The Mad Queen's Reign

6-In the Lion's Den

Catelyn Stark sat beside Bran's bed, her hand stroking his hair, her eyes fixed on his pale face. The dim light from the candle cast long shadows on the walls, highlighting the deep worry etched into her features. Rayna entered the room, her footsteps quiet on the stone floor.

Rayna approached Bran's bedside, her eyes filling with tears as she gazed at his pale, still face. She took his hand in hers, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Goodbye, Bran. I'll come back to you, I promise. Please get better, my brother."

She brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her heart aching with sorrow. Bran's eyes remained closed, his chest rising and falling with each shallow breath. Rayna's tears fell onto their joined hands as she whispered her final words. "I love you, Bran."

With a heavy heart, she released his hand and turned away, leaving him to his silent struggle. Catelyn's gaze didn't waver from Bran's face, her voice barely audible. "Take care, my sweet child. May the Seven watch over you."

Rayna leaned over to kiss her mother's cheek. "I will, Mother. I promise."

Leaving the room, Rayna found Rickon being held by a servant. The little boy's face crumpled as he saw his sister preparing to leave.

"Rayna!" he wailed, stretching out his tiny hands.

Rayna's heart broke as she took Rickon from the servant and hugged him tight. "Oh, my little one," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I have to go, but I'll come back for you. I promise."

Rickon's cries grew louder as he clung to Rayna's neck. She rocked him gently, trying to comfort him.

"I love you,Rickon," she whispered. "Always remember that."

With one final squeeze, she handed Rickon back to the servant and turned away, her heart heavy with sorrow.

 Rayna took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. Next, she went to Robb's chambers. As their eyes locked, she knew this moment would come, but it didn't make it any easier. The room was filled with the warm glow of the fire, casting a golden hue on Robb's solemn face.

Robb approached her, his face serious. "Rayna, I... I don't know when we'll see each other again."

Rayna's throat constricted. She could feel the weight of their impending separation. "I know, Robb. But we will. We have to."

Robb's eyes searched hers, filled with a deep longing and a hint of desperation. "You're my sister, my friend, my everything. Take care of yourself, Rayna. Take care of our family's honor."

Rayna's voice trembled, but she managed to speak. "I will, Robb. I promise. Take care of yourself too, my king. The North needs you."

Robb pulled her into a tight embrace. "The North needs you too, Rayna. We all do."

Finally, Rayna found Jon in the courtyard, his bags packed, his sword at his side. The night air was crisp, the stars twinkling above as a cold wind blew through the courtyard. 

"Jon," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jon turned, his eyes locking onto hers. The moonlight highlighted the sadness etched into his features. "Rayna."

Rayna's eyes welled up with tears. "You're really leaving, aren't you?"

Jon nodded, his face solemn. "I have to, Rayna. I swore an oath."

Rayna's heart ached. She felt a deep sense of loss at the thought of him leaving. "But what about us? What about our family?"

Jon's eyes filled with tears, mirroring her own. "You're my family, Rayna. You're my everything. But I have to do this. For the realm, for our people."