Love beneath the Snow

05| 𝔰𝔥𝔞𝔡𝔬𝔴𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔭𝔞𝔰𝔱

𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔣𝔢𝔩𝔩, 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔫𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔥

— THE TORCHES CAST FLICKERING SHADOWS ON THE STONE WALLS OF THE CRYPTS BENEATH WINTERFELL AS VALIRA WALKED BESIDE HER FATHER, KING ROBERT BARATHEON. The air was cool and filled with the scent of damp stone and earth, creating an almost solemn atmosphere. Valira felt a sense of quiet reverence as they moved deeper into the crypts, where the ancient kings of the North lay in their eternal rest.

Robert's heavy footsteps echoed as he led her down the narrow passageway. His usually boisterous demeanor was subdued, his face softened with a rare gentleness. Valira glanced up at him, sensing that this place, these moments, held a special meaning for her father. He stopped before a statue of a beautiful woman, her features carved with an ethereal grace. Lyanna Stark. Valira had heard whispers of her father's past, of the woman he had loved so fiercely that it had shaped his life in ways she could only begin to understand.

"This is Lyanna," Robert said softly, his voice echoing in the stillness of the crypt. His eyes were filled with a mixture of longing and sorrow as he looked upon the stone face of his lost love. "She was the one. The only one I ever truly loved." Valira listened intently, her curiosity piqued. She had never seen her father like this, so vulnerable and open. "What was she like?" she asked gently. Robert sighed, a deep, mournful sound that seemed to come from the depths of his being.

"She was...wild. Strong-willed. She had a spirit that couldn't be tamed, not even by me. She was beautiful, but it was more than that. There was a fire in her, something that drew me to her, like a moth to a flame."

Valira watched her father carefully, noting the way his eyes softened as he spoke of Lyanna. "Do you think she loved you?" she asked cautiously. Robert chuckled, a bitter sound. "I like to think she did, in her own way. But Lyanna was taken from me" He paused, then continued, his voice tinged with regret. "I've tried to forget her, to move on. But some loves, they never leave you." Valira hesitated before asking her next question, but she felt compelled to understand more about the man her father had become. "And what about Mother? Did you ever love her?"

Robert's expression hardened slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. "Your mother and I...our marriage was arranged for duty, not for love. Cersei is a beautiful woman, strong in her own way, but...no. I never loved her like I loved Lyanna." Valira nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "Do you regret it? Marrying her, I mean?"

Robert sighed again, this time with the weight of years of regret. "Regret? I have enough to fill the crypts of Winterfell. But Cersei gave me you and your siblings, and for that, I am grateful. But love...real love...it's something rare, Valira. Don't let it slip away if you ever find it." Valira smiled faintly, moved by her father's candor. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Father."

Robert gave her a small, weary smile. "Remember, not all love stories have happy endings." He turned to leave, but not before giving Lyanna's statue one last lingering glance. Valira remained silent for a moment, letting her father's words sink in. She sensed there was more he hadn't shared, something darker and more painful. As they turned to leave, she couldn't help but ask, "Father, what really happened to Lyanna? I've heard whispers, but...nothing concrete."

Robert's face darkened, his expression turning grim. "Lyanna was taken from me, kidnapped by Rhaegar Targaryen. He raped her and killed her, starting a rebellion that cost the lives of thousands and his whole dynasty. Her death ignited a fire that tore through the realm, and all for his twisted desires."

Valira felt a chill run down her spine. She had heard the name Rhaegar Targaryen before, but the full weight of her father's hatred for the man was only now becoming clear. "He must have been a monster," she said softly. Robert nodded, his jaw clenched. "A monster dressed in the clothes of a prince. Don't be fooled by titles or appearances, Valira. A man's actions define him, not his birth."

Valira nodded, feeling the coldness of the crypt seep into her bones. She understood now why her father carried such a heavy burden of anger and regret. The loss of Lyanna, the betrayal by Rhaegar—it had all shaped him into the man he was today. "Thank you for telling me, Father," she said quietly, reaching out to squeeze his arm.

Robert placed his hand over hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You're my daughter, Valira. I want you to know the truth, to understand the world as it is, not as we wish it to be." They left the crypts together, the shadows of the past lingering in the cool air around them.

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That night, Valira found herself in the training yard, a sword in hand. She had made sure to keep her practice hidden from prying eyes, knowing her mother would be furious if she discovered Valira's secret training sessions with Jon Snow. They were in a secluded part of the yard, far from the watchful gaze of the castle.

Jon Snow was already there, his face serious but his eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched her approach. Valira took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "You ready for this, Princess?" Jon asked with a playful smirk. Valira grinned, feeling a spark of challenge ignite within her. "I was born ready, Jon Snow. I hope you're prepared to be embarrassed by a girl." Jon chuckled, twirling his practice sword with ease.

"We'll see about that. Just don't cry when you lose."

They began their lesson, Jon showing her the basics of stance and grip. Valira followed his instructions closely, but she couldn't resist teasing him whenever she could. "You know," she said, mimicking his stance, "if you keep your face that serious all the time, it might just freeze that way." Jon rolled his eyes, but a smile crept onto his lips. "I'll take my chances. Besides, I'm not the one who has to worry about a royal reputation."

"Oh, please," Valira shot back. "If anything, I'm more worried about your reputation, Jon Snow. Imagine the stories they'll tell of the Stark bastard beaten by a princess." Jon laughed, his guard slipping for just a moment. "Alright, alright. Less talk, more practice." They sparred back and forth, each one testing the other's limits. Valira was surprised at how natural it felt to be here with Jon, how easily the banter flowed between them. Despite the formality of their titles, there was a lightness to their interaction, a genuine connection she hadn't expected.

Jon paused to correct her grip, his hand brushing hers. "You're holding it too tight. Relax your grip a little, like this." Valira adjusted her hold, her fingers brushing against his. She looked up at him, her expression playful. "You mean like this?" she asked, deliberately messing up her stance to see his reaction. Jon shook his head, chuckling. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Only because you make it so easy to tease," she replied with a grin.

They continued their lesson, laughter and light-hearted jabs filling the air. Valira found herself genuinely enjoying the practice, not just for the physical challenge but for the easy camaraderie that had developed between her and Jon. After a particularly spirited exchange, Jon finally called for a break. "Alright, I think that's enough for today. You're going to be sore tomorrow."

Valira wiped her brow, her face flushed from exertion but her smile wide. "I can handle it. But I suppose I should let you off the hook...for now." Jon smirked, lowering his sword. "I'm sure I'll live to regret this decision, but fine. We'll pick up again tomorrow." Valira nodded, still catching her breath. "Sounds like a plan. Goodnight, Jon Snow." Jon watched her as she walked away, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Goodnight, Valira Baratheon," he murmured softly, already looking forward to their next encounter.

As she disappeared into the night, Jon couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading in his chest, a feeling he hadn't quite felt before. He shook his head, trying to focus back on his practice, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Valira and the way her laughter had filled the training yard.

A/N:
So I was able to write another chapter sooner than I thought. Classes are pretty chill now so that gave me plenty of time to write another chapter. Also Jon is so wipped. And their first lesson together, so cute. I'm so excited for you all to get to know Valina more and I hope you will love her as much as I do
Love you all!