This is a project I've had in the back of my mind for a long time, slowly working on it, and building the world. For those of you familiar with 'What if?' from Marvel, 'Elseworlds' by DC or basically any alternate reality fiction, the idea of a turning point, a single event that can change history, will not be unfamiliar. Here the turning point is that Jon Arryn, former hand of the king, was able to pass on the information he gained about the lineage of Robert Baratheon's children prior to his death, as opposed to in the main reality, where he died. Much like the source material, this is going to be on the long side, so bare with me.

I do not own any of these characters. A song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones are owned by George RR Martin and HBO.

Ned.

Ned Stark's mind was lost in thought as he rode down the River Road, ahead of the train of carriages that contained his wife, children and much of their household. He had been troubled ever since he had received a raven from Kings Landing from his old friend and mentor, Jon Arryn, Hand of the King and Lord of the Eyrie. The message was short, reading 'the blood of the stag is not in his children'. Whatever this cryptic message meant, Ned was unable to ask Jon, as shortly after, two more Ravens had arrived. The first was from Lysa Arryn, Jon's wife and the sister of his own wife, Catlyn, informing them of Jon's death. The second was a royal summons, telling him that King Robert Baratheon, first of his name, required a meeting at Riverrun. Even now, he could see the castle, surrounded on three sides by water, looming in the distance. Had he been ordered to attend the king in any other location, Ned would have gone alone, but Catlyn insisted that she and their children be allowed to attend, so as to visit her father, Lord Hoster. Ned smiled to himself. Perhaps The North, her home for the past years, was effecting Cat, making her more stubborn, like a true Northerner. Despite his smile, he still worried. Why was Robert summoning him now, and what did it have to do with Jon, his mysterious message, and his equally mysterious demise? As he approached the gate of Riverrun, a voice called from above.

'Who are you and what is your business here?' called a spear wielding man at arms from atop the gate.

'I am Lord Eddard Stark, of Winterfell, Warden of the North' replied Ned 'his Grace has asked me to attend him here'.

'My apologies, Lord Eddard' was the reply, as the gate started to rumble and open.

The light was beginning to fade as Ned was led up by the steward of Riverrun up to Lord Hoster's solar. The steward motioned to a door, and took Ned's traveling cloak. Pausing for a moment to adjust the cloak beneath, straightening the silver Direwolf, the sigil of house Stark, that held it in place, Ned pushed at the door.

Within solar were five men, four of whom were seated at a round table. Ned recognised them all, some of the great lords of Westeros. His own good-brother, Ser Edmure Tully was in conversation with Robert's youngest brother, Lord Renly. Lord Mace Tyrell of Highgarden sat glaring at Prince Oberyn Martell, the so called Red Viper of Dorne, from across the table. Oberyn appeared not to notice as he drunk from a goblet of wine whilst talking to a serving girl. At the window, looking out over the Trident, was Lord Yohn Royce, of Runestone.

'Good evening My Lords' said Ned, as he entered. 'I wonder if any of you can enlighten me as to why his Grace has called us here'

Renly stood, a smile on his face 'Alas Ned, I was hoping you could tell us that. My brother is a strange one'

'What was that Renly, you prancing fawn?' came a booming voice from the doorway. Ned turned and saw King Robert Baratheon standing there. His oldest friend, Robert had once been the strongest knight in the seven kingdoms. Now it appeared, he had turned his attention to feeding rather than fighting. He now looked to be as wide as he was tall, an impressive feat, and his face was ruddy from too much wine.

'Ned' exclaimed Robert, a smile appearing under his expansive beard 'it is good to see you old friend'. He approached and embraced Ned in a hug that threatened to crush him. Apparently the King's former strength had not left him.

After he was released, Ned knelt before him 'you honour me your grace'

'Oh enough of that bollocks, I get it every day from grovelling fools. I don't need it from you'

A faint cough came from Renly's direction 'perhaps we could get to business brother' Renly said.

Robert frowned, but sat at the largest seat at the table, gesturing for Ned to sit at his right. Royce took the seat opposite Ned.

'My lords' Robert began 'I have some matters to discuss with you. Firstly, I must name a new Warden of the East. With Jon Arryn's demise, the post should pass to his son, Robin. However he is only a boy, and a weak one at that, not up to the task. Therefore, Lord Royce, you will be my new Warden, until such a time as the Arryn boy comes of age, and proves himself to be more than a sickly mothers boy'

Whilst any other Lord would have heaped thanks on Robert, Lord Royce, his face as impassive as bronze merely inclined his head and replied 'you honour me your Grace'

Satisfied, Robert continued 'secondly, the post of Hand of The King. As you know, Jon was my hand since we toppled the mad king. I could name many of you here, and I will do just that' turning to Ned he said 'Ned, you are my oldest friend, and a good man. By the Seven, you're a better man than me'

Ned was shocked. Whatever he had expected, this was not it. 'My Lord...Robert...I' he stuttered, looking for words, but Robert had already moved on.

'Finally, we have an issue with succession. Before his passing, Jon brought an...issue to my attention. It would appear that Queen Cersi's children, whilst hers, are not mine'

There was a hush at the table. Ned looked around. Shock on the faces of Edmure and Mace, knowing smiles on those of Oberyn and Renly. Only Yohn showed no emotion. Renly was the first to break the silence.

'Well your Grace, that would make our dear brother Stannis next in line to ascend the Iron Throne. However, would he make a good king I wonder. Might I suggest a younger, less stern and unforgiving man be made your heir'

Robert glared at him 'I know damn well what you mean Renly, and Stannis is twice the man you are. Unless you plan Regicide and Fratricide I'd keep your delusions of grandeur to yourself'

Renly sat back, trying to hide his displeasure. Oberyn was the next to speak, his Dornish drawl passing through the silence like a snake.

'This is treason, your Grace. Cersi must pay the price with her head. I'm sure after she has paid for her crimes, a wife of noble birth can be found. Maybe the recently widowed Lady Lysa, or one of Lord Stark's daughters. I would be honoured to offer one of my own also'

Mace Tyrell snorted in derision 'one of the bastard Sand Snakes you mean. Why not my daughter, Margery. She is a maid still, and is said my many to be the most beautiful woman is all the seven kingdoms'

Oberyn opened his mouth to retort, but Lord Royce's voice cut in. Although quiet, he instantly had the tables attention. 'Before we look for a new queen, maybe we should focus on the old one'

Robert nodded in agreement, and turned to Edmure. 'And you, Ser Edmure, have you anything to add?'

Edmure stroked his flaming beard for a moment before speaking 'Queen Cersi is a Lannister, and as such, it may be prudent to exile her to the Rock rather than killing her and raising Lord Tywin's ire. I'm sure he would not dare to challenge the Iron Throne, but we have all heard the Rains of Castermere I'm sure'

The debate continued for hours, with ideas and suggestions being accepted or ignored as Robert saw fit. Food was brought, and eaten. Wine was drunk, mainly by the king. Finally, as a conclusion was reached, the other lords retired to their rooms, leaving Ned with Robert. Ned got up to leave, hoping for a chance to speak to Cat before she was asleep, having doubtless arrived to Riverrun whilst they debated the future of Robert's Kingdom. He turned to bid his old friend good night, and saw Robert holding a golden brooch in his hand.

Turning to Ned he said 'Dammit Ned, I wasn't meant to be the bloody king. It should've been your or Jon. Hell, it could've been fucking Rheagar but...' He tailed off, before handing Ned the brooch. It was a golden hand, in a circle of gold. The emblem of the Hand of The King. Robert looked at him pleadingly.

'Help me Ned. I didn't want to be king, but now that I am, help me be a good one' Ned opened his mouth to speak, but Robert cut him off 'Don't you dare refuse me. I may be your friend, but I'm also your King. I need you with me Ned. Cat and your children are welcome to come back to Kings Landing as well. You had better be ready in the morning, or it'll be your head on a spike' He smiled sadly 'she was fucking Jaime all along you know. A man I trusted with my life. What the hell do I do now. Gods be damned, incest. That's a level I didn't thing even a bloody Lannister would go to.'

Ned didn't know what to say. His friend, the strongest man he knew, looked tired. Despite his height and girth he looked smaller than he ever had done. So Ned did the only thing he could. He knelt and said 'I will serve you as Hand of the King. I swear by the Old Gods and the new to uphold your laws and protect your lands'

Robert smiled, a real smile this time, full of warmth. 'Thank you Ned' he said, reaching for more wine. 'Now go I've kept you from Cat long enough'.

Ned nodded and left. As he closed the door, he didn't look back, but he thought he heard a man, a king, crying.