I heard Ghost's desperate whining and scratching. I was sitting in the main room of Winterfell trying to figure out what in seven hells I was going to do. They told me taking Winterfell was going to be hard but keeping it, fixing it, that was so much harder. The Bolton's army, split between Dreadfort and here pledged their swords to Lord of Winterfell. In earnest they hated their lords' cruel ways. My fingers dug into the table, fuck the Boltons. Fixing the aftermath of this was going to take a long time and might not ever be fixed. I had seen the lost looks in my siblings eyes, little Rickon traumatised by the whole ordeal. Arya was first and foremost just angry. She was always angry that little spitfire, she wanted to kill Ramsey herself. Sansa was holding herself together but I could see the despair. All of them were terrified by what happened but Alysh. Gods Alysh, I could not do it. Watching her tear herself apart. Her small body now made her look barely more than a child. She was filled with terror, the things she went through unspeakable. My hand on the table gripped tightly, my fingers painful at the contact. What he did to her, it was unthinkable. Rage filled me and I wanted my brother in that moment, he was the closest thing to my father now. What would he do? How would he help her? I needed him now to tell me what to do, how to contain this rage I held. Ghost howled and I released the table, trying to figure out what the damn dire was making a fuss of. By the time I followed the noise to Alysh's room the wolf was quiet. I could just see his hind end sticking the room and I approached I could hear him growl. Was he growling at me? When I got closer I understood why he was growling at me. Alysh was holding his large frame, I had notice how large he had gotten even in the time she had been away. She was tiny, holding onto his white fur torso. She was gripping like he was the last thing in the world holding her to this earth. Perhaps he was. She looked up at me as I stood over the two of them and she flinched at my gaze. I softened everything, sliding to the floor beside her. I did not want her to fear me, I would never hurt her like they did. She had gone through so much, I did not need to add to it. Ghost between us but I could see her eyes hiding in his fur as she cried. She was sobbing again, desperate sounds like she was drowning. What could I do? She spoke before I could think of anything, her voice cracking and painful, "I wish I were dead." Everything in me shattered, all the love I held for her crushed. How could she ever say that?
"Never say that," I spoke back, slightly too roughly and she flinched from my rough words and Ghost stiffened between us. I would never hurt her, boy, I thought to the wolf.
"All I can feel is him, his hands, his teeth, his fingers in me. I want it all to stop, but I am not sure it ever will," I cringed at her words, unable to imagine the pain of being violated like that. Ghost sat down and then her small hand was on me, gripping my arm tightly. "Help me Jon," She cried softly and I could not. I did not know what to do, how to help her.
"I can not. I do not know how," I begged her and that made her cry more her hand slipping from my arm. Desperately winding my brain to think of something to say that might make it better. "I will always be here, I know I have not been but that changes. Even if you do not want to see me, touch me, nothing, that is fine but I will be here. I will always love you," She was shaking her head when I speaking, not looking at me anymore but into the fur of my dire. I wanted to take away the tears that were flowing down her face, the fear in her bones. I wanted to hold her to touch her and make her feel better. But I knew it was not that simple anymore.
"How do you know?" She asked softly, know what? She looked up at me, red eyed and tearful. Her eye contact on unwavering as she spoke. "How do you know you still love me?" I let out a shaking breath at her question thinking of the child she was carrying, my child. How could she think I would not love her? Ramsey, the Boltons are the answer to that. That is why she believes I would not love her anymore. I realised that was likely the cause of some part of her terror, the fear that me, or Robb, would hate her for this event. That we would be mad that she slept with Ramsey. That would be more painful than Ramsey, at least psychologically for her.
"Will you let me hold you?" I asked softly and her brown eyes, filled with such fear and sadness, looked at me. She nodded slightly and we both pushed Ghost slightly away, he did not seem to mind us pushing him away. She took my hand and I pulled her up and slowly into a tight hug. "I am so sorry. I do love you, I am furious this happened to you. I just know I love you," I promised her. She was gripping onto me tightly like I would let her go. We stood there and soon I led her back over to her bed, lying her down on the fur. She was still crying but now only quiet racking sobs. I placed a kiss on her cheek as I unraveled my arms from under her small body. "I love you," I whispered over and over again until she could believe it again, even if it took years.
The next morning I awoke my throat sore and face streaked from tears. Jon was gone, but I remember his words, I love you, I love you. Over and over again he whispered it with a soft kiss on my cheek. I changed into my stark green dress, glad I still had it. I grabbed the pink and red dress bringing it down outside and tossing into the fire that Jon's men lit for the banners. They all smiled as they watched the dresses and banners burn. It was later when I watched a man drag Ramsey outside. He was already close to death, we were doing him a favour. One he did not deserve.
"You are very lucky to have a women like that. Her skin so soft, it bruises easily too, a little rough handling. I think she really liked that, being ordered around," He was speaking loudly to Jon who walked behind him. Jon's face was set, I knew it took him a lot to control his emotions in times like this. The men all looked at me and I just stood quietly, hands clasp together. Fear was pulsing through my veins despite knowing there was no way he could hurt me from over there. "Alysh why did not you tell your husband you like being pushed around? Or am I your husband? I guess it is hard to tell now..." Jon was looking at me and I just stared back before putting my attention back on Ramsey being lowered down onto the block. "I am sure any of you would like a go with her, trust me it is worth it," I could see Jon clenching his fist and I shook my head. I just wanted it to be over. No violence, no torture, just over. "She was very compliant, too compliant. Asking me to fuck her, begging for my cock in her," The other men cringed at his words, none dared to snicker. Jon unsheathed his sword. "She takes cock down her mouth like a pro, did you teach her that Stark?"
"Any last words, Lord Ramsey of House Bolton, before I sentence you to death?" Jon asked mechanically.
"Enjoy her Jon Stark, I really did," He said simply, he looked up at me his blue eyes meeting mine before Jon raised the sword and lowered it on his neck, slicing right through. There was no anger his eyes, no betrayal. Only that normal smirk on his face, even as he died. There was no relief in me as I watched him die, no happiness that he was dead. What was wrong with me? I looked up to see Sansa, Bran, Arya, and Rickon watching as well, all of them looking relieved. The body and head were taken away to be burned with his father as well. Jon wiped his sword before sheathing it and coming down towards me. Why was I not relieved? I wanted to be, I wanted to be happy that he was dead but all I felt was dread.
"You did not have to come," Jon said softly, his eyes look drained. I wonder how long he would been listening to Ramsey ramble on about me, what Ramsey had told him about what we did.
"I did," Jon gave a slight nod, I thought about his eyes as he looked at me. Blue eyes will haunt me now. "How long was Ramsey talking for?" I asked softly, the men began to disperse back to their jobs, a few of them giving me looks as they walked by. Jon glared at a few of them and they scurried off quickly, afraid of my husband.
"A while. Far too long," Jon conceded, I sighed looking around at the Stark banners being lowered. Winterfell was at peace for now. I did not feel at peace, I felt broken.
"I thought I would be relieved," I admitted to Jon quietly and he looked down at me with understanding eyes. He was always kind.
"It is hard, Alysh, it is not fixed just because he is dead," He reminded me and I nodded at his truthfulness. He was right, everything Ramsey did does not disappear now that he is gone. It is still there, it still happened.
"Lady Bolton?" I inquired thinking about the kind pregnant woman.
"She is being watched by some men, we do not know what to with her," Jon admitted and I just thought about her. "She can stay here until she gives birth and then we decide what to do with the baby," I looked to Jon and he did not meant my eye.
"You aren't going to kill it are you?" I asked and Jon did not even have time to reply. "You are going to kill a baby, it hasn't done anything!" I exclaimed angrily.
"It is a Bolton, a legitimate Bolton," Jon hissed back and I moved away from him. How could I be near someone who thought killing a baby was alright, regardless of the parents.
"You do not kill babies for the mistakes of their father, or their brother," I growled and Jon just pulled away from my angry words.
"We aren't going to kill it Alysh," Jon spoke finally, I took a breath in relief. "It is not my decision though," Jon reminded me.
"Why not? You are Lord of Winterfell until Robb returns, you are a true Stark now," I told Jon roughly and he looked confused before he nodded.
"You are right, we will talk to Lady Bolton and I can make a decision when it is born," Jon finally gave in and I nodded. I looked to the kennels where there were howling. Ramsey's hounds were vicious and did not seem to listen to anything, they were to be killed if they could not control them. Everything was being fixed and yet I still felt dread. "Alysh?" He looked at me, dark kind eyes.
"I am still scared," I told him honestly, he looked like he wanted to touch me but he did not. "People aren't going to believe that this is your baby, but I know it is," I said quietly, Jon just stayed quiet. He was doubtful it was. "I swear it to you, I would not lie about this," Never would I dare lie about that, not to him.
"I know, they'll believe you, they'll have to. It'll be the next Lord Stark and they'll love him," I raised my eyebrows at Jon and he laughed lowly. "Or Lady Stark and she will be the most beautiful woman in Winterfell," He smiled and I could not help but smile back.
"You always know what to say," I laughed and Jon just shook his head. I looked up at Sansa looking curiously at me, I had not told her yet. "I have to speak to Sansa," I said to Jon, flashing him a smile before running off.
"What was that about?" Sansa asked lowly, she was dressed back in her normal dresses, looking much happier. Just then Arya came over as well. All the Stark women together.
"I have something to tell you both," I began, they both looked at each other. "I knew before Ramsey and I.. I am pregnant," I just said quickly. Sansa looked at me wide-eyed, exactly like her brother did.
"That's amazing!" She exclaimed finally and I laughed as she embraced me. Arya just smiled, I knew she would not get excited about something like this but at least she was not angry. Sansa doted on me, telling me to ask her for anything and everything I wanted. I spent the rest of the day trying to keep myself busy, helping with cleaning up. I was sitting in the training ground, sharpening the blade that Jon gave me that I never got to use. It was still beautiful.
"I am guessing you should not swing that when you are pregnant," Arya commented softly, I looked up at her and shook my head.
"I should not, but I can. One last time," I said to her, a smile appeared on Arya's face. She backed up and I stood to meet her. We spared lightly, barely hitting our swords together. It was therapeutic, mind-numbing. It was what I needed. Suddenly Arya stopped and looked up, I did the same only to see Jon watching us. You could tell he was not happy.
"I guess we should stop," Arya said quietly and I just shrugged and took an over dramatic bow.
"It was worth it," I joked and Arya just shook her head knowingly. "He did give me the sword and I never got to use it," Jon did not confront me about it, I did not see him the rest of the day. The days passed and my bruises from Ramsey healed but my relationship with Jon did not. He kept his distance acting as Lord of Winterfell not seeing me. Arya noticed, even Bran and Sansa noticed. I had to come to the conclusion that Jon did not love me anymore. I went to the stables one day, going to feed Firewolf. She was a lucky horse, after I got kidnapped from Renly's place, Jon took her with to the next one, along with my sword. She was my ride back from Renly's camp to Winterfell and here she was. When I got there Bran was already sitting by his horse as he nuzzled into him. I gave him a nod as I passed him.
"Want to go riding?" He asked, I looked at my stomach that was not even growing yet. "It will be fine," Bran said quietly, how could I not believe him after what he did for me. We got the horses tacked for us and we headed out together. Bran was quiet as we trotted out of Winterfell, Summer and Ghost trailing behind us. "He will come around, he always does," Bran said and I just looked at him.
"That's what Robb used to say," Bran nodded at that and we cantered off together. I missed Robb, he would have helped me in a time like this. I wanted to see his face when I told him I was pregnant, just like Jon he would have been so happy, happier even.
"Lady Bolton will give birth soon," Bran spoke as we began to circle back to Winterfell.
"I hope Jon does what is right for that baby. It'll be only months older than ours," I said and the younger Stark just nodded. We entered back into Winterfell, the direwolves running ahead. When we got back to the castle I saw Jon, standing in the middle of the grounds, Ghost circling around him. He stared at me, I nearly shrunk away from his look. The stable boys grabbed our horses, Hodor helping Bran off and I slid slowly back to the ground on my backside rather than the normal way. Summer trotted off with Bran back into the castle and I went to meet Jon.
"What do you think you are doing?" Jon asked his voice set, I took a breath. He was angry, I could not take him being angry. I still felt terror in the night, this overwhelming fear that did not go away. Jon was not there to hold me, to hold me. He did not want to be.
"Going riding, with your brother," I stated the obvious and Jon narrowed his eyes.
"It is dangerous! You are carrying my baby and you go off riding. Anything could happen!" Jon said, his voice raising with each word. I could not take it anymore, the emotions too much. I could see men looking at us and I flushed with embarrassment.
"Your baby?! It is my baby too Jon! You can not just keep me holed up all the time. You do not come and see me. You practically ignore me!" I yelled back, Jon did not back down. Not this time, not with this circumstances.
"So what? You put our child in danger because you are angry I will not see you? I did not think you were a petty person, but I guess you have changed," I let the words hang in the air and Jon's face dropped with realization of what he said.
"I have changed," I said quietly and I turned around heading back into the castle and towards my quarters. I could hear him yelling at me but he did not chase me. I laid on the bed, the wolf jumped on the bed next to me and curled near my head. "You know what it is like being pregnant, did it suck this much as a wolf? Did not think so," I said to her as she sighed and fell back asleep. There was a knock at my door and I knew it was Jon. I stood and opened the door, Ghost looked in his red eyes locking with the she-wof. "Would you like something Lord Stark?" I asked obnoxiously.
"Can I come in?" He asked softy his eyes on mine.
"I do not know, Can you? Do I have to ask your permission for everything now?" I still stepped away and let him in before closing the door behind him. Ghost sniffed the wolf but Jon commanded him to get back.
"I am sorry, that was the wrong thing to say," Jon apologized and I dropped my annoying behaviour.
"It is true, I have changed. Maybe I am not the person you love anymore," Jon looked hurt at that, his face fell. Jon looked me over, eyes slow and purposeful. "Many things have happened, Jon, things I can not change and neither can you," I reminded him firmly.
"Things have happened but it never changed who you are Alysh, you are still who I love," Jon spoke looking at me, I swallowed deeply tears coming to my eyes. He held out his hands and I put mine in his, his hands wrapped around mine and he slid to his knees. I looked at him in confusion, his hair cascading along his face. "I am sorry I haven't been there for you and that you feel like what happened has changed anything. This is our child and you are carrying it and I love you and always loved you. That should not change," He whispered, I looked down at him tears in my eyes. "I do not want to be Ramsey, I should not tell you what you can and cannot you. You are free to do as you see fit," He spoke as he rose, placing a kiss firmly on my cheek. When he pulled his lips away he was still standing close, his large frame towering over mine. "Alysh?" He whispered when I had not moved or responded to his words. Instead I just hugged him, tightly and like I never wanted to let him go. He wrapped his arms around me relaxing into it. We stood there, embracing each other for long minutes.
"I still want it all to go back to that night at Renly's camp. With the drinking and the soldiers, and Robb," I whispered and Jon nodded.
"Robb will be so happy for us," Jon spoke softly and I knew he would be. We broke apart and I moved to the desk, picking up a quill. Jon cocked his head at me and I held out the quill.
"We can tell him," I said softly. Jon took it, sitting down and beginning to write a letter to his brother.
"My lord there is a raven for you," A man called, I sighed and took it from him. We had just won a battle, a hard battle from the South, bodies were splayed everywhere, nurses running around. It was horrific. I looked at the seal, Starks. I opened the letter quickly, hoping it was not bad news but quickly realized it was not.
Lord Robb Stark of Winterfell, Warden of the North, My brother,
I know you must be busy and I hope you remain healthy and safe but we have news. Alysh is pregnant carrying my baby, I hope it may be the next Lord of Winterfell but she hopes a Lady. We both pray for your safe return to meet your niece or nephew. Until then, fight strong and true.
Lord Jon Stark of Winterfell, Your brother
I smiled widely at the letter, rolling it up and keeping it in my pocket. While away it was so hard to understand what was going on back home, I heard about Ramsey and Alysh's marriage and the rumours of her betrayal but I knew they were not true. I always kept faith with her.
Jon and I were trying to spend more time together, but between his Lord of Winterfell duties, it was difficult. I was beginning to see a change in my body, my stomach widening. Lady Bolton was right, it made it so real. The sun was lowering in the sky and I was walking around Winterfell, outside of the castle grounds. I passed by a few houses and market sides that were closing up. "Lady Stark!" A voice called and I turned to see a woman standing, a baby in her arms, and behind her the little girl I met a while back.
"Good evening," I greeted both of them nodding my head as they curtsied. "Marri, how are you?" I asked and the little girl gave me a small wave.
"We wanted to ask how you were going m'lady," The lady began, her northern accent strong.
"Things are better," I said honestly, the little baby in her arms began to awaken, holding out its arms and yawning. I smiled widely at the baby's little arms and fingers outstretched.
"We saw you in the castle when the Bolton's were holding control, he was a horrible man," The lady spoke, I pursued my lips and nodded at her words. I looked at the little baby, its wisp of blond hair. "You can hold her m'lady," I looked at the women as she outstretched her arms, she nodded encouragingly. I took the small baby into my arms mumbling nonsense to it softly. It is little face pursued in confusion, her little hands holding my finger.
"She is beautiful," I whispered and the women smiled at me.
"Soon you will have one," I was taken back by her words, we had not told anyone outside of the castle about my pregnancy. She looked knowingly at me a smile on her lips. "A mother always knows," She spoke and I just smiled looking down at the baby. Her pale skin and blonde hair was just adorable, everything about her made my heart swell. "Your husband.." The woman sort of trailed off and I looked at her.
"He will be a phenomenal father," I spoke honestly and the woman nodded happily. The baby began to get unrestful, her face contorting in stress. The mother took her from my arms, bouncing her until she quieted. "What is her name?" Her lights eyes looking at me.
"Alyia," I realized why she was looking at me strangely, she named this baby I had never met based on my name. I teared up a little thinking about this. She looked behind her and I knew she had to go.
"If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask for me," I told the woman, and she promised she would. I said farewell to Marri who hide behind her mother's legs. I headed back to the castle, mind filled with thoughts of babies and families. That was going to be me, I thought breathlessly to myself. I went up to the balcony of the castle watching the sunset over the North.
"You are a natural," Jon commented from behind me, I turned to look at him but he just came and leaned on the banister as well. "I saw you, with the baby," He explained and I smiled at that. Jon would make a good father, he might not think it but he would.
"She is very cute," I said simply, I took a step closer to Jon, touching his arm with my hand. He did not move away but just kept looking out onto the training grounds. I took his hand in mine and placed it on my stomach. He turned to look at me then, his hand could feel the rounding of my stomach, the sure sign of what was to come. Jon's face was just in awe and I laughed softly at him. "Ours will be cuter," I promised and he nodded quickly agreeing with me. Took his hand off and wrapped an arm around me, holding me close to him. Our coats matching as we stood on the castle together. "I missed you," I whispered barely over the wind and he shifted.
"I have been here for a week," He spoke softly but he knew what I meant.
"I miss us then," I conceded and he pulled me tighter. I missed how close we were, barely able to keep hands off each other.
"I am sorry," He whispered to the wind but I knew it was not his fault, it was just as much mine. I pushed myself into him closer, the cold winds blocked by him. His head turned to face me before he leaned down to kiss me. His hands cupping my face and bodies close. I kissed him back, feeling what I missed all this time. Then we stopped, resting our foreheads against each other. His arms still wrapped around me, keeping me warm. "Is this alright, my doe?" He spoke rubbing my shoulders and I swelled at the nickname that I had not heard in so long. I nodded pushing away thoughts of blue eyes and rough hands. When my eyes flickered open I saw a deep brown, home. We walked to his chamber through the halls, his arm holding me close. I looked around Winterfell and all I could think about was the Boltons. I pushed that all away, they were gone. Jon was here, he would keep me safe. Ramsey and Roose are dead, they are not coming we got to his chamber Jon closed the door and look at me with lustful but loving eyes. He took steps to me and I took steps back until I was backed against the door. I looked up at him, looking at the brown and brown, the wolf. When he leaned to kiss me, lips soft against mine all I could think of was the flayed man. I moved my lips away but Jon did not seem to notice, his hands wrapping around me. I was trapped between his arms and the door, my heartbeat rising and not in arousal. My panic was building, wind in a storm as it gained speed. My hands went to Jon's chest but once again he did not seem to notice, mistaking it all as arousal.
When our lips broke I spoke, "Jon." but quickly his lips were on me again. Panic peaked and I pushed hard at his chest tears in my eyes. Quickly he pulled away, his arms still on me. He spoke my name with a frantic voice as my entire body trembled. I bet Jon Stark never fucked you like this. Was all I heard in my mind, the man that tormented me for so long. I was crying then, he ruined everything for me. He ruined my home, my body, my love. Everything I cared about he took away. Jon's hands were tight on my shoulder and I shuddered but he did not let go.
"Alysh, please," He begged, asking me to speak to him but instead I tried to pull away from his hands, feeling the hard door behind me.
"Let go of me! … Please, please," I sobbed and immediately the hands disappeared and I leaned my entire body against the door as Jon took a step away. I hugged myself with my hands, trying to make the feeling of harsh hands disappear.
"Gods, I am so sorry, what have I done?" Jon breathed to himself, my eyes were shuttered shut so I could not see his broken expressions. "Sit down, gods… I will go get someone… just sit down," He spoke frantically and I did as he said, sitting on the edge of the bed as the door opened and he disappeared. Jon, not Ramsey, I reminded myself for the thousandths time. I heard rushed footsteps return, light, and small ones. What happened? I heard someone ask, a small voice, Arya. "We were kissing, I — gods I am so sorry," Jon said desperately. Arya help me, I thought but when she spoke I realized I said that aloud.
"I am here for you. What do you want?" She asked me with a small calm voice and I could see her leaning down in front of me. I took sobbing breaths trying to calm myself. "You are home Alysh, you are safe. Jon loves you so much, he did not mean to scare you. He cares endlessly about you, I do as well. Everyone in Winterfell loves you, no one wants to hurt you, not anymore," Her soothing, calm words entered my heart making me listen to her. They loved me. I took shaking breaths which were slower and calmer. "I am so proud of you, you can do this. I know you can. Take large breaths and get yourself back — bring yourself back to us," She spoke and I did. Pulling myself out of the depths, letting my lungs breath again. I put my hand out for a lifeline and Arya grabbed it tightly saving me from the deep ocean of my pain.
"I am sorry," I whispered when my sobbing slowed and breaths became deeper. Arya was leaning down in front of me still, her small hand in mine. I looked down at her small frame and she smiled softly shaking her head.
"Never apologize for what that monster did," She said firmly and I stared back before nodding ever so slightly. I looked at her face, her dark Stark eyes and hair. She was home and when I glanced up at Jon I only felt relief. His dark eyes were filled with concern, fear, sadness. That was the difference, it was not contempt or smugness like the Boltons but only good things. Arya's hand on my squeezed and she sat on the bed next to me. She was so young and yet she was helping me, she was so composed and hardy that she was the Stark sibling that gave me the most comfort. "What do you need now?" She asked barely a whisper and I looked at Jon. He was something I needed, but not now. I wanted this fear, the constant terror gone. I only knew one person that could give me such reassurance. Bran. He knew things, thing we would do and think before we did. I wanted him to tell me everything would be alright. I yawned instead leaning into Arya's small shoulders. Bran would have to wait.
"I want to speak to Bran," I spoke as fatigue came at me in waves. I saw Jon frown slightly, likely not understanding why.
"Tomorrow Alysh, you can talk to him," Arya promised me and I nodded. She helped me get unchanged and under the fur. I never knew Arya to be so gentle and patient but she was. I sunk into the warm bed, letting it comfort me. Arya went to leave and so did Jon but I called out to him and he came back. His brown eyes concerned. I moved back so he could see on the bed in front of me and I grabbed his hand. "Tell me a story," I spoke like a child and Jon obliged. He told me a story of him and Robb as boys, what their father would do and Arya. Memories of the Starks surrounded me, and I was one of them.
When I awoke there was a knock at my door, singular and sharp. I frowned slightly confused but called for them to enter. Bran was at the door. His mobile chair was immensely useful and he could go places without anyone's help. He rolled in and sat across from my bed flashing me a low smile. "You wanted to see me," He commented and I nodded. I thought about all the things he might see and know. "You will be alright Alysh. Everything gets better and everything works out for a reason," Relief flooded me at the vague words.
"My baby? The Bolton's baby?" I asked and he smiled like being told a secret only he knew.
"Better than you could imagine," I took a breath of relief and thanks to whomever I could. That was what was important, the innocents in this. My baby and their baby, even if he was a Bolton it should not matter.
"Thank you, Bran," He nodded and smile and went to lean my quarters.
"Everything will get better, even you and Jon," Was the words he left me with.
Over three months had passed since I returned to retake Winterfell. Stannis, Renly, and the Tyrell army were going to siege King's Landing while Robb and the Northern Army were taking the smaller holds. Alysh was very visibly pregnant now, nearly seven months. Obviously, the entirety of Winterfell knew now and the gifts were beginning to roll in. She was beautiful, her motherly glow showing and I could not be happier. I could see the terror in her, that came and went in waves. Sometimes it was so bad I would awake with her gone, or her cowering in the corner. I could do little during these episodes but tell her I was there and loved her. We could never undo what the Bolton's did to her, the everlasting effects endless but she had our baby, they did not take that away from us. Doing everything that had happened. We were eating dinner together when a guard came running, telling us that Lady Bolton was going into labor. Alysh and I both quickly made our way over to find the large lady struggling to breathe in pain.
Lady Bolton was giving birth, my heart heaved in fear when I saw her. She did not look healthy, the stress of everything made her weak and now when she needed it most she had little strength. "Alysh," She breathed out and I felt incredibly guilty at not seeing her before now. I grabbed a stool and a cool cloth, wiping her face for her. She looked delirious and confused. The Maester said she was ready to begin to deliver. There was screaming, her body flushed and skin sweaty. Jon looked terrified and when a baby was finally pulled from her there was a good reason to be scared. There was far too much blood. The Maester cleaned up the baby, wrapping it in fur to keep it warm. He passed it to Lady Bolton as he tried to stop the bleeding. She looked at the baby, her face so pale.
"You will be alright," I told her quietly as I squeezed her hand but she shook her head, touching the baby's little face.
"You need to take him," She said to me and I looked at her in shock. "I always knew you were a good person and what happened with Ramsey was unforgivable. Take him, raise him to be more like you," She told me, I was crying then as I took the baby in my arms. His hair dark but eyes light, he was a Bolton.
"What about a name?" I choked out to her, seeing that she was going to pass soon.
"Ryley, but make that the only connection to the Bolton's he has," She said, her voice trailing off. Roose, Ramsey, and Ryle. I nodded to her and she touched the baby boy one last time before she closed her eyes. The baby began to cry and I held him close, standing up and away from his mother. I cradled the baby into me, his nose reddened from the cold. Jon was helping the maester as I tried to calm the baby. I took one last look at Lady Bolton before stepping out into the Northern night and walking across to the main room and sitting down near the fire. The baby quieted down once it seemed to warm up.
"Yes it is alright baby, you are alright," I whispered to him, the wolves howling. I was not ready for a baby yet, mine was not due for another month and a half. But here little baby Ryley was. The half-brother of the monster that I married. His little eyes cracked open revealing blue eyes and I took a breath. He was a Bolton that was sure. I knew it'd be alright, there were midwives to help me with my own baby and this one. He would be safe and cared for. He made a few noises and hand reaching out, I touched his little fingers, cradling him in one arm. I heard footsteps and Jon with the Maester was behind me. "Maester can you help get my quarters arranged for a nursery, for two babies?" He gave me a nod and wandered off. Jon looked down at me before lowering himself to the floor as well, his eyes trained on the baby.
"Are you sure you can love it?" Jon asked quietly, his fingers lightly touching the babies cheek. I watched how carefully he was, his lips curled in a smile as the baby made a noise.
"It is a baby with no family, how can I not?" I said quietly and Jon looked at me his eyes confused.
"I do not know, Cat never loved me," I let the words hang in the air. Jon rarely spoke about how Lady Stark treated him. "And Theon.."
"This baby is not a Bastard and he is not a mage from another House. He is the last living Bolton with no family. We can not leave him," I spoke softly, looking at the babies dark hair. "You aren't Cat," I reminded Jon and he nodded placing a kiss on the babies small cheek before helping me up. We went to my quarters, a baby bed was already ready for the Bolton child and all the gifts from other people for my baby was here. I put the baby down and the Maester said he would send for the wetnurse to come and I thanked him. I grabbed one of the outfits that were sent for my baby, dressing Ryley in it and bundling him up.
"He looks like the Bolton's," Jon spoke softly as he looked down at the small baby in the bed. What he meant was he looked like Ramsey.
"He will not be raised as a Bolton, he will be raised as a Stark of Winterfell and perhaps maybe one day he can reform Bolton house, with a different intention," I spoke softly and Jon nodded at that. He would not be like Ramsey. The midwife came and fed him, putting him down for sleep. She told me I could go but I did not want to leave the little baby. I lied on the coach there, pulling the fur over me, watching the midwife dealing with the baby. He cried and fussed all night. I barely got any sleep but when Jon came in the morning after the midwife fed him again I was lying with him on my pregnancy bump. Jon just stopped and smiled.
"You look tired," He commented and I just nodded, I went to sit up only to find that I could not. Jon laughed and took the baby from my arms as I rolled back up. When I went to take the baby back he was just staring at it. It is little eyes looking at him. Jon's eyes were so amazed at the bundle in front of him. "He has his father's eyes," Jon commented and I nodded solemnly, he started to the door not giving Ryle back to me and we headed down together. "I always gave Catelyn the benefit, that I did not understand what it was like to have a baby of someone you hated. That one day I might understand why she despised me. But here with Roose Bolton's son, I do not understand," He spoke softly, in a soothing voice, the baby seemed to like it. He passed me back the baby, rubbing his face softy.
"I do not know how anyone could despise a baby," I spoke back as I cradled Ryle in my arms. We walked in and Sansa was already there with Bran, they looked from the baby to me.
"Lady Bolton?" Sansa asked and I shook my head. I brought the baby over and Sansa peered at him.
"Sansa meet Ryley Bolton," I spoke smiling and Ryle reached out his little hand making Sansa giggle. Even Bran was smiling at the baby.
"Where is he going?" Sansa asked I looked at Jon.
"He is staying here, he will be raised alongside our child," Jon spoke, both of the siblings looked at Jon in shock.
"But the way mother treated you?" Sansa spoke softly and Jon just took a breath.
"I mean no disrespect to your mother but I can not hate a child because of his father or his brother. He would be heir to House Bolton and until he is of age he will be raised here," Jon spoke my words to him and Sansa looked impressed and I just smiled.
"The two boys will raise chaos like you and Robb did," I spoke and all the Stark siblings turned to me, their faces lit up.
"Boys?" Jon questioned and I just shrugged, tickling Ryle's stomach. Bran gave me a smirk and I could tell that I guess right, a son was what we needed.
"A mother has a feeling," I said and Jon just laughed and kissed me.
"Lord Jon, your wife has gone into labor," The midwife called me, together we ran to my room where Alysh was. Everyone was telling her to breathe, she looked in a lot of pain.
"Jon," She said when she saw me and I went closer and she grabbed my hand. I stroked her sweaty hair, she groaned loudly from pain.
"You are doing so well," I said, super lost on what to do. The midwife was giving instructions and I just tried to comfort her.
"Do you have names planned yet?" The midwife asked, trying to distract Alysh. Alysh screamed out in pain and the midwife looked to me. I shrugged at her, I did not plan any names, I left that to Alysh.
"If it is a girl Sera," Alysh growled out between pain. I smiled at the name, stroking my wife's hair.
"And a boy?" The Midwife asked, lifting her legs preparing her for birth. I was not ready for this.
"Edd," Alysh growled and I looked at her, Edd? My wife's brown eyes smiled back briefly before she groaned loudly again. "Eddard Stark, Edd," My face must've been in shock and the midwife raised her eyes at me. "I already asked Robb," Alysh spoke and I nearly laughed at her planning. The midwife was giving directions as Alysh began earnestly pushing. I avoided looking down there, it took hours and finally there was a baby. Bloodied and tiny, but still my child. And he was beautiful, he.
"It is a boy," The midwife said, bundling him up and handing him to me. I took him in, looking at his thick dark hair. I smiled widely, cupping his head.
"Nice to meet you Edd," The midwife laughed as she began to clean up Alysh. His little eyes popped open and dark chocolate eyes stared back, I let out a breath. Nothing like his brother in the other room. I held him to Alysh and she touched his head lightly with her sweaty hands.3
"I knew it was a boy," She sighed breathily and I laughed softly, she did. I let her sleep, rocking our baby and holding him close. He was beautiful. I brought him next door when he began to cry. I put him next to Ryle, both of them staring at me. One representing the love of my wife and me, the other representing the man who raped my wife and stole my home. I touched Ryley's head, his blue eyes so clear. Edd looked up at me, face red and puffy.
"The two brothers," The midwife smiled and she was right. They were brothers. "Will it be hard for you, to treat him like a son?" She spoke touching Ryley. I took a breath looking at the two boys.
"I hope not," Was all I said and it was true.
The horn sounded and the gates opened, people gathered around everyone clapping as the horses rode in. The banners of the wolf flying high with their Lord behind them. My wife stood beside me, insisting on holding both the boys together. Robb's black horse rode in and I barely recognized him, his beard overgrown. He jumped off his horse, leaving the horse to walk around before a stable boy grabbed it. He ran to me and embraced me tightly patting my back. "It is been a while brother," I joked but it felt great to have Robb back. When he pulled away he looked behind me to Alysh. His face was in shock as he looked at the two boys.
"They're beautiful," Robb commented, giving each other them a kiss on the forehead and Alysh a kiss on the cheek. My brother looked older, war hardening him but his smile was the same, the glow he had about him. Alysh was so happy to see him, for him to come home and for once no jealous was felt for Robb.
"Meet Eddard Stark and Ryley Bolton," Alysh said and Robb teared up a little, taking Edd into his arms bouncing his nephew up and down making the two-month-old giggle. A woman came up behind Robb, I looked at her and she smiled softly. She was beautiful, tall and pale with dark long hair. Robb looked and me and turned around smiling.
"Jon, Alysh, meet my Fiancée. Talisa," Alysh looked at me wide-eyed, she passed me Ryley. "Robb spoke much about you, you both," She spoke shyly looking at Alysh.
"Robb told us nothing about you!" Alysh exclaimed giving Robb a glare before embracing the women. "Welcome to the family," The women looked pleasantly surprised. Robb came towards me as the women got acquainted.
"Are you sure about this?" Robb asked nodding to Ryley, I held the baby close to my chest.
"They're both my sons Robb," I said to my brother, Robb looked proud of me.
"Even after my mother," Robb commented and I just nodded. Robb passed me back Edd before grabbing Ryley. "Aren't you handsome!" He spoke to the boy giving him a kiss. I smiled at my brother, who was much more of a natural with the babies than I was at first.
"Lord Jon," Talisa greeted and I smiled at her. "Robb speaks very fondly of you and your wife," She said, Alysh was over speaking to Robb then.
"I hope so, he is my brother," I laughed and she gave a small laugh as well. Edd looked around, giving the strange women a look. "How did you meet my brother?" I asked her, looking at the foreign woman.
"I worked as a nurse for the Northern army," She said quietly, smiling at Edd's little hands.
"Did he come in asking for you to stitch his heart?" I spoke as a joke and she laughed.
"Something like that," I looked over at my brother and Alysh, she was tucked in next to him laughed at something Ryle was doing.
"Fiancée? Really Robb?" I asked smiling at him, he pursued his lips bouncing Ryley in his arms. "We sent you letter after letter about the boys and you did not care to mention you are getting married!" I laughed and Robb just chuckled. His laugh was like music to me. He looked different, his auburn curls were cut off and barely any hair left. His smile was the same, his aura the same. The lord of light showed me his homecoming a few days ago and I tried to contain my excitement and now he was here. It had been so long. s
"He is very cute Alysh," Robb said to me, touching Ryley's little nose. I could see Robb look thoughtfully at the small baby.
"I think about him every day, you should not worry about it as well," I said to Robb taking Ryle from him and giving him a big kiss.
"Think about what?" Robb asked me and I looked at him, my eyebrows furrowed. I looked back at the baby, his smile wide as he looked at who he thought was his mother.
"Think about whether he will think we love him less than his brother. Whether people will hate him in the North because he is a Bolton, a legitimate Bolton. I think about what to tell him about how little I knew about his mother and father. How one day I am going to have to tell him who his brother is," I was choking up at this point and Robb pulled me into his arms, the little baby looking at Robb.
"It'll be alright Alysh, he will be here in Winterfell. He will be safe and loved, he will find out about his family when he is ready and when he will understand what it means," Robb whispered, giving me a kiss on the cheek. I looked over at Jon and Talisa laughed together, touching little Edd.
"She is beautiful Robb," I told him and he nodded and when he looked at her I saw love. In my arms, Ryley made a funny sound before looking at Robb. Both Robb and I just started laughing at the small boy.
AN: And that is a wrap! This is the end of Princess of Summer and Winter... but I do have a sequel that is already written! It is being edited at the moment by me, so leave a review if you want to read that and would be interested. 'Son of Wolves and Stags' follows Alysh, her children, as well as the Stark family. There is far less violence and is more about the family dynamic and the children (mainly Ryley).