Ned.

Ned was furious. Furious with himself, with Robert, with Cersei. He paced the throne room, whilst the small council looked on.

'How could you let this happen' he raged 'how could I? Gods be damned Robert, I shouldn't have let you and Cat talk me into letting her come. Now Cersei has her, and who knows what she'll do. She has nothing left to loose'

There was silence before Petyr Baelish spoke 'Lady Sansa will not be harmed I suspect. The queen..' At this Robert growled 'my apologies, the former queen needs insurance'

Ned turned on him 'Littlefinger, you whore mongering wretch, what do you know?'

The calm voice of Barristen Selmy cut in 'Lord Eddard, calm yourself. Baelish is not to blame. If anyone is, it was me. I have a duty to protect, to the King and his guests'

Ned slumped into his seat 'my apologies my lords, but doubtless you understand my concerns. Selmy, it wasn't your fault'

After another period of quiet, Renly chimed in 'so now what. Cersei is gone, with the Lady Sansa and her offspring. Ser Jaime too has vanished, another issue that must be dealt with. I suggest we send the goldcloaks to attend to him'

Selmy shook his head 'No. For his faults, Ser Jaime is a man of the Kingsgaurd. We will deal with him, if your Grace approves'

Robert nodded 'do what you must. Though he's betrayed me, I suspect the Kingslayer isn't to blame. I want him to have a trial'

Selmy stood. 'Then I will leave at once with my brothers'

Now it was Ned's turn to shake his head 'you can't all go. The king still needs protection. I have my men, but they aren't enough'

Selmy paused and nodded 'agreed. Very well. Ser Preston and Ser Meryn will stay in Kings Landing'

'Might I also suggest' Ned continued 'that one of your men is shipped to Dragonstone. As Stannis is now the heir, it seems prudent one of the Kingsgaurd stays with him'

There was a murmur of assent from around the table. Robert now spoke 'I am hearing reports of the men of the Riverlands massing on the boarder of the Westerlands. In addition Ned, it would appear a host, led by Lords Karstark and Umber, is marching south. I don't want another war, can you stop them?'

Ned nodded 'I have sent a Raven to Robb, asking him to waylay them at Winterfell for a while'

Robert grunted 'My thanks. What's more, men of the Vale, the Reach and the Stormlands have arrived, pledging help to rescue the daughter of the hand and bring back Cersei. Pycelle?'

At this, the aged Maester brought out reams of paper from within his grey robes, passing them to Ned 'the major lords who have arrived, Hand'

Ned pursued the papers, before answering 'as you say, we want to avoid a war. Tarly, whilst a good man, may tip us into one. The same can be said for most of the Stormlords. Might I suggest a small host, led by Lord Dondarrion. He's young, but not a fool'

Renly stood. 'I will go and inform Beric myself'

Robert nodded 'whilst you're doing so, the Tyrell boy. Loral?'

'Loras' corrected Renly.

'Whatever the whelps name is. Ask him how he'd like to wear a white cloak?'

Renly nodded and left the room.

Pycelle and Bealish also stood, leaving the king and his hand alone.

'I'm sorry Ned' Robert looked down in shame 'it was I who convinced you to bring Sansa. I thought she'd enjoy the city and court. We could have even arranged her a good marriage. A Martell or a Tyrell. Now, it appears I've doomed her'

Ned up his hand on Robert's 'no old friend, the fault is mine. I had my doubts, I knew the danger. And still I said yes'

Robert raised his eyes 'Cat?'

'I just sent a Raven. Ones to Winterfell and The Wall as well'

Robert nodded. 'By the Seven Ned,who would have thought all those years ago, as I fought at the Trident, and you at thAt fucking tower, that we'd be here today. Brothers once more, but still losing what we love'

Ned smiled sadly. 'Let us just hope that war isn't what needs to be done this time'

He returned to the Tower of the Hand alone, and entered his solar. Lady limped over to him, whining, and he absentmindedly scratched her behind her ears. On the large table was a map of Westeros, on which he had been scrawling notes. Various castles and towns were circled, those he suspected would side against the crown in the case of war. Thankfully the circles were few, but many were scarily close to Riverrun. He decided to send a Raven to his wife, telling her it may be wise to return home. Though he doubted Cat would listen to him. Sighing, he left the room, Lady limping behind. He walked without thinking, finding himself in the Godswood. Kneeling before the white tree with the carved face, he started to pray. Here there was no time, no space, just him and the tranquility of the wood. He prayed for Sansa, and for Robert. He played for his wife and children. He prayed for peace and sanity. Finally he prayed, as he always did, for those he had lost, for his father and siblings, and even, though he knew Robert would disapprove, for Rheagar. He was there for a long time, and didn't stir until Robert, accompanied by Ser Preston, came to tell him the news.