The Targaryen Princess

XVIII

Natari's POV:

My life has turned into a whirlwind of decisions since the moment Robert announced our union. The whole feasting hall burst into a chorus of congratulations, and I was swarmed by the ever-loving Sansa and Bran which gave way to incessant questions; they wanted me to know how excited they were to have me for a sister. However, the next day, Jon and Arya gave their astutely practical opinions. Arya wondered why, with all my power and newfound liberty, I would trap myself with Robb as she put it. I made a great effort to explain to her that I loved her brother and made the choice to marry him, but found that the best way to stop her nagging was to say that it was part of the treaty. Jon was far less political in his motives, but simply thought that I was far to good for Robb. In contrast, Catelyn believed me to be too wild and independent for her precious firstborn son, too Targaryen. Although she never said it, I could tell; I could always tell. Thankfully, she still preformed her duty as future mother-in-law, and we had many a meeting about the specifics of the wedding.

"Moving on," Catelyn says. "Would you like white or black flowers?" I consider this for a moment when I realize she is asking a much bigger question. The Lady Stark wishes to know whether I will let everyone know if I am more Stark or more Targaryen. I am half-tempted to say black in efforts to get under her skin, but stop myself. I must remember to be diplomatic seeing as this is a very political and public marriage.

"How about white and black?" I propose. "It would show neither obstinacy nor conformity, but rather a symbol of unity."

"That would be perfect," Robb announces as he strides into the room and makes his way to where we are sitting. "Remember, Mother, it is a wedding after all." He leans down and kisses her on the cheek.

"Weren't you supposed to be dealing with some bandits?" She asks as he stands straight.

"Unfortunately, they escaped," reveals Robb with a shake of his head, "but I decided to soften the defeat by paying a visit to my beautiful fiancee under the pretense of delivering a letter." He flashes me a handsome smirk and passes me a roll of paper. I shake my head with my own smile on my face while I break the seal and grab his muscular hand as he stands beside me. It is from Idrillo who asks my counsel on the matter of food for my Dothraki hoard. He says that Khal Drogo has been very generous with his own supply, but there is not enough for two hoards. He says that Drogo would rather let his stores run dry then let my people go hungry. While it is indicative of the Khal's loyalty to me and my sister, my people must find other means of sustenance. I let the letter fall in my lap while I sigh and rub my forehead.

"What is it, Love?" Robb questions with concern. I briefly glance at Catelyn before I reply; while I have no problem sharing my worries with Robb, I am rather hesitant about letting Lady Stark know the welfare of my people.

"Nothing that can't be solved," I assure with a squeeze of my hand. He looks me in the eye, searching for my real meaning and raises the back of my hand to his lips. His kiss is gentle and sweet, but his eyes tell me he will ask later. Robb and I are startled from our moment by the sound of Catelyn clearing her throat.

"Just one more matter to discuss and I will be more than happy to leave you two be," Catelyn says. Robb sighs and scoops me from the large cushion chair. He places himself in my previous spot with me now resting on his lap. I settle against his chest and lay my head under his chin. Catelyn can't help but smile at our moment of domestic intimacy. Although she may wish better for her son, she has to admit we are happy which is all she ever wanted. Robb gestures for her to continue.

"Well, we must decide who will attend. I have already made a list for Robb and kept it relatively small per your request, but your side remains empty. Now, you know the King and his court are invited, of course, so that takes care of that, but are there any other names?" she asks me. I open my mouth to answer, but Catelyn continues. "It must be within the realm of reason, Nat. No enemies of Robert." I sigh as I acknowledge the truth in her words: no Dany.

"I do have one name: Theodore Lancaster," I inform after a moment's thought. She nods and scribbles down the name.

"And who might that be?" Catelyn inquires.

"Yes, Nat, who might that be?" repeats Robb as he gazes into my eyes.

"Oh, is that jealously I hear Robb?" I ask with a chuckle.

"Should it be?" Robb retorts.

I ignore him and turn back to Lady Stark," A ship's captain, a friend; one of the only ones I have."

"How'd you meet?" she asks.

"He took me to Essos," I reply flatly.

"So you were alone with him?" asks Robb illogically.

"No, Robb, there was a crew," I reveal with a knowing smile.

"You were alone with him for weeks," continues my fiancee, disregarding my previous comment.

Deciding to be mischievous, I nod with a smirk," Yes, and he is quite dashing." Robb turns to his mother who is sporting nothing but an entertained grin.

"I don't like him, Mother," he asserts with an impish glint in his eye. "He doesn't get to come."

"Robb," I address and catch his attention once more, " whose lap am I in right now?" He smiles at me devilishly.

"Oh, right," he concedes and places a playful kiss on my lips. I shake my head and think, "There's my playful Robb." He turns back to his mother. "Anything else?" She shakes her head and gathers her papers.

"Remember, Nat, you have a dress fitting at four. Don't be late," she advises and makes her way out of the room.

"Finally," Robb exhales into my hair and snakes his arms around me.

"Robb, I can't lay here all day," I remind him.

"Why?" says Robb in a near whiny tone which makes me chuckle.

"I have letters to answer," I answer, pointing to the discarded message on the floor.

"No," Robb denies as he tightens his grip.

"No?" I repeat back to him with a grin.

"Yep. You're staying here," he asserts. I pleasantly sigh in defeat and curl further into my fiancee.

"Whatever you say, Robb," I decide and he tightens his arms around me more if that was possible. I place soft kisses along his sharp jaw from his ear to his chin. He lets out a sigh of contentment and I nuzzle back into his neck as he places a gentle kiss on top of my head. "Just one more week, Robb. After all this time, it's just one week."

"I know, My Love, I know," he assures quietly and rests his head on mine.

Well, what did you expect? Yes, it's been another five months; I know. Get over it. I also know this is a filler, but I feel like this gives insight into their relations pre-shit hitting the fan. Thanks for reading. Luvv u lotsss <3