Chapter 14
~Eddard Stark~
Tap. Tap. Tap.
He was enough of a man to admit he had made a mistake. No matter how many times Torrhen had told him, Eddard still hadn't accepted that vampires were any different from normal men. He thought Torrhen and Lyanna were the same as before, just looking a little different. He wasn't able to deny it anymore now, not after the scene at the nursery.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
He had still been talking with Benjen in the Great Hall when they heard the screaming. They had run towards it and came across quite the scene. The guards had their weapons out and pointed at Krell, who had been holding Lyanna in a bear hug, while Torrhen stood nearby with his hands up. Ned was sure the only reason things hadn't yet devolved into violence was because Lyanna wasn't fighting to free herself. Catelyn wove a tale of how Krell had shoved her aside in order to attack Lyanna and possibly the children, something Arthur had said was incorrect.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Catelyn hadn't liked being disagreed with, in public, by a household knight with no family name. But then, she hadn't liked Arthur ever since they were first introduced because of his refusal to show his face to anyone, nor had she approved of how much trust Eddard had placed in him. But then, it wasn't as if Ned could tell her who Arthur really was or why he was so loyal.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Ned had taken charge, ordering the men to put away their weapons and for Krell to release Lyanna (which the giant had only done after glancing at Torrhen, who gave a brief nod). They had then all gone to Eddard's solar, with Krell waiting outside with the guards.
Tap. Tap-
"Quit with the fucking finger games, Ned. I get that you don't know how to broach the subject but it's getting annoying."
Tap, he finished, nail against the wood one final time. Withdrawing his hand from his desk, he crossed his arms against his chest and looked at everyone in the room. Catelyn was torn between confusion and outrage, that much was clear, in her seat next to him. But as a dutiful wife she was silent, waiting for him to speak. Thank the Gods she's not like Lyanna, two women that strong willed would not get along.
His sister, the one who had interrupted the silence, was seated across the desk, glaring at him. She had been extremely subdued in spirit since Ned and Benjen had arrived at the nursery, but it seemed he had roused her wolf's blood with his action.
Ben appeared so unbothered Ned was envious. His brother was simply sitting in a chair next to Lyanna, hands folded in his lap, waiting quietly.
Torrhen was standing near the door, leaning against a wall and though his posture would indicate a sense of nonchalance, Eddard noticed that his brother kept glancing at Catelyn.
Shall we tell her the truth? By the end of the day all of Winterfell will hear about this, we will need to think up a proper story to cover it all. A moment passed as Ned realized what he had just thought. Gods, only a year ago I didn't like the idea of telling Robert that Torrhen was a sellsword, now here I am trying to figure out the most believable lie for this situation.
"You warned me this could happen," Ned began.
"I did," Torrhen agreed.
"And, no one was hurt, correct?"
"Krell was focused on keeping his grip on me, so he did not attack anyone," Lyanna said.
Catelyn spoke up, "He nearly knocked me to the ground."
Torrhen snorted, his mask fluttering at the action. "So in answer to your question Ned: no, no one was hurt."
Ned could tell from the straightening of her back that his wife was about to say something. He reached and patted her hand. "There's more going on here then you realize, Cat. I - I am not sure how to tell you everything, is the problem."
"I think you should. Tell her everything, that is," Torrhen said. "But it's also not just my secret anymore. Lyanna?"
Eddard met his sister's gaze. He'd like to think they communicated a great deal in that look but he honestly had no idea what she was thinking. She eventually turned to look at his wife.
"Catelyn, you're the Lady of Winterfell but you're a southerner. Given everything that happened with the war, I assume you haven't exactly been well received here in the North."
"The servants have all been polite and not overstepped their station," Catelyn said stiffly.
Lyanna smirked. "That is a very southern answer."
"I do not know what it is you expect me to say."
"I expect you to say what's on your mind. You're in a private room, among family. You don't need to stand on pomp and courtly manners."
There was a flash of emotion in Catelyn's eyes. "Family? My husband, goodsister, and goodbrother are in the room, true. But why" -she jabbed a finger in Torrhen's direction- "is a rude, upjumped, foreign sellsword included in that group?"
Torrhen chuckled. "Because I am family." He pushed off the wall and bowed, a proper, respectful bow that he held for a few seconds before straightening back up. "Nice to meet you for real, Catelyn. Torrhen Stark, son of Rickard and Lyarra Stark, twin brother of Eddard Stark, at your service."
"Older twin brother of Eddard Stark, if you want to be accurate," Ben said, speaking for the first time since they had entered the solar.
Ned kept his expression neutral as Catelyn gaped at Benjen and then at Torrhen. This was his lady wife, and though it was just his siblings present, it wouldn't be right for him to laugh at her.
"Anyway," Lyanna said, taking back control of the conversation. "Catelyn, the reason I mentioned your treatment is because, as Father told us, when winter comes the lone wolf dies but the pack survives. Family is important. But the smallfolk here, hells even Ned, weren't sure if you valued it the same."
Catelyn didn't seem to know what to say. Ned gave his wife's hand a reassuring squeeze as he linked their fingers together. The silence started to stretch on but eventually, she spoke, "The Tully House words are 'Family, Duty, Honor.' I admit, adjusting to life in the North had taken more effort than I expected, a task I have still not finished. But yes, family is important, family should trust each other, so whatever trust you extend to me, I shall not break it."
"Good enough for me," Torrhen said. "Lyanna?"
There was a pause but eventually she said, "Yes."
"Very well." Torrhen reached up and untied his mask, tucking the cloth into his belt. He walked forward to stand next to Lyanna's chair so Ned and Catelyn had a more clear view of him. Torrhen gave a wide grin.
Ned grimaced as Catelyn's grip got a lot tighter. Gods be good, my fingers.
"The starting point of this story is when I was sent to foster with House Bolton," Torrhen began. He told Catelyn everything that had led to this point, his discovery of magic in the Dreadfort's library, his travel to King's Landing, recuse of the royal family, the trip to Dorne, the rescue of Lyanna, turning her into a vampire, and finally the return trip North.
Catelyn was silent through the whole tale, which Ned found slightly surprising. She didn't ask a single question of clarification, simply nodded along, her face a stone mask.
"And so Lyanna got a good whiff of Jon's blood. Targaryen's smell amazingly delicious. Which is what Krell was there for, to stop her if she couldn't stop herself. That should about cover everything, I think. So, now you know."
"I see," Catelyn said, finally letting go of Ned's hand. He subtly tried rubbing a sense of feeling back into it, particularly his aching fingers. "That is. . . quite the tale."
"If you want further proof I can call Krell in here and have him take off his helmet. His flesh is pretty well rotted at this point. I never did figure out why he doesn't smell, though."
"NO!" Catelyn quickly responded. "No, that is not necessary. I believe you. It's just. . . magic and wights. What's next? Snarks and grumkins hiding in the Godswood?"
Torrhen gave a nervous chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck with one hand while staring off to the side.
Ned narrowed his eyes. "Torrhen, brother, what are you not saying?"
"It's not really important right now. Given everything that has happened I don't want to give you another thing to worry about-"
"Torrhen," Lyanna said, her exasperation clear. "Just tell them whatever it is. Get it all out in the open."
"I can detect magic on Jon and Robb both. Pretty sure when they get older they'll be skingchangers, assuming they don't also have an aptitude for my style of magic."
Catelyn gasped while Ned's eyes went wide.
"You shouldn't have to worry about it for at least a decade though," Torrhen added. "I doubt they'll do any accidental magic at a young age."
"You tell me not to worry about my son being cursed in the eyes of the Seven?" his wife hissed. "I don't want him following down the same path you took! Needing blood sacrifice to stay alive!"
"Catelyn!" Eddard snapped the sharp rebuke out. While she was a firm worshipper of the New Gods, she had, with the exception of right now, proven remarkably tolerant of the Old Gods. He hoped that this was just an outburst brought on by worry over their son but if this was how she truly felt he might need to reconsider his decision to order the construction of a Sept in Winterfell.
"My apologies, I was just overwhelmed by the news," she said.
While her words said one thing, her eyes said the opposite. There was a fury there that Ned hadn't seen before.
She just lied to my face, to all of our faces. Should I say something? Or maybe wait till we're alone? Or should I let it lay?
For his part, Torrhen merely shrugged at the outburst. "Like I said, they are far too young for you to have to worry about it now. We have a different concern. Namely, how to deal with Lyanna's behavior. The story is no doubt making its way through the entire castle as we speak."
"Do we have to say anything? Couldn't we just not speak of it? If we all act as if it never happened. . ." Benjen trailed off.
Lyanna shook her head. "That wouldn't work. Catelyn publicly accused Krell of attacking me. Ned is a Lord Paramount, I'm his sister and under guest right. This is too big, it isn't something that can just be ignored."
"I. . . have an idea," Catelyn said hesitantly, her voice a mix of so many emotions Ned couldn't begin to guess how she truly felt. "Though I doubt you'll like it, goodsister."
"Can't hurt to hear, at least," Torrhen said.
"Ned, I once asked you why Lyanna was staying at the Dreadfort instead of here. You told me the trauma of being raped by Rhaegar meant she didn't want to be around her son, that she'd rather spend time with the man who saved her." She glanced at Torrhen. "Truthfully, I thought that meant you two were bedding each other."
Lyanna groaned while Torrhen laughed and said, "Told you most people would think it, Lyanna. I can't help if it my raw sex appeal makes ladies-"
It was at that point Lyanna jabbed her elbow out and hit Torrhen in the groin. Hard.
Eddard and Benjen winced in sympathy as their brother collapsed to his knees with a strangled whimper.
Lyanna ran a hand through her hair, tucking the strays back into place. "Please continue, Catelyn."
Does this mean Lyanna and Torrhen are getting along or that they're not? Ned couldn't help but wonder. Probably the former. I assume anyone else that hit Torrhen there would very quickly regret it.
"Um. . . very well. As I said, since the story was you didn't want to be around your son, why not expand upon that? You walked into the room, saw him, and were so reminded of your time with Rhaegar that you became violent. In addition to explaining what happened it would also help cut back on the rumors claiming you were using Jon as an excuse to spend time with Torrhen. People would now have some proof on why you avoid your son."
Lyanna rubbed both hands over her face and let out a long breath. "So instead of everyone thinking I'm a wanton whore they'll think I'm a violent madwoman."
Catelyn shifted uncomfortably in her chair but did not deny Lyanna's words. Ned couldn't find it in himself to do so either and, judging from his silence, neither did Ben.
Torrhen staggered to his feet and, after moving to put Benjen between himself and Lyanna, said in a (for him) high pitched voice, "It's the best idea we've got, unless you have a better one."
"We could blame it all on Krell?" Lyanna suggested. "He's just a wight."
Torrhen goggled. "Just a wight? Lyanna, I realize I have four of them but wights are not easy to make. Not to mention, do I really have to point out how stupid it is to punish someone for loyally following orders? And, on top of all that, there aren't many people that could stop you if you tried to attack Jon again, why would I get rid of one of the few who can?"
"Also," Benjen added. "As Krell was in service to you Torrhen, you'd need to get some punishment. If that's the story we end up going with."
The room lapsed into silence broken only by, ironically enough given her earlier outburst, Lyanna tapping her fingers against the arms of her chair.
Torrhen is right. Punishing Krell just because he successfully did what was commanded of him would be wrong. But Lyanna was right when she said we couldn't pretend nothing happened. That only leaves one option, placing the blame on Lyanna.
Lyanna seemed to realize it at the same time Ned did because she spoke, "You're both right. I shouldn't let my pride make things worse than they already are. I'll take responsibility for my actions, we will use Catelyn's idea."
"Very well, let's discuss specifics so that we don't accidentally contradict each other," Eddard said.
~Robert Baratheon~
"I know a tourney before a wedding isn't normal, but I'm the king and Stannis is my brother, it shouldn't be a normal wedding."
"You are correct it wouldn't be normal, but that doesn't necessarily mean it would be good either. If the septon stopped in the middle of taking our vows to squat down and empty his bowels on his own shoes, that certainly wouldn't make for a normal wedding."
Robert barely managed to avoid falling out of his chair as he guffawed. "Gods damn, you sure know how to paint a picture with words!"
His soon-to-be goodsister smiled at him from across the table while Stannis merely ground his teeth next to her. It was funny man, laugh at the joke. Even Renly likes it.
And their younger brother was indeed laughing. And coughing. And possibly choking.
Oh my, that's not good.
After a couple thumps to the back from Cressen, Renly was fine.
"Make sure to properly chew your food to avoid that happening in the future," the maester cautioned.
Though he was king, Robert had decided that tonight dinner wouldn't be some grand feast but a simple family affair. While Larra wasn't yet family, she soon would be and so he insisted she come. Likewise, while Cressen wasn't related by blood he had raised the Baratheon brothers and deserved a seat at the table. Robert had tried inviting Jon as well, but his Hand had already made plans for a quiet meal with his own wife.
"I think we can all agree that would not be good," Robert said with a chuckle. "But why wouldn't a tourney be good? You'd be guaranteed a great show before the wedding, maybe Stannis could participate and even win. He'd get to declare you the queen of love and beauty!"
More teeth grinding. What is his problem? I'm trying to help, the sex afterwards would be astounding if he crowned her on his wedding day.
"The issue is that, if you'll allow me a bit of selfishness, the bride and groom are supposed to be the focal point of the wedding. Everyone should be thinking about Stannis and I, not how much money they just won or lost betting on the jousts."
Robert speared a piece of roasted pork with a fork and brought it to his mouth. She's got a point, he acknowledged as he chewed. "Alright, so no tourney then. What do you propose instead?"
"Must we make a spectacle of my wedding, Robert?" Stannis growled.
"We have to do something to make it memorable, first royal wedding after we overthrew the dragons and all." Robert paused to drink some wine. "I'd do it myself since, you know, king and all, but you're the one getting married first. So you're establishing how things will go."
And even more teeth grinding. Does he just hate fun?
"Stannis," Larra said, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "You are looking at this the wrong way. Robert, when he eventually gets married will have a bigger and nicer wedding but this is your chance to make your mark on a tradition that the Baratheons will follow for generations to come. For example." She turned from Stannis to look at Robert. "I've seen you flying a kite above the Red Keep on occasion, something other nobles have begun imitating. I would quite enjoy it if, sometime during the wedding feast, Stannis and I got to fly a very large kit that had his stag alongside my vulture upon the cloth."
Robert grinned. "Ooooh, I like that. Would easily work for every follow up wedding too, flying a kite with the stag and whatever the bride's sigil is. Stannis, smile man! Your woman is more than just a pretty face."
"I am aware of the qualities my betrothed possesses."
"Then why are you acting as though I'm forcing you to take the Black?" Robert demanded.
"Because you don't listen to me!" Stannis said, his voice raised.
"I listen, your ideas are just shite!" Robert shouted. "It's a royal fucking wedding. No, we can't have just three courses for the meal. Everyone would think the Baratheons can't afford to set a proper wedding feast!"
"Robert, Stannis!" Cressen's voice cut through the air. "This is supposed to be a happy time, you don't need to shout at each other."
Robert cleared his throat. "Right, right. Sorry."
"Your Grace-" Larra started to say.
Robert had to stop her before this became a habit. They were family, she didn't need to use any fancy titles in private. "Woman-"
Unfortunately, Stannis took umbrage at that and interrupted his interruption. "Larra has a name! She's not some random smallfolk walking down the road for you to whistle at to come warm your bed!"
"What the fuck are you even talking about?! She has teats, she's a woman, so that's why I called her such!"
"Don't talk about my betrothed teats!"
"Kick his arse, Stannis!" Renly shouted, causing Robert to stop in surprise.
Both brothers had risen from their chairs during the shouting, true. But they weren't about to fight.
Then again, Stannis does look pretty mad, he could take a swing at me across the table. . . wait.
"Why were you cheering for Stannis?" Robert asked, his anger forgotten.
"Oh, well, you know, I just thought. . ." Renly trailed off into barely audible mumbles.
"I must say, it is quite the puzzle how you two are able to talk to one another and yet not hear what the other is saying," Larra said.
"Well then Renly should speak up," Robert grumbled as he sat down, Stannis also taking a seat.
"I wasn't referring to him." Larra smirked but quickly calmed her features. "It took half a year of negotiating with Stannis to secure our betrothal. He is. . . not an easy man to get along with."
Robert blinked in surprise. Insulting the man you're going to marry in front of his family, not a tactic I would have thought to use. I'm really curious where she goes with this.
"But," Larra continued. "My effort paid off and I have found myself respecting Stannis and even enjoying his company on occasion. I, a Dornishwoman, accomplished that in under a year. You, however, are family, brothers, and have known each other all your lives. So, why can't you get along?"
And suddenly I don't like her so much, Robert thought as he met Stannis' unwavering gaze.