The Starks naturally picked up on the willingness to cooperate that Danyla hinted at in her words. For the moment, however, they could not fathom her precise intentions. They were hardly naive enough to believe that this dragon princess would simply hand over the method for firing Dragon Porcelain out of sympathy for the North's poverty.
Anyone who gave something would inevitably want something in return. And the more they gave, the more they usually demanded.
The Starks could not think of any benefit they could offer that would appeal to Princess Danyla. For a while, none of them knew what to say.
"You must be tired after your journey, Your Highness. Let me take you to your room so you can freshen up and rest."
It was the thoughtful Lady Lysa who stepped in first to smooth things over.
"Sorry for the trouble, Lady Lysa."
The bait had been cast. Danyla already had plenty on her hands and was in no hurry to begin laying her plans in the North. At least she had now made her position clear and offered a tantalizing glimpse of her abilities. As for how House Stark would respond, she would wait and see.
Accompanied by Lady Lysa and several maids, Danyla and Walda were led to guest rooms in Winterfell's main keep for a short rest. As the central building of House Stark's castle, the keep was built entirely of granite, with copper pipes laid inside its walls.
Water from the hot springs beneath the castle flowed through these pipes into every room in the Main Keep, keeping it warm even in the coldest season.
As expected of House Stark, which had produced so many brilliant architects. This heating system was practically one of a kind in this world.
After Danyla left, Duke