I think it comforts him to have you by his side.
Makes himbraver.
We all need someone who makes us feel brave, Caryssa cracked the slightest of smiles for her
mother, and her mother did her best to return the favor. Smiling was incredibly difficult during
times like these, now more than ever, but they had to try, for each others sake. Some who makes
us feel strong. Robb needs someone like that, and, if I can do that for him, it would be my honor.
Catelyns smile came easier then. She may have lost Ned, the backbone of their family, at least she
still had Caryssa, the heart.
They walked in silence from then on, the only sounds came from Rhaenyra, who panted alongside
her companion. Robb and all his men rose as the two women approached, honorable as ever, but
the first one who spoke was Theon, and Caryssa wished he hadnt.
Lady Lannister decides to join us once more.
Caryssa glared at him, as she took her seat on one side of Robb, and waited until all the men sat
down before she responded.
Names mean nothing, Theon. For instance, the Kingslayer may be my husband but that doesnt
make me a Lannister. Just like Balon Greyjoy is your father, but it doesnt make you his heir,
Caryssa knew it was cruel to pour metaphorical salt on Theons wounds, but, after what the
Lannisters had done to her father, she was in no mood to be associated with them, not even in
jest. I am a Stark. First, last and always, and no one is taking my name from me, but I believe that
we actually had things to discuss, did we not?
Shes right. We have yet to decide on where we stand on the three kings who claim right to the
Iron Throne. Robb stated, pushing the small argument between his sister and his friend aside for
more important discussions. Decisions that needed to be made, and quickly.
The proper course is clear, Lord Bracken announced, and Caryssa and Robb exchanged an
amused look as he moves into the center of their little gathering. House Bracken was a small
house in the Riverlands, the South, and everyone in camp knew where he sided on this issue.
Pledge fealty to King Renly and move south to join our forces with his.
Renly is not the king.
You cannot mean to hold to Joffrey, my lord. He put your father to death.
That doesnt make Renly king, Robb declared, his voice sure and unfaltering. Caryssa watched

with pride in her eyes as Robb continued. His men hung on his every word, she could see that.
They really listened to him, even though he was younger than all of the Lords and most of their
soldiers, and it made her proud to see that Robb was so respected already. Hes Roberts
youngest brother. If Bran cant be Lord of Winterfell before me, Renly cant be king before
Stannis.
Do you mean to declare us for Stannis? Lord Bracken questioned, and other men started to talk
over each other, shouting out their opinions and their desires.
Caryssa looked at her brother, an ache in her head starting to form at all the voices overlapping
and turning into nonsense, and he smiled at her, and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently in
comfort. He always knew when she was even mildly distressed.
My lords. My lords! Lord Umber rose from his seat and stood in front of Robb and Caryssa, in
front of the circle of all the lords gathered there. Here is what I say to these two kings.
Caryssa chuckled as Lord Umber spat on the floor, the cheers and laughter rising up from the
other men, clearly pleased with his stance on the issue.
Renly Baratheon is nothing to me, nor Stannis neither. Why should they rule over me and mine
from some flowery seat in the South? What do they know of the Wall or the Wolfswood? Even
their gods are wrong! Caryssa felt dread seep into her heart and panic prickle her skin, even as
everyone laughed around her. If Lord Umber was going where she believed he was going with
his speech, then she was afraid. Not for herself or for their family or their home, but for her
brother. Why shouldnt we rule ourselves again? It was the dragons we bowed to and now the
dragons are dead!
Lord Umber withdrew his sword from its scabbard and pointed it in Robbs direction.
Caryssa felt all her breath leave her.
It was happening.
By the Gods, it was happening and she couldnt do anything to stop it without belittling her
brother and his standing amongst his men.
There sits the only king I mean to bend my knee to the King in the North!
Lord Umber went down on bended knee, and Robb climbed to his feet, leaving his sister and his
mother to stare up at him in mind-numbing shock.
Ill have peace on those terms. They can keep their Red Castle and their iron chair too, Lord
Glover agreed, and Caryssa watched with wide eyes as yet another Lord declared her brother a
king. He mimicked Lord Umber, his sword being pulled from its scabbard, him kneeling before a
somewhat stunned Robb. The King in the North!
Theon stood next.
Am I your brother, now and always?
Now and always. Robb answered, and though Caryssa wanted to argue against trusting Theon,
she knew her brother wouldnt listen.
He never listened to her when it came to his friend. He only saw Theon, but Caryssa saw what her
mother saw. Balon Greyjoys puppet in the North. Her mother had warned her many years ago to
not trust the boy her father had taken on as a ward, and she hadnt. She honestly hoped that the

kraken would prove her lack of trust to be unfounded, but only for Robbs sake.
Theon moved to kneel between the two lords already on their knees and took out his sword,
staring up at her brother.
My sword is yoursin victory and defeat, from this day until my last day.
The King in the North! Lord Umber yelled, and Caryssa closed her eyes as it echoed around
their gathering, men, and women in Maege and Dacey Mormonts case, taking up the chant and
declaring their independence from the Iron Throne.
Caryssa felt her hand being tugged at and her eyes shot open, seeing Robb looking down at her
and smiling. He pulled her to her feet and closer to him. If he felt her trembling, he said nothing,
but grasped her tighter as they both looked out at the sea of faces, still chanting his new title.
She was afraid for her brother, more than she had when she discovered that he was riding to war
with their familys bannermen at his back.
Being declared king, it painted an even larger target on his back. It made him an even bigger threat
to Joffreys rule, and she knew that Tywin Lannister would not take this larger threat to his power
lightly. She knew where the true power behind the throne was, it wasnt Cersei, as the lioness
believed. It was the old lion, and he still had razor sharp claws and a bite far more worse than his
bark.
She was afraid for her brother, but she knew that she had to hold onto hope, like her father had
said.
The hope that the rest of her family would make it out of this war alive, that they would all return
home and that things would turn out alright in the end.
Gods, she hoped that.
~*~
Once the chanting had stopped, Robb dismissed all the lords for the night and decided to escort
Caryssa back to her tent.
She didnt know what to say to him.
He was clearly pleased that his men had so much faith in him, so much respect for him that they
wanted to be ruled once more by a Stark instead of a Southern king, as it had been for hundreds of
years since the Targaryens had conquered Westeros by dragon fire and Torrhen Stark became the
King Who Knelt. Yet she had so many doubts.
Not in him. Never in her brother, but mostly in herself.
How was she supposed to protect him when he was so intent on making himself a bigger and
bigger threat? How was she supposed to bring her family together again if she wasnt sure if they
would make it home again? What if they didnt survive this war? What would happened to sweet,
ladylike Sansa and wild, untamable Arya and broken but brave Bran and precious baby Rickon?
And Jon! Jon, all alone on the Wall, with no real clue as to what was happening to his family in
his absence, what would happen to him?
What would happen to the ones they left behind?
When they were inside her tent, Robb pulled her into his arms and she held him so tight she was

almost worried she would strangle him.

I know that you are worried-
I was worried when you started to raise an army, I am terrified for you now, brother, Caryssa
admitted, and she cupped his face between her hands, forcing his blue eyes to focus on hers. I
made an oath to you once, do you remember?
You promised to always protect me. You swore to the Gods, but, Ryssa, we were just children-
Caryssa cut Robb off once more by covering his mouth with her hand and he huffed behind her
palm but didnt try to speak again.
Not once have I ever broken an oath I swore to you, and I dont intend to, Caryssa removed her
hand from his mouth and wrapped her arms around him instead, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Gods do I wish none of this had happened. That things were as they were before King Robert
came to Winterfell. Back when things were simpler.
Things arent as they were before, but that doesnt mean they cant be that way again. Robb
answered, one of his hands moving from her back to smooth down her hair.
Caryssa allowed herself that moment of comfort, of being soothed by her brother, of allowing
herself to believe that perhaps things could get back to how they used to be once they had fought
and won this war, but the moment ended far too soon, with her head winning the battle of rational
versus irrational against her heart.
No. Nothing will ever be the same again. She whispered.

Revalations I
Chapter Summary

"The only thing worse than a boy who hates you;

A boy who loves you."
-Markus Zusak

Chapter Notes

Disclaimer: The song in this chapter does not belong to me. It is 'Lavender's Blue',
which is an English folk song from the 17th century.
You may recognise it from the movie, "Cinderella", which starred Game of Thrones'
very own, Richard Madden, in which he made a very dreamy Prince Charming.
Check out the song on Youtube if you want :)

Lavenders green, dilly dilly, lavenders blue, if you love me, dilly dilly, I will love you,
Caryssa sang as she wiped the fevered brow of an injured soldier with a damp rag. Let the birds
sing, dilly dilly, and the lambs play. We shall be safe, dilly dilly, out of harms way.
Robb had won two more battles since his first and Caryssa had sat on the sidelines with her
mother, worrying about her little brother, but knowing that she couldnt take any more lives
herself.
Instead, she chose to aid the maester that accompanied the Northern army with his work. She
cleaned wounds with the poultices given to her, changed dressings, and sometimes just sang to
patients while holding their hands. It soothed a lot of them, sent them to sleep. For others it was
just a distraction from their pain.
I love to dance, dilly dilly, I love to sing. When I am queen, dilly dilly, youll be my king. Who
told me so, dilly dilly, who told me so? I told myself, dilly dilly, I told me so. Caryssa finished,
seeing that the man had finally fallen asleep.
It was better that he rested, he would heal that much quicker. Thats what the maester had told her
anyway.
The warrior was a man from Bear Island and Dacey Mormont had brought her to him herself,
requesting that the princess soothe his nightmares in the only way she knew how. The two women
had bonded during the time they spent in each others company, being two of only four women in
the Northern host, excluding the few whores that the men had travelling with them so they could
abate their lust post-battle.
Dacey had been intimidating at first, being a true female warrior, just like her still rather terrifying

mother, Maege Mormont, but Caryssa soon found out that Dacey was far more similar to her than
she thought. Or, at least, their interests were the same.
The bear took her duty to Robb very seriously. She had dived in front of an arrow for her king in
the last battle even, though thankfully it had not struck either of them. Caryssa found herself
grateful for the older woman. Grateful that another woman cared enough about the young wolf
that she was willing to meet her end for him, like Caryssa was.
The Mormont women were even two of Robbs most trusted advisors, often bringing to the table
that which the men of his council often lacked; sense.
Caryssa smoothed the mans sweat-soaked hair out of his face, and rose to her feet. Looking
around the makeshift healing tent, she noted that there were far too many beds filled.
Robb was successful, she knew that. He had the most victories in this war so far, but she couldnt
help but think of the cost. So many lives had been cut short in the name of her family, in the name
of freeing the North from its enemies. Too many men who would never return home to their
families.
She knew that there would always be casualties in war, but she also couldnt help wishing there
had been another way.
Shaking her head, Caryssa left the tent, leaving the pained groans and frightened cries of the
injured behind her. Blood covered her hands from when she helped the maester amputate the
infected limb of one of Lord Glovers men. It covered her dress and apron too. Her hair was
escaping from the tight braid she had styled it in that morning, falling in front of her eyes.
Perfect lady Sansa would be frothing at the mouth in shock and disgust if she could see what her
big sister looked like.
Caryssa didnt care what she looked like.
The new princess was only glad she had something to keep her occupied, something that allowed
her to contribute something to her brothers war. Her mother did nothing but advise her brother
and worry about her brother and pray for her brother.
The she-wolf could not stay so idle and focus on her worries. She needed to do something, to
work, like she did in Winterfell. In Kings Landing, she had nothing to do and it was boring.
Princess Caryssa, King Robb requests your presence for a council meeting.
She looked down at her bloodied dress and then back at Robbs squire, Olyvar Frey, and arched
her brow at him.
Does he expect me right this instant or will my brother allow me to clean myself up first? She
questioned with a smile on her face.
I think he would not mind if you were a little late, your highness, if it meant you were not
covered in blood.
Please let him know that I will be late, I wouldnt want to incur the wrath of the Young Wolf. I
do so hate awkward family dinners, Caryssa teased, and Olyvar cracked a smile, still a little
unsure of her presence. She had the notion that the Frey boy had not spent much time around
women, despite having such a large family with many sisters. He was so nervous around her, and
her mother. Thank you, Olyvar.

Of course, Princess.
CaryssaIm no princess, even if my brother finds himself a King.
Olyvar said nothing, simply nodding at her before leaving to find her brother.
Caryssa rolled her eyes before she herself left to change out of her dirtied clothes and scrub her
blood stained hands and cheeks clean. She was still unused to all of Robbs men who would greet
her as their princess and lower their heads in respect to her. She knew that Robb was also
uncomfortable with his new status, not wanting to be treated differently, but knowing that only a
Stark could be King in the North.
Dressing in a clean, black wool gown with a white cotton shift underneath it, she pulled on her
fox fur cloak and was met by Rhaenyra outside. The wolf was not allowed in the healers tent, so
Caryssa sent her furry companion off into the forest while she worked. Rhaenyra always seemed
to understand every word that she spoke, and listened to her orders instantly. If Caryssa told
Rhaenyra to stay, the direwolf stayed. If she told her to go off into the woods, off the creature
went. There was a flow of communication between them, an understanding that Caryssa had
never felt with an animal before.
Bending over, the young woman pressed a soft kiss to her companions nose, scratching the
direwolf under her chin and grinning as the large animal seemed to smile. As she straightened up,
something above caught her eye and she blinked before staring up at it.
A bright, red comet streaked across the open blue sky, puzzling the archer. She had never seen
such an image in her entire life. It was actually quite a disturbing sight, another omen, but she
knew not what it meant. Needing answers, she hurried to the council meeting.
Rhaenyra didnt leave Ryssas side until they reached Robbs tent, and that was only to sit next to
her own brother as the woman took her seat next to her own.
Olyvar said you would be late, Ryssa. Said something about you looking as though you had
fought a war yourself. Robb greeted her, a slight smile peeking past his beard.
The maester had to take a mans leg this morning, and it was a rather bloody affair, brother,
Caryssa explained, pouring herself a goblet of wine and taking a sip. The comethas anyone
any idea what it means? The Gods have sent it for a reason.
That comet bodes ill for us all.
Caryssa eyed Rodrick with curiosity, she had never heard any superstitions regarding comets and
signs in the sky and the like.
How so? Robb questioned, turning to look at Rodrik also.
Some say it is Lannister Red, they say it means the Lannisters will have a great victory-
Ryssa considered that notion, and dismissed it. The Lannisters may win a battle, but they would
not win the war. Evil would always get its comeuppance, no matter how long it took, and Caryssa
planned on being there to see the lions fall.
Pursing her lips, she looked up at the white haired man who stood guard behind her mother, and
tilted her head to the side as she considered his words.
Perhaps, perhaps not. Perhaps it is a warning to the Lannisters Robb Stark and the northern
lords are coming for them and he will paint their keep a different shade of red, Caryssa

suggested, earning a few laughs from the lords around the table, though her mother gave her a
dark look. She was often unhappy with Caryssa when she spoke in such a way. It was unladylike
for a lady, let alone a princess. You should not hold so much faith in omens, Ser Rodrik. Im
starting to believe that men make their own fates.
We should also not ignore a sign from the Gods, sister. That in itself is a bad omen. Robb
insisted, and the princess nodded, agreeing with him.
You are right, brother dearest, but we must also focus on our reality too, I think. The North has
had another victory, and we are all very proud of you, but three battles does not mean the war is
won, She held her hand up when the lords all started speaking over her, arguing that they most
certainly were winning the war and the Lannisters were most definitely losing the war, and
silenced them once more. Tywin Lannister will not be so easily defeated, and to believe so is
foolish. He is far too invested in his own crusade; to leave a lasting Lannister legacy. He desires
nothing more than to have his family name live on for centuries after he is gone and he will stop at
nothing to achieve that goal.
The table was quiet as the men, and women, took in her warning, mulling her words over in their
own heads. They took just long enough for Olyvar to finally sneak towards his king with a note
rolled up parchment, clearly sent by raven.
Caryssa held her breath as Robb opened it. It could just be news from Winterfell, maybe Bran had
trouble dealing with an issue raised to him as Lord of Winterfell, or it could be something different
entirely. She prayed to the old gods and the new that it would not be another death notice.
She knew she would not be able to handle losing one of her sisters, not so soon after losing her
father and Jory. She could not take another blow to her family, she would not.
Its from Stannis Baratheon. Robb read, but he paused, his blue eyes flickering over to his sister.
Caryssa wondered what news that the Stormlord could have that pertained to her. It obviously did
or her brother would not have hesitated to tell them, nor would his gaze have lingered on her for
so long.
Well? What news does he offer us from Dragonstone? Catelyn questioned, bringing her sons
attention away from her daughter and back to the rest of the room. She was also worried about
what Stannis could possibly have to say, that so clearly would have an effect on Caryssa.
He is formally declaring his claim on the throne, Robb informed them, not that any in the large
war tent were surprised. Caryssa wondered what more the raven could say, because that wasnt
the end of it. She could see it in her brothers expression. He was hesitating, trying to think of his
words more carefully as though he was afraid he would say something wrong and hurt her. He
also claims that Joffrey Baratheon has no legitimate claim to the seven kingdoms.
He may be an evil little boy, but he is still King Roberts eldest son. His claim is undoubtedly the
strongest. Dacey recalled, and Caryssa nodded along to her words. He was a horrible little brat, a
murderer and a wretch, but he was still the rightful king, even if they were working to overthrow
his tyranny.
He says that Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella are not Roberts legitimate children, but are borne
from incest between the Queen and the Kingslayer, Jaime Lannister.
The room went quiet.
Every set of eyes fell upon Caryssa and just stared, waiting for her reaction.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to scream and cry and flip the table over. She wanted to take
Rhaenyra to her husbands cage and set the direwolf on him, listen to his pained cries for mercy
and watch the carnage unfold.
The Ice Princess did none of it.
Instead, Caryssa cleared her throat, picked up her goblet and sipped at her wine to buy her time
while she gathered her thoughts. Then, she turned and looked at her brother, who was watching
her with the greatest concern.
Speaking of the Stormlands, we should form an alliance with Stannis. Hes a seasoned warrior,
and our father trusted him. In order to storm Kings Landing, would it not be wiser to attack from
two fronts? Land and sea? When she received no reply to her words, she looked around the table
at all who were watching her. Please tell me if Im wrong, Im no warrior, Ive never planned a
war. All I know is from war stories told to me by my father.
Did you not hear-? Lord Umber started, but Caryssa slammed her goblet down on the table,
hard, the wine splashing onto the wood, a quick burst of anger that soon dissipated.
I heard, Lord Umber. My husband fucked his sister and put three babes in her bellyI heard.
What do you expect me to do? Cry into my mothers skirts? Set my direwolf on him and watch as
she mauls off his pretty face? I cant. If I kill him, that bitch in the capital will slaughter my
sisters, Caryssa explained, before glancing around the table at her audience, listening intently to
her every word. Dacey, who sat beside her, looked disgusted and enraged on her behalf, as did
both their mothers. The lords all just looked outraged by the news. Caryssa took a deep breath and
tried to swallow past the lump in her throat, before she spoke. We can use this news against
them. We can use this to remove that little cub from the throne, but we must act quickly.
Princess Caryssa is right. We need to decide our next move, Your Grace. Perhaps an alliance
with either Renly or Stannis would not be such a bad idea. We double our numbers and well
destroy those golden haired bastards before they even realize whats happened. Lord Glover
suggested, and Caryssa found herself grateful that she was earning the support of Robbs men.
She had worried they would not take her seriously, even being the eldest daughter of their former
liege lord and the eldest sister of their king, because of her marriage to Jaime.
The question now is; who do we invite into an alliance; Stannis or Renly? Robb asked, and the
room quietened once more as they all contemplated the question.
Which brother to side with?
Which, indeed.
~*~
The council was brought to a close for the day, Robb ordering everyone to think about their next
course of action so they could make a more well-informed decision.
Caryssa, still reeling from the revelation that the raven brought, wanted nothing more than to go to
her tent, crawl under her furs with Rhaenyra at her side and sleep off her waking nightmare.
But Robb had other ideas.
Ryssa, come with me.
Not having much choice from the way he took her arm and all but dragged her along behind him,

Caryssa followed her brother to wherever he wanted to go. She had an inkling she knew where he
was so insistent on them going, but she hoped that Robb would see past his own rage and see that
it was the last place she wanted to be.
Alas, the wolf blood in her brother had taken over for now and he led her forward to the makeshift
prison and its sole occupant.
The keeper of the key to the lions cage quickly unlocked it when he saw the king and the
princess approach, and Robb nudged Caryssa inside first before entering himself. The woman
shifted to the side, trying to exclude herself from whatever was going to happen, but her
husbands eyes were glued to her regardless of how small she tried to make herself seem in order
to not attract attention.
King in the North! Jaime greeted, still as sure and cocky as ever, despite the couple of months of
being trapped behind bars. He always was one for keeping up appearances, even if he pretended
not to care. I keep expecting you to leave me in one castle or another for safekeeping, but you
drag me along from camp to camp. Have you grown fond of me, Stark? Is that it? Ive never seen
you with a girl.
It was my sisters idea. Robb revealed and Jaime glanced over at Caryssa with a brief look of
surprise.
Was it now? I knew you had fallen for me, little wife-
If we left you with one of Robbs bannermen, your father would know within a fortnight and his
bannerman would receive a raven with a message, Release my son and youll be rich beyond
your dreams. Refuse and your house will be destroyed, root and stem. Caryssa explained,
cutting him off before he could go any further with his word games and watched Jaimes
expression change.
He was shocked.
You dont trust the loyalty of the men following your brother into battle? The ragged lion asked,
incredulous, as though the notion that she would not trust men of the north completely ridiculous.
Oh, we trust them with our lives, just not with yours. Robb answered for her, and Jaime bobbed
his head, nodding as if the idea wasnt so ridiculous after all.
Smart boy, Even Caryssa felt Robb tense at how Jaime addressed him. He may have been but a
green boy when this war began, but he was a boy no longer. Now Robb was a man grown,
fighting a war and, thus far, winning a war. Yet, Jaime would rub salt in her brothers wounds.
Whats wrong? Dont like being called boy. Insulted?
Caryssas wary expression transformed into an easy smile when a harmony of soft growls hit her
hears like the most beautiful music she had ever heard. Jaime tried his best not to seem intimidated
by the sounds that were coming from both sides of his wooden prison, but Caryssa knew him well
enough to see past the faade. He was scared. He wasnt stupid. The Lannister man knew that if
ordered, both the direwolves would rip him to pieces and pick at his bones for days until nothing
remained of Tywin Lannisters favorite son.
You insult yourself, Kingslayer. Youve been defeated by a boy. Youre held captive by a boy.
Perhaps youll be killed by a boy, Robb taunted the man, whose eyes would flit between both
sides of his cage, watching the two hulking beasts approach. Unless my sister would rather do
the deed herself.

She wouldnt- Jaime managed to spit out, his gaze still wholly focused on Rhaenyra and Grey
Wind, who now stood by their respective masters, before his wifes brother cut him off.
Stannis Baratheon sent ravens to all the high lords of Westeros. King Joffrey Baratheon is neither
a true king nor a true Baratheon, Her husband ripped his eyes away from the wolves so quickly
she was sure he had hurt himself. Caryssa looked into his green eyes, eyes that she had once
thought she could fall in love with, and saw the panic there, even though his face looked only
tense. He knew that she knew the truth. She knew that he knew that she was lost to him now.
Hes your bastard son.
Caryssas chest ached even more now that she faced Jaime as the words were spoken. She had
watched him, scrutinized every facial tick and every emotion that lit up in his eyes as Robb had
spoken, and she knew the truth.
Eyes are the windows to mens souls, her mother had once told her, and, with Jaime, she knew it
to be true. While his face often disguised his true thoughts and feelings, it were those beautiful
green orbs that betrayed him.
If thats true, Stannis is the rightful king. How convenient for him. Jaime mocked, trying to find
a way out. He always was clever with words. Not as clever as Tyrion, or even Cersei, but still
frighteningly wise in using words to manipulate. Perhaps it was taught to them all as children in
Casterly Rock.
Our father learned the truth. Thats why you had him executed. Robb accused.
It was only then that Caryssa looked at her brother and realized that they were mimicking each
other. Both of them were standing tall, commanding expressions on their faces, one hand petting
the head of their direwolf to seem threatening. Well, she certainly hoped that was how it was
coming across to their captive.
I was your prisoner when Ned Stark lost his head.
He didnt lose it. A heads not like a knife or a coin purse. Your, Caryssa gritted her teeth, not
wanting to say it but having to. If she didnt say it, it was like she was holding out on the hope it
wouldnt be true. That her husband wasnt so depraved and sick that he would really father three
children with his own wicked sister. Your son ordered one of his pets to brutally behead my
father while my sister stood at his side and was forced to watch. All so the world wouldnt learn
who fathered him.
You have proof? Or do you want to trade gossip like a group of fishwives?
Im sending one of your cousins down to Kings Landing with my peace terms. Robb informed
Jaime, who once again looked as though he couldnt believe what he was hearing.
You think my fathers going to negotiate with you? You dont know him very well.
My sister said the same thing. The thing is, hes starting to know me.
Three victories dont make you a conqueror.
Caryssa was startled at her words coming from Jaimes mouth. Perhaps, in the time they spent
together as man and wife before all of this mess came about, they had rubbed off on one another
more than they had realized.
Its better than three defeats.

With that Robb let go of Grey Wind, encouraging him forward and turned and left the cage.
Caryssa didnt follow. She watched the grey direwolf stalk forward, snarling at the man tied to the
post, revealing his razor sharp teeth before snapping them barely an inch away from his face.
Jaime had closed his eyes and tilted his head away from the animal, but when he opened them
again, the wolf was gone and only his wife and her own pet remained.
She stared at him, trying to decide what to say or if she wanted to say anything at all. The last
thing she wanted was to get sucked into the same old battle of wits with him, but neither did she
want to walk away having said nothing and let him call that a win.
So she asked him a question that she knew would throw him off and one that she had been
pondering ever since he had attacked her father and killed Jory.
Did we ever have a chance? Was there ever a moment you thought that you could love me and
that we could be happy?
Jaime stared up at her, his green eyes softer than she had seen them probably since they had met,
and he took a deep breath before he sent her heart jumping into her throat and her head ache.
When we danced at my victory feast, I realized that I had fallen in love with you, the stubborn
and irritating woman that you are. I still do. Even when Im tied to this post and at your brothers
mercy.
Caryssa had no response.
What could she possibly say to the man who killed her friend, attacked her father, killed some of
her brothers sworn bannermen and fathered three children with his own sister? Even if his answer
would have made her happy only a couple of months ago, even if she possibly could have replied
the same, she was only conflicted now.
Conflicted between her love for him and her hate.
So instead of replying to him, she gave him a simple nod and turned on her heel and left his foulsmelling prison, her hand still tangled in Rhaenyras fur, less for comfort and more for stability.
She wasnt sure if her legs would carry her otherwise. They felt weak.
She felt weak and the young woman cursed herself for letting him affect her still.
There was no way there could be a future for her and her husband.
They were on opposite sides of a war. He was her brothers prisoner. His son had murdered her
father. He had three children with his sister, the woman who hated her beyond all logical reason.
Well, not without reason now, Caryssa supposed, since the she-wolf had married the lioness
mate.
The mere thought of Cersei touching Jaime in that way made Caryssa want to be sick, and not just
because they were brother and sister, though that was the biggest part of it, but because Jaime was
her husband. Even if most of her hated him, even if part of her wished that he would just
disappear, he was still the man she married and whether she liked it or not, feelings had developed
on her side as well.
She loved him.
She, Caryssa Stark, had fallen in love with the Kingslayer, Jaime Lannister.

She prayed the Gods would have mercy on her for falling in love with a man who had no morals
or principles, who lived for his sins and sought only to add more to his already large pile.
Having found her way back to her tent, the woman collapsed onto her bed as soon as she was
inside. Caryssa was emotionally, mentally and physically worn out. Her body and mind both
ached and demanded rest.
And she was more than happy to oblige.
The young woman reluctantly sat up to yank off her boots and shrug off her cloak and pull her
dress over her head to leave her in nothing but her shift, before she shifted so that she was under
the furs. Rhaenyra, seeing that her human had finally curled her in bed, climbed up onto the bed
and laid beside her as she had done for the last two months.
Caryssa had found it hard to sleep alone after having become accustomed to sharing her bed and
being surrounded by the heat her husband gave off so, when Rhaenyra started leaping onto the
bed and curling up beside her, she stopped turning the white-grey direwolf away.
It was a comfort to have her right there beside her as well. She knew that no one could possibly
get into the tent without either a guard seeing or Rhaenyra hearing it, but it made her sleep better
knowing that if an intruder somehow did make his, or her, way into her tent, they would not reach
her without losing an arm or their life.
Curling around the wolf and burying her face into her fur, Caryssa fell asleep, even though her
mind and her heart were at odds with each other.
And she slept soundly.

Last Living Son

Chapter Summary

"There are two reasons we don't trust people.

First we don't know them.
Second we know them."
-Unknown

She was running through the forest by the Northern camp.

Except she was not herself.
It was as though she had become a wolf, a creature on all fours, cantering through the forest on
padded feet, claws digging into the earth to propel herself further. Caryssa had never felt anything
like this, the power and the freedom and the pure adrenaline coursing through her veins. It must be
what flying feels like, she mused, as she was going so fast that it felt like her paws were barely
touching the ground.
The scent of another animal and the far-off sound of a strong, beating heart could only mean one
thing.
She was on the hunt.
The desire to rip into the warm flesh of her prey rippled through her, the bloodlust the only thing
on her mind. She did not battle like her brother, but the want was there. The need to kill to defend
her family was deep in her bones, in the deepest recesses of her soul, and perhaps this was what
the dream was telling her.
Because it could only be but a dream.
The smell of her quarry almost burned her nose and sent a flurry of excitement through her, and
then she saw it.
A beautiful, delectable-looking doe right there in her sights.
She could have snuck up on it, but there was no fun in that. The chase was all there was. So, she
burst forward into the small clearing the doe was grazing in and startled the poor creature into
fleeing. She toyed with it, running at half the speed she knew she could, letting the deer believe it
might possibly escape, that it was fast enough to outrun her.
It wasnt.
Her jaws clamped down on the does hind leg, sending the animal into the damp dirt by a small
lake. With two front paws pinning the terrified deer to the ground, she snarled at it, almost
grinning in her victory, before her teeth ripped through the soft flesh of its neck. It bled to death,
twitching and thrashing even as it happened.

It had put up a fight, and instead of making her feel guilt for taking its life, she felt exhilarated.
Adrenaline pumped around her body even as she tore chunks of raw meat from the dead animal
who had been oh so alive just moments before.
After eating her fill, she left the rest to the birds and moved to the lake to drink and clean her
muzzle.
It was most definitely Rhaenyras reflection that stared back at her, her snowy white muzzle
drenched with blood the color of Dornish wine and
~*~
Thats when Caryssa woke up, her heart beating just as fast as it had in her peculiar dream. It had
felt so real, like she was really in Rhaenyras body.
She had never felt so powerful in her life, so strong and sounafraid. It had been exhilarating. As
strange and almost disturbing a dream as it had been, it was also the most free she had felt since
leaving Winterfell all those months ago, and she wanted to feel that way again.
Only she knew that it was impossible.
Freedom didnt belong to people in her position. She was the eldest woman of her house, already
married, even if it was to the uncle of their enemy, and she was now considered to be royal. A
princess of winter. She was even less free to make her own decisions than she had been even
before marrying Jaime.
She hated it, if she was being honest.
Robb had her escorted everywhere, even though she had Rhaenyra and her bow, by at least two
guards, and that was without the men that sometimes accompanied the both of them and her
mother. She felt stifled, despite spending most of her days out doors, and her whole body ached to
be let of the leash her brother had unconsciously put her on.
Though, when Dacey entered her tent, after she had washed and dressed, she knew that it wasnt
merely a social visit and she was the princess escort for the day.
The worst part was that they thought they were being subtle about it. All of Robbs lords had
spent the day with her, following her almost everywhere without saying that they had been
asked to escort her around the camp and the surrounding areas as though she wouldnt work it out
herself.
Your highness, your mother and brother wish to see you in your mothers tent, if you may.
Ive told you, Dacey, Im no princess. Caryssa is fine, Ryssa if you prefer, Caryssa replied, as
she rose to her feet and smoothed out the black skirt she was wearing, placing the book she had
been reading on the small table she called her own. None of this titles nonsense. Were friends,
remember?
Ryssa, we should hurry. Your brother had that constipated look on his face that means that hes
troubled.
Caryssa burst out laughing, picturing the exact look that the woman from Bear Island was talking
about, but the she-wolf had never heard anyone describe it that way. She probably wouldnt be
able to see that particular look on Robbs face without giggling now.
Then let us go! We cannot allow our King to bear such a look upon his fair face!

The two women cackled together as they left the princess tent, drawing the eye of everyone who
witnessed it. It was a strange thing indeed to see the Ice Princess laughing like a regular woman.
In fact, it made her seem younger than the years that chaos and strife had piled on top of her,
making her look more like the nineteen year old woman that she was.
Still, it was an odd thing indeed to see.
The ice thawing around the princess apparent cold heart.
Dacey left Caryssa outside her mothers tent, apparently heading to train with Smalljon Umber but
unless training had an entirely different meaning that the she-wolf didnt know about, there was
little chance of actual training to be done. Especially with the wicked grin that Dacey gave her as
she walked away.
Chuckling as she entered the tent, Caryssa was unsurprised to find her mother angrily pacing and
her brother looking both agitated and exhausted. Both in their natural states, or so their natural
states had become during this godforsaken war.
What, other than the obvious, has you both so tense? Caryssa questioned, moving further into
the canvas room and sitting herself down on the chair opposite her brother. He looked troubled,
Dacey was right, but it wasnt actually funny now that she was witnessing it with her own eyes.
Her little brother wasnt meant for such hardships, but he bore them like a true and good ruler.
What is wrong?
Im sending Theon to Pyke. Hes going to convince his father to let us use his fleet.
Caryssa couldnt believe her own ears.
Robb was going to send Theon back to Pyke.
She knew that her brother loved the fool like another brother, but surely he had to have some
misgivings about the task he had set him. Sending home their hostage, because that is what Theon
was even if no one acknowledged it, the only living male heir to the would-be King of the Iron
Isles would be a grave miscalculation. It would be giving Balon Greyjoy exactly what he wanted.
His heir.
Tell me again who exactly came up with this spectacularly terrible idea, Caryssa requested, even
though everyone knew that it was a sarcastic rhetoric remark. She knew which of the two had
come up with the plan, and that is also why she was so set against it. You cannot send him back.
The Ironborn would eat him alive and spit him back out and only the Gods know what his traitor
father would make him do to win back his crown.
Robb rolled his eyes at his sister and she knew that he was completely disregarding her concerns
due to her and Theons long standing antagonistic relationship. Everyone and their mother knew
that the She-Wolf of Winterfell hated the Kraken of Winterfell. It was no secret that she had no
trust for him whatsoever, but they thought that it was unfounded. Theon had never done anything
particularly untrustworthy, so why didnt she trust him, they all wondered.
She didnt even mistrust Theon completely. She mistrusted his family. The Greyjoys were
notoriously bad men; traitors, pillagers, murderersthere wasnt a good man amongst them. That
is why she didnt trust Theon, because she constantly worried about the man he could become and
what that would do to her brother.
Sending him back to his father would only tempt fate.

This war between the North and the South presented Balon with a rare and golden opportunity
that she and her mother both agreed that the old Kraken would not allow to pass him by. Robb
was distracted in the South, along with her and her mother, which left Winterfell to be held by
Bran. A child was not equipped to deal with an attack if the Ironborn were really as unscrupulous
as her mother and father had always painted them to be.
You dont want Balon Greyjoy for an ally. Her mother warned, but Robb was quick to defend
his decision.
I need his ships. They say he has 200.
They say there are a million rats living in the sewers of Kings Landing. Shall we rally them to
fight for us? Caryssa snapped, losing her patience with her brother. He may be king, but that
didnt mean he should stop listening to the women in his life when they were giving him sound
advice. Balon Greyjoy was a traitor, and he always would be.
I understand you both dont trust Lord Greyjoy- Robb started calmly, but Catelyn, who was
angrily rattling with this and that around her tent, snapped her head up towards her son, her eyes
burning with the fierceness of the wolves that she had adopted into herself.
We do not trust Lord Greyjoy because he is not trustworthy, Their mother stated, sitting across
from her son and beside her daughter, who seemed to for once be on her side. Catelyn was
actually grateful for her support. Caryssa usually fought against her on Robbs, or Jons or any
other of the childrens, side, but now they were a mother and daughter united. It was a good
feeling. Your father had to go to war to end his rebellion.
Yes. And now Im the one rebelling against the throne. Before me, it was Father. You married
one rebel and mothered another. Robb answered, and Ryssa shook her head, annoyed that her
brother was being soblas about their situation and the wars their father had fought before him.
Ned Stark hadnt fought for freedom from a tyrant or Northern independence or even to put
Robert on the throne. He had fought to save his sister and to protect what was left of his family.
He didnt want fame or glory, he just wanted to live to see his family safe and to go home at the
end of it all.
She remembered waiting for him, both times, wondering if he would return at all, and finding
different places to hide to cry so that her mother wouldnt see. The Stark mother had tried so hard
to remain strong for her children, and her eldest daughter didnt want to add to her mothers
turmoil by crying and asking about her father constantly like the boys did.
Caryssa had just wanted her father home and alive, and thats how she imagined her littlest
brothers felt. If they prayed to the Old Gods to bring them home the same way she had when she
was a girl.
She didnt just mother rebels.
A fact you seem to have forgotten. Catelyn added with a hiss, rising to her feet and turning her
back on her son once more.
If I trade the Kingslayer for two girls, my bannermen will string me up by my feet.
Then lets go get them ourselves. We sneak into the Keep, and we take them. I know my way
around. I can get us in and out without raising an alarm and then we can just crush them without
having to worry about what they would do to Sansa, Caryssa basically pleaded with her brother.
She couldnt bear the thoughts of what might be happening to her precious sisters at the hands of

that wicked boy and his men. Even worse, his wretched mother. We cant sit by and do nothing
to save them, Robb! What are we fighting for if not for them?
Its more complicated than that! Robb yelled, finally getting to the end of his tether. While he
knew that his mother and his sister both meant well, and only wanted to have the girls back with
them, he couldnt handle them both attacking him at once. You know it is.
All three of them looked away from each other, unhappy that they were fighting amongst
themselves, and when Catelyn sat back beside Caryssa, the younger woman took her mothers
hand and held it between both of hers. Whether it was to comfort her mother or to gather strength
for herself, the older woman didnt know, but she was glad for it nonetheless.
Sighing, the mother of six turned her blue eyes back to her son and finally spoke the words that
she knew had been a long time coming.
Its time for me to go home, Catelyn breathed, her chest feeling lighter for saying it. I havent
seen Bran or Rickon in months.
You cant go to Winterfell.
Caryssa and Catelyn both stared at the Northern King, the Young Wolf, in confusion. What on the
Gods green earth did he mean that she couldnt return home?
I beg your pardon?
Ill send Rodrik to watch over the boys because tomorrow you both ride south to the
Stormlands. Robb revealed, and Caryssa stood up, glaring down at her brother as she loomed
over him.
Excuse me?
Why in the name of all the gods Catelyn continued, rising with her daughter and placing a
gentle hand on her shoulder to calm her.
She only hoped it would work. Ned and Robb were the only ones who could quell one of
Caryssas rages. Often, the mother had wondered where her daughter had gotten her rages from
and her husband would explain that it was the wolf blood. The Starks often had a touch of it
running through their veins, making them bolder and fiercer and quicker to anger than most. His
sister, Lyanna, had it. So had Brandon. It had made them unpredictable and often they had lacked
sense. Thankfully, her daughter had gotten her fathers sensibilities as well, balancing her warring
natures out within her.
Because I need you to negotiate with Renly Baratheon, mother, and you to negotiate with
Stannis, Ryssa. If we are to win this war, we will need men and ships. Renly has rallied an army
of 100,000. You know him. You know his family- Robb explained, but his mother cut him off,
before he could embellish on his sisters side of things.
I havent seen Renly Baratheon since he was a boy. You have a hundred other lords-
Which of these lords do I trust more than you? More than my sister? Robb pressed, climbing to
his feet and moving to stand directly in front of the two bristling women. They were more than
happy to aid him in the war effort when it meant that they would be by his side, but he needed
them to do this for him. If Renly sides with us, well outnumber them two to one.
So what need will we have for Stannis? Caryssa questioned, blue eyes flitting to gaze into blue
eyes as her words brought her brothers attention to her instead of their mother. We wont have

need of his men.

His ships. Like you said, he has a whole fleet and he has the best claim to the throne. If we can
get him and Renly to agree to peace, we can use them to take Kings Landing and who better to
persuade a strong-willed war general than my tenacious elder sister, Caryssa smiled at her
brothers ingenuity, pleased that he was blossoming in his role as King and Commander. He was
seeing the bigger picture. If they all worked together against the Lannister than the lions wouldnt
stand a chance. When they feel the jaws beginning to shut, theyll sue for peace. Well get the
girls back. Then well all go home, for good.
When Caryssa turned her eyes towards the ground, Robb grabbed her hand in his, gently
squeezing it. He knew what she was thinking. Being married to the Kingslayer meant that
Winterfell was no longer her home and she wouldnt ever see it again, even if they managed to get
the Lannisters to sue for peace.
All of us.
Choosing to believe him, Caryssa exchanged a look with her mother and they both sighed in
unison, before nodding.
We will ride at first light. Catelyn informed him, her posture signaling defeat.
Robbs eyes flickered between them both, before he pressed quick, but firm kisses to both of their
foreheads and then held them close to him by the backs of their heads.
We will all be together again soon, I promise.
Youve done so well, Their mother declared reverently, her voice strong, only cracking when
she continued. Your father would be proud.
He would, but he would have wished that his son riding to war had been unnecessary. While her
father had Robb trained in war tactics and battle strategies, she knew that Ned had never intended
for his son to lead armies into war. Against small groups of wildlings, maybe, but not the King of
all Westeros.
Robb nodded, releasing them both from his grasp before turning to leave.
Give Lord Renly and Lord Stannis my regards.
King Renly and King Stannis, Her mother corrected Robb, turning away from him to sit back at
her table. Theres a king in every corner now.
Caryssa sat beside her mother and sighed.
The next few weeks would be extremely difficult and she was sure that she would need every
ounce of her remaining sanity to get through them, but no matter how difficult the two Baratheon
kings tried to make it for them, she would not falter in her pursuit for peace between them.
The she-wolf would not let her brother down.
Even if it killed her.

Alliance Talks
Chapter Summary

"It is well that war is so terrible,

Otherwise we should grow too fond of it."
-Robert E. Lee

Caryssa loathed the sea.

She preferred hard solid ground beneath her feet, instead of miles and miles of nothing. This is
why she hoped that her foul mood would be somewhat excused by the men on the ship that she
had hired to take her to Dragonstone. Even Rhaenyra seemed to be moody, probably hating the
motion as much as she did.
Dacey shared her quarters with her, laughing at her when the she-wolves grumbled and bitched
about the turbulent sea waves.
She was a Mormont. They lived on a damn island, thrived on the bounties of the sea and Caryssa
knew how much her friend loved the ocean. Dacey would breathe in that sea air and sigh with a
smile on her face, while she frowned and tried to hold in her food from that morning. Wolves
were not meant for the ocean. Krakens, yes. Fish, yes. Wolves, definitely not.
She was made for snow and forests, the North wind whipping through her hair and her skirts. Her
father called it the wolfs blood, that desire to be free, that burning in her veins for blood and
justice, that fierceness that only few could rival. Her Aunt Lyanna had it, so had her uncle. Arya
too.
Thats why, despite having heard no news of her youngest sister since the purge of the Stark
household from Kings Landing, she knew Arya lived. Arya was as fierce as a direwolf and just
as clever as her elder siblings; she had found a way out of that rats nest, of that Caryssa was sure.
She was most likely making her way north to find Robb and Mother and then they would only
have to free Sansa.
It was with that thought alone, save Sansa, that Caryssa had entered Dragonstone with as docile a
temper as she could muster.
She had met Stannis Baratheon once in her life and she had not liked him. He was too stern, too
stoic. His face only gave away what he wanted it to and she found herself distrustful of it. A man
who hid his emotions was an unpredictable one and it set her on edge.
King Robert had been a man easy to predict. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and she knew
how to work around them. Lord Renly had been much the same, though he was far less prone to
the sudden bursts of anger that his elder brother had been. Stannis, the second son, the soldier, was
not predictable at all and it made the wolf princess nervous.
Upon reaching Dragonstone, she had been ushered into the Great Hall with Dacey, Rhaenyra and
her small retinue of Mormont soldiers at her side. Caryssa walked with the grace her mother had

instilled into her from birth, though her eyes flickered around the room to find any and all exits
and threats. If her time in Kings Landing had done anything to her, it had made her cautious of
people. There were spies everywhere in the capital and she knew that there were also spies for the
Queen, Baelish and Varys spotted all over the Seven Kingdoms too. It wouldnt surprise her if
one of those spies had found a place in Dragonstone.
Lady Lannister, what brings you to Dragonstone?
Caryssas eyes fell upon King Stannis from where he sat in his Lords chair at the front of hall,
and curtseyed low. It would make him more willing to listen to her if she treated him like the King
he claimed to be.
Lady Stark, please, if you would. I may have married a Lannister, but I am by no means Lady
Lannister, Caryssa asked and he nodded, hopefully more than happy to not mention her ties to
that traitorous house. And I was sent by my brother, King Robb of House Stark, to offer terms of
an alliance.
Your brother wishes to take away a kingdom that belongs to me by right, why would I honor
him with an alliance? Stannis countered, and had Robb not anticipated that he would be difficult,
perhaps he would have sent someone else in her place. Yet, from rumor, her brother knew how
stubborn the Baratheon would-be king was and had sent her because she was the same.
Because, Your Grace, you have no friends beyond the Stormlands. The Reach has sided with
your brother, Renly, as has most of your bannermen, and the Riverlands are with us. The Martells
will not back you because your brother was the one who started the war that lost them their
princess, Caryssa explained. She had thought about her arguments long and hard on their sea
voyage, trying to turn her thoughts away from her sea-sickness and her imprisoned husband, and
she had voiced them with Dacey and the older woman had deemed them wise arguments. She had
faith that she could persuade Stannis into an alliance that would benefit them both. An alliance
with the North may be your only option and if we combine our forces, we can take Kings
Landing by both sea and land and give you your rightful seat.
Stannis seemed to be deliberating her words.
Well, thats what she thought, it was difficult to say what was going on behind those shielded
Baratheon blue eyes. Dacey stood tall in her place just behind her and she was thankful for it gave
her confidence. The She-Bear would keep her safe against any enemy, she knew, as she had not
brought her bow with her from the ship. It would have been a show of distrust to come into his
halls so heavily armed, so she simply had her knives strapped to her legs underneath her skirt and
she refrained from resting her hands over them.
Rhaenyra, sitting docile at her side, rubbed her face into Caryssas hip, sensing that her human
needed to be comforted and reminded of her presence. Scratching the direwolf behind her ear, the
princess kept the Stag Kings gaze.
She has made a great case, My King, but her brother is not the Stark to make an alliance with.
Caryssas eyes finally lapsed onto the owner of the feminine voice and she had to work hard to
school her face so it didnt betray her shock.
Maester Luwin had books on the Red Priests of Rhllor, but she had never seen one in the flesh.
The woman before her was dressed all in red, her hair the same startling shade of crimson as her
clothes, and her eyes, though blue like Caryssas, shone with a fire inside that was unsettling to
look at.

My brother is King in the North, he is the only Stark you can make an alliance with. Caryssa
replied, not knowing what the woman meant, only that she would not like it.
The fires told me of your coming, Caryssa Stark, daughter of Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully,
wife of Jaime Lannister, and they told me great things, The Red Woman approached her and she
felt Dacey tense behind her, though the Ryssa herself fought hard at maintaining a cool demeanor.
A wolf lady in a lionesss skin, blood on the snow, the princess of ice and fire, Lyanna Stark
reborn, but your fate will not end in your demise, like hers did. The Lord of the Light showed two
great kingdoms, North and South, King Stannis of the South andQueen Caryssa of the North.
Caryssa felt laughter bubbling up inside her, but laughing in the face of this Baratheon Kings
obviously most trusted advisor would not bode well for her, so she tamped it down within her,
settling for an amused smile.
I have two legitimate brothers after Robb. I will never be queen of anything. Your Lord of the
Light must be wrong in this instance.
The fires only show me what was, what is and what can be, my lady.
Knowing that she would get nowhere in an argument against this witch of the Red God, the
young lady turned back to the King of Dragonstone and tried once more to persuade him to see
their side of things.
Robb needed ships and, once they had taken Kings Landing, they needed someone to take the
Iron Throne, because no one from the North would sit as King (or Queen) of the Seven
Kingdoms. The North was tired of Southern politics.
Your Grace, that bastard Joffrey took my fathers head, slaughtered our household in the capital
and keeps my sister hostage. The North has risen to avenge their liege lord and countrymen and to
save my sister from sharing the same fate as my aunt did all those years ago, The She-Wolf
pressed, and out of the corner of her eye she could see Stannis right hand man, Ser Davos, she
believed, looking down at his boots at the mention of both her sister and aunt. Good men hated the
abuse of women. The North fought alongside your brother in his rebellion against the Mad King
To serve the Norths interests. Stannis countered, and Caryssa nodded her head at the somewhat
truthful statement.
Perhaps I must word this differentlythe North shall back your claim. We will help you claim
your throne and defeat your enemies. With our army at your back, you can restore the damage
done to the realm by this war and the Lannister rule, but six kingdoms would surely be easier to
oversee and deal with than seven. Do you not agree, Your Grace?
Silence overtook the room once more, eyes flickering between the would-be Stag King and the
Wolf Princess as the two stared the other down. Two pairs of blue eyes held each other,
stubbornly refusing to break contact first.
I heard rumor that your mother, Lady Catelyn, was spotted riding towards my brothers camp.
Stannis settled on, and Caryssa decided that honesty, being something she knew that Stannis
would value, was the best course of action.
My mother treats with Renly the same way I now treat with you. My brother sent her to persuade
Renly into an alliance. Its said he has a hundred thousand men in his army. No army in all of
Westeros has those numbers. It would be foolish to not attempt to bring him on side, Caryssa
explained, though she didnt know if Stannis appreciated her words. She is also to persuade him

to renounce his claim to the throne, to declare you the rightful king. I knew your brother during
my time in Kings Landing. He had very little ambition. I dont believe that staking a claim was
ever his idea.
And whos idea do you think it to be, my lady? Ser Davos Seaworth, the Onion Knight, and
supposedly Stannis Hand of the King, questioned.
They made a picture, Caryssa thought, the Red Witch on his left and the Onion Knight on his
right.
The Reach has given King Renly their full support. I dont believe that is mere coincidence,
Caryssa stated. The Tyrells had ambition, which was something every person in Westeros knew.
They had climbed very high from the days when they were stewards for the King of the Reach,
thousands of years ago. As his army is far greater than your own, I dare say you may have to
make some concessions in order to gain his allegiance.
And what do you propose? Stannis seemed genuinely interested to hear what she had to say.
Other lords and kings would not have given her the time of day to express her opinions and
suggest actions to take. Maybe she could grow to like Stannis as a king, if not she already
respected him.
Name him your heir, Caryssa suggested. It seemed plausible in her mind. Renly would not
make a great king, or a warlord, but the idea that he could be the next king may placate him.
Only until such a time as you have a son of your own or your daughter comes of age. It may
appeal to his ego, if you also allow him to keep Storms End. At the very least, meet with him.
Discuss an alliance as we are now. Be the better man, the better King, and the people will support
you.
She was afraid for a moment that she had overstepped, pushed a little too far with her words, but
Stannis nodded and she almost sighed in relief. Were he a dishonorable man, he could have
broken the guest right and had her killed. He was a king after all, and it seemed like most kings
these days refused to acknowledge a persons right to a fair and just trial.
Her father hadnt had one.
Though, if she had her way the little prick king, Joffrey, wont have a trial either.
I shall meet with my brother, but if he does not bend the knee, I will consider him a traitor and an
enemy of my throne.
As would be your right as the true King of the Iron Throne. Caryssa bowed her head slightly,
agreeing to his terms and showing deference. She may be a new princess, but she was still but a
princess. Stannis was the rightful King of the seven- six kingdoms.
And what becomes of your husband once we win this war, Lady Stark?
Caryssa was silent for a moment, knowing what Stannis would want and what her brother would
want. Jaimes head. Yet, she could not reconcile the two sides of herself that were at war. She
wanted to see her husband hurt for the humiliation and the hurt he had inflicted up on her, but the
other half of her mind reminded her of the love she bore him and of how much it would hurt to
truly be parted from him now.
My brother has not informed me of his plans for my husband further than possibly ransoming
him back to his father in exchange for my sisters. She answered honestly.
Perhaps her brother sensed that she had grown to love her husband and did not want to cause her

pain with whatever he had decided, but he truly had not told her what he had planned for Jaime
beyond the end of the war.
And, truthfully, she could not think about her husbands fate. She just couldnt. There were other
things on her mind that she had given more importance to.
Jaime would be safe until the end of the war. Her brother would put him to trial and the Gods
would decide his fate, but this war they were fighting would most likely drag on for years. It had
taken two years for the rebellion to over and done with, Caryssa had no doubts that this war
would take just as long to resolve.
Especially in a war with four kings, five if Balon Greyjoy counted as a king.
Ready the fleet. We leave for the coast at dawn, Stannis declared, breaking the she-wolf out of
her thoughts. He rose from his seat and approached the princess and her retinue, and it was only
the second time in her life that Caryssa felt truly intimidated by a man as he loomed over her. My
lady, my wife will take you and your people to some rooms to rest until we leave.
We would be grateful for the rest, Your Grace.
She looked back at Dacey and the woman nodded to her, gesturing for her men to follow them as
Queen Selyse led them down a hallway past the lords table.
It was only when she and Dacey were in the privacy of their shared room did Caryssa allow
herself to relax.
She had done her best to complete the task given to her by her brother, now the rest was up to her
mother. If she could convince Renly to accept Stannis terms then they would be able to win the
war far quicker and they would have peace in Westeros.
And they could go home.

Concluding Negotiations
Chapter Summary

War is what happens

when language fails.
-Margaret Atwood
Caryssa remains in the Stormlands to conclude negotiations with Stannis and to help
assist him in his meeting with his brother, Renly, but there are many things on her
mind, including the terrible words of Melisandre.

Chapter Notes

A/N:
Hey guys!!
I'm baaaaaaack!
How great was Season 6? It was so good that it reignited my love for the show after
Season 5 broke my heart. So, my love is back and my muse has returned and I am
writing again!
I hope you like this new chapter and that everyone is happy with it. I have so many
more great plans for Caryssa and her story, especially after watching Season 6, and I
hope you bear with me as we take this journey.
I can't tell you when the next chapter will come, but I promise it won't take as long as
last time.
Anyway, thank you all for your kind comments, and I hope you keep them coming!
Thank you guys,
S. A. L. Stratton.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE Concluding Negotiations

War is what happens
when language fails.
-Margaret Atwood
Staring out of the window of her temporary room, Caryssa thought on the Lady Melisandres
words.
Why had she said that her God had shown her that Robb would not remain King and that Caryssa

and Stannis would be Queen in the North and King of the South?
Even if the worst should happen, and Robb fell in battle, she would still not be considered the next
ruler of the Northern kingdom. Little Bran was next-in-line and Rickon after him. The she-wolf
was a reluctant princess as it was, she had no desire to rule. Neither did Robb, but he had the title
forced upon him. He couldnt have refused his lords. He would have lost his army and they would
have lost any hope of saving their sisters from the capital.
The witch was wrong.
Robb would win this war for their family, she knew it in her heart.
Your brother has done well in the war so far.
Caryssa spun on her heel and turned to face the priestess. Dacey had gone to organize her men for
their next departure, so Caryssa was alone in the room, with only Rhaenyra for company. The
direwolf growled at their guest, the hackles of the wolf raised and her teeth were bared, but the red
woman simply smiled in amusement. Grown men had cowered in fear at Rhaenyras display, a
couple had even wept in fear of either Rhaenyra or Grey Wind, but not the priestess.
The princess clicked her fingers, her four-legged companion withdrew to her side, but remained
silent. Caryssa did not want to engage the woman, but it was clear that she had sought her out for
a reason.
Even you must know that every mans luck runs out eventually. Your lord fathers certainly did.
My father was murdered by the bastard boy sitting on the Iron Throne. It had nothing to do with
luck. He was murdered because he knew the truth, Caryssa sniped, though Melisandres
expression did not change. My house will not fall.
I spoke nothing of your house, The priestess eyes drifted over Ryssa knowingly, their gaze
unsettling her and her wolf, who twitched nervously at her side. Caryssa rubbed the spot between
Rhaenryas ears, trying to comfort her so that she wouldntmisbehave. Melisandre strolled
further into the room, perfectly at ease, even with the large uneasy animal between her and the
young woman she was speaking with. Your Gods care little for the lives of men. Squire, knight,
king or slave, they will take his life all the same.
Caryssa bowed her head, her eyes squeezing closed as she felt her heart clench at the thought of
losing her brother. That was what the woman was saying in her roundabout way, she knew. The
woman had foreseen the fall of her brother.
It wouldnt happen.
This was a war, Ryssa knew, and men were dropping like autumn leaves, but not her brother. Not
Robb. She couldnt allow that to happen. Caryssa would battle the Warrior himself, all of the
Gods, if it meant her brother would survive this war.
With that renewed sense of determination, the she-wolf lifted her head, her blue eyes as hard as
steel as they connected with the fiery gaze of Melisandre.
If what you say is true, I will not allow it to come to pass.
We have little choice in the paths the Lord of the Light sets before us. We simply must walk them
and discover our fate. Her eyes had softened, she was trying to be kind, Caryssa saw, but it was
not a kindness to tell a woman that she had no say in her life nor that she could not protect her
brother from a terrible end.

I decide my own fate.

Thankfully, Caryssa was saved from the witch as Ser Davos and Dacey arrived to inform them
both that the King Stannis and his fleet were ready to depart.
Melisandre was not joining them below deck, so the Stark princess was saved from the womans
unnerving gaze, her knowing smirks and what other horrible predictions the witch could unleash
upon her.
What exactly the priestess thought she knew about Caryssa, the princess did not know, but it made
her blood boil that she would presume to know what the daughter of Eddard Stark was really
capable of. Her brother would live, or Ryssa would save him.
She would or she would die alongside him.
She would not live in a world without her brother. She could not live in a world without half her
soul.
She did not want to.
Following Stannis onto his ship, she was sequestered in the Kings cabin upon Stannis request as
he deemed it safer for her below deck. Caryssa sat opposite Dacey, raking her fingers through
Rhaenyras fur as she watched as the she-bear sharpened her sword.
It reminded her of when she would sit at her fathers side on the logs in front of the weirwood tree
in the Godswood. He would sharpen his sword and she would read to him from one of the books
Maester Luwin had borrowed to her for the day. Mostly, they sat in silence, just enjoying each
others company.
Those were the only moments of peace that Caryssa could remember from her childhood.
Everything else was loud and filled with the rambunctious laughter of her siblings, which wasnt a
bad thing, but sometimes she had needed the quiet and her father would take her to the
Godswood.
It hurt her more than she thought it would just to feel that sense of familiarity.
That womanwhat she said, Dacey sighed, placing her sword to one side and setting her full
focus on her charge. It cannot be true.
Caryssa did not bother to hide her worry from her friend, her fear.
They say the Red Priests and Priestesses of Rhllor can see into the future by staring into fire and
she believes what the flames told her, to her very soul, I saw it in her eyes, Caryssa took the shebears hand in her own, grasping it tightly. We cannot let it come to pass. You must promise me
to do everything in your power to keep Robb alive.
I swore your brother an oath to live, fight and die at his side if it comes to that. I wont break that
promise.
There was no denying the sincerity in Daceys words, or her face, and Caryssa didnt doubt them
either. She trusted Dacey, more than anyone outside of her family, and she knew that the older
woman harbored some feelings towards her brother. If he was not already sworn to some faceless,
nameless Frey girl, she would have been more than happy to call the Mormont woman her goodsister someday.

Just another future that would never come to pass. The only gods that Caryssa believed in were
the Old Gods. She didnt believe there was a Lord of the Light and that he demanded sacrifices.
No God could be so cruel.
Melisandre was a false prophet and Robb would be as fine as a King could be in times like these.
She hoped.
~*~
The ride to Renlys camp was spent discussing terms with Stannis. It was not easy. Where
Caryssa had been able to persuade King Robert to see reason because of how resemblance to her
late aunt, Stannis had not shared his brothers love for Lyanna Stark, or even Ned Stark, and he
was a lot more difficult to negotiate with. Especially with his priestess at his side. Melisandre made
things a lot more difficult, and uncomfortable, for Caryssa while in talks with the king.
Caryssa did find herself to be a good at it though, potentially securing Robb the North and all the
lands above the Neck.
They also discussed cementing their alliance with a marriage between their houses. The princess
Shireen was of an age with her little brother, Rickon, and wars were often won with marriages, or
so shed heard it said.
It made her feel like such a hypocrite as she all but sold her little brother like livestock, having
berated her mother and brother for doing the same to Arya. The only difference, she reminded
herself, was that Arya had absolutely no desire to be some lords lady wife, but Rickon did want
to be a lord, like Father, with a wife, even if he was too young to know what that would mean.
She understood Robb and Mothers reasoning a little better now, even if she did hate it still.
They discussed what would be done after Stannis ascension to the throne on the occasion of
future conflicts. She was sure that should the South call the North for aid, if the cause was just, the
North would answer as it had always done during Roberts reign.
The pair of them, she-wolf princess and stag king, almost had all of the details of their proposed
alliance sorted through and decided, and Caryssa felt proud of herself for securing the alliance her
brother sorely needed. Especially as it meant they did not need to get into bed with Balon
Greyjoy.
Now, as long as her mother had managed to convince Renly to stop his foolery and renounce his
claim, to support his brother, they could defeat the Lannisters almost too easily. In theory, anyway.
Stannis small group of soldiers, advisors and his Northern guests met Renlys retinue, which
included her mother, on a hill, and the tension was palpable in the air. The princess knew that
these negotiations would not go as smoothly as others had.
~*~
Catelyn wasnt surprised to see her daughter riding beside the king as they reached the meeting
point, but she was surprised that Stannis hadnt insisted on Rhaenyra being caged or left behind.
Not many people outside of the North took well to the direwolves presence grown men were
often left uneasy by the giant animals, yet the wolf was where she could always be found, beside
her mistress.
It took the breath out of the older womans body to see her daughter look almost royal in her
riding garb, at the head of the kings men. It was a sight that reminded Catelyn that her eldest child
had actually grown into a woman and it was almost painful for her to acknowledge it. Her son

was a king and her daughter was a married woman negotiating with a different king. How times
had changed from when her babes were in fact just that.
She looks like Lyanna did at the tourney at Harrenhall, Catelyn mused, the image of her
deceased good-sister and Caryssa seemingly merging into one.
It was her eyes.
Though Caryssas eyes were Tully blue, like her own, Catelyn could see Lyannas iron will in her
mirror image. The wolfs blood, Ned had called it; it flowed through her daughter, just as it had
Neds sister. Just like it did Arya. It was a steely determination that could give even the fiercest
warrior reason to pause.
Clearly, King Stannis had seen it too as he had not sent the young woman from his side. Her
daughter, perhaps, had struck an alliance with the stubborn Stormlander, just as Robb had
predicted she would.
Seeing Caryssa in such a way reminded Catelyn of Ned too. People had respected Ned, as Lord
of Winterfell, as a soldier, or just as a man, and Catelyn thought that was what she saw in Stannis
eyes when he briefly glanced at the young woman on his left.
Gods be good, this meeting would go well and they would be able to return to Robb with pleasant
news.
Gods be good.
~*~
Caryssa nodded once to her mother in greeting, who gave her a brief, but relieved, smile in return,
before her eyes lapsed onto King Renly.
He wore polished golden armor and a crown of gilded stag horns that made the she-wolf want to
roll her eyes. All of his men were dressed too finely for soldiers expecting to see battle, too
extravagant for their king to be taking this war seriously.
It made her see that her opinion was most likely to be the correct one. Stannis would make the
better king of six kingdoms, because he would not see it as a game. RenlyRenly would be
beloved of the people, but he would lack the stomach for the hard decisions that would certainly
come with the crown. It meant more than just a pretty accessory atop his head and a special chair
to sit on. The crown, the throne, were a commitment to his people, symbols of the oath he would
make to them and Ryssa didnt believe that the youngest Baratheon fully understood that.
Having the title, the crown and sitting on that iron seat would not make him a good king. It hadnt
for Aerys Targaryen, or for King Robert.
Yet, the young princess bowed her head in deference all the same, falling back on Septa
Mordanes etiquette lessons in an uncomfortable situation.
Lady Lannister, I had not thought to see you in the Stormlands. Renly greeted, and Caryssa
gave him a small smile.
I had never been and it is just as beautiful as the late king told me. His Graces friendship meant a
great deal to me, and it is for him that I am here to offer my aid to you both in the hopes you can
reconcile your differences and we can all continue from here in friendship.
Renly seemed placated and pleased by her answer, so turned his attentions to his brother.

Is that really you?

Who else might it be? Stannis answered, and Caryssa felt as though she already knew how this
meet would go just from their initial interaction.
Well, when I saw your standard I couldnt be sure? Whose banner is that?
My own.
Caryssa had asked Ser Davos about that herself when she had seen it. A crowned black stag
placed in the center of a red heart surrounded by yellow flames on a field of white. It was the new
banner for House Baratheon of Dragonstone, Ser Davos had told her, and she supposed that the
house had splintered into three different vassals now; House Baratheon of the Crownlands, House
Baratheon of the Stormlands and House Baratheon of Dragonstone.
It made Caryssa wonder how their father would have felt if he could have seen this. If it were her
brothers? Ned Stark would be heartbroken to see that his sons were at war with each other and his
house had been splintered. The lone wolf dies but the pack survives, he had always told her,
another nugget of wisdom he shared to all his children.
Suppose if we use the same one, the battle would be terribly confusing, Renly considered, a
playful smile on his lips that let everyone know that he was not taking this as seriously as he
should. Why is your stag on fire?
The King has taken for his sigil the fiery heart of the Lord of the Light. Melisandre informed
him, which did absolutely nothing to wipe the amusement from the younger Baratheons face.
The young she-wolf herself did not particularly understand Stannis sudden conversion of religion,
but she would not mock another of a different faith for their beliefs.
Ah, you must be this fire priestess we hear so much about. Oh, brother, now I understand why
you found religion in your old age. Renly mocked, and Caryssa glanced at the king at her side,
and saw him tense at the implication.
Watch yourself, Renly. Stannis warned, his voice sharp and in no way indicating that he was in
a playful mood.
This did not stop his brother from continuing his childish ribbing.
No, no, Im relieved. I never really believed you were a fanatic. Charmless, rigid, a bore, yes, but
not a godly man.
You should kneel before your brother, Melisandre stated, and, for once, Caryssa agreed. Renly
had the men, but not the correct temperament for king. Hes the Lords chosen. Born amidst salt
and smoke.
Even Caryssa had to hold back a wince at that. Renly was already not taking them seriously, so
why would she push the religion aspect?
Born amidst salt and smoke? Is he a ham? Renly teased, and this time Caryssa could not hold
her tongue.
King or not, he is your elder brother, you should show him some respect.
My daughter is right. Listen to yourselves! If you were sons of mine, I would knock your heads
together and lock you in a bedchamber until you remember you are brothers. Catelyn added, and

Caryssa was grateful for the support as technically she had spoken out of turn and, in her
experience, not many men enjoyed being berated by women.
We all share a common enemy and that fact alone should be enough to unite us, Caryssa urged,
hoping that reminding them of the Lannisters, who actually held the Iron Throne, would put an
end to the childish squabbling. Even her brothers, who were much younger than either of these
men, never fought as pathetically as this. They want us to fight amongst ourselves.
The Iron Throne is mine. By right. All those that deny that are my foes.
The smile fell from Renlys face.
The whole realm denies it, from Dorn to the Wall. Old men den it with their death rattle and
unborn children deny it in their mothers wombs, Renly seethed, surprising everyone with the
venom in his tone. Perhaps he cared more for his brother than he acted, and being labeled foe
hurt him more than he would admit. No one wants you for their king. You never wanted any
friends, brother, but a man without friends is a man without power.
It was that moment that made Caryssa felt like climbing down from her horse to fall to her knees
so she could smack her head bloody against the ground in her frustration. Renly may have many
friends, but they would not give him power. Why could he not see that the Tyrells would only use
him to get more power for themselves, and that he had become nothing more than a puppet in their
schemes. The whole realm knew how far the Tyrells reached and that they wanted to reach ever
higher. It was no secret; so why did Renly allow it?
Then she remembered, her eyes drifting behind the young would-be king to the lord in the flowery
armor.
For love. He did it for love.
For the sake of the mother who bore us, I will give you this one night to reconsider. Strike you
banners, come to me before dawn and I will grant you your old seat in the council. Lady Stark
here has also negotiated for you to keep Storms End and I will even name you my heir until a son
is born to me, Stannis delivered his terms just as he and Caryssa had discussed, though the
Northern girl was surprised that she had actually been listened to. He was a king, though one of
many nowadays, and he did not have to take the advice of a nineteen-year-old woman who had
no experience with wars. Otherwise, I will destroy you.
If it had been her, Caryssa would have taken the threat seriously. Stannis had fought battles and a
war when he was still young enough to be considered a boy. He knew how to command an army;
Renly did not. He was not a warrior or even a fighter; he didnt even participate in tourneys. He
was no leader and he had to know that.
And yet he appeared unfazed.
Look across those fields, brother, They all glanced over the thousands of men that were
amassed over the hill. The reports of Renlys hundred thousand strong army appeared to be true.
Can you see all those banners?
You think a few bolts of cloth will make you king? Stannis questioned his younger brother
incredulously.
Numbers won battles. That was what she knew. Stannis was a great war commander, she knew
that too, but even he could not best an army of one hundred thousand men on the field of battle
with the force that he had. It made Caryssa wonder what back-up plan the older king had in place

for when these negotiations failed, because they would. She had hoped that Renly would be more
reasonable, but she could see that she had been wrong.
No. The men holding those bolts of cloth will make me king.
We shall see, Renly, Stannis retorted, nudging his horse forward a little, obviously preparing to
leave. Come the dawn, we shall see.
The King began to ride away, most of his party, including Ser Davos, following closely behind.
Only Melisandre and Caryssa, with Dacey and her men, tarried for a moment longer.
Look to your sins, Lord Renly, for the night is dark and full of terrors. Melisandre warned, her
words saying more than she actually had. It was a threat, Caryssa could see, and she looked
towards her mother wondering if she had heard it too.
With her eyes, she begged her mother to be safe, but her words were for her once friend.
I did my best to foster peace between you and your brother, Your Grace. Caryssa spoke, but
only once Lady Melisandre had ridden away towards the King, who waited for her at the bottom
of the hill.
And I am grateful for your efforts, my lady. You always were kind to me during your time in the
capital. It is a shame that we meet again in such circumstances. Renly offered, his tone more
cheerful, like how it had been at the beginning of their meeting. He was being far more friendly
towards her, and she was happy for it. Her quarrel was not with any Baratheon, except the boy
pretending to be the son of King Robert.
For the sake of our friendship and your life, I would ask you to consider your brothers proposal.
I would not wish to see you get hurt.
I have an army of 100,000 men, my lady. That is not a fight Stannis can win.
Battles have been won with worse odds. Please, just think on it.
Only when Renly nodded his assent, did Caryssa nod towards Dacey, indicating that they were
leaving. With one last look at her mother, she pushed her horse into a light gallop in order to catch
up to Stannis.
Negotiations had broken down and failed, but she hoped that Renly would see sense and come to
his brother before dawn. She did not like to think about whatever it was that Melisandre would
cook up to diminish his advantage against her chosen one.
Silently, as she rode beside the king once more, she sent up a prayer to the Mother to watch other
Catelyn, knowing that they were both in danger as they stayed in the two different camps.
Gods, she hoped Renly would put an end to this madness.
Only tomorrow would tell if the Gods would answer her prayers.
~*~
It was just before dusk when Caryssa was summoned to Stannis tent, and she did not go alone.
Dacey, a couple guards and Rhaenyra accompanied her. The soldiers were antsy with anticipation
as she passed them.
She swept into the room, just as Ser Davos was leaving it, and only the King remained inside, so

she nodded to Dacey and indicated for the woman and the guards to stay outside the tent.
Rhaenyra would be protection enough should she need it, which she doubted she would.
You wished to see me.
Stannis turned to her, having been studying his battle plans, and nodded stiffly, gesturing for her to
take a seat.
You claim that your brother doesnt want to be King of the Seven Kingdoms.
I do. Caryssa replied simply.
You swear it.
By the Old Gods and the New. My brother has no interest in the Iron Throne. We simply want
Northern independence and to avenger our father.
They stared at each other for a long time, both trying to gauge what the other person was thinking,
where they both stood in the situation, both struggling to get a read on the other. They were
similar that way; when they wanted to be, they were an open book, but if they did not want
anyone to know what they were thinking or feeling, their faces were blanker than a fresh canvas.
Finally, Stannis broke the silence.
You remind me of your father. He was a good man and a good soldier, but most of all, he was
honorable and loyal. You could have ridden off with my brother, but you stayed at my side, even
though you probably liked him better.
No one every compared her to her father before he died. It was always her Aunt Lyanna. Now
that Ned Stark was dead, all she ever heard was how alike they were as father and daughter. It
hurt. It was like little knives stabbing into her chest over and over anytime someone mentioned his
name, but it was nice too. In a way, it reminded her that her father was not gone, because she
carried a piece of him within her and that would never die.
The capital is a cesspit of liars and murderers and traitors, but your brother was always kind to
me and I will always be grateful for that. But, Caryssa paused, searching for the right words. I
know who my father would have given his allegiance to and who I believe would be better for the
realm, and I dont think that man is Renly. Your brother is a good man, but I do not believe that he
will be the king the realm needs.
There was another pause as Stannis mulled over her words, the pair of them watching as
Rhaenyra took a slow trot around the tent until making her way back to her master, before he
nodded.
Im sending you back to your brother. Tell him that once my battle with Renly is done, he can
have all the lands above Moat Caitlin and call himself King in the North, Stannis stated, and
Caryssa felt hope swell inside her. She had been successful and negotiated an alliance with the
most stubborn Baratheon of them all, the uncompromising war commander. Provided he swear
me an oath of fealty.
And what kind of oath would this be?
The same oath that your father swore to my brother eighteen years ago.
Caryssa knew the words her father had sworn to Robert, she knew how heavy they had weighed
on him when deciding on whether to become his Hand of the King or not, and she wondered if

they would weigh just as heavily upon her brother.

She would help him shoulder that burden if she must.
And in return for my brothers loyalty? Caryssa questioned, it was important that she took all the
facts back to Robb.
Once I have destroyed my brother and taken control of his forces, Stark and Baratheon will battle
together once more to defeat our enemies.
Caryssa nodded, a smile spreading across her lips at the thought of that little lion pissing himself as
the combined might of the North and the Stormlands stormed the Red Keep to take his head and
his throne.
And Joffrey Baratheon will lose his head, you will have your throne and my family can finally
return home, Caryssa rose to her feet, clicking her fingers to summon her direwolf, who had
taken to sniffing around the tent. It had surprised her when Stannis had not said a thing about the
wolf who seemed to think she had every right to wander the kings tent as though she owned it,
but had had said nothing. I will leave before nightfall. My king will be pleased with the news. It
was an honor, Your Grace.
Safe travelsprincess.
Caryssa grinned and strode out towards Dacey and her men, who looked at her strangely. It took
her a moment to realize that it had been a long time since she had smiled and had it been genuine,
and when she did it began to feel foreign on her face.
Dacey stepped towards her as her smile fell.
What does the king say?
Once Renly is dead in the morning, we will have an alliance. Robb and Stannis will meet and
discuss the terms set, Caryssa informed them, as they walked towards the tents they had brought
with them. Caryssa looked towards one of the Mormont soldiers. Saddle the horses, I want to
leave before nightfall. The sooner we are back in our own camp, the better.
Yes, princess.
She wouldnt relax until she was back with her brother, with his armies and men she trusted.
She probably wouldnt even relax then.
She doubted she would ever be able to relax anywhere ever again.

End Notes

Please be kind. Fragile writer.

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