The North

Rhaegar Targaryen - After Three Days

Sinking into his pillow, his face puffy, his eyes as red as blood, dried tears on his cheeks. Rhaegar wanted to escape this. He wanted to be there for his daughter, to play with her, to be there for his wife, to confront her, to see his little prince, to let him grab his silver hair.

But Rhaegar couldn't or didn't want, and he didn't know for sure; his body felt as numb as a rock; all he could do was remember her voice claiming her love for him.

"We will meet again in King's Landing with our son, my love."

Lyanna had told him the night before he left, rubbing her belly and making Rhaegar sing a song for their unborn child.

Rhaegar remembered when his mother had told him that his little brother Jaehaerys had been stillborn, he still felt the pain, his little brother would never hear his own name, would never smile at them, would never play with them, Rhaegar had mourned for his little brother for a month, visiting the ruins of Summerhall, his little brother was gone, Forever.

Yet, Rhaegar felt his heart bleeding, his chest hurting like nothing before.

I should have never met her; she would be with someone else, but at least she would be alive and breathing, and not buried deep in the ground, just the thought of her beautiful face disappearing, her eyes would never look back at him anymore, Rhaegar remembered her eyes very well, all left now were bones.

The only light source in the room was a candle near his bed, but the flame was slowly fading, the flame almost touching wood below the candle; soon, he would be surrounded by darkness.

KNOCK

Rhaegar stopped breathing for a second, his anger quickly rising, but he was sure that his mind was playing dirty games with him.

KNOCK KNOCK

Rhaegar wanted to shout at whoever was at the door to disappear, to leave him alone with his ghost and memories.

The sound of the handle moving, the door slowly opened, the light streaming inside, almost blinding Rhaegar, who saw a figure standing at the opening of the door, the light shadowing the person's features.

"Lyanna," Rhaegar whispered.

The figure walked closer, revealing Elia, her cheeks were swollen, red eyes, looking at her husband with pity and sadness.

She slowly walked towards the bed, almost trying not to scare him. Rhaegar was sitting on the bed, looking down on the floor.

"My love, you should not stay here; Rhaenys wants to play with her Kepa, and Aegon misses you. Lyanna" "Don't", Rhaegar interjected, his eyes not shining as she had seen before.

"Don't mention her right now," Rhaegar added with a pained tone.

Elia sighed and put her hand on his back, rubbing his back, hoping to make him feel better, her other hand on his chin making him look at her.

"Listen, my love, it is not your fault that Lyanna is not amongst us anymore," She spoke low and gently.

Rhaegar put his hand on hers and looked at her in the eye.

"Is my fault Elia, if I weren't so fixated towards that prophecy, she would be alive now," Elia wanted to interrupt, but Rhaegar continued.

"I own a blood debt to my kingdoms. To my people. How many people died because of me? How many fathers, and brothers, and husbands, and sons, and cousins? How many Elia? How many will never see their children grow old, won't see them smile, won't hear their voices. My father paid his debt; Lyanna and our Daughter paid the debt that I should have paid. You can't do bad things and expect good things to happen to you," Rhaegar finished looking from her to the floor. Full of shame and guilt. His rich purple eyes looked almost lifeless; the light in their eyes had faded.

Elia put her arm over his back, hugging him close to her.

"We can't change What's Done; we can only move on. Staying here and driving yourself mad with guilt won't help anyone. Right now, all we can do is help our people, show them that you're different from your father," She whispered softly in his ear.

"Your daughter needs you; she wants to play, Aegon wants to mess your hair," She spoke with a slight chuckle at the end.

Elia hugged him close, Rhaegar closed his eyes, imagining his little princess.

"Kepa, can you teach me that song? I want to sing it for Muna's name day."

A smile slowly sneaked in his mouth, the edges of his lips twitching up.

"Kepa, why isn't Arthur laughing with me like Uncle Jaime? Is he Sad?"

"Kepa, Aeggon wants to play Dragon's Tail. Can we play together?"

A full smile on his lips, as he felt his body again, his heart felt beating on his chest, as Rhaegar looked at his wife before kissing her lips.

He didn't know how long they kissed, but he wanted to savour every moment as if it would be the last. Pulling away, he saw her smiling back at him; the light in the candle was burning brightly again.

Rhaegar stood up, his knees suddenly felt weak, almost falling, but Elia supported his arm around her shoulder.

Walking towards the door, the light almost blinded him; he squinted, putting his hand in front of his eyes as he walked towards the light.

Walking outside, he saw a figure standing at the door, his vision blurry, not being able to recognise him.

"Your Grace!"

Arthur??

Pulling his hand away, he was met with a concerned look from Arthur.

"I want to see my little princess," Rhaegar spoke; Arthur smiled at his king, his eyes glanced at Elia behind him, all smiling.

"Follow me, your grace, I will lead you to her chambers," Arthur japed.

Reaching her chamber, Rhaegar opened the door; walking inside, he was met with a Rhaenys laying on her stomach in the bed, her head just out of bed frame, looking at a sleeping Aegon, who was snoring.

"Kepa will return soon, Aegon, you can play soon," she whispered softly to her baby brother, her finger touching his chubby face.

She heard the door's opening but didn't bother to look up.

Clearing his throat, Rhaenys looked up to see him; her face brightened up like a fire, and she threw herself at him like an arrow.

The silver prince hugged her close to him, his chin touching the top of her head, sobbing on his chest.

"Kepa, why Are- you Sad?" Rhaenys muffled against his chest, wetting his shirt with her tears. Rhaegar swallowed a breath and kissed her hair.

"Kepa is not sad anymore; how about we play Dragon's Tail, little Princess," Rhaegar whispered in her ear, hoping for her to say 'Yes'.

The following six hours, Rhaegar, Rhaenys and Elia played together like a family, and the silver prince enjoyed every moment of it.

After 4 Days

Rhaegar was sitting on the Iron Throne. Today the trial of Jaime Lannister would be held, but Rhaegar wasn't sure why they needed to hold a trial; he had already decided to pardon the lad and allow him to return to Castely Rock, back to Tywin.

Elia had agreed with the decision despite feeling bitter that they were doing something that would actually please a Man like Tywin; Rhaegar knew a man like him was ruthless and should not be in charge of anything.

He still didn't know why he had come to King's Landing with an army, and neither did Elia, but if he had to guess was to make sure his daughter's place on the Throne.

Two days ago, he had been named King of The Seven Kingdoms. Lords had come to swear their vows to him; Lord Stark was amongst the first to declare his vows to him; he had stayed in King's Landing until he became King.

After swearing his vows, he announced that he had a bastard son; much to the shock of everyone in the hall, Rhaegar always knew House Stark was an honourable House, and he never thought a Stark like Eddard Stark would ever dishonour himself; he was known as 'The Quiet Wolf'.

Elia noted that it was strange, but Rhaegar knew all the pain of losing almost the whole family had perhaps broken his Honor rules, and the thought of dying in war could lead many men to want to feel 'Alive' before the inevitable demise.

Therefore Rhaegar hadn't thought much against it and wasn't surprised to know that he would raise his bastard in Winterfell; it was to be expected from a man like him.

Lord Stark had left the following day, with Rhaegar's permission, stating that Winterfell needed his lord back.

' "I understand, Lord Stark, I wish you a good road back to your home," Rhaegar spoke at the man; Lord Stark said nothing but nodded and was about to leave.

"For what is worth, Lord Stark. I know it won't bring your family back, but I apologise for what happened to your father and brother. And Lyanna, I will hold her close in my heart for the rest of my life," Rhaegar spoke with a sincere tone.

The Silver king noticed a flash of pain through his brown eyes, but he figured he must be the memories of his family. But Rhaegar didn't see Howland Reed looking down, almost in shame.

"I- Thank You, your Grace," Lord Stark spoke, and that day he left King's Landing, and Rhaegar knew that a man like him perhaps would never want to ever return in King's Landing. Just the thought of walking in the same place where his father and brother had been brutally executed was enough to make any man despise the place.

Lord Stark had taken the body of his beloved Lyanna, stating that she should be buried in Winterfell, where her family was. Where her father, mother and brother were buried.

Rhaegar wanted her to be buried on Dragon Stone, where the Queens of House Targaryen were buried, but he knew he had no place to talk.

Rhaegar had lost the woman he loved and his daughter, but Lord Stark had lost his father, brother, sister, and niece; Rhaegar had kept quiet and didn't even try to change his mind on the matter.

Neither Elia nor Rhaegar hadn't told their daughter yet that her sister was gone; Elia had said that Rhaenys had been excited to have a new brother, she kept insisting that it was a brother, but the silver king knew they would need to tell her soon.

Rhaegar escaped his thoughts as he heard the sound of the giant door of The Throne Room opening; forward walked in chains, Jaime Lannister.

His face was pale, bags under his eyes, and his clothes looked torn in several places, but Jaime kept his head high, showing everyone that he was still A Lion.

Stopping in front of The Throne Room, everyone fell silent, waiting for the trial to start.

"Jaime Lannister, you're accused of killing King Aerys Targaryen The Second; how do you declare yourself?" The Herald announced, his voice is heard throughout the whole hall.

Everyone waited with bated breath for Jaime to talk. Silence had taken over the hall, almost drowning them.

The young Lannister lifted his head and made eye contact with the King standing on his throne. Not a challenging gaze but to show everyone that he was speaking the truth of God.

"I Ser Jaime Lannister killed King Aerys Targaryen The Second," He announced in front of everyone.

Everyone went in an uproar. Every lord started calling out for his head.

"Kingslayer"

"Oathbreaker"

"Man without Honor"

They kept shouting names and pointing an accusing finger at the lad, but Jaime didn't care about what they thought of him; he didn't bother to glance at them or his father.

He only kept his eyes forward, there were only three people in this hall whose opinion mattered to him, and they were standing right in front of him.

But none of them looked angry at him, not even like hiding the anger, Rhaegar felt pity for the young lad, Jaime looked at Queen Elia, the way she looked at him, with a slight smile but concerned eyes, in a way reminded Jaime of his mother, when she was worried about him.

Ser Arthur wasn't looking at him as if he was a shame to the white cloak, but instead, he gave him a nod, a nod of acknowledgement.

That made Jaime release a sigh of relief; Queen Elia and King Rhaegar had visited him last night, well, mostly his king, who asked if he could talk about the details of what happened that day.

Jaime gave him a brief recap; after he had told the whole event from start to finish, his King had lowered his head in shame.

Arthur looked at the Lannister in front of him; when he had first heard about Jaime killing Aerys, he had been the first to suggest they should execute him or at the very least send him to the Wall, but last night, Rhaegar explained everything to him.

"He was going to burn the Whole King's Landing Arthur, Elia, Rhaenys, Aegon would be ash now. How many people would be nothing but ash right now,"

His king had told him, the way his king spoke, almost as if he was feeling guilty for what his father had become in the end.

"Kingslayer," One shouted, but Rhaegar raised his hand, the whole hall fell silent. The focus turned to Jaime immediately.

"Kingslayer," Jaime repeated the words quietly to himself before taking a deep breath, turning around, facing the crowd behind and around him.

"What a King he was, here to Aerys Targaryen The Second of His Name, Lord of The Seven Kingdoms, protector of The Realm, and the sword I shoved in His Back, right after he ordered for the wildfire to burn. 'Burn Them All', he said; burn them in their homes, burn them in their beds," Jaime suddenly stopped, pressed his lips tightly, almost wanting to say something else. Rhaegar had leaned forward from his chair, listening closely; just hearing the words made him wonder if people would fear him just like they feared his father.

"I Saved The City. In The End, I protected the innocent," Jaime finally spoke through clenched teeth to the lords around him, almost spitting at them.

The whole hall fell silent, and many lords were glancing around but not saying anything.

Rhaegar leaned back to his throne, taking it all in, his father, Why? Just Why it has to be this way?

Rhaegar asked himself, but just it didn't matter anymore; the past was written, the ink was dry.

"Jaime Lannister, you killed my father and the king, a king you swore to protect," he stopped talking, making everyone wait for his final decision.

"But by doing that, you saved the life of the Queen, and my children, and the life of a million people of King's Landing. I King Rhaegar Targaryen, pardon you for breaking your vows, you're free of your vows to the Kingsguard, you can go home now," Rhaegar announced.

Elia frowned slightly; she knew Jaime would not like this decision; perhaps he would much rather stay here than return to his father. She knew Rhaenys would be heartbroken, but neither she nor Rhaegar could do anything; as much as she hated to say it, Jaime couldn't be A Kingsguard anymore. He had killed the King. That door was closed.

At the corner of her eyes, she glanced at Tywin Lannister; it was said that he had never smiled since Joana Lannister had died during childbirth, but from here, Elia could see the edges of his lips twitching up. Perhaps the old lion could smile after all.

After announcing his decision, Arthur expected Jaime to feel rejoiced, but his face fell like a rock at the bottom of the ocean, as if they just announced they would execute him instead.

Arthur had thought long of Jaime's action; in his mind, the young Lannister had just no other choice, but Arthur thought if he had been in Jaime's place, What would I do? Would I be able to Kill Aerys, the King??

Home, Jaime said the word on his head, but it sounded strange to him. He didn't know what it meant anymore. For a long time, he had thought that his home was Castely Rock, wherever Cersei was, but Jaime knew his father would marry her off somewhere, and God knew when he would see her again.

He wondered if she missed her just as much as he did, would she be happy to see him? Would she care? Does she still love me? Jaime asked himself. His mind suddenly remembered...

Tyrion, his little brother, wasn't neither stupid nor blind. Jaime knew his father and sister hated him; Jaime wanted his brother to be the heir, he deserved it, but Jaime knew his father would rather make a child of Uncle Kevan the heir instead.

Releasing a tired sigh, he knew it was over, and his father had gotten what he wanted; part of it, Cersei wasn't queen and would never be.

His role as Kingsguard was gone the moment he shoved his sword into Aerys Targaryen's back.

His chains were removed, But he still the weight of them, not just on his hands, but on his shoulders, the weight didn't disappear.

Jaime didn't glance at his father, didn't bother to greet him, No. He left the hall, not bothering to talk with him.

After two days, Hoster Tully's trial started, he was asked by the king what happened to the letter sent by Lyanna, but the Tully Lord denied the existence of such a letter. Still, Rhaegar accused him of betraying the Crown, and unlike House Baratheon, Stark and Arryn. House Tully had no defence.

In the end, he was given a choice to either be executed or sent to the wall. Hoster decided to be sent to the Wall.

The night before leaving to reach the Wall, Brynden confronted his brother on his cell, demanding to know if he knew about the letter sent by Lady Lyanna.

"Brynden, you know I always speak the truth to you, brother. I don't know anything about such a letter," His brother had stated, and Brynden believed him.

Brynden promised to meet him as soon as possible and as often as possible. He was to rule Riverrun until Edmure came of age.

Catelyn Tully - 283 AC

Believing she had to marry a strange northerner she met only once was frightening, and his reputation made him intimidating, but Catelyn Tully never wished for his death. She thought that she could come to love the wily Brandon Stark. But now, she would never know.

The news reached them only hours after his death. Gossip travels fast in Westeros, but Hoster Tully refuses to listen to gossip of his daughter's betrothed being strangled to death in the attempt to save his father from the Mad King. When raven reached Riverrun, it was Lysa who sobbed.

"Will she marry Petyr now that the Stark boy is dead?" Her sister said between tears, "he was so brave to fight for. How can he be dead?"

"It is said that he was accused of conspiring against the prince." Their father spoke gravely. It had been dark days of late. With the talk of war and rebellion on everyone's tongue, the eldest Tully daughter couldn't believe that all her sister was concerned about was who was to marry.

"Surely you want to lie down," Lysa suggested.

"Oh sweet sister, I'd prefer to take a walk. I'd like to find peace in my mind." She had to mourn a man she had only met once before. A man she had been preparing herself to love. She'd like to do this alone.

While Catelyn Tully walked, she pondered Northener's death and what truly happened. The raven was from King's Landing; the King's men wrote the words. Although she only met Brandon once, he fought for her honor against Petyr, although she had cried and screamed until they stopped duelling. Because Catelyn cared about Petyr so much, Brandon let him keep his life. She hoped her betrothed had an honorable death, and she prayed for his family's peace, the family that she was supposed to be apart of. Walked along the river, thinking of Brandon and what their life would have been like until the thought of potential wars, death, and duty weren't threatening her thoughts, they drifted to her favorite parts of Riverrun. How beautiful the sunset looked each night and the sunset rivaling it each morning. Her family who had always cared about her. Edmure and Lysa, her siblings she loved dearly. Her lord father and mother, the people of the Riverlands, her house words Family, Duty, Honor and what they meant now. It seemed as if she was learning a different way to see those words each day.

It wasn't until she heard a voice that pulled her out of her thoughts and Catelyn realized how long she had been walking.

"CAAAAT! where are you?" Lysa's distant voice called out.

"What is it sister?" She replied as she headed out towards her home. got back to her sister with ease, knowing the land better than herself.

"Father has important news. He says it's most serious."

"There is to be a double wedding. Catelyn, you are to marry Eddard Stark of Winterfell, Warden of the North. And Lysa you will be marrying Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale and Warden of the East. I've sent a raven with the details to both Eddard and Jon. The wedding shall be in a fortnight and it is important that you are both with child. Especially you , he is the last Stark heir if his sister is killed by the Targaryens." "But I thought Eddard had a younger brother?" Lysa curiously interjected. "Yes, but he is a brother of the Nights Watch now." their father paused in a very exasperated manner. and Lysa both had seen the past few years take a toll on their father and he loved his children very dearly. He still as Edmure, thought to herself before Hoster Tully continued. "There is word that once you are wedded and bedded, Jon Arryn and himself will leave for battle. , this is very serious you must understand. Our ties to the Starks are very old and valued. It is up to you." Never had words frighten Catelyn Tully as they did in that moment. She had to rely on her womanhood that failed many before her.

The next few days were spent preparing for the weddings. Her sister and herself ate the best meals honeyed chicken and creamed swan decorated with cranberries, and of course fish for every meal, of promise to bring fertility. They were fitted and dressed with beautiful silk. Silk, thought to herself, what a terrible fabric to be presented to the Warden of the North. Fur and wool seemed warmer for the colder climates, but then again it wasn't a wife's duty to be comfortable.

The stories circulated of the cold, hard man Ned Stark was, even at his young age he seemed to have the attitude of a hardened war hero. The tales made her worry that she could never know the man truly, she worried if she'd even love him. Love is not important, it's a tying of families, and producing an heir. Love is for the songs, Catelyn reminded herself once more.

Three days before the wedding, there was word that Lord Eddard Stark would soon be arriving. It was the first time cried in ages. She wasn't afraid of marriage. She was sad that soon she would no longer be a Tully, something of which she was very fond of. Catelyn didn't know what it meant being a Stark. Winter is coming, were the words, but what did it mean? And would her new husband ever teach them to her?

Very early in the morning, the servants woke her hurriedly bathing and dressing her. Making sure she smelled sweeter than any flower and was more beautiful than any jewel. There were loud noises of men laughing and finally understood after being stuck in her dreams, her betrothed was here, and she must greet him. The eldest Tully suddenly became nervous, feeling her stomach flip multiple times, she wasn't sure if she was ready, but it didn't matter, he was and she must great her soon-to-be husband.

"Must I be unable to break my fast before approaching Lord Stark?" she asked her servant, although she knew the answer to her stupid question.

"No my lady, Lord Tully informed me that he will be joining you for breakfast." the old woman said. She had been Catelyn's servant for as long as could remember, and soon she'd likely never see her again.

They headed downstairs, before reaching the doors to the Great Hall, she saw Lysa, who looked just as sick as felt. As the eldest Tully and sister, she decided to head in first, giving Lysa an extra moment to collect herself.

"May I present to you, my radiant daughter, Catelyn." her father's voice boomed throughout the hall, everybody turned to her, and she raised her head a little higher, hopefully giving off a confidence she didn't feel. walked across the room, towards the seat that her father was gesturing to sit at. Part of her didn't want to look at Lord Eddard Stark, she was afraid of what she'd see, but her curiosity got the best of her and she met his eyes as she approached the table.

He was handsome in a way she had never seen before, but there was such a sadness in his cold grey eyes. didn't believe she could ever make this man happy. She could understand how people were afraid of him. He wasn't cheery or attention-grabbing like his brother was, she hadn't heard him say two words and she could tell he was wise beyond his years.

"Lady Catelyn, I am most honored that we shall soon be married on the morrow," his words were quiet, only for her to hear. It made her wonder if this brooding man was one for romance.

"The honor is mine, Lord Stark. I hope I can make you very happy and give you many sons."

"Please, call me Ned." Before she could say more her father Hoster Tully chimed in.

"Family, Duty, Honor." Ned Stark gave a small smile before her father announced Lysa's arrival and introduced her to Jon Arryn. As the two met Catelyn looked at Ned again, hoping to maybe understand him, or to get a sense of familiarity. He refused to look at her, his only concern was Jon and Lysa's introduction.

Maybe she could love him, but he'd never love her back, that was something she was sure of.

Her maids laced, tugged, hemmed, buttoned, and adjusted Catelyn Tully's dress into perfection. She was never one to overly fuss about her appearance much, but she always made a point to look nice, today of all days. prayed to the Seven for her beauty to please her betrothed as she remembered their encounter.

Yesterday, while approving flowers and food dishes to be served, she noticed Eddard Stark sulking about. Making plans, talking strategy, nervously reading letters from ravens. new what he was looking for, new information on his sister Lyanna, but to her knowledge there was very little known about the Stark girl's whereabouts. Catelyn saw Ned's expressions, although he was usually composed. There were quick moments that revealed his true sadness behind his eyes and knew she wanted to do everything in her power to take away some of the pain. She couldn't fathom the pain of losing both brother and father, her sister kidnapped, and the only other family was sworn to the wall, unable to fight.

It was late at night and he was in the dining hall. When she saw that he was alone, finally after all his councilmen and advisers left him alone, Catelyn walked over to him.

"May I join you, my lord." she asked, waiting to be given permission to dine with him as he ate his supper.

"Of course, my lady," his tone sounded dry and quiet, maybe she shouldn't have intruded on his meal, it was probably the only time to himself today.

sat down, unsure of what to do or say. Normally she was excellent at making conversation, but now she was at a loss for words. After several minutes of silence he finally spoke.

"My brother Brandon was heedless, my lady. He fought too much and got many women with bastards, but he was a good man." Ned put down his fork and knife and looked up at Catelyn, meeting her eyes and then quickly looking away towards his cup.

"He fought for my honor," quietly, she spoke into her lap, "and when I begged him not to kill Petyr he obeyed."

She looked up, hoping he'd do the same again, this time he did and without breaking contact. Catelyn reached up and gently took his hand.

"I hope I can be as good a husband as Brandon promised to be." and with that he got up from his seat, gave her a small bow and left the table. Leaving her with more questions.

Catelyn pulled a curl out from behind her ear and gave it a twist as she recalled the memory. It recoiled into perfection. Making her as ready as she'd ever be to join the Stark in marriage.

Her father held out his arm and kissed her forehead.

"I'm proud of you . You have been very brave. You will make a wonderful wife and Lady of Winterfell." Lord Tully declared. They walked into the same Godswood they had in the Riverlands, the old gods that Catelyn did not know, but would take as her own. As they got closer, music started to play and she could see guests. Many important lords and ladies were at attendance to the celebration. Many proving their loyalty to House Stark, Tully, and Arryn.

As they walked closer, she could see Ned wearing a sincere smile across his face. He really was handsome. Maybe not like the knights in the stories or decorated with fine expensively detailed clothing, but in a true and honest way that made her happy that if she was marrying a man she hardly knew, she was glad it was him. A man she knew she could trust.

As she approached Ned, after a few words, he draped the Stark cloak gently around her. turned her head to look up at him with a smile. It was a quiet moment of understanding, that they were both nervous, but happy. Happy in a sense that didn't make sense. Out of death and despair, as rare as it seems, sometimes there was little moments of happiness that comes out of the other side.

Lysa and Jon's wedding took place immediately after and Ned's, which gave the newly weds a moment for themselves before the feast.

"It was a lovely ceremony, my lady." Ned whispered to her while they watched Jon and Lysa recite their vows.

It made laugh hearing him say that. She never dreamed he'd compliment on the flower arrangements or music that was playing. Knowing that Ned paid attention was sweet.

The feast of their wedding was the finest she had in a long time. Her new husband was smiling, her brother Edmure was laughing and flirting with nearly every serving maid and highborn lady alike. Lords were toasting to their health, happiness, and fertility and Catelyn was beaming with joy.

But when the lords clanked their cups for the bedding ceremony, a nervous twist in her stomach made her feel ill. She heard that losing her maidenhead was painful, and that sometimes the women shed tears from the pain. The new lady of Winterfell was terrified. The songs started playing and the guests started towards them urging them for the bedding. went stiff and turned to Ned who looked sick with nerves.

"My lords and ladies, you are welcome to enjoy the feast, but my lady wife and I will move forward with the bedding ceremony."

Cheers followed along with many of the guests grabbing at their clothing. Traditionally the men undressed the bride and women undressed the groom on the way to the couple's chambers. Although new it was to happen, it didn't make the task any less easy. Luckily her father and brother did not join in on stripping her, but Lysa was eagerly taking part of undressing Ned. As Catelyn looked over at her lord husband, a laugh escaped her lips as she saw the ladies carrying him up the stairs with an ashamed look on his face. When she laughed, he met her eyes, and he joined in, both realizing what a strange tradition this was. The men carrying her followed closely behind Ned and his party until they reached the door to their chambers, still clothed in their small clothes, thank the gods.

"I think we can take it from here." The Lord of Winterfell japed. It was odd that Ned would laugh in this situation, being as reserved as he was. Catelyn believed he would be cold and uncomfortable throughout the whole process. Maybe it was too much drink, maybe it was the spirit of the wedding, but Lady Catelyn Stark hoped it was this brief moment of happiness that made him so relaxed, knowing that tomorrow would just be another day, possibly a day of his sisters death, that Ned would again be solemn and standoffish.

He opened the door and Catelyn peaked in, pleased that a fire was going and furs were in decorating the bed.

"Just remember we will be out here. And we can hear everything." One of his friends added.

"I hope for Catelyn's sake you know where to put it." A comment from the crowd roared with laughter. She could feel a blush creep up her neck. Ned gently grabbed her hand and led her inside.

Once he shut the door the noise outside was almost unnoticeable, and the new bride felt truly naked. Ned cleared his throat and walked towards the fire, crouching down, his back turned from her.

"I hope the ceremony was enjoyable for you, my lady." A tone of formality.

"Most enjoyable. I've never been happier."

He turned to look at her. His eyes assessing her body, she instinctually wrapped her arms around herself, Ned quickly turned back around.

She barely knew this man and wanted to say something. But what?

"I trust you know that I plan on leaving within tomorrow at high noon. I must save my sister, I cannot wait for her to die like my men would like me to do." Eddard Stark turned his full body to her, in only his small clothes as she was only in hers, but it did not matter. She wasn't nervous anymore, she must do her duty as a Stark, as his wife, as a woman.

Catelyn crouched down near him and and the fire. Their eyes leveled and her hand gently touching his face.

"Then we must make a son tonight." Slowly the newly Catelyn Stark leaned in to kiss him, her breath hitched in her throat as the nerves came alive again, but before she could back out, Ned gently met his lips with hers. It wasn't like the kiss they shared in front of their family and friends, the chaste kiss to seal the marriage. No, this time she kissed him back with a ferocity she never knew she had. At first, he was unresponsive, shocked assumed, until his hands were everywhere. On her breasts, her hips, in her hair, until he picked her up, her legs wrapping around his waist.

She fussed with the strings on his shirt until he ripped it off in one swift motion. Breaking the kiss only for a moment, leaving the desire for more.

He kissed her in ways she never knew, his tongue begging for entrance and her mouth responding immediately. Ned gently pulled her small clothes off with ease, bringing his hands between her thighs, making her nervous yet anxious for him to be where she ached for him.

Ned started to kiss her neck, then her collarbone, going more south with each kiss. Catelyn thought she would scream with him teasing her like that until she felt his mouth in between her legs, kissing, licking her folds. A moan escaped her lips and she couldn't stop herself. Eventually he looked up at her, asking if she was ready.

Everything he had done before, Catelyn had only vaguely heard gossips of, but this is what she had been nervous for. Although now she was ready, begging for Ned to take her now. He slowly entered her, waiting for her to adjust. There was some pain, but it was replaced with pleasure as urged him on more. His hips rocked back and forth slowly, then picking up speed. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he kissed and sucked on her neck.

"'mon , almost there." She wasn't sure where there was but she felt it too. So close. She could almost taste how close it was until a tug in her stomach released and a scream escaped her lips is when she realized where 'there' was and how wonderful it truly was. Her new lord husband then released his seed inside her.

Once they came down from their pleasure, Catelyn tucked herself next to Ned, while resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her as they were sweating and panting. Shouts of rude comments and applause could be heard from outside their door. Reality came crashing down again. remembered there were other people besides the two of them in the world. For that moment it felt like the whole universe was only their pleasure. Eddard Stark kissed his new wife, Catelyn Stark, on her forehead as the jeering calmed down from the crowd.

"I promise to be loyal, . I shall take no other woman for the rest of my life." Ned confessed.

"Family, Duty, Honor." smiled while reciting her former house words.

Ned Stark - Now

After he arrived on Riverrun, a letter had been sent to him; Brynden had requested to stay in Riverrun until he arrived; he wanted to come with him to Winterfell to see Catelyn. Ned had waited almost two weeks; thankfully, Howland had gone ahead of him. The bones of his sister had reached Winterfell.

He sat in the carriage. The blackfish shooting disapproving looks his way every few minutes. He decided to ignore them. He looked down at the sleeping newborn in his arms. He looked just like his mother. He was the last part of her. Lyanna's parting gift to the world. Unfortunately, his nephew's father was Rhaegar.

He couldn't let anyone know his true parentage. He had to be Eddard's bastard, a Snow.

Ned knew his nephew deserved more, but a place like King's Landing was dangerous to a Stark, what had happened to his father and brother was a clear example, No, Ned thought, Jon would be in danger there, House Martell would never allow him to be safe, his existence was a Danger to Aegon's Crown, and him actually being Trueborn would only add to their paranoia.

I will protect my blood, Ned promised himself.

Thankfully, Jon had taken after his mother, dark hair, but his eyes, they almost made his heart stop beating; his eyes were the exact same as his mother, almost as if someone took Lya's eyes and put them in Jon.

The boy, who he had named Jon, was just over a month old, almost two months. A wet nurse had been travelling with them in order to give Jon his feed. Ned had his story all planned out.

This would completely dishonour him and destroy his adoring wife, even if people would be shocked and upset by his actions. Many high born Lords had bastards, but Ned was different. He was loyal, an honourable man. This would taint his reputation. He would tell no one, not Catelyn, not even Benjen.

Ben. His sweet little brother. He just wanted to be home. To protect his wife, his true son, his 'bastard' son, and brother. His only remaining sibling. He was still just a boy at three and ten. He couldn't bare the thought of him being alone or scared. He had too much to worry about, and none of it was about himself. It was about his family.

They approached the gates of Winterfell, a horn signalling their arrival. Once they were inside the walls, he could hear the excited whispers and mutters of the folks of Winterfell. The blackfish got out, not saying a word to Ned. He wasn't ready to face them, but he had to do it.

Ned stepped out of the carriage with his tiny nephew in his arms. The boy who he had to pretend was his son. His eyes fell upon Catelyn, and he frowned. He saw her carrying a bundle of her own. Ready to present their son to him.

Her eyes scanned the infant in Ned's arms, and her smile completely faded. Ned swallowed his pride and walked over to his wife. "My Lady", he bowed a little as soon as he reached her. Her beautiful blue eyes searched his for answers or an explanation. "I have dishonoured you and lay with another," he told her simply. Whispers began among all of the common folk, but he didn't care about them right now. "This is my bastard son. Jon Snow. He is just over a week old. I am very sorry for what I have done to you. I do not deserve you."

"No, you don't", the blackfish told him bluntly, staring at him with an intensity that Ned was extremely intimidated by. He sighed before he walked to the wetnurse who travelled with him.

"Look after him while I sort all of this out. If he starts crying and you can't console him, just find me out here. As soon as I am inside, I will find you," Ned told her. She nodded and gently took baby Jon from his arms. He watched her walk away before he turned to face everyone once again. He scanned the crowd. Seeing the daggers coming from each of the Tully's, including who he presumed to be Edmure. He looked right at them and lay his eyes on Benjen. His breath hitched as soon as he saw him. His only living sibling. He looked into Benjen's eyes seeing all the grief, pain, sorrow and loss in them. He slowly walked up to him, almost in awe of him actually being there in front of him.

"You've grown up so much", Ned acknowledged with a pride-filled smile. He saw Benjen smile back to him, clearly trying to keep his composure, but a tear fell from his eye. As soon as he saw his brother cry, he immediately embraced him. He felt Benjen grasp onto him and bury his head in Ned's shoulder. He heard the quiet sobs only he could hear in his ear.

"It's okay, Ben. I'm here now. I won't leave you," Ned promised him as he tried to soothe his brother. He looked up to Ser Rodrick. 'Tell them to go', he mouthed to him. Rodrick nodded and began to shout at everyone to move and go back to their homes or jobs.

"I missed you so much", Benjen whispered through the sobs that wracked his entire being. No matter how much everyone judged him for Jon he knew Ben would never judge him. He could count on him.

"I missed you too, Ben", He admitted to him before he let go of him but kept his hands around Benjen's wrists. "It's all going to be fine now. Okay? I'm right here, and I am never leaving you again. I know this has been a terrible year, but no matter what, I am here, always," he promised his brother. Benjen nodded, hiccuping as his sobs began to subside.

Ned smiled at him and wiped the tears that fell down his little brother's cheeks. "Father would want you to be brave, little man. Brandon would never wish to see his little brother upset. He would kill the man who hurt you, and Lyanna would tell you that it is okay to move on without her, even if it hurts. Pain is not the end. You know you can always talk to me. I will never not have time for you," Ned assured him sincerely. Benjen smiled and nodded before he hugged him tight once again.

"I can't believe you're really here," Benjen told him, squeezing him in his arms. Ned chuckled a little and patted Benjen's back.

"Careful, Ben. You seem to have grown some muscle while I was away. Don't want to squeeze the life from me," he teased him as he pulled away once again. He saw a smile spread across Benjen's face. A genuine smile. "I am back now, and I will always be here", Ned assured him once again, making sure he believed him.

"Do you want to come and see Jon? My son?" Ned asked him with a small smile. Benjen nodded eagerly. Cleary is not upset that his son was a bastard but rather excited to have another nephew. Ned smiled and put a hand on Benjen's shoulder. He looked around to see everyone had gone, even the Tully's. He inwardly sighed but led Benjen inside so he could see Jon.

He found Jon's wetnurse waiting for him. He smiled gratefully to her before taking Lyanna's son from her arms. He smiled at Benjen before he began to walk towards his chambers but soon remembered those would be Catelyn's chambers too. "Can we go to your chambers? I don't think they will want to see me right now," Ned suggested with a frown.

"Of course, follow me," Benjen told him as if Ned had forgotten where his brother slept. He felt like a stranger in a place that was now his own. They reached Benjen's chambers, closing the door behind them. Ned sat on his brother's bed, rocking Jon slightly. He didn't have much experience with babies, but Jon was special. He never cried, never complained. He was tolerant of everyone holding him already. He had heard tales of newborns who don't sleep and scream their lungs out, leaving their parents exhausted but not him.

Benjen sat beside him, looking down at him. "He looks much more Stark than Robb", he pointed out with a slight smile. Ned frowned at that. He didn't even get to see Robb. His heir. His real son. "Can I hold him?" Benjen asked. Ned snapped out of his thoughts at that.

"Of course," he told his brother with a warm smile before carefully passing Jon to his brother. Benjen looked down at him with his brown eyes. Those eyes that were identical to Lyanna's. Ones that Jon shared with them. He looked nothing like Rhaegar. He was all Lyanna which Ned was thankful for. If the boy had white hair and purple eyes, he could have never kept him secret.

"He looks like Lyanna", Benjen sighed. Already seeing the resemblance as Ned did.

"Yes, he does bare a resemblance to his aunt", Ned chuckled, trying to keep his cool on the whole situation.

"Who is his Mother?" Benjen asked him, seemingly distrustful of him. Ned hoped that his brother didn't suspect him of anything.

"Her name's Sanya," Ned told him simply. "She was a low born girl" was all he said and all he would say. Of course, Sanya didn't exist. He had this story planned out as soon as he wrapped his head around the fact that his sister was gone. At first, he even resented Jon. She would still be here if she didn't get pregnant, but he couldn't blame an innocent child. It wasn't his fault for the complications that occurred.

"You're lying", Benjen blurted out, breaking Ned out of his thoughts. Ned felt his heart rate increase slightly with the panic. "You would never dishonour anyone. Especially not. Jon is clearly a Stark but not yours," Benjen said. Ned could have sworn his brother was too smart for his own good.

"He is mine," He told his younger brother plainly before he took Jon from Benjen's arms. "Jon is my son, and that is how you will treat him, understand?" Ned asked as he stood up, completely towering over Benjen. The boy was only three and ten while he himself was nine and ten.

Benjen looked up to him, not breaking eye contact once. "I can treat him as if he was yours even if he is not," Benjen told him with a nod.

Silence took over them; Benjen looked at Jon again before lifting his head up. "He's Brandon's, isn't he?" Benjen added.

Ned kept quiet; he didn't trust himself to say a word; he lowered his head, avoiding his brother's eyes; Benjen seemed to have taken his silence as confirmation.

"I understand why you want to raise him as your son. The secret is Safe with Me,"

Ned sighed at that. He knew that was for the best; he didn't know how his brother would react to the truth and didn't want to know.

Ned left his brothers room, closing the door behind him. He lingered there for a moment before he heard soft sobs coming from his youngest and now only siblings room. He frowned and sighed before walking away from his brother's room and heading towards his own.

He looked down at little Jon for confidence. He had to see his son. He had his nephew, and now he wanted to see his heir. He knew Catelyn would be upset with him for thinking he had a bastard, but that was the only way to keep it a secret. He had to keep the secret about Jon's parentage.

He reached his room. He felt inclined to knock on the door, but he remembered that he was now the Lord of Winterfell. Not his father, not even Brandon but him. He opened the door and peered inside.

He saw Catelyn sitting on the bed with red eyes and a tissue in her hand. The blackfish was sitting beside her as well as Edmure who was sitting on his Uncle's lap as they comforted her. As soon as the door squeaked, they all turned to look at him. All three of them are wearing the same expression on their face. Little Edmure marched up to Ned and crossed his arms. "Why did you do that!? I thought your brother was a mean wild wolf, but you are worse!" Edmure yelled at him.

Ned took a deep breath at that. He knew Edmure was just a child, but he couldn't help but feel a little spark of rage flare up inside of him as he insulted Brandon. "You fucked another wom-"

"Edmure!" Brynden bellowed at his nephew. Edmure turned to face him, as did Ned look to him. "Do not swear or insult the dead. Do you understand me?" He asked him. Ned looked down at the boy whose head was now downcast as he fidgeted his hands. "Edmure, answer me," Brynden told him in a warning tone.

"I understand, Uncle. I'm sorry," Edmure told him with a small sigh before he walked back over to him.

"Little, do you want to be left alone?" Brynden asked her, squeezing his hand on her shoulder supportively. God Ned wished he had that parental figure right now. He was the eldest now. He was the parental figure. Even if Brandon were alive, he would have been a parental figure. He may have been wild, but he was extremely protective of his family, especially his younger siblings. He would have helped Ned through this and would comfort Benjen, but he didn't have that. He was the eldest member remaining in his house.

"Leave us, Uncle. I can handle myself," Catelyn said as she nodded to her Uncle. Ned walked further into the room, so he wasn't blocking the door. He felt a little awkward in there with the Tully's. He could tell they were staring at him and Jon with disgust.

"Come on, Ed" Brynden smiled down at his nephew, putting a hand on his shoulder to guide him out of the room. "If you need me, then you know where I am, little ", he added with a smile before he closed the door. Ned bit his lip nervously. The tension in the air was like nothing he had felt before.

"What are you going to do with him?" Catelyn asked him. Ned looked at her and saw her looking with distaste at the bundle in his arms.

"I...I'm going to keep him here and raise him alongside Robb," he told her plainly. He watched as her expression changed from annoyance to complete shock. "He is my son as much as Robb is; just because of a mistake I made, it shouldn't mean he should suffer. It wasn't his fault," Ned told her. He hated lying. He didn't know how he would be able to keep this lie up for the rest of both his and Jon's lives.

"What about the Mother? Why can't she have it!?" Catelyn spat, standing up as the rage was clear in her blue eyes.

"She has no money to look after him. He doesn't deserve to grow up poor when his father is a Lord. I made a mistake, and now I will pay for it by raising him." That made Jon sound like a burden on him. Jon was the innocent in all of this. None of this was his fault.

"You would raise a bastard alongside Robb! How could you!? You would let them play together when he is an abomination, but Robb is true born!" She yelled at him as she walked towards him.

Ned couldn't stand this. Her stance was threatening, and he couldn't stand confrontation. Especially not now. He had only just returned from war. His sister had just died in his arms a month ago. He couldn't deal with this. "He is my son. I have wronged you but blame me, not the boy. It isn't his fault. He's just a babe," Ned sighed, holding Jon close to his chest protectively.

"Where will he sleep?" Catelyn asked, sounding calm, but there was an angry undertone to her voice.

Ned hadn't thought of that. Robb's cradle was not big enough for the two of them. "I'll have to see if anyone can find Benjen's old cradle until a new one can be built", He said before he looked at the baby already in his cradle. "Can I see him?" He asked as he looked longingly over to his son. He had waited for this moment ever since he had heard that Catelyn was with child.

Catelyn looked at him for a moment as if she was thinking. She nodded before taking Robb from his crib, holding him close to her chest. "You can put him... there," Catelyn told him, her expression as sour as Lysa's always was. Ned sighed before gently placing his sister's sleeping babe into the crib. He walked towards Catelyn before he looked into the bundle. He saw bright and wide blue eyes staring up at him. His son had curly auburn hair, and he was all Tully. There was barely a trace of Stark seen in him, but that meant nothing to him. Robb was his boy. "Here, hold him", Catelyn said and gently placed the boy in his arms.

As soon as Robb was in his arms, Ned felt a sense of pride and accomplishment he had never felt before. He had helped to make this beautiful baby. He smiled down at his son, and his son even smiled back. Robb reached his hand up and rubbed it on Ned's stubble, squealing with delight. "He...He is perfect," Ned stated, being able to forget about everything else. Each and every single one of his worries were erased for the moment as he looked into the hypnotising blue eyes his son had gained from his mother. Nothing mattered but Robb at that moment.

Right then, he knew that somehow everything would be alright. Robb's presence and innocence would help him through these dark times. If he ever needed to forget his troubles, all he needed to do was see Robb. His most outstanding achievement was him. Robb was perfect.

Catelyn Tully - Night

She couldn't sleep, she had tried for hours, but she couldn't; moving her body around, all she could think was the bastard sleeping under her roof.

And to add salt into injury, her uncle told her of her father being sent to the Wall; her father was fragile, he would never survive there, he had done nothing wrong, Aerys was a madman. Her father had every right to rebel against him.

She had requested from her lord husband to sleep in separate rooms; for now, thankfully, he had agreed with not that much denial. She couldn't make herself to sleep in same bed with him, not now.

Because of this, she left her bed moving through the castle, only in her nightclothes; the walls were warm on her touch, she didn't feel cold.

Reaching the infirmary, she opened the door, and thankfully no guards were guarding; her eyes fell upon the boy, sleeping quietly, so quietly that one would mistake him for a dead baby.

Quietly walking towards it, not to wake him up, she saw him covered in sheets to keep him warm. His face just barely peeking out, his face chubby and ugly.

She felt her heart burning with rage; a bastard always wanted what a Trueborn had; House Blackfyre had given the Realm a clear example of how far a Bastard would go to have what a Trueborn deserved.

Suddenly she heard the wind, turning to her right, she saw a window, the wind hitting against it, causing a strange sound, her eyes caught the handle of the window, despite being a summer day, it was cold outside. So cold that water had frozen.

Her eyes looked down on the boy, still sleeping, looked back at the window, looked down on the boy, the window again, and again at the boy...

She felt her hand slowly moving towards the sheets covering him, her heart beating on her throat, sweat rolling down her cheek, her breathing rate going up, her hands shaking...

All children are innocent in the eyes of the Seven

She remembered her septa, and she shook her head; No, she wanted to say. Bastards were not innocent. They were creatures of Lust and Evil. Suddenly the boy started stirring before letting out a cry...

Catelyn immediately left the infirmary, she couldn't do it, but she would make sure every other way possible that he would never take what belonged to Robb...