Weeping Thorns

Chapter 12: A Cornered Beast

~Kasondra~

My handmaiden finished tying the final string on my corset. I stared at my reflection and slipped on the heavy gray cloak, the fur on my collar tickling my nose.

"King's Road is awfully chilly at night, my lady." An older raven haired woman spoke as she adjusted the furry hood around my neck. Her face was worn with kindness and age. I stepped down from my stand and brushed away the fur against my face.

"Thank you, Jonet. You all are dismissed." The women nodded and left on my command. I slipped my white gloves on. The door opened and I was vaguely curious. All of my things were loaded, what else could the guards want.

"I have no more items." I spoke a bit harshly and turned to face the person who stubbornly refused to leave. Instead of some plain guard, I found Ser Jory standing by my door, two familiar blades in his fingers.

"My daggers!" I shouted and snatched them away from Jory. The man chuckled and watched as my face grew into awe.

"I had them sharpened by the castle smith. He said you would be able to split hairs on a man's beard now." I smiled and gently sat the weapons in my dresser. I wrapped my arms around Jory's neck and was just as surprised when he returned the gesture.

"Thank you. It is nice to see not everyone is happy to see me off." Ser Jory began to stroke my hair and chuckled next to my ear. Shivers ran down my neck at how close he was to me.

"Don't be so naive, my wolf. All of Winterfell is sad to see you go." Jory placed his large hands on my cheeks and tilted my head up. I saw his dark eyes bore down into my lighter pair, his scruffy beard inches from my chin. "I'll be right by your side, Kasondra."

"Your coming with us?" I questioned and tangled my finger in the end of his brown locks. Jory nodded a single time and leaned forward so his forehead was pressed tightly on my own.

"Of course, I can't leave a lost pup to fend for herself." His breath ghosted over my mouth. My gray eyes slipped close and I felt our mouths connect in a passionate contact. My arms were stiff at my sides as I was caught off guard. Jory brought his hands down to my hips, holding me in place.

I brought my own to his chest and dug my fingers into the material of his armor. The innocent peck began to grow heated as his tongue poked at my lips for entrance. I twisted my head to the right sharply and his lips fall to the dip of my ear.

"We can't." I panted and tried to push him away with little effort. Jory chuckled and gently wrapped his fingers around my wrist.

"Perhaps not now." I raised an eyebrow up at the older man. He chuckled and brushed my cheek with such affectionate, it might make me faint. "I asked for your hand, Lord Stark was very happy to agree. The choice is all your's of course."

My mouth fell agape. Father had betrothed me!? I felt my heart seek in anger and betrayal. Father had promised not to marry me off until I was 18, a very selfish choice but a promise cannot be broken.

"I don't know, Jory. I must protect my sisters-"

"The wedding will not be until we return. After that, you will be my beautiful bride." His fingers trailed from my hip to my currently flat stomach. "Mother to my children." I felt heat rise to my face and buried my face into the curve of his neck.

"S-stop that!" I hissed and could hear the pounding of his heartbeat. Jory placed a kiss upon my head and wrapped his arms around my lithe waist.

"We must get going. Lord Stark will have my head if we're late." Jory chuckled and load and hand on my lower back. I scooped up my daggers and placed them inside the holsters of my belt. Right as we reached the door, I grabbed onto Jory's shoulder and turned to face him.

"In the beginning, I cannot promise you my unconditional love," I reached up and placed a hand on the back of Jory's neck. "Love is a fragile thing, a slow poison." I leaned forward and allowed my lips to touch his for a second before pulling back. "Yet I know we will be happy together. For a love built on trust, is one that can never be broken."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The dust forming behind the wagon was thick and blinding. I sat beside Sansa in the carriage and held the quilt closer to my chest. Jonet was right, I was freezing. Even for a wolf in the north, it was hideous.

"So, you and Ser Jory? I can't wait for you to have children with pretty auburn hair and deep brown eyes!" Sansa squealed and took my hand. Jory, who was riding in the front behind father, turned and smirked to me with a wink.

"Oh sweet summer child," I cooed and rolled my eyes. Arya giggled childishly and pulled on my ear. I slapped her hand away and glared up at Jory. The man seems quite pleased with himself and father couldn't hide the grin on his once cold face. "Our children with look identical to me. Even the boys."

Jory's face dropped for a split second and I laughed. Mahala, who had trailed silently by our side the whole trip, reached her head up and took a lap at my fingers. "Even the direwolf thinks so."

The guards, most being Stark, bursted out in a unison laughter. I leaned back into my seat, very happy with my comeback. Although the wild animal inside of me screamed that this was dangerous.

I was a Wolf of the North, I was not to be locked inside with another animal. I would be true to myself and never back down to a man, husband or not.

I will not bow.

~Chapter End~

So what do you think of Jory and Kasondra? If you have a ship name, please feel free to comment! I'm having trouble coming to terms with their relationship, but we'll deal with that bridge when we cross it!