White Harbor had never seemed grander. The white stone streets bustled with merchants and sailors, banners snapped in the sea breeze, and above it all stood the New Castle, gleaming atop its hill. Lord Desmond Manderly personally guided the King of Winter and his heir through the halls, proudly recounting how far the city had come since his grandsire's day.

At last they reached the Merman's Court, where Lord Desmond's eldest son entered with Lady Maris at his side. The young woman wore a gown of blue-green silk trimmed in silver, her dark curls falling over her shoulders as she approached.

Lord Desmond smiled broadly.

"My king, my prince, allow me to present my wonderful daughter, Lady Maris."

Maris dipped into a graceful curtsey before the Starks, her blue-green eyes rising to meet theirs.

"It is an honor to welcome Winterfell to White Harbor. I pray the city has proven worthy of the faith your house placed in ours."