•When The Wolf Howls•

•Chapter 6•

Word count
••
4051
-when the wolf howls-

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KING'S LANDING

The sun was beginning to set as the Stark family's carriage rolled through the gates of King's Landing. The towering walls of the city loomed overhead, that casted long shadows across the cobbled streets. The air was heavy with the scent of the sea and the stifling heat of late summer. It was so different from the crisp, cold winds of the North. Rayna Stark pushed aside the heavy velvet curtain of the carriage window, her bright eyes taking in the bustling crowds, the cries of merchants hawking their wares, and the throng of curious onlookers gathered to catch a glimpse of the newcomers and the return of the Royal Family.
Lord Eddard Stark rode at the head of the procession alongside King Robert Baratheon, his old friend who had recently named him Hand of the King. Rayna knew her father had been reluctant to accept the king's offer as hand of the King, and the betrothal between his eldest daughter and the Kingslayer. Leaving behind their home in Winterfell and the cold, familiar comfort of the North. But duty and honor were the most important parts of House Stark, and Rayna just like her father would do her duty, so the Stark family had journeyed south to the capital where a different kind of danger lurked behind every corner and every courtly smile.
Beside Rayna sat her younger sisters, Sansa and Arya. Sansa, ever the lady, sat primly with her hands folded in her lap, her auburn hair perfectly styled. While as Arya fidgeted with impatience, her gray eyes darted around with barely concealed excitement.

"Look at all the people," Arya breathed, pressing her nose to the glass. "I can't believe we're finally here!"

Sansa gave a delicate sigh, barely glancing out the window. "I hope the Red Keep is more refined than this. I've heard the court is the most elegant place in all the Seven Kingdoms, and perhaps I will be able to spend more time with Prince Joffrey"

Rayna exchanged a knowing look with Arya, who in exchange rolled her eyes. The sisters could not have been more different, but Rayna loved them both fiercely. As the eldest daughter of Eddard Stark she had always felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders, especially now that they were far from the safety of the North. And there was another reason why this journey felt like a turning point for her — her impending betrothal to Jaime Lannister, the golden-haired knight who was both famed and feared in equal measure.

Rayna had only met Jaime briefly during King Robert's visit to Winterfell, but his reputation had preceded him. The Kingslayer, they called him, the man who had killed the Mad King Aerys and ended the Targaryen reign. His handsome face and easy charm could not mask the danger in his eyes, and the idea of being bound to him for the rest of her life filled Rayna with unease. She wondered if her father had argued against the King over his decision, but the decision had already been made, and Rayna was determined to face her fate with the strength and dignity of a true Stark lady.

The procession wound its way through the crowded streets, past rows of colorful market stalls and the slums of Flea Bottom until at last they reached the gates of the Red Keep. The towering fortress of red stone stood majestically on the horizon. It was a symbol of the power and wealth of the Iron Throne. Rayna took a deep breath as they passed through the gates and into the vast courtyard where they were greeted by an array of nobles, guards, and servants.

As the Stark family dismounted the crowd parted to reveal Queen Cersei Lannister her golden hair gleaming in the evening light flanked by her brother, Jaime. Rayna felt a harsh jolt in her chest as she locked eyes with Jaime who offered her a charming but calculated smile.

"Welcome to King's Landing, Lady Rayna," he said bowing slightly. "I trust your journey was pleasant."

Rayna dipped her head in a polite nod, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach. "Thank you, Ser Jaime. The journey was long, but we are grateful for the warm welcome."