The King's Bastard

Chapter 2, Pinebox Serenade

"Sit." Benjen told "You'll be fed… untie them."

"Ah, rapers." Tyrion said as he looked over at Jon "They were given a choice no doubt—castration or the wall. Most choose the knife."

Jon glanced over at the men before looking at the ground.

"Not impressed with your new brothers? Lovely thing about the watch—you discard your old family and get a whole new one."

"Why do you read so much?" Jon questioned.

"Look at me and tell me what you see." Tyrion told.

"Is this a trick?" Jon asked.

"What you see is a dwarf; if I'd been born a peasant they might've left me out in the woods to die. Alas, I was born a Lannister of Casterly Rock, things are expected of me. My father was hand of the king for 20 years."

"Until your brother killed that king." Jon stated.

"…Yes, until my brother killed him. Life is full of these little ironies. My sister married the new king and my repulsive nephew will be king after him. I must do my part for the honor of my house, wouldn't you agree? But how?" The imp asked sarcastically, "Well my brother has his sword and I have my mind and a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone. That's why I read so much Jon Snow."

The two sat in silence before Tyrion spoke again, "And you? What's your story, bastard?"

"Ask me nicely and maybe I'll tell you, Dwarf." Jon answered.

"Ah, I forget. My niece tells me time and time again that you bastards don't like to be called what you are." Tyrion nodded as Jon looked at the ground again. He had been trying his best not to think about her. "A bastard boy with nothing to inherit, off to join the ancient order of the Night's Watch, alongside his valiant brothers-in-arms."

"The Night's Watch protects the realm from-" Jon started but was cut off.

"Ah, yes yes, against grumpkins and snarks and all the other monsters your wet nurse warned you about. You're a smart boy. You don't believe that none sense." Tyrion reached for his canister before tossing it to the boy, "Everything's better with some wine in the belly."

Jon caught it before opening it and chugging most of it down. The boy couldn't take the guilt of leaving her or maybe he couldn't take the fact that maybe he made a very wrong decision. Tyrion glanced at him before looking at his book.

"What did you do to her?" Tyrion questioned as he turned the page of his book

"To who?" Jon replied, knowing what the dwarf was mentioning.

Tyrion looked up from his book and to the bastard boy, "I'm not an idiot, Jon Snow. I've seen many virgins become non-virgins. Tell me… what if you had gotten her pregnant? She may very well be right now and here you are off to join the Night's Watch."

Jon gave Tyrion back his canister, ignoring the half-man

"She's very much like her father. A drunk, I'm sure you've noticed." Tyrion tilts his head as the boy stared at the ground, "I think you made a big mistake, I'm sure you think so too."

Alora scoffed at her half-brother who had been flirting with Sansa. The sight made her want to throw up. The girl poured herself another glass of wine when hers had emptied. She took a sip of her drink as she watched Joffrey walk off with the ginger girl, leaving behind her wolf. Alora called for the direwolf and she did as she was told.

"Hello beautiful girl." Alora held out her hand so she could sniff her. Lady rubbed her head on her hand as a sign that she could pet her. Alora smiled at Lady as she ran her fingers through her soft fur, "Your such a lovely girl, huh? You want to keep me company, gorgeous?" Lady sat next to Alora's feet as an answer to her question. Alora leaned back in her chair again before chugging the rest of her glass. The girl had a habit of drinking her emotions away, though it wasn't a good one, it made her feel better.

Alora went to pour another glass before she saw her father come into sight.

"Where've you been, girl?" Robert questioned his daughter.

The girl went to open her mouth and she held her finger up as she were to say something but she thought of nothing.

"Have you been drinking again, child?" Robert asked as he tilted her chin up to look him in the eye "Don't lie to me."

"Only six cups…" Alora replied and Robert gave her a look "Okay, nine."

"Do as a I say, not as I do." Robert scolded.

"Why does it even matter? I'm no princess or your heir. I'm just a bastard, am I not allowed to drink?" Alora slurred

"Careful, girl." Robert warned

"I believe you." Alora whispered to Arya as Lord Stark walked in.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Arya pleaded as he father held her.

"Are you hurt?" Ned asked.

"No." Arya cried.

"Oh, it's all right." Ned consoled as he pulled his youngest daughter into an embrace before looking at Robert, "What is the meaning of this? Why was my daughter not brought to me at once?"

Alora watched the scene as much as she could through drunken eyes.

"How dare you speak to your king in that manner?" Cersei spoke.

"Quiet, woman." Robert warned as he looked at the man before him, "Sorry, Ned, I never meant to frighten the girl, but we need to get this business done quickly."

"Your girl and that butchers boy attacked my son." Cersei stated, "That animal of hers nearly tore his arm off."

"That's not true!" Arya shouted, "She just… bit him a little. He was hurting Mycah."

"Joff told us what happened, you and that boy beat him with clubs while you set your wolf on him."

"That's not what happened!" Arya exclaimed.

"Yes it is! They all attacked me and she threw my sword in the river." Joffrey defended.

"Liar!" Arya stated.

"Shut up." Joffrey shouted.

"Enough!" Robert demanded and his bastard daughter chuckled slightly, "He tells me one thing, she tells me another. Seven hells! What am I to make of this? Where's your other daughter, Ned?"

"In bed, asleep." Ned replied.

"She's not." Cersei stated, "Sansa, come here, darling."

Everyone moved out of the way as the red headed girl made her way next to her sister.

"Now, child." Robert said motioning her towards him, "Tell me what happened, tell it all and tell it true. It's a great crime to lie to a king."

Sansa glanced at her father before looking back at the king, "I don't know. I don't remember, it happened so fast. I didn't see."

"Liar!" Arya shouted again as she pulled her sisters hair, "Liar! Liar! Liar!"

"Arya!" Sansa shouted as Alora leaned on the Hound to keep her steady while she tried to keep herself from laughing. Sandor looked over at the drunken bastard before looking back at the scene.

"Hey, stop it! That's enough of that." Ned scolded his children.

"Liar, Liar, Liar!" Arya continued to shout.

"Stop! Arya!" Ned shouted as he pulled her away from her sister.

"She's as wild as that animal of hers." Cersei stated, "I want her punished."

"She's the one that needs to be punished." Alora whispered to Sandor as he let out a sigh.

"What would you have me do? Whip her through the streets?" Robert questioned, "Damn it! Children fight, it's over."

"Joffrey will bear these scars for the rest of his life." Cersei stated and Robert looked at his son.

"You let that little girl disarm you?" The king said scornfully before looking at Ned, "Ned, see to it that your daughter is disciplined. I'll do the same with my son."

"Gladly, your grace." Ned said before walking away with his daughter.

"What of the direwolf?" Cersei questioned as the two looked back at her, "What of the beast that savaged your son?"

"I'd forgot the damned wolf." Robert scoffed as he looked back at one of his men.

"We found no trace of the direwolf, your grace."

"No? so be it." Robert said as he turned to Ned.

"We have another wolf." Cersei stated.

Robert looked back at his wife then began to walk away, "As you will."

"You can't mean it." Ned pleaded.

"A direwolf's no pet."

"Sansa's wolf has done nothing to harm anyone, your grace." Alora slurred.

Robert glanced at his bastard daughter then back at Ned, "Get her a dog, she'll be happier for it."

"She doesn't mean lady does he?" Sansa asked her father, "No, not Lady, Lady didn't bite anyone! She's good!"

"Lady wasn't there!" Arya defended, "You leave her alone!"

"Stop them, don't let them do it!" Sansa pleaded her father.

"My queen, surely there is something else you could do." Alora pleaded at her step-mother.

"Why would I take the advice from a drunken bastard?" Cersei didn't look at her. Alora shook her head as she looked at the red headed girl.

"Please, please, it wasn't lady!" Sansa pleaded.

"Is this your command?" Ned asked as he turned towards Robert, "Your grace?"

Robert ignored his hand as he walked out.

It had taken a little more than a month for them to arrive in King's Landing. Alora wasn't too happy about it but she's glad she's home. The girl sprawled out on her bed, taking in the smells and the heat of her home. She missed it.

"My Lady?"

Alora sighed and glanced over at her handmaiden then back at the ceiling before standing up.

"Did you enjoy your vacation away from me, love?" Alora questioned as she poured herself a glass of wine.

"You're stomach has swelled." Ginevra stated.

"That's rude." Alora pouted but was taken by surprise when she had grabbed onto her breast, "Ginevra? What are you doing?"

"When was the last time you bled?" Ginevra questioned as she took her hand back.

Alora went to answer and realized, "Now that I think about it… I'm not sure."

Ginevra took the glass from Alora's hands and set it down on the table, "You won't be drinking for a long while, my lady."

"Surely, the change of climate has set me off." Alora shook her head in disbelief.

"I am the oldest of many siblings, my lady, I know the signs." Ginevra stated, "My lady, you're with child."

The Next Day

Alora heard a knock on her bedroom door, causing the girl to sigh.

"Come in."

Alora glanced towards the door and saw her Uncle Rely come out of it.

"Hello, Uncle." Alora grinned as he pulled her into an embrace

"Alora." Renly replied before pulling away "How was your trip?"

"Eventful." Alora laughed.

"You're handmaiden isn't one for secrets." Renly mentioned.

Alora stared at Renly for a few seconds, "What is she saying?"

"I think you know what she's saying." Renly grinned, "I'm sure congratulations are in order. I'm sure the only people that know right this moment is Lord Baelish and Varys."

"Oh, yes, That makes it better." Alora sighed, "You cannot let this get to the King."

"No promises." Renly chuckled, "Who impregnated you, if I may ask?"

Alora glanced at the wall before looking back at her Uncle, "Jon Snow."

"Ned Stark's Bastard?" Renly asked in disbelief, "Does he know?"

"I just found out myself, Uncle, and I'd like it to stay that way." Alora glared at Renly, "Cersei would have my head if she knew I was having a bastard's bastard."

"You can't keep it a secret forever, love." Renly stated.

"Do you think if I got really fat, it would hide it?" Alora questioned before the two started laughing.

"Lady Alora."

Alora glanced back to find Lord Baelish that was a few steps behind her.

"Lord Baelish." Alora replied with a nod of her head.

"Please, call me Petyr." Petyr said as he moved to her side. He had asked her many times before to call him by his name but she had always forgot.

"I apologize, Petyr." Alora told before placing a hand on her stomach. She had remembered what her Uncle Renly had told her.

"I've heard of your little… predicament." Petyr sauntered.

Alora glanced at him as they stopped in front of the iron throne, "Is there something you want from me, Petyr?"

"No, my lady, I just wish to tell you that there is no need to be afraid." Petyr stated, "If you ever need anything… I'm here."

"Thank you, My Lord." Alora thanked, "but I'm not sure it is needed."

"Raising a child on your own is no simple task." Petyr stated.

"I would greatly appreciate it if this would stay between us, Lord Baelish." Alora pleaded, "If my father finds out, he will tell Lord Stark, which will eventually… get to..."

"Jon Snow?" Petyr questioned, causing the girl to look at her feet "I take it you don't want him to know, My Lady?"

"He left." Alora stated, "He's joined the Night's Watch, they take no wives and they father no sons. There is no point in him knowing. He made his choice."

The two were silent before Alora spoke again, "I apologize, My Lord, I didn't mean to tell you my problems. If you don't mind, I have to avoid every wine casket in sight."

The Next Day

"The mere suggestion that the Queen's brother tried to kill your boy would be considered treason." Petyr stated.

"We have proof. We have the blade." Catelyn stated.

"Which Lord Tyrion will say was stolen from him." Petyr mentioned, "The only man who could say otherwise has no throat, thanks to your boys wolf."

Catelyn turned to her husband, "Petyr has promised to help us find the truth. He's like a little brother to me, Ned. He would never betray my trust."

"I'll try to keep you alive, for her sake." Petyr stated, "A fools task, admittedly, but I've never been able to refuse your wife anything."

"I won't forget this." Catelyn promised, "You're a true friend."

"Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain." Petyr mentioned, "Ned? A moment alone, please?"

"Of course." Ned said as Catelyn nodded and left the room.

"The king's bastard…" Petyr started.

"What of her?" Ned questioned.

"The girl is pregnant." Petyr admitted, "With your bastard son's child."

Ned stared at him for a long while, "Are you sure?"

"Her handmaiden tells me." Petyr mentioned, "Lady Alora has even stopped drinking. She asked of me not to tell anyone when I approached her about it. Foolish that she admitted."

"Does King Robert know?" Ned questioned.

"No. I think she made sure of that. She can't keep it a secret for long." Petyr stated.

Alora stared at the pitcher full of sweet wine. She imagined the cold beverage running down her throat and making the pain go away. Alora felt a rough hand land on her shoulder which caused her to jump.

"Lord Stark, I apologize." Alora apologized, placing a hand on her racing heart.

"No apologies, my lady." Ned smiled down at her, "May I sit?"

"Of course, My Lord." Alora motioned towards the empty chair and turned to her hand maiden, "Replace this pitcher with water, would you?"

Ginevra did as she was told and took the pitcher and left. Ned had fully believed that she was with child now. He had never seen the girl without a glass in her hands.

"What do I owe the pleasure, my Lord?" Alora questioned.

"I had a conversation with Lord Baelish." Ned stated.

Alora knew immediately that he knew, "What did he say?"

"That you were with child." Ned replied, "Were you to tell my son?"

"I wasn't, no." Alora looked at Ned.

"Don't you think he has a right to his child?" Ned asked.

"I did not mean to offend you, My Lord." Alora stated, "I just thought it was best."

"Do as you wish, My Lady." Ned replied, "I just want what is best for him."

"I'm just heartbroken, My Lord… I will eventually write him."

"Knock, Knock." Alora said as she walked into the Blacksmith.

"Alora!" Gendry exclaimed as he immediately embraced Alora.

"Hello, gorgeous, I've missed you." Alora giggled as she took his face in her hands before placing a kiss on his forehead.

"Enjoy Winterfell?" Gendry questioned.

"You could say that." Alora replied, "Let me get a look at you."

Alora stepped back a couple paces and took in how much her little brother has grown.

"Your work has done you good." Alora stated.

Gendry laughed at his sister, "You've got fat."

"How mean!" Alora pouted, "That's actually why I've came to visit this time around."

"Oh god, what is it?"

"You're to be an Uncle soon." Alora admitted.

"You're joking?"

"I wish I was, love."

"Who was he, I'll kill 'em." Gendry crossed his arms.

"No, no need." Alora laughed, "but I do need to keep this visit short, me doing this is dangerous for the both of us."

"Yeah, yeah, leave me again."

"Oh don't do that to me." Alora frowned before kissing his forehead again, "Love you, I'll try to visit again before I blow up."

Alora walked out of the Blacksmith to be greeted by the sight of Ned Stark.

"Lord Stark, what are you doing here?" Alora questioned.

"Thought it would be nice to get out of the Castle." Ned replied, "What are you doing out… with no guards?"

"I needed to be alone." Alora shrugged.

"You're not a very good liar."

"I've been told." Alora nodded, "Have a good day, My Lord."

"I know for a fact that some of the officers go to that brothel in mole's town." Sam stated as he scrubbed the table.

"I wouldn't doubt it." Jon agreed.

"Don't you think it's a little bit unfair? Making us take our vows while they sneak off for a little sally on the side." Sam mentioned.

"Sally on the side?" Jon questioned.

"It's silly, isn't it?" Sam grinned, "What? We can't defend the wall unless were celibate? It's absurd."

"I didn't think you'd be so upset about it." Jon stated.

Sam stopped scrubbing and looked at him, "Why not? Because I'm fat?"

Jon sighed and stopped scrubbing himself, "No-"

"But I like girls just as much as you do… they might not like me much." Sam stated, "I've never—been with one. You've probably had hundreds." He smirked.

"No." Jon stopped, "Just one."

"I find that hard to believe." Sam looked over at Jon, "Was she.. old and ugly?"

"Young and gorgeous." Jon sat on the table, "The king's bastard… Alora."

"The King's Bastard? How the hell did you do that?"

"We knew each other when we were seven." Jon replied.

"What color hair?" Sam questioned.

"Brown." Jon replied.

"Oh, I like brunettes." Sam mentioned before motioning his hands to his imaginary breasts, "And her, um... her?" Sam became flustered as he grabbed his chest indicating her breasts.

Jon smiled slightly as he played with the table, "You don't want to know."

"That good?" Sam asked in disbelief.

"Better." Jon grinned.

"If you had her… why exactly did you come here?" Sam questioned and Jon's smile fell from his face.

"I regret it."

"I hope you decide before we have to take our vows."

"Me too."

A/N: Second Chapter. I feel it's a bit rushed but this is a span over time xD anyways i hope you guys like it. let me know how you feel about the chapters and such