AUTHOR'S NOTE: I honestly did not expect to get this chapter written so quick! But, I am really happy with this chapter, so I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!

Thanks again to my wonderful beta, harrylee94, you rock!

Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing, I'm just writing for fun. Lines taken from the book, A Game of Thrones, are highlighted in italics.

Robb

Chaos reigned in the days after the hunt. Their group had returned to find Arya Stark missing and Joffrey injured. Confusion surrounded the events which had taken place at the Trident, with Joffrey telling anyone who could hear that he had been set upon by Arya's direwolf at the order of her master.

Robb did not believe his older brother. Arya may be impulsive, but Robb had spent enough time with the young Stark to know that she was not malicious. Arya would not act so rashly without reason. And Joffrey. Joffrey seemed to be a Lannister through and through. Once bandaged, he had smugly declared that Arya was truly done for now. His arrogance about the entire situation left Robb's blood boiling.

The girl herself could not be found. Lord Eddard had sent men out to search for this youngest daughter the very moment he knew she was gone, and Robb had joined Lord Stark's men when he could, but his mother was unhappy at his involvement, for a Prince of the Seven Kingdoms was not supposed to "trudge around in the mud like and animal." Lord Eddard had even put aside his duties as Hand to lead searches himself, but to no avail.

Robb was worried about Arya. If she didn't want to be found, she wouldn't be. Joffrey had spent his days complaining about his injuries to their mother, although Robb had seen him laughing with the Lannister guards often enough. Robb had also noticed his absence at their father's side; he had been certain that Joff would have been moaning about his ordeal almost constantly to the king, but his thoughts seemed to be ill-founded. Robert Baratheon had been in a foul mood since his eldest son had been brough back to the holdfast. And not because of Joffrey's injury, Robb suspected, but because he knew he would have to face Ned over their children's actions and subsequent punishments.

It had been three days since Arya had disappeared. They royal party had made themselves the uninvited and rather unwelcome guests of Lord Darry, who's castle was half a day's ride south of the Trident. Search parties were being lead on both sides of the great river, day and night.

It was early on the fourth day, and Robb found himself breaking his fast with his father in the chambers given over to him by Lord Darry. Robert Baratheon's deep, serious eyes analyzed his son.

"Tell me true, boy. Do you believe Joff's story?" The King spoke suddenly, and Robb was caught unaware by the nature of the question. Although, after a moment's comprehension, he suspected that was what his father wanted.

"No." If Robb's blunt answer surprised his father, he gave no indication of it.

The King sighed noisily before speaking again. "This wolf business, I don't like it one bit. I know fine well your mother will want retribution for Joff's injury. Can't say I want to give it to her."

"The direwolves protect their masters," Robb explained. "Nymeria wouldn't have gone for Joff unless Arya was in some kind of danger. As for Arya herself... She's wild, I'll admit but she's not spiteful. If Arya wanted to do anything to Joff, it would be a mischievous prank, not a hateful attack, Your Grace."

The King's eyes snapped up to meet those of his son, the formality of Robb's address taking him by surprise.

"I suppose you've spent enough time with her since we left Winterfell to know better than I. Or your mother, for that matter. Cersei won't be appeased though, I warn you now. It's best that girl's found sooner rather than later, to get this business over with."

Robb knew his father had the truth of it. His mother's wrath had been terrible when Joff had been carried into the holdfast.

"What of Sansa? Has anyone spoken to her about the incident?" asked Robb. It was common knowledge than Sansa Stark had been present at the Trident, for it was her that had riden back to get help.

"I've asked Ned to speak to her, but it seems she refuses to talk."

Robb nodded, sighing. "It can't be an easy situation for her, father. She either gets her sister into more trouble, or she upsets the royal family," Robb said, hoping his father would understand.

"If Joffrey's done wrong, he needs to be held accountable. He shall be King one day, this childish nonsense has to stop. All I want is the truth."

In all honesty Robb was surprised his father was thinking so clearly about the situation. Although when it came to House Stark, Robert Baratheon did tend to take things more seriously.

"Perhaps you could talk to her? The truth may be revealed easier if she doesn't have to talk to her father or myself."

Robb blinked in surprise. "If you think it's best, father." Whether Sansa would tell him anything was a mystery, but if it helped settle the matter before them it was worth a try. Robb's nerves increased when he realised this would be his first proper conversation with the eldest Stark daughter.

"When should I talk to h... " Robb was stopped mid-sentence by a loud knock at the door.

Ser Barristan entered the King's chambers, and relayed his news:

"The Stark girl has been found, Your Grace. She was brought back by Jory Cassel, one of the Stark men. It seems Lannister guards were on the gate, and your lady wife has been informed. They await you in the audience chamber."

"Damn that woman," the King grumbled, before remembering himself in front of his son. Robb was no fool when it came to his parents' marriage, but his father and mother still made attempts to remain civil where the other was concerned in front of their children. "It may be no use you talking to the Stark girl. Her voice may be heard sooner rather than later, willingly or not."

Father and son soon made their way down to the audience chamber, escorted by Barristan Selmy. When they entered the room, the tension was palpable. Arya stood with Jory in the centre of the room, with Joff and his mother standing to the left side of the seat which had remained vacant for the King. As his father sat himself in the seat, Robb took his place at the right side of the chair.

The silence stretched on for what seemed like days before Lord Eddard burst through the door. Robb smiled slightly as he made his way to his youngest daughter, sweeping her into his arms. His smile faltered when he heard the sound of Arya sobbing into her father's chest.

"Are you hurt?" Lord Eddard asked his youngest daughter.

"No, just hungry," Arya replied, sniffing.

"We'll remedy that soon enough." The Hand of the King smiled reassuringly at Arya, standing up and placing his hands comfortingly on her shoulders. His gaze turned to Robert. "What is the meaning of this? Why was I not told my daughter had been found?"

Robb turned to look at this mother as Cersei Lannister made her voice heard. "How dare you speak to the King in such a manner."

"Silence woman," snapped Robert, before looking up at his friend. "I'm sorry it happened like this Ned. My wife thought it best to bring the child here first. I arrived moments before you."

"Joff's already told us his version of events. Arya, I want to hear what you have to say. Tell me true, it is a great offence to lie to a King." The King spoke gently to Arya, or as gently as a man the size of Robert Baratheon could.

Arya's tale was very different to the version Joffrey had been relaying for days now. Arya faltered not once, and even ventured to far as to make eye contact with the King and Queen, as well as throwing a couple of glares at Joffrey. When Arya's eyes turned to Robb, he gave her an encouraging smile.

Renly Baratheon diffused the tension slightly when he began to chuckle as Arya's tale reached the point of her throwing Joffrey's sword into the Trident. His elder brother quickly ordered him out of the room, and Renly went gladly, still laughing.

As Arya's story came to an end, Robb noticed that his father was looking at her thoughtfully.

"That's not what happened," whined Joffrey noisily. "I've told you what really happened."

"Yes, I imagine most present in this room have heard your version through word of mouth. But, I want you to tell the tale again. I want you to look these people in the eye, knowing you'll be their King one day, and tell the truth. Do you hear me Joffrey? All I want from you is the truth." The room was silent as the King spoke to his eldest son. Robb could tell by the looks on most faces that their King had surprised them with his words.

Robb felt only pride.

As Joffrey stepped forwards into the centre of attention, Robb knew instantly that it was going to be the same story he's been spouting ever since the incident. After the blond prince had finished, Robert Baratheon sighed as Joffrey finished his very different tale; though the tale was no different than any other time he had told it, the flare had gone, and his eyes lingered on the floor, as though they were heavy; weighed down by the lies behind them.

"What am I to make of this? He says one thing, she says another." The King looked around the room, as if the solution would magically come to him.

It was then Lord Stark spoke up. "They were not the only two present, Your Grace. Sansa, come here. Tell us what happened."

Sansa made her way forward timidly. Robb had not even noticed her enter the room. Her red hair was plaited in a simple Northern style, opposed to the more intricate Southern fashions he had grown accustomed to seeing sport in the weeks since they had left Winterfell. Sansa suited the modest Northern style, he thought.

"I... I don't know, I can't remember," Sansa muttered, looking from Joff to Arya. "Everything happened so fast, I..."

"Liar!" Arya screamed as she charged at her sister. "Liar, liar, liar, liar."

Sansa had been knocked to the ground. Robb surged forward before he could stop himself. Lord Stark had also moved quickly to pull Arya away from her elder sister. Robb bend down to check on Sansa.

"Are you alright? he asked softly, offering Sansa his hand.

Sansa Stark accepted his offered hand shakily. She nodded absent mindly, her eyes fixed on Arya. Remembering herself quickly, she flattened her skirts and turned to face Robb. She offered him a small smile. "Yes, my lord, thank you."

"You see, the girl's as wild as her beast," Robb heard his mother say. "Robert, I want her punished."

"Seven hells, Cersei, she's a child. Children fight. Ned, you discipline your daughter, and I shall do the same with my son."

"So you care not of the scars Joff will carry for the rest of his life?" the Queen asked boldly.

King Robert stilled, before turning to face his eldest son. "Everyone bears scars, each one a lesson to be learned from."

Robert Baratheon made to exit the audience chambers before his wife spoke again. "And what of the direwolf beast that savaged your son?"

"Damn, I had forgotten about the wolf," Robert said irritably.

Robb noticed Arya tense at the mention of Nymeria. Jory Cassel spoke up quickly, "There was no trace of the direwolf, Your Grace."

King Robert did not look unhappy at this news. "No? So be it."

"A hundred golden dragons to the man who brings me its skin!" commanded the Queen, voice raised.

"A costly pelt. I want no part of this. You can damn well buy your furs with Lannister gold," the King argued, voice growing in anger. "The beast will be long gone by now. There is no wolf, let that be the end of it."

"We have a wolf." Joffrey spoke quietly, but triumph glittered in his green eyes.

Silence filled the room, as everyone comprehended the words of the Crown Prince. Robb felt his stomach drop as the the implications of his brother's statement dawned on him, but the Queen was the first to react:

"Ser Ilyn, you heard your prince. Kill the beast."

A shout went up from Eddard Stark: "You cannot allow this, Your Grace."

Robb watched as his father looked at his oldest friends with flat, dead eyes. "I'm sorry Ned, truly. If I could stop this, I would. Cersei will have the direwolf killed one way or another. Better to have it done quickly."

It was then Sansa understood. Robb felt her fall beside him. He managed to grab her arm before she hit the floor, quickly wrapping his other arm around her waist. Sansa's body was racked with sobs. "No, no, please. Lady's a good wolf, she won't do any harm. I'll make sure she won't. Please. Please."

"Lady wasn't there," roared Arya in a fury. "You leave her alone."

"Robert, please, for the love you bear me, and the love you bore my sister. Please. Stop this."

The King glanced at his stoic faced wife, a look of defeat on his face and shook his head. "I'm sorry Ned," was all King Robert Baratheon had to say. Robb had never seen his father look so conflicted. He turned to face his wife. "Damn you, Cersei," he said with loathing.

Eddard Stark steeled himself in front of the King. "Do it yourself then Robert. If you don't have the courage to stop the act, have the courage to carry the act out."

Robb looked on as his father simply walked out of the hall with heavy steps. Sansa continued to sob as he held her in his arms. Robb doubted she even knew who was holding her up.

"Where is the beast?" demanded his mother. Beside her, Joffrey looked on, a smirk defecating his lips. Robb had never hated his brother more. He had no doubt his brother could be a mean spirited individual, but he had never thought Joffrey so cruel as to inflict this kind of pain on the girl who would be his wife. Sansa deserved better.

It was Barristan Selmy who answered his Queen, albeit reluctantly. "Chained up in the yard, Your Grace."

"Send for Ser Ilyn," Robb heard his mother command, her voice never once faltering.

"No." Eddard Stark spoke sharply, staring defiantly at the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. "Jory, take the girls back to their rooms and bring me Ice. If it must be done, I will do it."

Sansa stilled in Robb's embrace. He could not see her face, but Lord Eddard swallowed thickly as he met his daughter's eyes.

"Why would you do such a thing, Stark?" Cersei Lannister asked suspiciously.

"Lady is of the North. She deserves more than a butcher."

Sansa wailed as she was taken from the room, Arya shouted along with her. Sansa was led away by Jory Cassel, although Robb let her go only reluctantly. His mother and Joffrey had slipped quietly from the room, as the Starks grief echoed through the castle's halls. Finding himself on his own, Robb let his feet carry him from the audience chamber and out into the yard, where he found Eddard Stark sitting beside Lady, stroking her thick grey fur in the cold morning air.

Not knowing why, Robb sat down on the other side of Lady. He had not seen much of Sansa's direwolf during their travels, but the wolf accepted his presence with ease. Robb's hand travelled up to the direwolf's head, scratching gently behind her ears.

"Sansa picked well," commented Lord Stark, the man his father referred to so fondly as Ned. "The name Lady suits her perfectly."

"It does, my lord," replied Robb.

"You are truly your fathers son. You referring to me as 'my lord' leaves me as uneasy as it does with your father. I suspect in a different time, Robert would have joined me out here as you have done. His courage has faltered, I fear. At least, some of it. Call me Ned, as your father does."

The two sat in silence, Robb taking in this new development of his relationship with Lord Stark, all the while continuing to adorn Lady with loving attention. Ned and his father had been best friends since childhood, and Robb had grown up listening to his father's stories about their adventures together. To have a man like Eddard Stark compare him so glowingly to his father made Robb swell with pride.

"Sansa did pick well," said Robb finally. "Lady is a beautiful direwolf."

"She's the prettiest of the litter we found, the most gentle, and the most loving," said Ned quietly. "She suited Sansa in a way I could never explain."

It was then Jory brought Ice. "You may go, Robb. You need not witness this."

"No, I'll stay," Robb found himself replying, although he could already feel a lump forming in this throat.

When it was done, Ned spoke to his captain. "Jory, pick four of your best men. They will take the body north and have Lady buried at Winterfell. Cersei Lannister will not have this skin."

Jory departed to pick his men, while Robb walked with Ned. "Why is it you did not allow Ser Ilyn to do as my mother commanded?" Robb asked, allowing the question that had been gnawing away at his thoughts to be voiced.

"The Starks have always believed that the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. Although I did not sentence Lady to her fate, Cersei Lannister would never have the decency to look either person or animal in the eye before condeming them to death," Lord Eddard Stark explained carefully, before pausing. "I'm sorry, young prince. I should not speak of your mother in such a way. My apologies."

Robb made no reply, knowing there was some truth in what the Hand had said. His mother had been unaffected by Sansa's grief as she sentenced Lady to death. Even his father hadn't stopped the atrocity.

The silence that surrounded the pair was crushed when Sandor Clegane and his men galloped back into the courtyard. Robb saw that the Hound had a heavy shape slung over the back of his huge, black destrier.

"No sign of your daughter, Hand," the Hound rasped. "But we've got her little pet." He shoved the shape unceremoniously from his horse, where it landed with a thud.

Robb's heart hammered in his chest as Lord Stark's hand went to pull back the cloak, fearing the familiar sight of grey fur would be revealed beneath. When the cloak was flung back, it was not Nymeria found, but Robb did not breathe a sigh of relief. It was the butcher's boy, Mycah, Robb recalled, covered in dry blood.

"You rode him down?" Ned Stark asked the Hound, anger in his voice.

"He ran," the Hound replied, before laughing. "But not very fast."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I hope you all enjoyed that, thanks for reading.

Reviews would be loved, particularly for this chapter, because I'm curious to see how you liked the interactions etc. I decided to include.

Thanks for the reviews/favourites/follows I got for the last chapter.

All the best until next time!