Cregan Stark x Princess and the Pauper!reader
Original Summary: When you traded places with Alysanne Blackwood, you thought you were doing her a favor. But she doesn't return and now you're stuck meeting her betrothed, the Wolf of the North.
Based on @entitled-fangirl fic and done with their permission, go check out the original as it'll basically be the center of this fic (tho technically i wrote it so you can read it alone or the original later). Not very in canon but we're here for fun. Also shout out to the cinematic classic, Barbie Princess and the Pauper.
Reader is a lookalike to Alysanne Blackwood, after Alysanne finds her, they switch places and Reader falls for Cregan as he comes to meet her for an arranged marriage.
She had heard plenty of people say she looked like Lady Blackwood but she thought it was just similar hair or faces. But now seeing Alysanne in person, so close, it was like they were twins.
Alysanne had heard from one of her maids that there was a woman in the town outside of Raventree Hall who was her doppelganger and she had to see for herself. She had been told she worked at the local apothecariusβ shop so once she was able to sneak out alone, she went to that specific shop.
Alysanne saw her working behind the counter grinding done with a mortar and pestle, calling at a simple βExcuse meβ.
She looked up to Alysanne and almost instinctively jumped, before realising who this had to be. Alysanne got close to the counter, smiling as she said, βShe wasnβt lying.β
βWho?β She was so confused who Alysanne was talking about, only thinking it was someone they both knew but who would personally know both Lady Blackwood and some random shopworker.
βMy lady's maid said she saw you and I had to see for myself how alike we are.β
Her voice felt stuck, like she couldn't think what to say until Alysanne asked her for her name.
After she spoke, saying her name and how her father owned the shop.
βWe even sound alike! Amazing, are you sure you aren't adopted?β Alysanne intended it as a joke.
βNoβ¦ It's unlikely since I was born in Oldstones before my father moved here.β
βAlysanne decided not to explain the joke and just moved on by saying, βIs your father here?β
βNo, he is out doing deliveries for the day.β
βGood, I want to propose something to you.β
βI want to trade places with you!β
βNow?β her eyes widened in a panic.
βNo, I have a plan and I want you to hear me out before you shoot down my plan.β
βAlright, uhβ¦ let me close up first.β
As she came from behind the counter, Alysanne could see they were even the same height and builds, at least with their layers of clothes. After closing up and shuttering the windows, she showed Alysanne a table behind the counter and they sat facing each other.
βAlright, first how much would you like to escape from here,β Alysanne asked.
βI mean it's nice here but I know I'm not getting anywhere with this place, especially since my father would either sell it or give it to my future husband."
βHow would you like to be Lady Blackwood for a few days.β
βI don't know if I could pass as you.β
βOf course you would!β
βIt's not our features, I don't know how to be a Lady.β
βI can teach you! Honestly, my family is very liberal in letting me do what I want. You can pass as me better than you would if you looked like a Lannister.β
βWhy? Why do you want to switch places with me?β
βI want to see what it's like, not having to hear about the war for once, I can just be a regular peasant. And you can enjoy the luxuries I have daily. I think if I let in my lady's maid she can help you perform and let you know things that are happening.β
She thought about it and it would be nice, having good food she won't have to cook, not having to work from sunrise to sunset, wearing nice clothes, and pretending for a day she was important. It all sounded lovely, she'd have someone to help her cover and Alysanne to give her preparation to be Lady Blackwood.
βWhen did you want to do it?β
Alysanne met her a few more times before they switched. She taught her who each of her family and important figures in Raventree Hall were. She told her her family history and what information she knew about the current war. She was scared knowing she had all this information for one day but they worried without it she could be found out. The lady's maid that had found her, named Mairi, was also the one let in on their plans. She would help her through the swap to make sure she didn't mess up and if she did, someone could help explain it.
The day they finally switched, Alysanne suggested she take a few creature comforts, just in case they couldn't switch back in one day and could feel at home at least for a bit.
She didn't realise that it would last this long.
Nearly a week and neither her or the lady's maid had heard from her, worrying someone had hurt her. Thankfully Alysanne's brother had not noticed and just thought she was acting differently because of the impending marriage of Stark who would arrive in a day or two.
That was one thing Alysanne never told her, she was going to marry Cregan Stark and he was coming soon to meet her and get to know before Alysanne would go to Winterfell. She wanted to believe Alysanne hadn't left her high and dry until Mairi came up to her with a letter.
βI was told to give this to you.β
Under her breath she asked, βfor Alysanne?β
βYou,β she left without explaining who gave it to her or any explanation.
She opened the letter and realised it was Alysanne's signature at the end of the letter.
I'm sorry to have left you in such a situation but you seem far better to expect the life I would have had then I would have. While I know Lord Stark is a good man, I can't marry him and go to Winterfell. By the time you've read this, I've left this town to live a free life with my actual love. I beg you to not ruin my effects, at least try to give Lord Stark a shot before you do so I will be far enough no trackers will find me. At this point, you are now Lady Blackwood and you should enjoy the life it gives. If you decide to leave with Lord Stark, please burn my letter -Alysanne
She was frozen as she read the letter over and over in a panic, wondering if this was some sick joke played on the random peasant or was she really to take this lying down.
Eventually Mairi came back and saw her frozen while clutching the letter. She pretended like nothing had happened and was getting her ready for bed before she heard, βDid you know about this?β
β...I didn't know for sure, but I knew she wanted to escape this marriage.β
βShe only wanted to use me?β
βYou knew this was so she could be free.β
βI thought it was for a day!β her voice broke at the last word and she curled in onto herself.
βI think she knew you wouldn't agree, but she wanted this badly.β
βCan you ask the maester to give me something to sleep. I won't be able to sleep with my mind like this.β
βOf course, I'll make something up for him,β she told the letter and hid it as she was still frozen in anxiety.Mairi would come back with some milk of the poppy and she quickly downed it and prayed it would act fast.
That night she had no dreams but she was still waking in and out of her sleep in a haze. In the awake moments, she thought of what was happening and it felt like her emotions changed every time she opened her eyes again.
When Mairi came to wake her, she was still hazy but she could hear her say, βI'll do it.β
Mairi nodded at her before she went to get her ready for the day.
This is where Entitled Fangirlβs fic is, go read it now for more context, basically it's the middle of this story. If you already read it, you should be good π.
After running into Benjicot's advisor who claimed to know who she was, she was back to the same spiraling she had the day she realised she was to marry Stark. Just as she was fully accepting she would marry Cregan and she could live a fresh life in Winterfell. Now it could be ruined because some advisor figured her out or called her bluff.
As the maester looked over her arm and assured her and Cregan it would only bruise, nothing worse. He left them but kept her room's door open, Cregan then sitting where the maester had been, βWhat was he saying to you?β
βAlysanne,β he held her shoulder and she looked at him and he could see tears forming in her eyes, βIt's alright to tell me, if he is threatening you, I can protect you from him and I'm sure if I tell your brother, he would have him removed as soon as possible.β
She nervously stood up, looked down the hall to see thankfully no one was there to hear, then she went to the nightstand drawer and found the letter from the real Alysanne, holding it tighter as her voice wavered, βHe said I wasn't Alysanne.β
βIt was supposed to be for a few days, but Alysanne wanted to switch with me, a random shopworker who happened to look like her,β the tears now freely flowing down her cheek, handing him the letter, βBut she never came back and instead ran away to gods knows where.β
He read the letter quickly, βYou had no idea she would do this?β
βNo! I wouldn't have agreed if this was going to happen and I knew. Lord Stark I wish I could have told you earlier but I was so scared of what would happen. But now I'm far more scared of what'll happen if I don't tell you and instead this advisor reveals it.β
Cregan held her hand, stopping her from picking at the nail beds, βDoes anyone else know?β
βThe lady's maid, she was the one who found me and told Alysanne. Though she says she didn't know Alysanne would do this either.β
βHow does this advisor know?β
βI don't know, maybe he saw something I did and knew she wouldn't do that but I don't know what it could be.β
He stood up and walked away, thinking he was about to leave her and tell Benjicot her tears started again. Until she saw him just stand by the fireplace and asked, βIf this had never been revealed, would you have still wished to come to Winterfell and marry me?β
βYes, I admit you're quite charming and it felt perfect for once when I realized I did love you.β
He then silently tore up the letter and tossed it into the fire.
βWhat are you-β she ran up to the fireplace but by the time she could even sit up, it was already burning.
βI see that you didn't mean to deceive us, you were pushed into it by her. I agree it won't be good for you to be found out so I'm hiding evidence.β
βYouβ¦ you don't hate me?β
βLike I said, I can tell you didn't mean for any of this to happen, and knowing you weren't playing pretend with your affections means at least I know the Alysanne I know is real.β
βBut I'm not Benjicot's sister.β
βI didn't fall for the stories he told of his sister, I feel for you,β he held her hand again, βEven if, you can easily trick Benjicot then I think you must be similar enough that even she knew you could do this.β
She smiled through her spilled tears, βThank you Lord Stark.β
βI told you to call me Cregan.β
βSorry. Thank you, Cregan.β
He wiped off the tears from her cheek,β I'll go tell your brother what the advisor did, but will defend you, you feel okay if I leave you alone?β
βYes, the lady's maid should be nearby if I need anything.β
βAlright,β he then paused before kissing her cheek.
She looked at him surprised as he smirked at her and left, closing the door behind him.
The next day, after having one of the deepest sleeps she's had since being here, she started getting ready for the day. A knock then came from the door and while she put a robe on, Mairi opened the door to let in Benjicot. She had never been this alone with him, usually around several others but now he dismissed Mairi and left only them alone.
βLord Stark told me what happened, I will handle this advisor so don't worry about him. I can't believe he would make such an accusation.β
βI don't know why he would think that,β she crossed her arms to cover her chest but her sleeve to roll down enough he could see the bruise peeking out. Benjicot pushed it up to see it more, visibly angered seeing it.
βGlad Cregan was there to help get him away from you.β
βAs am I, he truly saved me because I don't know what would have happened if he wasn't nearby. What punishment are you planning?"
βBanishment, taking his property, he's not married so I don't have to worry about an innocent wife or children.β
βAlright, thank you.β
βIt's nothing Alysanne,β he pulled her in and lightly hugged her and left. Once the door was closed, she basically collapsed on the bed and had to take a breather. She nearly broke as he called her by Alysanne's name and hugged her. But she had to push through it until now because she could see the light in the tunnel of being away from a place everyone who knew Alysanne to a clean slate once again.
As she got out of the carriage, she could fully see the scale of Winterfell. From her window she could only see it either from a distance or small parts of it. It wasn't grand as other castles you hear about in the Reach or King's Landing, but it seemed so gigantic and ancient that one had to respect it. She didn't see Cregan as she was led to her room by the Septa. Mairi couldn't come with her, so she was also introduced to her new lady's maid, who instantly started unpacking her things.
βWhere did Lord Stark go? I didn't see him as I got into Winterfell,β she asked both the Septa and maid.
βI believe he went to see his son, dinner should be ready soon and you'll meet both then,β the Septa replied. βWe should get you ready for dinner ma'am.β
The maid found a new dress, even though she thought the one she was wearing was good enough but apparently she had to make a good impression as the new lady of Winterfell. After the maid restyled her hair, she was about to leave when they heard a knock on the door. She announced for them to come in and saw Cregan enter.
βI wanted to introduce you to my son, Rickon, before dinner,β he then waved Rickon over who shyly entered the room, standing in front of his father. She stood and walked up to him, kneeling down to reach his level better.
βHello Rickon,β she put her hand out for him.
βHello ma'am,β he shook her hand.βYou can call her Alysanne,β Cregan said to him.
She looked at him surprised but decided to continue on without letting on why, βI've heard a lot about you Rickon, so it's nice to put a face to who your father has spoken about.β
Rickon smiled at her but didn't give a spoken reply.
βRickon, you can go to dinner if you want, I'll show Alysanne the way there.β
βAlright, it was nice to meet you Alysanne,β he gave a little bow before running off.
As they walked down the quiet hall, she asked him,β Are you going to tell him about...β
βI love and trust Rickon but I know the chances of him slipping up are far higher. I think if you're okay with being called Alysanne and he never met her so for all he knows, you are her.β
βAlright, as long as you are fine with it.β
βMaybe when he's older he can learn your given name but until then, he'll know you as Alysanne or Lady Stark.β
Rickon was walking out of Winterfell when he heard the high pitched voice of his little sister, Alys, crying out for him to wait. He turned to see her trying not to slip on the stone steps, rolling his eyes as stayed. As she tottled over to him, βCan I come with you?β
βYes, she said I could if I stayed with you!β
βFine, but if you leave me I wouldn't take the blame,β he extended his hand out.He acted like he hated having to care and be with his sisters but really it could be fun to hang out with them. Mainly he didn't like if he got blamed when they wandered because it wasn't his fault but them being curious.
Rickon held her hand all through Winter Town, he wanted to find his favourite sweet that he could only find here. Any time she'd run ahead, he'd squeeze her hand and lightly jerk her back. But one time she didn't take the movement as a reminder and ran off. Rickon was instantly following her and found her running up and then speaking to some woman. Just as he was about to pull her away, he went to also apologise to the woman and see she looked just like his stepmother, Alysβ mother.
βI'm sorry, can I help you,β the woman said.
βNo ma'am, I'm sorry, it's just-β
βYou look like mama,β Alys spoke up now, seeing she couldn't be her.
βOh, I see the confusion then,β she turned to a woman who looked over confused.
βAgain I'm sorry ma'am.β
βIt's alright, you should tell your mother she has a twin passing through Winter Town. She may get a laugh out of it.β
βYou don't live here?β
βNo. Just a traveler with my companion getting supplies while we hunt in the area.β
βYou have a bow like mama had,β Alys points at the quiver and bow on her back.
βShe gave up archery when she came to Winterfell and married our father,β Rickon explained, βsaid she doesn't like the game here in Winterfell."
βWell hopefully we find good game here, Sabitha,β her companion, who had decided to lose attention once seeing why these children were talking to them, βI think we should go to this stall, goodbye.β
They waved goodbye to the two and quickly Rickon grabbed Alys' hand again.
βHow could you think that was mother, why would she be here.β
βMaybe she wanted to check on us?β
βLike father would let her off bedrest, he told you why she is on rest and you think she'd just wander out?β
βSorry,β she looked down in shame.
He sighed, βI'm just mad you ran off without me, thankfully she was nice but at least tell me before trying to go away.β
βShe was even an archer like you,β Alys was sitting next to her mother.
βWow, I guess I better be careful not to meet this doppelganger, we both may just die from shock,β she wrapped her arm around Alys.
βThat's not how it works mama!β
βI know silly,β she tickled Alys, who giggled and kicked a bit.
βCareful, you don't want to kick my belly.β
βSorry, I didn't mean it,β Alys then lightly set her head on her mom's rounded belly, βI'm sorry baby.β
βI think they'll forgive you. Now, can you go tell your father I'm getting hungry.β
βCan we eat together?β
βWell lets see if my warden will let me go,β she sent Alys with a playful push and Alys smiled as she ran off, hopefully she may be able to sit in bed for dinner.
Cregan was busy with paperwork when Alys knocked and then let herself in. He turned just as she started talking, βMama said she's hungry, can I eat with her!β
βSeems a bit mean that you get to eat with her and none of your siblings,β he sat up and met her at the door.
βShe said I could ask!β
βAlright but what did she say you could ask?β
βIf we could eat together.β
βDo you think she meant to eat with us all or just you?β
β...Oh, I thought it was just me.β
βThat's alright but I have known her for longer,β they started walking towards the kitchen together, βShe likely meant with all of us.β
βThe maester said she's been doing very well, I think getting out of her room would do her some good.β
βI'll go tell her!β she ran off without even a glance back, making Cregan smile to himself.
βI can still walk Cregan,β she rose from the bed with Cregan walking any second to help her if she stumbled.
βBut you are in a pretty fragile state.β
βNo more than the last 3 times,β she cradled her belly to help relieve the pressure on her bladder.
βWas I better or worse with those?β
βYou were insufferable with Sarra, you lightened up on Alys and Raya, but as soon as the Maester said we should be more careful with this one, you got nearly as bad,β she said most of her harsh words as a joke and Cregan was used to finding them in her tone.
They stayed silent as she carefully walked towards the dining table, greeted happily by their kids, except Raya who was still young enough she didn't seem to care about anything other than wanting to eat. Cregan helped her sit and as everyone else sat down, he admired how much she glowed in this pregnancy.
Even though she hated bed rest, she did love how much sleep she got and it showed in her relaxed face and posture. Even though she was about 7 months pregnant, she didn't look as tired and worn as she had in her previous pregnancy. She understood Cregan was scared to lose another love to childbirth so she was willing to play with his worries and went on bed rest for her first pregnancy.
But second and third she wanted to not be stuck and since the Maester approved it, Cregan wasn't as worried for those. But as soon as the Maester suggested bedrest for this pregnancy, she had no argument to go back to the way before. She loved this baby as much as she loved her oldest, but it was hard both times being cooped up. Having a little moment like this was so nice, seeing her children all interacting and happy, her youngest playing with her food, her oldest bragging about how well her studies were. It felt so lovely and perfect for even a few minutes that it felt like all the stress of her life was worth it.
Thank you for reading, apologies for bad grammar I know was in here, despite me beta reading. Thank you @entitled-fangirl for letting me write this story based on your fic, hope you enjoyed (at least most of it)! I was a bit slower on this fic due to personal issues but glad I have stories like this to escape a bit with, so hope you could escape a bit too.
