-This is AU but some elements remain the same as the show Game of Thrones as well as the book. It will not be completely accurate. Major changes won't happen until later chapters.
- There are a lot of 'what if' scenarios in this story. It may have been done before but I wanted to write this and see where it would lead. I have the plot somewhat written out and have not planned on changing things on it so far – but I am open to suggestions.
- I have been a fan of House Stark so this will be centered around them.
- I will get things wrong and I ask that you bear with me.
- The ages for some of the characters have changed.
- I do not write a whole lot of lemons/smut.
- And the biggest gripe for some: my main character is a bit of a Mary Sue.

Full Summary:

"Once they see the terms for your betrothal to Torrhen Karstark, they will know."

"Know what exactly," Nysa questioned at the ominous tone in Lord Stark's voice.

He cleared his throat and looked away for a moment. His eyes were haunted. "If people knew," he paused and turned back to her. "There are too many ears here, I'm sure you know that." Nysa nodded, understanding that she would still not be getting the full scope of it all. "After the war, I knew that a Southern maid would not be appreciated in the North. I made the decision to raise you among my own. In truth, I had been praying that by sending you to assist Lady Glover, Lady Karstark and Lady Umber that you would earn the respect of their Houses, the respect of the North. They are great Houses."

"They are, my Lord," she agreed.

"I tried to do the same with Jon as well but after that incident at the Dreadfort, it seemed to detract from the good he had to offer. And Lord Bolton..."

"Lord Bolton should learn to control his son," Nysa spat out. "I will not wed Ramsay. Forgive me Lord Stark but that is one thing that I find I will protest with every fiber of my being."

"There is no need for that," he smiled, "I would not subject the daughter of a Lannister to such a union." Nysa bit her bottom lip to hide her smile. "There is more to you and Jon than your name. I wanted the Northern Houses to see it. I wanted you to come here and see the court, the other Houses here in the South. I wanted them to see you."

Disclaimer:

I do not own anything. Credit goes to George R. R. Martin.

Part 1
Bastard from the North

Chapter 1

The air this afternoon was warmer than it ever would have been in Winterfell. There was a sense of calm that seemed to breathe throughout the entire keep. It was peaceful despite the voices that carried within them. Even outside of the walls there was found contentment on the faces of the people as they went about their duties. Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, watched his eldest son Robb walk with the young woman known throughout the North as Nysa Snow.

She was often found spending time with Robb or Jon, Lord Stark's son. Nysa is the sister of Jory Cassel, a loyal captain of the guard. After Robert's Rebellion, Lord Stark had returned to Winterfell with three little children - Robb, Jon and Nysa. And Gods, have those three children grown since then.

Now Eddard watched as Robb held Nysa's hand and she smiled up at him. A bundle of grey fur in Nysa's other hand made a noise causing both Robb and Nysa to laugh. She settled the dire wolf pup down which it did not take to well to. It pawed at her dress before taking off to chase after something Robb had pointed out. Lord Stark smiled at seeing how happy they were, before a figure came to stand at his side.

"I remember telling you years ago, that there would be trouble for us with the two of them," his wife's voice teased. He felt the gentle pressure of her arm link with his and her head rest on his shoulder. "Has he told you anything about it?"

Lord Stark sighed, causing his wife to move her head and look warily at him. "No, he has not. And am I to assume she has not spoken of it to you?" His wife shook her head. "Then we will wait," he gave a small nod, "besides her Uncle gave explicit instructions regarding her being given in marriage."

Eddard wanted to discuss more on the matter of Nysa's marriage. He sighed heavily and thought to himself that if his son did not say anything soon, he'd have to reply to the other Lords who had inquired about her hand. Majority of them were second-born sons of second-born sons - nephews or cousins to the Lord of the House. And despite how fortunate the circumstances were for a bastard to wed into a noble House, Lord Stark had to send out letters refusing the alliances.

There were three reasons behind such letters. For one, Lord Stark knew that there would be a better offer out there for Nysa - and one of those options might be his own son. Second, was the fact that her Lord Uncle from the South would not agree to her wedding some nephew or cousin to the Lord. No, Lord Stark thought. Nysa's Southern Lord Uncle wouldn't settle for anything less than an heir. And third, Jory hadn't liked any of the proposals either.

Jory had denied Lord Locke's proposal to wed Nysa to his nephew, Ser Donnel Locke. It's not that he disliked the House. Lord Locke's sister, Lady Sybelle Glover, held Nysa in high regard after she had been sent to Deepwood Motte for some time. She had also written a letter stating that her nephew would treat Nysa kindly. But Nysa had never met Ser Donnel - who was twice her age. Jory did not want to subject his sister to that.

House Ryswell had sent their letter for a proposal to Lord Rodrick's third-born son, Roose, causing Jory to spend the entire day in the yard beating a practice dummy to pieces. He had almost sent it to Lord Rodrick as his answer. But Nysa had placated him before any rash actions were taken and Lady Stark had been the one to answer the proposal with an affirmative 'no'.

"There seems to be much on your mind regarding the young Nysa," Lord Stark's wife interrupted his thoughts then.

"She is old enough to be betrothed."

His wife shook her head. "Some thought she was old enough when she was only one and ten."

He turned to her and smiled kindly. "Perhaps I should speak to Robb, ask him if he desires to make Nysa his wife," he suggested.

Lady Catelyn sighed softly.

"There was another letter that came for her," Lord Stark added while handing it to his wife.

Lady Catelyn took it and scoffed when her eyes rested on the seal. "From the Dreadfort," she looked intently at her husband then, "You are not allowing that girl to go there, are you?"

Eddard answered with a chuckle. "After what happened the last time we went there?"

"Or when they recently visited here," she added with disbelief lacing her voice.

He chuckled again, "I would be a fool to agree to this," he gestured to the letter. "I spoke to Jory about it, offered him my opinion."

"What does he think of it?"

Again, the Lord of Winterfell began to laugh. "One look from him confirmed my thoughts on the matter. He will never let the girl wed Ramsay Snow. Then again, I highly doubt he'd allow his sister to wed anyone. He is loath to part from her. She is," he cleared his throat, "to him she is all that he has left."

"The girl has seen sixteen name-days, Ned," Catelyn spoke softly. "I hope you have informed Jory of that. I understand his refusal for the first two considering her young age. But now that she has grown, she should wed. There have been other offers," she reminded him. "What of Lord Karstark's offer? Both you and Jory felt that was the best option."

"It is not only Jory that needs convincing."

"Her Lord Uncle," Catelyn guessed as Eddard nodded.

"He wants to meet the girl," Eddard interrupted her. "He has a few that he would wed her to."

Catelyn scoffed, "Nysa would never chose someone from the South, you know that. Her heart is here in the North. And even if our son never asks for her hand then you know that there is always House Kar..."

"My Lord?"

Both Catelyn and Eddard turned to see Maester Luwin approaching. He let out a small huff - perhaps because he had been searching for the pair of them for a while. The look on his face told them that it rather important news.

"From the Capitol, my Lord," he held out the letter.

Nysa sat next to her brother and their Uncle, Ser Rodrik, down in the hall as they ate their sup. They both talked about the news of Lord Arryn's death. He had been a dear friend to Lord Stark. The best way for Jory to explain it to her - some time ago - had been the same way she viewed Lord Stark was the same he viewed Lord Arryn, perhaps even more than that. She had heard stories about how Jon Arryn had cared for Lord Stark in his youth. She also knew that Lord Arryn had married Lady Catelyn's sister, therefore there was much reason for the Stark family to be upset.

She turned away from her brother and Uncle who were still in discussion about Lord Arryn's death to see that her cousin, Beth was copying her as she usually would. Nysa nodded to Beth in approval at seeing her conduct which caused Beth to smile widely before continuing to eat her meal. She had just begun to eat her own meal when a small breadcrumb hit the side of her face. Nysa's head whipped around to see Jon with an apologetic look on his face.

Jon made a motion with his hand for her to hurry. Nysa took a few more bites greedily, before grabbing a few things from the table.

"And where are you off to," asked Ser Rodrik.

"I," Nysa paused and then turned to Jory. She gave him a small look of frustration, pleading for him to help her.

Lately their Uncle had been exasperating her. It was merely because he too disproved of the letters that were coming to ask for her hand. Ser Rodrik was convinced that some of them were mainly using her for the gifts she'd receive from her Lord Uncle in the South. It was obvious that he came from a wealthy noble House. If the girl was to choose a husband, it should be someone she chose. More than that he did not want her to leave Winterfell either. She would visit with other northern Houses - Deepwood Motte, Karhold, Last Hearth, Torrhen's Square, Bear Island and once she even traveled to the Dreadfort with Lord Stark. But Ser Rodrik knew who adored Nysa despite her birth and those who were taking advantage of her because of it. Being in service to House Stark, taught him that family was important and this young woman was his family.

"It is dark outside and you shouldn't be wandering about," Ser Rodrik warned her.

"I do not wander. Jory," she pleaded with him again.

Jory shook his head at her before looking at their Uncle. "She is not a child anymore, Uncle. I think we can allow her to have a night's stroll."

"As long as you stay within Winterfell's walls," Ser Rodrik gave Nysa a stern look.

"When have I ever gone out of them after nightfall," Nysa smiled innocently. Both Jory and their Uncle with incredulous expressions. "It happened once and the entire keep causes a scene about it," she waved her hand through the air. Jory scoffed at her mention of it only happening once. "Okay twice," she answered before sighing and looking to her feet, "alright it happened more often than it should have. But Uncle, I was hardly in any danger. And the last time it was because Robb and Theon were daring Jon and I to accompany them."

"Aye, my niece is the supposed 'innocent' one in the company of youth around Winterfell," Ser Rodrik chuckled as Jory smiled at her, knowing that she could not fool their Uncle as easily as she did the others. "I do not want to hear of any trouble. If for some reason..."

"Thank you, Uncle," she kissed his bearded cheek before picking up her skirts and hurrying after Jon.

"No more trouble, you hear me," he called after her as Jory shook his head. "You go too easy on the girl," he told his nephew.

Jory smiled again.

"But a girl she is no longer," Ser Rodrik reminded him. "Lord Stark has told me of..."

"She is not going to the Dreadfort," Jory almost slammed his fist down on the table, "and neither am I having her wed some Southern lord."

Ser Rodrik sighed. "Her Uncle has listed some potential offers?" Jory nodded. "And I'm sure you've heard of the letters to Lord Stark regarding her hand?" Again, he nodded. "There must be someone you have in mind."

"I rather not talk on the subject."

Ser Rodrik laughed heartily then. "As mentioned earlier, nephew, she is not a child anymore. Your own mother married at her age. Beth's mother was the same age as well. Surely you knew that this day would come."

Jory stood up then and shook his head. "After what happened at Karhold, I doubt Nysa would give her heart away again. And I know that wedding someone is different among other Houses. Some are done for political gain. But not for me and not for Nysa. We talked about this two years pass when she returned from Karhold, crying. We both agreed that when she was ready to approach the subject, she'd make the first move. I won't force her hand, no matter what her Lord Uncle in the South says."

Light from the moon shone down on the two figures as they walked outside of Winterfell's walls. Yes, Nysa had agreed to stay inside but both her and Jon loved the woods. She knew the guard's patrolling the gate and which ones were not so good at their job. She warned Jory that some of them were not fulfilling their responsibilities to the full but he did not listen and so that was how she could get her and Jon outside.

"We are going to get in trouble," Jon told her.

"When do I ever get in trouble," she asked.

Jon snorted at that. Her brother is the captain of the guards and her Uncle, the master-at-arms in Winterfell. He had taught many of the younger guards how to fight, including Robb and Jon as well. A lot of people held respect for both Ser Rodrik and Jory Cassel. Nysa would get in trouble - the same as Robb and Jon would - but for some reason her punishment did not seem as severe. One cry to her brother and that was all it took for her to get away with it. More than likely, she'd cry to Jory again if they were caught tonight. Of course, her crying did have limits and they seldom worked with Lord and Lady Stark, especially when she got older.

"Perhaps not as often as you should," Jon muttered under his breath. However, Nysa had heard and responded by hitting his side with a small branch. He turned to grab her only to have her run away from him.

Ghost had accompanied them and began to yelp in excitement as he and Jon ran after Nysa. She was fast in the keep, navigating around the walls, tables, wells and stables. But out here in the woods, Jon always had the advantage.

Eventually he did catch her as they both tumbled down onto the cold floor of the woods. Ghost came charging in at Nysa then, licking her face and barking. She smiled as she pried the pup away and settled him in her lap. Jon caught his breath as he sat up next to her. Nysa smiled at him before looking off into the woods.

He liked it when it was just the two of them. He knew that lately she and Robb had grown closer - closer than was probably considered proper. Despite that, Jon also knew that there would always been a bond between him and Nysa. He did not know what it was but he knew it was there. Perhaps it was the fact that they were both bastards. He remembered the day so clearly when she had been called one, when they both had been called one.

Embarrassingly, Jon also recalled a night that he wanted to forget - the night he called Lady Stark 'mother'. It was a reminder that he may have been Robb's brother but would never have the same future as he would. He had threatened to run away, to the very woods that they sat in. Nysa had declared that she'd go with him.

I don't know who my mother is either, she had told him that night in the woods.

They were discovered within hours by the guards who had gone to search for them. And for some reason since that day, Jon would always tell her his feelings and thoughts. She'd support him, stand by him. With Robb, he always felt that distinction but that was never the case with Nysa.

"What is on your mind tonight," she suddenly asked. Jon shook his head and did not turn back to her. "Surely there must be something you are thinking about that caused you to drag me out here," Nysa pressed before smiling, "in the cold and sitting on the dirt."

"You're used to the cold already," he nudged her leg with his own.

Nysa noticed the small twitch in his lips. He rarely smiled now days. It had become her personal mission to make him smile. Though she considered it might have been easier to get Theon to spend more than two nights away from a brothel than it would be to get Jon to smile and laugh again.

"I'm not used to being impatient," she teased.

He scoffed before clearing his throat, causing her to hit his arm.

"Tell me already Jon!"

He finally smiled then and his shoulders shook lightly with soft laughter. If only he could always feel this carefree. "Why do you have to hit me so?"

"Why do you have to tease me so with prolonging whatever valuable information you have?"

"It's hardly valuable," he replied.

"Well, then tell me. Don't keep me in suspense."

Jon sighed. "I hear that Roose Bolton asked for you to wed his son."

Nysa snorted before adjusting her body to face Jon's. "Both my brother and your father would never allow it. Marriage to Ramsay Snow," she made a gagging noise before shaking her head. "Honestly I'd rather wed a pig."

Jon laughed before quieting down again. "No one asked for me to wed someone."

Nysa stared intently at him. "Did you want to wed? Is there a young woman who has caught your eye?" Jon smiled because there was no one and shook his head. He enjoyed teasing Nysa. "So there is valuable information that you are to impart to me?" He really had her interest piqued now. "I feel as though you are about to unleash some secret betrothal on me, Jon. Tell me just one thing, have you informed your father?"

"No, it is that much of a secret," he closed his eyes.

"Oh," she gasped in excitement. "Who is she? Please tell me."

"She's beautiful and lovely, like the snow falling in the woods. She has a wonderful voice - one to sooth any babe to sleep. And the way her body moves in my dreams," Jon's smile widened then and she hit his arm knowing that he was playing her. "Forgive me, I could not help myself."

"You are impossible," she huffed but smiled nonetheless. "Seriously though Jon. Is there someone you want to wed?"

He shook his head. "No, but even if there was, I would not be allowed to wed before Robb. Robb is heir and he would have his choice of bride. But I am restricted to, well," he snorted, "I would probably marry a bastard as well or perhaps someone else. I have no name to pass on, no inheritance that will be given me."

"Lord Stark would give you something."

"Lady Catelyn would refuse it," he retorted. "I don't belong here, Nysa. I heard Lady Stark urging my father to hide me."

"Surely you heard wrong," she insisted. "Jon, Lady Catelyn has been generous with you and I, far more than any Lady would with a bastard child. Didn't she just compliment you the other day on your training with Bran? She was impressed with your skill - said that you command an army if you wanted to. She'd never request to hide you away."

"She wanted the same of you."

Nysa shook her head. "You're wrong."

"I do not mean to upset you, Nysa. I just wanted to warn you. The raven that arrived today with news of Lord Arryn's death also stated that the King is coming to Winterfell. And in preparation for the King, Lady Stark does not want you and I around."

"But," her bottom lip almost started to tremble. "But, that's not possible. Lady Stark..."

"Lady Stark doesn't want two bastards present while the King comes to visit," his voice firmer and louder, causing Ghost to whimper.

Jon picked up a nearby stick and began tapping the ground lightly with it. It was a reaction he would have that was associated to being frustrated with himself. Nysa had seen it many times before.

"I do not belong here. I was thinking of leaving again but this time I am certain. It'll be easier for Lady Stark and the others if I'm gone."

"Where will you go," she touched his arm before he shook it off.

"Somewhere you cannot," he replied.

Immediately she jumped up, knowing of only one place that he was implying he'd go to. "You are mad!"

Jon matched her. "I can belong there!"

"You are still young, Jon! What if you decide you want a family? What if..."

"I have no family," he shouted at her.

Nysa's bottom lip trembled before she looked away. "What happened to you and I being family? What happened to us being the same? You are like a brother to me, Jon. You said so yourself, that you consider me your sister. Are we not family?"

"You will marry and have your own family," Jon answered. Nysa shook her head again. "You will," he assured her with a small smile. "You have choice for husband. You have a Lord Uncle in the South who is also arranging for marriages. In time, there will be so much happiness for you that you will forget about me at the Wall."

"No," she yelled, her voice echoing in the woods. "You are not going Jon! I forbid it!"

Jon looked away as the tears ran down her face.

"You can come with me when I wed, whoever it is that I wed," she wiped her face furiously. "Yes, that is what is to be done. You will not go to the Wall, anyplace but there. I will wed and you will come to serve as my personal guard. That is final."

"No matter where I go with you, I'll still be a bastard."

"I cannot change your mind?" He looked at her to see that she was greatly distressed by this. "Nothing at all," she asked again. "Okay," she lifted her chin, "if you go to the Wall then I am going to wed Ramsay Snow!"

"Do not say that!"

"I am!"

"No, you are not!"

"Then you are not going to the Wall!"

"Yes, I am!"

She began walking pass him, jumping over tree roots and branches.

"Where are you going," he asked as she picked up her pace.

"I am going back to Winterfell to inform Lord Stark that I will wed Ramsay Snow!"

"No, you are not," he determined by throwing his body at hers.

The two of them wrestled harder this time around. Ghost barked as he watched a distance away from them. Nysa angrily slapped Jon's face or arms while her legs kicked out at his. She was strong and had learn some things from Lyra Mormont but Ser Rodrik had also taught Jon some things as well. In her emotional state, Jon gained the upper-hand and could subdue her.

"Go to the Wall then," she shouted from under him, continuing to push at and hit him. "Go! Be gone with you!"

It was not long until the tears began to flow again. Jon moved off from her, leaned against a nearby tree root and pulled her to his side. His hand rubbed her back as she continued to cry into the night. He began to cry as well - quietly of course and not as violently. He did not want to leave her. He did not want to leave any of his family or Winterfell. But it was not completely and utterly his to possess, nothing was.

He was introduced to many of the Northern Lords who would visit but he was kept away from their wives. He knew that there were others - like he and Nysa - who were the bane of existence for the Lady of the House. As they grew older he noticed the whispers that father had tried to keep from him. He often caught Lady Stark staring at him with sadness in her eyes. She never said anything cruel. In fact, her comments - though brief and short - were kind. But none of that would erase what he was, a bastard.

He knew that Nysa would understand a bit of his predicament and therefore the reason why he had shared it with her first and foremost. She had her fair share of ill-treatment when being present at other Northern Houses. But here was the strong difference, Lady Catelyn's glances towards Nysa were joyful ones. Her kinds words were abundant. And that hurt the most.

"I do not want you to go," Nysa whispered, breaking away from her sobbing. "At least wait until Jory finalizes a betrothal for me. I do not want to be here when you say goodbye."

Jon could not help but chuckle. "So, you wish for me to suffer the pain of seeing you leave me instead of me leaving you?"

"It will help me feel better, yes," she smiled softly.

"I wish you all the happiness," he kissed her forehead. "I will miss you, sister."

"And I will miss you, brother," she pulled away to look at him.

"Once you have sons there will be no need to miss stubborn old Jon Snow."

"I think I will name one of those sons after you and then I'll pray to the Gods that he does not have your stubborn personality."

Jon smiled teasingly. "You should ask Torrhen Karstark if he will permit that." Nysa slapped his arm lightly causing him to laugh. "Are you still burning his letters?"

Nysa folded her arms and huffed. "I cannot believe I told you."

"I wager that my father and Jory will receive a letter from him requesting for your hand soon."

She shook her head at the assumption. "I made a fool of myself the last time I went to Karhold. And when Alys was betrothed the year before, I refused to go to the feast. Lord Karstark would not permit his son to wed me - even if Torrhen had wanted to, which he does not. Lord Karstark is a proud man."

Jon bit his lip and looked away. He knew of the letters that Torrhen Karstark, Lady Mariah Karstark and Lord Rickard Karstark had sent to his father and Jory Cassel. Father had discussed the matter with Lady Catelyn while Robb and Jon sat there breaking their fast. Robb may have come to care about Nysa but they all knew that there was some sort of understanding between Nysa and Torrhen - even if she refused to acknowledge so.

"Does this have anything to do with Robb," he questioned. She eyed him warily. "Or is it not my place to ask what is happening between you and my brother?"

Nysa softened her gaze and sighed. "I do not know where I stand with Robb. I am confused with him far more than I ever had been with Torrhen."

"You feel more for Torrhen," he stated more so than questioned.

"It hurts with Torrhen. It pains me to burn his letters. It haunts me to wander what he calls me in them, whether he laughs and mocks me or if by some sort of miracle, he returns my feelings. Robb is a dear friend. He makes me feel wanted in a way that I wish Torrhen would. He makes me laugh, talks to me, comforts me," she smiled shyly and mumbled the last part but Jon caught it. "I care for both. It is not as deep with Robb."

"But if Robb were to say something," he pressed.

"I think," Nysa smiled before blinking her eyes and shaking her head, "No, Robb and I could never be. He is heir to Winterfell and I am only a bastard girl."

"Robb has never called you one," Jon replied. "And what were you going to say before that?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing," Jon questioned before snorted. "I believe you were going to say something. Such as, you could see yourself wed to Robb. You make one another happy and have a good relationship as friends. Imagine it - your Uncle, the master-at-arms. Your brother, the captain of the guard. And you, you would be Lady of Winterfell."

"Stop it," she pushed away from him, frustrated at both of them. Jon for stating how she truly felt and herself, for allowing her mind to dwell on such folly. "Robb would never accept me as his wife. The same way Torrhen pushed me away at Karhold. I am a bastard. Lord Karstark wouldn't allow it. And Lady Catelyn and Lord Stark - as kind as they have been to me - would never allow it, either."

"You understand my feelings then," he gestured.

Realization lit up her eyes as she gasped. Jon had painted that picture to help her see that there was nothing she or he could do about their future - others would decide it for them. That's just how things worked.

"We have the blood of nobility but not the name. And you for your part, are fortunate to receive the proposals that you have. You should count myself blessed indeed," he said as she snorted.

"I long for a man who does not desire me. I care for another who cannot have me. Yes," she nodded, "I do understand your feelings so I," Nysa cleared her throat, "I will begrudgingly allow you to go to the Wall."

"Well in that case, since I have your permission," Jon stood and made a short bow to her, "I will speak to my father about it then, Lady Nysa."

"You seriously have not told anyone, yet?"

Jon held out his hand to her. Nysa took it and was pulled to stand. "I wanted you to be the first to know. I wanted your approval. You truly mean a lot to me, Nysa. I may be going somewhere that I will gain many brothers but they will not replace my sisters here, and that includes you."

Nysa threw her arms around Jon and began to cry - tears of joy this time. He responded the same, wrapping his arms about her waist and holding her close. There was nothing arousing about it as he had heard Theon gloat about when embracing a woman. Nor was it the same pleasure that Robb described upon having Nysa close to him. No, Jon thought, this was something else. They were friends. They were family. Because unlike the others, he and Nysa had the same name. We are the same, he remembered her words. Yes, he and Nysa would always be family.

"I will miss you."

"Aye, so will I," he replied, giving her body a quick squeeze.

Jory could not help but notice Nysa seemed a bit down-heartened since that night she had escaped Winterfell's walls. Wyl mentioned it to him the next morning that her and Jon were spotted sneaking their way back in the gate. They would have gone by undetected until Jon had slipped, causing some rocks to clatter and Nysa to release a laugh at his expense. He reprimanded his guards for not seeing them exit but he had yet to speak to Nysa about it.

They all stood outside of the keep, awaiting the arrival of the King. Nysa and Jon usually stood behind the family, next to him and Ser Rodrik. But today, Lord Stark had Jory line the guards up in a different arrangement - after securing the castle and nearby roads. His next thought would be that Nysa would come to stand by him. But she departed quickly from that position as well. He wondered why she had left his side and his guards to stand by Maester Luwin with Jon. It was not until he realized how far away they were from the front that he remembered 'why' the two of them had been separated from the public in such a fashion.

"Rumor is that Lady Catelyn asked Lord Stark to keep Jon and your sister away from the King and Queen," Alyn whispered next to him.

Briefly he prayed that Nysa had not known of it. She looked up to Lady Stark, often thinking of her as a motherly-figure aside from Lady Umber and Lady Karstark - whom she also had spent much time with. Then again, he glanced at his sister, that could be the reason for her change in mood.

"Stag banners on the road," called Wyl, waking Jory from his thoughts.

Jory nodded to him before urging his horse forward. He shouted a few commands to the guards around him as they got into position.

"My Lord Stark," Jory nodded to him as he rode into the yard. "The King approaches."

Lord Stark nodded his thanks. "Open the gate for him."

Hand of the King, Ned said in his head. Hand of the King and a Prince as a good-son, was the offer. It was a most advantageous match. Ned knew that his father would have accepted it quickly. They would be down in the hall celebrating, toasting to the betrothal of a prince - heir to the Iron Throne - and that of a young Lady of the North. Sansa would adore the idea. It was something she had been dreaming of throughout her short life.

He had been receiving letters for the young Nysa and had neglected to think of a match for his own daughter. In truth, he knew that at one time Domeric Bolton was considered. It was the reason why they had visited the Dreadfort when Domeric returned. There was also the invitation for Sansa to go to Karhold to assist Lady Karstark with the birth of their daughter, Alys. But Sansa was still young and he had sent Nysa in her stead - a political move he and Catelyn had been working on since she had come home with them from the war.

Sansa was thirteen now and it was time he thought of his own daughter. She longed to see the South. But he also knew that nothing good came out of a Stark going South.

Hand of the King, the title repeated itself in his mind. That was a high price to pay indeed. He loved Robert, viewed him as a brother. And Robert had called Ned his only true friend that he had left. Even if he were to go, who would watch the North? Who would watch his family?

"My Lord husband," Catelyn walked into the Godswood then. Ned smiled at her, glad for the distraction and held his hand out for her to walk towards him. "I hope that this will not be the last time you and I are here together."

"I have not accepted the King's offer," he told her, bringing her hand to his lips and brushing a kiss against them. "And I have my duty to you and our family to think of. Robert is my dear friend but I am sure there is someone else he could find."

Catelyn raised her other hand from under her cloak and produced a letter. "This arrived from my sister."

Ned looked warily at the letter before pulling his wife with him to walk further into the woods. "How does she fare?"

"She sounds troubled. She blames the lions."

He stopped at once, looking around the woods. "And in what detail?"

"She does not say much."

"Those are treasonous words."

"Lysa is scared, Ned. She has gone back to the Eerie. Why else would she leave unless something has frightened her? Have you asked the King about it?"

Ned sighed. "There are many things on his mind. He hates the crown and the responsibilities that come with it. He fears for his son and how he will be raised. He offered me the position," he took a deep breath before finishing with, "as well as marriage."

"Marriage," Catelyn's voice was shocked but her eyes betrayed it. She had a feeling that King Robert might attempt to sway her husband with other means.

"Yes, we had a small disagreement at the crypts just now."

"About marriage?"

"When he spoke of uniting a Stark and a Baratheon, he said that finally it would happen. He had longed for a Baratheon and Stark match. And do you know why that is? He still talks of his love for a woman who is dead."

"May I remind you, my Lord husband that you love that woman as well."

"It is not the same," he shook his head. "Do you think of Brandon still?"

"Why would you ask that of me? After all these years, after I have borne you five children, after I have made this place my home," she looked around and then back at him. "After all this time and you believe I think of him still?"

"Forgive me," he kissed her forehead. "I just was wondering about something that Robert said. After all these years, after being married to another, he still thinks of her. I know that you loved my brother. I know that..."

"I told you that I love you, Eddard Stark. I am yours," she took his hand and kissed it, "and you are mine. You have a sweet and just soul. And I am happy to call you my husband. You cannot continue to compare yourself to him."

"Do you miss him?"

"I have not thought of him in some time. I do not picture him in your place."

"I love you Cat. I just..."

"You have never had to chase after my love, Ned." Catelyn took his hand and led him further into the woods. "And If you are suggesting that I am like Robert who speaks of love for his dead betrothed and not his wife then may I warn you, husband," she looked over at him. "Do not compare our marriage to theirs," she huffed causing Ned to chuckle.

"You do not like the Queen?"

"I did not say that," Catelyn lightly slapped his arm. "I simply forgot how well some use their manners as armor." Ned looked at her confused for a moment. "You will see when you travel to King's Landing. The people are not as forgiving there."

"If you remember lady wife, the words are that the North remembers," he said teasingly.

"I remember," she leaned forward and kissed his lips. "I also remember a certain hot spring here that will help one to relax."

"Is my wife trying to seduce me?"

Catelyn simply turned away from him and walked towards the spring. Ned followed after her. There was much weighing on his mind but a moment to relax with his wife could help with his thoughts.