ONE YEAR

Author's Note: This is a non-profit fanfiction based on A Song of Ice and Fire. It is part of a larger story world I plan to adapt into an original novel. All names, places, and affiliations may change in the future.

RUYAN

Just last moons she had dismissed Robb as a foolish boy. Now he was an angry foolish boy. As much as she resented the method of securing his presence, Ruyan would be a fool to let this opportunity slip through her fingers. Northerners—independent, proud, and resistant to foreign influence. Of course, she knew from her studies that they were the only kingdom to successfully repel the Andals, and aside from that, their have many historical instances where they suffered from subjugation by the South.

Ruyan sighed. Despite her year-long stay in Winterfell where she had improved their medical practices by introducing the concept of small organisms theory—which resulted in decreased infections from all types of wounds. In just twelve moons, childbed fever had reduced dramatically, saving countless mothers' lives. That was not the only knowledge she had shared; she introduced the huotong, the fire starter which had become an essential part of a soldier's toolkit. Yet despite these innovations and advancements in healthcare she contributed in her time as a 'scholar' in Winterfell they had refused her.

She had spent a day ruminating on how to secure the alliance from that angry, foolish boy. These Northerners wanted results—tangible proof—and thus, she was going to give it to them.

She found Robb Stark near his cabin window, gazing out at the darkening sky, his auburn hair catching the last rays of the setting sun. He did not turn when she approached, though the stiffening of his shoulders told her he was well aware of her presence.

"Lord Robb," she said formally, giving him the courtesy of his title despite their circumstances.

He continued to stare out the window, his profile as unyielding as the stone walls of Winterfell.

"I understand you're angry," she began.

At this, he let out a harsh laugh, finally turning to face her. His Tully-blue eyes blazed with a fury that might have intimidated her had she not grown up in the imperial court, where masked emotions and hidden daggers were daily concerns.

"Angry?" he echoed, his voice raw with emotion. "Is that what you think I am? Angry?" He stood, his movements fluid with the natural grace of youth. "I am a prisoner, Princess. Stolen from my home, my family, my duty. 'Angry' doesn't begin to cover what I am."

"You are not a prisoner," Ruyan replied, keeping her voice level. "You are an honored guest of the imperial family."

"Guests can leave when they wish." His retort was quick, sharp as the steel of the sword he was no longer permitted to carry.

"Yes, well." Ruyan moved further into the room, looking around at the evidence of his rebellion—the silk bedding torn from the mattress, the uneaten portions of food, the Yitish garments left in a heap on the floor while he stubbornly wore his increasingly dirty Northern clothes. "This situation is...not ideal for either of us."

"Not ideal?" Robb's voice cracked with disbelief. "You had me kidnapped!"

"I did not," Ruyan said sharply, then moderated her tone. "I did not order this. My aides acted without my knowledge or consent."

Robb's laugh was bitter, disbelieving. "Yet here we are."

"Here we are," she agreed quietly.

For a moment, they regarded each other in silence, two young people snarled in the webs of politics and duty far beyond their years. The only sound was the creaking of the ship and the distant crash of waves against the hull.

"You'll start learning court etiquette with Master Wei tomorrow," Ruyan said finally, switching to a tone of brisk practicality. "You'll be given lessons in our history, with emphasis on the reigns of the last five emperors. You will also need to learn the language—at least basic conversation skills—as well as martial training with Master Fu." She said this matter-of-factly, as if arranging a normal schedule rather than the forced education of an unwilling student.

"I don't want to." Robb hissed, his anger betraying his initial promise to himself to learn everything that might be of value to the North.

"Only a fool would refused knowledge. You're even much of a bigger fool than I have initially thought when you refused my offer." Ruyan countered, her fingers tracing the edge of a discarded silk robe.

Robb glared at her, and she wanted to smirk. It seems no one has ever spoken to him in the manner she does. "No wonder you Northerners survive but never thrive," she said, knowing the barb would nail its mark deeper.

The flash of hurt in his eyes was quickly masked by renewed fury. "And you? who supposedly belong to the most modern civilization yet resort to kidnapping to get a groom. You're no better than a wildling," Robb spat.

The insult stung more than she expected, but Ruyan refused to show it. She drew herself up to her full height—still a head shorter than the Northern heir. "Look, you will only make things difficult for yourself if you don't cooperate."

She paused, weighing her next words carefully. "I want you to write to your father. Say whatever you wish—it will be sent to Braavos on our next stop through our secured channels."

This offer seemed to catch him off guard. He studied her face, searching for deception. "You would let me write freely to my father? No censorship?"

"No censorship," Ruyan confirmed, meeting his gaze steadily. "But I will read it first."

Robb's expression darkened again. "So there is censorship."

"I need to know what you're telling him so I can prepare my own response," Ruyan explained, her voice taking on a hint of exasperation. "But I won't change your words. I swear it."

"And why should I believe anything you swear?" Robb demanded, advancing on her. "Your people broke guest right—the most sacred law in the North. You talk of honor while keeping me prisoner."

"Because despite what you think, I am not your enemy," Ruyan said, frustration seeping into her voice. "This situation is not what I wanted. But we are here now, halfway between your world and mine, and we must make the best of it."

"The best of it," Robb repeated flatly. "And what exactly would that look like for me, Princess? Surrendering to your plans? Becoming a stud for your imperial bloodline?"

"If that's how you see this alliance, then it only shows how primitive your thinking is," she answered, letting the barb sting. She would not be a punching doll for his anger. "This is not about breeding stock. This is about uniting two ancient bloodlines with gifts that have been dormant for generations."

Robb glared at her, unable to think of a retort.

"One year minimum," Ruyan said, and Robb's eyebrows twitched in surprise. Ruyan continued. "You will be on an educational tour all over YiTi. Maximum time you'll be away from your family is two years, inclusive of sea voyage time. A year to see what you refused, and for me to convince you what we can offer. Then you can go home if you still refuse to marry me."

Robb was quiet, absorbing what she said, his eyes calculating. "How do I know you'll honor your word?"

"I know oaths are sacred in the North, as they are in YiTi. Nevertheless, the more fitting question is: will you believe me when I make an oath?" Ruyan challenged, her dark eyes flashing.

Robb's silence was his answer.

"Then we are at a stalemate," she said, her voice softening slightly. "But I will still give my word. Time will prove I mean it."

She turned to leave, then paused at the door. "We reach the port of Volantis in three days. Your first lesson with Master Wei begins at dawn." Without waiting for his response, she slipped out of the cabin, leaving Robb alone with his thoughts and the endless sea beyond the window.

As she walked back to her own quarters, Ruyan fought against the doubt gnawing at her. Her father's vision—reuniting the ancient bloodlines, strengthening the magic in their lineage—was grand and far-reaching. But standing in that cabin, facing the fury and homesickness of a boy not much different from herself, she wondered for the first time if the cost was too high.

No, she thought firmly, squaring her shoulders. This is for the future of YiTi. For my people. For the magic that will make us great again.

The sea breeze whipped her hair across her face as she stood on the deck, staring up at the unfamiliar stars. Somewhere beyond the horizon lay YiTi, and beyond that, a future she was determined to shape—with or without Robb Stark's willing participation.