The Songs of Winter | Robb Stark

Chapter 43

Aida Stark

The door to my chambers creaks open as I gently lay Catenina in her crib, her tiny chest rising and falling in the rhythm of sleep. Turning toward the sound, I see Varys stepping inside, his robes rustling softly as he moves.

"Varys," I greet him, my voice calm but curious. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

He offers me a small, enigmatic smile but doesn't reply immediately. Instead, he steps closer and holds out a rolled parchment, the kind typically carried by ravens. My stomach tightens as I take it from him, the weight of unspoken urgency pressing on me.

Unrolling the parchment, I quickly scan the contents, and my heart begins to race:

Robb Stark is preparing to depart from the Wall. His forces will march to battle the bastard Ramsay Snow and his army, seeking to reclaim Winterfell. While they have not yet departed, sources suggest they will move by the end of the month. Ravens have already been sent to potential Northern allies to rally support.

My breath catches, and I reread the note, the words blurring as my mind races. Robb is about to make his move—soon. He's fighting to take back Winterfell, and I'm here, hundreds of miles away. The distance suddenly feels unbearable, and a single thought pulses through my mind: I have to be there.

"Where did you get this?" I demand, my voice sharper than I intended.

Varys clasps his hands in front of him, his expression unreadable. "One of my birds of course," he replies smoothly.

I clutch the note tightly, my thoughts spinning. The logistics flood my mind: How would I get there? Would it be safe? What about Catenina? The risks are staggering, yet the pull to be with Robb, to stand by him in this fight, is strong.

"What are you thinking?" Varys asks, his sharp gaze studying me.

I glance up at him, my tone dry. "I thought you knew everything."

He sighs, the sound tinged with exasperation. "Don't be coy, Lady Stark. I know what you're thinking—I just wanted to hear you admit it. You're planning to leave for Winterfell."

His voice hardens slightly as he adds, "This isn't a simple reunion with your husband, I hope you know. This is war."

"I know," I reply firmly, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "Which is all the more reason why I need to be there. I am his queen—his wife. I won't sit idly by while Robb fights for our home. I should be by his side, fighting for Winterfell as well."

Varys arches a brow, his skepticism evident. "And what of your daughter? What of the dangers you'll face along the way? Do you believe your husband will be grateful to see you in the midst of battle, or furious to see you risking your life—and hers?"

His words sting, but I stand my ground. "I've faced dangers before, Varys, and I've come through them stronger. Mine and my daughter's place is with our family, with our people. If Robb is willing to risk everything for our home, then so am I. Catenina will be safe—I'll make sure of it. I won't abandon my husband when he needs me most."

Varys regards me in silence for a long moment, his expression softening just slightly. "You're as stubborn as the North itself," he says at last, his tone almost resigned. "But stubbornness alone won't win battles. If you're truly determined to go, you must plan carefully. You'll need allies, protection, and most importantly—discretion."

I meet his gaze, the fire in my chest burning brighter. "I'll find a way," I say, my voice firm and unwavering.

Varys lets out a weary sigh, shaking his head as though lamenting my resolve. "I've come to care for you, Lady Stark..." he begins, his voice uncharacteristically soft.