𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝...

Chapter Forty Five

"We could stay here forever... no one will interrupt us" He said as he wrapped his arms around me, both staring at the beautiful scene before us. "Wish it could true" I whispered. "We can make it our secret spot to get away from everything, anytime" he suggested and I smiled looking up at him. "That is a plan" I chuckled and he smiles, pulling even closer.

I was thinking of the moment we shared at the shore of the lake, leaning back onto some tree and covering ourselves by his coat, keeping each other's warm by hugging and snuggling, and talking or being silent while enjoying each other's company as I changed in my chamber for a dinner with Cregan and Benjen alone.

I wore a simple dark red satin wide V-neckline dress with dark grey embroidery on the chest along the dangerously long V neckline and on the cuffs of the sleeve. I went to the Great Hall of Winterfell and it was Lord Cregan and Lord Benjen sitting at the table, waiting for me.

"I apologize for being late, gentlemen" I smiled as they stood to greet me, "but I had to make sure I was looking nice" I added as I went to the empty chair and Cregan pulled it for me. "Well you look beautiful... as always." he said as we sat down. "I am truly happy for you both. You deserve one another" Benjen stated as he pointed at the two of us. "Thank you, dear frined" Cregan spoke and I nodded, "thank you... but enough about us, I want to know all about you, Ben. Can I call you Ben?" I smiled. "Of course, your Highness, call me whatever you want" He nodded as he poured me some wine. "Okay let's make a pact, the three of us. I call each of you by your names in private of course, and you call me by my name... I'm sick of princess, your Highness, and lady" I admitted. "Toast to the new friendship we are making" Benjen raised his glass and we all cheered.

The conversation was a lot of fun until it turned into Cregan and Benjen's childhood and youth, it was uncontrollably funny. I laughed until my stomach and jaw started to hurt and I couldn't continue eating or even drinking. "W-what happened then?" I asked, out of breath and shocked. "He did what every sane youthful lord would do, of course," Cregan said sarcastically and I furrowed my eyebrows, turning to Benjen. "I took one of the oldest and slowest horses and... ran" Ben coughed. "NOOO" I opened my mouth, shocked and chuckled. "But he did get what he deserved in the end" Cregan added. "Thanks to Cregan's prank, he threw at the horse some snake to freak it out, and just before I fell my leg caught in the ropes and the horse dragged me for miles and miles. My face scrapped everything from the Wolfswood to the Main Courtyard until Lord Rickon stopped the horse" he ended and shook his head, chuckling at his eventful youth. "Well boys I had so much fun tonight... you two got my mind off of what's happening in our world. Thank you so much but it's getting late and I do not need people to start talking about me here, I got that covered in Kings Landing" I joked as I stood up and the two of them stood with me. "We really enjoyed your company. Let's make it regular, you've quickly become a dear friend to me" Ben smiled as he bowed his head. "Well you are to me now... and I do anything for the people I care about, so if you need anything please come to me" I said as I patted his shoulders and nodded at Cregan. "Let me walk you to your chambers" Cregan asked as he patted Benjen's shoulders and sprinted to my direction.

"I am really happy that you and Benjen are becoming friends" Cregan spoke as we walked through the walls of Winterfell castle, toward my room. "He is a good man, honorable warrior, and your best friend... I am happy to be his friend" I smiled as I bumped my shoulder against his and giggled. "It means the world to me, you and him" He grins. "I would love for you to at least get to know my boys, my sworn guards" I suggested. "Ahh... It feels like they hate me already without knowing me" he stated smirking at me. "Nooo, they are just overprotective, really overprotective" I said chuckling. "Maybe James and Matthew, but Alexander? I don't think that he's just overprotective" he hinted as we stood in front of my chambers doors. "When he sees how I'm happy and content with you, he'll make an effort but I am asking you to try" I smiled softly as I looked up at him. "Will it make you happy?" he sighed. "Yes" I replied. "Then it'll be done" he grins as he leans in to me and I push myself to him until our lips meet.