ANTEA
"I'm done!" Antea followed her twin into his room and shut the door behind her.
"Would you please calm down?" she said, looking at the door and then at her furious brother, who was throwing his gloves on the floor.
"I hate that kid!" he exclaimed, his cheeks red and his eyes full of anger. "He cannot come here and make fun of me just because he is the prince."
Her brother and prince Joffrey had had a hard time during training that morning. Everything had gone well until Bran and Tommen had trained. Then it was the turn of the two older boys, but after Robb had beaten Joffrey, the prince insisted on fighting with steel swords. Robb wanted to do it, but Ser Rodrick forbade it. He never allowed the boys to train with real swords; they were too young, and Antea agreed. She didn't want her brothers or Theon to get hurt during training. So, the prince started to say that Robb wasn't brave enough. Her twin had been so furious that Theon had a hard time getting him away from the field.
"And even Cassie," he added, sitting on his bed as Grey Wind came next to him.
Even Cassie, Antea thought.
Not that Cassie had insulted them—she hadn't. But from what Theon had told her, the princess hadn't said anything when Sandor Clegane claimed Ser Rodrick wasn't a good master-at-arms. Antea didn't know what to expect, but she wished Cassie had spoken up. Anything.
"What's with her, anyway?" Robb asked.
Antea had noticed Cassie acting differently lately. She barely ate with them; she ignored her own family and preferred to spend her time alone rather than with Antea or her brothers. And Antea had noticed that she disappeared every time the princes were around. She hadn't even seen her with Jon anymore.
"I do not know," Antea said as she settled next to her brother and rested her chin on his shoulder. Robb immediately turned to kiss her temple. "I think they are just a strange family."
Robb snorted. "Good thing they are the royal family." Antea smiled at her twin's words.
The Baratheons were indeed strange. The king seemed to like his wine more than his wife. The queen was a cold woman in Antea's opinion, and her smiles never seemed genuine. The prince wasn't charming, funny, or pleasant to spend time with; he was just a whiny young boy who liked to have everything under his control. At least Myrcella and Tommen were young and nice, though perhaps not as nice as Antea's brothers. Maybe she was judging out of affection. And then there was Cassie, who didn't even seem to be part of the family with her attitude.
"Cassie has never talked about them? Why?" Robb asked, speaking the truth. Not once had Cassie mentioned any of them, not even her own siblings.
Robb took a breath. "At least we would have known that her brother is a twat."
Antea gave his arm a light smack.
"Robb!" He laughed, looking at her as she tried to maintain a straight face.
"He is our prince; we have to respect him even if he is an idiot," she said, making him laugh as he leaned toward her.
"Look who isn't watching her mouth now," Robb said, and she snorted in response.
"Stop it," she said, standing up. "Why don't we take a walk?"
A nice long walk was just what Robb needed when he got angry. Once he and Theon had a fight, and he walked for three hours around Winterfell. It had become dark, and their mother had been so worried that she wanted the guards to go look for him.
"Alright, sister, as you wish," he answered before leading the way.
The twins walked with their arms linked to one another, with Grey Wind close at their heels.
"Where is Shadow?" Robb asked, looking around.
"Oh, you know her," Antea replied. "She is here, but she doesn't like to be seen."
When she first told Robb about her choice for her pup's name, he thought it was because Shadow's fur was black, but the truth was that Shadow was impossible to see if she didn't want to be. But Antea knew she was there, always following the girl around the castle. Antea called that a connection, because how was it possible for her to be sure Shadow was there? It was as if she could feel her pup. It had been strange at first, but now it felt so natural.
They walked with their arms linked, greeting their people as they passed. Antea loved the tall walls of Winterfell. She knew her mother found the castle quite intimidating at times, but to Antea, it had never felt like that. It was warm, it was safe. It was her home.
"Robb, the princess," Antea whispered when she saw the blonde girl sitting on the ground with Sansa and her friend. As the two passed by, they bowed their heads to the princess.
"My princess," they said together.
"It is lovely to see you," she answered with a gentle smile and a light blush upon her cheeks as she looked at Robb. Myrcella was so nice. Why had Cassie never spoken about her?
And even little Tommen. He was so gentle. He was the same age as Bran, even if he seemed younger than Antea's brother.
"Are you staying with us, Antea?" asked Sansa with her soft voice. "We are going to braid our hair."
"Not today, sweet sister," Robb said affectionately, patting Sansa's hair. She shook her head with a smile.
"As if that ever happens." Then she turned to the princess. "But having Princess Myrcella here is not something that happens often." The little girl's cheeks were still red, and with a small smile, she spoke again.
"My lord, do not worry. We have plenty of time." Robb bowed his head.
"Thank you, my princess," Antea bowed her head as well.
"Have a lovely morning, girls," she said. "I'll see you all at the sewing lesson." After that, she followed Robb, who was already leading her away.
It was a lovely day; the sun was warming up the cold air of the North. It was perfect for the royal family, who was, of course, used to a totally different climate. But they seemed to enjoy that day; most of them were outside.
Walking, they saw Prince Joffrey and his intimidating personal guard, Sandor Clegane, walking and talking. Actually, only the prince was talking; the older man just nodded now and then. Antea had to pull her twin away, as he seemed eager to fight with the prince once again.
Then they saw Bran and Cyel in the Godswood, their favorite place, playing with Bran's direwolf. Bran was trying to show her how his pup retrieved the stick he threw, but the little creature just looked at him without moving.
"Don't just sit there looking at me. Take the stick!" he seemed almost desperate, but his frustration only amused Cyel more and more, prompting Bran to glare at her.
"Stop laughing, Cyel," he said, splashing the girl with water from the pool.
"My lord, you are going to regret this," Cyel replied before splashing him back.
The twins left them laughing, too busy playing and enjoying themselves to pay attention to them.
"Robb, Antea," Jon Snow's voice made them stop and turn around.
"Hello, Jon," Antea greeted him with a smile.
"Jon, brother. Is everything alright?" Robb asked, looking between his two siblings with a questioning gaze. Was Jon worried about something?
"Actually, yes," Jon replied. "There's something I want to talk to you about." Antea bit her lip; that often happened.
It was never easy to understand what was on Jon's mind. He was very introverted and usually didn't talk about his worries. Sometimes she thought he did it to avoid alarming his brothers, but Antea wished she could look into his eyes and understand him better, as she always did with Robb. After all, there had always been the three of them.
"What is it?" Robb asked, encouraging their brother to speak. Jon adjusted his gloves, and after taking a deep breath, he spoke.
"I want to leave for the Wall, to become a brother of the Night's Watch." At his words, everything seemed to stop for a moment. Looking at Jon's expression, Antea realized that both she and Robb hadn't spoken a word.
"Well, that's…"
"New," Robb finished for her. It was indeed new, but it also felt rushed. Becoming a member of the Night's Watch was a vow for life. He could never go back if he made this choice.
"I know, but I realized it's the best thing for me." If this was new for Robb, it was ten times more sudden for Antea, who could only stare at her brother.
"What did Father say?" Antea looked over at her twin, unsure of what answer she wanted to hear. Part of her wanted Jon to stay; he was so young. But another part wanted to see him happy.
"That I have to clear my mind," he answered, displeased by their father's words. "He said that I have time, but if I'm sure, I can leave."
The way he spoke made it clear to her that he really wanted to go. She couldn't stop thinking about the shocked expression on Robb's face. If Jon truly wanted to leave for the Wall, was it possible he had never talked to Robb about it?
Antea suddenly realized how little she knew about what Jon wanted. Did she really not know her own brother that well? That thought terrified her. She loved her brothers deeply and didn't want them to keep secrets from her.
"When are you leaving?" she asked for the first time.
"With Cassie?" At her twin's question, Antea felt her heart skip a beat. Cassie was leaving the next morning. Would she have to say goodbye to her brother so soon? Would she have to watch him go away without knowing when she would see him again?
It was so strange; she felt so strange. It was like she had just realized that one day they would all have their own lives, their own homes, away from one another. Without realizing it, she clung to Robb's arm.
"No," Jon replied quickly. "I'm not leaving with Cassie." He then looked down, silently touching Ghost's fur.
"Have you two been fighting?" Robb asked, curiosity in his voice. Jon shifted from foot to foot, shaking his head.
"No," he said before looking up at Antea. "I will live with Uncle Benjen in ten days." She nodded, still chewing her lip.
"Is this really what you want?" she whispered. She hoped her voice wasn't trembling, but she wasn't sure she had succeeded.
"It is what I want," Jon assured her.
He wanted it. He wanted to leave Winterfell. He wanted to change his life. Antea forced a smile, stepping forward to envelop her brother in a tight hug. Her face pressed against the white fur of his cloak as she felt his arms wrap around her waist.
"I am happy for you," she said before giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"It seems that you've already made up your mind," Robb spoke once the two broke their hug. He stepped closer and hugged Jon. Antea watched them smile at each other; she could only imagine the feelings they were hiding.
"I wanted to talk to you about this before making any decision," Jon said, looking between her and Robb.
"Well, if you're sure, then you should go and talk to Father," Robb said, patting his brother's shoulder. Jon gave them a small smile before walking away with his direwolf beside him. Antea was still watching Jon when she felt Robb's arm around her shoulders.
"I think now it's you who needs a walk," he said. She looked up at her twin, nodding and trying not to let any tears slip from her gray eyes.
"Yes, please," she replied, smiling as he took her arm and led her away.
This time, they were silent. No words or laughter were shared between them. Robb squeezed her hand every now and then, but the thought of Jon leaving had already changed Winterfell a bit in Antea's eyes. But Robb was there, and she clung to that feeling. Knowing she had her twin by her side made her feel safe, just as he always had since they were babes. When the scary stories of legends and monsters frightened her, Robb would take a blanket, cover them both with it, and assure her that if any monster came to take her, he would send it away.
As they approached the main entrance of the castle, they heard the sound of steel clashing together. They looked at each other; it couldn't be Theon—he usually used a bow and arrows.
Walking toward the field where the boys always trained, they saw Cassie with her shining daggers drawn, fighting against the famous Kingslayer. Their movements were perfect, clean, and elegant, as if they were dancing. Cassie was wearing her black dress and her Keeper of Light's vest, which contrasted sharply with Jaime Lannister's golden armor. Antea's eyes were drawn to Cassie's right hand, the one marked with black lines of ink. Arya had always been curious about that.
In all honesty, they had always been curious about it. But their Lord Father didn't want them to talk with Cassie about her powers.
"She is just a child, no different from you," he would say. "I want you to treat her as such."
And so they did. They sometimes asked her about the Wall and her duties; the first time she answered with a joyful voice and a missing front tooth. But as the years went by, Cassie talked less and less about the Wall, saying that the same people were always there, doing the same things. She was sure that in Winterfell, there were many more things to share for a pleasant conversation.
"You are not even trying, Cassandra!" Jaime Lannister shouted at an annoyed Cassie, who marched around the field.
"Are you bored?" she asked mockingly. "Is that why you're here, to bore me?" The Kingslayer attacked the girl, who blocked his strike with one of her shining daggers.
Valyrian steel.
Mikken the blacksmith once told them that the princess had real Valyrian steel. It wasn't a common material; only a few Houses could claim to possess that precious and ancient steel. Her father, Lord Eddard, had a sword made from it. His long sword, Ice, shone just like those daggers.
"Are you mocking me?" the man complained.
"What is he talking about?" Robb whispered with a frown. "She has perfect form."
Antea didn't understand all the shouting. Jaime Lannister wasn't winning that fight, and to her eyes, Cassie was fighting no differently than usual. Ser Rodrick always spoke about Cassie's skills as a fighter, saying that she used her daggers so effortlessly that she seemed older than her years.
"Can I train with Sandor?" Cassie asked. "At least he doesn't talk while we're training."
Her black hair shone like onyx, just as her uncle's hair glimmered like gold. It was beautiful to watch them fight; Antea couldn't take her eyes off them. She knew what Robb thought about the Kingslayer, but it was undeniable that he was an excellent swordsman.
"You're in a worse mood than ever, niece," the man said, lowering his weapon. "The North and its kids make you weaker."
The way Cassie looked at her uncle almost scared Antea. There was so much anger in her gaze, and for a moment, Antea thought Cassie might attack. She was surprised when the princess sheathed her daggers back into her boots.
"I'm not going to be mocked by you," Cassie said. "I don't even have to train. I don't know why I'm wasting my time with you." The man shook his head with a cold laugh, which made her glare at him again.
"Too much of your father in you," he remarked. Cassie looked him up and down silently before turning her back to him.
"Have a nice day, uncle."
Robb and Antea exchanged glances; they had surely noticed the same thing. Those two didn't speak like family, and Antea didn't know what she had just witnessed.
The twins watched Cassie pick up her things when they heard Jaime Lannister's voice.
"The future Lord Stark and his twin sister," he said, and Cassie looked up. "Do you want to train for real, my lord?" Antea didn't like his tone—mocking and disrespectful. They could be the royal family, but they were their hosts, after all.
"Then it's a shame that Ser Barristan couldn't come; he could teach you a thing or two, Uncle," Cassie said, walking toward the twins.
"Hey," she said.
"Hey," Robb replied, displeased, looking over Cassie's shoulder. She did the same before taking a breath.
"Just ignore him. That's what we all do in King's Landing," the princess said with a small smile, moving her long black hair off one shoulder. "What were you doing?"
"We were taking a walk," Antea said, glancing at Robb, who was still glaring at the Lannister, now walking away. Cassie nodded; she seemed so different from the girl Antea had seen just moments ago. Of course, Cassie had always spoken her mind, but she was so cold with her own family that Antea couldn't help wondering which was the real Cassandra: the always-smiling girl they had known or the cold one from just a moment ago.
"You're leaving tomorrow?" Robb asked.
"Indeed, I am," Cassie answered, nodding her head once.
"We didn't even speak," Robb complained. "It was like you weren't here."
Cassie smirked at him.
"What? Have you missed me, Robb Stark?" she teased, lightly pushing his shoulder and making him chuckle.
"Not me, but maybe Jon." Antea noticed Cassie's expression change at the mention of Jon. Her blue eyes clouded, and her smile faded. "Have you two been fighting?" Robb asked curiously.
It was something Robb had been thinking about for quite some time, but Cassie just observed him for a moment before shrugging her shoulders.
"Just different duties, I think."
It was obvious they had fought. Jon and Cassie always spent time together and had fun; Jon always smiled when she was around. Cassie usually shared stories about her long travels on the King's Road, and maybe she told him about the Wall, too.
"Jon wants to leave for the Wall." At her words, Cassie turned to look at Antea, her mood shifting once again.
"Does he?" she asked coldly, though Antea wasn't sure if Cassie was surprised by her words.
"He told us just before," Robb said.
"Did you know about that?" Antea asked, looking at the girl in front of them, who had placed her hands on her hips and taken a heavy breath.
"He told me the night of the feast." The twins exchanged glances, then Robb spoke.
"And what do you think about it?"
Cassie was the only one who truly knew what the Wall was like; not even their father could know it that well. But Cassie just shrugged her shoulders.
"Robb, what can I say?" she replied. "It's not up to me."
Antea frowned, and Robb studied Cassie up and down, as if he didn't recognize the girl before them.
"I have to go prepare my things for tomorrow," she said, stepping back with her usual smile. "I'll see you later." They watched her walk away in silence for a minute or two before Robb spoke.
"What just happened?" Antea shook her head.
"You tell me; she's one of your best friends." Those days had revealed another side of Cassandra Baratheon. Robb always justified her mood, but maybe he was right—he knew the princess better than Antea did. Of course, the two girls were friends, but they had never been that close.
The next morning, they were all outside to say farewell to Cassie. The girl wore her black dress, the Keeper of Light's dress, her cloak, and her daggers at each hip. She didn't have anything else.
Cassie walked straight to Lord Eddard and embraced him. Antea's father laughed lightly with his deep voice.
"Thank you, Ned," she said, a big smile on her face.
"Stay safe, dear." Cassie seemed to study the Lord for a moment.
"You too," she said seriously before brightening again. "I'm not scared of the North, my lord." Then she moved to hug Lady Catelyn, who asked her if she had taken everything.
"It's not that much, Cat," she said, "but yes, I've got everything I need."
Then she turned to Robb, who was smiling at her.
"When will I see you again?" he asked, and Cassie shrugged.
"Who knows?" she replied.
"You owe me that fight we always talk about." For years, Robb and Cassie had wanted to spar seriously on the field to see who was stronger, but until now, there hadn't been an opportunity.
"Why do you wish to be beaten so badly, Stark?" Robb's laugh echoed in the yard before they shared a quick hug.
"Until next time," he said once they broke the embrace.
"Until next time," Cassie repeated. She couldn't make a move because she was suddenly crushed by Arya, Bran, and Rickon in a group hug.
"Antea and I found a beautiful place to ride; I'll show you next time!" Arya exclaimed, jumping up and down. "We must go!"
"You have to tell me all about the Wall," Bran spoke over Arya.
"You have to teach me how to beat someone!" Antea noticed her mother's eyes widen at Rickon's demand.
Cassie laughed while the children kept asking her questions, things she would have to bring to them or tell them about.
"Of course," she said. "I promise."
Antea's eyes fell on the Queen, who was watching the scene with a strange expression, as if she weren't pleased with what she saw.
"Goodbye, Cassie." Antea looked at Sansa, who bowed her head gracefully to the princess. Cassie mirrored the gesture with an affectionate smile before turning to Antea.
"Antea, until next time," she said.
"Of course, Cassie," Antea replied. "Be safe on the road." Cassie then smiled at Cyel, who bowed her head, and shouted, "Hey, Greyjoy!" Antea turned to see Theon rolling his eyes.
"It wasn't a pleasure, as always," he said, annoyed.
"Likewise," she replied, and Antea was pretty sure those two really hated each other; they were too similar in some ways.
Then Cassie stopped in front of Jon, but they didn't say anything—just looked at each other—before Cassie turned her back on him and moved toward her family.
Antea was surprised when the royal family only offered a slight bow to the princess. The Queen and Joffrey didn't seem keen on doing so at all. Cassie stopped in front of her father, and they looked at each other, as if having a silent conversation. Then Cassie turned to go to her horse when little Tommen spoke up.
"Bye, Cassie." The little boy was held tightly by one hand by the Queen, but he waved his free hand to his sister. Cassie stopped at the sound of her name and looked at her little brother with a surprised expression. Her blue eyes widened, and a smile broke across her face. After a moment, she waved back at him.
"It's Cassandra, Tommen." Antea saw her father glaring at the Queen as she spoke.
Cassie seemed not to notice and mounted her black horse. She looked at Benjen, bowing her head, before kicking her horse and riding away from Winterfell, while Arya, Bran, and Rickon followed her to the main entrance, as always.
"Did Jon and Cassie have a fight?" Antea turned to Cyel, who was watching an angry Jon Snow.
"It seems like it," Antea answered, observing Jon talking to Robb as they walked back inside the castle.
"It must have been something serious," Cyel guessed. "If they haven't even spoken to each other for days." Antea agreed. Cassie was certainly very proud, but she had never seemed the type to stay angry for long—at least not with Jon.
"Good morning, my ladies." When Antea turned around, she saw the Queen's little brother, Tyrion Lannister, known throughout the Seven Kingdoms by the cruel nickname, the Imp.
Lord Tyrion was a dwarf; he had golden hair like his brothers but looked different from them. Even his mismatched-colored eyes set him apart. Although this man before her was famous for his wit and intelligence, she didn't understand why he was given that terrible nickname.
"Good morning, Lord Tyrion," she greeted, bowing her head, followed by Cyel.
"Good day, isn't it?" the man said with a pleased voice.
"It must be a bit sad for you, my lord," Antea guessed, smiling politely. "Seeing your niece go away." Lord Tyrion shrugged his shoulders, hugging his cloak closer; that day was colder than the previous one.
"Do not worry about me, my lady," he said. "Seeing your beauty eases any pain."
Antea couldn't help but blush. Nobody except her brothers and father had ever complimented her that way. She didn't even know how to respond. Luckily, Cyel seemed to notice and took the lead.
"How are you liking the North so far, my lord?" Tyrion turned toward her.
"Different and cold, like I'm sure you found when you first came here," he replied, looking at Cyel. Then his expression became curious. "How is your engagement going, Lady Sand?"
Now it was Cyel's turn to blush. Antea knew she didn't feel at ease talking about that, and she understood why; Cyel was a guest waiting to marry one of the boys she grew up with. Of course, she wasn't comfortable discussing it, especially with a stranger.
"It's early to say," Cyel managed to reply, a flush of pink on her cheeks. "But I'm sure we will be very happy." Antea linked her arm with Cyel's.
"Of course, you will be," she said before turning to Lord Tyrion. "Forgive us, my lord, but it's time for us to go. Have a good day." The man bowed his head with a big smile.
"Good day, my ladies."
What a strange man. Were all the men in the South like that?
"Remind me why I always have to help you?" Cyel whispered as they walked toward the main entrance of the castle.
"Because you're the best of friends," Antea replied with a small laugh, and Cyel followed her, still blushing.
The morning had been typical; Antea, Sansa, Arya, and Cyel were all seated in the main hall with Princess Myrcella, discussing their countries, tales, and dresses. Well, they were—Arya was in a corner, pouting occasionally. She wanted to go outside and play with their brothers and the smallfolk, but everyone was busy now. They would have time to play later.
"Antea." Hearing her mother's voice, she turned to look at her. Sansa and Myrcella smiled while Cyel bowed her head.
"Yes, Mother," the girl said, standing up. Catelyn Stark stopped in front of her, her auburn hair shining as much as her blue eyes. Antea had always loved her mother's hair; its color was beautiful. Robb had it, but Antea hadn't. She had inherited her mother's looks but her father's colors—dark hair and grey eyes.
"Come with me, dear," her mother said softly. "Your father and I need to speak with you." Antea glanced at the other girls and noticed a very happy Sansa, as if she knew something they didn't. Antea stood up and followed her mother through Winterfell's corridors. She brushed her fingers along the walls as she walked, loving how the stone felt warm under her touch. The warm water that ran through them kept the castle cozy against the cold weather outside.
"Is everything alright, Mother?" she asked after studying her mother for a moment. Her face was still, but her eyes were... sad. Why was her mother sad?
"It is, dear," she replied, forcing a smile for Antea. "Do not worry." Now Antea was worried. Did something bad happen?
They walked in silence until they arrived at her parents' chamber. A lot of questions swirled in her mind as her mother opened the door.
Her father was there, his forehead resting on his hands, something he did when he was tired or deep in thought.
"Father," she said, and his gaze lifted, a smile appearing on his face. "Did you want to see me?" she asked.
"Indeed," he replied. "Sit down, Antea." She did as he asked, looking at her parents. She could tell they were both forcing their smiles, but something was wrong.
"I'm not going to lie to you; I'm just going to say it," her father said after taking a deep breath, his smile fading like her mother's. "I'm going South." Antea's heart ached. "I'll become the new Hand of the King."
Becoming the Hand of the King was a great honor; it meant advising the King and helping him rule. She knew the King had offered that position to her father, but she was sure he would have declined it. He had to leave his country, his people. And what about his family?
"We are leaving?" she asked, twisting her shaking hands. Her parents exchanged a pained look.
"No, not all of us," her mother said. Antea could see their arms close together, their hands clasped.
"Your mother will stay here with Robb, helping him rule the North while I'm away." Her father looked at her mother with sad eyes. Antea knew how much they loved each other; they had been fortunate to fall in love, even if theirs was an arranged marriage.
"And Rickon will stay as well," Catelyn added. Her husband nodded before speaking again.
"He is too young to be away from his mother." Robb and Rickon would remain at Winterfell, and Antea felt her eyes watering as she imagined what was to come.
"But the rest of you will come with me as guests of the Crown."
They wanted her to leave Winterfell, her own home, without her twin, to go to a different country.
"I know this must be shocking for you, dear," her father said, aware of how much she loved the North and the cold.
"But it is a great opportunity for you, Antea." Her mother's words made her frown.
"Is it?" she asked, harsher than she intended.
"Of course," Catelyn replied. "You'll learn more about the Seven Kingdoms." Antea didn't care about the other kingdoms; she wanted to stay in her home.
"But I don't want to go," she blurted out before she could stop herself. "Please let me stay here with you." Antea pleaded with her mother, "I will help you with Rickon." She heard her father take a deep breath.
"I know that you don't want to leave Robb, but—"
"But you're fifteen, Antea," her mother interrupted her husband. "You have to start thinking about your future."
Her future…
"You won't live forever in Winterfell," Catelyn continued. "You have duties; you need to find a proper husband.…" She took a breath. "Sansa is going South because she will be wed to the prince." Antea hadn't known Sansa was engaged, but she wasn't surprised. Sansa was almost perfect and had an important name—she was the right catch for a future king. "You are the eldest; it's time for you to think more about your future and less about your brothers'." Antea knew her mother was right, of course, but it all felt so soon.
"Dear, I'm sorry to put you through such pain," her father said kindly. "But it's important for you to come with me." It was painful, truly, to say goodbye to everything she had ever known, to her own brothers and friends.
"I understand," she whispered. Her parents exchanged a glance, then her father walked toward her and kissed her forehead.
"I'm very proud of you." Antea forced a smile, leaning closer to her father, but even his warm embrace didn't make everything better.
Antea sat outside for hours after her talk with her parents. She watched the people she grew up with living their lives in Winterfell—her people, her home. She already started to miss them. No more hiding in the dark crypts, no more games with the other children, no more snow. It felt strange to think she would have to leave everything behind.
Of course, she would have her father, Sansa, Arya, and Bran, but the Stark family wouldn't be the same without everyone together. It just seemed so wrong, Antea thought as she gazed at her home.
Suddenly, she felt something rubbing against her leg. Looking down, she saw her little black direwolf, Shadow, beside her, as if trying to comfort her.
"You showed up at the end," Antea said, petting Shadow's head with a smile.
At least she could bring her along South, and she was relieved by that; she would have never left this pup behind.
"Antea?" Theon Greyjoy's surprised voice broke through her thoughts. "I thought you were with Septa Mordane." She should have been, but she wasn't in the mood for a lesson; too many thoughts swirled in her mind.
"Are you alright?" he asked, and Antea nodded with a small smile.
"Yes, I am." She didn't want to burden Theon with her problems.
The boy studied her closely. "You're biting your lip."
"What?" Antea asked softly.
"You usually do that when you're overthinking something," he said, catching her off guard. "Or so Robb says." Theon shrugged after a moment of silence, and Antea couldn't help but smile at his observation.
"Do… do you need to talk?" Theon's eyes met hers. She appreciated his kindness; he was always good to her, in his own way. But she shook her head.
"I'm sure you have more pleasant things to do than listen to me."
Theon flashed one of his usual wide smiles. "And watch your brother and the little prince argue again? No, thank you." He sat down beside her. "I'd rather stay here listening to my lady's problems."
Antea couldn't help but smile at his words. As usual, he had a knack for lifting her spirits. Theon had always been there for her and Robb, and he was good to her sisters and Cyel, too. He played with Bran and Rickon, and she trusted him. Without even realizing it, she began to speak.
"I just talked to my father," she said. "Apparently, he will become the new Hand of the King."
Theon looked surprised, just as she had when her father told her. Taking a breath, she continued, "He's going South, and he's taking Sansa, Arya, Bran, and me with him."
"You're going South?" He didn't look away from her, and she could feel his gaze.
"I'm afraid so." Antea kept her eyes fixed on her hands.
"For how long?" A sad smile appeared on her face. That was what she feared most.
"Until I get married, I think." Antea's heart sank. From King's Landing, she would move to her husband's home, maybe in the South, and have to make new friends in a place so far from her North. It would be years before she could return to Winterfell, and by then, it wouldn't truly be her home anymore.
"I don't want to go." She turned to Theon, who was already looking at her. "I knew this day would come, but it's too soon."
He probably thought she was being foolish, but something in his eyes encouraged her to keep talking. "I'll just miss all of this so much," she admitted, gazing back at Winterfell.
"Can't you stay?" Theon's expression was serious now, devoid of his usual bravado.
Antea wished she could. She longed to remain in her home and continue her beautiful life, but that was impossible.
She shook her head sadly. "My father wants me to go with him. I cannot ignore it."
She was Antea Stark, almost fifteen, almost a woman grown, ready to marry. She had to start thinking about her future, about finding a husband like every other lady. Her parents had allowed her to enjoy her childhood freely, but now she had to face her responsibilities. Cyel was their guest, searching for a husband, and even Sansa would be leaving for the South to follow the prince. It was Antea's turn, even if she had always prayed for her husband to be a man of the North.
"Alright," Theon exclaimed, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Let's get married, then." He spoke as if it were the simplest thing in the world, and Antea couldn't help but giggle.
"What?" she asked, still laughing.
"Yes, so you'll have to stay here," he replied, his eyes sparkling. They shared a moment of laughter, and Antea realized how much she would miss him—his confident attitude, his teasing remarks, and the way he always made her smile.
"I'm going to miss you, Theon Greyjoy," she said honestly. His surprised expression puzzled her.
"Really?" he asked, and for a moment, she thought she saw his cheeks turn a pale red, but their moment was interrupted by Robb's voice calling out.
"Greyjoy! Get over here!"
Antea's heart ached. Robb. How would she tell him? The thought of leaving him behind was unbearable. They had always been inseparable; she wasn't ready to face life without him by her side.
Theon took a deep breath, clearly reluctant to go, but after giving her a small smile, he stood up. Antea immediately followed, gently stopping him by the forearm.
"Theon, please don't tell Robb," she said, looking up at him earnestly. "He doesn't know yet, and I want to be the one to tell him." She pleaded with her eyes, knowing that her brother and Theon shared everything.
"Of course, my lady," he replied with a nod.
Antea smiled gratefully. "Thank you, really."
Theon looked at her for a moment, a small, almost sad smile replacing his usual grin. She wanted to ask what he was thinking, but then she heard Rickon calling out to her. Her heart sank; these were the last days she would spend with him. He was just three, and he needed his family. Not wanting to upset him, Antea turned with a bright smile and lifted him into her arms.
"Hey, little one!" His tiny hands gripped her dress tightly.
"I waited outside the hall, but you weren't at sewing lesson," Rickon said, pouting. "You promised we'd play together."
Antea pressed a kiss to his forehead and set him down. "Let's go, then!" She turned back to Theon, who stood behind her.
"Theon—"
"Let's go, Antea!" Rickon tugged at her hand, his jealousy apparent.
"Yes, yes!" she replied, smiling at Theon one last time. "See you later."
Theon nodded, that strange smile still on his face. "Aye… see you later." As Rickon continued to pull her along, Antea felt a bittersweet ache in her heart, knowing she would miss both her little brother and her friend.