Robb waited by the Heart Tree in the Godswood. He waited for his bride to be, he waited for his Myrcella. They'd had a marriage earlier today in the Sept that father had had built for mother when she'd moved here. They'd said their vows and kissed, but this, this was the actual wedding. Before the Old Gods, this would ensure that they were man and wife before the entire north.
And the entire north had gathered for this wedding. Robb had spent the morning speaking with Lord Umber, Lord Karstark, Lord Manderly, Lord Tallhart, Lord Glover, Lady Mormont and Lord Bolton as well as a score of others including the Mountain Clans. They'd all come from their homes to see this wedding, to understand what sort of man he was, and the sort of woman he was marrying.
He hoped he'd given them their answer. He hoped he'd made his father proud. Certainly, father had not stopped smiling through the whole thing. Even when Lord Bolton had appeared. The rivalry between Stark and Bolton was old, but it had died down since the Blackfyre rebellion. But Bolton was a strange man, he scared Robb, but Bolton in turn seemed scared by father, if the way the man spoke was any indication.
A hush descended over the Godswood then and Robb looked up and saw Myrcella standing at the entrance. Her mother was at her side, her cousins held up her dress. Robb exhaled. She looked…she looked ethereal. In a dress of gold and red, her hair curled, her eyes shining brightly. Robb swallowed nervously, Greywind came and butted his head against Robb's leg. Robb exhaled.
Father, as the Lord of Winterfell and the descendant of the Kings of Winter had the right to officiate at this wedding. Dressed all in grey just like Robb, he stepped forward then and called out. "Who comes?"
"Myrcella Baratheon, Princess of The Seven Kingdoms." Came the response, Robb blinked, how had the King gotten to his daughter's side so quickly?
"Who claims her?" The King asked, his voice gruff.
Robb took a breath then answered. "Robb Stark, Heir to the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North."
The claims done, Myrcella walked forward accompanied by her father, when they got to the Heart Tree, the King kissed his daughter on the cheek and then stepped back. Robb looked at Myrcella and smiled.
Myrcella smiled back.
"My lords and ladies, Your Graces," father said, bringing Robb's attention to him. "We are gathered here today for the union of two people, Robb Stark and Myrcella Baratheon. They are to marry before the Old Gods, to consolidate an alliance between the Iron Throne and Winterfell. This marriage brings together two people who have sworn to make a lifetime commitment to one another."
Robb glanced at Myrcella and smiled; his heart soared when she smiled back.
"This is something that is to be applauded. A commitment such as marriage is not one that should be considered lightly. Therefore, before we proceed, I must ask, is there anyone here who does not believe that these two people should be married?" Father asked.
When no one answered, he continued. "Then I would ask that Robb and Myrcella present their vows before the Gods."
Traditionally, as Myrcella was a Princess, she should have gone first, however, surprisingly, King Robert had demanded that Robb go first. Therefore, Robb turned to face Myrcella and spoke.
"I, Robb Stark, heir to Winterfell and the North, do hereby swear to you, Myrcella Baratheon, that I will always love and cherish you, from this day to my last. I will always seek your counsel and keep your secrets. I will protect you and work with you. For the betterment of our people and our lives. For now, and forever."
Myrcella replied. "I, Myrcella Baratheon, Princess of the Seven Kingdoms, do hereby swear to you, Robb Stark, that I will love and cherish you, from this day to my last. I will give you counsel and keep your secrets. I will be there to ease your burdens and work with you. For the betterment of our family and our people. For now, and forever."
A brief silence held over them as their words were absorbed into the atmosphere. Robb had always been told by father that the Gods listened to everything that was said in the Godswood, and they would know if someone was being false. That was why they held a silence, to know that all was well.
Father broke the silence by saying. "And now we exchange the bands of marriage." Robb turned back and took the band-a silver bracelet-from Jon and put it on Myrcella's right hand. Myrcella then put her band-a golden bracelet-on his right hand. They then held hands as father finished the ceremony.
"I, Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North and Defender of the Old Gods do hereby pronounce you, Robb Stark and Myrcella Baratheon to be husband and wife." Father stepped back.
Robb looked at Myrcella, a question in his eyes, Myrcella nodded and so he leaned forward, and he pressed a kiss to her lips. She tasted slightly of honey.
A cheer went up then and as Robb pulled back, he heard the King say. "Now let's have a bloody good feast!"
Robb smiled and said to Myrcella. "May I lead you back home, wife?"
Myrcella grinned. "You may husband."
Together, holding hands, they turned and walked back to the castle. Robb felt content, Greywind walked between them both, almost as if he was jumping for joy. Robb certainly felt like jumping for joy.