Prologue

Disclaimer: I do not own the show Game of Thrones, the book series, and none of the characters belong to me! I just enjoy messing with plots!

A/N: By the way, I know Robert's mother had black hair and that's Ned found out that Cersei's children were a product of incest, but for the sake of this story she was blonde.

When the babe was born with a head of blonde hair, Robert Baratheon did not question it. His own lady mother, Cassana Baratheon who had been born into House Estermont, had blonde hair before she had passed. The way traits passed down were a funny thing that King Robert didn't care too much to think into at the time. No, he was far too overjoyed that he had a male heir to take the throne. However, as the years went on, that excitement died down and turned to dread. Prince Joffrey was not a normal child, he did things that Robert had seen not other child do.

The final straw was when Joffrey brought his father a dead dog, one side of it's head caved in as though a rock had been thrown at it. Robert had immediately slapped the bloody body out of his sons hands, horrified that his heir thought this was something to be proud of. Joffrey was five when that incident happened. Cersei had merely laughed it off, saying that children will be children and that it was one less stray dog to wander around King's Landing. Honestly, sometimes Robert wondered if the woman was human or beast. This wasn't even the first time their son had done something like this, but it would be the last.

Robert had made his decision and once he put his mind to something, no one could deter him. Jon Arryn, his hand, agreed that something had to be done about his sons behavior. If it kept up like this, when Joffrey inherited the throne, he would be a tyrant. His son wouldn't just rule with a dose of fear but kindness and mercy as well, no, Joffrey would rule over the people and slaughter whomever he pleased. There would be no calmness, no, for everyone would fear that if they angered him their head would end up on a spike. Finally, he decided to call in the one person he trusted most, Eddard Stark. Both he and Ned had grown up together, they were best friends, they had overthrown the mad king together. Ned had unwavering honor and that was exactly why Robert decided to send Joffrey off to Winterfell. Maybe living with the Starks could help him straighten up or, at the least, stop bashing animals heads in with rocks.

Cersei, already a month with child again, fought with him tooth and nail against it. However much she may end up hating him for his decision, he knew it was best for the kingdom. His heart ached to see his son go, but this was just one of those things that had to be done. Things couldn't carry on this way, Robert would never feel comfortable passing the throne on to his eldest if they did. So, when Joffrey's green eyes welled with tears at the news he was being sent away, it was all Robert could do not to back track. Despite his monstrous behavior, he was still but a child. He may grow out of his petulant behavior, but no chances could be taken. So when the blonde boy had clung onto his mothers skirts and begged her not to let them take him, Robert just turned his head and ignored Cersei's cold stare.

Weeks later, in front of the castle in King's Landing, the royal family stood waiting for the Starks to arrive. Cersei did not cry, but she did make it clear that anyone who annoyed her would lose their tongue. She kept one hand firmly on Joffrey's shoulder, refusing to even let Robert touch him. The young prince, meanwhile, clung to his mother and hid in her skirts while the Queen attempted to sooth his crying. The five year old could not be dissuaded, however, despite his mothers valiant efforts. The blonde woman whispered how he would come home soon, that she wouldn't let those horrid northerners keep him for long. Far too soon the time came, and the banner of house Stark could be seen flying in the distance.

"My King, my Queen." Ned Stark bowed after getting off of his horse

A woman with red hair and fair, delicate features rode on a horse beside his. After bowing to the royals, the Stark man quickly turned and helped the woman off. She wore the thick dresses of the north colored in grey and blue, her hair red hair down and pulled back into a simplistic style. Her blue eyes shined as she placed a protective hand over her stomach which was bulging under her dress. It was obvious she was farther along than the queen, quite a few months more, and she managed a shallow bow with her large stomach. This was Ned's wife, Robert knew, Catelyn Tully. Well, Catelyn Stark now he supposed. It was obvious she was not the same southern maiden he had seen marry his best friend all those many years ago. No, now she was a Lady of the north, married into House Stark.

"My King, my Queen." Catelyn repeated the same words her husband had

"God, Ned, you needn't have dragged Cat all the way out here." Robert laughed, giving his friend a pat on the back

"My King, I wound not want to have missed such an important occasion." Her smile was kind, motherly

Despite himself, Robert couldn't help but wonder what would have been if he'd taken the Tully woman as his bride instead of Cersei. Probably a lot easier, he thought.

"Yes." Ned nodded, "We are honored our King would trust us with the task of fostering his son."

At the northerners words, Cersei's face soured. Needless to say, she glared fiercely as she stepped up to stand beside her husband and hugged Joffrey to her person. She was only held back from snapping by a quick glare from Robert, at which she barely refrained from snarling at.

"How is Robb doing? Turning into a fine young man, I bet! Then there's little Sansa, I'm sure she has all of her mothers beauty. Also the youngest, Arya, she's still but a babe isn't she?" Robert laughed

"Yes, Robb is growing up nicely as is Sansa. Arya is little more than a babe, she and her unborn sibling will not be too far apart. Thank you for your concern." Ned smiled politely as Robert laughed

"You damn Starks are too polite!" The King shook his head, "What will you name the child?"

"Brandon if a boy, your grace, and Lysara if a girl."

"Good names, they are." Robert nodded approvingly, "Now, here's my boy! Joffrey, come on out!"

The King grabbed his sons shoulder and, despite Cersei's poisonous gaze, tore the five year old from his mother. The boy stood, his fathers hands on his shoulders, shaking slightly as he gazed at the people who would raise him for the next few years.

"Would you consider staying for a little bit?" Robert asked, already knowing the answer

"I'm afraid not, your grace. Robb and Sansa hated to see us go, and I know Catelyn hated to leave Arya with Septa Mordane." Ned shook his head a little

When it was time for them to go, Joffrey attempted to hide behind his mother again. However, he was pulled back by Robert and handed to Ned, who assured the King and Queen that their son would be in good care. As Robert said goodbye to his friend and son, he turned to see that Cersei had already disappeared into the castle and had not said farewell to the wardens of the north. Inwardly chastising her for the disrespect against his friend, he knew she was rightfully pissed about her son being taken from her. However, as he watched Catelyn situate Joffrey on her horse so her husband could lead the small group without having to worry about the boy, he knew he had made the right decision.