Hearing birds chirping and feeling the warm rays of sunlight on my face, I open my eyes and realize my head is resting on Robb's chest, rising and falling with his breaths as he sleeps.
Yesterday's events flood my mind, causing butterflies to flutter in my stomach. My thoughts drift to Jon, my first love. He will always hold a special place in my heart, a cherished memory of innocent affection. But Robb is different. He is the love of my life, the one who completes me in ways I never knew I needed.
I shift slightly, careful not to wake him, and tilt my head to look at his serene face. His features are softened in sleep, and a faint smile curves his lips, as if he's dreaming of something pleasant. I reach up and gently trace the line of his jaw with my fingertips, marveling at the man who has captured my heart so completely.
In this quiet, intimate moment, I feel a profound sense of gratitude and contentment. Robb stirs slightly, his arm tightening around me instinctively. I snuggle closer, pressing my ear against his chest to listen to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. This is where I belong, and with him, I finally understand what it means to be truly home.
After a while, I sit up and straddle Robb's waist, leaning down to pepper kisses across his face and neck with a smile. Stirring awake, Robb's blue eyes open, initially clouded with confusion, but they soon soften as a small smile graces his lips. "Hi," he says softly.
Pausing my kisses, I smile back. "Hi."
Gently, Robb tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. He leans in, and our lips connect in a sweet, tender kiss that feels like a promise. "I'll never get tired of doing that," he murmurs softly, his breath warm against my skin.
"Good," I reply with a smirk, my eyes sparkling with mischief. "Because I plan on doing that a lot."
Without warning, Robb flips us over, his strong arms easily shifting our positions so he's now on top of me. He gazes down, a playful glint in his eyes. "How did you sleep?"
"Better than ever," I respond, a smile spreading across my face. "A bit sore, but it'll pass."
Robb nods, his smile widening. "I don't ever want to get out of this bed."
"I feel the same," I say, tracing my fingers along his shoulders. "But we have to if we're going to get married."
Robb freezes, his eyes wide with shock and a hint of joy. "I thought you wanted to wait?"
Taking my hands and placing them on his shoulders, I look up at him, my heart pounding. "Marry me, Robb."
A wide grin spreads across Robb's face, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He leans down, capturing my lips in a passionate kiss that ignites a fire within me. When he finally pulls back, slightly breathless, I ask, "I take that as a yes?"
"Yes," Robb replies, his voice filled with emotion. He kisses me gently on the lips again. "Today," he says, planting a soft kiss on my cheek. "Tomorrow," he murmurs, his lips brushing my nose. "And every day," he finishes, sealing his promise with another deep, lingering kiss.
———————
(Robb's POV)
Walking through the encampment, a smile spreads across my face as I replay the events of the past few hours in my mind. It feels almost surreal. I'm getting married to the girl I've always loved, and she loves me back.
Passing by some of the bannermen, I wave hello, and they wave back. I continue toward my mother's tent to share the news that Aida wants to marry. Though I'm upset with her for releasing the Kingslayer against my orders, she still needs to know.
An arm wraps around my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Carlisle with a sly grin. "I believe a thank you is in order, my dear friend."
"Thank you?" I ask, puzzled. "What are you on about?"
Carlisle stops me, placing his hands on my shoulders, his smile widening. "Since you two lovebirds couldn't seem to sort things out, I gave Aida a little courage to finally talk to you."
Rolling my eyes, I continue walking with Carlisle beside me. "By that, you mean you got her intoxicated."
"Tipsy." Carlisle corrects. "And it seems the plan worked, judging by that smile on your face and the noises coming from her tent last night."
I turn to him, a bit shocked. "We were that loud?"
"Nope," he replies. "I just happened to leave my bottle of ale in her tent, and when I went back to retrieve it, I was a bit surprised to hear how things escalated between you two. So, as I said before, you're welcome."
Shaking my head with a smile, I say, "She wants to get married tonight."
Carlisle's eyes widen. "Wow, my plan worked better than I thought." He smiles warmly. "I'm happy for you both. It's about time something good happened around here."
I nod, but my mood dampens as I recall a conversation I had with Lord Bolton this morning. He confirmed that his bastard has received orders to take back Winterfell from Theon, meaning Carlisle must leave soon. I told him I'd let him go, but I'm scared. I've already lost my father and, in many ways, my siblings too. I'm not ready to lose my best friend.
Sighing, I say, "After the wedding, you'll be leaving for Winterfell as we discussed. Lord Bolton confirmed his bastard got word to take it back."
Carlisle nods and shrugs. "So why don't I leave earlier, then, if they're already moving their forces?"
I shake my head. "No, only after the wedding. Aida would want you there."
Carlisle raises an eyebrow. "And what about you? You wouldn't want me there?"
With a solemn expression, I huff, "Fine. Aida and I both want you there." I admit.
Carlisle nods with a small grin as we reach my mother's tent. "Okay then, Your Grace, after the wedding," he says, patting me on the back and walking away.
With a sigh, I enter my mother's tent to find her seated, sipping what appears to be tea. She looks up, setting down her cup. "Robb," she says.
"Mother," I respond tensely, still upset about her recent actions. "I came here to tell you some news."
She nods, "Well, go on."
I sit across from her. "Aida and I are getting married tonight," I say, a small grin forming on my lips.
Her hand flies to her chest as a smile engulfs her face. "My gods, Robb, that's wonderful." She chuckles softly. "What made her change her mind?"
"We had a bit of a reawakening last night," I reply.
Her expression softens. "You finally told her how you feel?"
"How did you know?" I ask, surprised.
She scoffs lightly. "I'm your mother, Robb. You've been in love with Aida ever since she first came to Winterfell. You used to follow her around everywhere like her knight."
I laugh. "I guess I've never been good at being subtle."
A silence settles between us, heavy and uncomfortable. The last time we spoke, it was an argument. Despite knowing my mother meant well when she released the Kingslayer, her actions had made this war even more challenging for me.
"I'm happy for you, Robb," she finally says, her voice trembling as tears well up in her eyes. "I wish your father were here to see this."
I nod, feeling a deep sadness wash over me. "I wish they all were," I reply, thinking of my siblings, my father, and even Aida's parents, whom I'll never have the chance to meet.
My mother looks down, her hands trembling slightly as she clasps them together. "It's been hard on all of us, losing so many loved ones," she says softly. "But tonight, at least, we can celebrate something joyous."
I reach across and take her hand, squeezing it gently. "Yes, tonight," I say, trying to reassure her and myself. "Aida and I will be married. We can have a moment of happiness amidst all this chaos."
She smiles, though her eyes are still wet with tears. "It's about time something good happened," she says, her voice gaining a bit of strength. "You deserve this, Robb. You both do."
"Thank you, Mother," I say sincerely. "For everything, even if we don't always agree."
She nods, understanding. "We do what we think is best for those we love," she says. "Even when it's hard."
———————
I finish arranging my hair into a half-up, half-down style and look at my reflection in the mirror. A small smile spreads across my face. I may not look as radiant as I would if we were getting married in Winterfell, but this still feels perfect.
Through the mirror, I see Carlisle enter the room with a smile. "I'm ready to escort you," he announces.
I nod and stand, giving a twirl. "How do I look?"
"Stunning," he replies with a grin, extending his arm for me to take. I loop my arm through his, and he begins to lead me outside to where the wedding will take place. "Nervous?" he asks.
I shrug slightly. "A little, but Robb's my best friend. I know we'll have a happy marriage."
Carlisle pretends to be offended. "Well, excuse me, but I thought I was your best friend."
I laugh at his playful tone. "You're not too bad yourself."
Carlisle's smile falters slightly, and I can't help but question him. "What's wrong?"
With a weary sigh, Carlisle replies, "I'm leaving after the wedding."
My smile fades instantly. "Oh. So soon?"
"Lord Bolton's bastard has already started mobilizing his forces, so I have to go," he says, shrugging slightly. "I know you don't agree with me going, but I have to. I don't trust the Boltons, so having someone Robb trusts in Winterfell is critical."
I nod, trying to process the news. "Once you have Bran and Rickon, promise me you'll leave, okay? Don't try to do anything heroic if the Boltons turn out to be as treacherous as we fear."
Carlisle's smile returns, tinged with a touch of irony. "Aida, I think you've forgotten something. I'm not a Stark; I'm not bound by honor, and to be honest, I don't go in for the whole savior-death routine. I'll be in and out before anyone knows I'm there."
"For someone who doesn't go in for the savior routine, you seem quite eager to volunteer for this dangerous mission to Winterfell," I say, raising an eyebrow skeptically.
With a playful grin, Carlisle responds, "It's getting dull here. You know me—I need action, something to keep me on my toes."
I sigh deeply, not buying Carlisle's facade for a second. I know he cares far more than he lets on. His bravado is just a mask, hiding the weight of the responsibility he feels. As we approach the wedding venue, my thoughts drift. Robb stands tall next to a grand old tree, flanked by his loyal bannermen. The sight of him, resolute and ready, contrasts sharply with Carlisle's feigned nonchalance. Lord Umber, looking solemn and proud, appears ready to lead the ceremony. The sight brings a genuine smile to my face, filling me with hope and anticipation for the future, despite the looming uncertainties.