The Princess and The Bastard [Jon Snow]

Chapter 3: The Bastard

"I had a friend at kings landing, Frea Waters. We would gather everyday at noon, after my writing class and count the boats together. Wondering what part of the seven kingdoms they had came from. Frea, proclaimed that all sorts of creatures lived in the water, I was fascinated by her unique imagination. But one day she did not show .." I tell this story as it happened yesterday. A confused expression is displayed on the boy's face as why I am telling him this tale, to be honest I am as well. When the word bastard comes to mind, I always think of Frea.

"Why did she not show?, you grace." He asks quietly, leaning forward wanting to know the end of the tale. His cold eyes begin to melt as I stare into them.

"My mother finally discovered her last name and sent her North, I watched her boat disappear into the sky with guilt in my heart" I reply, my voice cracks at the end. Images of Frea begin to fill my head: her long blonde hair, that infectious smile and most importantly her kindness. Water begins to fill my eyes of the thought of Frea in pain.

"You can't blame yourself, your grace. It was out of your control." He replies, sliding his body closer to mine to hand me his handkerchief.

"You are too kind! I do hope she is happy." My voice cracks again as I take the handkerchief from his grip.Our fingers graze past one another, making my stomach turn from his touch.

"She is a bastard, your grace. There is no happy ending for a bastard." His voice is sharp as it cuts through the wind. My face tilts upwards, staring into his broken eyes wondering what lies behind them. He is a mystery, that I want to solve.

"Everyone deserves a happy ending!" I reply back in higher voice than usual as I cling on to his handkerchief.

"Not everyone!" He mutters under his cold breath as he lifts his body from the bench.

"What is your name?" I ask softly as I stand to join him.

"Jon, Jon Snow" he answers with a straight face, looking over the of the view of the north at night.

"My name is Rosanna!" I introduce

"Everyone knows your name, you're the princess!" He chuckles at me. I feel embarrassed by his reply that it makes me blush, however I begin to smile as Jon Snow is smiling for the first time. It suits him, being happy. I hope he finds happiness one day.

"Princess! I have been looking about the whole castle for you, your mother wants you!" Maester Luwin calls from behind which makes me jump. I turn round to see Maester Luwim screw up his eyes at the sight of Jon and I together.

"Goodbye, Jon!" I speak softy, not wanting to leave him or my newly found hidden spot. I feel safe here, he made me feel safe. Ever since I have arrived at Winterfell I fear everything.

"Goodbye, Rosanna!" Jon mutters as I watch Maester Luwin glare at him. I wonder why this is, what has Jon every done to Maester Luwin I question.

I begin to roam through the castle leading myself to the feast with Maester Luwin close behind. Mother's tall figure is stood at the entrance, moving her head from left to right. She looks worried as she spots me from the bottom of the hall and begins to run to me.

"Rosanna, you can't run off like that!" Mother shouts as she pulls me into her grip, her grip is warm like a mother's hug should be.

"I apologise mother, I needed fresh air" I reply, with my face hanging off the edge of her shoulder and my arms wrapped around her small waist.

"Neddard Stark will be announcing the day of your marriage to Robb Stark this evening!" Mother's breath is cold as she whispers in my ear. My heart begins to sink, struggling to stay a float.

"But mother, father said the announcement would be in a weeks time!" My voice wobbles from the fear in my heart, I un peal myself from my mother's touch to look her in the eyes.

"I know, my child! It's earlier than I thought myself, but it's not up for discussion when it comes to your father and Ned!" Mother replies, holding my face in her hands. Her eyes appear heavy as they stare back at her frightened daughter.

"Mother, I am not ready for this!" I plead. I hang on to her body never wanting to let go of her touch.

"My child, my sweet child. Please don't let them take you from your mother!" Mother whispers softly while gripping on to me tightly, she then goes on to plant a wet kiss on the top of my head. In all of my years of living, this is the first time I have witnessed my mother cry.

~

"We are all gathered here this fine evening, to announce the marriage of my eldest son Robb Stark, the future heir of House Stark, Winterfell and the north. To Princess Rosanna Baratheon, of house Baratheon. The eldest daughter of King Robert I Baratheon and Queen Cersei Lannister! The ceremony will take place here in Winterfell, in ten days time." Ned Stark's thick voice captures the room as he stands in between Robb and I. Loud cheers fall from everyone's lips, wine glasses are in the air and music begins to play.

Robb Stark presses a soft kiss on my cheek, I feel nothing from his touch. Out of the corner of my eye I can see my mother looking over at me, I can't bring myself to look at her as I know I will break. I begin think how this stranger will become my husband, how this castle will be my home and how the Starks will be my family, in only ten days time. A shiver shots down my back.

That night as I lay in bed, listening to the harsh wind, I begin to cry. I cannot marry Robb Stark.I wonder what would happen if I refuse, will father force me? Or will he marry me off to someone else? As tonights events race through my mind, i keep leading back to one person, one mystery: Jon Snow.