Light the Way

CHAPTER 8. frozen fire

ALINA

The news of King Robert Baratheon's visit to Winterfell sent waves of anticipation through the ancient halls of the Stark stronghold. The courtyard bustled with activity as servants prepared for the arrival of the royal entourage. Alina, her gaze fixed on the bustling scene below from her chamber window, felt the excitement of the impending arrival.

The Great Hall was adorned with banners of both Stark and Baratheon, the air filled with a lively buzz of anticipation. The long tables were adorned with silverware and fine linens, illuminated by the flickering glow of candles. As the guests took their seats, Alina entered the hall, her demeanour poised, yet the tumult of emotions beneath the surface betrayed her.

The procession began with Lord Eddard and Queen Cersei, a match of solemnity and grace, followed by Lady Stark accompanying King Robert. Rickon, the youngest Stark, entered alone, his innocent eyes wide with wonder.

Then came the moment that sent a subtle ripple through Alina's composure. Robb was chosen to escort Princess Myrcella to the high table. The glimmer of a shared secret between them made Alina envious, an emotion she refused to let surface.

Arya followed, paired with Tommen, their youth evident in their animated chatter. Sansa, as elegant and poised as always, entered with Crown Prince Joffrey. Alina observed from her position, her thoughts a mess of conflicting emotions.

Finally, it was her turn to make her entrance, and she found herself accompanied by Theon Greyjoy. Theon, with a grin that held a hint of mischief, offered his arms. Alina, her gaze fixed ahead, accepted the gesture with the grace expected of a lady. Alina had never liked Theon's company, he was too cocky and promiscuous for her liking.

As they walked down the many rows of tables, Alina could not help but feel the weight of Theon's presence at her side. She stole a glance at the high table, where Robb and Princess Myrcella shared a lighthearted exchange. The contrast with her own escort intensified the feeling of isolation.

When they reached the high table, Theon held out a chair for Alina at the far end. A surge of frustration and disappointment welled within her. It was not lost on Alina that her seat at the end of the table felt like a symbolic placement, distant from the proximity she desired next to her betrothed.

As the feast unfolded, Alina struggled to mask her emotions. Theon, oblivious to her feelings, engaged in light banter with those around her. Alina's gaze frequently wandered to Robb and Princess Myrcella, the laughter between them echoing.

In the midst of revelry, Alina's mind wrestled with conflicting thoughts. She felt disregarded, her position as Robb's future wife seemingly dismissed in favour of political alliances. Alina's thoughts lingered on a table towards the back of the hall.

She could not help but cast fleeting glances towards Jon Snow and the younger squires gathered there. Their laughter, unburdened by the weight of noble expectations, tugged at a yearning within her. Alina longed for the simplicity of their shared moments. She knew Jon probably felt offended for being placed at a different table from his siblings. But where Alina was from, it was not common for bastards to live amongst noble-borns. Her grandfather, Lord Leyton, had several bastards. The youngest one, Faye Flowers, was only five years older than Alina. Her mother was a servant at Hightower, and when Lord Leyton's wife had found out about it, she forced both the servant and little Faye to move out of the tower and find jobs elsewhere.

As Theon continued to regale her with tales of the Iron Islands and their culture, Alina's mind drifted towards the back of the hall, where Jon's eyes met hers in a fleeting glance. In that shared moment, Alina understood how he felt. Allowed to live and train amongst his brothers, but never truly treated like a Stark.