Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea in this story. Characters, places etc. owned by original author; George Martin

"Mother do you have to go? If you and father are gone, who will look after us?" Sansa dreaded her mother's leave. Her father had arranged a small ride for him and his wife. It thought it good for Catelyn to know the lands that she helped rule.
"I must Sansa. Your father thinks this important. How can I help rule a land that I do not understand. I will be back, I promise my sweet." When she had put on her cloak she walked to Sansa and titled her face up to look her in the eyes. She had her eyes. At birth she saw it and now they were distinctly her own. "I need you to help look after Arya. Winter is coming, I need you both to be strong." With a kiss Catelyn departed the room, Sansa behind her to see her father and mother off.

When they entered the court yard many people had gathered. Ser. Rodrick Cassel, Winterfell's Master-at-Arms, Maester Luwin and Old Nan were the ones that Catelyn trusted with her children's life. Arya was not a year old and she had to leave her behind. Sansa was only three years, yet she was scared to be left here. It made Catelyn feel guilty for going, but she knew it was important. "Are you ready Lady Stark?" Ser. Rodrick approached her. "Lord Stark is at the head of the party, waiting for you."
Catelyn nodded and turned to Sansa and gave her a kiss on the head, "Look for me on the fourth day. Be waiting with your sister and brother. I love you." She went to head of the party and mounted her horse.
Ned held her hand when she had settled "Are you well love?" He whispered. Catelyn just nodded then looked for Sansa. She had found Robb, who held Arya close, as he put an arm around Sansa and nodded towards his mother. Catelyn smiled in response.
"I'm fine Ned." She gave his hand a squeeze then took hold of the reigns. He nodded and called to his bannermen to ride.

The ride was easy for the first part of the day. Ned stopped for the midday eating and then ordered that they ride until night fall and that Catelyn stuck to the centre of the party. She gave her Lord Husband a queer look, but did not argue in front of his men it was not lady like. It was a disappointment, Ned had opened to her. He spoke of the lands and how his father took him and his siblings hunting often. They had smiled and laughed until after the eating.

While they continued the ride, Catelyn felt unease about the men. Many of them scanned the land about them, while others had one hand near their weapons. "We will rest here for the night."

The men set out to build the camp around her. One came up to her side. "My Lady, Lord Stark wishes for you to stay by his side, if you follow me." The man bowed. She nodded her head. He grabbed the reigns of her horse a led her to him. He bowed to Ned, "My Lord." Ned quickly dismissed the young man from his sight. As soon as they were alone, he embraced his wife. Even though she was confused and slightly angry, she welcomed him.
"Cat, I am sorry." He whispered, while tucking some lose hair behind her ear. "There have been wildlings sightings."
"You could have told me Ned."
"I did not wish to worry you." His eyes became downcast. He was not accustomed to showing how much something worried him.
Gently, she pulled his gaze to her. "Ned, I was more worried not knowing. I rather know what is going on. I would rather be at your side. Not surrounded to the point I cannot breath, nor see my husband." She gave a weak smile. Tentatively, Catelyn stood on her tows and brushed her lips to his. To her surprise, he returned her actions hungrily; wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. In response, she wrapped an arm around his neck, with a hand on his shoulder. To their dismay, they needed to pull apart for air. Ned rested his forehead on hers. "I love you."
"And I love you, my love, my protector."
His hands travelled to her arms, and around her shoulders. She knew his tactic, knew he wanted her to stay with his men, out of sight of any possible enemy.

Closing her eyes, she gave into his movements, resting her head on his shoulder, for the smallest moment. "I will not give into this Ned. I will ride with you. I do not fear…"
"I know you do not fear that you do not know. But I fear for my wife, the mother of my children." Mother of three of your children, Catelyn thought.
She knew his game, and frankly, did not wish for him to win. She looked into his eyes, and placed her hands on his chest. "My Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North," she spoke slowly and seductively, taking a step forward with her words, "I know you fear for me, but I fear for you; my husband, the father of my children… the love of my life." When she had reached her destination she pulled him down with her, cradling him between her legs. "Ned…" when he gave no response, she knew that she had won. His hands moved over her back softly. One moved for her hair, pulling it loose of its bun, her hair cascades over her shoulders.
"Cat…" He gave a soft moan when she moved her hips slightly. "I… can't risk you… oh gods Catelyn." He placed his hands on her hips, "Stop… the men… outside."
She leant down to kiss his neck, whispering her words in his ear. "And we are in here, out of sight," She moved to the other side, "and out of… mind."
"I doubt you are out of some of their minds. You are rarely out of mine." As she began kissing his chest, she looked into his eyes and smiled.
When he returned her smile, she brought herself back up to kiss his mouth. She melted into him; her hands in his hair, while his moved to her waist and shoulders. With one quick movement, Ned moved on top. He grabbed her hands, and held them to the ground; gaining control of the situation. He smiled and laughed softly. Pulling back from the kiss, Ned looked at his wife. "You are staying with Jory tomorrow."
Cat's eyes widened, she had thought he had given in to her. "Ned, will you trust me."
"I trust you, my love. You must understand, this part of the land is not well guarded. The people who occupy it will strike before they recognise out banners."
Catelyn bucked her hips up, having enough of feeling like hostage, she forced Ned to lose his balance as she moved to be back on top. "Ned…" Catelyn moved her hands under his shirt to find a few of his scars. "please, at least for a part of the ride." She pouted and looked into his eyes.
Ned was about to object, when Catelyn found a scar on his chest. As she trailed it softly, he sucked in his breath and exhaled shakily. "Only for part of the ride?'
Catelyn nodded, still pouting.
"Okay love." He smiled and pulled her down, kissing her softly.