A Winter Promise

Chapter 6: The truth

Chapter 6

Clarissa Baratheon POV

Silence fell over the lord and lady as I told them my true heritage. As if woken by a trance Lady Stark curtseyed and said, "Princess please forgive our manners, we had no idea we were speaking to a royal". A sigh escaped my lips.

"I'm sorry for my bluntness but how do we know you're speaking the truth?" Lord Stark questioned earning a harsh glare from his wife. "No need to apologize my lord, I would not trust a stranger claiming they were a princess, but I do bring proof." Luckily for me, I still wore my original undergarments in which I had sewn in a small sack in which lay a ring with the official emblem of the royal family.

Lord Stark inspected the ring carefully. "So, you are who you claim to be. But whatever are you doing so far north?". I looked between the lord and lady. They seemed like trustworthy people and my dearest father had always said that he and Lord Stark were like brothers.

I explained everything to them. Right from the start to how I ended up in their castle. Lord Stark looked at me with eyes that spoke of amazement and curiosity. "And what plans do you have now, princess?" Lady Stark said.

"If it would be alright, I would like to stay here for some time. I have always wanted to explore the North and unfortunately I no longer have any guards to accompany me, so it isn't safe for me to travel." I hoped I would be able to stay. Not only could I explore the North but maybe I could also get to know Robb some more.

"Very well. You are more than welcome to stay here for as long as you would like though I must implore you to write to the king and tell him of your situation." Lord Stark said with a friendly yet stern voice. I nodded in understanding.

"There is one more thing I would like to request." I said looking towards the lady and lord. "The whole point of this journey is for me to learn more about the common folk and I do not wish to be treated like the princess. I know this is a lot to ask from you, but could my real identity remain a secret between the three of us? Instead I will just be known as Clari, daughter of a wealthy merchant from King's Landing" Once more I received a look of amazement and curiosity, not just from the Lord but also from lady Stark.

This time it was Lady Stark who spoke. "I do not like deceiving others and certainly not my own family, but I respect your choice and admire you for wanting to learn more about your people. The kingdom would be lucky to have you as a queen but unfortunately that is not how the world works"

Instead it was now me who looked in amazement of the Lady Starks kind words. "Thank you" I smiled at the husband and wife gratefully. "Now if you would excuse me, I'm tired after my ordeal and I will quickly send a later to my father and then go rest"

"I will have a room prepared for you, Clari" Lady Stark smiled at me. I could get used to people calling me that. Once I had exited the room, I quickly searched for the Maester who lead me up to the raven tower.

My Dearest father,

I have had some bad luck on the road. On my way to the wall a group of robbers attacked me and the guards. None of the guards survived and I was hurt during the fight. Luckily, I was saved by the heir to Winterfell, Robb Stark, who took me to Winterfell.

My wounds have been tended to and I am expected to have a full recovery with only the scars as a sign of the battle. I have explained my situation to Lord and Lady Stark, and I believe I can trust them fully. Even though I had some bad luck I would like to continue my journey, by staying here in Winterfell for the remaining year.

I know you most likely would want me home, but I beg you to let me stay. I believe I can learn a great many things from the Lord and the people here in Winterfell.

One more thing. Only the Lord and Lady knows my real identity. The rest believe that I am Clari, daughter of a wealthy merchant from King's Landing and I would like it to continue that way so please address your letters to Clari.

Yours sincerely,

Clarissa

The Maester came back into the room "Clari, I must inform you that I have spoken to the Lord and lady and I am aware of your true identity. It is only for your safe keeping, so I know not to let others see the letters from your father" He smiled kindly at me.

At first, I was shocked, but I trusted Lord Stark judgement. "I will send this to your father right now. Also, I had to inform you that the young Lord Robb is waiting for you in the courtyard."

I quickly nodded and handed over the latter after I had sealed it. Finding the courtyard was a bit more difficult than I had believed and I ended up getting lost. "Excuse me, ma'am, which way is the courtyard?" I asked a maid.

"You just go down that hallway, turn right, then left and you're there lady..." she paused, asking for my name. "Oh please, no lady, just call me Clari, and what my I call you?" The maid looked a bit surprised at me. "Well then, you can call Marie" I gave her a quick smile and continued towards the courtyard.

I saw Robb standing in the middle of the courtyard looking around. As I walked down the stairs, he spotted me and grinned. "Hello Clari, I was hoping you would join me for a stroll so I can show you some of Winterfell, and don't worry I brought you a cloak, so you won't get cold"

He seemed a bit flirtatious "Thank you Lord Stark" I said as he draped the cloak over my shoulders. "Oh please, Lord Stark is my father, call me Lord Robb." He said and winked at me. Oh god no, I thought, not another one of those stuck up lords.

A/N:

I'm terribly sorry for not updating sooner but I've been overwhelmed with school and personal issues but now I'm back on track. My exam period has begun, meaning I will have to focus on my oral exams but I will also have more time to write so I will do my absolute best to try and update again soon. Thank you for reading