A.N: Hey guys. This is a new piece I'm working on! It's a cross over between Game of Thrones and House of Cards, essentially exploring the dynamic of a modern day Westeros with a similar political system to those in the world today! Some things have been tweaked to fit this take on the story better, but please feel free to review with advice or your liking of the story thus far! Thanks guys! :)

EDDARD

A cold wind blew in Winterfell. Indeed, the winter was coming and perhaps at the most appropriate of times. For Eddard had never felt so cold within his heart. Word had reached him of Robert Baratheon's assassination at the hands of, susceptibly, 'The Hound'. Yet, with the troubles that came with such news, and the heavy heart he could no longer bare, his wife and his children had been sat before the television for hours; intrigued by the media coverage. Eddard, however, had retreated to his wife's wedding planner hall; the Winterfell Castle. Within he sat, slouched in a seat, head dropped in his hands as he tried desperately not to weep for the loss of a man that had been as good as his own flesh and blood; a man he had served as Vice President not four months ago - prior to his own resignation to seize the mayorship of Winterfell once more. Many had said the troubles had arisen after his resignation, but Eddard paid them no mind. He knew Robert was a stable and capable President. One that could run his course on his own, doing excellent things in the process for Westeros. Finally, after what seemed like hours; the sun had gone down outside. Though, that had not been the occurrence that had pulled Eddard from his slumbering state. A door creaked open, and shut with a gentle clack.

A moment or so passed, footsteps carrying down to the main room of the wedding hall until Catelyn, Eddard's beloved, came into view. Her eyes held no happiness as she had feigned when she had been around the children. Eddard had known she would be a different woman when he saw her again, after the younglings went to bed. This very moment had proved his thoughts true. He watched as she moved toward him, stopping only inches away. Her presence made him feel weak; as though he could fall into her embrace in a hopes that everything would be right again. So he did. He let his head press against her stomach, feeling her hands draw around his head; holding him. He whimpered for just a moment, losing the control he had promised himself that he would keep - until Catelyn broke the deathly silence between them.

"Don't cry, Ed. Not now. You must be strong." she spoke firmly, caressing the back of his head.

He knew what she said to be true, for he knew that Robb, his eldest son, would need him. He had served under Robert long after Ed had; a prime supporter and member of the Robert Baratheon support body. He had drafted bills, aided the President in crucial decision making and become a loyal confidante.
"I know you to be right, Cat. I know what you're saying is true - but I miss him already. Even now when word has only just reached us. What am I to do? Pretend that I am fine? Pretend that losing man, a man as good as my own brother to have done me no hinderance?" Eddard spoke though his broken breaths.

He felt Cat's body stiffen with his words. She had never liked how close Ed and Robert had been; for they were too closely knit for either to be their own man. One was not truly complete without the other. In truth, Ed had known that his wife had felt as though she had married two men rather than one. "Let yourself free of your sorrows here, now. Come back home the man our children know. Strong, impenetrable. Be a man of strength for them; the pillar they need. The pillar Robb will need." She pulled a gentle hand through his hair and followed her hand down his cheek thereafter; taking him at the chin and craning his head away from her so that he looked upon her face.

"Kiss me, Ed. Kiss me and let go of your pain. Remind yourself of some of the good you still have left in this world." Eddard did not hesitate.
He embraced his wife with passion. Tender, loving kisses donned her lips from his own and he put all the sorrow he had into them. His love for Cat was unsurpassed, and it had always been the thing that had reminded him that not all was dark in this world. Even when times like these shadowed over the feint light that shone over Winterfell.

Morning had began with pipes being played on the hilltops of Winterfell. Robb and Ed stood in silent reverence, listening to the song that called across the landscape before them in memory of the fallen Baratheon.
Arya and Sansa stood off in the distance, watching; Eddard could see them, even from such a distance shedding tears for the loss of a man that they considered as good as their uncle.
Finally, the song concluded and Eddard took his eyes to his son. He could see Robb in deep thought; stone faced, completely absent of emotion - but concentrated.

"Robb?" he chimed. "What is it that has you so distant?"
"Who." he replied.
"Who?" Eddard raised a brow. "Who killed him. I want to know who killed him. Not what the media speculate. The truth" Robb broke finally, tears swelling at his eyes.
Eddard frowned; he could see now it was not the loss of Robert which hurt, but the fact that Robb could not extract revenge for the act. The sorrow for loss had ran cold and turned to anger already, and now, Robb lusted for blood.
"Killing another man will not bring him back, nor will it quench your sorrow." Eddard promised, "Believe me, I know." He noted Robb's nod, but he hardly believed the understanding of his own words.
"Promise me you will do nothing rash." Ed spoke. Robb stood silent for a moment, and it was enough to tell Eddard what was to come next would be none but empty words and promises.

And yet, Robb spoke the best he could.

"I won't. I promise."

Though before Ed could reply, a black Chevrolet appeared from over the hilltop. Out of it spawned his brother, Benjen. Dark hair draped his features and his black eyes beaconed Eddard toward him. He had been the Police Chief of Winterfell for years now, and it was clear he had concern for the action Ed was to take over this assassination on his closest friend. And so Eddard graced his brother with his presence.

"Ned." Benjen greeted.
"Ben." Ed replied.
"We have to talk. Can you get your children and Cat together. I think it would be best if it were all of us in this meeting. It will save the conveying of messages." Benjen spoke honestly, eyes looking upon Robb a little while away.
"I will. Come back to the house. Cat will make you something to eat and we can discuss it all over a meal. The rain is coming, the snow too if I'm not mistaken. Indeed, Winter is Coming." Eddard craned his head to the skies.

The drive to the home was solemn and quiet. Cat stood, waiting at the door. Arya and Sansa bounded out of the car and raced for the best place at the table within; Sansa shoving her younger sister aside with a snide grin.
"You're such a brat." Arya snorted.
"Look who's talking." Sansa cocked her brow coolly. "Sore losers never get any respect."
"Either did self-centred snobs." Arya grinned, pulling herself into another seat.

Benjen simply laughed as he entered, Eddard watching over his daughters with an embarrassed look, while Cat tended to setting food upon the table as everyone took their seats.

"Baccon, Benjen?" Cat asked as she made her way about the table, distributing the servings to the rest of her family.

Ben shook his head, "Just an egg will do me fine, Cat. They're expecting me back at the station fairly soon. I just needed to talk to you all before…" he looked at Robb and didn't finish his sentence. He let a deep sigh escape his lips before finally, he broke away.
"I don't want anyone to buy into these rumours that the Hound was responsible for Robert's murder. I know it's easier to believe that he took part in this and someone's responsible for what happened to the President, but there's no proof. It's just media speculation. I just don't want any of you getting into trouble with the law because you're endeavouring to extract your own brand of justice."

Robb snorted, chewing away at a piece of bacon before finally, he cast a glance at Ben.
"Don't worry, uncle. You've got nothing to worry about."

Ed looked between the two of them, uncertainty pressed across his features as he observed the looks the two shared.
There was a brief silence as they both analysed one another, and then, Ben broke the tension.

"I know you Robb. I know what you are capable of. I know you want to make this right Robert was your friend, just as he was your father's. Just don't put me in a place where I have to arrest my own family." he pleaded. "I'll investigate this personally. I'll get to the bottom of it. I promise."

Ed piped in before Robb could respond. "We believe you, Ben. You have our word. Robb will not act."

Silence again.

The wind blew outside and flowed through the brief cracks in the windows but no other sound was audible.
Cat stood with concern over her ageing face.
Rickon and Bran sat, deadly silent.
Arya sat, not completely aware of what was occurring before her, and Sansa played with a strand of hair, nervously looking between her uncle and her eldest brother.

Standing from his seat, finishing his egg, Ben gave them all a warm smile; quite contrasting of the mood which had been set.

"By the way, Jon say's hello."

Ed cringed at the mention of the name of his bastard son. A son whom he conceived not with Cat, but another woman. He knew how much Cat despised of his bastard. And thus, Ed had asked Benjen top take him in and raise him as his own. And while Cat stayed silent, and Ed the same - the other children burst to life. How they loved their half brother and missed seeing him dearly.

"Jon!" Bran and Rickon chirped in sync. "Say hello to him too!"

"Tell him to visit soon!" Arya grinned. "He promised he would take me hunting for wild pig!"

Sansa simply rolled her eyes. "Tell brother we do all miss him, truly."

Benjen smiled at the responses. "He'll be glad to know you haven't forgotten him." that much was true. He loved them all, even Cat, when she despised of him so much.