A Wolf and A Lion || Jaime Lannister Love Story

Chapter 16 - A White Summer Wedding

Aurelia paced back and forth from the end of her room to the other end. She clasped her hands together as she waited agitatedly for her father. Catelyn and the rest of the girls had been with Aurelia since the sun had set; helping her to get ready for the wedding. Her mother made sure that she got enough rest, knowing that it was going to be a long night. Sansa had gone way beyond her talents to make her sister a dress. It was beautiful and sophisticated; an off-shoulder neckline with a cape draping behind, covering a quarter of her arms. The skirt flowed down to the ground, and the crepe material allowed the gown to easily move along Aurelia's movements. It had no lace or patterns decorating the gown. Some people may think that it was too simple for a wedding gown, however to Aurelia, it was perfect. All the Stark girls thought Aurelia looked stunning than ever.

"Do it the Southern way." Sansa had suggested earlier that Aurelia should style her hair in the same way as the Queen and the rest of her handmaidens does. "The Queen will be delighted." She said quite enthusiastically. Aurelia's expression turned drastically as she heard what Sansa said. Never in a million years would she ever style her hair like those Southerners does. She hated the way it looks. Aurelia has no idea how the Southern ladies were able to get through a day with their hairdos, as it appears to be heavy and tightening.

"Why should she? The Queen would not care." Arya disagreed with Sansa, as she always does. Sansa only rolled her eyes in response.

"I'm with Arya in this one. I want it styled the Northern way. It's who I am." Aurelia opted. As such, Catelyn styled her hair into a half-up double braid. She finished the braid by securing it with a silver flower pin. It complimented the pair of silver earrings Catelyn gave to Aurelia for the wedding.

As soon as Aurelia finished getting ready for her wedding, the rest of the girls excused themselves in order to get ready for the wedding as well. Therefore, Aurelia had some time alone to think before she had to walk to the Godswood.

Everyone in Winterfell knew what day it was when they woke up, perhaps even all the way to the South. Not many Northern houses was pleased with the idea of a Northern girl marrying a Southern Lord, especially since it's between a Stark and a Lannister. The whole country is no stranger to the undeniable tension between the two houses. Every noble house knew that the marriage is a political move; the greatest house in the South is joining an alliance with the greatest house in the North. Together, they will become more powerful than they already are.

Aurelia tried not to think it that way. She prefers to believe that it was nothing more than an offer given by the King himself to further honor Ned. Last night, she finally made the choice of giving the upcoming wedding a chance, and she would not put it to waste.

Today will shape her future, and she will be known as Lady Aurelia of House Lannister. She never asked if she is to keep her maiden name, or change it to Lannister. It is what is expected however, not all brides do it. The prospect of living in King's Landing is still preposterous, and terrifies her. She envisioned her future as living in the North for the rest of her life, and would only visit the South for events, diplomacy, or when she terribly needs to. Nevertheless, she knows deep down that Winterfell will always be her one true home.

A knock on the door stopped her from her pacing, and she went up to open it. Standing there was her father, with Robb was beside him. Both of them were taken away by Aurelia's appearance; that was clearly etched on their faces.

"Please tell me it's not time." Aurelia said to them, but Ned was speechless. He had never seen any of his daughter's in a wedding dress before, nor did he imagine it would be this soon. He can't help but think how exceptionally mature she looks in that gown.

"I'm sorry, peanut. Everyone else is ready." Robb replied, and they were all still standing in the same position. He looked apologetically at his sister.