This story draws from both the show and the books basically at my discretion. All characters are aged up and I didn't necessarily age them up proportionally, so sorry if that annoys you! Below are the ages of the main characters of this story at the start but they will be aging along with the plot. I'm hoping to update this weekly, but feel free to bother me if I don't. I probably didn't forget I'm just being lazy.

Arya (13), Gendry (15), Edric (13), Frayrid (OC) (14), Sansa (15)

Disclaimer: I own nothing from the original plot.

Eddard Stark

Quickly Lord Eddard Stark strode through the halls of the Red Keep. The king had just returned from his hunting trip yesternight and Ned needed to speak with him immediately.

Ned had finally discovered the secret Jon Arryn had died for – the Lannister's incest and the offspring the affair had wrought. Ned had his suspicions for weeks, but it was Sansa's off-handed comment that had finally pushed him over the edge. Even Sansa, a child, could see Joffrey did not share King Robert Baratheon's blood. Why had it taken him so long to realize? He had known of Jon Arryn's research, looked at the books and seen Robert's bastards with his own eyes. Cersei played games with her little birds all over the castle, all the while, hiding the truth right in front of him. He had been blind for so long, but now he could see and he would not allow the deceit to continue.

"I need to speak with, Robert," Ned said as he approached the two guards standing outside the king's bedchambers.

Unenthusiastically one of the guards looked at him and said, "He is asleep, my lord. He returned late in the evening."

"This is urgent," Ned said, "and I don't mind if he hasn't dressed for the day. It is far more important that I have him sober and clear-headed."

"He does not like to be awakened," said the other guard just as hesitant as the first.

"I am the king's Hand. I have told you I have an urgent need to see the king," Ned said raising his voice. He felt uncomfortable using his title, but he employed it nonetheless. "Now, step aside."

"Yes, my lord," said the first guard. Both guards begrudgingly moved away.

Ned walked into the room wearily. His leg still ached from the Lannister's attack days prior, but the thought of his men lying dead on the floor fueled his resolve to enter the King's bedchambers and face whatever Robert's wrath might entail.

First, though he had to rouse Robert. Ned knew that Robert was likely engaging in some form of debauchery the night before and Ned did not wish to behold any of the horrors the morning after brought.

Ned was unsurprised to see Robert in bed still asleep. However, he was stunned to see not one but two naked women lying next to Robert. Both women, who looked at least half Robert's age, were soundly asleep.

"Robert," Ned said to wake him. When he didn't stir, Ned tried again in a louder voice. Finally, on his third attempt, one of the women woke up to the noise. When her eyes cleared of sleep, she noticed Ned standing above her and screamed.

Ned considered quieting her down but decided against it when he realized the sound was causing Robert to groan. "Quiet girl, what are you shrieking for?"

"Robert," Ned said. "Wake up I need to discuss something with you…privately."

"Ned?" Robert said sitting up. Ned turned away as the blankets fell away from him and the two girls. "Bloody hell, Ned, what are you doing here?"

"We need to speak, urgently," Ned said.

"It can wait a few hours," Robert said. "I had plans to take these two again in the morning."

"No," Ned said. "This cannot wait."

"Fine," Robert said. He turned to the women and told them bluntly to get out. As the women dressed, Robert got out of bed and pulled on a robe.

"Now, what is it you wanted to discuss," Robert said as he went to sit at his desk. "Shall we have some servants bring us wine?"

"I have bad news to deliver, your grace," Ned said sitting down across from Robert.

"What news is this?"

"It concerns your lady-wife," Ned started slowly.

"Good lords," Robert said angrily, "what has she done now?"

"Robert, she's been having an affair," Ned said.

Robert sighed and then responded, "I suppose as long as she isn't pregnant we can keep operating as normal. We'll have to send the man to take the black, of course. Who was the man? And who knows of this?"

"Just me, but I'm afraid it is not that simple," Ned said.

"Well, don't keep me guessing, Ned. It's fucking. It's not that complicated," Robert said now getting red in the face. "And blasted hell tell me who has been fucking my wife."

"It's Jaime Lannister and I believe they have had an affair since your marriage first began."

Robert paused for a moment and then started laughing. "Jaime Lannister. Why that's her brother, Ned."

"I am aware," Ned said. "Robert, Jon Arryn didn't just die he was murdered. We received a letter from Catelyn's sister just days after his death warning us. Since then, I have heard murmurs around the castle of the same rumors. His last words were 'the seed is strong' and he was researching your children before his death."

Ned took a breath pausing before he delivered the final blow. Ned strongly considered what it might mean for the children and mother if the true horrors of Cersei's actions were revealed. The honorable action would have been to warn her giving her a chance to flee, but with Tywin raising an army it was too dangerous. Instead, he took all precautions possible to avoid Cersei's suspicions. He had even delayed his daughters' departure back to Winterfell. All he could do now was hope Robert would be merciful.

"I believe Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are not your true offspring, but instead Jaime and Cersei Lannister's incest-born bastards," Ned said. He pulled out The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms. "Not a single Baratheon has ever been born blond even when born from a Lannister as well. Robert, I found all of your bastards and they are all the spitting image of you. The children living in this palace look nothing like you. Instead, they are mirrors of the Lannister's. Think about when they arrived. Were they just a little early? I doubt Cersei seeks you out too often, but did she just three times and immediately conceive?"

"What you speak off is true," Robert said looking pale and confused. "But that doesn't necessarily mean Jaime…"

"No, but Bran and the dagger," Ned told him. "Bran is an excellent climber. He has never fallen. I believe he was pushed. However, even if he had fallen, why was someone sent to kill my son with a Lannister dagger. He must have seen something and the only man from your party close to the Queen was her brother Jaime. They aren't yours, Robert. Those children are not yours."

"I will kill them for this," the king yelled. He flung the contents of the desk to the floor. He slammed his fists on the desk and was panting hard. "The throne is currently being left to Joffrey a bastard and result of incest. The Lannister's have made an embarrassment of me."

"Cersei and Jaime must be punished and stripped of her title," Ned said nodding and trying to push him away from spilling blood. He was unsure whom Robert was referring too, but he needed to spare the children. Robert may have been within his rights to kill them, but children could not stop the actions of their parents. "The boys should be sent to the Wall."

"You would have me show mercy? This is treason," Robert yelled. "They could make a claim to the throne. They cannot live."

"Cersei and Jaime are no threat without their children," Ned said. "The brothers are in desperate need of men. If the boys are on the Wall and they do leave, they'd truly be traitors of their own rights not that of their parents."

"And the girl?" Robert asked still yelling and furious. "I suppose you'd have me spare her too but even you'd agree she can't be sent to live with an army of men."

Ned nodded. The Wall would be good for the boys. As brothers, they could make no claim to the throne or have children to make such a claim in the future. However, the Wall was no place for a girl, especially one as fair as Myrcella. She couldn't remain at court. They could send her to live with a lower lord, but even that opened them up to the threat of her sons one day making an attempt at the throne. They needed her out of Westeros.

"You could banish her," Ned said. He wasn't sure Robert would agree but it was the only solution he could think of. "Send her to the Free Cities with a small sum just enough to live off of. She'll need a guardian. Perhaps, her mother?"

"No, Cersei will not have freedom even in banishment," Robert said yelled. "Jamie will also face the sword, so don't even try it, Ned."

"What of Tyrion?" Ned asked. The man was currently in Catelyn's possession likely for the actions of his brother and sister. Tyrion, like the children, could have no place at court and would be lucky to even survive this whole ordeal.

"The imp," Robert huffed. "At least she didn't fuck him too."

"Myrcella is just a child. Tyrion will keep her safe, but in the Free Cities she will be no lady nor have a claim to the throne," Ned pleaded. "Do not punish the children for the parent's crimes. We are not in a war."

"But we bloody well might be with these Lannister's and their tricks," Robert yelled.

"Not if you act quickly. Send the children away," Ned said. "Take the parents as prisoners and do with them what you must."

"She's made a fool of me," Robert said.

"She has. The children have not."

"Fine, we'll do it your way. The boys will be given the option to take the black and the girl will be sent East, but if they refuse they die," Robert said solemnly. "Ned, take care of it. I never want to see any of them again. The parents will face the executioner. Take the guard and do it now, Ned. There is no reason to wait."

Ned took his orders and strode from the room. He quickly gathered the remaining members of his men along with fifty gold cloaks. He then called on Ser Barristan Selmy and Renly Baratheon to be present for the confrontation. They both had a true allegiance to the king, which could prove useful.

Once the group was assembled, he told twenty of his men to gather the children and put them in a secure room with guards on it at all times. Barristan was sent with half the gold cloaks to take Jaime. Renly and Ned headed towards Cersei's rooms.

She was sitting comfortably looking out her window when they entered her large apartment. At the noise, she turned her graceful neck and eyed them all with a hard, curious look.

"What is the meaning of this?" she asked calmly.

"Guards, seize the Queen," Ned said coolly. "She is guilty of treason."

"Treason," Cersei said still calm. "And what treason would that be?"

"The same crime Ser Barristan is currently arresting your brother for. Or should I say lover?" Ned said. Cersei paused for a moment. Her eyes flickered between Ned, Renly and the guards. Ned could practically see her running calculations in her head trying to find a way out. "We know it's accurate. You cannot escape this truth."

Cersei lifted her chin and looked Ned straight in the eye. "Targaryen's wed brother and sister for three hundred years to keep bloodlines pure. Jaime and I are more than brother and sister. We shared a womb together and we belong together."

"You admit to this treachery?" Renly asked horrified.

"I admit to bringing a worthy heir into this world," Cersei said.

"He is no heir," Ned responded. He indicated for the guards to grab Cersei. She didn't put up a fight as they bound her hands.

"Don't hurt my children," Cersei said finally showing a moment of weakness.

"Our king is merciful and the gods are gracious," Ned said. "Your children will be spared."

Cersei didn't respond. Instead, she quietly followed the guard as she was led to the dungeons. Ned followed them out and watched as Cersei's form retreated down the hallway. He kept walking until he found Ser Barristan. Jaime had been successfully apprehended as well. Ned confirmed that the Lannister siblings would be put in different cells and then he made his way to the highest tower in Maegor's Holdfast where the children were being held.

It was with a heavy heart that Ned opened the door to find Myrcella and Tommen crying together on the bed. Tommen was holding Myrcella to his chest. It took a moment for Ned to notice, Joffrey standing alone looking out the window. He had his back turned away from Ned but when he heard the door closed he turned to look at Ned with a glare.

"What is the meaning of this?" Joffrey said angrily.

"Children, you must remain in this room," Ned said. He knew he had to tell them the truth. Cersei couldn't be trusted and Robert wouldn't carry the burden. "It isn't safe for you at the moment."

"Are…are we under attack?" Myrcella asked between sobs.

"No, my dear," Ned said softly. "There has been a horrible thing done. It was done years ago, but unfortunately, you must now bear the brunt of it. You are being sent away."

"Sent away?" Joffrey spit out. "We can't be sent away. I am the prince."

"You are no longer a prince," Ned said. "None of you are the true heirs."

"What? What is the meaning of this?" Joffrey asked. "This is treason. I wish to speak with my mother. She will have your head for this."

Ned understood their disbelief but there could be no place for it. These children had to adapt and grow quickly. They didn't have a choice.

"Your mother has been having an affair. All three of you are the offspring of that affair," Ned told them bluntly. "She has admitted to it."

"No," Joffrey said. "I am the prince and heir to the throne. I will be king one day."

"No," Ned said. "You are a lion, but no stag blood runs through your veins. Only a stag will be king."

"Where will you send us?" Tommen asked from the bed.

"You and Joffrey will be sent to the Wall to join the Night's Watch. Myrcella will be sent to live in the Free Cities with her uncle Tyrion."

"The Night's Watch!?" Joffrey exclaimed. "I will do no such thing. Let me speak to my mother at once."

"You will take the black or you will die. Your mother is already in the dungeons and will likely face execution," Ned said.

Myrcella let out a cry and Ned felt guilt overcome him. Maybe he had made the wrong choice. Should he have let these children flee with their mother? It would have only required a warning. These children knew not the extent of their mother's wrongs. They just saw men fighting over lineage and a throne. Ned walked over to the bed and took a seat. It was too late for a warning. He couldn't change the past, but he could deal with the present.

"I am sorry, children," Ned said softly to Tommen and Myrcella. "You are being handed a burden meant for your parents and that is truly unfair, but you will all go on to live. Even if it feels like a punishment, I promise you, it is a gift."

"Please let us see our mother," Tommen said quietly crying. "Even just to say goodbye."

"I will try," Ned said. He stood and headed towards the door. "Myrcella, we must await Tyrion's return and, boys, we are expecting a brother any day now who will take you to the Wall. You will have meals sent up and I will check in on you daily, but you must remain in this room – anywhere else isn't safe for you three."

"You can't lock us up in here like prisoners," Joffrey yelled. Ned was already opening the door. He took a step out and closed the door to Joffrey's yells.

"Check in on them every hour. If you need to separate Joffrey from the other two, do so," Ned told the guards before turning away to walk briskly down the hall.

Ned tried to push away the sorrow he felt. Those children would live, but what kind of life, he wondered. Forever haunted by their parent's sins. They were summer babes thrust into winter.

Ned walked to the king's chambers for the second time that day. This time when he approached, the guards let him pass without question.

"It is done," Ned said as soon as he entered the room.

Ned could smell liquor as he walked up to Robert. The room was a mess and multiple pieces of furniture had been destroyed. Robert sat stooped in his chair with a blade in his hand. He was running his fingers over the blade.

"My false wife and her unholy lover are dead?" Robert slurred.

"Not yet," Ned said. At Robert's glare, he continued, "They are in the dungeons. We must hold a small council to confirm their execution and then schedule it publically. We do not want the public to speculate that you simply grew tired of Cersei and decided to have her killed."

"Always thinking you are, Ned," Robert said throwing his knife on the table. "And the bastards?"

"They have been locked away," Ned said. "I have informed them that they are not the true heirs and where they will be sent. As soon as their traveling companions arrive, they will leave King's Landing."

"I don't want to see them ever again," Robert said standing and seeming to sober.

"You won't have to," Ned said. He was both angry at Robert for his blindness and grateful for his compassion.

"And what of the throne?" Robert said pacing in front of his desk. "I'll have to marry again and wait for her to conceive. The conceiving part I can do, but the waiting. Joff was nearly of age. If he wasn't such a little shit, I might have given him the throne already. I don't want to sit on this blasted thing for another twenty years, Ned!"

"There might be another solution," Ned said.

"And what is that?"

"You have other children," Ned said watching the king closely for his reaction. "Fourteen other children who are still alive."

"Bastards all of them," Robert said dismissively. "Who knows what kind of health or wisdom they have. We can't make a king out of a bastard boy."

"I have met some of them while searching for answers," Ned said. "they are all strong and quite obviously carry the Baratheon blood in their veins. The boys are ready for battle and could lead easy enough and, if that doesn't work, the girls are pretty and would marry nicely."

"You suggest bringing fourteen bastard children to court to train and be prepared to marry off?" Robert questioned. "It's madness, Ned."

"There are three bastards in this castle being trained and married off now!" Ned slammed his fist down. Robert stilled at the outburst. "Winter is coming, Robert, and you need an heir. These children, the bastards, have a claim to the throne. If we wait, who knows what the realm might do. And, there's another reason, in the time it takes to raise another child any of the Lannister bastards might try to make a claim for the throne."

"They have no claim," Robert argued.

"It is our word against theirs," Ned said. "And we all know a true claim only goes as far as the largest army and deepest pockets."

"Then we should kill them now," Robert said.

"You are not a Targaryen. You are better," Ned said. "Do not kill these children, Robert. If we have a stable ruler prepared to take the throne they are no threat."

"Fourteen you said?" Robert asked.

"Yes, your grace," Ned said. "There are fourteen in total. I believe they should all come to court secretly. We can inspect them and see who is capable. We don't need them all to stay at the castle indefinitely. The babes should be sent back to their mother's and the older ones can go back to their lives, but at least a few should be capable of being heirs and if you claim them they will have that right."

"You've met them?" Robert asked.

Ned thought of Gendry's face.

"They are yours true as can be," Ned said with conviction.

"Fine, we will bring the bastards to court then," Robert said. "Take care of this, Ned – immediately."

"Yes, your grace," Ned said with a nod of his head. "I'll have them here at once."