The Mad Queen's Reign

3-The Kings's Arrival

The morning sun cast a warm glow over Winterfell as Rayna Stark stood in front of her mirror, her maid, Ella, carefully fastening the delicate buttons of her gown. The dress was a rich shade of blue, complementing her striking dark hair and the Stark grey eyes she had inherited from her father. It was a gown befitting a lady of Winterfell, elegant yet simple, embodying the strength and grace of House Stark."You look beautiful, my lady," Ella said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "The king will be most impressed."Rayna smiled, a touch of nerves fluttering in her stomach. "Thank you, Ella. It's not every day we receive a visit from the king."As Ella placed a final pin in her hair, the door burst open, and Arya stormed in, her face flushed with frustration. "I hate dresses! Why do I have to wear this ridiculous thing?"Rayna turned to her younger sister, hiding a smile. Arya was wearing a pretty green gown, her hair neatly braided, but she looked as uncomfortable as a cat in water. "Arya, you look lovely," Rayna said gently. "The king and his court will expect us to look our best.""I don't care what they expect!" Arya snapped, pulling at the fabric of her dress. "I'm not a lady, Rayna. I'm a warrior."Rayna walked over to her sister and knelt down to meet her eye to eye. "I know you're a warrior, Arya. And warriors must sometimes disguise themselves to outsmart their enemies. Think of this dress as your disguise."Arya frowned, considering her sister's words. "A disguise?""Yes," Rayna nodded. "Today, you're playing a role. But that doesn't change who you are inside."Arya's expression softened slightly. "Alright, I'll wear it. But only because you asked me to."Rayna hugged her sister. "Thank you, Arya. Now, let's go meet the king."---

The courtyard of Winterfell buzzed with anticipation as the royal entourage arrived. Trumpets blared, and the Stark family assembled to greet their guests. Rayna stood with her family, her heart pounding as the king's retinue came into view. King Robert Baratheon, a giant of a man with a booming laugh, dismounted from his horse with a jovial grin."Ned!" Robert bellowed, striding forward to embrace Eddard Stark. "It's been far too long, old friend."Eddard smiled, returning the embrace. "Indeed it has, Your Grace."Robert's eyes roamed the gathering, falling on Rayna. He stared at her for a moment, a look of astonishment on his face. "Lyanna?"Robb stepped forward, placing a protective arm around Rayna's shoulders. "This is Rayna Your Grace, my twin sister."Robert's expression softened, a touch of sorrow in his eyes. "Of course. Forgive me, child. You bear a striking resemblance to your aunt."Rayna curtsied, feeling the weight of the king's gaze. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Grace."As Robert turned his attention to the rest of the family, Rayna noticed Queen Cersei Lannister watching her with a calculating, envious look. The queen's beauty was undeniable, but there was a coldness in her eyes that made Rayna uneasy.Next to Cersei stood her brothers, Jaime and Tyrion Lannister. Jaime, the Kingslayer, was as handsome as he was infamous, his golden hair shining in the sunlight. His gaze lingered on Rayna , a strange intensity in his eyes that made Rayna's skin prickle.Tyrion, the dwarf, offered a polite nod, his sharp eyes taking in everything. "Lady Rayna," he said with a sly smile, "you grace us with your beauty."Rayna nodded in return, her mind whirling with the new faces and the unspoken tensions. "Thank you, Lord Tyrion."As the introductions continued, Jon  approached her, a hesitant smile on his face. "Rayna, you look... stunning."Rayna felt a warmth spread through her at his words. "Thank you, Jon. And I'm sorry about earlier. I was just surprised."Jon nodded, relief evident in his eyes. "I understand. I shouldn't have—""Let's not dwell on it," Rayna interrupted, pulling him into a hug. "You're my brother, and I love you."As they embraced, Rayna glanced over Jon's shoulder and saw Jaime Lannister watching them with a strange, almost suspicious look. She couldn't shake the feeling that something about Jaime's gaze was off, but she pushed the thought aside for now.---

After the formalities, Rayna found herself alone for a moment, taking a breath from the whirlwind of introductions. Her mother, Catelyn Stark, approached her, a look of concern on her face."Are you alright, Rayna?" Catelyn asked, brushing a stray lock of hair from Rayna's face.Rayna nodded, leaning into her mother's comforting touch. "It's just... a lot to take in, Mother. The king, his court, and all the expectations."Catelyn smiled softly. "I know, my dear. But you are strong, just like your father. Remember, we Starks face challenges head-on."Rayna drew strength from her mother's words. "Thank you, Mother. I just want to make you and Father proud.""You already do, Rayna," Catelyn assured her. "And remember, no matter what happens, you have your family by your side."As Rayna embraced her mother, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She would navigate this new chapter with the grace and strength of a Stark.---

**Author's Note:**

As we begin this adventure together, I want to assure you that I will be updating the chapters frequently in the beginning. However, as the story progresses and gains momentum, updates will transition to a weekly schedule. I appreciate your patience and understanding in advance.

I hope you enjoy the twists and turns that lie ahead and that this story brings you as much excitement and joy as it has brought me in crafting it.