First of all, thank you all for reading and reviewing. And thanks to all the people who have favourited it and are following the story.

I will normally reply to the reviewers who have an account via PM. I will try to address other issues this way :)

Many of you have raised the concern that Varys and LittleFinger would never be allies. I don't really see it as them being allies, it's just that they realized that they could both get what they wanted if they worked together in this. But, all they have done so far is plant the seed. Now they just have to wait to see how it plays out. They won't be making an appearance for now since all the action will take place in Winterfell.

Now, a mea culpa of sorts. I reviewer rightfully pointed out that I had written Maester instead of Master. When I read it I went back to the story and checked, because I could swear I had written Master. In my head I made the deliberate distinction between Master (of Coin) and Maester (Luwin). But I was wrong, it does say Maester. I don't know what happened ... I won't fix it because this site is not very user friendly when it comes to editing. I would need to delete the chapter and upload it again. Just imagine it says Master ;)

Now ... on to chapter 2:

.

.

.

2. The King's visit.

When Catelyn Stark walked into her husband's solar he was still holding the parchment that had arrived from the capital earlier that morning.

"What does the letter say?" she asked him coming to stand next to him.

"Not much," he replied confused. "He just wants to see me. Here" he gave her the parchment for her to read.

Dear Ned,

We haven't seen each other in ages. I tire in this city. All these lickspittles just nod their heads at me and bow, but nobody really listens to me. They are no fun. I miss our good old days, our camaraderie, our trust. I'm coming to see you.

Don't fret. It's not an official visit from the King, it's just a friend calling in on another friend.

Robert B.

"We should prepare the castle for the King's visit then. Is he coming alone or is he bringing his family? We need to have the Guest Wing cleaned and readied. We need to see about food. The King drinks a lot. And we should make sure all the rooms have…"

"Stop" Ned halted his wife with his hand. "Stop" he laughed. "You worry too much. I don't think he's bringing his family or a whole retinue. I think it's just him. He just wants to have some fun, like we used to have."

"Friend or not, he's still the King. We need to get the castle ready."

"I know, you're right. But let me handle it" he reassured her taking her hand. "I know what he likes."

"Am I about to learn what young Eddard Stark used to get up to with his friend back when they were adventurous, strapping young knights?" she smiled suggestively.

"Am I not still strapping and young?" he feigned offence.

"Just as young as I am" she countered back blowing him a kiss. "So, what does he like, then?"

"Oh, back in the day, in the Vale and during the Rebellion, we were so reckless" Ned remembered fondly. "We drove poor Jon Arryn mad when we fostered with him. Well, mostly Robert did. I was always more responsible and dutiful."

"I'm sure you were" she smiled. "So, what did this reckless naughty Robert and the responsible mature Lord Eddard do?"

"The usual. Hunting, feasting, drinking, sparring, riding" he started listing some of the things they used to do. "Robert liked to party, he still does. I can't tell you how many disputes I had to sort out with disgruntled husbands" he laughed at the memory. "He had a weakness for beautiful girls."

"So did you" she muttered unable to stop herself. She bit her lips regretting the words that came out of her mouth. Both were stunned into silence for a few seconds. She clenched her fists and looked down. "I apologize my Lord, that was uncalled for."

"No, it wasn't. I dishonored you my Lady and I will be forever sorry I did." He loved her with all his heart, and he knew she loved him too, but there was always this underlying tension between them regarding his indiscretion.

"I should get back to my chores. I was going to ride into town today to get some new fabrics for the curtains on the West Tower. Is there anything else I should bring?" she asked keeping her eyes down.

He shook his head and watched as she left the solar without raising her gaze to meet his. Jon. That was the source of the only rift in their marriage. He will never regret his choice of bringing him home. He just wished it hadn't caused his wife and nephew so much heartache. He couldn't fault any of them, they had both endured his own shame. If only they knew it was not shame but love that had made him bring Jon home and claim him as his bastard.

He wholeheartedly believed he had done his best for Jon. His nephew always sat with them at the table and shared everything with his other sons. For all intents and purposes, Jon was truly his son. But then, why was he always so gloomy? He wholeheartedly believed his wife had finally accepted Jon living in the house with them, even if not happy about it. Yes, she clearly resented Jon's presence in Winterfell and what it represented, but she never complained nor berated Jon for it and her demeanor in front of Jon and in public was always restrained and collected. But then, why was she always so edgy whenever the issue of Jon or his mother came up between them? Maybe he hadn't done such a good job as he had hoped. He would try and fix it. After Robert left he would make sure to alleviate his wife's and nephew's inner turmoil.

He wondered what Robert could want. For all they had kept in touch and written to each other all these years, Robert had never visited him since they parted ways in the capital after the Rebellion – after Lyanna, he added to himself. But it would be good to see him again. He did miss the good times they had shared.

He started to make mental notes of things they could do together. They will definitely go hunting. Robert would not only expect that of him, he would demand it! There will be a feast. Robert used to love them. Music, ale, food, dancing … and yes, women. Robert did have that one weakness. As much as he hated himself for encouraging a habit which reflected bad on the Queen, he wouldn't be able to stop Robert, so he might as well be prepared. He would need to pay a visit to the brothel in Winter Town and warn them to be ready. If Robert wanted to lie with women, he would have to do so out of sight. He didn't want his wife to think he condoned such behaviour.

Even though Robert had insisted it was not an official visit, Ned and Cat still wanted to honor the King and make sure he had a good impression of Winterfell, the North and their family. New clothes for the children were commissioned, the whole castle was cleaned and dusted, all the repairs were done, new horses were brought to the stables, and Ned made sure the caskets of ale were filled. Looking at all the expenses, Catelyn gave an exasperated sigh. Ned just shrugged his shoulders knowing full well his wife was right, but at the same time wanting to indulge in a little luxury for his friend.

Some weeks after Robert's letter, they received another raven from Lord Manderly and then another one from Lord Cerwin advising him that the King was on his way. According to both Lords, he had taken a ship to White Harbour, then made a short stop-over at their castles and was now making his way over land to Winterfell and should be there shortly. His wife, the Queen had not come with him and neither had his children. He was travelling with his Kingsguard and a few other guards as well, as befits a King.

Ned looked forward to his friend's visit. Maybe not having the Queen would make it easier for him and Robert to reminisce about the old times and have fun together. He wished Robert had brought his oldest son Joffrey, who was of a similar age to Robb and Jon, maybe they could start a friendship much like the one he shared with Robert. And Theon as well. Even though the Greyjoy ward was a little bit older, he was still very good friends with his. It was a shame Robert was not bringing any of his younger children either. He knew Robert and Cersei had a girl who was of an age with Arya and Sansa, and a boy who was probably a bit younger than Bran.

When the King and his retinue finally made their entrance into the Stark castle, the whole Stark family was waiting in the yard together with the Maester, the castellan and the rest of the household. Ned waited in anticipation for his friend to step off the wheelhouse. When he did, Ned had to swallow his disappointment. His friend had grown fat and old. Have I grown so fat and old, too? he wondered. But he had no time to ponder on this. Vigorously and exuding confidence the King made his way past his Kingsguards and soldiers and stood face to face with his old friend. This was the strong Robert that Ned remembered, the one who had fought a rebellion and won. He embraced his friend in a brotherly hug before kneeling in front of him. The rest of his family mimicked his actions and soon everybody in the yard was kneeling to the King.

"Winterfell is your, Your Grace" Ned said proudly.

"I know."

.

.

.

Next: We'll see what Robert wants and how Ned reacts.

Thanks