Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 1 - I really thought my time had come

               Robert Baratheon arrives at Winterfell today! This gives me the perfect excuse to remind you who he is. Robert became king after leading the Rebellion against the Mad King. This rebellion was sparked when Prince Rhaegar Targaryen kidnapped and then killed Lyanna Stark, my aunt and the love of Robert's life. My father, Ned Stark, fought alongside him in every battle, placing his complete trust in him.

               This great friendship is the reason why the king has undertaken a month-long journey all the way to the North. After all, who else but his best friend could be a better Hand? It would be a fantastic opportunity for our family, allowing me to travel to the capital. 

               For this momentous occasion, my mother has insisted that I wear a dress in the colours of the Stark and Baratheon houses. I may complain to her about it, but I don't mind it. You must admit, it's not very practical for fighting. Don't twist my words: I haven't planned on fighting today. It's just my philosophy in life to always be ready, whatever the situation.

               I can't take my eyes off the mirror. This isn't a Northern dress, warm and heavy; it's a dress from the capital, airy and light. I might as well kneel before the king and beg him to take me back with him to King's Landing.

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               Once ready, I join my family in the castle courtyard. I stand beside my father, a move Robb seems to take issue with, judging by his pointed glance. I do my best to ignore him. The royal delegation will surely be surprised by this, as Robb is the eldest son. I couldn't care less. I am the heir, whether there's a penis between my legs or not.

               My wandering thoughts are very quickly interrupted by the arrival of a dozen horses, two of which are pulling a carriage. I discreetly turn my head towards my brothers and sisters to observe their reactions. Sansa and Arya are bickering because the little one keeps repeating that she wants to see 'the dwarf'. Sansa, for her part, has her eyes fixed on Prince Joffrey. Personally, he's not what I'd call a 'man', but each to their own, as they say.

               I'm more interested in the knight in white armour who's just taken off his helmet. I'd recognise Jaime Lannister anywhere. Despite all the praise I'd heard about him, I could never have imagined him to be so handsome.

               The king dismounts, with some difficulty. I can't help but wonder where the hero he was a decade ago has gone. Perhaps he's eaten him. Facing him, we bow in a royal curtsy. I feel like an idiot with my knee on the ground. I'm not the sort to lower my eyes before anyone.

               After a small nod from Robert, we raise our heads. He and my father embrace, happy to be reunited after so many years. I wonder what Ned must be thinking... He left behind a strong, brave and dignified Robert. And now he finds... What's left of him.

               I really ought to stop mocking him. He is my king, after all. Besides, he's being very warm towards little Rickon and my mother. He even calls her 'Cat'. He then turns to me. I lower my head, trying to appear more graceful than I am.

"You must be Diana..."

"I am, Your Majesty."

               He glances at my father before confiding in him: "She looks just like her". I detect a certain sadness in his voice. No one had ever told me I looked like my aunt before. My father is careful not to mention her to us, still too hurt by her passing. But, coming from the king, it is indeed a compliment... Perhaps the finest of all.

               The queen, a beautiful, tall woman with hair the colour of lilies, stands before me, far less welcoming than her husband. The disdain etched on her face, unfortunately, overshadows her beauty. I imagine she must have heard her husband's comment about me, for, even though she doesn't look very friendly, she doesn't even give me a smile.