5: The Love of Cassandra Baratheon

(Storm's End, Shipbreaker Bay, The Stormlands, The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, Westeros, GoT Universe)

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(Cassandra Baratheon POV)

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It had been Six Years since Cassandra Baratheon was Betrothed to Barthogan Stark. Her Father took him as a Ward and Fosterling, in order to further both the relationship between Stark and Baratheon and the relationship between Cassandra and Barthogan. Cassandra wouldn't openly admit it, but Barthogan had grown on her. She wasn't necessarily in love per sè, but she was certainly fond of him.

His first Week at Storm's End caused no small number of panic attacks for her mother and headaches for her Father. Barthogan took her on Midnight Rides and they often caused trouble for smallfolk by setting fire to a haystack or two in the night. They sailed together, slept in the same room in secret. And Barthogan was kind to Stannis, kinder than Robert had ever been.

When the two had reached Seven Namedays old, Her Father took them Hunting, but Barthogan let her get first kill. When she had trouble watching her father deal with troublesome individuals without taking offense on her Father's behalf, he would whisper things to her that made her more understanding of the situations and men in question.

Cassandra was almost upon the cusp of becoming a Woman. Her body was slowly but steadily developing. She knew this because her betrothed stole more frequent glances at her, particularly her developing chest. She knew that now was the time to press her relationship with Barthogan further along. Better to have it strong before they were Wedded and Bedded.

Cassandra sat in her room, sewing together a Wedding Cloak for Her Betrothed to Cloak her in when it came time be Wed.

Cassandra and Barthogan had come up with a Banner for their family together, which featured the Stark Direwolf Quartered with the Baratheon Stag and a Black Stark Direwolf. The Black Direwolf represented Barthogan, The Stag her, and the Standard Direwolf their Stark Allegiance.

Cassandra halted her sewing as her mother entered.

''Cassandra, it's time we talked about certain things.'' Says Cassana Estermont.

''Such as what Mother?'' Asks Cassandra only halfway listening.

''It's about your body and how you might be feeling towards Barthogan.'' Says Cassana, catching Cassandra's full attention.

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Cassandra had "That Talk" with her mother, it was embarrassing especially when her mother got into the bits and pieces Barthogan would have and where to put it on their Wedding night.

But it seemed to awaken something in her, she had a desire for Barthogan that previously wasn't so much not there, but was now stronger than it previously was. She recalled their first kiss...

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(Warning Flashback: Start)

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Barthogan had just finished sparring with Stannis, he was sweaty and came over to where she was trying to shoot a bow without much success

''Need some help?'' He offered.

''Fine.'' She says pride Slightly wounded at having to need any man's help.

''First of all widen your stance. Straighten your back, and relax your elbows.'' Says Barthogan as he shows her by holding her close and directing her. Cassandra felt a certain pleasure in the way he spoke to her. She didn't understand it back then, but she did now.

''Next as you raise your bow, steadily your breathing. And as you draw back the String after nocking and aiming the Arrow, I want you to breath in. Take aim. And Exhale as you Release the String to fire the arrow.

The Arrow soars and embedded itself into the Target's center.

''A perfect bulls....eye.'' Barthogan trailed off as their faces slowly incbed closer until their lips met.

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Cassandra Could still taste his lips on top of hers, their firmness exciting her endlessly. it made her miss her Black Barth all the more strongly.