"Lord Stark, may I have a moment alone with the prisoner?"

Ned nodded, shocked at his brother's cold tone. "I'll be in the solar if you need me," he said, retreating slowly. "Oh and Benjen, please do not kill her yet." Benjen the boy would not hurt a fly; Benjen the man? All Ned could do was hope Benjen would not kill the wildling out of anger or possibly revenge.

Leaving Benjen alone with the wildling prisoner, Ned walked speedily back to the solar, his mind preoccupied with the thought of wildlings. Wildlings are bold – bolder than before, he pondered. The great ranging ending in failure with most of the black brothers dead, more wildlings slipping past the Wall…that cannot be a mere accident. Something big was happening…something beyond the Wall. There were more deserters too – the men of the Night's Watch were aware of it yet they were ordered to keep it quiet…

Odd and suspicious.

Surprise caught Ned again when he climbed the stairs to his solar and saw the heir of Greywater Watch waiting for him. Another vision? By the gods, if Jojen was not Howland's son…

"Jojen," said Ned, attempting to smile warmly at the solemn boy. "Are you lost or in search for one of my sons or Theon?"

Jojen shook his head. "I know where they are Lord Stark. After a few days here, I noticed you and your family enjoy following a certain routine. Even Lady Arya I believe. She tries to escape sewing with the septa, hides somewhere, is found and sent back to the schoolroom and then berated. It seems it's in Lady Arya's habit to hunt frogs with my sister every second day now."

Ned chuckled. "She proudly presented me two frogs yesterday at supper time. She was all mud-covered and filthy. You should've seen my lady wife's face." He paused for a moment. "You were not there at supper yesterday."

"I was in the godswood my lord."

"You enjoy the solitude?"

"One is never alone when speaking to the old gods."

"Of course. Do you have another vision you wish to discuss with me?"

Jojen stared at him, deep in thought. "Not exactly," he said finally. "It's a rather delicate matter Lord Stark. I am afraid it relates to the vision. My father said that you have led the North into prosperity and peace after the fall of the Targaryens. When I first started receiving green dreams, there is one I still remember. It was of the sun rising. Under it was an island that held seven castles. Suddenly, the sun disappeared and was replaced by a brewing storm. The sea boiled and then…the oddest thing happened."

"What?"

"Snow…snow sprinkled atop the castles. Lord Stark, I know you do not think a lot of that vision and it sounds ridiculous, what I'd seen with my own eyes earlier today…" Jojen shook his head.

"What did you see today, Jojen?"

Jojen fidgeted with a piece of green cloth, unable to meet his eye. "I fear I'll be losing Robb's trust in me, Lord Stark," mumbled Jojen.

Ned's heart lurched. A hundred different scenarios played in his head, ranging from Robb fathering bastards to Robb murdering a man in cold blood. "Robb will never know it's you who told me," Ned assured him. "I swear by the old gods and new, Jojen. Now tell me, what was it you saw?"

"The smallest action…" Jojen murmured more to himself. "The smallest action will always be the deadliest. The most innocent of words may break a brotherly bond even. The best of friends…to the worst of enemies."

"Jojen, what did you see?"

"Robb and Lady Daenerys," said Jojen in a rush. "We were in the library and I went to examine some of the old books. I did not mean to eavesdrop Lord Stark, I really didn't. When I was looking at a book about Winterfell, I overhead…I heard Robb proposing to Daenerys."

Ned's mouth dropped open. "What?"

"Robb proposed to Lady Daenerys Lord Stark. I know Robb is still betrothed to Princess Lyanna and I didn't know what to do…"

"You did the right thing informing me," said Ned, his head whirling at the new information Jojen told him. "There is still time…" Was there? The signs had been present for years yet he did naught. When Robb first looked lovingly at Daenerys, Ned should have sent him away to be fostered, perhaps to Karhold or Barrowton. When Robb first held Daenerys's hand or touched her waist longer than a couple of seconds during dances at feasts, Ned should have broached the subject of the motherhouse to Daenerys, or have Ashara do it as it was more a womanly subject of discussion. Though he was of the old gods, Ned had learnt a bit about the Faith of Seven when he was fostered at the Eyrie. However, Ashara was brought up in the Faith of Seven and was more knowledgeable in it.

There was always the option of sending Daenerys to the silent sisters, but Ned was not that cruel. No, the motherhouse was better for Daenerys. It was the only place suited for her. I was a fool, Ned berated himself. Such a fool. All those years ago I should have delivered Daenerys to the septas, not taken her home. He shook with silent fury at himself and at Robb. He raised Robb to be honourable as Lord Arryn had reared him. How was breaking a long-planned betrothal honourable in the slightest? And to a princess!

By the gods, Robert would be furious…if he ever found out.

"We didn't speak about this," said Ned quietly. "You never told me about what happened in the library. We will not speak of this again, Jojen."

Jojen nodded. "As you say Lord Stark." He dipped his head. "I intend to spend a few hours in the godswood today." Ned nodded. "You may go," he murmured. "I'll deal with Robb and Daenerys at once."


To bide himself a little more time for thought, Ned ordered all the boys – with the exception of Jojen – to continue sparring in the courtyard and had Daenerys recalled to the schoolroom for another sewing session. Not for the first time, Ned wished Lyarra was at Winterfell. She and Daenerys had always been quite close; Daenerys did not avoid sewing lessons when Lyarra was here.

"Ned," said Ashara, entering the solar. "You summoned me?"

Ned nodded. "I apologise for the abrupt order Ashara, but it's very urgent." He gestured for her to take a seat. "It is to do with Robb…and Daenerys."

Ashara looked grave. "By the Seven, what has Robb done?"

"Nothing of that sort," Ned reassured her. He paused. "It can be seen as…much worse I suppose?"

Ashara arched an eyebrow. "What can be worse than Robb siring a bastard?"

Robb a kinslayer. Robb ignoring every lesson he was taught. Robb insulting all the lords of the north. Robb marrying Daenerys Targaryen. Ned shook the frantic thoughts from his mind. This wasn't the time to be consumed by frenzied notions that were no doubt wild fears about his honourable son.

"Ned?" prompted Ashara.

"Robb proposed to Daenerys," Ned revealed. As he expected, Ashara's purple eyes widened in surprise. Apart from that, she did not look very shocked. Ashara sighed. "I had hoped he did not harbour that notion," she said sadly. "Honestly, it was inevitable. Maybe Robb pitied her for being a bastard at first. Then he might have fell in love with her. We should have sent her to the motherhouse."

Ned nodded in agreement. "It is not too late yet. We can send her away tonight or tomorrow morning. We can tell Robb that…"

"We cannot lie to Robb," said Ashara firmly. "You are a terrible liar, Ned, and whatever lie we feed Robb will never end well. He will lose trust in us and will be pining for Daenerys until his death. How will that fare for Princess Lyanna and in extension of that, Robert? He will be furious that Robb is obsessed with a bastard rather than loving his daughter. Do you want that, Ned?"

The best of friends…to the worst of enemies…

"What is there to do?" said Ned, exasperated. "We cannot force Daenerys into joining the septas! Even if I try, Robb will hate me for it!"

"At times like this, Robb must remember you are his father and lord," Ashara pointed out. "You are not as cold as Roose Bolton or as demanding as say, Tywin Lannister or other southron lords, but you will be seen by all the lords as weak or foolish for allowing Robb to marry Daenerys."

Ned lowered his voice. "Daenerys is no bastard."

"None of the lords are aware of that. Robert will have your head on a spike if he discovers Robb betrothed to her. Not even your friendship will save you. You know how much Robert hates Targaryens."

Ned sighed. "We need to tell the children the truth," he said at last. "Not all our children, but the elder ones. Most certainly Robb and Lyarra, perhaps Arya. Jon, I think it is time he learns the truth too."

Ashara nodded wearily. "It's time. He is old enough to understand why we had to keep the truth of his birth a secret for all this time. I hope Robb will not go and tell Theon about it though. Theon has been with us for years, but I'm afraid when he was younger, Waymar influenced him badly. I know you may wish Domeric to know, but I think it will be safer for us all if only Robb, Lyarra, Daenerys and Jon are told the truth. Arya is still a girl of twelve. Still too young to be trusted with it. Let her think Jon is her brother a little longer."

"For how long? Another year? Three? I always thought the day I would reveal to Jon the truth was when all the children are old enough to know."

Ashara leant forward and touched his hand. "We both thought that. You do not carry that burden alone, remember?"

Ned smiled weakly "What if Robert does somehow hear of this betrothal and demands for Arya and Gwenysse to be wedded to both his sons? Both the lords in the north and south will be furious."

"Robert is the king. His orders must be obeyed. Arya will be most unhappy but there is nothing we can do. Though she is learning water dancing, she is as much a lady as Lyarra, Gwenysse and any other noblewoman and must learn that she'll still marry one day for the good of Winterfell."

"That is a little harsh, Ashara."

Ashara snorted. "Is it? Do you not think we are coddling her by allowing her to learn water dancing?"

"Did you hear the news from Bran?" said Ned, changing the subject. "He sent a letter, telling me that there will be a small melee at the Eyrie for squires only in a month's time and he wants to participate. Apparently it's part of the celebrations for the Lady Sansa Arryn's wedding to Ser Harrold Hardyng. Prince Ormund will be there along with his siblings, the queen and perhaps Robert."

"Odd to be thinking about celebrations now, is it not?"

"I am not one to see visions like Jojen, but I have a nasty feeling that whatever we do in the Robb and Daenerys situation, nothing will turn out well. I thought it would be better to discuss happier events before we deal with Robb."

"I suppose so," agreed Ashara. "I see no reason why Bran cannot participate in the melee. He has been learning from Ser Barristan the Bold and should put what he'd learnt to the test."

"He is only a boy of eleven!" Ned could not help but exclaim.

"Willas Tyrell participated in a joust at the age of fourteen."

"And was crippled by Prince Oberyn! Bran always dreamed of being a knight – I do not want his dreams crushed if he is crippled in a melee. Besides, isn't Bran technically Ser Barristan's page still? I thought one cannot be a squire till he is at least fourteen years of age! Bran is eleven. By all means, he can go and watch the melee with the royal family. He will be representing our House during the Eyrie celebrations." He sighed gloomily. "Bran will be very disappointed I'm afraid, but I rather him miss out one melee than a lifetime of melees."

Ashara nodded. "Bran will understand," she said soothingly. "I will ask Catelyn to comfort him about it too."

Ned tapped his fingers on his desk. His stomach rolled with worry as anxious thoughts about Robb and Daenerys returned.

"We cannot wait any longer," said Ashara, as if reading his thoughts. "I will go and tell the cooks to um, postpone supper for an hour or two. I suspect a number of us will wish to eat alone tonight, or not at all."


Ned's heart pounded twenty times faster as he heard the knock on the door. It is time. He looked at Ashara sitting on a chair beside him. She nodded with a brief, encouraging smile. "Enter," he called out, swallowing the anxiety that surfaced in his voice. He clenched his fists to prevent further nervous attacks.

The door opened and the children – though children no longer – slowly milled in: Robb first followed by Daenerys and Jon. If Lyarra was present, she would be here too. Ned's gut told him he should've summoned Arya, but his mind informed him that she was still too young to understand. To keep Arya occupied and away from the solar, Ned had asked Syrio to extend the lesson for an hour or two. Arya would no doubt be pleased at that.

"Father," Robb spoke. "You wished to see us?"

Ned nodded. "Please sit," he said, hoping his voice remained firm. "I hope this does not interfere with your studies."

Robb shook his head. "Not at all Father."

"What is said here today must remain a secret between us," said Ashara softly. Robb exchanged concerned looks with Daenerys as Jon's eyebrows shot straight up. "Is it understood?"

Robb, Daenerys and Jon nodded in unison, all with expressions ranging from a look of confusion to a solemn gaze. "There are a couple matters I'll be discussing with you," began Ned. His eyes fixed on Robb. "I heard from a reliable source that there is something…going on. Robb?"

Robb flushed red. "There is nothing going on Father."

"Nothing between you and Daenerys here then?" Daenerys and Robb glanced at each other. Neither spoke.

"I heard from that reliable source that the two of you are now affianced," Ned went on, crossing his arms. "I would be most delighted if it was wrong. Do either of you know why?"

Surprisingly it was Jon who answered. "Robb is – or was – engaged to Princess Lyanna Baratheon."

Jon knew. Ned nodded. He looked at Robb sternly. "Robb, I raised you and your siblings to be honourable lords and ladies. To be honourable doesn't just mean to remain chaste till your wedding night or resisting temptations such as gambling, or even worse activities. When you were little children, how did you describe an honourable man, Robb?"

"A man who keeps his word," remembered Robb. He reddened even further. "I am sorry Father, but-"

"However, not all honourable men can maintain that virtue forever," Ned said, interrupting him. "Some hide secrets out of shame while others…the secrets they hide are for good reason. You learnt that during Robert's rebellion all the last of the Targaryens were slaughtered, yes?"

Daenerys nodded. "Ser Jaime Lannister killed King Aerys II Targaryen and two of Lord Lannister's men murdered Princess Rhaenys and Prince Aegon and their mother Princess Elia Martell. Lord Stannis Baratheon was sent to Dragonstone to fetch the remaining Targaryens there and found Queen Rhaella dead of childbed fever. He brought Prince Viserys and his unnamed sister back to King's Landing – both the children died in the black cells."

Ned nodded, the back of his neck prickling with apprehension. "That was what you were told," he admitted.

"What?" said Robb, puzzled. "But Father, was that not what happened?"

"That's what the whole world believes," said Ashara quietly. "Though half of it was the truth. Ser Jaime Lannister did kill the Mad King and Rhaenys, Aegon and Elia were murdered. Stannis did sail to Dragonstone and found Rhaella dead. Her unborn daughter and Viserys were shipped back to King's Landing, but they had never stepped foot into the black cells for a little more a quarter of an hour." She stopped and looked back at Ned.

"I negotiated with the king," continued Ned. "I argued and pleaded. I couldn't stand the thought of more murdered children. The king even gave me the honour of killing both Viserys and his sister." He shuddered. "Revenge, he called it. At the end, he agreed to allow the Targaryen children to live on the condition that I tell the court Ser Ilyn Payne accidently killed Viserys in the black cells, show him the proof of a body and ensure he never hears about the two Targaryens again.

"Do not ask how a body was provided, but a body was. Viserys was shipped to the Wall – I never saw him again, but I received a letter notifying me of his death, though he was named Viserys Dayne of High Hermitage." He glanced at Ashara. "I, well we, thought it best to give him the name Dayne as Daynes often have similar features to Targaryens.

"As for the girl…the general idea was to send her to the septas when she is of age." Ned paused. "However, I wanted her to be well-educated and to have tasted a good, happy life before entering the motherhouse. The best way to keep her um, safe from King Robert was to give her a bastard name. I could have claimed she is my illegitimate child, but who would believe a girl with the traditional Targaryen looks to be my daughter?" He looked directly at Daenerys. "Ashara and I agreed it would be better to give her the name 'Sand' and pass her off as the bastard child of Ashara's brother the late Lord Dayne. Thankfully there were Dornishmen that resembled those of Andal and First Men blood rather than Rhoynar; it was even more fortunate that Ashara's family shared the Targaryen trait of violet eyes and some…some even had the Targaryen silver hair."

Daenerys's eyes widened and she paled. Robb stared at her in shock and Jon's solemn expression had ruptured into absolute pure astonishment. "Me…?" she'd breathed fearfully and with the faintest excitement. Ned nodded.

"It was for your own safety," murmured Ashara. "We wanted to tell you, but it was too dangerous and if the king catches one word of it…"

"I would be killed," Daenerys Targaryen whispered. Her purple eyes glistened with tears as they shone with wonder. "I had a brother," she said softly. "Do you think he ever thought of me when he was alive at the Wall?" Ned affirmed with a second nod. Benjen had written that Viserys often mentioned her, naming her as either Rhaella or Alysanne. "He carried you in his arms when the two of you were in King's Landing," Ned told her. "For him to play the part of Viserys Dayne, we'd never told him about you. No letters, nothing."

"For both our sakes…" said Daenerys softly. "Mine…and Viserys's."

Ned swallowed painfully and nodded again. "Not only yours and Viserys's," he said, his hands shaking tensely. He took a deep breath and steadied them. There was no point stalling. "There is something else you must know," he said, calming quickly as Ashara moved closer and squeezed his hand comfortingly. "This time it is much more…personal to our family." His gaze swivelled to Jon. "With the aid of Jojen's father, we spread another lie to protect another with enough Targaryen blood for the king to view as a threat. This time I claimed the child as my own. My blood which is true."

With both Daenerys and Robb staring at Jon, Ned ploughed on. "Robert hated all Targaryens with a passion which transforms into fury even now. He despised them and called them dragonspawn. Above all, he hated Rhaegar Targaryen. How do you think he would have responded when he learnt Rhaegar had another son, one born from another woman, the lady Robert had loved and started a war for? What do you think the king would have done to that child?" Lyanna's last words echoed in his head again. Promise me Ned.

Another promise.

Another lie.

"What do you think King Robert would have done to the infant son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lady Lyanna Stark?" Ned said again. Robb gasped. Daenerys had paled again as she uttered, "…Jon?"


I thought it was about time Jon and Daenerys finally learnt they are Targaryens. My original plan was for Daenerys never to find out about her Targaryen heritage, but well, plans often change.