How To Kill a Flower

Chapter 26

Sansa had returned to her chambers, while i decided to walk around my home. Shadow by my side as always. With Baelish gone, we could think of our own plan to get rid of anyone who is not true to the North. That includes Littlefinger. 

My thoughts ran of possible ways to kill the Boltons, but it would be difficult to do quietly. We needed men on our side, and with everyone afraid of Roose and his army, it was going to be hard.

Before i knew it, my feet had taken me to the training yard, memories flashed through my brain as i looked over the blunt swords and targets.

Now that i was home, i never took off my weapons. I didn't trust anyone here, and i certainly didn't trust my weapons being left unattended.

I stepped into the fenced area, walking in front of a target. Shadow sat at my feet. I looked around, this wasn't right. Rodrick wasn't here anymore to teach the men how to fight, father and mother weren't overlooking us in the balcony, Robb and Theon weren't arguing over who won a fight, and Jon wasn't there to brood anymore. 

I grabbed my bow from my back, running my hand over the wood, feeling the wolf that Gendry had carved into the handle. I pulled an arrow from my quiver, notching it before taking a breath in. Releasing the arrow at the same time as i exhaled. It hit the center, just like always. But this time i felt nothing, i was not smug or impressed, only sad. Robb should be here with me, practicing and learning to run Winterfell with father. 

Shadow growled as a pair of footsteps walked into the area, "Nice shot, my lady," my head turned to the voice. Ramsey. His eyes showing he was intrigued, his curly hair flopping over his forehead. 

I looked back at the target, "Thank you, my lord."

"Call me Ramsey," he said, walking up next to me, "We are to be wed soon."

Shadow stood as Ramsey walked closer, making Ramsey stop a few feet away.

I nod, not saying anything, only looking back at the target. Notching another arrow before quickly releasing it, hitting the center right next to my first arrow.

"I've heard of your talents, i'm happy they seem to be true." He said inspecting my shots as well as looking over my face. His gaze lingering on my scar.

"I've had a lot of practice," Shooting another arrow into the center of the target.

"I can tell," He too had his bow in his hands, "How about a competition?"

"And what will the winner get?" I asked bored, notching and releasing my fourth arrow into the center. I was beginning to run out of room.

"If I win, you go on a hunt with me-"

I shot another arrow into the center, "-And when i win?"

"Ahh cocky are we?"

I looked at him, not breaking eye contact as i notched, aimed and then released my arrow. Pulling the same move i always did with Theon. I could tell by his impressed smile that i hit the center.

"If  you win," he emphasized the word, "I will get you a gift. I will give it to you at dinner."

I thought it over, his gift didn't seem like one i would want. "No." I said strapping my bow back to my back, Shadow standing up next to me.

"No?" He looked at me confused, "don't tell me you are doubting your skills, my lady."

"I doubt nothing, but as my father always said, 'I don't fight in tournaments because when i fight a man for real, i don't want him to know what i can do'."

"And do you planning to fight someone, my lady?"

I paused, "Cirilla, Ramsey." I began my walk out of the training yard, "We are to be wed soon, aren't we."