I kept Edda awake all night-
And, no, not in that way.

I talked to her. I sang to her. I told her stories of my childhood and listened closely to stories of hers. With bags under our eyes we watched the sun rise into the sky above.

When we would find a town to stop at our servants and guards world set a tent up for us, meaning for us to explore said town while they watered the horses and took their naps. But only then did Edda sleep. I found that when Edda was exhausted her nigh terrors seized.

On and on we rode for a fortnight before we even reached the Riverlands. And, soon after, Riverrun.

...

"I know what I must do" Edda almost whispered as she rode on her horse beside me, bags under her eyes. Her belly never seizing to grow.

We beheld the view of the Frey camp surrounding the Keep completely. Inside the walls of the castle the Blackfish and his men lived in almost peace. I imaged the Freys being like flies over a stream of water- never able to enter it, but hovering annoyingly over the water where the Tully fish swam.

I gave her a look as we both halted our horses to stop. "No."

With worry in her eyes she pleaded "He will not let you in with me-"

"No."

"My lady," the commander of the Bolton army agreed with me "It is dangerous for you to be alone in such a vulnerable state. What if they decide to seize you?"

"I'll kill them is what," I confessed bluntly to my wife.

She was silent for a moment, staring off into the setting sun "... Vulnerable you say, Ser?"

"Completely." He assured.

Edda placed her hand on her stomach, a little smile on her face. "Perfect."

"What?" I spat as Edda rode her way to my squire.

"You, brave young lad. Ride to our station. Fetch me my son and bring him to me." She commanded.

"At once my lady-"

"My lady!" I huffed, calming my voice. "This is a terrible, idiotic idea. Not only are you putting yourself but also our heir-"

"And Lord Brynden Tully will have no choice but to make sure we are safe." She explained, taking off her gloves "Family. Duty. Honor. Family first. Family above everything else. I am his niece's daughter. I carry the Tully red in my hair. He and his men, if they are truly loyal to his House, will not harm me." She took off her cloak as well, "And the more vulnerable I am, the weaker I am, the more pity he will feel."

I love this bitch, I thought as my squire rode back with my half brother in his arms.

Edda traded her warm clothing for the child with him, and as soon as I dismounted my horse I helped her off hers.

"You have three hours in there," I stroked her face "And if they do not release you by then me and my men will storm the castle and burn it to the ground."

Edda nodded "Yes, my love"

Kissing her forehead I wished her good luck. "Don't be afraid, my little she-wolf."

"I am not" she assured.