Light the Way

CHAPTER 12. lamb amongst wolves

ALINA

The cold morning air bit at Alina's cheeks as she rode beside Robb, the banners of House Stark fluttering above them. Hundreds of men marched in long columns behind them, their footsteps a steady, unrelenting rhythm against the frozen earth. The weight of their mission loomed heavy over the company.

Robb was leading them to war.

Alina kept her gaze forward, focused on the road that stretched out toward the horizon. The North was far behind them now, and with every mile that passed, they ventured deeper into dangerous territory. The Riverlands awaited them, where Lady Catelyn was gathering what forces she could after the Lannisters' brutal invasion. Alina could only imagine what Catelyn must be feeling — mourning her husband while her son prepared for battle.

Alina's thoughts flickered to Lord Eddard Stark. She had not known him long, but he had always treated her with kindness, as if she were one of his own. His honour had been legendary, and even in Winterfell, Alina had heard tales of his unwavering sense of duty. She respected him greatly. That such a man could meet such a fate filled her with anger and grief. The world was changing rapidly, and the peace she had once known seemed so far away now.

Robb rode beside her, his expression serious and determined, the weight of his new title as King in the North heavy on his shoulders. He barely spoke these days, his focus turned entirely to the campaign ahead. Alina watched him out of the corner of her eye, her heart aching for him. She wished there was something she could do, some way to ease the burden he bore, but war had a way of isolating even the closest of hearts.

As they approached the ford leading out of the North and into the Riverlands, Alina shifted in her saddle, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in her bones since they'd left Winterfell. Her mind wandered to her own family, far away in the Reach. What were they thinking now, knowing their daughter rode toward war? Would they have sent her south, away from Robb, if they had the chance?

She glanced at Robb, wanting to ask him how he felt, to share her own fears. But he was lost in thought, his eyes scanning the horizon ahead. A young lord about to lead men into battle. Her husband.

The word still felt new and strange to her, though it had been weeks since they'd exchanged vows. Their wedding had been a moment of calm amid the chaos, but the duties of leadership had claimed Robb swiftly after. Their time together since had been stolen in brief moments, a kiss before sleep, a whispered word at dawn. Now, as the march continued, Alina wondered when they might find peace again — if they ever would.

Suddenly, Robb turned toward her, as if sensing her gaze. His blue eyes softened slightly, and for a moment, the weight of war lifted.

"Are you cold?" he asked, his voice low.

Alina smiled faintly. "Not anymore. You know I've gotten used to the cold."

He gave a half-smile in return, but it didn't reach his eyes. "We'll be at the river soon. We should make camp before crossing."

She nodded, unsure of what else to say. The silence between them stretched as the wind howled through the trees. Robb was a different man now than the boy she had fallen in love with. Battle plans and strategy consumed him, and she could see the heavy burden of command resting on his shoulders.

As they rode, Alina caught sight of the Stark bannermen riding in their ranks. The Karstarks, the Umbers, and men from the Dreadfort — all of them loyal to Robb. Yet she saw the worry in their faces. They were marching toward war with the most powerful family in the Seven Kingdoms.