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dedicatednotobsessed · 1 month ago

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Winter's Solstice [Cregan Stark x Fem!Reader]

Other HOTD stories

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Summary: Being the heir’s eldest daughter, Rhaenyra had decided it was time to wed you off to strengthen her claim to the throne- a Lord at that. She settled on Lord Cregan of Winterfell, seeing you were similar in age and the Starks were to be one of her better allies. Although it is clear you do not want to be forced into this marriage, Cregan proves he will be a good husband to you…

Warnings in this one shot: None.

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You chewed on your bottom lip, standing in your chambers as you stared at the dress before you. It was a gorgeous pale blue with white fur lining the sleeve cuffs and neckline. It was a gift from your soon-to-be husband and the Lord of Winterfell, Cregan Stark. The marriage was to ensure an alliance with the North, which your mother, Rhaenyra, told you before she shipped you off.

Being the eldest, it was your responsibility to set an example for your brothers, no matter how much you didn’t want to marry a Stark. A part of you wanted to get on your dragon, Nekaris, and fly across the Narrow Sea and never return, but your mother reminded you it was the duty of your House.

You sighed deeply before a familiar voice rang out, “I believe you’re supposed to put the dress on instead of staring at it.”

You gasped and turned, running to your brother and giving him a crushing hug. “Jace!”

Jacaerys chuckled, wrapping his arms around you and returning your tight embrace. “I’ve missed you too.”

“I didn’t know if you were going to show up,” you whispered, nuzzling into his neck.

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss my sister’s wedding,” Jace replied, pulling away from the hug, his matching dark curls falling into his face.

You giggled lightly. “Did you happen to bring Nekaris with you?”

He sighed at the question. “No, and she has been grumpy without you on Dragonstone.”

Your smile faltered. “Perhaps she can sense my emotions here from Winterfell,” you tried to jest. “I do get rather lonely.”

“Has Lord Cregan not made you feel welcome?” Jace’s tone was anything but playful. Although he was younger by a couple of years, he was still protective of you. He would say it was his duty as the eldest brother to protect you.

You scrunched your brows together, looking down as you fiddled with your fingers. “He has,” you replied. “He made sure I felt welcomed by buying me a new wardrobe that was more fitted for the weather and even jewelry that matched. It’s just…” You blew out a deep breath. “It doesn’t feel like home, and I’m afraid it never will be.”

Jace frowned at that. “I know Dragonstone will always be your home, but Y/N,” he began, reaching out and taking your hand. “You need to keep an open mind, at least. Be thankful Alicent Hightower did not get her way, or you would be wed off to the likes of Aegon by now.”

You made a face at the mention of your Uncle. When you were younger and living in the capital, the queen had proposed to your mother to betroth her to her eldest son. However, your mother was quick to shut down the match.

A light chuckle passed Jace’s lips at your expression, and he moved his hand from yours to the small part of your back. “Come, let me help you dress.”

As Jacaerys began brushing through your curls, the door opened again. Before you could ask who it was, Jace said, “I thought Mother told you to wait.”

“I was only wondering what was taking so long,” Lucerys replied, standing in the doorway. “And I’ve missed my sister. I thought I could escort her to the party.”

You turned, offering Luke a warm smile. “I would love that.”

Luke’s smile widened slightly as he walked further into the room. “Dragonstone hasn’t been the same without you.”

“I bet it’s boring being stuck with Jace,” you teased, shooting your brother a playful smirk.

Jace chuckled, shaking his head as he grabbed a pale blue ribbon to match the dress. “Certainly don’t miss your teasing.”

You scrunched up your nose, watching Jace pull a few strands of your hair together, tying the ribbon into a neat bow. You sighed deeply, staring at your reflection, your brothers standing behind you. You couldn’t recognize the girl looking back at you; the dress was different from the ones on Dragonstone in style and color.

“Let us escort you to the feast,” Jace began, holding his arm out for you to take while Luke came up on your other side. “We can’t have the guest of honor be late to her own party.”

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Your hands became clammy as you approached the feasting hall, and your stomach fluttered with nerves. Cregan had tried everything to ensure your comfort in the North, but some of you didn’t feel welcome.

“Everyone is staring,” you grumbled to your brothers. The handmaidens and servants paused to bow respectfully.

“They’re staring at how beautiful you are,” Jace replied, his eyes staying ahead with his head held high.

You glanced at him, swallowing a lump in your throat. Growing up, Jacaerys always had an aura of confidence while every royal in the court whispered about your parentage behind your back. You weren’t blind; you knew who your father was from the curly hair and deep blue eyes. You wished to play a fool for your brothers’ sake, although it seemed Jace and Luke were becoming wiser.

You smiled when you saw your mother waiting for you outside the feasting hall, dressed in her House colors. Rhaenyra, with a wide smile on her face, walked closer to her three eldest children. “My girl,” she whispered, touching your cheek. She pulled you into a hug, closing her eyes.

You returned her hug, closing your eyes at the familiar warmth. “I’ve missed you, mother.”

Rhaenyra smiled, pulling away, tucking back a curl behind your ear. “We’ve all missed you as well.” She scrunched up her nose, looking over your attire. “And it seems you’ve already become a Northerner.”

“I still prefer my red silks.”

“I know, my sweet.” She let out a sigh, stepping away. “But come, you shouldn’t keep everyone waiting.”

“I’d rather have a grand entrance.”

Rhaenyra laughed, stepping aside as the doors to the feasting hall opened. She fell in step behind you and your brothers, your eyes turning to the head table where the Lord awaited you. Your handmaiden, Emmelyne, teased you that even though you’re trapped in this cold hellscape, you would have a nice view greeting you every sunrise.

Cregan headed down the steps to meet you, his blue eyes taking in your appearance. “Princess,” he greeted, taking your hand in his.

You felt your cheeks heat up as he leaned down, kissing your knuckles lightly. Cregan straightened his back, nodding at your family, your mother guiding your brothers to their spots. You thanked him quietly when he pulled out your chair for you, sliding in and offering him a small smile when he took the place on your left.

“You look rather beautiful tonight, Princess,” Cregan complimented, leaning over to fill your cup of wine.

“Thank you, mi’lord.” You met his blue eyes, smiling more at him. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Cregan chuckled. “Thank you, but I could never match the beauty of a Princess.”

The heat rose back to your cheeks causing Cregan to laugh lightly. “I noticed your mother did not bring your dragon along,” he said after a moment.

You nodded, picking up your cup of wine. “Dragons don’t like the cold,” you explained before taking a small delicate sip. You heard tales of how the alcohol tasted bitter in the North, especially the wine. However, the taste was a pleasant sweetness on your tongue.

“Does that include yourself?”

You kept your eyes on your cup of wine, lightly tracing its rim while you licked your lips lightly. “I don’t like the cold when I’m forced to live in it.”

Cregan’s smile faltered, letting out a deep sigh. His chair creaked as he relaxed in his seat, sipping his wine. You looked over at him, noticing his eyes on the lively crowd. He hummed, furrowing his brows. “Come with me, Y/N,” he said, setting his cup down after a moment.

“M-Mi’lord?”

“No one will know we’re gone for long,” The brunette began as he stood up, offering his hand to you. He added, “And if they question my whereabouts, I will simply tell them not to question their lord.”

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You felt a shiver run through your spine as you were met with a kiss of Winterfell’s cold to your face. Your fur-lined dress helped battle the cold, if only it were a little. You hugged onto Cregan’s arm, blowing out a breath and being able to see it in front of you.

“Where are you taking me, Mi’Lord?” You asked, looking up at him.

“Cregan.”

“I’m sorry?”

“You don’t have to call me Lord if we are to be husband and wife.”

You stumbled for an answer but nothing came out when he looked at you with his icy blue eyes. Cregan chuckled at the bashfulness and rubbed your knuckles lightly, looking ahead while he began leading you through the Godswood of Winterfell.

“Tell me about your dragon.”

“Nekaris.” You smiled saying her name. “She’s a beautiful white dragon that is very protective of me. She does not have the kindest personality,” you explained with a content sigh, the shyness slowly leaving you. “Her name means Lady of the Snow.”

Cregan snorted. “That is an amusing coincidence.”

You nodded in agreement, falling back into silence with him once more. Soon enough, you arrived at a heart tree, your brows scrunching in confusion. “Why did you bring me here, Mi’L- C-Cregan?” You corrected yourself when he turned to face you, taking both of your hands in his.

You were thankful for the cold giving you rosy cheeks, concealing the blush that Cregan never seemed to fail to give you. His bigger hands were warm against your small warm ones, looking up to meet his gaze. It was a gentle stare as he took in your features before reaching up to tuck a loose curl behind your ear.

“By the next moon turn we will be husband and wife,” Cregan stated the obvious, moving his hand to grip your chin lightly. “I know you are uncomfortable here and will never see this place as your first home, but I will continue to be a kind husband. I will make sure you will want for nothing being my wife. You will rule by my side and we will raise our many children together.”

You giggled at the last part, closing your eyes as he leaned down to kiss the crown of your head, his long hair lightly tickling your face. “I do have one request.”

“Yes, Y/N?” Cregan asked, pulling away slightly while smiling down at you, squeezing your hands lightly.

“Although Nekaris doesn’t like the cold, I would like a dragonpit built so I can bring her here and fly her as I please.”

Cregan chuckled, tugging you close to his body, wrapping his arms around your waist and giving you another gentle kiss on your head. “Consider it your wedding gift.”

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