We're in for a sad chapter with Catelyn's point of view.

(Catelyn Stark)

Waiting for news was dreadful. And whenever news came, opening the letters, and never knowing what to expect was even worse. Ever since the rebellion she never thought she would have to sit at Riverrun and wait for news of her husband to reach her. Whether it was news of his victory or death.

But then The Greyjoys rebelled, and once again she found herself sitting anxiously and waiting for any news of the war. At least her children were safe, by her side in Winterfell.

This time, two of her sons were already dead, one daughter was a hostage, and the other one was already traumatized. While her eldest son and her husband were fighting a war. At least the two of them had each other.

Some days she blamed herself for this war. She stupidly believed Lysa. Her sister who was never clever or had a clear mind. Then she imprisoned Tyrion Lannister and almost had her husband executed. She blamed herself for being so stupid, and acting rashly. Perhaps her sons would still be alive…

Whether she blamed herself or not, there was no time to dwell on it. The war was moving along quickly, battle after battle, giving them no time to rest.

But what did they expect when they marched against Tywin Lannister? One of the best military commanders of Westeros.

And who did they have? Honorable Northerners, the Blackfish, and Roose Bolton. The man was a power hungry, bloodthirsty sadist, but his quick and sharp mind served them well against the Lannisters. Clearly it was not enough.

However with the arrival of Daenerys, everything changed. Suddenly they had more allies than ever before and three grown dragons that could roast thousands of people. Suddenly they were no longer the losing side.

Stanis was still an issue, but with Renly willing to bend the knee to keep the Stormlands and end the war, they united almost all the seven kingdoms. Also with Daenerys, even the Dornish could be swayed to join their cause.

It has been two weeks since her husband rode out to war once again. He would once again lead his men into battle. But opposed to what happened during the rebellion, he would be fighting side by side with Targaryens.

This time when Ned rode out, he didn't have a sad look on his face. But rather a look of confidence. He reassuringly looked at her and bid her farewell before joining his men. He was not afraid of war anymore. He was not afraid to battle his enemies.

She supposed the reason was that he actually saw a purpose in this war. It was not his duty to fight by Daenerys' side. No, he fought for her willingly. He chose her as his Queen.

And he would die for her if he had to.

There was no regret in his eyes. Only determination.

It reminded her of when she saw him once again at the Red Wedding. When she thought he was dead, he showed up, looking more alive than ever before.

The way he cut through men, like a wild wolf. The Freys scattered away like scared rabbits. He killed them all, even those that surrendered. He was clearly too lost in the fight and rage he felt towards those who wished to harm his family.

She has never seen him fight so viciously. He didn't even look like himself. He was Brandon reborn. For a second she even thought that it was Brandon that returned from the dead instead of her husband.

She had never been happier to see him. The moment Ned put his sword down and blood dripped off it onto the floor, just like sweat dripped off his forehead, she ran to his arms. To ensure that he was in fact real and not a dream.

The moment Robb gained some composure and ensured Talisa'a safety, he did the same thing. He hated when his bannermen saw him weak, but he didn't seem to care as he ran to his father, the same way he did after the Greyjoy rebellion. And just for a second they forgot about everything else.

A soft knock brought her out of her thoughts. She took a deep breath before calling out.

"Who is it?"

"It is Talisa, my lady."

Catelyn let out a heavy breath and opened the door. A conversation with her gooddaughter would save her from loneliness and distract her from the changes in Ned's behaviour.

Robb's young wife had a slight smile on her face when she walked in.

Catelyn closed the door and let Talisa sit down at the table, where the tea that was prepared hours still stood untouched.

Talisa was a fine lady. She was kind, patient, and quiet. And the lords and ladies eventually began accepting her, even if she was from across the Narrow Sea.

"Lady Talisa, is there a purpose for this visit?"

Talisa nodded slowly.

"I find myself quite bored, and in search of company most days. I have not seen you leave this room in days. I thought you would enjoy some company."

Catelyn smiled and nodded.

Yes, she would be thankful for some company. Anything to get her mind of The Dragon Queen and Her husband who was gods know where leading men, preparing for a battle.

Talisa's smile slowly disappeared and she looked at her sadly.

"How do you endure this pain my lady? How do you not lose your mind when your husband rides off to war?"

Catelyn snorted. That was a very good question.

"I do not know... What I do know is that it doesn't get better. No matter how many times you watch him ride off, and no matter how confident he looks… The dreadful feeling only gets worse."

Talisa took a deep breath.

"I tried to convince myself that he'll be safer out there now that his father is with him. But I think that his father's presence only serves to make him more reckless."

Catelyn clenched her jaw as she looked down at her hands.

"I suppose you are right. He'll want to prove himself to Ned. And then he would try to sacrifice himself if Ned was in danger. But perhaps you are right and Ned will protect him from his stupidity…"

Talisa smiled slightly trying to look less worried than she was.

History was repeating itself in a twisted way. A Stark rode off to war while his pregnant wife was left at Riverrun to wait for him. The Gods were truly cruel.

Now she understood that the Gods weren't punishing her. They were simply tormenting her, like everyone else in this cruel world.

For a second Talisa looked uneasy. As though she was deciding to do something or not.

Catelyn took Talisa's hand.

"What is troubling you? If you don't mind me asking. Aside from the war."

Talisa lowered her gaze.

"The night before their departure, Robb came to me. He has a few worries about Queen Daenerys."

Catelyn sat up straighter. Her son had some concerns regarding the dragon queen, and he didn't even bother discussing them with her? Why didn't he bother to tell her? Of course she had her own suspicions about Daenerys Targaryen, but it was nothing that could threaten their safety.

"What exactly worries him?"

Talisa took a deep breath before replying.

"I'm afraid what I'm about to tell you won't be pleasant to hear."

Catelyn dropped her hands. By the look on Talisa's face she could tell what the conversation would be about.

So Robb knew that there was something wrong going on between Ned and the Queen? Why didn't he tell her that he suspected something? Why wasn't he conforont Ned?

"What is it?"

Talisa looked worried, and looked around, worried that someone might overhear their conversation.

"Robb thinks that the Queen will try to seduce your husband to get the North's support."

Catelyn huffed.

So Robb didn't see the full picture.

Well that might be for the best for now.

Catelyn stood up and walked to the window.

"She didn't have to seduce him. At least I don't believe she did."

Catelyn had seen the looks her husband sent in the way of the white haired woman. Longing, and desire.

Talisa stood up and walked closer to her.

"What do you mean my Lady?"

Catelyn looked at the ground. She couldn't meet Talisa's confused gaze.

"At first I thought it was nothing. He has become different ever since he returned from Essos. They called him the Quiet Wolf for a reason. It was his brother Brandon that was wild. But ever since he has returned, Ned seems as wild as Brandon. The quiet lord that I loved is no longer there. He pretends to be that man. But I can see in his eyes, that he isn't."

Talisa made a few more steps in her direction, as Catelyn finally turned to face her gooddaughter.

"Are you saying that…"

"Yes… The Queen didn't seduce him, because the fool that he is, fell in love with her."

Talisa's eyes dropped to the floor.

Catelyn let out a deep breath.

"I suspected something was different when he came back, and I suspected that he was no longer truthful to me. Robb's suspicions simply confirm that I was right. Robb won't see the truth because he worships his father. He thinks him the most honorable and dutiful man."

Talisa looked back up with a sad and uneasy expression on her face. The woman must have heard many good stories about the honorable Ned Stark from Robb and other lords.

But the reality was not like the stories. It was ugly.

Catelyn felt a tear roll down her cheek as she turned away once again from Talisa.

"He will stay blind to the truth until it slaps him in the face. And then he will hate his father..."