The nobles gathered in Lord Stark's solar sat silently as Maester Walys reset Brandon's broken nose. All conversation had been silenced through the threatening glare of Lord Rickard Stark.
"It is done my lord," the middle aged maester confirmed while inspecting his work. "It will take some time to heal, but we got to it in enough time to prevent any lasting damage."
"Good, now get out." The Lord of Winterfell demanded
"My Lord if I might stay to offer council." The maester requested in a humble tone.
"You may not. Get. Out." Rickard's glare was murderous as he emphasized the last two words. The maester gave a hurried bow and left the room. The sound of the door closing echoed ominously through the room. The following silence carried on far longer than any of the three young lords were particularly comfortable with but none of them wanted to be the first to speak based on the Old Wolf's demeanor.
"Brandon," Lord Stark's sudden speech nearly caused them all to jump, "You are my son and heir. Tell me, why did you strike Lord Baratheon." Brandon sniffed and winced in pain before the burning anger that had been suppressed by his father's cold rage began to rise again.
"I went to this southron lord and warned him about what would happen if he dishonored Lyanna. His sensibilities were apparently offended so he called my own honor into question, and I couldn't let that stand."
"How exactly did he call your honor into question?" Lord Stark probed. Brandon grimaced at the question, obviously struggling to articulate an answer that didn't make him look even worse.
"He said that I was dishonoring my betrothal to Catelyn Tully." He practically spat out. "Which is rich coming from a man of his reputation." Robert had had enough at this point.
"My Lord Stark, if I may." Robert said in as polite a tone as he could manage, remembering a lesson from Jon, even when your emotions are high never forget your courtesies. The older lord motioned for him to continue. "I specifically said he was one to talk since he is betrothed and still seeking out another high-born lady's bed."
"And how did you come across this information?" It was unnerving to Robert just how calm and even toned Rickard Stark managed to stay. Robert realized that he didn't have a good excuse for this one as he had found out near the end of his life as he and Ned caught up and shared stories on the trip back to King's Landing. He was surprised when he heard Ned speak up.
"He found out from me father." Ned said with an apologetic tone. Robert was stunned. Honorable Eddard Stark just lied for him. Well, told a half truth. Although Robert figured he shouldn't be too surprised as Ned had maintained the lie about Jon Snow for well over a decade. Robert saw Eddard's father's eyes widen and his eyebrows lift. "I found out about it the last time I visited and must have let it slip while we were in our cups."
"How dare you Brother!" Brandon shouted. "He's not even family!"
"He's more of a brother than you've been to me." Eddard said with a cold confidence. Robert was warmed by Ned's support.
"You've spent too much time in the south Eddard. You've forgotten what it means to be of the North." Brandon snarled.
"Have I? Am I the one who tempts the god's wrath by breaking guest rights?" Eddard shot back defiantly.
"Enough." Their father's voice was not loud, but it carried a finality that had both Stark siblings shut their mouths. "Brandon, what is this all about you seeking out another woman?"
"Your drive to forge bonds with the south is folly father. We should be strengthening our relationships with other northern houses. Damn the south, we don't need them, we have always stood apart. I curse the day Torrhen kneeled. We should be kings not lords." Brandon's fire was undeniable and would have convinced many through his passion. But Lord Stark was not moved.
"You didn't answer my question." Rickard Stark fixed Brandon with a withering glare.
"I have been with Barbrey Ryswell for some time since my fostering in the Barrowlands father." He replied defiantly.
"So, you attack a lord welcomed into my home under guest rights, dishonor a lady of high birth by laying with her out of wedlock, and you defy me by speaking out against your betrothal to the Tully girl." Rickard summarized.
"Southrons are nothing but bickering weaklings who prance around in shiny armor thinking they know what honor is." Brandon glared at Robert while saying this. "I will do my duty as you command, but they are a different people with different values and gods, we are the blood of the First Men we remember the old ways, a southern lady will not do well here. If you keep pursuing this foolishness, then how long before we see a sept in Winterfell." Robert had to suppress a snicker as he thought to himself, about four years.
"Brandon, our lands will not thrive without allies in the south." Lord Stark spoke with such a finality that it took everyone in the room by surprise.
"Lies!" Brandon eventually cried, breaking the silence. "What lies has that damn flower been whispering in your ear? I didn't want to believe Barbrey when she said that you were being influenced by that southern Maester, but this is madness. The North has survived for thousands of years under our rule and will continue to do without southern meddling. I'm going to gut that slimy bastard."
"You will be silent and listen!" The Lord finally raised his voice, shocking the rooms occupants. "You never stop and listen, too wild, too impulsive, if it didn't spit in the face of thousands of years of tradition, I would take Lord Robert's word and name Eddard my successor." A terrible anger was flowing out of the Warden of the North as he spoke. "I said the North cannot thrive, aye we will survive and endure as we always have, but we will never grow and prosper without food and funds from the south. The fields of the Stormlands, Vale, and Riverlands will feed our people in winter. Cotton from Dorne and wool from the Reach will clothe them. We can sell lumber, furs, and other northern goods to the Westerlands and Crownlands. My father commissioned a study, recently completed by that Flower you disparage, of all the tax and census records we still had stored in the library here as well as with many of the great houses of the north. Since Torrhen bent the knee, the population of the North has doubled. The peace the dragons brought and the trade that flourishes because if it has brought growth to our lands and I would see that increase. You may damn him, but I will honor our ancestor for caring more for his people than his pride or honor."
"You would sacrifice our culture and way of life in the process." Brandon growled unable or unwilling to cede the point to his father.
"I sacrifice nothing. A single Tully bride will not doom our culture. We have the chance to build a stronger North, and you spit in the face of my efforts." Lord Stark said obviously tired of his son's attitude. Robert watched the exchange and saw Brandon fuming, obviously not wanting to give in, but also not having anything meaningful to say in reply.
"This is what will happen." Rickard continued, "You will give a public apology to Lord Baratheon this evening in the great hall, and I forbid you from communicating with Barbery any further. Any correspondence arriving for you will be inspected by myself first. If you want to act like a child, then I will treat you like a child." He then walked to the door and opened it calling for a guard. "Escort my son to his quarters, he is to be confined there until I send for him." He turned to his son and spoke. "Get out." Brandon hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something else, but withered under his father's intense gaze and left to follow the guard. Once the door had closed, Robert felt the need to speak up.
"It's not all his fault, I shouldn't have risen to his level." After watching that whole exchange, Robert was in awe of the Old Wolf, and felt thoroughly chastised by proxy. Robert was once too impulsive and too wild.
"Yes, you should have. A Lord should know better, and you are more than that, you are a Lord Paramount. You are one of the most powerful people in the entire realm and yet you brawled with him like a commoner." Lord Stark said returning to his calmer matter of fact tone. Robert wanted to be angry, but he knew what he was hearing was truth.
"Tell me," The older lord continued. "What did he say that caused you to call his honor into question?"
"Ah," Robert felt like a boy being scolded. "He questioned why I had come north and threatened to kill me and end my house if I dishonored Lyanna." Lord Stark just stared for a moment and Robert could not read any emotion behind those grey eyes. Eventually the older man sighed and rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"Yes, I can see the source of your anger, but think it through. What authority or power does my son have to follow through on such a threat? I hope this is a good lesson for you. If peace is to be maintained, then we need Lords who maintain a cool head."
"I understand, it is a lesson Jon has tried to teach me many times. I'm trying to remember it." Robert said in a defeated tone.
"Now, do you wish to make the betrothal official?" The old Stark said in a tone that just barely betrayed his eagerness to do so.
"Ah, from what I know and experienced of your daughter announcing the proposal will only make her more opposed to it. If you give me more time, I believe I can win her over." Robert said with a smile. Lord Stark nodded, slightly disappointed.
"Hm, I am glad you are interested in my daughter's happiness. There are many of my bannermen who are interested in her hand, and they grow more discontent the longer she remains without a betrothal. I'd rather not have to make other concessions to hold them off further."
"Actually, I think I can help facilitate things." Eddard interjected. "I was planning spending some time with her today. Hopefully I can convince her to look past your reputation."
"Yes, your reputation." Lord Stark drawled. "Lord Robert, do remember who has the authority to follow through on Brandon's threat." Robert saw a slight grin on the old lord's face, and that made what he said all the more threatening.
"Of course, Lod Stark, I will treat her with all the honor and dignity she deserves." Robert said quickly.
"Good, now please leave me be. It has been a trying morning and I want to be alone for some time." Robert and Eddard bowed and left the solar. They walked in silence for some time before Eddard spoke up.
"Do you really think I would make a good Lord?" He said quietly
"Are you kidding? I know you would. I saw you lead your banners in war, and you led the North for my entire reign." Robert said with a laugh. "You would have continued to do so for years to come if I hadn't dragged you south." Eddard took the compliment with his usual stoicism.
The ret of the day went by without any more drama. Robert spent time practicing the joust but was once again frustrated by the lack of progress he was making. He thought he saw Lyanna watching him, but if that was true, she didn't stay long. Eventually the time came for the evening meal and Eddard came to make sure Robert was ready.
"I spoke to Lyanna before she left for her daily ride, she was as difficult as normal, but I think I got her to give you a chance." Eddard spoke in a tired tone.
"You are a true friend." Robert laughed slapping Eddard loudly on the back. They walked to the great hall and took their seats. A number of the Stark household as well as Robert's travelling companions had already arrived and were being served. The Lord of Winterfell was seated at the high table and nodded as Robert and Eddard entered. They moved to take their seats and Robert noticed that both Brandon and Lyanna were both absent. When they sat down, Benjen spoke up.
"Is it true that you beat Brandon twice Lord Baratheon? He's the strongest warrior in all the North, that must make you the greatest warrior in all the kingdoms." He said full of excitement and awe. Robert couldn't help but feel his ego being inflated a bit.
"Maybe I am!" he let out a booming laugh but thought that he should at least try and work on his humility. "Your eldest brother is quite a fighter. During our spar, I had a hard time finding an opening. If it wasn't for your brother Eddard, I wouldn't have been able to beat him."
"Ned? How'd he help?" Benjen replied incredulously.
"Ned is an expert in waiting and making the other person make a mistake. I took his style and used it against Brandon to win. As for the second win, I'd hardly call that a fight and it was not something you should be admiring." Robert finished in a lower tone.
As he finished talking, the door to the great hall was opened and a disheveled Lyanna entered. Her hair was wind swept and the bottom of her dress was streaked with meting snow and mud. She returned her father's disapproving glare with a guilty smile.
"Apologies father, I know you told me I had to be here, but I lost track of time while out on Mystery and didn't have time to make myself more presentable." She said quickly while moving to her seat at the high table. When she sat down, she gave Robert a cordial greeting. Robert was pleasantly surprised and mentally thanked Eddard. Eventually the last member of House Stark arrived. A scowl was plastered on his face, and he looked tense. This was clearly the last place he wanted to be. He walked up in front of the high table and greeted his father before turning to Robert, hatred burning in his grey eyes.
"I, Brandon Stark, offer my apologies for my actions this morning." Though he spoke in a clear voice, it sounded as if it took all his will to do so. Robert looked at him for a few moments, if it was one virtue that King Robert always had was the ability to forgive and turn enemies into allies.
"There is nothing to forgive, we're two hot blooded young men sorting out our differences using a language common to the both of us." Robert smiled, but it seemed as if the kind answer only served to pour coals on the Wild Wolf's head. It looked like Brandon was about to shout out when his father interrupted.
"Brandon, Lord Baratheon has been quite magnanimous has he not?" The tone indicated that it was less a question a more a warning not to say anything he would regret.
"Yes," Brandon struggled with just that one word. When he failed to manage more than that.
"You are tired Brandon, it has been a long day, and you must rest. Food will be brought to your chamber so that you can recuperate in private." Rickard said in a tone that allowed for no opposition. Brandon for once took a moment to contemplate his actions, bowed, and left the grand hall escorted by a household guard.
"I've never seen Brandon so defeated." Lyanna said to no one in particular.
"I assume he is used to things going his way." Robert replied as he cut into his meal.
"You would know." Lyanna's tone was a bit harsh, but she seemed to recognize her slip and she added a "my lord" afterwards to try an at least make up for it.
"Yes, I would know, my lady." He said with a chuckle at her antics and continued in an introspective tone. "I'm the eldest of my brothers and I was used to taking what I wanted."
"Was? My Lord." Lyanna questioned, hinting that she had doubts that this was not still the case.
"Well, I've was recently forced to face the consequences of my life choices. It put a lot of things into perspective." Robert replied truthfully. "It is not a good topic for a meal. Perhaps we can talk while taking a ride perhaps." He added on hopefully. Lyanna looked as if she was about to decline, but a stealthy nudge from Eddard caused her demeanor for change.
"That would be nice Lord Baratheon." She replied with a polite smile. Robert couldn't tell if she was nervous or simply hated the idea but was going along with it due to Eddard's prodding. The dinner went on with conversation topics being friendly but staying away from any deeper topics. Robert left the great hall with an overall good feeling about the progress of things. Eddard once again escorted him to back to his guest quarters.
"So, what did you say to Lyanna to get her to change her tune?" Robert asked as they walked along.
"I told her that she was acting like Brandon, and to look where that got him." Eddard replied with a grin.
"They do have that similar brashness don't they." Robert mused.
"Yes, but I think that Lyanna has a kinder heart than Brandon. Both can be selfish, but Lyanna was always quicker to defend others." Eddard said honestly.
"The fact that she even tried at all tonight says a lot. Hopefully our ride tomorrow will be productive." Robert replied smiling as they reached his door. Robert bid his friend a good night and prepared for bed. His dreams were filled with tourney banners, knights in plate, and a young woman laughing while riding across the snow.