Cobblestones were one thing, but the completely unpaved roads leading into Winterfell were something else entirely. The Free Cities had plenty of rough roads, but at least it was warm. This was horrible. I looked up and glanced around as my chariot rode into the far reaches of Winterfell. It was like everyone had told me it would be. Cold and dreary. But there was admittedly something endearing about the place. Especially after I had spent my entire life in boiling climates - from all of the Free Cities into Pentos, where I had just recently left.

If I was being completely honest with myself, Winterfell was a nice change of pace. The chill in the air that blew through my hair was refreshing. Barring the disgusting roadways, this place wasn't half-bad. Considering my coming plans, I was almost happy to be here. There were so many things that I needed to take care of and none of those things could be done back in Pentos.

My only problem would be keeping my genuine mission here a secret. What I was really in Winterfell - and ultimately Westeros - for. I knew the danger that I was putting myself in being here. But Eddard Stark had promised to keep me safe from Robert Baratheon, the Usurper. Eddard's loyalty certainly wasn't because we were close. It was because he owed me. I knew that he was telling the truth about promising to keep me safe. I knew that he was doing so at great personal cost. I knew how dangerous this was for everyone involved.

The good thing was that the people I cared for most were far out of the Usurper's reach. Naturally, I missed my siblings desperately. Of course, I missed Daenerys a lot more than I missed Viserys. I supposed that I missed him just slightly. It did make me nervous to leave Dany alone with Viserys, but I knew that she needed some time to step into her own and that wasn't something she could do with her big sister looming over her shoulder. She needed some time to grow up on her own and learn to rule over Viserys. He wasn't worthy of being a king.

There were so few people suited to the Iron Throne and he wasn't one of them. I believed that deep down, Viserys was a good person. But his desire for the Iron Throne blurred that. He wasn't supposed to ever be a ruler. It was what I had hinted to Dany before leaving Pentos. I knew that it was risky, leaving such a timid and young girl in charge of our demeaning older brother, but I also knew that I could trust Dany to keep our older brother in check. Perhaps, with me gone, Dany would learn to step into her own. No more living in the shadows.

As important as it was for me being out here, I did miss my home desperately. I missed everything about it. The warm weather, the familiar people who still sided with us after all those years, and even old Magister Illyrio Mopatis. I certainly didn't love him but he had been good to my siblings and me over the last few months. After all, he had kept us safe and helped broker the deal with Eddard Stark. I knew that he would continue to keep his word to keep my siblings safe while I was gone. Particularly because he wanted to see a Targaryen restoration to the throne.

"Your Grace -"

"Not here," I interrupted Eraesella immediately. She stared at me curiously. "In front of them, only refer to me as 'My Lady.' Anywhere else, you know the rules."

Eraesella nodded slowly. "Of course, Rhae."

The sound of my old nickname brought a smile to my face. Eraesella was one of my oldest friends. One of the friends who were still alive, at least. So many others had given their lives to keep me alive. From poison or knife wounds or blind attacks all meant to end my life. Eraesella had been one of my wet nurses as an infant - a gift from my father, as she told me when I was older - and was one of the few to escape the Sack of King's Landing. I might not have remembered what had happened, but I had heard all about it. I had grown up on stories of what had happened.

I was the oldest daughter and middle child of King Aerys II Targaryen. The 'Mad King' as so many had called him, and his sister-wife, Rhaella. The thought sent a chill colder than the air of Winterfell up my spine. I had made it very clear from a young age to Viserys that he would never marry Dany or myself. The madness in our family hadn't affected others - perhaps being wedded to our own family members had something to do with it. Besides, it was no longer accepted. Not in Westeros. It was punishable by death.

But my father hadn't been aware of just how deeply the madness ran in him. He had died during the Sack of King's Landing, stabbed in the back by the Kingslayer, Jaime Lannister. I had been a mere infant. Dany hadn't even been born yet. The usurper Robert Baratheon had installed himself as king, having now defeated Aerys in a conquest that would later become known as Robert's Rebellion. My pregnant mother, myself, and my brother fled to the island of Dragonstone. My memories from that early in my life were near non-existent.

What I did remember was Viserys telling me that it was the ancestral home of House Targaryen - the only reason that we had thought we might be safe there. We had done what we'd needed to do to ensure our escape from Robert Baratheon. My older brother, Rhaegar Targaryen, was killed in the war by Robert. But even in death, he was still helping his baby sister. After his death, the forces of House Lannister had murdered Rhaegar's wife, Elia Martell, and their children, Rhaenys and Aegon, also during the Sack of King's Landing.

On the night Daenerys was born on Dragonstone, mere weeks after we had arrived there, a severe summer storm raged. All I could recall from that night was screaming, flashing lights, and deafening bangs. Because of that storm, she had been given the nickname 'Daenerys Stormborn.' It was sharply contrasted with my own, 'Iceheart.' Given to me because of the unnaturally cold summer morning I had been born on and my unnaturally light eyes. Our mother had died soon after Daenerys was born, leaving all three of us orphans.

With Viserys a mere child, myself an infant, and Dany a newborn, we were taken into exile in the Free Cities by loyal retainers, among them Ser Willem Darry. He was one of our best friends. Willem Darry was perhaps the man I most closely considered like my father. Willem was the master-at-arms at the Red Keep. He was a grey bear of a man who was half-blind. He had a gruff, kind voice and big wrinkled hands, soft as old leather. All of my memories of Ser Willem were fond. While the servants were terrified of him bellowing orders at them, he was always kind to us.

After my father's death in the Sack of King's Landing and my mother's death during labor, the garrison of Dragonstone considered selling Viserys, Daenerys, and myself to the new king. However, before they could come to a decision, Ser Willem and four other loyal men smuggled the three of us from the island and fled to safety in Braavos. However, Ser Willem was old and just a few years later he became sick and died, leaving Viserys, Daenerys, and myself to fend for ourselves as the rest of the men followed not long after.

In the years that followed, the three of us spent nearly all of our time fruitlessly trying to raise support to retake the Iron Throne. But it never gained any traction. The people were comfortable under the usurper's rule and supporting our cause would have only started a war for them. Eventually, the three of us were given sanctuary by Magister Illyrio Mopatis in Pentos. As much as I wanted the Iron Throne, I also wanted that home that we had always promised each other we would find. I dreamed of finding a peaceful home and a place to belong to.

But Viserys had always refused to stay in one place for too long. It was the very reason that I was now heading into Winterfell. I had originally planned to hold off a few years, but Viserys had insisted that it was time. To be fair to him, he was right. The longer I waited, the more I risked someone else rising up against the usurper. Dany, unfortunately, would likely live in constant fear of Viserys while I was gone. He had always hit her when his temper rose. Whenever she 'woke the dragon' as he claimed. Living under Viserys's domination had left her meek and malleable.

Throughout most of our childhood, I had always been the first one to attack Viserys the moment he reached out to hurt Dany. While Viserys was bigger, I had always been more outgoing. I knew that Viserys had kept himself calmer - slightly - while I had been around. Being gone would definitely end up forcing Dany to begin standing up for herself if she wanted to be her own person. I was just hoping that my little sister would finally begin growing out of her shell. I knew that she had it in her. After all, she was a Targaryen.

In Winterfell, there were very few of my people remaining. Eraesella was one of the few people that I genuinely knew had remained loyal to myself and my family. She was one of the only people I had brought along with me on my journey from Pentos to Winterfell. A few of Illyrio's men had also come with us. It had been a long journey for everyone. It had taken almost a month to arrive in the North. I had been waiting until we arrived in Winterfell and settled in to send a raven to Dany, letting her know that I had arrived safely.

On Eraesella's other side sat Daris Piler - a swordsman who was loyal to my father during his reign. He had also been loyal to my brother Rhaegar. He had come with us when we had been forced to flee to Dragonstone and later to Braavos and Pentos. Daris had agreed to keep an eye on me during my journey to Winterfell. He was an older man who was stuck in his ways. He didn't like being here. He hadn't liked being back to Westeros since he himself hadn't been here since our family had once been on Dragonstone.

Across from me, he was bouncing his leg up and down excitedly. I looked at him and grinned slightly. One wrinkled hand was on the hilt of his sword while the other held onto the wall of the chariot. "Relax, Daris," I told him quietly.

Daris looked up at me and glared. "You are too relaxed, my lady."

"Daris," I warned.

They had to stop calling me by any titles. "Rhae," Daris conceded.

As Daris stared into my pale eyes, I leaned forward and placed a hand on his knee. "I know what I'm doing, Daris. Trust me. There's a plan in place bigger than us both," I told him. Daris laid a hand over my own. "After all, Eddard Stark owes me a great favor."

Daris arched a gray brow. "Why is that?"

"I've kept a secret for him. A secret that I intend to continue keeping as long as he honors our agreement," I said simply.

Daris let out a deep breath. "You take after your father in that way."

"In what way?" I asked.

"He was daring, too. Sometimes to a fault," Daris explained.

"Is it not in the Targaryen blood?" I asked.

"That's what concerns me," Daris said.

We both smiled at each other as the chariot trundled up the road. My tailbone was sure to be bruised with the number of times it was bouncing against the thinly-padded seat or wooden back. I glanced out of the frosty window and let a tiny grin cross my face. I had never seen a place like Winterfell before. A stone-based land with rising towers and castles topped in snow. It was a lovely sight. It appeared that we were currently passing through the edge of a residential area just outside the walls to the castle.

As much as I liked Winterfell already, it seemed that Eraesella and Daris didn't share my sentiment. "How can anyone live in a wasteland like this?" Eraesella asked harshly.

"I don't know. I think there's a bit of charm to it," I said, staring dreamily out the window.

"Charm?" Eraesella repeated, looking shocked.

Finally, I broke my gaze from Winterfell to look at her. Her nose was scrunched up in disgust. "Don't you like it just the slightest bit?" I asked her. She stared at me like I had lost my mind. "There's something about the chill in the air and the shine of the snow."

Much to my surprise, Daris was smiling. "Perhaps you have some winter in your bones."

That thought broke me away from the window faster than Viserys flew back from beggar children on the street. "I'm a Targaryen. Fire and Blood," I said sharply.

"If you wish to be a queen one day, you must learn to respect all of the Seven Kingdoms," Daris said, lowering his voice to just above a whisper. "Both those suited to you and not."

"Enough," Eraesella snapped. "None of that talk so close to Winterfell. Loyalty to the throne runs deep here."

"The Throne. Not necessarily who sits on it," I muttered in response.

Eraesella rolled her eyes. "I knew that you paid too much attention when I taught you about the politics of Westeros."

Unlike either one of my siblings, I actually listened when Eraesella and Daris taught us about the history of Westeros. I had always found it fascinating. Not to mention, there were always things to learn from in history. After all, history repeated itself. I smiled at my two older friends as the chariot thundered up the road into what our guide described as the Great Keep. That was when I finally noticed that there were what seemed to be hundreds of people lining the street, apparently waiting for us. They weren't all craning for a look at we newcomers, were they?

"What are they all here for?" I asked quietly.

"It has been a long time since a Targaryen set foot in Westeros. No one ever expected to see any of you here again. Not after Robert's Rebellion," Daris explained. I nodded for him to continue. "It is a near death sentence." That was the same thing Viserys had told me. I was determined to prove him wrong. "The only reason that you are even moderately safe is the deal that you made with Eddard Stark. Took a look around, Rhaeyna. These people are interested in you because most of them have never seen a Targaryen before."

"Are we that interesting?" I asked sardonically.

"Considering your House's history, I would say yes. Not to mention that it has always been easy to spot a Targaryen," Daris said. His gaze dropped to my hair and I subconsciously pushed it behind my shoulders. Yes. It would be very easy for anyone in the crowd to pick me out. "The Stark's will be waiting for your arrival. News of your move to Winterfell will have spread like wildfire. The people have likely been waiting for this day for months."

"I'm sure no one is as excited to see me as Eddard Stark," I said, laughing under my breath. Seeing me was likely one of his worst nightmares come to life. "Ella - pen a letter to Dany. Tell her that I will write to her once I'm settled."

"Of course," Eraesella said.

She took a piece of parchment and quill and wrote a quick sentence, rolling it up, appearing to be preparing to send it off. We rode through the gates of Winterfell and I leaned out of the window slightly. Eraesella was swearing at me loudly in High Valyrian. She likely didn't want me to actually be seen until we arrived right in front of the Stark family. But I had a job to do and it started right now. I wiped away some of the condensations that had built up on the windows and smiled at all of the civilians who were watching me.

It was the kids who appeared to be the most fascinated with me. The adults certainly looked suspicious. Naturally. Most of them likely remembered the way that my father had been in the months leading up to his death. But I was not my father and my proof of that began today. I waved to the kids and glanced up the road. I could see where our brigade would be landing. It was just up the path, not far from where we were now. My eyes immediately landed on the man who must have been Eddard Stark. I had only heard of him but there would be no mistaking the Lord of Winterfell.

A sudden urge came over me at the sight of a little girl carrying a porcelain doll. "Stop the carriage," I ordered loudly.

The horses drawing the carriage ground to a short trot, practically throwing everyone onto the floor. "My lady?" Daris asked.

"I will walk the rest of the way," I announced.

"Rhae -"

"Stop the carriage," I repeated, interrupting Eraesella. The carriage slowed to a complete halt and I smiled, standing from my spot where I had been positioned for hours. My legs were slightly sore but I ignored the dull pain, instead, letting one of my guards open the door and stepping out into the chilly air. There was an instant hush that fell over the crowd. I turned back to my companions. "You two can stay if you like."

Daris was the first to move from his dumbfounded position. "You're not walking alone."

His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword as he climbed out of the carriage behind me. I turned back to the growing crowd and gave them a gentle smile and bow. About half returned the gesture. I turned away from them after a moment and began marching up the path toward Eddard Stark. I tried my absolute hardest to look at each citizen as I passed them. It was easy to see that they were all fascinated by me, seeing as I didn't look a thing like the rest of them. Even the occasional blonde-haired man or woman bore no resemblance to me.

Just a few families down from the Stark's, I spotted a young girl who was staring up at me in wonder. I smiled at the young girl and waltzed off the path, striding up to her. The young girl stared blankly at me. As I leaned down into the mud to get onto the girl's level, I could practically feel Eraesella's anger radiating off of her. She had spent a long time making the dress and I was ruining it in mere seconds. The girl's parents looked a bit concerned to have me so close to their child but said nothing against it. Of course, having an armed soldier behind me probably didn't help.

"What's your name?" I asked the little girl.

"Palla," she answered.

"Hmm... Palla. I like that name." It was so different from anything I'd heard in the Free Cities. It was a strong Northerner name. Palla smiled gently. I reached over and gently lifted up a coal gray cloak that Palla had knotted around her throat. "Did you make this?" I asked her. Palla nodded bashfully. "Will you show me how to make one? It's so warm in Pentos and I don't think I brought enough cloaks."

Palla bowed slightly. "Of course, milady."

I laughed, placing a hand on her shoulder and pushing her back upright. "Just Rhae, my dear," I said. She nodded and stood back upright, turning back to her parents and grinning proudly. They smiled down at her as I stood back up, addressing them now. "You have a beautiful daughter."

Palla bore an intense resemblance to her mother, who also had jet black hair and deep green eyes. "Thank you," Palla's mother said, dropping down into a bow, "mi -"

"Rhae. I insist," I said, shaking my head to keep her from bowing. "Rhaeyna, if nothing else."

The mother looked quite pleased that I had stopped her - a reaction that I had been planning on. I smiled at them a final time before turning and walking back toward the Stark family, who were standing near a blacksmith station. Eraesella - just as I had expected - looked furious with me for what was likely a multitude of many things and Daris looked like he was ready to slaughter anyone who dared make a move against me. But I had to do this alone. So, I motioned them both back as I approached Eddard Stark. He looked very much like I had imagined.

Tall, dark-haired, and clearly once quite handsome. I stood facing Eddard Stark for a long time. I was much shorter than he was. He towered over me. Eventually, he dropped down into a proper bow in front of me. I took my own, going not quite as low as he had. As we both straightened up together, I maintained eye contact with him. I wasn't going to let anyone threaten me. Even if Eddard wasn't a threat to my safety, he was a threat to my ultimate goal. After all, he was loyal to Robert Baratheon, no matter what. But his protection would offer me a foot-up in the game.

"My lady," Eddard Stark greeted. "I hope your travels were easy."

"It is a long trip from Pentos to Winterfell. But a worthy one. Your home is lovely," I said, gazing around at the massive towers behind us.

"Thank you. Welcome to Winterfell. Our home is yours," Eddard offered.

"My greatest thanks, Lord Stark," I said.

"You may call me Ned," he replied.

"And you may call me Rhaeyna. Rhae, if you would like," I decided to offer. We had to try and become friends. This was an easy first step. Ned nodded at me. We stood in silence for a moment, each looking the other up and down, neither daring to break eye contact first. "My many thanks to you for welcoming your home to me. It is high time that everyone knows where my loyalty lies."

The words were painfully rehearsed but I delivered them as earnestly as I could. Ned nodded at me. I couldn't read his face to decide whether or not he believed me. There were stares and quiet whispers being exchanged in the meantime throughout the crowd. I was no fool. I knew that none of them believed me, but that was the entire point of me being here. I had to begin winning over the people. What good was starting a revolution when no one knew you or had the slightest trust in you? I had always prided myself on being able to manipulate people's emotions.

Eventually, Ned was the first one to break the tense silence. "Might I introduce you to my wife?" Ned said, motioning to a tall red-headed, green-eyed woman standing next to him. "Catelyn Stark."

"My lady," Catelyn greeted, dropping down into a curtsy.

"Rhae," I corrected her gently. "I can see I'll have to repeat that a number of times."

Catelyn gave me a tense smile. "I fear that you will."

As fake as my greetings may have been, I really did despise being called 'my lady' or anything of the likes. I smiled at Catelyn again and dipped into a bow. "My lady," I said, quickly straightening up. "From House Tully, if I recall my lessons correctly?"

Catelyn nodded. "Yes, Rhaeyna."

"And our children," Ned said, placing a hand on my shoulder and motioning me to the line of children next to him. "Our oldest, Robb Stark."

I turned to the figure closest to Catelyn, preparing to bow slightly to the oldest son. As I made eye contact with him, I found myself staring into the eyes of a man who was the near polar opposite of me. He had dark hair and light eyes, stood nearly an entire head above me, and was devastatingly handsome. He appeared to me about my age. His green eyes bored into my violet ones. Ned ended up having to clear his throat after a few long seconds to get Robb Stark to finally break eye contact and drop down into a bow. I responded with a slight one of my own.

"My lady," Robb said, enunciating the title, just as any highborn would have been taught to do. As Robb came back upright, he took my hand gently and kissed the back of it. I had to instantly scold myself for the skip of my heartbeat, instead, plastering a smile on my face. "A pleasure."

"The pleasure is mine, my lord," I responded.

Pleased, indeed. "Just Robb, please."

It seemed that I wasn't the only one who wasn't overly fond of being called by a title. "Just Rhaeyna, I insist."

The two of us exchanged a slight smile. My white eyebrow arched slightly as I looked him up and down. Dressed in dark brown leather, some silver plating, and two layers of brown fur - there was no mistaking that he was from the ruling House. There was no mistaking that he was Ned Stark's son. He bore an intense resemblance to his father - just as people had always said I bore a distinct resemblance to mine. Although, Robb had his mother's eyes. My violet ones scanned his body a few times as a small grin popped up on my lips.

Perhaps there was a chance that this trip wouldn't just be business for me. Unlike my siblings, I had never truly taken pleasure with having any royal, or ladylike, personality traits. I had always preferred to play-fight with the local children and be treated as one of them. As I had grown older, I had sometimes even been forward with the boys who plated in the streets with us - something that had infuriated Viserys. I had never gone to that point he feared that I had, but I certainly wasn't afraid to. The only thing that scared me was the instant attraction to Robb.

It was something that I was sure would have to be stamped out. Robb was handsome but there was something else that I needed to do. The one thing I desperately needed to do was prove to these people that I cared for them. That I would be their best ruler. Because I was one of them. I had grown up as one of them. I knew what needed to happen in order to make their lives better. That was exactly what would make me a good queen when the time came. I knew them and respected them. For many years, I had been them.

"My ward, Theon Greyjoy," Ned continued, shattering my thoughts. I broke eye contact with Robb and turned to another man about my age. He was handsome in his own manner. Theon bowed to me. I didn't miss the way that his eyes traced the lines of my body. I ignored him, instead, willing myself to ignore Robb's lingering stare. "My daughter, Sansa."

On Robb's other side was a very pretty red-headed girl who appeared to be about twelve or so. She had a brilliant smile on her face that hadn't once faded since I had walked up. Her hair trailed down her back, done up in a pretty braid that went over the crown of her head. She was quite tall for someone her age, already towering over me. Sansa took a low bow and straightened up, still smiling brightly. I smiled back at her and dipped into a bow of my own. She was a proper young lady who very closely resembled her mother - the only one who shared her red hair.

"You have lovely hair," I told her.

"Thank you, my lady," Sansa said, bowing slightly again. "As do you."

Subconsciously, I reached up and ran a finger through my hair, smiling the entire time. I had allowed Dany to do my hair one last time before leaving Pentos. Obviously, I had bathed and rinsed a number of times since leaving her but each time I was ready to pull my hair back again, I had Eraesella repeat Dany's pattern. Something to remember my little sister by. Like most Targaryen's, I had white-blonde hair that trailed almost down to my waist. Mine was just slightly lighter than Dany's. She had wrapped it in a complicated braid - her best one by far.

It consisted of two braids each on either side of my head that wound back into a bigger braid that trailed straight down the middle of my back. The massive braid laid over the rest of my hair that fell flat on the underside. There were also three thin strands of hair on each side of my head that were at intervals trailing down my back that wound into the larger braid - held together by silver beads with the House Targaryen sigil. There were some curled strands left loose in front of my face that blew gently in the wind. It was a classic Targaryen look.

"I'll teach you one day, if you like," I told Sansa suddenly, realizing that I had been dreaming of Dany and Pentos for far too long.

Sansa smiled. "Please, my lady."

Her hands dropped down to the bright blue cotton dress she was draped in. "Did you make that dress?" I asked. Sansa nodded excitedly, picking up her dress and swaying it around her feet. "Will you make me one? I'm rather lousy at sewing."

Sansa's green eyes brightened. "It would be my pleasure," she said.

Sansa went to drop down into another bow when I laughed, shaking my head and putting out a hand to stop her. "No need," I told her. She smiled and nodded, instead, taking a step back.

"My daughter, Arya," Ned continued.

Ned swept his arm out to the side and motioned to a young girl on Sansa's other side. The little girl looked to be a few years younger than her sister and greatly resembled her father - much like her brothers. She had dark eyes and medium-length dark brown hair that was tied up in a simple braid. What caught my eyes was the fact that she was covered in dirt and soot. I recognized it immediately. She had been playing with the local boys. She would rather be a warrior than a proper lady. Something that I respected greatly. I smiled and dropped to my knees in front of Arya.

"Rhae -"

I raised my hand to silence Eraesella before she could chide me for dirtying my white dress. Eraesella growled but fell silent. "I've seen that look in your eyes before, you know," I told Arya.

"What do you mean?" Arya asked curiously, not even bothering to bow.

It looked like Catelyn was about to scold her daughter for not presenting herself properly, but I appreciated being treated as just another normal person for a moment. "That desire for adventure. To be something more than a proper lady. Correct?" I asked her. Arya nodded bashfully. I smiled at her again. "Promise me that you will never compromise yourself for a man."

Arya gave a slight smile, the first one I had seen. "Never."

"I'll teach you a lesson, Arya," I said. She nodded for me to continue. "Men have an inherent weakness that we do not share."

Arya stared at me blankly for a moment. "What is it?" she asked.

"That is a lesson that you will learn on your own," I said. She would learn in time. We all did. I smiled at Arya's baffled look and brushed back a few loose strands of hair over her forehead. She reminded me vaguely of myself when I was her age. "Never let that spirit die."

Arya smiled as Ned placed a hand on my shoulder. I rose and looked at a young boy. "My son, Bran," Ned said.

The boy was the spitting image of his father. "Aren't you a handsome one?" I said.

Bran smiled bashfully but didn't respond. "And my youngest, Rickon," Ned continued.

The last Stark child in line appeared to be barely out of his toddler years. "Hello, little one," I said. We both smiled at each other as I turned back to Ned, offering the chance for him to mention the last boy. But he didn't. So, I did. "There's another, is there not?"

It wasn't just the Stark family that tensed. The entire crowd did. Any muttering that had been going on before instantly died off. I had known that any mention of the boy wouldn't go over well. But this was the person that I had genuinely come to meet. I had always been curious to meet him. He had always belonged with us, after all. I spotted Catelyn on my other side trying to refrain from glaring at her husband. My eyebrow arched. She didn't know the truth... Of course... He had never told her. Not even his wife. He had always kept the secret.

After a moment, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I brushed past Ned and faced who I assumed to be the boy I was looking for. "Jon Snow, am I correct?" I asked him carefully.

The young man looked shocked that I had spotted him from the second row of greeters. Robb and Theon parted to allow Jon to slip between them. He looked almost exactly like Ned Stark. Which made sense, as they were technically related. I smiled at him as Jon stepped up to me and dropped down in a low bow. His bow was much lower than any of his other siblings'. Naturally, he believed that we were of two such different origins when the truth was such the opposite. I didn't bow back to him - as it would have looked extremely odd - but watched him curiously.

"My lady," Jon said, straightening up.

While his gaze remained firmly locked on my violet eyes, I looked him up and down. "You have the bearing of a Stark," I told him proudly.

Jon's face reddened slightly. There were plenty of sharp glares from those standing closest to us, namely Catelyn Stark. "Rhaeyna," Ned interrupted, stepping between us. "Shall we get you settled? I'm sure that it has been a long and tiresome journey."

"Yes. Of course," I said. Ned nodded and made a move to show me back to where I assumed they would have me stay. But there was a final conversation I needed to have before I got settled here and I couldn't have it out in the open. "Before we go, will you show me to your crypts? Eraesella told me about them. If I am to be living as a Northerner, I think that means that there are some people here that I should pay my respects to."

Ned cleared his throat awkwardly, clearly sensing where this was going. "Of course."

As the two of us prepared to head out, I overheard Catelyn talking to the boys. "Why don't you all help gather Rhaeyna's things? We'll have her in the Southern Tower with us," she told them.

"Of course, Mother," Robb responded.

"Girls. Help with the feast," Catelyn commanded.

"Feast?" I repeated, stepping back into their conversation. "Please. I don't need such things."

"Only the best for our distinguished guest," Catelyn said, smiling tersely.

I forced the brightest smile onto my face that I could muster. "My every thanks."

Neither one of our smiles quite reached our eyes, but at least we were both trying. As the guards and knights standing around the courtyard began clearing everyone out for the feast later tonight, I turned back and gave the Starks one last smile. They all smiled back. Just as I turned away, I happened to catch Robb's eye as he walked off. He gave me a slight smile as he headed back to my chariot and began helping the guards pull everything out - moving them into my new home. This was the beginning of a new era. For now, this was my home. I would have to get used to living here.

It took Ned placing a hand in the small or my back and pushing me forward to break my thoughts - and snap my final thread holding me to my family still in Pentos. They were there waiting for me... They would be there when I was ready to return... And eventually, we would all come to Westeros together... This wasn't permanent. I just had to remind myself of that. This wasn't where my life ended. It was where it began. So, I turned away from the chariot and walked off with Ned, who kept his voice low as we walked.

"That's an interesting choice that you made earlier," Ned commented.

"To walk the rest of the way?" I asked curiously. He nodded at me. "If I am coming here to integrate myself into the North, I might as well start with introducing myself to its people. Riding here, locked away in a chariot, is a poor way to introduce myself."

Ned nodded slowly. "Understood."

"You disagree with my methods," I reasoned.

"I think you're bold."

It was a concern that Dany had expressed about me many times. "A timid and well-mannered woman will never win anything."

"You are much like your father."

"I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult."

"Perhaps a bit of both."

At least Ned was being honest. That much was something I could respect. Ned laid a hand on my shoulder and led me toward what he called the First Keep. There was an ironwood door just off to the side that Ned pushed open, dismissing two guards that were standing watch over the tombs. As we entered, Ned motioned me to the staircase and we descended two levels into the main crypt. We walked down a dark hallway and headed straight for Lyanna Stark's statue. I started at it for a long time. I knew the truth and I knew how it could be manipulated.

"He has her bearing," I told Ned, feeling him tense up at my side. "Yours as well."

Ned swallowed thickly. "He does. It's why she trusted me."

His voice was so low that it was nearly impossible to hear him. "A smart choice. You're an honorable man," I said, finally breaking my gaze from her statue, looking into Ned's eyes. His face was a mask of hurt and pride as he stared at his late sister's statue. "Which is exactly why I am surprised by how stupid others can be. Not even remotely suspicious?"

Ned's gaze narrowed slightly as he turned to me. "Which brings me to my ultimate question. How did you know?"

A small smile crossed my lips as I walked around Ned's side, standing at the base of Lyanna's statue. "My late brother was no fool. He trusted certain people. He knew that my other brother was not a dragon. Not a real one, at least," I said, rolling my eyes at the thought of Viserys' pride. "He knew that the truth had to be passed down to someone who could use it."

Ned's gaze narrowed. "He died when you were a child."

"True," I conceded. "But death doesn't necessarily erase all memories."

Ned thought on my words for a long time as I smiled at him. He was a smart man. He would get there eventually. Finally, the truth dawned on him. "He left you something."

"Correct again," I said, grinning. My brother had placed a lot of trust in me for someone he hadn't even known. But he had known that the truth would shatter the known world and I didn't intend to let that secret die with him. "Lord Eddard Stark, you have my word that I will not repeat what I know. The information is useless right now, after all. The only thing that it would do would draw the usurper Robert Baratheon to Winterfell and throw the world into arms. It's not the time for that. Not yet."

"You have big dreams and plans for such a young woman," Ned commented.

"It's the Targaryen way. Waves have to be made," I told him. We both stared at each other as I looked him up and down. How could a man like Ned Stark be so close to a man like Robert Baratheon? "How comfortable are you really with the fat king on the Iron Throne?"

"We're not getting into that," Ned snapped.

"Understandable. We'll start small. I'm in no hurry," I told him honestly, perching myself on the edge of Lyanna's statue.

Ned let out a deep breath, running his fingers over the bridge of his nose. "I've agreed to keep you safe. That's not something I can do if you go making a scene of yourself," he told me.

For someone who had fought so hard to remove my family from the Iron Throne, Ned was certainly working hard to keep me alive. "That's much appreciated. You've upheld your end of the bargain. Give me a place to live in. Explained my loyalty to Robert Baratheon," I sneered angrily. I stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath and forcing myself to calm down. "As far as your last comment... I can keep myself safe, Lord Stark. I've been doing it for many years now."

The two of us stared at each other for a long time. Neither one of us said anything or dared make a move. I knew what was happening. It was a power struggle locked in our minds. We wouldn't say the obvious - I held a very dangerous secret over Ned's head and he could have easily ordered his men to murder me - because it was just too obvious. We were better than that. We just had to figure out what came next. Would we manage to become allies or would we always be in this awkward in-between stage of allies and enemies?

Much to my own surprise, I decided that I would try to become allies. That started with telling him what his loyalty meant to me. "The truth is, Ned, I've never truly had a place to call home. I've been on the run my entire life. Winterfell is not what I'm used to but there is a beautiful charm to it. Thank you for having me here," I said quietly.

Ned stared at me for a long time, seemingly wondering whether or not I was telling the truth. It felt like hours before he finally said, "You will always be welcome in Winterfell, as will the entire Targaryen family."

As it seemingly had been for a long time. "Thank you, Ned," I said.

For now, our feud seemed to be over. "Would you care to freshen up before the feast?" Ned offered, appearing to be as done with our battle for dominance as I was.

It was something that could be returned to later. "Actually, I would. With white-blonde hair and violet eyes, I already stand out desperately in the North. The least I can do is attempt to dress like you," I told Ned, who seemed to appreciate my willingness to try and blend in with his people. I pulled the white silk from my frame carelessly. "Plus, I'm not overly fond of the icy air here while I'm wearing silk."

Ned's lips parted in something that looked almost like a smile. "Come. We have clothes you can wear until new ones can be made."

"Much appreciated."

The Stark family was already doing more for me in a matter of minutes than some people had done for my entire family for decades. I smiled at Ned and took his hand, allowing him to lead me back to the Great Keep. Together we walked back into the Great Keep, which was welcoming in more ways than one. As I had walked into the Great Keep, I realized that it was unnaturally warm in the castle. Almost to the point that I was comfortable in my silk dress and one fur cloak. Though my hands and feet were still practically frozen.

"It's warm here," I commented to Ned.

"The castle is situated atop hot springs. Helps keep the castle warm even in the worst of winters," Ned explained.

The thought brought a smile to my face. "A piece of home," I whispered.

Pentos might not have really been my home but it was the closest place to a home that I had. Right now, Winterfell was reminding me of that home. "We all hope that you can find some comfort in being here," Ned said.

"Thank you, Ned," I said gratefully.

Perhaps living in Winterfell wouldn't be too bad. I had no idea how long I would be here, but it could have been a halfway decent place to live. As we walked through the Great Keep, I smiled up at Ned. He was commenting on each bedroom and closed door, telling me where it was and where I could go for any help until we were led up to the second floor. About halfway through our tour, Ned mentioned that the rest of the Stark family resided in this part of the castle. The thought almost pleased me. They trusted me enough to at least let me live in the same area as them.

As we stood in front of a massive oak door, Ned took a step back. "I will send someone for you in a while."

"My many thanks," I told him.

We both nodded at each other as Ned gave me a final reassuring look before turning and walking off. For a moment I stood and stared at the wooden door. Once I opened it, my life here would be official. It would be time for me to officially become an occupant of Winterfell. I had been awaiting this day for months, but it was strange to know that it was finally here. Particularly because I had no idea how long I would be here. It would easily be months. But there was a chance that those months could turn into years.

Trying to push away the thoughts of having to leave Daenerys and Viserys for that long, I wrapped my hand around the black steel handle on the door and gently pushed it open. Immediately, I was met with a sight that almost made me gasp. The interior of the room almost made me gasp. It looked so... homey. Even for someone who had never really had a home before. There was a huge deep wood chest at the foot of the bed and a dresser that matched on the other end of the room. My bed was about four times the size of the one I slept on back in Pentos.

One of the first things I noticed was that there were pure white furs draped over the bed. It made me smile slightly. The color of the furs was almost the same color of my own hair. It was the only thing in the room that was white. There was a small desk sitting at the base of a window that overlooked a courtyard that appeared to be designed for archery practice. It would at least be interesting to watch people practice if I wanted to hide up in my room all day. Next to the desk was a large fireplace with a fire already roaring, heating up the room to a near-perfect temperature.

There was another wooden door on the other end of the bedroom that I assumed was for a connected bathroom. I nudged that door open and waltzed inside. I was right about it being a bathroom. There was a large metal tub for bathing and a full-length mirror that I could use to look at myself in. There were deep brown tiles lining the floor and walls. There were even some warm coals in the corner to keep the bathroom warm. I waltzed in slowly, removing my slippers on the way in, and stood in front of the mirror. I looked very much as I had when I'd left Pentos.

With no one to interrupt me, I stared at myself in the mirror for a long time. A Targaryen through and through. My white-blonde hair hit to the very bottom of my back. My violet eyes pierced through my face. My eyes were the lightest of any of my siblings. In the sun, they even looked silver in the sun sometimes. My skin was slightly tanned from my time in Pentos. My body only took up about half of the mirror - I shared my stature with Dany. My white dress flowed to the floor - now coating in mud - and had a white wolf fur pelt over my shoulders. It had been meant as a statement when I'd arrived.

Someone had been in here earlier and had apparently left some things out for me. Sitting on the stone counter was a dress made from thick wool. It had a slight dip in the neckline and cinched in at the waist. It was dyed the same lovely shade of violet as my eyes. I undid the ties on my silk dress, removing it and folding it up, placing it on the counter, and stepped into the wool dress, lacing it up as high as my arms would reach. I then grabbed a white fox fur cloak and threw it over my shoulders. As I gave myself a once over, I found that I was somewhat satisfied with the way I looked.

In time I would have to have someone make clothes a little more suited for me. As I strolled out of the bathroom and back into the bedroom, I realized that most of my things had been laid in the center of the room for me. They had done their job. Now I had to unpack. My first instinct was to walk over to a wooden chest about the length of my torso. I dropped onto my knees next to it and lifted the lid, smiling down at the unharmed occupants. Three beautiful eggs. Dragon eggs. Given as a gift to me from Daris on my fifteenth name day.

The eggs had served as a reminder that I was always a Targaryen, no matter where I went. I ran a hand over the eggs and smiled. They had been turned to stone with the ages but that didn't change the love that I had for them. One was a beautiful pale gold with silver flecks dug into the ridges. Another was a flaming red with deep brown ridges around the edge of the egg. The largest of the eggs by far was a jet black one. Unlike the other two, there were no other colors on the black egg. It also held a slight shine to it. It had been my favorite since the first time I'd seen it.

Taking the black egg in my hands, I rose and walked over to the roaring fireplace. I kneeled down at the edge of the stone and leaned forward, placing it in the flames. I smiled as the fire warmed over my fingers, yet didn't burn me. It didn't burn me when I placed down either of the other two eggs either. A true dragon, I thought, allowing the flames from the fireplace to run over a silver ring I wore bearing our family sigil. A true dragon, just as I knew my sister was.

When Dany was barely two, I had been instructed to help bathe her one night by the maids who had helped hide us for a number of years in a house with a red door in Braavos. Viserys had been out getting food. I had stood over the stone baths and dropped Dany into the water that was far too warm for a normal child, having been used to taking such boiling baths myself. The maids had yelled for me to stop, that I would burn her, but Dany had seemed perfectly content in the boiling water. That was the day that I'd known we were both meant to be the dragons. Not our moronic brother.

"You're starting to look like a real Northerner."

Immediately, I pulled my hands back from the fire and turned around. Robb Stark was standing in the doorway, smiling down at me. I returned the grin and got to my feet. "Oh, I get the feeling that I'm still a long way away from that," I said.

Robb looked down at the floor-length gown. "Sansa will be thrilled to see that you are wearing one of her own dresses," he said.

I followed his gaze to the floor. I had known that Sansa had made this dress but had already decided that I would say nothing about it. "Did she make this?" I asked. Robb nodded. "It is quite lovely. She has a natural talent."

"She does," Robb replied. We both stood in silence for a moment as I walked further from the fireplace. "My father sent me to escort you to dinner."

"That was kind of him. Seems to be an easy place to get lost in," I told him honestly.

If there was one thing I had never prided myself on, it was my sense of direction. I had always relied on Dany and Viserys to get us places. "It is. Bran and Rickon love hiding in the halls. You'd never find them if they didn't want to be found," Robb said, smiling fondly.

"Perhaps I'll have to take after them. I think I'll be in need some good alone time after long," I said.

"I'll show you where my favorite spot was if you'd like," Robb offered. I arched a brow at his offer, one that I was already considering taking him up on. "No one will ever find you."

"Except for you," I commented.

"Does that bother you?" Robb asked.

I smiled slightly. "No. Does it bother you?" I asked.

"My lady?" Robb asked, clearly not understanding my question.

"Rhaeyna," I corrected him. "Rhae, if you would like." Robb nodded. "Say it."

Robb's face reddened slightly from his mistake as he said, "Rhae. I like Rhae."

It was my preferred nickname - the one that Dany and Viserys had always used. "As do I." We remained in a brief silence until I decided to push a little bit. "Does it bother you? My being here?" I asked him curiously.

Robb didn't seem to understand. "Why would it?"

"I can only assume that you were named for Robert Baratheon," I said slowly. Robb stared at me for a moment before nodding. "You must know by now that there is a long and complicated history between my family and his. Yours as well."

"Yet you are here," Robb pointed out.

Not for a reason that you would like. "Healing must start somewhere. My family will not be wiped out. If that means having to come here and try to make repentance for what my father did during his reign, I will," I said seriously. My father had been extremely disturbed. I knew what he was, but that didn't mean that I would ever forgive his murder. "I'm under no illusion, Robb Stark. I know who my father was. I am not him. I know the old saying. Each time a new Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin. Which side do you think it landed on?"

Robb was silent for a long time, thinking on my question. "I don't think I know you well enough to make that judgement," he said. I nodded my agreement. We didn't know each other at all, but for some reason, I was glad that he was here. "What I do know is that you are far smarter than you've let on so far."

"Correct you are," I said, inclining my head slightly. "So, I repeat my first question. Does my being here bother you?"

"No," Robb said without hesitation. "It doesn't."

Much to my own surprise, that brought a smile to my face. I nodded at him as I slowly reached up and unhooked the cloak from my shoulders. Robb began shifting uncomfortably. But we weren't there. Not yet, at least. This was something much more innocent. Since he was here, he might as well have been helpful. I turned my back to him, revealing that my dress was only laced halfway up. As I looked back over my shoulder I noticed that Robb wasn't actually looking at me.

"Give me a hand, will you?" I called.

His gaze finally turned back to me. He looked relieved to see that my dress was still on. "Of course," Robb said, finally realizing what I wanted.

As he walked back to me, I turned to look away, pulling my hair over my shoulder. Robb's fingers worked confidently at the laces and I smiled to myself. Had he done this before? Or undone them, perhaps? At first, he was very careful not to dare press his hands too hard against my back. But that changed after a few minutes. As his hands worked around my shoulders, I felt his fingers gently brush against my back each time he thread a new piece of the lace. His fingers were surprisingly warm.

The thought made me smile briefly. But the moment between us - the reminders of my old life - still managed to bring a frown to my face. I had known that leaving my siblings would be hard, and it had been during the journey, but it was worse now that I was here, so far away from them. Away from everything. All of the things that had become so familiar to me. Daenerys had always been the person who had done up the laces on my dresses to get ready in the morning. I had done the same for her. I blinked back tears that rose to my eyes surprisingly fast.

"Are you alright?" Robb asked worriedly.

I jumped slightly, having momentarily forgotten that he was with me. His hand was resting gently in the middle of my back as he gave me a concerned stare. "My apologies," I said, waving him off carelessly. "I've never been away from my siblings for so long."

"Have you ever been away from them at all?" Robb asked.

"No. The longest we've ever been apart was just a few hours. We're all each other has left in the world. We're the last family that we have. We never walked away from each other. No matter how angry we would get," I said quietly.

Robb nodded sadly. "You have…"

"Two siblings," I answered. I probably shouldn't have been confiding in Robb Stark about my family, but I wanted to talk about them to someone. Not to Daris or Eraesella - who would worry too much about me - but to a complete stranger. "An older brother, Viserys, and a younger sister, Daenerys. A deceased older brother as well, Rhaegar."

"You miss them both?"

"More than anything. I miss Dany more, though," I said, smiling slightly.

Robb blew out a puff of air that sounded like a laugh. "She's your favorite, then?"

"Of course. We're not supposed to, but everyone has favorites."

"I don't."

"Lying is not one of your talents, then?" I teased.

"I don't have a favorite," Robb said indignantly.

"Sure, you do. Everyone does. Even if they don't admit it to themselves. Would you like to hear my guess?" I offered. Robb stared at me, fighting back a smile, as I began circling him. "You love Theon, but he's still just your father's ward. You grew up together, he is your brother, but he's still not the same. His pride and arrogance, that gets to you. It bothers you. Arya… Oh, she's a close second. You love her fire and her spirit. But still, she's just a young girl. Not many similarities there. No true bond to Sansa, that I see, at least. You love her. You'd kill for her. But certainly, she is not your favorite. There's a close bond with Bran. You see yourself in him. But that age gap takes its toll. The same with Rickon. You see more like a son than a brother. Someone to teach the ways of life. But Jon Snow… Now there's a man who you share a special bond with. That kind of bond that can only come from a favorite sibling. That bond that can never be shattered."

As I came to a halt in front of him, I gave a slight smile. Robb stared at me blankly for a long time, probably wondering how I had been so right about his thoughts on his family. It was something that I had always prided myself on. The ability to read people. Even Viserys had commented more than once about how difficult it was to lie to me. Of course, I knew every bit of his slimy personality. Robb was a perfect stranger. He looked completely disbelieving at my assessment. But I knew how families worked. All of them.

Eventually, Robb's face split into a small smile. "I knew that you were smarter than you let on."

"Smarter than that, Robb Stark. Just as your worth is not determined by what's between your legs, neither is mine," I said.

An almost fond look spread over his face. "You'll get on well with Arya."

"What of you?" I asked.

It was definitely a bold statement to make. I didn't know Robb. But the journey here had been a long and boring road. I was sick of the constant political and strategic talks. For once, I wanted to feel like I was my own age. Not even an adult yet. Almost surprising me, as Robb had seemed reasonably reserved so far, he turned to me and smiled. I knew the look in his eyes well. It was the one that was mirrored in my own. I knew that, down the road, my boldness could come back to bite me. But no one had ever said that I couldn't have a bit of fun on this trip. And Robb looked fun to me.

Before either of us got the chance to make the next move, I noticed Robb's gaze turn down. "What are those?" he asked, pointing behind me.

I didn't need to turn back to know what he was talking about. "Take a guess," I said.

My hands slowly folded themselves behind my back. Robb slowly approached the fireplace, leaning down in front of it. "These are… There's no way," Robb said disbelievingly.

"There is always a way," I told him.

"They're real?" Robb asked, looking back at me.

"In a way," I admitted. Robb tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Yes, they are dragon eggs. Given to me as a name day present from my advisor and knight, Daris. They've long since been turned to stone by the ages. But I like having them around. They remind me of where I come from."

Robb laughed, turning back to the eggs. "I didn't even know that there were still dragon eggs in Westeros."

"Who said that they were from here?"

"Where are they from?"

It was a tale that Daris had told me the day he had given them to me. "That's a story that you'll have to earn," I said playfully.

The same devilish grin that was on my face appeared on Robb's. "How can I earn it?"

"You'll figure out a way, I'm sure," I said.

We both smiled at each other. Robb's quickly faded as he stared into the flames. "You keep them in the fireplace?" he asked curiously.

My face turned slightly red at my stupid actions. "We all have one childish dream," I said, shuffling my feet as I had always done when I was embarrassed. "I grew up stories of Balerion the Black Dread."

Robb smiled at my admission. "I'd love to see one."

He was one of the few people I had met that felt that way about them. "Sometimes I've thought about cracking one open just to see it. Even if it's nothing more than a skeleton. But I've been stopped whenever I think about them," I said, imagining the little dragons sleeping in their protective shells. "That maybe they're all in their eggs, just dreaming. Waiting to be awoken from their slumber."

"What do you think dragons dream about?" Robb asked.

"Flying. On and on with no one telling them where or when to land," I answered dreamily.

Robb clearly knew what I was getting at. "Is that what you would like to do?" he asked.

"What we like and what we get are rarely the same," I answered with a wry smile.

What I would have loved was to grow up with my family in a real home. Not on the run, living like animals, never even knowing my own parents. Robb and I looked at each other for a long time. That was when I noticed that Robb had moved away from the fireplace and closer to me during our conversation. I hated that my heart started beating faster as Robb stood mere steps away. Before either of us could figure out our next move, the door to my room opened, revealing Eraesella, who looked surprised to see Robb with me.

"My lady. My lord," Eraesella greeted, dipping into a slight bow.

"Robb, this is one of my oldest friends, Eraesella," I told him, motioning to my friend. Robb gave her a slight bow in return. "Ella, enough with the formal titles."

"Pleased, my lady," Robb told her.

"You'll only encourage her," I told him.

Ella scowled at me as Robb gave a slight smile. "You're highborn, my lady," Ella pointed out. I nodded at her, well-aware of that fact. "You should want to be called by your proper title."

"What I want right now is something to eat," I said, blowing Ella's comment off.

"I can oblige," Robb said, stepping forward. "May I?"

He walked up to the side that Eraesella wasn't standing on - almost like a guard - and offered me his arm. I raised a brow at the gesture, not quite used to men doing it back in Pentos. There were mostly sellswords and banished knights that I was used to dealing with. My indignant side reared its ugly head as I looked at Robb, as I was perfectly capable of walking on my own, but I chose not to say anything. I needed to make friends and allies while I was here. I couldn't go fighting stupid battles like how I could walk on my own to a feast.

As the two of us made our way out of the castle and onto the grounds, I wrapped my spare hand over Robb's arm. He was as strong as he looked. He turned to me and gave a gentle smile. I looked up into the sky as we brushed through the crowd heading to the feast. All eyes turned to us as we did. There was soft chatter that arose at the sight of us together. About halfway to the dining hall I stopped walking and looked up at the gently falling snow. I had never seen snow before making my journey to Westeros. Robb stopped just behind me and watched my fascination curiously.

It was falling more in gentle flakes than anything else. While I could make out the snow easily in the hair of most of the Northerners, I couldn't make it out in my own as the colors matched nearly perfectly. I raised a hand to the sky and watched as the tiny flakes fell into my open palm, melting almost immediately. A small smile broke over my face as a childish laugh escaped my lips. Winterfell wasn't a desolate wasteland as I had originally imagined it would be. It was absolutely stunning in its own way.

"It's beautiful here. Peaceful," I said quietly.

"I'm glad you like it," Robb said, walking up to my side, brushing a few snowflakes from my long hair. "Winterfell has always been my home. I hope it can become yours, too."

"You do?" I asked curiously, turning to him.

"We all do," Robb backtracked.

I smiled at him. "I'd never seen snow before coming north."

"It doesn't snow in Pentos?"

"No. Not where I lived. You'll sweat your tits off, but it doesn't snow," I explained. Robb's head snapped over to me in surprise at the rather crude and blunt statement. After a moment, he started laughing. I joined him a moment later. "Ella would have my head if she heard me talking like that."

Robb looked at me with a newfound appreciation. "I don't hear many ladies speaking like that."

"You can't have met many fun ladies, then," I teased.

Robb shook his head. "No, I haven't."

"Let's change that," I said brightly, stepping into him.

My words had been mostly a test. I wanted to see just how he would take my words. Would he take the bait like most of the men in Pentos would have or would he act the proper man, just as his father had? Robb looked surprised at my boldness, as I had known that he would. We both stood, facing each other, not moving for a long few seconds. Eventually, Robb walked up to me and took my arm again, leading me back to the dining hall. I smiled up at him. He was an honorable man, just like his father. A man that could be trustworthy.

Much to my surprise, the corners of Robb's lips were tilted up. At least I hadn't overstepped things. Finally, Robb asked, "Why do I get the feeling you'll end up getting me in trouble?"

"What fun is life without a little trouble?" I teased.

Robb stopped walking suddenly and I stopped with him. We turned into each other, each smiling slightly, daring the other to make the first move. I had no idea what came next. No one had taken an interest in me so suddenly as Robb had. Before either one of us got the chance to say anything, a tall figure bounded up to us.

"Rhaeyna," Sansa chirped, smiling at me and giving her brother a brief nod. I grinned back at her. "Would you like to join us?"

It was surprisingly difficult to finally break eye contact with Robb. "I would love that. Thank you for inviting me," I told Sansa gently. She smiled excitedly as I turned to Robb. "And thank you for escorting me."

"My pleasure," Robb said. He leaned down and kissed the back of my hand as I smiled at him. I could hear Sansa giggling in the background. "I'll see you again soon?"

"That would seem likely as we are now neighbors," I teased him.

Robb smiled in amusement as Sansa reached over and took my hand, leading me toward the dining hall. On our way there, we chatted quietly about her home. She was thrilled to point out every little bit of her home. I could see just how proud she was of it. Sansa led me into the dining hall and pointed to the far end. The entire hall was filled with loud and boisterous men and women who all appeared to be in high spirits - laughing and dancing and eating. Ned and Catelyn sat at a high table. Their kids were at the first table, the boys on one side and the girls on another.

"Are dinners always this loud?" I asked Sansa, almost having to yell for her to hear me.

Sansa shook her head. "Only feasts. We wanted to welcome you as best we could."

"I certainly feel welcomed," I told her, walking to the table. We took a seat just in front of Catelyn, picking food off of large platters in the center of the wooden table. "This dress. You made it."

Sansa nodded. "I did."

"Its beauty is unparalleled. As is its maker," I said. Sansa blushed slightly. "Can you make trousers?"

"Yes," Sansa said.

That would have made me feel much more at home. "Will you make me a pair?" I asked her. She looked a little baffled at my request but nodded anyway. "I'm not a half-bad artist but I'm lousy with a sewing needle. I came up with a few ideas on my way here. Ned tells me that he'll have someone alter a new wardrobe, but I can tell that you have an eye for beautiful things."

"I would be honored," Sansa said.

"Have you ever seen a dragon?" Arya asked suddenly, dropping down into the seat on my other side.

"No, my dear," I said, smiling at her. "They died out long before I was even born."

"Arya!" Sansa snapped.

I turned back to Sansa and waved her off. "It's alright. I have a little sister myself," I explained.

It had been part of my childhood, getting used to Dany popping in and out of conversations whenever she felt like it. I had always been a lot more tolerant of it than Viserys had. "So, you know how annoying they can be," Sansa grumbled.

Giggling slightly, I nodded. "That I do. But I also know that I would kill a man who dared hurt her. My little sister is both my best friend and my worst enemy. But, at the end of the day, she is my family and families need to stick together. She knows me better than anyone else," I said, looking between the two girls, both of whom were shifting slightly in their seats. "There are days that I want to kill Daenerys. But I would kill for her any day."

It was the truth. If a man ever dared to make a move for her, I would cut their head off. I loved her more than anything else in the world, just as she loved me more than anything else. We had our moments, but we would always love each other. The two sisters looked at each other for a brief moment and grumbled slightly. They didn't want to admit that they loved each other. I smiled at their awkwardness as I went back to my food. It was heavier than I was used to, but I was actually pleasantly surprised at the taste. It wasn't half-bad.

As Arya pointed out, it probably helped that they had wine laid out on the table. Southern wine, as Catelyn had told me when she'd come over halfway through the meal. I had been sure to tell her that it was much appreciated. Many people around the hall looked at me throughout the meal, and many came to speak with me, but I refused to be shaken. I simply smiled and thanked them for their hospitality, even if it wasn't completely genuine on their part. Whether or not they knew it, everyone here would eventually come around to me.

Robb's P.O.V.

Robb had spent most of the feast watching her. She was only a few seats down from him, so he tried to keep his gaze from being too obvious. But it wasn't easy. He was entranced with watching her. Rhaeyna Targaryen. One of the last members of her family. She was absolutely beautiful - a trait that Targaryen's had always been known for. Her white-blonde hair trailed down her back in an intricate braid and her violet eyes pierced through each and every person that she smiled at. She was easily the most recognizable person in the room.

He had noticed the first time that he'd met her that Rhaeyna smiled a lot. She had a charming smile to most of them. But he could have sworn that there was something different in her eyes when she smiled at him. There was something sparkling in those lovely violet eyes. A sense of danger. A little hint of life that told him that Rhaeyna was different than any other woman he'd ever met - and not just because she was a Targaryen. Perhaps that was what was drawing him to her. He knew that he wasn't the only man to watch her. Most of the men in the hall watched her every move.

"Stark's got his eyes on the Targaryen girl," Theon joked.

The boys around them all began laughing. Robb looked up with a slight scowl. He and Theon had competed for the affections a few local girls before. "At least she's given me a second look since arriving, Greyjoy," Robb shot back.

"I could use to see if she's got fire in her blood," Theon said, making the others laugh again.

Another one of their friends, a young blacksmith's son named Aran, shoved into Theon's side. "Greyjoy, we all know that she's got higher standards than you," Aran said.

"Haven't seen her even look at you," Theon snapped.

"That's because she's been watching you," Jon said, looking at Robb.

Robb's face colored slightly. He didn't really know what to say about Rhaeyna and he knew that everyone was curious about them since they had walked in together. "I did what father told me and brought her here," Robb said noncommittally.

"Care to bring her back to your bed, Stark?" Theon asked.

Even though Robb didn't love when Theon started talking about women the way that he did, he began laughing along with the other men who were at the table with them. Robb had touched one woman before, just a year prior. He hadn't brought her to bed with him, but she had been there and waiting. She hadn't been the only one. Robb had only walked away from her because he had never wanted to bring a bastard into the world. Most of which his ideals on came from growing up with Jon. But seeing a woman like Rhaeyna almost made him want to break that vow.

It didn't take long before the boys at the table began making crude jeers and jokes about Rhaeyna or being in bed with her. What was under her clothes and how many men she might have been with already - those in the Free Cities and perhaps even her own brother. Robb listened and laughed for a while before finally tuning out of the conversation. Instead of laughing with them, Robb just watched her. She was at the other end of the table, laughing with Sansa and Arya. It was the first time he had seen his sisters getting along with each other in a while.

All because of her. It was an interesting moment. She was destined to be an interesting addition to Winterfell. He found himself extremely eager to see what her life in Winterfell would bring. Rhaeyna looked up after a long while of Robb staring at her and met his eyes. His green ones almost flicked away in embarrassment at being caught before he realized something. She didn't look disgusted by his obvious stare. She actually let a small smile spread over her lips. He responded with one of his own. Deciding to go for it, Robb rose from his spot at the table.

"Stark?" Theon asked.

"Robb? What are you doing?" Jon asked.

But Robb was determined. He waltzed to the other end of the table where the three women had been sitting. "Girls. May I interrupt?" Robb asked, breaking up a conversation between Rhaeyna and his sisters. Sansa and Arya both laughed quietly and nodded. Robb turned to Rhaeyna and extended his hand. "Care to dance?"

"I've got a funny feeling that we don't know the same dances," Rhaeyna admitted.

"I'll teach you," Robb offered.

She smiled before turning back to his sisters. "Can we continue our little history lesson another time?" she asked them.

Both girls nodded excitedly. Robb knew that he would never hear the end of this as the two of them shot Robb knowing smiles. He didn't mind. In fact, he thought that it was rather funny. It was the happiest that he had seen his sisters when they were together for a long time. Robb rolled his eyes at his sisters and let Rhaeyna take his hand. She stepped out from behind the table to let Robb bring her to the center of the hall where couples and families were dancing together. Robb took one of Rhaeyna's hands and laid the other on her waist as a slow ballad took up the room.

It took her a moment to learn the steps. But Robb held onto her hip tightly, gently pushing her back and forth to the music. She never once broke eye contact from him to look down at her feet as most people would do when they were learning a new dance. She seemed to be quite confident in her steps, even though she clearly didn't know them. Her hand wrapped up to rest against the back of his neck. Robb smiled down at her as they took up their dance in the center of the room. Most of the people in the hall were watching them dance.

"What history lesson were you teaching them?" Robb finally asked.

"Oh, I was feeding to their interests," Rhaeyna explained. Robb raised an eyebrow. "Tell Arya all about the powerful women of the Targaryen line. Even those who rode their own dragons. Tell Sansa all about the notable beauty of my ancestors."

"That's the friendliest I've seen them in a long time," Robb commented.

"I hate to see a family not getting along. They're lucky to have one at all," Rhaeyna said quietly.

"You have one too," Robb pointed out.

She still had her siblings. That had to count for something. "But no parents. No real home. No place that we belong," Rhaeyna said. Robb's face fell into a thin line. What would it have been like to be raised without a real place to belong? When Rhaeyna spoke again, her voice had returned to its gentle lilt from before. "Is that pity that I see in your eyes, Robb Stark?"

At least she had a good sense of humor. "I just think what it would have been like to grow up as an urchin," Robb admitted.

"Demeaning," Rhaeyna answered.

Robb's face flushed. "I'm sorry -"

"Don't apologize," Rhaeyna interrupted, running her thumb over the back of his hand. "It's not your fault and you've welcomed me graciously."

"I would want someone to do the same for me," Robb said, squeezing her waist gently.

Rhaeyna smiled at Robb as they swayed back and forth. Her eyes brightened slightly as she stared back over Robb's shoulder. "Perhaps one day I'll show you my home," Rhaeyna said. Robb raised a brow. He had never even thought to visit the Free Cities. "Not Essos or Pentos. Dragonstone."

"Do you plan on returning?" Robb asked curiously.

Rhaeyna's lips tilted up in a mischievous smile. "I have many plans, Robb. I don't plan on sitting on my ass and letting a man run my life. I plan to arrange my own destiny," she said.

A strong-willed woman... "You are so much different than anyone I have ever met before," Robb said, smiling bemusedly.

"Can I take that as a good thing?" Rhaeyna asked curiously.

"Yes," Robb said immediately.

She was nothing like any of the people he knew in the North. She wasn't even like the few people he had met who had ventured here from the southern ends of Westeros. She was completely different. He assumed that he was different from any men Rhaeyna had met too, considering the fact that she seemed interested in him too. Robb spun Rhaeyna around on the dance floor for a while, enjoying the gentle music. Robb noticed quickly that Rhaeyna was incredibly steady on her feet. She seemed to have already managed to learn the dance.

An intelligent woman above all else. Robb wasn't really sure how long passed that the two of them danced together. They didn't say much as they spun about the floor together. Only exchanging the occasional comment with the other - Robb complimenting her natural dancing skills and Rhaeyna commenting that he made a good partner. They didn't need to speak to each other though. They settled for mostly remaining locked eye-to-eye. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement. Robb knew that his eyes were dark with desire for her. She must have known, but she said nothing.

Something he was incredibly grateful for, seeing as he hadn't exactly made his desire for her a secret. "Rhaeyna," Eraesella - Rhaeyna's maid - called from behind them. Rhaeyna stepped out of his arms slightly but didn't pull completely away. Eraesella turned to Robb and bowed. "My lord."

"Ella," Rhaeyna replied, smiling at her.

"It is late and you've had a long journey. We should be getting you ready for bed," Eraesella recommended.

A groan worked its way up in Robb's throat. "Yes, of course. I wouldn't want to overstep my welcome," Rhaeyna told Robb.

"You aren't," Robb said honestly. He could have danced with her all night. Rhaeyna smiled at him as she placed a small kiss against his cheek and pulled away. "Will I see you tomorrow?"

"Will you show me around Winterfell?" Rhaeyna asked.

"Anything you'd like to see," Robb told her.

Rhaeyna smiled at him. "Then I will see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Rhae," Robb said.

Her eyes started twinkling again. "Goodnight, Robb."

Before she walked away, Robb took her hand and pressed a kiss against the back of her hand again. He saw her laughing quietly at his formality. It was more because he wanted to impress her - as embarrassing as that might have been. Rhaeyna bowed her head slightly to Robb before turning and walking off with Eraesella at her side. The two appeared to be chatting quite amicably as they walked up to his parents and thanked them for the meal. In the meantime, Robb returned to his seat at the table and continued to ignore the others. Even as they asked him what had happened with Rhaeyna.

When the feast ended just under an hour later and Robb had returned to his room, just a few down from where Rhaeyna was now staying, he found himself staring up at the ceiling, thinking of the girl in question. He certainly wouldn't be the only man thinking about Rhaeyna tonight, but he seemed to have been the only man she had shown any hint of an interest in. She wasn't just beautiful - though she certainly was. She was witty, smart, and funny. Something he had rarely found. For the first time in his life, Robb had found someone that made his heart race.

Rhaeyna's P.O.V.

Mere moments after saying goodnight to the Starks and thanking them for their hospitality, Eraesella and I walked back to our room. I was glad that she remembered where we were going because I certainly didn't. Eraesella didn't seem thrilled with the idea of being in Winterfell. She had always liked Pentos - at least, she seemed to have liked it enough. This was not even close to being her home. She hadn't said anything yet, but I knew that she hated being here and was furious I had brought her. As we walked back to my room, I noticed that Daris was still standing guard.

"You don't have to stay here all night. I'm perfectly safe," I told Daris.

There were a few spare rooms set aside for Daris and Eraesella to stay in. "Perhaps in a few nights," Daris told me seriously.

I smiled at him. "Goodnight, Daris."

He would be waiting outside of my room for at least a fortnight before even considering sleeping in his own room. Even then, he would likely still wake up in the middle of the night to ensure that I hadn't been slaughtered in my sleep. I sidestepped Daris and walked back into my room, allowing Eraesella to come in behind me and close the door. I let out a soft breath as I walked into the bathroom, pulled the cloak off, and allowed Eraesella to undo the laces on my dress. I let it slip to the floor as I pulled on a fur robe that had been left out for me by a chambermaid.

As we walked back to the bedroom, I took my spot in the furs, allowing Eraesella to undo the braid. She was halfway down when she seemed to finally be unable to hold her thoughts in for any longer. "You didn't come here for the boy."

I'd known that she wasn't happy with my dance with Robb. "I know. I never said anything about the boy," I told her.

"He has that stupid look in his eyes that men get when they're falling in love," Eraesella scoffed.

"He doesn't know me," I argued.

"But you are beautiful," Eraesella said, running her fingers through my hair. I smiled at her. "And if I know you at all, I know that you've noticed his attraction and have done nothing to deter it."

"What's so wrong with that?" I asked her irritably.

Men were allowed to run rampant. Why were women not? "People forget themselves when they're in love," Eraesella said.

"You're jumping ahead. I just met Robb Stark today," I said.

Eraesella pulled my hair flat over my shoulder and moved back in front of me. "I've known you your entire life, Rhae. I've never seen you look at someone the way you looked at him," Eraesella said slowly, holding my hands in her lap.

She was just imagining things... "Leave me, Ella. I need to be alone with my thoughts for a while," I said gently.

Eraesella nodded. "Remember what you came here for."

"I know what I came here for. No one will change that," I snapped.

"I'm sorry if I've overstepped," she said quietly.

"Never," I replied immediately, forcing a smile on my face. "I just need to be alone."

"Goodnight, Rhae."

"Goodnight, Ella."

It had been a long past month for everyone. It was time for all of us to go to sleep and prepare to face the new reality of our lives in the morning. That wasn't something we could do if we were bickering. We needed some sleep and rest. As Eraesella brushed the hair back off of my forehead, she pressed a small kiss against my forehead and turned to leave. Once she was gone, I walked over to my desk and dropped down at the wood chair in front of it. I gazed out the open window and sighed. Eraesella was right. Robb Stark could certainly pose a problem if I wasn't careful.

But that was when the thought occurred to me. Maybe I didn't have to completely sever any potential ties with Robb. Maybe he could be of great assistance to me. There was a chance that Robb's obvious attraction could end up being of great use to me. I knew that the people of the North loved Robb and trusted him. Getting on his good side would be a perfect door for me to get to their good sides. I needed that. I might have liked Robb already, but this was about the Iron Throne. It always had been and always would be.

All I knew was that there was no clear-cut answer. This was something that I would have to explore in time. That was something that I had plenty of. There was no certain amount of time that I would be here. It could have ended up being a long trip. Eventually, I leaned forward and grabbed a blank roll of parchment and raven-feather quill to write a letter to Dany. She would already know that I had arrived in Winterfell safely, but this was now something that only my sister could help me with. I wrote the letter in High Valyrian, just in case it was intercepted.

Dany,

Gods I miss you. Even Viserys. Don't let him know that I said that. We're in Winterfell and settling in for the first night. Everyone has been kind. The weather here is brutal but there is a beauty about it.

I've met Ned Stark's family, including his eldest son, Robb Stark. You don't need me to tell you where this is going. The Stark men are notable for being handsome. The longer I think about it, the more inclined I am to wonder, could an alliance with the North be worked this way? I was more inclined to use a threat, but they already know those from the Usurper. Perhaps this time the way to them is through their hearts.

Take care, Dany. Both of you. I love you.

Rhae.

If anyone could help me figure out what was going on, it was Dany. She had always been good to talk things out with. My only problem was that she was a romantic at heart. She would tell me to try and see what could have been with Robb. I rolled up the small piece of parchment and left it on the corner of my desk so that I could have it sent first thing in the morning. In the meantime, I rose from the desk and walked back over to my bed, dropping down onto it. A feather bed, soft and welcoming. Just as Winterfell had been.

My first night here made me nervous. It was like finally having to break from my family back in Pentos. But they were still there, waiting for me, and I would eventually return to them. My journey here would have to be worth it. I wasn't leaving them for nothing. I would figure this out and then go back to them. We could all then return to Westeros for a final time where we would end up on the Iron Throne. No matter what it took. Even if it meant befriending the very people who had helped kill and exile my family.

For a long time, I laid in bed and stared up at the stone ceiling. The chill was finally settling into the room, forcing me to dig further under the fur blankets and turn toward the roaring fire. I looked into the fireplace, watching as the flames crackled off of my dragon eggs. As I finally managed to drift off to sleep hours later, I dreamt of warm weather, my sister at my side, with six hulking figures standing around us. I dreamt that, for once, the entire world recognized me as the blood of the dragon.

A/N: If you've read any of my other stories, welcome back! If you're a new reader, welcome! I can't focus on any one story for too long so, surprise, surprise, I'm onto another story. For reference, Rhaeyna is a year older than Robb and this story begins a year prior to the events of Game of Thrones. Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope you've enjoyed! Until next time -A