UNUSUAL ↠ GAME OF THRONES

THREE

For the rest of the afternoon until dusk, Jamiela's nose was in a lore book on House Stark, a major house in Winterfell. She learned from her subtle research that Lord Rickard Stark served King Aerys II as Warden of the North, with his eldest son Brandon next in line.

She flipped through pages of profiles, detailing the lineage deeply and clearly, that Jamiela loved it how his gift of description and was so focused, The Baratheon did not realize that someone was watching her, if he didn't make a sound to interrupt her reading.

Looking up, Jamiela found it surprising that it was the second born Stark child who made the noise. "Oh, I'm sorry, my lady. How foolish I am." It intrigued Jamiela why he was so shaken just interrupting her, but Jamiela gave him a smile. "It is alright. No harm done."

"I am Eddard Stark, the second son of-" Jamiela raised her hand to interrupt. "I know. I was just reading about you." said the lady.

He looked far embarrassed, the Stark's cheeks flushing a hint of scarlet, before disappearing. "Oh." was all he made out, and rubbed the back of his head, in sheer anxiety.

Jamiela picked up his emotion at once, and found it troubling, and a bit amusing. Why was he anxious, in front of her? "You don't have to be embarrassed. I don't bite." said Jamiela, in attempt to lessen the tension between the two, but it made it seem even more awkward.

He seemed to notice their tight situation, that he gave a sheepish smile. "Well, you can call me Ned. Most of my friends call me that."

Jamiela found it all confusing. Was he asking to be friends with her, especially after her disastrous encounter with his father? "Are you asking to be friends?" She asked, totally oblivious with his words. For someone who loves reading, Jamiela was socially awkward when it comes to speech.

"Yes. Actually, that was all this is about." Ned gave her a small smile, and Jamiela mirrored it, with the same enthusiasm. "Also, aren't those one of Rhaena Serdare's works? She made one for our family.. wait, that is the one!"

Jamiela nodded. "Happens to be. A reader?" Ned seemed happy enough to nod with such brightness that his eyes seemed to twinkle like celestial beings. "I'm glad I found someone who is in total appreciation of literature."

Ned sticked his hand out. "Well, I have to get going. I never caught your name, Lady.." Jamiela took his hand, as the wolf helped the stag up. "Jamiela. Baratheon."

He nodded, and bowed, before leaving the place, with Jamiela wondering if she made a wise decision, or a grave mistake.

♚•♚♢♚•♚

Myriane handled Jamiela's chestnut brown hair with gentleness, even if her hands were slightly calloused from hoisting barrels of ale and bags of flour the day before. Still, Jamiela was grateful to have a handmaiden like Myriane. Besides, no one was sassier than her.

"I saw your misfortune a while back. Time to make up for it. You might score another chance with any of the Stark boys." The raven-haired woman said, as she braided the top portion of her hair, as Jamiela nodded solemnly. "I guess.. I don't fathom myself marrying any of them.." Her thoughts drifted to Ned. He seemed nice enough, but no. Just no.

"My lady? Are you okay?" Jamiela turned to Myriane, her face filled with concern, as she trailed to where her eyes were at. She opened her palms to reveal bloodied cuts from where her nails were biting down at. "My lady?"