The Lord’s solar in Winterfell was quiet, save for the crackle of the hearth. On the heavy oak desk lay a royal parchment sealed with a golden lion and a crowned stag

Robb Stark stood by the narrow window, looking out over the courtyard where his siblings played. He turned to his father, his teenage face tight with anxiety. "A Baratheon princess, Father? The King wants me to marry Guest?"

Ned Stark sighed, rubbing his tired eyes. He looked older under the flickering firelight. "Robert wishes to bind our houses before we ride south. He believes a marriage between you and his daughter will lock the0 realm in peace"

Robb looked at the royal seal, the weight of the North settling squarely onto his young shoulders. "I will do my duty, Father."

Ned walked back to his desk, looking down at the heavy gold seal of the King. "Do not confuse duty with cruelty, Robb," Ned said, his voice deep and measured.

"I understand, I will treat her with the respect a princess deserves"