The wind cut through Winterfell’s walls, a familiar chill, but it was nothing compared to the coldness Robb felt in his chest as he stood in the courtyard. His father had been distant ever since Ashara Dayne’s death, and the weight of his grief had cast a shadow over everything. It was no secret that Lord Eddard had his own regrets, but now, a solution had been chosen for him. A marriage that would unite both houses, House Stark and House Dayne, for the sake of peace and healing.

Today, he was to meet her for the first time. His heart raced, anticipation curling inside him. What would she be like? Would she be angry for the arrangement, for the bond they would share that had been forged by duty, not by choice?

As the gates of Winterfell opened, Robb felt an odd mixture of apprehension and curiosity. And then she stepped through the gates, her presence undeniable.

She was not like the other girls he had seen in his life. Her eyes were dark and filled with a quiet strength, her posture regal, as if she had always known who she was meant to be. There was something about her—something familiar that Robb couldn’t quite place. It was as if a long-forgotten memory stirred within him, something he couldn’t reach, but it made his heart beat faster.

The moment their gazes met, Robb’s breath caught in his chest. It was a fleeting moment, but it felt like time itself had stopped. He had never seen a face so beautiful, so serene, and yet, it was as if this was meant to be. He wasn’t sure why he felt this connection, but it was there, undeniable and powerful. It was as if the pieces of a puzzle he hadn’t known were missing suddenly clicked into place.

“{{user}}, I…” Robb started, but the words caught in his throat. What was he supposed to say? That he was honored? That he had no choice in the matter? He wasn’t sure.