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Your sword clanks against your brother's, you push with all your weight but Jacaerys is stronger than you. With little effort he's able to push you off, making you stumble backwards.
"Is that all you can do?" with a flick of his wrist he makes the blade spin in a circle.
Yes, Jace might be stronger, but you have to remind yourself you're quicker. You take a deep breath. Gripping the hilt with both hands you swing the sword at him, he mirrors your actions with the intention of parrying. Instead of trying to hit him, you duck and he misses. You manage to get behind him and kick behind his knee. He falls. You place the blade between his shoulder and neck, careful not to actually hurt him.
"You're too cocky, brother." you say, short of breath. "On the field, it'll cost you." you slide the blade off of him. Not too far from the pair of you Luke snickers.
"Princess, the Queen wishes to talk to you." Ser Erryk calls. You hadn't noticed him standing a few feet away.
"I'll be with her in a moment," you glance at Jace, who's now dusting the sand off his clothes, "I owe my brother a second go."
"It's urgent, my lady."
Sighing, you hand your sword to Luke. Both your brothers seem almost concerned.
"You two know something I don't?"
They exchange a look, and when the younger boy is about to say something he gets interrupted by the older one, "No." Jace quickly dismisses you.
-
When you reach the Stone Drum, Rhaenyra is waiting near to Painted Table, her eyes roaming over the carvings that represent Westeros. The tip of her thumb is between her teeth and she looks deep in thought. It's only when you clear your throat that she notices you.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Yes." she smiles. "Sparring with your brothers again?"
"Mmh, Jace is sulking by the beach." you giggle, "Ser Erryk said there was a urgent matter." it sounds more like a question than a statement.
The smile fades from her face.
"As you know, since Aegon usurped the throne the noble families have been... divided." she tries hard to find the right words, "Some families are loyal to me because of my father, but we need to forge more alliances." she pauses. "The strongest alliances are forged through marriage..."
You knew one day you'd have to marry but you hoped it would happen in better times. Still, you understand, if this Lord can help your mother get back her throne you'll gladly fulfill your duty.
"Who is it?"
"The Warden of the North, lord Cregan Stark."
"Is he old?"
"No," she walks closer to you, "he's about your age." her hands envelope one of yours "I know what I am asking, I know it's a lot-"
"No, I will do it if you think he'll help us."
She breathes a sigh of relief, but her eyes look sad. Definitely not the reaction you were expecting.
"Is there something else you need to tell me?"
"No, it's just that-" she says with a chocked voice, "You are my only daughter. I wished for something different for you." she laughs but it doesn't hide her real emotions.
"I know." you smile. "When am I to leave?" you ask as her hands envelop yours.
"As soon as possible." she sniffles, "Jacaerys will fly with you to Winterfell."
"I'll go take a bath then, last thing we need is to present a stinky Princess to Lord Stark." you laugh and somehow manage to make your mother laugh too.
-
The cold of the North bites at your skin, snow quietly falls all around you making you wish you'd chosen warmer clothes.
"The North must stand ready. Winter is coming." lord Stark declares as you reach the top of the Wall.
"Coming? What is this then, that falls from the sky and shivers my bones?" asks Jace, amused.
"This is only a late summer snow, my Prince."
A late summer snow. If this is what summer feels like in the North you can't imagine what the winter might be like. Above all, you don't know if you'll be able to endure it if Cregan accepts the offer you are yet to make.
"In winter it will cover all you see, and all memories of warmth will be forgotten." now the man looks at you, as if he had read your thoughts.
"It pleases me to think that over a century ago out ancestors treated in this very place." your brother continues, "The Conqueror and th King in the North."
"You, at least, had the mercy not to threaten me with your dragon."
As you walk the corridors of the Wall you're greeted by the men of the Watch. Some are moving crates while others keep patrolling the area.
"Surely the great Torrhen Stark would've sooner died than bent the knee. Unless he believed the Conqueror could bring unity to the Seven Kingdoms."
"You are right in that." the northerner agrees with your brother.
"That unity is now threatened. The Realm will soon tear itself apart if men do not remember the oath sworn to King Viserys and to his rightful heir."
You keep following them in silence, leaving diplomacy to Jacaerys.
"Starks do not forget their oaths, my Prince. But you must know that my gaze is forever torn between north and south. In winter my duty to the Wall is even more dire than the one I owe to King's Landing. I need my men here."
Jace's face darkens at lord Stark's words "Whilst your men guard against wildlings and weather, the Hightowers plan to usurp the throne."
The three of you climb up a few steps, finally at the very top of the Wall.
"If our mother is to defend her claim to hold the Realm united, she needs an army. War is coming, to the whole of the Realm, my lord." the boy's voice becomes quieter as his gaze sets on the miles of forest and ice beyond the barrier "We cannot wage it without the support of the North." he looks almost hypnotized by the view.
"My Lord," you begin, speaking for the first time since you had landed on his grounds, "we are not asking for your army without giving you anything in return."
He turns to you, not allowing any emotions to show. He intimidates you a little.
"My mother proposes a marriage between the two of us, this way you could lend her your men and my dragon will protect your home in their stead."
But before he can think of an answer, a man comes running, calling for him.
"My lord, a raven has arrived. Urgent news from Dragonstone." he hands Cregan the parchment.
The Warden of the North unrolls it, his eyes rapidly skim over the paper before turning to you and your brother with a grim expression, before handing the Prince the letter.
You peek over Jace' shoulder. It's about Lucerys. Storm's End. Aemond. Ambush. Dead. that's all you can read before Jace is crumpling the paper in his hands and turning to you with glossy eyes.
"No." you shake your head, "It can't be." you take the sheet from him, reading the words over and over again. Luke is dead. It's real. "We need those men, Lord Stark." a tear falls down your cheek. Your brother mumbles your name but you ignore him. "I am aware we've given you a very short notice, but..." you try steading your voice as best as you can, "we need an answer now. There are more allies to find and we cannot-"
"I will marry you." the young lord interrupts. His expression has softened slightly. Not out of pity, you hope. "Let's us return to Winterfell at once. I will have a raven sent to the Septon to let him know to meet us in the Godswood."
-
The ceremony is quick. Jacaerys leaves as soon as the septon declares you Cregan's wife.
When you enter the bedchamber you're trembling, maybe from the cold, maybe from the sobs you're trying to hide. Your shaky hands take the cloak off your shoulders, letting it fall to the ground, before you start undoing the fastenings of your riding gear.
Your husband's hands hover over yours, stopping you. "I hope the room is warm enough for you, if not ask a maid to feed more logs to the fire. Try having a good night of sleep, my lady." with that, he let's you go and leaves, closing the heavy door behind him.
It's only when the confusion wears off that you burst into tears, tears that you have been holding back since that damn letter had arrived.
The following days are all the same. You spend your time in your room, mostly near the fireplace. You are all alone in a foreign land, with no family, no friends. It makes the cold seem even more unbearable. Your only conversations are with your new lady-in-waiting, Talya, and they are mostly about finding a way to warm up the room even more.
Today too you sit by the fireplace, eyes drying as you stare for far too long at the flames. There's a knock on your door before Talya enters.
"My lady, lord Stark asked of you. He wishes to accompany you somewhere."
Her words surprise you. You hadn't seen Cregan since he had bid you goodnight after your wedding. "Help me get dressed then, please."
The maid rummages through your wardrobe, searching for a dress made of heavy fabrics. She helps you slip it on, taking care of the laces at your back before tying a cloak around your shoulders.
You find Cregan just outside the castle.
"What are those for?" you ask him, pointing at the bundle of towels under his arm.
He looks at them before looking at you, "You'll see." he smiles.
While you walk through Winterfell the workers watch you with curiosity. It's the first time they see their lady, you realize.
"We are not far." Cregan tells you when you pass the Godswood, the outline of the Guest House becoming clearer with each step. At the foot of the building you see three pools, hot smoke rises from them.
"These are our hot springs, they warm the castle." he tells you, "Talya said you can't shake off the cold. I thought taking a bath here would please you."
You near one of the pools and kneel down. Rolling up one of your sleeves, you dip your hand in the water. At first it almost feels like it's burning you, then it becomes pleasant.
You stand up again, hastily pulling at your clothes. You can't wait to dive in.
Cregan sets the towels on the grass near you and turns his back as you remove the last piece of clothing and enter the water. The warmth envelops your body and you let out a satisfied moan.
"I'll leave you alone then."
"I have been alone since I arrived here." your voice makes him stop in his tracks. "I can't even say I have a husband."
"I beg your pardon, Princess?"
"A marriage is not valid until consummated."
"It did not seem the right moment. After the news you had received... I thought it was best to let you be." he peeks over his shoulder, turning around once he realizes your body is hidden by the water.
"And I thank you for that." you smile. "Join me."
"Princess-"
"I'd rather not beg."
The man looks at the ground first, then at the trees behind him, weighing is options. He then inches closer to the pool, taking the heavy fur off his back before stripping.
You avert your gaze, suddenly embarrassed, and don't dare look at him until he too is fully submerged. The pair of you stays quite for a while before you muster up the courage to utter a few words.
"You must be the only husband that doesn't torment his wife with his needs."
The hint of a smile makes it's way on his face.
"I must torment you then, I suppose." you stand, the water is not too deep and it now reaches just below your breasts. Cregan does his best to keep his eyes on yours. It's almost funny. "You can look... and touch if you wish. It's all yours, my lord."
His eyes close for a moment, an attempt to keep his composure. He stands, his hand moves a few strands of wet hair behind your shoulder. His fingers trace down your arm, then back up, cupping your cheek.
"Do you really want this?" his eyes search yours for any trace of hesitation.
Instead of answering, you press a kiss to his lips, your hands reach up to hold his face while his slide to your waist. Cregan's tongue slips between your lips, your mouth clumsily chasing his before finding the right rhythm.
He maneuvers you until your back is against the pools wall. His lips move to your neck, planting open mouthed kisses that make you shudder. His hand sneaks between your thighs, your legs instinctively spread. He draws circles with his thumb on your pearl, making your breath itch. A warm feeling sets in your lower stomach.
His fingers prod at your entrance. At first it's uncomfortable, then, once you relax, it starts to feel good, making you a whimper.
You hook one of your legs around his hip, pulling his body flush against yours. Now you can feel the effect you have on your lord husband, his lenght is hard against your tummy.
"Is it... Is it going to... fit?" your voice is breathy.
You feel Cregan smile again against your breast. He raises his head to properly look at you, "You flatter me, but I believe it will." clearly amused by your words. "But if you wish to stop and try another t-"
"No, please, I want you." your cheeks warm up at your own confession.
He takes his hand away from your center and wraps it around his cock, pumping a few times before guiding it to your entrance. He pushes in, the stretch stings, making you dig your nails in his shoulder. Once he's fully sheathed in he stops.
"Still with me?"
You nod. Your walls flutter around him, almost as if trying to push him out. His thumb returns to your clit and his mouth covers yours again, distracting you from the discomfort.
"Doing so well for me." he mumbles between kisses.
He starts to move slowly, the pain quickly subsides. His cock reaches deeper inside you than his fingers did, it's head drags against a particular spot that makes your stomach tighten.
"Faster, please?" you whine.
Cregan picks up the pace, the rocky wall of the pool lightly scratches your back. You cling onto him, your hand weaves through his hair pulling at the strands at the base of his skull.
"For someone who'd rather not beg, you beg a lot, Princess." he whispers in your ear, voice low.
"I am not a Princess anymore," you struggle to keep your moans down, biting on your lip, "I am you wife now. I am lady Stark."
He embraces you, keeping you flush against him. Your thighs tremble against his hips as pure bliss washes over you. Cregan follows a few moments later, growling against your neck while filling you up with his hot seed. His forehead rests against yours.
For a moment there's just you and him and the sound of the water that yet has to still. You have no doubt: you'll never feel alone again.