Knowing how your father would react, you doubted that you wanted to wake up, regardless of what you wanted you awoke to gentle candlelight. A groan escaped you as you attempted to move but your side was in so much pain that just breathing felt like agony. With the noise escaping you, your father's attention fell upon you, having previously been lost to your thoughts.

"Y/N," he said, his tone concerned. "Try not to move, you will be okay, but the pain shall not be gone for a while."

You nodded your head, not knowing how well you could speak to him and honestly hoping the conversation would end sooner rather than later before he could berate you.

"Your mother has gone to tend to Arya, she is up to trouble as usual, but we did not wish for you to be alone. Robb has been here most of the time, but your mother forced him to leave to have dinner. He is especially worried about you, you gave him a fright," he explained.

"I'm sorry for disobeying you father," you whispered. "I guess I got what I deserved."

He shook his head, taking the damp cloth and patting your brow with it. "Do not speak in such a manner. You should not have disobeyed me, but you did not deserve this. Accidents happen and I should have offered you insight into why I did not want you to go, I am just glad your brother fears your mind and went with you."

"Why did you not want me to go?" You asked, half expecting him to shout at you but knowing he was a gentle natured man and wanted to allow you to learn from your mistakes although the gouge in your side would be good enough for that.

Your father took a moment to clarify his thoughts before he could explain it to you. Although you were intelligent beyond your years, he knew you were still young and impulsive and knew a calm touch would be the best option for him.

"I do not want to bury one of my children Y/N. I am fearful every time your brothers leave the castle walls to go hunting but I trust that they will take care as they have nothing to prove. I fear losing my children and as I know you going to offer Westeros something great one day, my fear is stronger when it comes to you. Although I trust you to do what is right, I know you feel you have to prove something as a woman, I do not see you as lesser than your brothers for how you are born, but many people will and it would be hard for you not to see that," he explained. "Even if you don't mean to, you can be impulsive to try and prove something. You are willing to go farther than others to be seen half of what they are, and I fear that will be your downfall. It only becomes worse when I see Arya following your footsteps. Seeing my daughter grow into such a strong and powerful woman, it is turning me grey and with the following years and facing both you and your sister, it shall only get worse."

"I'm sorry father."

"There is no need to apologise to me, just know I had my reasons to forbid you, but it is I who should apologise for not making those clear," he smiled softly. "Now rest my child, I am sure your mother will return soon, and I doubt she shall be so gentle with her thoughts."

You offered him a weak smile, fearing your mother's wrath more than his. He helped you return to your pillow before you fell back into slumber, allowing your body to rest and heal.

~*~

Written by Charlotte.