Lord John Mactavish grew more and more fatigued with each steady clop of his steed's hooves against the rock lined dirt of the Riverlands. It was muggy and misty, at the height of the hot season, with the lush green wetlands surrounding us releasing a heavy, damp scent that clung to my skin beneath my dress.

He'd just returned from a two month stint away from Calden Keep, out scouting under orders from Lord Tully to track Lannister movement. Johnny couldn't be upset about how exhausted he was, he'd asked to go. A small reprieve from the duties as the Sentry of the Rivers, a bout with the lads, though he didn't partake in any of the revelry. The drinking? Yes, but he'd not laid a finger on a one of the working lasses that threw themselves at him and his men. Couldn't bring himself to. Felt wrong, as much as he'd wanted to.

Why? Because of me. His Lady wife, and The Lady of Calden Keep. The 'Sentry's Heart' as it were. A metaphorical unofficial title meant to represent what the sentry was protecting, and a play on words of their sigil.

Johnny wasn't protecting shit. I was simultaneously his Lady Wife and a stranger to him. He'd been ordered to take me as wife by Lord Tully for my father's resources and an alliance with my house. He'd stayed long enough to finish the ceremony, attend the celebration but his pillow next to where I laid my head remained cold on our wedding night. Stealing away in the night before we could even consummate without an explanation or a goodbye.

More like stolen away like a coward.

As the relief of his returning home welled up inside me, I felt an accompanying pit knotting my stomach. Would he finally acknowledge me? Or would he continue his avoidance? He hadn't sent word back to Calden Keep since departing on our wedding night, though I was sure the Maester would've kept him apprised of my stewardship of his lands.

When the gates to the keep lifted, Johnny and his small caravan of closest and most trusted men dismounted their sweating beasts. His blue eyes scanned the courtyard, taking in the differences. It was well manicured and put together far better than when he'd left it. Inside the keep, even things that had likely never seen a cleaning sparkled. The halls echoed with laughter now, warmth flowing from his subjects and servants who'd begun to feel like family.

Confusion plagued him as his eyes darted around, searching not to greet me, but to avoid me like the plague.

A coward, but he digresses.

Just as he turned the corner heading towards the lords receiving room to escape into his duties, I stepped from the shadows as if emerging straight from the walls themselves.

Seven hells he'd forgotten how beautiful he found me. The realization was almost painful to watch cross his face as he damn near choked on whatever explanation he'd been about to offer, quickly switching tactics. He'd seen strong women soften with flattery. Perhaps it would work on his lady wife?

"Lady, ye look resplendent in Mactavish colors," he began, the compliment feeling hollow as his eyes darted toward an escape route. "The keep looks a mighty sight bette' than when I departed, yer a natural dear. Keep up tha' good work." He awkwardly patted my shoulder then turned on his heel, desperate to flee.

But just as he was almost free from the crushing weight of our unconsummated marriage and his father's cruel legacy, I let the words slip past my lips and he stopped dead in his tracks in the corridor.