Upstairs Ned Stark could hear the unfamiliar sound of Arya and Sansa giggling about something hysterical. This was a change he was not expecting in the household as everyone has always seen the two sisters as rivals. Now it seemed that they couldn't get enough of each other.
In the yard, Jon and Robb were sparring for their fencing meet tomorrow. Jon fought effortlessly, so much so that even Robb had trouble keeping up. Their only spectator, Bran, sat beneath the huge oak tree in the yard. Once again, his head was deep inside a book.
The scene was familiar, however there was only one difference. Beside each of Ned's children was a wolf pup. Jon and Robb's pups was play-fighting, similarly to their owners, but were wary enough to not get under the feet of their duelling masters. Almost as beautifully obedient was Bran's pup, Summer, who sat beside him and watched the others with cool distance.
Ned knew that whilst she was entertaining Arya, Sansa was dressing Lady like the pretty puppy she had in mind. Most likely Arya was absent-mindedly stroking Nymeria after their lengthy training session this morning. The youngest Stark girl intended to train her pup to perfection.
The pups were a perfect addition to the Stark household and each child was handling his or hers perfectly. Aside from the occasional droppings on the carpet, none had gone hungry or bothered the neighbours. Ned supposed he should worry about how this could change after they grow to full size but he wasn't. He was sure that each of his children could handle their wolf once full-grown. Although he was convinced that Arya was training hers to attack the eldest Lannister boy. Ned smiled to himself. Well, he thought, there are worse things.
He almost considered going up to see his two daughters, to confirm the blasphemous image of them getting along. But no teenage girl wants to be interrupted by her lame father, as previously quoted by Cat after a long chat with Sansa, so he thought better of it. Instead he proceeded to watch the boys train.
Before he could reach the side door, however, the Stark's doorbell rang through the house. Ned's brow furrowed. Who could possibly be calling in on this late Friday afternoon?
After opening the door, Ned found the visitor to be none other than Petyr Baelish, the Lannisters' sneaky lawyer. Ned only recognised him because he seemed to follow the family like a lost pup. Appearing everywhere the Lannister family went like he was practically one of them.
"Baelish? What brings you 'round?" said Ned in a friendly manner.
Mr Baelish plastered a very fake yet very polite smile to his lips however it only rippled across one half of his face. His mouth told of friendliness, but his eyes spoke of threat.
"I come on behalf of the Lannisters," said the lawyer in his heavily accented voice, "they wish to send their regards of the fine job you and your boy are doing at the animal shelter. Robert is of course the mayor and he is very impressed with you."
Confusion immediately hit Ned as he replayed Mr Baelish's words in his mind. There had to be a "but" in there somewhere. The Lannisters don't just "send their regards" without some sort of ulterior motive. Ned treaded carefully.
"Tell him that's very kind of him. Robb is becoming a very fine manager of the shelter. As a father, I'm very proud of him."
Baelish nodded slowly to himself, "yes, of course. Unfortunately, the Lannisters do have another issue with your boy that concerns their own son. You do know Joffrey, I believe?"
Ned inwardly cringed. He knew the boy but wished he didn't. He nodded.
Baelish smirked for some strange reason, "it would seem, most peculiarly, that Joffrey believes that your sons, both adopted and not, have some sort of vendetta against him. He was rather shaken up about it." Ned could see how that scenario went down in his head. It sounded similarly to Joffrey just throwing a tantrum.
"You wouldn't have any idea where he would have gotten this notion, would you?" Baelish concluded.
Ned honestly had no idea. Neither Robb nor Jon had spoken a word about the Lannister boy and neither of his sons appeared to have any issue with him. Robb always appeared to be so chipper and Jon threw himself into his athletics. None of the boys said anything. But of course, Ned knew, that didn't mean that there wasn't anything there.
"I wouldn't have a clue. But if it will improve things I'll talk to Robb and Jon about what happened the night of the sleepover and, if it comes to it, tell them to smooth things over with Joffrey." He had no intention of doing the latter but there was definitely some investigating to do over what happened the night of the sleepover.
"It would be much appreciated" said Mr Baelish with no emotion in his voice, "the Lannisters would also like to remind you that they not only own your shelter but they also own this town. If this issue isn't resolved they will have no choice but to take action." The fake smile refused to dissipate from the other man's face.
Ned bit his cheek, "this sounds an awful lot like a threat from Cersei Lannister. She wouldn't happen to be the one instigating all of this would she?"
The smile faltered for just a moment on Baelish's face. "Mrs Lannister, along with the rest of her family, just wishes to inform you of the consequences, no matter how dire they may be, if this matter is not resolved."
Ned translated this in his head. It meant that Cersei would be keeping a close eye on him and his family for a while after this. He knew, however, that she wouldn't find anything. His family was practically squeaky clean.
Baelish cleared his throat, "It's funny that you mention Cersei Lannister actually. She had this letter addressed to you that she wanted me to pass on." He presented a crisp white envelope that was indeed addressed to 'Eddard Stark'.
Ned opened it with ease and unfolded the letter inside. It was written in strict cursive as if someone had taken a lot of time and effort to write it. The letter read;
Mr Stark,
My family and I are so pleased with the effort you are taking to improve the lives of the animals in our town. You must treat them with a lot of respect.
I only hope that your sons know how to dole out the same respect.
If they ever come near my son again, just know that I will be glad to reply in kind.
And this time I won't be sharing the same heroic mercy that you treat the animals at your shelter with. I would gladly take you and your family down if they so much as harm a hair on my son's head.
Heed my warning, Stark. I'll be watching.
The flamboyant signature was obviously Cersei's but that was obvious from the threatening words. Ned managed to not let any of his wariness show on his face. He remained cool and collected.
"Right. Well you can tell Mrs Lannister that her message has been received and I will repair any damage my sons may have caused." That was a lie. Ned knew that there had no to be no damage. Surely he had raised his sons right.
Now it was Ned's turn to clear his throat, "I trust that you'll deliver my message at the appropriate time?" he held out his hand for Baelish to shake.
The other man complied and stared Ned fully in the face. His eyes were empty pits.
"Dear Mr Stark, it would be wise for me to inform you, never to trust me with anything."
So you all may have noticed something amazing… Welcome to Kingsland has a NEW COVER! Thanks so much to my girl Erin for designing it. Be sure to check her out . I love the new cover so much and it finally makes this story look like something more than it is and I'm so grateful for that.
I also have something to ask of you, the fans, if it's not too much. I've realised that there are some important characters who are too good to just be mere cameos. I would like your ideas in how I should include characters such as Brienne of Tarth, Sam Tarly and possibly Meera and Jojen Reed. Leave a comment if you have any ideas on how these amazing characters can be integrated within the story. If I like our responses I'll probably include them in my future chapters. I look forward to hearing your ideas. Talk soon lovelies. Love Kat xx