MEMORIES OF YOU (Game of Thrones)

-3-

"My prin— Cassana, may you give me the honor to escort you to this feast?", a nervous Robb Stark had asked Cassana Baratheon who held a small blush on her cheeks.

"Of course, Robb. I am flattered by your offer. Let's not keep your lord father and mother waiting. Oh, Robb and one more thing, I know we haven't yet formalized anything, but if you want, I would be glad if you wore this as a sign of our courtship", Cassana says, handing Robb the necklace Lyanna had left on her will for her— a silver dire wolf sigil spewing fire. It was meant to represent her upbringing, but she was never allowed to wear it at the capitol.

"Cassana, this has meaning to you, I can't take it away—", Robbs starts.

"It is meant to be yours as a rightful Stark. Lyanna left me this and all her jewels. I cannot wear this at the capitol since it reminds my brother of the truth all those years ago. I want you to carry it for me, please", she retorted, still holding the necklace.

He slowly took the sigil into his hands, watching the intricate detail crafted into the dire wolf. He smiled and raised her soft hand to his mouth, kissing it tenderly. Her body fluttered with the warmth that spread from the affection. He took the necklace and clasped it around his neck, bringing it forth so that it was very visible.

"I'll guard this with my life. I wish to court you freely, for love. Allow me to give you mine then. I promise to honor you and love you. It will be easy to love you, and even easier to call you a friend and ally", he said, his eyes clashing with those steel orbs belonging to the woman.

She turned to feel him placing a necklace on her neck, she watched the sigil only given to those of House Stark. The original silver direwolf, one that was passed from lord to lord. She almost felt undeserving of the chain that was placed upon her neck. She held it close to her chest, feeling included in a family.

It was all in truth falling into place. She was glad that from all the proposals, she had accepted that which belonged to Robb Stark. He was the calm and gentle spirit to ease the fire within her. It was almost poetic how Rhaegar had told her to stay with the young wolf, and as she saw it more, she would imagine him by her side more. Even the image of that sent a comforting feeling that quenched the dull ache.

Once they arrived to the banquet hall, she could see Ned Stark eyebrows rise in surprise as he saw what adorned his eldest son's neck. He had known it was Lyanna's, and he knew it was a token of courtship, as the one placed on her neck. His smile also grew. He knew he had made the right choice by accepting Robert's proposal.

Both the wolf and the stag glowed under the candles as they found themselves smiling at each other. Her body felt warm, even if it was growing colder.

Cassana had braided her hair over her head in her usual style, but atop it, a delicate tiara of glinting black stone rested, slender spikes jutting upwardin a dark corona. And the dress...silver thread embroidered the skintight velvet bodice, with white furs topping her naked shoulders. Cassana's chin remained high, accentuating her long, lovely neck. Her red painted lips cocked in a feline smirk as her kohl-lined eyed took in the room watching her every breath.

Cassana seemed to glow with the attention. Owned it. Commanded it.

Lord Stark said to no one in particular, "Music." The orchestra of musicians began to slowly tune into the night.

Robb offered an arm, and Cassana took it, her face neutral, her chin high, each step gliding. They halted at the edge of the dance floor, pulling apart to face each other. Other watched from the sidelines as the dance finished and the introductory strains of the next began, a harp strumming high and sweet. His if those harp strings wrapped around Cassana's arm. She raised it, and placed her hand In his precisely as the last, swift place of the harp sounded.