When Love and Fire Meet

I reluctantly followed Robb to the main courtyard to see King Robert and Queen Cersei. I stood behind Robb as I was not part of the immediate family. I spotted a young girl about my age with black hair, and brown eyes, and had the same build as the king himself. Along with the royal family were the Kingsgaurd and their household guard. 

"Barabra!" I heard the king shout toward the girl who ran over to her father and the queen. 

"Yes, father?" The girl asked. This was Barabra Baratheon. The true born heiress of the Iron Throne.

"Have you seen Joffery?" King Robert asked. 

"No father." She said.

"Seven hells that boy always runs off when he's supposed to be doing his duty as prince."

Queen Cersei laid a hand on Robert's arm. "Perhaps we should send someone to look for him."

Robert nodded. "Make sure you do that." His eyes noticed me almost at once. "You, girl. You're not of the North are you?"

I shook my head. 

Ned stepped forward. "Your Grace, she's a guest at Winterfell."

Robert huffed. "I don't trust her Ned. She smells of dragon."

At this, I took off not wanting Robb or anyone to see the hurt on my face. I headed to my chambers and started to pack my things. I can't be here anymore. I'm not from the North, it's true. There's no life for me or Feiro here. I heard a knock on the door. "Go away."

"Lady Katherine, Robb wishes to speak to you." A servant said from the other side of the door. 

I sighed. "Fine. Let him in."

The door opened and Robb entered the room and noticed me packing my things. "So, you and your dragon are leaving?" 

I nodded. "I told you that I shouldn't have seen the king. I'm not of this realm. I have no business being here."

"Your father's last letter to mine spoke of a marriage proposal did he not?"

"Yes, he did."

Robb took my hand. "My father tends to keep that promise."

Meanwhile in the crypts of Winterfell King Robert looked at Ned. "You know as well as I do, that all supporters of the Mad King were whipped out."

Ned nodded. "You don't have to remind me, Robert. Katherine has no family and I have welcomed her into my home and she shall remain under my protection. Her father, Lord Jason Drakeion wrote to me before he died to make sure that I could find her a good match. I intend to keep that oath."

Robert burst out laughing. "Ned, you can't be serious. A girl with no family or place to call home could never find a good match for your son Robb. He needs to marry someone of noble birth and can bear him sons."

Ned said nothing for a moment. He knew that if he told Robert that he did intend to marry me to Robb. "What is your true visit here, Your Grace?"

Robert sighed. "I need you, Ned. Kings Landing is in caose. With John Arryn's death, I need a new Hand."