Breathless and still reeling from shock, Rhaena flew through the hallways of the Hand's residence in order to see Lord Stark. They had brought him back from the streets where he had been attacked by none other than Jaime Lannister with his own men. Jory had been slaughtered along with the other guards Lord Stark had brought with him, something that had brought tears to Rhaena's eyes when the news had come. Sansa and Arya were with Septa Mordane who was currently caring for them but Rhaena had to see Lord Stark. Pushing her way past the gathered servants who were whispering and discussing the news openly with one another, Rhaena managed to reach the door of Lord Stark's chambers where he was heavily guarded. "Please, may I…?" Before Rhaena could even finish her plea the door was opened for her and permitted through. Still unused to being treated so cordially, Rhaena blinked before dropping a curtsey and hurrying inside to find Lord Stark laid upon his bed with his leg wrapped and bound in bloodstained bandages. Rheana froze from shock. The man she admired and respected was drenched in sweat and groaning from pain. Maester Pycelle had already tended to him and left milk of the poppy for the pain but had not stayed with his patient.
Steeling herself against emotion, Rhaena strode to the bed and began to take up the duties of care. She used cold water to wipe away at the sweat and wash as much of Lord Stark's body as she could reach, deftly lifting his shirt in order to sponge at his chest to keep him cool and comfortable. Once this was done, she helped him to take a little more of the medicine to help ease his pain then placed a damp cloth across his brow. Now she turned to the leg which had been exposed to the air and revealed the bloodied bandages. Having read many books on medicine and treatment, Rhaena knew that keeping such blood stained bandages would risk infection but she had no further supplies with which to treat Lord Stark. She fretted but did not give up so easily. Returning to the door she opened it and addressed on the of the guard's standing outside. "Please, if someone would be so good as to fetch Maester Pycelle, Lord Stark requires his bandages to be changed. He left no spares behind so I cannot do it myself, but the wound is still weeping." Immediately the guard bowed and hurried to fetch the help required, allowing Rhaena to return to Lord Stark's side and tend to him as much as she was able.
Unexpectedly he began to stir so Rhaena immediately grasped hold of his hand whilst staring at him with distress, watching as he groaned, and his eyes flickered before he seemed to rouse himself. He then looked at her. "Rhaena?" Choking back on a sob, Rhaena could only nod her head and squeeze her smaller fingers around Lord Stark's before then beginning to draw them away as it was not her place to be so familiar. Lord Stark did not let her retreat, however, managing a smile as he sighed wearily and now seemed to hold Rhaena's hand to comfort her. "My daughters?"
"Safe and with the septa, my lord. They know you are hurt but do not know the particulars. I know a little but only because I overheard some servants." Assuring him quickly that his children were alright, this seemed to take a weight from Lord Stark's mind as he breathed deeply. "Is there anything I can do for you, my lord? I have sent for Maester Pycelle to see to your injury, but is there anything else you require?"
"No, little one. You have done more than enough already. Come. Sit by me." Inviting her closer, Rhaena lifted herself up in order to perch delicately upon the edge of the bed as Lord Stark reached over and took her hands in his. They swallowed hers completely, large and comforting as they were. "You must listen to me carefully, Rhaena. I know that I can trust you with this information and that you will help my daughters should anything happen to me." Beginning to protest that nothing was going to happen to him, Lord Stark hushed her gently so that Rhaena would listen, as he needed to tell her as much as he could whilst they were alone. "Lord Tyrion has been taken prisoner by my wife, who is convinced that he is responsible for an attempted assassination upon my son Bran whilst he remained unconscious." Her eyes widened in shock. She knew already there had been an assassination attempt as well as that Bran had awoken, but nothing about Lady Catelyn and Lord Tyrion. "It is why Jaime Lannister attacked me as he did, demanding the return of his brother."
"My lord, Tyrion would never do such a thing. I have known him all my life, he is completely incapable of harming a child, no matter what threat he may pose, and Bran was no threat to him at all. It makes no sense." Rhaena defended softly, keeping her voice low as her lips began to tremble and tears gathered at her eyes. The father in him showed as Lord Stark hushed the distressed girl and began to press his thumb to her cheeks and brush away her tears.
"I know, little one. I know. However, what's done is done. The Lannisters demand the return of Lord Tyrion, and I…I resigned as Hand of the King which means that I am soon to depart for Winterfell with my daughters and household." This Rhaena also knew, for she did not even need Varys to hear the rumours which had spread throughout the keep. Her sister, Daenerys, was with child by her husband Khal Drogo. She was to be an aunt and will never be able to meet the child of her sister. What caused the disagreement and the subsequent resignation of Lord Stark from his office, however, was that King Robert demanded that her sister, her child and her brother Viserys be assassinated before they became any true threat. "You are to come with us."
"What?" Having become wrapped up in thought, Rhaena almost missed Lord Stark's sudden statement, staring at him in shock.
"It was all we could do to keep Robert from demanding your execution only hours ago. After I leave, I do not think anyone will be able to protect you from Robert's wrath. Not even Ser Barristan. So, in order to keep you safe, you will be coming with me and my daughters and return to Winterfell where I shall name you as my ward. I will deal with Robert, so do not be afraid. He will gripe and moan but ultimately, I believe he can be persuaded to let you go so long as certain promises are made such as you vowing never to run from us and formerly renouncing all claim to the Iron Throne." The hope that Rhaena might finally be free of this place forever was more than enough to secure any vow from her that would see it happen. She grasped at Lord Stark's hands and near enough opened a fresh flood of tears as she dared dream that she might find a home for herself in Winterfell, where Robb would be waiting and perhaps one day, would be his wife.
"I give my word of honour, my lord. You may have any oath or vow from me so long as you take me away from here. I could not bear it if I were to be left behind in this poisonous place. I will do anything, even become a servant for you and your family to care for you and your house for as long as I should live, you would have my unending loyalty and devotion. Please, please just take me away from here." Begging so ardently, Lord Stark knew that no matter the consequences, he could not leave this child behind. Even if it were to lead to war, Lord Stark would pay that price in order to protect the girl he had saved when only a small infant. He felt honour and duty bound to continue to protect her, and had he known the treatment she had suffered all these years, would have come sooner to take her away.
"You have my word, Rhaena. I shall free you from this place." Drawing her forwards, Lord Stark embraced Rhaena tenderly and even placed a kiss upon her brow. "But you will be no servant. You will be one of us." Now she smiled, feeling a little lighter in her heart at the promise of Lord Stark, for she knew without fail he would keep it. "Keep close to my girls. I cannot tell you all, but there is more occurring here than you may be aware of and the dangers do not end."
"They shall be safe with me, Lord Stark." It was then that their discussions were interrupted by the arrival of Maester Pycelle who was announced from outside the door. Releasing his hold of her, Rhaena helped Lord Stark to settle back upon his pillows before the door opened and the Grand Maester entered in his slow shuffle. Rhaena bowed her head and discreetly left so that the master could work, but not before she looked back at Lord Stark a final time and offered him a sincere smile. She returned then to the girls in order to tell them of their father's condition, assuring them that it was not life threatening though from now on he would walk with a permanent limp due to his injury. Both were rattled so Rhaena stroked their hair and stayed with them until it was time to retire for the night, but she did not sleep. She sat and thought deeply for a long time over all that had occurred, and of the sister who was thousands upon thousands of miles away carrying a child within her. So far away and there was nothing she could do. Only pray. It seemed all Rhaena could ever do was pray, and she was tired of being helpless. Perhaps once she was safe in the North, she might find more uses for herself. Bran would need constant care; she could devote herself to him and earn her place amongst the Starks. She should like that, and then perhaps one day further in the future she might be able to find happiness and peace in fulfilment. It was all she had left to hope for, so she clung to it with all her might and prayed once again for a better future.