𝐇𝐎𝐖𝐋, cregan stark

020.

AS THEY set off towards the Vale, the small group rode in a tense silence, the wind biting through their cloaks. Maelys, flanked by Ser Erryk and Ser Leiton, couldn't help but notice the quiet glances the two knights exchanged, subtle yet tender. Cregan Stark, however, remained distant, his cold demeanor casting a shadow over their journey. Though they rode side by side, he spoke few words to her, and each felt as though a blade had cut through the air between them. His frost was not the kind that melted quickly, and Maelys wondered if the warmth she once hoped to find in Winterfell would ever reach her. But she would not beg for his kindness—she had endured greater challenges than the coldness of a man.

Erryk and Leiton's quiet presence, however, was a comfort. Maelys could trust them, she was certain, and even if they shared more than just duty between them, it did not matter to her. The Vale awaited them, and soon her focus would have to shift to the matters of war and allegiance, far more pressing than Cregan's coldness.

As the group rode through the narrow mountain pass towards the Vale, the wind howled around them, carrying with it a biting chill that seemed to seep into Maelys' bones. Despite the cold, she tried to keep her spirits up. Her eyes wandered to the two knights by her side—Erryk Dayne and Leiton Corbray, who had been her constant companions throughout the journey. It was hard not to notice the shared glances between them, but she thought it best to break the heavy silence.

"I don't know what's colder," Maelys began, breaking the monotony of hoofbeats against stone. "The weather or Cregan Stark's disposition."

Erryk chuckled, shaking his head as he adjusted the reins of his horse. "I'd wager on the latter. At least the weather softens by midday."

Leiton smirked, eyes glinting with mischief. "Aye, but don't take it personally, my lady. Cregan was probably born in a snowstorm and hasn't thawed since."

Maelys laughed, appreciating the levity. "If that's the case, I suppose I should be grateful he hasn't tried to freeze me solid with a single glare. He's tried, though."

Erryk grinned at her. "Well, if he does succeed, you'll have Ser Leiton and me to thaw you out."

"Oh?" Maelys raised an eyebrow, feigning skepticism. "And how do you plan to do that? With more glances across the campfire when you think no one's watching?"

Leiton's expression faltered for only a moment before he broke into laughter. "My lady, I'd wager it's not just our glances keeping you warm."

Erryk turned to her with mock-seriousness. "We've been found out, Leiton. Perhaps we should work on being more discreet."

"Discreet?" Maelys rolled her eyes playfully. "The only thing discreet about you two is how you manage to keep your horses from knowing your secrets. The rest of us, well..." She gestured widely, a teasing smile on her lips. "We're not blind."

Leiton leaned forward in his saddle, giving her a conspiratorial wink. "So you've noticed, then? I'd say I'm flattered, but you haven't seen my best side yet."