Love beneath the Snow

06| 𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔯𝔰

𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔣𝔢𝔩𝔩, 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔫𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔥

— THE WIND HOWLED THROUGH WINTERFELL AS VALIRA BARATHEON MOVED SWIFTLY THROUGH THE COLD, HER CLOAK WRAPPED TIGHTLY AROUND HER. News had reached her of Bran Stark's fall from the tower, and she felt a pang of concern.

The dim light of Bran's chamber flickered across the room as Valira approached the bed where Bran lay, pale and unconscious. Lady Catelyn was seated beside him, her face drawn with worry. She looked up as Valira entered, her eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and fatigue. "Your Grace," Catelyn greeted softly, though her voice was laced with tension. Valira offered a gentle smile. "There's no need for formality, Lady Catelyn. How is he?"

Catelyn sighed deeply. "He's still unconscious. The maester says he's stable for now, but we have to wait and see." Valira took a seat beside the bed, her gaze resting on the young boy's pale face. "I wish there were something more I could do." Catelyn shook her head. "It's out of our hands now. All we can do is hope and wait." Valira reached out, placing a comforting hand on Catelyn's. "Bran is strong. He'll wake up. He has to."

Catelyn looked at Valira, a flicker of appreciation in her eyes. "You're kind to say so. It's just so hard. He's so young." Valira nodded, her eyes remaining on Bran. "None of us are ever prepared for something like this. But we must remain hopeful. He's a Stark. They're strong, and they recover."

Catelyn gave a faint smile. "I'm grateful for your presence. It's comforting not to face this alone." Valira squeezed her hand gently. "You're not alone. We're all here for him. For you." Catelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Thank you."

Valira nodded, her gaze steady. As they shared a quiet moment, the weight of their concerns for Bran seemed to bridge the gap between them, providing solace in their mutual worry.

As she was leaving Bran's room and trying to wander the castle grounds, she encountered Robb Stark, who was in the middle of his sword practice. His face brightened when he saw her approach. "Princess Valira," Robb greeted with a warm smile, sheathing his sword. "What brings you out here?" Valira smiled back.

"I needed a change of pace. The somber atmosphere of the castle is a bit overwhelming."

Robb's expression softened. "I understand. Winterfell can be heavy with its own kind of weight. It's good to have some company." Valira raised an eyebrow playfully. "Am I your diversion from the weight of Winterfell?" Robb chuckled, moving closer. "Perhaps. Or maybe you're just a welcome sight. What do you think?" Valira's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm flattered. But don't let me keep you from your training."

Robb shook his head. "Actually, I could use a break. Besides, it's not every day I get to enjoy the company of someone as pleasant as you." Valira laughed softly. "You're quite the charmer, Robb Stark." Robb grinned. "I try. So, tell me, how have you found Winterfell so far?"

Valira looked around thoughtfully. "It's a stark contrast to the warmth of King's Landing, but there's a certain charm in its coldness." Robb's eyes twinkled. "Winterfell has its own kind of beauty. I'm glad you're beginning to see it." Valira met his gaze with a warm smile. "It's the people that make the place special. Your family has been very welcoming."

Robb's smile widened. "We do our best. It feels different with you here. Better, somehow." Valira's gaze softened. "I'm glad. It's nice to feel welcomed, especially in a place so different from what I'm used to."

"I saw you coming out of Bran's chamber. How is he doing?" Robb asked, worried about his little brother. "He's still unconscious," Valira replied, her eyes reflecting her concern. "Catelyn is doing everything she can." Robb nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. "I hope he wakes soon. It's been a troubling time for everyone."

As their conversation flowed, there was a palpable connection between them, though Valira could sense Robb's deeper interest.

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That evening, Valira met Jon Snow for their second sword lesson. The moon cast a silvery light over the training grounds, the air crisp and cool. Jon was already practicing with a wooden dummy, and Valira approached with a determined stride. "Jon," Valira called out softly as she approached.

Jon turned, his face brightening when he saw her. "Princess Valira. Ready for another round?" Valira smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Absolutely. I've been looking forward to it." They began their practice, their swords clashing in a series of playful exchanges. Jon's movements were precise, and Valira matched him with her own skill and agility. "You're improving," Jon commented, pausing to catch his breath.

"I'm starting to think you might actually be a challenge."

Valira grinned. "I'd say I'm more than just a challenge. I'm a force to be reckoned with." Jon laughed, shaking his head. "You certainly are confident. That's a good quality to have." Valira tilted her head. "And you? What makes you so confident?" Jon shrugged. "Experience, I suppose. And a bit of stubbornness." Valira raised an eyebrow. "Stubbornness? That sounds like a trait I can relate to." Jon chuckled. "I think we might get along better than I first thought."

As they continued, Valira's skill became more apparent, and Jon's admiration for her grew. After a particularly intense exchange, they took a break, sitting on a nearby stack of straw bales. The stars shone brightly overhead, and Valira gazed up at them, her expression softening. "The stars are beautiful tonight," Valira said softly. Jon followed her gaze, his voice gentle.

"They are. They make everything seem a little less daunting."

Jon turned to Valira, a slight smile on his face. "Sometimes, these quiet moments make me realize how much we take for granted." Valira looked at the stars thoughtfully. "True. It's easy to get lost in the chaos and forget what really matters." Jon nodded, his expression reflective. "And then you have moments like this that remind you to appreciate the simple things."

Her eyes met his and in that moment, she gazed into his eyes, captivated by the softness and depth she saw there. Valira leaned in slowly, her heart racing as she felt the electric tension between them. Their faces were inches apart, and for a moment, it felt as if the world had stopped, leaving just the two of them suspended in time. Jon's gaze held hers, their breaths mingling in the quiet space. The weight of the unspoken hung heavily between them.

Just as the distance between them seemed almost too small to ignore, Valira took a deep breath and gently pulled back, her cheeks flushed with the mix of anticipation and uncertainty. She looked at Jon with a soft, almost apologetic smile. "I should head to bed," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's been a long day." Jon nodded, a mixture of disappointment and understanding in his eyes. "Goodnight, Valira."

"Goodnight, Jon," she replied softly.

Valira walked back to the castle, her mind filled with thoughts of their conversation and the connection they had shared. Jon watched her go, his thoughts lingering on the brief but meaningful exchange. The night was quiet, the stars bearing witness to the growing bond between them.

A/N:
Man I can't with these two anymore. And Bran, poor baby he didn't deserve that. Also what do you all think of her and Robb? Let me know what you think of this chapter.
Love you all!