MEMORIES OF YOU (Game of Thrones)

-12-

Cassana woke up, feeling the cold bed beside her. Robb had already woken up to attend to his duties. She smiled warmly as his coat laid on the chest near her bed. It was something that comforted her greatly, his coat and his scent. The furs had been impregnated with his smell, sending memories through her mind. She remembered when he had once offered his coat, and all she could do was absorb the scent of winter roses, pine trees, and leather.

She dressed in her armor, but only placing her breast plate as her chest plate did not fit anymore for more than obvious reasons. She had her sword by her side, one that Rhogar had gifted her. It was a Valyrian steel sword, rumored to be almost too similar to the legendary Dark Sister. Instead of having a dragon in its hilt, it brandished a single direwolf, with antlers that could be mistaken as lighting— a homage to her new title. People would call her the Winter Rose of the North, but her people, the Baratheons, called her the Storm Queen, with the raging eyes of the storm and promising lighting and thunder to her enemies. She sheathed the sword and placed it in her belt.

Her ladies had been there, helpful as ever, informing her of everything that had ripened. Edmure Tully had captured the Mill near Harrenhal and eventually led the Mountain away instead of killing Tywin's mad dog. In return, they had captured Lord Kevan's sons, both young squires that had done nothing at all. The airs on vengeance were loudly pushing Robb into desperation, but she wanted to be there and help him, so she reclaimed her place beside him. When she made her presence known at the war council, the lords have all quickly stood up, bowing their head to their true queen. Rhogar was already there, smiling from the seat placed at her husbands left.

"My queen, you are a sight for sore eyes. You have done us all a great favor and brought the Baratheon forces along with the Velaryon, house we thought perished back in the dance of dragons", Lord Bolton said, his eyes wary, his plan was fumbling.

He could not kill her. Not as he could kill the King. She had the support of men that almost doubled the Northern army, not to count the deadly troops that the Velaryon lad had brought.

"All effort to win this is what I am most dutiful toward. My condolences for those who considered Lord Eddard Stark a friend and loyal cohort. Might I ask, what will happen to the Lannister children, the son's of Lord Kevan?", she asked, seeing the small reaction in Lord Karstark's face.

"Vengeance my lady, that is what is going to happen. Winter will come for them too", he replied darkly.

"Aye, I believe winter is coming Lord Karstark, but for those who are peccant and merit it. Those children are no older than ten. Would you like to be called the kidslayer, my lord? There is no praise in that. Retribution comes when you fed the same poison that was fed to you, not by slaughtering children who have done no evil", she said softly.

It was an understatement to say that Lord Karstark looked ashamed. Not offended, remorseful for the truth in her words, and the truth in his actions.

"We are kin, my lord. We will always mourn for the loss of your sons too, but this type of retribution is not the way. Don't let vindication consume you. Your loyalty to me has been something I can hardly repay back to you, but as it rages, it will consume everything— even yourself", she finished, not wanting to look like a mother about to chastise her children.

"Aye, your grace, you speak harshly but true. Your words do not wound me, but make me see that you still hold me of honor, and I wish for you to continue to do so. I swear I won't do anything to tarnish that in your eyes, you are our Winter Rose and Storm Queen", he says, bowing his head as a sign of respect.

Her eyes connected with Robb's as his hand gently grazed hers. He was beyond thankful his wife was here now. All his lords respected her and would die for her, just as he would, but even more, she would make anyone listen to her. She was fierce, smart and cunning, his winter rose.