18 CATLYN II

Today was the first meeting of the small council. It was nearing a family meeting with me, Robb, Bran, uncle Brynden and Petyr in attendance. I felt safe for the first time in ages.

And the presence of Ser Harwin beside Robb with his unfaltering loyalty made our lives much easier. Of course the first issue to be discussed was the angry northern lords. For my life, I don't understand what is bothering them, aren't we the Starks northern enough for them?

Prince Trystane asked if they did received their reward after the war.

I answered "not yet"

"Why was that?"

Petyr interjected "there is no enough funds my prince. The treasury was exhausted in the last few years with all the wars" Trystane nodded then Petyr added "Maybe it's the time the rich southern kingdoms come to aid the armies that saved them from both the dead and the dragons"

Trystane was taken aback with this "we lost all our fleet and army to the Lannisters and the Greyjoys. We just started to rebuild them. We can't afford much to give"

Robb said "Surely Dorne was one of the few areas that didn't suffered destruction in the war. It's only fair to ask for a compensation for what your ally did"

If the boy was deliberately forgetting his family's support to the mad queen, Robb made sure to remind him that we never forgot. Trystane seemed to understand the veiled threat and promised to do his best and give us the final number of what they can offer soon

The next will be the Reach and Casterly Rock. Both now in our hands, however unlike Dorne, they suffered a lot of causalities but with their rich resources, surely they could manage to help. The north was the poorest and the most affected kingdom in the past war, apart from kings Landing of course

Robb added "I am expecting the funds to be at lord Baeilsh soon with no delay"

Uncle wasn't convinced still "they need to be honored your grace, not only money. A marriage alliance with any of the two biggest houses will seal the crack"

Robb looked at me and I knew what he was thinking of and it pained me to just think about it. We consulted maester Jaremy about Bran's ability and he told us that it's highly expected that Bran will be a very poor husband, if ever. And even if he was able with a lot of help from the maester, he will never sire children.

What a stab to my heart this news was!

How life was so unfair to you my poor boy! No, not life but the Lannister animals!

What is to be done now? Forcing a girl to such marriage may do harm more than good

Bran said bluntly "I doubt a girl will want to marry me, maybe you do it uncle"

"Me? I am as good as a grandfather to any eligible bride!"

Robb said in final tone "That's of no importance. A marriage should be arranged and I will see to it myself. Whether you uncle or Bran is of no importance. I will see what could be arranged"

Petyr came with another suggestion "Your grace, the wildling are now living on the gift, it's only fair for them to pay for it"

That was a good idea and Robb seemed to appreciate it, I also did but I didn't appreciate the next one "You could send me and Jon Snow as envoys to them your grace"

The bastard? What he had to do with anything?I was furious at Robb for marrying him off to the Lannister girl. How careless of him?Can't he see that Snow might try to claim the throne on the basis of him being the husband of the last princess? May they both burn in hell!

But Robb didn't hear me. He wanted to put the girl's nose in mud at any expense. And I am afraid he was beginning to trust the bastard again!

Just what I was saying. Robb accepted the suggestion. Later when I blamed Petyr he said that we should put our friend close but our enemy closer!

Total nonsense, I just wish I would never see him again

Robb then ordered Ser Gendry to increase the number of the Winterfell guards with loyal soldiers to us and ordered lord Redwyne to see to building a new fleet and man it also with loyal men

We talked a little more about Sansa's wedding which was decided to be here in the north after two months with lord Tyrrell paying for all expenses. It's a great honor to marry into the royal family and he shouldn't hold any expenses.

I boasted "In two months, Winterfell will be repaired and reformed to its former glory again my lords and it will befit a real royal wedding"

We were going to leave when prince Trystane asked suddenly "what about Tyrion Lannister? When is the trial, your grace?"

Robb answered angrily "After we finished everything, we are not in a hurry, let him rot in his cell"

If it wasn't for the bastard, we were to be rid of the tiresome dwarf by now

More reasons to hate him

After we took our leave, master Jaremy approached me "We are hoping for the queen's good health my lady and prying for an heir soon"

And added suggestively "I am at her grace service if she ever needed me"

"Thank you maester Jaremy, don't trouble yourself"

That's what I need now, Alys and her problems. First her manners, I had to talk to her several time to amend her ways with Robb and now this. They didn't marry for long but she didn't have a child with her first husband either. I was pregnant with Robb in almost no time after my marriage. I hope there isn't anything wrong with her. With Bran's condition, we can't afford not to have a son soon. Mother's mercy be upon us