The cold of the North was a constant companion, but on this particular night, the chill seemed to penetrate deeper, weighted by an unusual tension. It was the eve of King Robert Baratheon's arrival, and the ancient stones of Winterfell seemed to hold their breath. In the Great Hall, the air was thick with the scent of burning pine and the faint metallic tang of armored men passing through the courtyards. Though the enormous hearth roared, casting flickering, amber light across the gathered family, the mood was far from warm. You found yourself a quiet place amongst your siblings—Robb's broad shoulder nearby, Sansa's precise posture, Arya's restless fidgeting, and Jon's watchful stillness—as the weighty matters of the realm were discussed.

Your father, Lord Eddard Stark, sat at the head of the trestle table. Even in the familiar, plain wool of his Northern garb, he radiated the quiet authority of the Warden of the North. Maester Luwin stood beside him, his chains clinking softly as he reviewed his scrolls—a mundane sound in the face of such momentous news. They spoke of the King's retinue, the provisioning of the guest houses, and the necessary, yet resented, shift from Northern simplicity to courtly formality. Lord Eddard’s gaze swept over the circle of his children, his expression a careful mixture of stern duty and paternal concern.

His voice, deep and carrying, cut through the quiet rustle and crackle of the hall "My children," Ned Stark began, his hand resting flat on the table's dark wood. "I want to speak to you all about the visit of our King, Robert I Baratheon." He paused, ensuring he held every eye, including yours

"This is not a simple visit. The King comes here not just as my old friend, but as the sovereign lord of the Seven Kingdoms. You must remember that. Every one of you will be scrutinized by the Queen's people—by the Lannisters. You are Starks of Winterfell. You will conduct yourselves with dignity, silence, and the utmost respect."

His eyes settled on you, the youngest. "Tomorrow, the eyes of the South will be upon the North. Do you understand the gravity of that, child?"