The first rays of morning light shone upon a weirwood tree in the North; the two hollows in the wood bled incessantly, like human eyes.
People of the North legend that the old gods watch the world through the weirwood tree...
"The player in the play, recounting intense love and hate through every rise and fall..."
Early in the morning, Joffrey stepped out, breathing the fresh air of Winterfell while humming a tune he had chanced upon in his past life.
The air here was much better than in King's Landing, which was filled with the pungent stench of human and animal waste.
Joffrey resolved that once he became king, he would strictly oversee the sanitation of King's Landing. If anyone was caught relieving themselves in public, he would definitely confiscate their "tools of the crime" on the spot.
Just as Joffrey was lost in his fantasies of leading armies across thousands of miles, with multitudes bowing before him as he banned public defecation to restore King's Landing to its former glory, a pleasant voice reached his ears.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Sansa Stark curtsied and greeted Joffrey with a blush, not expecting to run into her prince the moment she stepped out.
She subconsciously smoothed her hair and adjusted her clothes, even though they were already perfectly neat and proper.
"Hello, my princess."
Seeing Sansa's shy demeanor, Joffrey's heart couldn't help but flutter. Clumsily mimicking the medieval knights he had seen in movies, he bowed and lightly kissed the back of Sansa's right hand.
This action startled his princess. She hurriedly pulled her small hand away and instinctively began to tug at her dress, something she always did whenever she felt nervous or overwhelmed.
"My princess, would you care to take a walk with me? It's my first time in the North."
"Oh... oh, alright."
Joffrey looked at Sansa; her shyness was enchanting. He had already decided that Sansa would be his wife.
Moreover, they were already betrothed. He liked Sansa very much; the charm she radiated was fatal to him.
Tyrion, who had just woken up in the stables with a few strands of dried grass still in his hair, watched the group walking away while yawning.
"Oh, it seems the poor little girl has fallen. My dear nephew is following in the footsteps of my fat pig of a brother-in-law, riding hard for the sake of the family and the procreation of the human race."
"Woof!" His "paramour" from last night—a cute black-and-white puppy—barked as if in agreement. It was clear that the Imp, Tyrion, had also spent a memorable night.
...
Summer had arrived in the North. Though patches of white snow still lingered on the ground, the riverbanks were already lush and green.
When they reached the river, Joffrey stole a glance at Sansa from the corner of his eye and tentatively hooked his pinky finger with hers as she walked on his right, pulling away almost immediately.
Such a small gesture was incredibly difficult for Joffrey. Even in his past life, he had been a lifelong bachelor who had never even held a girl's hand.
He was bold enough to tease with words, but when it came to action, he chickened out. Beside him, Sansa seemed to notice his embarrassment and struggled to keep a straight face, stifling a smile.
But when she realized her prince was actually so timid that he didn't even dare to hold her hand, Sansa unexpectedly summoned her courage and took Joffrey's right hand in her left.
"Sansa, Sansa, be brave."
Sansa bowed her head, her cheeks flushed bright red. She hadn't expected herself to be so bold. She gripped Joffrey's hand tightly, their fingers interlacing, refusing to let go.
This was her prince, the knight bestowed upon her by the heavens. She was destined to be with him.
They strolled along the riverbank, both blushing. Joffrey held Sansa's hand, and Sansa gripped his in return.
As a gentle breeze blew, golden and auburn hair intertwined. Under the sunlight, the love story of the prince and princess continued to unfold...
"My feather bed is deep and soft, where my lover lies within.
I would dress you in silks and place a crown upon your head.
You shall be my lady wife, and I shall be your lord husband.
I will guard you with my sword, keeping you warm and safe forever."
After some time, Joffrey looked affectionately at his Sansa and sang the song "the song of the woods maiden," which was known throughout the Seven Kingdoms. His voice was loud and robust; though it lacked technical polish, the love he expressed drifted straight into the young girl's heart.
"The tree nymph drifts with a smile, her laughter taking flight,
Turning her body to say to him, 'I have no need for a feather bed.'
'I wish to wear a gown of golden leaves, and bind my hair with grass,'
'I wish for you to be my forest lover, and I your forest maiden.'"
Sansa took up the tune, her beautiful and gentle voice carrying across the greenery along with the stream.
She looked at her prince with a smile and began to dance with light, graceful steps. As her lithe figure moved before him, Joffrey was utterly mesmerized.
Her skirt billowed like a dream. Her pinned-up hair was caught by the breeze and slowly unraveled, its movement echoing in Joffrey's heart.
Her clear, tender eyes met his, fluttering shyly and beautifully.
Through her melodious voice and graceful dance, the song of the woods maiden continuously expressed her "I do" to the prince.
The myriad of emotions in Sansa's sudden smile captured Joffrey's heart. He gently held her slender waist and embraced her, their heartbeats seemingly syncing in rhythm.
Their foreheads touched, and their eyes met involuntarily—one pair tender, the other deep with affection.
Brave Sansa was the first to kiss Joffrey's lips before quickly pulling away. Her thoughts were in a tangle, and her blush reached all the way down to her neck.
Joffrey stroked her silky hair with his right hand. Forehead to forehead, nose to nose, his lips met hers in a kiss...
The sun set, and the crescent moon rose into the sky.
Joffrey and Sansa lay on the grass hand in hand, watching the moon climb into the night sky and the stars twinkle above.
"My Sansa, my moonlight, come with me. Let us go to King's Landing, to The Red Keep. I will crown you and see all the beauty in the world by your side."
Joffrey had fallen in love with Sansa. He was certain she was to be his wife, and he wanted to give her everything.
"My prince, my knight, take me with you. No matter where we go, as long as you are by my side."
Sansa was already deeply in love and could not help herself. She nestled in Joffrey's arms, never having imagined they would be so close—close enough to hear her lover's heartbeat.
Standing not far away to protect the crown prince, the knight Sandor Clegane watched the scene, feeling a strange urge to bark like a dog.
...
Upon returning to the castle, they embraced and kissed goodbye, their affectionate gazes shining even in the darkness.
From the balcony, the old father, Eddard Stark, sighed as he watched the scene. His own cabbage had actually been rooted up by a city pig, and many thoughts crossed his mind.
Although he and Robert had betrothed the two youngsters long ago, now that the day had truly come, Eddard's heart was filled with complex emotions.
...
Starlight continued to shimmer in the night sky.
"Sigh..." Eddard Stark let out a long breath.
On this day, Bran Stark had fallen from the high tower. Though his life was saved, his legs could not be.
On this day, Robert intended for Eddard to serve as his hand of the king, wielding total authority.
Eddard couldn't help but think of the death of his foster father, Jon Arryn. He felt as though the situation was as chaotic and perilous as a whirlpool.
Truthfully, he really did not want to go to King's Landing. Whether it was his dislike for the Lannisters or his desire to stay away from politics, he had countless reasons to refuse.
But seeing his dear friend so helpless, out of brotherly loyalty and moral duty, he decided to go to King's Landing and face those monsters and demons.
Eddard was a man of high honor and chivalry. It would be no exaggeration to say he was a good man and a true gentleman. Yet, this was also the fundamental reason for his ultimate tragedy...