Author's Notes:

Sorry for the late chapter. This is a long one with a cliffhanger! Comments and opinions are always welcome.

The Starks were to be the honored guests of the Manderly's at White Harbor. Robb had made the decision for them to stay the night with the Manderly's in New Castle before continuing on their way to King's Landing in the morning.

No sooner had they stepped off their ship than they were greeted by not only the Manderly's but many of the smallfolk as well.

"My lord! Welcome to New Castle. The people here have longed to see their prince and new Warden of the North!"

The Manderly's were well known for their wealth and lavish castle in the North. Their wealth was on display every step of the way to New Castle. The family was dressed lavishly, the city was quite the contrast to King's Landing with its clean streets, white walls, and pleasant smell.

Bran and Rickon observed it all with awe, not used to such splendor where a city was concerned having grown used to the decay of King's Landing. As well, they hadn't realized what the North had to offer, though they knew their family had been rulers of the North for centuries.

By the time they reached New Castle Bran was feeling more than a little overwhelmed.

"Robb, can I be excused from the feast? I feel tired," Bran said.

Seeing his brother's exhaustion Robb nodded. "I'll tell Lord Manderly. He'll have someone escort you to your chambers."

At the feast, Robb was generally enjoying himself until he heard some talk about having an independent North. Particularly vocal about the issue was Wylar Manderly, a grandson of Lord Wyman Manderly.

Robb tried to ignore the boy's words but could stand it no longer when he began subtly disparaging his family. "Quiet! I have heard enough! An independent North will not happen as long as a Stark sits the throne. And any man who rebels against the crown will face the consequences! I don't care if he's a high born or low born!"

A sudden hush fell over the room at Robb's outburst, not that Robb noticed as he was too focused glaring down at Wylar who stared back somewhat defiantly.

Finally, Lord Manderly intervened. "My lord, please forgive him. He's but a child with fanciful notions."

Robb didn't speak for several moments before turning to address "You should tame him, Lord Wyman."

Wylar's face turned an ugly red in anger. "I'm not a child, nor an animal to be tamed!" shouted Wylar.

"Shut up Wylar!" roared his father, "Guards! Lock him in his chambers, I will deal with him later."

As the guards moved to remove Wylar he struggled against them while shouting. "You Starks betrayed the North! The Great Lion will rule over us now!"

"Lord Wylis, I think he should be punished so that next time he does not disrespect his superiors," Robb said softly but firm.

"Of course, my lord." Lord Wyllis bowed his head in shame.

…

It was Tywin's 60th nameday but to him; it was a normal day of work. He hadn't celebrated his nameday since his mother had died.

Mother. Tywin thought, suddenly feeling a niggling sensation at the back his mind. He was forgetting something... The ring! Of course! Tywin could have kicked himself for forgetting about it. I'll give it to Sansa before our wedding day.

Just as he was thinking of going collect the ring to get it refitted, there was a knock on his solar door, "I sure I told you I was not to be disturbed Cheryin. Tell them to come back later."

Instead of Cheryin answering him, a feminine voice came from behind the door, "Are you too busy even for your Queen, Lord Tywin?"

On hearing her voice Tywin rushed to open the door, "Sansa, my apologies, I wasn't aware you were coming. Come in, please."

"I came to thank you again for your visit, Tywin. Also, I wanted to wish you a happy nameday." Sansa pulled a small parcel she was hiding from behind her back.

Tywin was speechless, "How did you know?"

"I see I've made the great Lord Tywin speechless. How many can say they've done that, I wonder? As for how I knew, well that's a secret, my lord. I hope you like my gift."

"Why, Sansa! You didn't have to bother yourself with a gift. I'd be quite content without one."

"You will refuse my gift, Tywin?" Sansa pouted.

"No, I cannot I'm afraid," his eyes softened.

Sansa eyes brightened, and she presented the gift to him. It was in a white box tied with red ribbon and had a small message scribbled on top of it in the Queen's own hand. From Sansa to Tywin.

Giving Sansa a brief smile, he untied the string before opening the box. Inside, nestled on a velvet cushion was a small round gold object.

"It's a golden pocket watch, decorated with lions on the back. It took a lot of time to decide on what to gift you, my lord. I hope you like it." Sansa rushed to explain while nervously twisting her fingers.

The Great Lion was speechless. No one had thought of gifting him anything in decades. After all, it was not in their best interests, but Sansa was different. It was clear she had done this selflessly without wanting something in return.

Tywin took the watch out of its box and using the gold chain attached to it, clipped it to his breeches before placing it within his pocket. He took Sansa's hand within his own and gave her a warm smile.

"Thank you, I'll treasure it for as long as I live." And he would.

Sansa squeezed his hand before releasing it. "Come, my lord. Our families are waiting for you to congratulate you on another nameday."

…

At Dinner

Everyone congratulated Tywin on his nameday except for Queen Mother which was expected. Despite him having been in the capitol nigh on a month, she'd all but ignored his presence. She continued to poorly conceal her hate for him and while pretending they were celebrating his nameday.

It also didn't help she drank heavily throughout the proceedings and made increasingly inappropriate remarks.

Thus, Tywin was prepared when she finally worked up the courage to approach him. "I heard you've reached your 60th nameday, my lord. Thank the gods you'll die soon so Sansa can marry someone else."

Her remark didn't go unnoticed as everyone present turned to observe what would happen next with bated breath.

Sansa, appalled, leaped to Tywin's defense. "Mother! I will not let you insult Lord Tywin again! Please leave. Now. By tomorrow I want you gone from the Red Keep! I don't care where you go!"

"Are you happy now? See what you've done," she hissed. "You've slept with her before the wedding and now you have her in your clutches!" Catelyn's expression turned watery as she looked upon Sansa. "You'll regret this Sansa! Remember my words!"

"I saw that coming," mumbled Jon.

"You're lucky she isn't your mother, Lord Targaryen," remarked Kevan.

Sansa's face turned red with anger. "How dare you? GUARDS! Please escort Lady Stark back to her chambers so she may pack. She will leave soon after all."

She did not call her the Queen Mother on purpose. Meanwhile, the direwolves were snarling at her sensing the tension in the air and their masters' moods.

"Get away from me, you filthy creatures!" shouted Catelyn.

"Don't call them that!" Arya snapped.

All of a sudden, Tywin rose from his seat and boomed, "Enough! Lady Stark you heard the Queen. You will leave at once and remember that because of her I did not answer your insults to me!"

"May you rot!" was her parting shot before she was escorted out of the room.

Sansa placed her hand over her heart and took a deep breath.

"My lord, I'm sorry this happened. My mother, she couldn't control herself and preserve her dignity as a highborn lady…"

"You don't have to apologize, Your Grace. It was inevitable. She'd hated me with a passion from the moment I stepped in the capitol, and the wine only loosened her tongue."

"Thank you, for restraining yourself. She's still my mother after all."

"I know, Sansa. I know."

…

After the dinner, Jon found himself alone with Tywin Lannister. Sansa went to her chamber tired from the events that had taken place earlier.

Jon didn't know what to say to him at first, but he remembered that Tywin had known his father for a long time.

"What was he like? My father, I mean."

Tywin's green eyes pierced Jon's before he looked away. He didn't answer for a long time, so long that Jon thought he would ignore his question.

"I assume you mean Rhaegar?"

"Yes."

"Didn't you hear about him? Gentle and noble Rhaegar Targaryen?" Tywin mused somewhat mockingly.

Jon frowned at his tone. "You seem to hold him in low regard?"

Tywin tipped his head in acknowledgement. "All I can say is he's not what people thought about him."

"You're an inscrutable man, you know that?"

"You're not the first person to say so." The corner of Tywin's lips turned up ever so slightly.

Silence reigned for some time as the two had little else to say to one another.

"Please don't hurt Sansa," Jon pleaded suddenly.

"I won't." Tywin turned his determined gaze on Jon. "You have my word, my lord."

Although he was sure he would keep his promise, Jon still wanted more reassurance from him. He also wanted to ask him more about how he fell in love with Sansa. How did The Lord of Casterly Rock after so long as a widow find love again?

But it wasn't his place to ask about it. Maybe he would ask Kevan for more details. So many questions swirled in his head that he desperately wanted answers to.

…

"Your lord did it again, got rid of an obstacle in his way."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing."

Cheryin dislike of Ser Erwin Black was ever increasing. He would talk to Lord Tywin about him.

"You don't deserve your place as a Lord Commander of the Queensguard. How did the likes of you surpass Ser Barristan Selmy and The Blackfish?"

"Who deserves it then? You? You're just a glorified servant to your lord and nothing more."

Cheryin felt a fresh surge of anger. "I'm not his servant! I'm his squire! I'm also a distant relative of his!"

"Hold your horses, Goldie. I didn't say anything should anger you. It's only the truth after all," Erwin said with a smirk.

"You're a hypocrite and a coward, do you know that? You say these things to me but would never dare tell them to Lord Tywin. And when he announced he was marrying the queen where were you to tell her your opinion of it? Yet, here we are LORD COMMANDER! I thought you were supposed to protect her. Why haven't you told her about your suspicions of her betrothed?"

Before Ser Erwin could think of an answer, Lord Tywin exited the dining chamber and Cheryin moved to follow him immediately.

…

When they arrived at the Tower of the Hand Cheryin tried to talk to his lord about Ser Erwin, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Ser Kevan.

"Brother, may I have a word with you?"

"Be quick about it, Kevan. I have work to do before I can sleep."

"Cheryin give us some privacy."

"Yes, my lord."

Kevan sat down in front of his brother's desk and tried to think of what he wanted to say.

"Ty..do you love her? Truly?"

"Love who?"

Kevan pierced Tywin with a knowing look. "You know who I mean, brother."

Tywin stopped writing and gave his brother a long look. "That shouldn't be known, Kevan."

Kevan smiled brightly. "I think she feels the same towards you."

"Towards me?" Tywin let out a harsh bark of laughter. "I'm an old man, Kevan. Why would she love me?"

"Love knows no age. The way she looks at you. The constant blushing when you're around her. She even gave you a gift on your nameday."

"So, you're the one who told her about my nameday?"

"Couldn't help it. She really cares about you as you care about her."

"Kevan.."

"It seems it was love at first sight for her, much as it was for you."

"Kevan.."

"It's obvious, Tywin. Everyone can see it in her eyes and yours."

"Try to ask her brother, or who knows she may ask you first."

"I want her, Kevan. If she doesn't love me, it's fine. I'll be content to be beside her for the rest of my life."

"Are you certain, brother? That you'll be content? Anyway, I have no doubt you won't have to live with unrequited love."

"I hope it's true," Tywin said quietly.

…..….

"How's your husband, Meara?"

Meara blushed as she thought about the love of her life. "He's well, Your Grace."

"How many years have you have been together now?" asked Sansa curiously.

"Almost twenty years, Your Grace."

"Do you.. love him?"

"Oh yes. He means the world to me. I would die for him as he would die for me. Why do you ask, Your Grace? If you don't mind me asking," she rushed to say.

Sansa waived her off. "I was curious. I... I love him. Tywin, I mean. His green eyes...I love how they sparkle like cut gems. I didn't expect to love someone like him, but when I saw him for the first time...it just happened. I'm glad I'll marry someone I love. I don't care if Mother or the entire world disapproves of him. But...I don't know if he loves me?"

"He would have to be mad and a fool not to love someone like you, Your Grace." She nodded vigorously with a smile at her Queen. One Sansa returned in kind.

"It's so strange. My parents loved each other but mother insisted on teaching me how to be a dutiful woman to my husband and now I'm a queen. I mean, of course, I'll be faithful to Tywin and strive not to harm him; No, I'd prefer death before that. But I don't think he will be accepting of following my orders. Lady wives tend to follow their Lord husbands' orders rather than the other way around."

"Your Grace, it's not a competition. You can work as equals, although your status as Queen will make you above him, it doesn't mean you have to treat one another so. I don't think Lord Tywin would try to undermine you. Remember, he's been candid with you and has sought your approval at every turn. Have faith!"

"You're right. Mother filled my head with doubts. Thank the gods she's leaving!"

…

In the morning the Starks were up and ready to depart from White Harbor. Robb personally was more than ready to return home. Unfortunately, they were being held up as no one could find where Bran was.

Robb turned to Rickon. The two had been sharing chambers. "Where is Bran, Rickon?"

"I don't know Robb. I thought he was here with Summer."

In a huff, Robb went to the room his brothers had retired in last night. Opening the door, he saw the room was bare. Where was he? Bran knew better than to play such games. He'd told him to be ready in the morning. As Robb made his way back to the courtyard, he tried to think of where Bran would run off to. As walked the corridors a sudden image flashed through his mind.

He recalled the feast, and the hateful look shot his and his family's way by Wylar Manderly

Returning to the courtyard, he saw Lord Wyman Manderly and his son waiting to see him off.

"My lord, can you guide me to your grandson's chamber?" asked Robb without preamble.

Lord Wyman nodded in confusion. "Of course."

However, when they arrived there they couldn't find Wylar.

"How did he escape his chambers?" shouted the merman.

Robb felt a weight in the pit of his stomach. "Fuck, Bran is with him!" Robb took off back inside the castle praying the whole way, "In the name of the Old Gods please..."