Robb and Jon were out riding as they did almost every other day for the past 3 weeks.

"I can't believe we're leaving in a coupe of days," Jon said, sadness visible in his eyes as he kept looking straight ahead.

Robb knows how much his cousin enjoys their visits to Winterfell but it's different this time, it's no longer just about liking the visit to the North but the sadness in returning back to Dragonstone, to the South, to King's Landing. Jon didn't use to feel that way about his home, but now that he is well a man grown, he is no longer oblivious to how some of his relatives from his father's side sees him.

"I know I'll miss having someone to practise sword-fighting and riding around here with," and in an attempt to take Jon's mind off his sadness, "race you back to the gates!" and then quickly rides off leaving his cousin behind.

"Oi!" Jon follows behind and though he was at a disadvantage with his cousin going off with a head-start he soon catches up to him and they arrived at the gate of Winterfell laughing heartily in between panting.


Ned and Catelyn were in their bedroom discussing a proposal Lyanna made earlier that day.

"I don't know Ned, I've never been apart from any of my children, and I don't really intend to be anytime soon." Catelyn stated firmly.

Ned looked at his wife, "It's only for a couple of months, Cat. And like I said, you can always go with them if you do not want to be away from them."

"And leave Rickon here?"

"No, Rickon should go as well. The kids have never been to the South, except for Robb who wasn't even old enough when we brought him there to remember. And I think it's about time they visit. It will be good for them, to see and experience what they only read in books and hear from stories."

That seemed to be a fair point to his wife, "Well, we should talk to them and see how they feel about it. And what about you? Are you going to be alright if we all go to King's Landing and leave you here?"

Ned laughs a little and grabs his wife by the waist, "It will only be a couple months, Cat. And I can always ride south if I could no longer handle missing you."


The ride to King's Landing was long and tiring. But the Stark children, most especially Sansa's spirits were very high as soon as the city was on sight. As their wagons followed by riders entered the city they were all looking out the window all very delighted at the sight of a place very different from their home.

At the castle gates stood Barristan Selmy, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, an older man (in his sixties) but looked strong and graceful and still every bit the skilled knight he was when he was younger; and Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King, a man in his fifties, tall and slender and had a serious un-friendly look on his face; with a few guards waiting for their arrival.

Ser Barristan bows politely, "The kingsroad had been kind to you I hope, my lords and ladies?"

"The road has been very kind, my lord. We didn't experience any troubles of any sort, thank you for asking." Catelyn bows in response.

"Welcome to King's Landing," Tywin bows his head slightly to the Starks still with the rather un-friendly expression on his face which seemed to be a permanent fixture on it. He then turns to Lyanna "The King and Queen and the family as well as the rest of the council are all waiting at the small hall for your arrival, do you wish to go there straight or should I give word that you would like to go to your chambers and freshen up before dining?"

"Has Prince Rhaegar arrived from Dragonstone already?" Lyanna inquires.

"Yes, my princess, he is in the hall waiting as well."

"Then I'll have my stewards bring my things to my chambers and I'll head directly to the small hall," then she turns to Catelyn, "are you good to go, Cat?"

"Yes, I am not too tired from the travel anyway, and I believe the kids are quite hungry as well as excited to look around the castle more."


The small hall wasn't small at all. Sansa thought, it was as big as their great hall in Winterfell if not bigger.

"Why do they call it 'the small hall' when it is far from being small?" she whispers to Jon.

He laughs a little at that, "Because the great hall is double the size of this."

Sansa's eyes widens with delight and excitement. How great would feasts be in a hall as big as that! She could only imagine.

King Aerys II welcomed home his daughter-in-law and grandson and welcomed the Starks, "I am glad you have finally rode south again and paid us a visit, Lady Stark. I'm only disappointed Lord Stark didn't come along."

Catelyn bows her head to the king, "He would not dare neglect his responsibilities taking care of affairs in the North, my king. And he would always say there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. But he sends the best of his regards."

The king aged a lot since Catelyn last saw him about two decades ago, when she last visited King's Landing for Prince Rhaegar and Lyanna's wedding. He used to be handsome and charming just as any Targaryen, with his silver-coloured hair and purple eyes. But now he just looked old. Queen Rhaella, on the other hand, still looked beautiful even in her fifties, she used to look a lot like her brother-husband when they were younger, but now she still looks stunning whereas age and the stress of running seven kingdoms seems to have taken a toll on the king's physical appearance.

Prince Rhaegar stood up to greet his wife and son and family-in-law and after some more exchange of pleasantries between the Starks with the royal family and members of the small council, everyone sat as dinner was served.

Jon and Daenerys sat beside each other and he started telling her about Winterfell and all the activities he did there. She was listening intently, fascinated by the idea of a place she had never been to, so far away and so different. She, in exchange, told him of all recent events that took place in King's Landing in the past couple of weeks. And they laughed together as they enjoyed each others stories and jokes.

Jon and Dany were both unaware of Lyanna, looking at them, watching them. A look filled with worry, concern and fear. Watching the closeness and comfort between them. Suddenly, she felt a squeeze in her hand. Her husband. He knew she was watching the two. He knows what she's thinking. She looked at him, and he gave her a comforting look, a look that says "Everything is going to be alright" but somehow she knew that was not entirely true. At least not in accordance with what she believes would be 'alright' and not.