A Northern Rose - Game of Thrones // Robb Stark

Eternity

I woke before sunlight, nervous and unable to return to my dreams. I could see the snow falling from outside my window, so crisp and pure it looked almost unreal. Snow blanketed the earth in the keep below the tower, completely untouched and serene.

Winterfell was a beautiful place, despite the lack of colour and warmth, it was unique. Mother was not so keen on the temperatures, constantly complaining about the cold and adding a new layer of fur to her clothes each day.

I was used to the cold now, and the Starks. I basked in the silence as the light from the sun poured in; it would no doubted be the last silence I would receive for the day.

Today was the day I was to be wed to Robb Stark.

Through much anticipation, I had been waiting for this day. I'd accepted my fate, and actually felt rather lucky.

I had not yet seen my dress but just the thought excited me, as well as seeing Robb stood under the crimson veil of the great Weirwood tree.

A long while past before a knock came to the door and a squire slowly poked his head in. He didn't see me at first, but when he did he looked rather embarrassed.

"Uhr-" He began, stuttering as he spoke. "I was told by Lady Tyrell... uh... your mother, to uh... wake her up this morning for the wedding."

As he spoke mother began to stir, sitting up in her bed smothered with furs. I nodded to him and smiled politely, although I didn't move. "Thank you." I replied in a hushed voice and he scurried out.

I turned to mother then, watching as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Today is the day." She finally spoke, causing my nerves to flitter.

I bought my legs up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them, saying nothing.

"Wait until you see the dress Lady Stark and I had made for you, I'm sure you'll approve."

I wondered. Though, mother's choice of dresses had never disappointed me before.

- - -

We had breakfast bought in to our room; honey covered bread and berries with a light wine. I didn't touch much of it, though the wine calmed me as it slipped down my throat.

Mother's ladies were aiding her in getting dressed; she wore a beautiful green dress which matched the colours of our house.

She squabbled with the young girls as they pulled it too tight around her waist, I couldn't resist a laugh. And when the time came for my dress to be bought in, I could feel the excitement bubbling up inside.

It was set out across the bed at first, a beautiful ivory gown laced with golden thread patterns around the waist and bodice. It had long see-through sleeves and had a small train at the back. I had never been overly bothered with clothing, but its beauty made me gasp.

Surprisingly, it didn't take long to get the dress on. My mother's handmaidens were helping to lace it up at the back whilst I was brushing my hair. It was already curly from the previous plaits but I added more to it, creating two braids in the strands of hair closest to my face and tying them together at the back of my head.

Lastly came my direwolf necklace, which I tied proudly around my neck and let hang down the front of my dress.

Looking into the dimness of the mirror before me, I could hardly believe my reflection.

"You look beautiful." Said mother from across the room, after she'd stopped fiddling with her own hair and dress. "Very grown up. If only your sisters could see you." My sisters. I wish they were with me now, to guide me through and help me not to fall over my own feet. But I would have to learn to be on my own soon, for when mother left the only company I'd have would be my new family. The Starks.