The royal procession left Winterfell under a sky heavy with grey clouds. Hundreds of horses, knights, wagons, and banners stretched along the Kingsroad in a long, glittering line. The air was cold, but the excitement of leaving the North could be felt by everyone.
Ethan rode near the middle of the column, beside a group of Stark guards. He wore simple but sturdy black leather armor with the direwolf sigil on the chest. His body had grown stronger over the past few weeks, but the changes were gradual — nothing too dramatic. He still felt the burn in his muscles after long hours in the saddle.
Current Status:
Strength: 23
Agility: 22
Endurance: 21
Vitality: 20
Charisma: 25
Dragon Affinity: 8
Level: 9 (780/1200 EXP)
He had only gained two levels since the incident with Bran, and most of his gains came from hard training, not sudden rewards.
Sansa rode in a covered carriage with her mother and Septa Mordane. Occasionally, when the road widened, she would pull back the curtain and look for him. Their eyes would meet for a few seconds — long enough for a secret smile — before she disappeared again. There had been no more stolen nights since that first kiss in the godswood. The presence of so many people made everything risky.
Third Day on the Kingsroad
The column stopped near a wide river to rest the horses and refill water. Ethan helped the guards set up tents while the nobles rested under pavilions.
Robb rode over to him, dismounting with a tired groan.
"You've been quiet since we left," Robb said, handing him a waterskin. "Missing the North already?"
Ethan took a long drink and shrugged. "Just thinking. King's Landing is… different from what I've heard."
Robb laughed. "Different? It's a shithole full of snakes, from what my father says. But Sansa is excited. She keeps talking about the songs and the tournaments."
At the mention of Sansa, Ethan's gaze drifted toward her carriage. She was standing beside her mother, listening to Catelyn speak. When she noticed him looking, her cheeks turned slightly pink and she quickly looked away.
Theon Greyjoy appeared beside them, smirking. "Our little bastard is in love, eh? Careful, Snow. If Lord Stark finds out you've been making eyes at his daughter, he'll send you to the Wall faster than you can say 'direwolf'."
"Shut up, Greyjoy," Robb said, but he was smiling.
Ethan only chuckled. He knew he had to be more careful.
Fifth Night – Camp near the White Knife
The camp was large and noisy. King Robert's laughter could be heard from his huge pavilion where he drank with Ned and several lords.
Ethan sat near one of the smaller fires with Jon and a few guards. Jon had been quieter than usual during the journey.
"You really think you'll stay in King's Landing?" Jon asked suddenly.
"I don't know," Ethan replied honestly. "But Sansa will be there… and I promised to protect her."
Jon nodded slowly. "Just be careful. The South eats people like us."
Later that night, when most of the camp was asleep, Ethan heard soft footsteps behind him. He turned to see Sansa wrapped in a thick grey cloak, her hood up.
"I only have a few minutes," she whispered, stepping close. Her breath was visible in the cold air. "Mother thinks I'm sleeping."
She looked nervous but happy. Ethan gently took her hand and led her behind a cluster of trees, away from the firelight.
For a long moment, they just looked at each other.
"I keep thinking about that kiss in the godswood," Sansa said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I… I've never felt like that before."
Ethan cupped her cheek. "Neither have I."
He leaned in slowly and kissed her. It was gentle, warm, and full of unspoken feelings. Sansa's hands clutched his cloak as she kissed him back, but she pulled away after a few seconds, breathing faster.
"We can't… not here," she said, though her eyes said something else. "If someone sees us…"
"I know." Ethan rested his forehead against hers. "We'll be patient. King's Landing is still far."
Sansa nodded, then gave him one last quick kiss before disappearing back into the shadows like a ghost.
Ethan stood there for a while, heart beating faster than during any training session.
[Sansa Stark Favorability: 64/100 ( budding Romantic Interest )]
Ninth Day – The Boar Hunt
King Robert organized a hunt while the column rested for a day. Ethan was invited to join along with Robb, Theon, and several knights.
The forest was dense and wild. Robert was in his element, roaring and drinking as they tracked a large boar. When the beast finally charged, Ethan was close. He helped drive it toward the king's spear, but it was Robert who delivered the killing blow.
After the hunt, while they skinned the boar, Robert slapped Ethan on the back.
"You've got good instincts, Snow. Not many bastards would throw themselves in front of a charging boar to protect their king."
Ethan had only moved to block its escape route, but Robert was already half-drunk and in a good mood.
[+120 EXP]
[Favorability with Robert Baratheon: 42/100]
That small gain felt more earned than the sudden jumps he used to get.
Twelfth Day on the Road
The journey was starting to wear on everyone. The excitement of leaving Winterfell had faded, replaced by boredom and growing tension between the Stark and Lannister parties.
Joffrey had become increasingly unpleasant — mocking the northerners, throwing tantrums, and staring at Sansa in a way that made Ethan's blood boil.
During one stop, Joffrey approached Sansa while she was picking winter roses near the road.
"You will be my queen," he said arrogantly. "You should look happier about it."
Sansa lowered her eyes. "Yes, my prince."
Ethan was watching from a distance. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, but he stayed back. Attacking the prince now would be suicide.
Cersei noticed him watching. For the first time, her eyes lingered on him with mild curiosity before she turned away.
Evening – Campfire
Ned Stark called Ethan to his tent that night.
"You've proven yourself loyal," Ned said in his serious, honorable tone. "I will find you a position in King's Landing. Perhaps with the City Watch or as a personal guard. But know this — the South is dangerous. Keep your head down and your honor intact."
"Yes, my lord," Ethan answered.
As he left the tent, he looked up at the stars.
The road to King's Landing was still long. He was still weak compared to real knights. Sansa was still far from fully his. The Game of Thrones hadn't truly begun yet.
But for the first time, Ethan felt like he was walking the right path — slowly, carefully, and with eyes wide open.