The Death of Winter's Princess

Chapter VIII

I must be careful. A quiet voice echoed as candles cast flickering shadows. When I am with them, I am close to you. Outside of the dining hall, the sound of people mingling was muffled, but it sounded like a crashing waterfall, adding to the rush of thoughts pounding in young Stark's head.

Ashara's eyes were closed as she breathed in, letting her lungs fill with the familiar cool air that flowed through the halls of Winterfell. A thin chain of silver ran across the throat, strategically placed around her flesh so the polished frosted glass beads glittered like raindrops. A hand slipped into her still one and she turned to find Lysandra standing next to her in a pretty red dress.

Her eyes were like dark pools reflecting the sky and they made Ashara smile. She knelt down and looked at her younger sister, touching her shoulder.

"Why aren't you inside?" Ashara asked and Lysandra bit her bottom lip. "I wanted to walk in with you," she piped up, making her older sister smile.

Ashara stood, her dress rustling. "Then will you do me the honor of escorting me, Queen Lysandra Stark of the Eyrie?" She asked, curtsying with a teasing glint in her eyes. Her sister giggled and Ashara straightened as Lysandra did the same, replying graciously, "It would be my honor, Lady Stark."

The two sisters turned to the doors and Ashara nodded to the two men who stood in front of them. "Lady Ashara Stark and her sister, Lady Lysandra Stark," one of them called out as the doors were pushed open.

Lysandra gripped Ashara's hand as they walked inside, moving to the dais where their family sat with the royal family. Rickard was laughing with one of his friends, a Manderly boy whose sister was rumored to be betrothed to Brandon. Lysandra looked around before catching sight of Benjen and rushing off, the flowers in her hair bouncing along with her brown curls.

"There you are, Sister," a voice called out, Robb pushed through the crowd with a merry smile. Ashara met his own happy expression with her own as they looped arms. "Don't you look ravishing," he teased, making her roll her eyes.

"Please, Brother you flatter me," she said as he leaned closer and whispered, "I mean it."

Ashara turned to face him, nipping her bottom lip nervously. "Are you sure? The dress doesn't exactly cover my shoulders," she said and Robb sighed. "You and Alyssa made it. Have a little pride in your creation," he comforted before pausing, "Aren't you cold?"

She shook her head, the movement causing her braid to brush against her bare shoulder. "There are quite a lot of layers," she lied, "So it will be impossible for a breeze to chill me." Robb chuckled before reaching up and adjusting her necklace.

"Is this Grandmother's?" He asked curiously and she nodded, feeling the stare of someone. Robb pulled away and stepped to the side of Ashara, blocking her from Aegon's view.

"Have you figured out which queen you will serve when you go down south with Alyssa?" He inquired as he walked her around the room. Ashara glanced around, nodding to a few lords and ladies before turning her attention back to Robb.

"I do not intend to serve any Targaryen queen," she replied truthfully and sighed when she saw the look on her brother's face, "I am merely stating my mind. But I will be serving Queen Rhaenys when we leave Winterfell."

"You will be gone in a few days," Robb pointed out before sighing, "Mother wanted you to find your match before you left. I doubt our father and brothers will allow you to swear yourself to someone without following our traditions."

Ashara rolled her eyes and said, "Please, Brother. There are plenty of godswoods from here to the Neck." She glanced around, not truly bothered by her brother's concern. Her eyes flicked back to the dais and Aegon met her gaze and Ashara held it as she executed a low curtsy before turning back to Robb.