𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝...

Chapter Forty Four

"Princess Visenya, welcome back to Winterfell" A familiar voice spoke, I glanced in front of me and at the head of the table were Benjen Mormont, the trusted advisor of Cregan. "Good to be back, Lord Mormont. But, may I ask... where is Lord Stark?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow, and just before Benjen answers... I got my answer.

All the lords of the North rose as one and I felt someone walk behind me, when I turned I saw him. Cregan stood just right behind me and we stood close to one another, too close for our own good. He seemed much older than I saw him last, his features had changed. Maybe no one noticed yet, but I did. His pierced lips are holding back words he shouldn't say, he had grown out his hair and let it touch his shoulders but at the same time braided the crown of his head to get the hair out of his way, his demeanour changed into an inpatient one, but his eyes...oh grey eyes that reminds you of a winter storm, it didn't change at all.

Yes, he is a changed man after all those years but...He was handsome from the depth of his eyes to the gentle expressions of his voice. He was handsome from his generous opinions to the touch of his hand upon my own. I loved the way his voice quickened when he sparkled with a new idea, or was so enjoying one of mine that he lost himself for a moment and quite forgot the mask he wore for others. So he still has my heart and kept his safe, that's the way it was for some reason for us.

"Princess" he finally spoke with his formal and stern tone. "Lord Stark... I've come baring messages from the Queen" I said as I saw him knit his eyebrows. "What is the message?" he asked, raising his head and looking down at me. "She wishes for me to treat with you privately, with all due respect for you all, my lords... but until we have a beneficial treat on both sides we should discuss matters privately." I turned to the Lords of the North and they all nodded their head in understanding. Cregan sighed looking at the ground and turned to his lords and one of them rose, "we trust your judgement, Lord Stark. And we are behind you" he said and Cregan nodded. "Come with me, Princess" he stated as he showed me the way.

We entered to a chamber and I assumed it was his, because it has a bed and a warm lit fireplace. "Why are we in your bed chamber?" I questioned as I entered the room and he closed the door behind us. He did not answer, instead he walked toward the two chairs and table in front of the balcony looking over of the outside of the castle and sitting in one of the chairs. I sat in front of him and he looked away and stared outside.

"I'm sorry Cregan... I do not what else to say. I should've spoke to you first about it after our conversation but I didn't have time. But I'm sure my letter explained everything" I sighed looking at him and he looked confused. "I did not receive any letter from you... for two years" he spoke as he cracked his finger, finally looking at me. "What? No I sent a letter to you just before I left for Pentos... and I told Rhaenyra at the time to explain to you in a letter also! I am sure of it" I explained. "And I am sure that I did not re-... ahh" he shook his biting his bottom lips. "What?" I asked as I leaned forward trying to get his attention. "At the time of you leaving, my uncle escaped... so I'm sure he had something to do with the disappearing of your letter" his gaze fell onto mine. After I sighed I nodded, "doesn't matter... I am still sorry for how I left things with you".

He inhaled deeply and leaned forward as well and went to hold both my hands in his. "I'm not asking for an apology, Princess. I understand... Jacaerys visited me months later and told me how it went down. You've been through so much already and I am sorry for that and your brother, the King... he was a good man and a good King" he smiled softly and I nodded with a weak smile, looking at the ground. After a long moment of silence I chuckled while staring outside and he looked at me confused, still holding my hands. "What is it?" he asked with a small grin. I turned to him and smiled wide, "Cregan I do not know if your feelings for me are still the same as two years ago but mine never changed, and unexpectedly actually... it grew stronger. Cregan I want to be honest and straightforward with you... Memories of meeting you have become the same as a dream I play time and time again. I felt good with you in a way I haven't before or since. I wanted to take you by the hand and lead you away. I wanted to walk with you, talk with you, and laugh with you. You and I were kindred spirits met by accident and I...I never want to get enough of you, Cregan... I hope I didn't make a fool of myself and that it makes sense" I laughed at myself looking away from embarrassment. But Cregan did what I didn't expect, he held my chin and moved it so I could face him. His small touches melted me away and I did not understand why.