Neither Knew

She didn't wake until the morning after the next. Vaguely, she could remember the pain of the stick being removed. Maester Luwin had to cut into her slightly to pull it all out. Alcohol was poured onto the wound stop infection, the best they could. Ned stayed for the whole time. Holding her hand and whispering into her ear. She was happy he stayed, but at the same time, she felt ashamed that it all happened. If she didn't run, if she just listened, none of it would have happened.

As she tried to remember everything that happened after their return, she felt like there was something missing. Everything was patchy because she would come in and out of consciousness. She knew Ned carried her back to her chamber but there was a conversation or something during the check-up or even on the way back that she couldn't remember.
Instinctively, Catelyn pulled her furs up as the door opened. She was shocked that the person didn't knock. She relaxed when she seen it was only Ned. He didn't look like he usually did. His shoulders were slumped and his face sad. Though, he usually looked serious, rarely smiling, eyes shielding his emotions, something about him looked off. He looked over to her. Their eyes locked for a moment as he moved to her bedside. He put a hand on her cheek, and then stroked her hair. Letting the soft tendrils fall through his fingers. He smiled at her and she returned it. But something was between them. Something was sitting there. It must be what Maester Luwin was upset about. "Ned…" She began.
"Shhh, you must rest."
"I have rest enough; I wish to see my son, talk to the people, see that my horse is returned and most of all spend time with my husband. You were gone for three days my lord." Ned winced at the title. She only ever used it when she was upset. "Where were you? Why did you take so long?" She was on the verge hysterics. Never, has she like being told to rest. Resting was for the slaves who farmed the food for the king, who tended to horse and armour all day. All she did was walk around making sure things were being done right, preparing festivities and tending to her husband – who did everything for himself – or making sure her son was in line – who was too young to get up to anything.
"Cat…" He looked into her eyes. She had her look; she was not going to rest. He was informed of her condition before the incident, heard about her pleas for search parties and that she was not keeping food down. He didn't want to command her to bed rest, but he knew she needed it. At least until she ate. Until he knew why she ran and why… he couldn't even think about it. The conversation with Maester Luwin was bad enough for him. She had bled. The Maester and himself, fear she had been raped between the time she fled Winterfell and when they found her.
"No Ned. I want to get up. I am tired of being useless. I… my love?" she tried to sit up but couldn't. Her wounds were still healing. All she could do was put a hand on his shoulder as he cried. The only time she recalled him crying was after he returned from the battle with Jon. It was an accident she found him and even then, he tried to hide his tears. But she had embraced him; after all, she had made him cry. She was cold towards him and resented his son. She barely let him see Rob after the incident. She sighed at the memory and pulled on his arm for him to lay with her. "Ned I am sorry. Please tell me what has happened. I can't help but think I know not, of what happened on several incidents." He pulled he closer, she winced as he lifted her slightly into his embrace. She laid half on top of him, a leg over his as he kissed her on the mouth. All their emotions went into the kiss. Having to pull back for air, she rested her head on his chest. She thanked the gods, for having him back and that he was safe.
"I am sorry it took so long for my return love. We did run into trouble. Two riders attacked us. My horse was injured, thankfully still rideable, but several men were killed."
"This was two riders? How can that happen?" She tried to sit up but Ned tightened his hold on her so she would not move.
"Calm down my love, I don't want you moving. That wound is worse than you think. Yes, two riders. They are not familiar. They move in the shadows somehow." She remembered that figure she saw two nights passed.
"Could you not see them in the shadows?" He rubbed her back softly.
"It was difficult. When we did spot them, they would run. It was like they were a blur. But do not worry. The last we saw of them was over half the travel to The Last River."
"I don't think so my love…" She trailed off, her mind fixed on the figure.
"What do you mean Cat?" He lifted her face to look in her eyes, "You did not see a figure that night? Please Catelyn, please tell me it's not what I fear!"
"I did see something Ned, but it may not have been what you saw." She hated the look of his face. He lifted her gently than moved to open the drapes of the window. She reached for her furs but gasped at the pain. He was at her side instantly and helped her up and wrapped the furs over her shoulders. "Thank you. Ned, please tell what is wrong, there is more, I can tell."
"Do you not know Cat? You were bleeding." She gave him a confused look. "Cat, you were…" He looked away. "Raped or so I fear my love. Do you recall the whole night when you fled Winterfell."
"I do." She placed a hand on his cheek and made him look at her. "But that is not what happened. Was I gone that long?"
"Raping does not take long at all Cat. We do, because we do it for love." She began to laugh and followed not long after.
"Is that why we take so long? Thank the gods that we do it for love. Not because my husband is slow." She had to hold he wound because she was laughing so hard. Ned was only chuckling now with a smile while looking at her.
"You thought I was slow?" His voice was low and he pulled her into an embrace. "Trust me when I say this love, I choose it to be that way. I would rather spend more time loving my wife than running this damn place. Thank your gods for that. I would lay with you in the Godswood if the chances of being caught were not so." He kissed her before she could respond. She could feel herself responding to his touch as he massaged her. He picked her up and her legs wrapped around his waist. She gasped at the pain in her side but it was soon forgotten as he pushed her softly against the wall. He kissed her neck as her head started to spin. "What were you saying about slow, my love?" He murmured into her neck. She couldn't comprehend. She was breathing heavy as his mouth was still on her neck. She could feel his manhood tight in his pants. Never had he taken such a short time to get her wound up. He could make the emotion rise, with a look at the table, across the garden, when he was talking to anyone, even when he rode and left for a hunt. She would have to call after him and kiss him in an attempt to settle. But never, had he brought her so close to climax, in such a short time. He began to laugh and set her onto feet. "Now is not the time love." He kissed her forehead. "I will have you better, before we did anything of that."
"Ned…" She was breathless, "Please, I was only jesting." She was flushed, he didn't want to leave her feeling like she did, it was hard to stop himself, but he would not harm her further.
"We need to change your bandages and clothes. Do you want me to fetch Maester Luwin?" She shook her head.
"You can do it love." He kissed her forehead before fetching the bandages.

When he returned she had regained control. She brushed her hair and put clothes on the bed. Her dress was a light blue, while her robe was a darker shade. She knew Ned liked this outfit. It was pay back for what he did. She left her hair out, the way he liked it. He liked how it flowed like red rivers. He stopped in his spot when he saw her. If she wore her Tully colours she would be a replica of their wedding day. He felt himself stir. He took several deep breaths to control himself. He thought of Tywin Lannister. It did the trick. He began to laugh when he pictured him in dancing in Cersei's gowns. Catelyn felt offended, "What is so funny my lord?"
"Not you, my love," he could see she was offended. As quick as she was at hiding her emotions, he could read her too easily. "I was picturing Lord Tywin in Cersei's gowns." She looked shocked but smirked.
"Why would you think of it? He would have to be on death's road to even think of doing it himself." She was right, he knew it, but it would make a good joke at a feast if the man didn't have so many ears.
"I had to. You look like you did on our wedding. You know what your hair always does. After before, it is hard to think about my duties." She smiled and kissed him, they both knew they had obligations, but Ned could only think of taking care of his wife in that moment. He looked at the bed, "You are planning on that outfit today, love?"
"I am." She smiled, "Shall we change my bandages.

He took her to her bed and gentle placed her beneath him, removing her clothing slowly to not injure further harm her. She gasped as his fingers ran over her wound. His fingers hovered over the spot and he kissed it softly. "Never again will I let you leave my sight, Cat. If you ever run, I will leave my duties immediately and follow you."
She ran her fingers through his hair and looked into his eyes. "You will never have to love." He kissed her soundly on the lips and moved to her neck down her body and back up. "Ned…"
"Soon, my love… soon" He took his time, and was careful. After his previous show, he wanted to her to know how important it was that they took their time. That each second together was a blessing from the gods, old and new. When he removed his clothing and the rest of hers he entered her. Setting the pace, she smiled up at him as he gently put his weight on her, making sure she was not in pain. "Ned." She whispered. "Wait, something is wrong." She sounded like she was in pain. He stopped and looked in her eyes.
"My lord?" Quick knocks came from the door, Ned and Catelyn looked at each other. Both did not want to leave the other. She pulled him close and kissed him to show she would wait. Ned got up and put his robe on. He answered the door to Maester Luwin, "My lord, I'm sorry for disturbing, but I forgot to mention something when you came to me before. Lady Stark may not have been…"
"She wasn't." Lord Eddard was harsh in his reply. The thought brought chills to his bones more than the Winter of the North did. "I have spoken to her about it already."
"Yes m'lord, but I thought, she may have been with child. I was just looking through a book and came across it. Serious pain, injury can cause the loss." Ned froze. "It is best to wait awhile before any activity my lord, just in case." Ned put a hand over his face.
"Thank you Maester. We will be down shortly."
"Of course my lord." Ned shut the door and looked at Catelyn.
"Cat, it is best we do not continue." He looked at her. She had her eyes closed and looked pained. "Catelyn?"
He saw blood on the bed, how did he not notice. "I think that is best to Ned." He sat her up enough to redo her bandages. He didn't know what to tell her. They were careful, but obviously had a need to be close that neither realised how strong that need was. He stood her up and helped her dress. She looked pail.
"Are you hungry my love?"
"A little, who was at the door?" She inquired.
"Maester Luwin came to inform me of something. Cat, is it possible you were with child that night?" She walked to the window and looked across the court yard. "Cat?" He became nervous. He dressed himself before walking over to her. "My love, I cannot read your mind, please tell me what you are thinking." She turned and rested her head on his chest. No words were needed as she began to cry.
"I cannot do it Ned. I want to give you another child. I need to."
"We have plenty of time for that love. Let us eat. Rob needs you right now." She nodded her head. As they reached the door, Ned turned her for one last hug, "No one needs to know of this. We can keep this to ourselves if you prefer."
"I would like that." She kissed him as they walked out the door.