Duty

II

Age 6

"The Great Houses of Westeros, their sigils, and their words, please, Y/N."

You can't concentrate when Septa uses that tone. It's so intimidating. The answers to these questions usually come to you as easily as breathing air, but Septa makes it feel like you can't breathe.

"House Stark, a direwolf, 'Winter is Coming'."

"Yes."

"House Lannister, a lion, 'Hear Me Roar'."

"Correct."

You lick your dry lips as your mind suddenly goes blank. Septa begins to tap her foot impatiently, but it only serves to make you even more nervous.

"House Mordon-"

"No!" Septa slams the book, 'The History of Westeros', down on the table. The sound nearly makes you leap out of your chair.

"Read it again."

Age 11

Your mother has a handmaiden whose daughter is the same age as you. She likes it when you braid her hair and talk about the places your father has taken you and your mother.

Septa leans down behind you as you work and your heart begins to race. She clicks her tongue and grabs your hand, tapping your fingers with a cane.

"Once you stop chewing these," she raises your fingernails up to your eyes, "Then your braids will come out neater."

Age 15

"No, no, no."

Over the years, you learned that 'no' is Septa's favourite word. She says it all the time. You're even convinced that she mutters it in her sleep.

"You're missing the last few notes, my Lady," she says before singing a short tune, hitting what you assume are the correct notes.

You take in a deep breath and begin to sing again, your throat starting to get sore from all the practicing. To your surprise, Septa begins to smile, and when you're finished, she even claps for you.

"You sang that beautifully," she says as she cups your face in her hands proudly, "You're turning into an absolutely beautiful young woman, my Lady."

You beam in response, "I'll make the perfect wife then?"

"Singing helps to keep your husband's interest, it's true, but that's not all there is to being a good wife," you're interrupted by your mother's voice as she enters the room. She and your father have been gone on a trip for the last two weeks.

Septa curtseys as you rush to welcome your mother home with greetings and a hug.

"Now, my sweet, being a dutiful wife is more than just sewing and pretty dresses," she says, "A good man will appreciate your strength and intelligence. You must have grace and poise."

You nod along as she speaks. It's a lot to remember, but you're hanging on to every word.

"And most importantly, you must always demand respect from everyone. Including your husband."

***

Your mother works at your hair as you sit in front of the vanity, deep in thought. It is a strange feeling being engaged once again. Things are different this go around — you are certain this time that Robb is the one you will end up marrying. And despite barely knowing him, the thought scares you.