Chapter 24

"She does spend an awful lot of time with him," Catelyn noted as she looked out the window.

"Who," Nysa asked.

"Arya."

Nysa moved to sit closer to Lady Catelyn. Ser Brynden smiled at the dynamics between the two. Something had shifted since Lord Tully's passing. He was not certain what it was but the two women shared a secret. Perhaps it was the longing for Robb to return or waiting to hear news of what had become of Winterfell. Either way, he knew they were eager for something to arrive.

"I thought that once we found you and Robb that she'd settle down. I had disproved of their friendly demeanor on our journey," Nysa confessed as she rubbed her stomach, "but my brother said that she needed a friend. If you wish for me to speak to her..."

"There is no need," Catelyn said gently, smiling as Nysa admired her stomach.

There was a slight difference - a very small difference that could be seen. She just hardly noticed it. And neither did anyone else except Lady Catelyn. She was terribly exhausted and nervous. She had believed that was due to her learning to become a Queen, adapting to a change of lifestyle.

"What do you know of him," Ser Brynden asked.

"He is from King's Landing," Nysa replied. "He was traveling with Yoren - a man from the Night's Watch. I assumed that he was going to take up the Black. But Jory said that Yoren asked to give him protection."

"Protection," the Blackfish turned to her.

Nysa nodded. "While we were still in the Crownlands, two goldcloaks had come across our party. At first, Arya and I thought that they were searching for her, for us. But they asked for Gendry."

"And do you know why?" Nysa shook her head. "Does your brother," Ser Brynden questioned.

"You would have to ask him, Ser."

"He looks so familiar." They both turned to see Catelyn who found herself staring at the two figures outside of Riverrun once again. "As though I've seen him before," she thought before glancing at Nysa.

There wasn't much time to ponder on Lady Catelyn's musing as a knock sounded on the door. "Lord Edmure has returned," Jory entered the room.

"Lord Edmure," Ser Brynden shook his head.

"I would very much like to meet him," Nysa stood with a smile. "Please bring him to Lady Catelyn's room, Jory."

"Of course, my Queen," he smiled in return, bowing his head.

Nysa had spoken to Lyra, Jayne, Arya, Gendry and especially Jory about the title of Queen. While they were alone, she saw no need for it. Lyra had always been a dear friend. And slowly Jayne was becoming accustomed to treating Nysa as though they had been friends since they were babes. Gendry refused to look at her in the eyes, stating that she was a Queen now. Nysa insisted that he enter the hall for his meals and that he sit at the table with Jory and the other guards. She would make him a knight soon enough. And Arya - though loving the idea of everyone calling her Princess and bowing to every whim - was always uncertain as to what she should call Nysa. It had always been 'Nysa' - just plain, simple Nysa.

She was about to remind her brother that there was no need for such formalities but then his eyes shifted to Ser Brynden as if to tell her that they were not alone. Other than Ser Stevron - Ser Brynden had also been determined that everyone in the Riverlands knew that she was their Queen and that she be addressed as such. Nysa smiled at her brother's thinking before nodding for him to leave.

"I'll leave with you," Ser Brynden spoke up quickly. "I want to have a word with his lordship before he comes in to see his Queen and her good-mother."

After they departed, Nysa smiled at Catelyn. "Good-mother," she said as Catelyn gestured for her to come stand at her side. "It hardly seems fair to call you that after that attitude that I displayed. I am sorry for my behavior earlier at Harrenhal."

"Only if you forgive me as well, Nysa. I dismissed your feelings and thoughts, not just then but also here."

"You were occupied with thoughts of your father," Nysa began to protest but Catelyn stopped her.

"During times like this, we must work together, support one another."

"Still, I could have handled myself better. You were correct. Lady Mariah taught me better. Lady Sarra and Lady Sybelle instructed me." She paused and smiled kindly at Lady Catelyn. "You guided me. After speaking to Gendry, he told me that it wasn't proper - the way I yelled at the woman who raised me. You cared for me. You made sure that I was never left wanting. You took me in without argument."

Catelyn smiled softly. "There was a small argument, I assure you. However, it didn't last long. Ned and I learned to work together, quite quickly," she said with a light laugh.

Nysa felt grief-stricken suddenly. She and Robb had many arguments and they lasted long - so lengthy was their disagreement that he sent her to Riverrun. As if sensing her good-daughter's thoughts, Catelyn touched her arm soothingly.

"My own mother died when I was very young. Lysa and I grew up without womanly guidance. I understand how conflicted you feel during these early stages of marriage. It was difficult to know what was proper and what was not when becoming a Lady."

"I find that hard to believe," Nysa looked at her. "I've met many Ladies, from Great Houses attending the King's court. None of them have been more honorable or generous as you."

"I did what I could with what I was given and you will do the same," Catelyn touched her shoulder before looking out the window. "You and Robb will learn to settle your differences. If not right away, it will take time. He is his father's son. And Ned - though stubborn at times - had a kind heart. Whatever argument you are having will pass."

"He's been gone a long time. Anything could..."

"Love could grow in that time," Catelyn said.

***Flashback***

Catelyn picked up her skirts and hurried towards the door. Lysa had already left ages ago to the Vale. Catelyn did not think that she would have to wait this long for her husband to return. Her father had told her that this was war, this is what happened when husbands went to battle. But he did not know of the promises whispered the night before. Catelyn grabbed at her robe near her chest and smiled as the memories of her husband Eddard Stark rushed through her mind. A blush appeared on her cheeks then. He had been loath to part from her in the morning. They had made love once more with the sky lit and that time there was no pain, there was only pleasure to be had.

"Cat!"

"Father," she looked down in embarrassment upon seeing her father, Lord Hoster Tully, smiling at her. A Lady should have been thinking about such illicit thoughts. The smile on her father's face though told her that he knew she was desperate to see her husband.

"I never thought I'd say these words to you," he stepped closer as she finally looked at him. He placed his hands on her shoulder and smiled widely. He was such a serious man since her wedding, since his brother had left. But he had his moments with her recently where she was reminded of how loving a father he could be. "But banners are approaching, your husband has come for you."

She hurried towards the hall where Eddard - no, it is Ned Stark - would be entering.

"Ned," he whispered. "My family called me Ned," his lips ghosted over hers. "You are my family now."

The memory was still fresh, though it happened a year ago. Maybe it had been longer. She could not tell. All she knew was that it was too long. She had not thought that she would have come to care for him as she did - at least not that quick and in such a short time. It was different with Ned. Catelyn nodded to herself as though to confirm her thoughts. Yes, it was going to be different with Ned as her husband. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as the doors opened.

She caught sight of him before he did of her. "Ned," she gasped in joy.

He turned then and smiled. Catelyn rushed towards him only to stop a few feet away and dip into a curtsy. She was a lady after all. Eddard Stark scoffed lightly before closing the distance quickly. "Enough of that. I've missed my wife," he practically growled as she lept forward into his waiting arms. He picked her up and twirled her around. Her laughter filling the hall along with a few chuckles of passing attendants and guards. "The Gods know how much I've missed you," he murmured in her hair.

"You must be tired or hungry," she pulled back. "I can have something made for my lord husband."

He reached a hand up to push her soft luscious hair from her face. He did not like the tears that were there. Yes, he had been away from her for too long. "I shall be with my lady wife right now."

"My Lord," she squealed as he picked her up. "This is highly improper for a..."

She was silenced with a deep kiss as he walked them towards her room. The closer to her room they moved, the more passionate his kisses had become. They had just made it to the door when she heard a group of giggles come from down the hall. Surely the maids would see. They would talk in the morning.

"They will talk of how much Lord Stark missed his Lady wife," he assured her as the door was closed.

Word must have reached her father that they were not to be disturbed. Word must have reached someone because the two of them had enjoyed a very blissful moment wrapped up in each other, being husband and wife. She realized how wanton she was behaving, lying bare with a man in her bed - giggling at the kisses he left on her neck. As if he could read her mind, he reminded her that they were husband and wife. Nothing was wrong with enjoying the pleasure that was to be had from one another.

"We must get up," she weakly pushed at his chest. In truth she did not want to leave. She had missed him.

"Must we," he questioned pressed her back into the bed.

"No, my Lord Stark," she laughed and made to sit up. "Do not tempt me."

"You are the one tempting me," he bit softly at her shoulder.

She sighed and was just about to let him have her again until a knock came at their door. "My Lady Catelyn," a maid spoke softly from the other side. "The babe has awaken."

Catelyn really pushed at Ned then, quickly dressing herself. She smiled at the sight of her husband doing the same. He had yet to meet his son. She took his hand before he had finished and they both smiled at one another. "Your son awaits," she couldn't help but glow at her husband.

Ned had just about shouted that he loved her. He knew that he missed her, he knew that he had come to desire her, care about her and would do anything to protect her. She had gave him a son. His father, his brother and his sister were lost. But now, the Stark name would live on because of her.

Nysa was blushing at the end of that story. Catelyn wore a secret smile. "Love was not something born while we exchanged our vows. It grew with time. And along with that came patience and understanding, compassion and humility. That will happen for the two of you."

"I could only pray that it does."

"I think it will," Catelyn looked out at Riverrun, remembering that day she was reunited with Ned so vividly. "This is the window I waited at - with Robb in my arms - for Ned's return," she said, "it feels odd that now I sit here with Robb's wife as we wait for him to return."

Nysa looked down, feeling guilty and frustrated with herself.

"What is it," Catelyn asked, glancing at her.

Nysa was prepared to shook her head but the determined look on Lady Catelyn's face told her that she would end up explaining her feelings one way or another. Taking a deep sigh, she looked out the window.

"A part of me wishes it was Torrhen I was waiting for, the same part still yearns for him," Nysa said as Catelyn's heart broke for her son. "When you told me that I could be with child, I thought of Torrhen. Oh, please forgive me Lady Stark," she pleaded, grabbing onto the older woman's arm. "I did not mean it. I did not wish to bring dishonor or ill-intent towards House Stark. I..."

Catelyn brought Nysa into her arms and rubbed the young Queen's back. Nysa had felt like such a fool. Why did she admit such a thing to Lady Catelyn? They were bonding and then she had to go and spoil it with speaking about her dead betrothed.

"May I remind you that I was betrothed as well," Catelyn said as Nysa pushed back and looked at her good-mother with tears on her face.

Yes, Lady Catelyn was far better than all the other Ladies Nysa had met and seen. Nysa felt like the older woman understood her, that despite her shouting at Lady Catelyn and disrespecting her - that Lady Catelyn had found it in her heart to forgive Nysa for that. It was more than she deserved.

"I will always be sorry for that," Catelyn touched her cheek. "Sorry that you know the same pain I felt. I wouldn't wish it on anyone."

"Did you wish that sometimes he were..."

"Once, maybe twice," Catelyn admitted, not needing Nysa to ask her question. "I never regretted my marriage to Ned or the life that we had together."

"But Brandon was your betrothed, surely you thought the two of you..."

"I didn't love Brandon, at least not the type of love that I grew to have with Ned. I did think of Brandon fondly though, what our life would have been like together," Lady Catelyn smiled. "But I didn't know him as my husband. I knew him as my betrothed. They are two very separate things, Nysa. Brandon was charming and strong. And also very handsome," she smiled shyly before turning fully towards her good-daughter. "Ned had his own qualities that allowed me to love him, care for him and build a life together. I know you thought well of the young Karstark."

Nysa nodded. "I miss him. I think that being his wife might have been..."

"Don't do that, Nysa. It won't help you. It won't help Robb. The moment that I was married to Ned, I put similar thoughts on the side. Ned became my husband, the father of my children, the Lord of my home. And in time, I grew to love Ned deeply."

"We're always so angry with one another," Nysa cried. "How can I bring a child into this world when his or her parents can barely stand one another?"

"In time, love will come for you and Robb. You need to be sure to put him first. And those thoughts of Torrhen, Nysa," she moved to kiss her forehead, "they'll never go away but they will get easier. Keep those beautiful memories to help you, encourage you but never use them against creating memories with Robb."

Jon stood west of Karhold. It had taken them a few days to ride here but the journey was not a waste. He knew how his father would have reacted to such a plea. He knew how Nysa would have reacted as well. He had no doubt that somehow Ghost - or Bran - whoever was truly behind it, was keeping him here for Nysa's sake. Jojen had said that there was a bond there, he could see it.

"We are the same," Jon muttered as Jojen narrowed his eyes in confusion. "We are both Snow," Jon clarified.

Jojen said it was something else, he was certain of it. But whatever it was, it was too far for him to see. Osric and Ronnel still thought to be wary of the young man. One thing was sure regarding House Reed - it wasn't Jojen that Jon was scared of.

Meera Reed came to stand next to him then, smiling with approval as the last of the Ironborn's bodies had been burned. It was Meera who made Jon nervous. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad one. She was quick and agile, he noted as they had crept up on the Ironborn and subdued them. When it came time to execute the Ironborn - something Jon was sure he would do - Meera had mentioned an old tale she heard from her father. It was something that the Ironborn believed in, that the drowned gods would rescue the bodies of those who served them.

"That's why they send their dead out onto the sea," Meera gestured with her head.

And so they were killed on land, burned on land.

The rider from Karhold said that the Ironborn were searching for their lost Prince. Jon was searching for him, too.

After Theon couldn't be found, they began to attack Karhold. House Karstark was operating on such a small amount of guards that Jon was impressed they were able to withstand such an attack.

The last three Ironborn soldiers had begun to beg Jon to spare their lives, that the Princess Yara Greyjoy only wanted her brother to come back home. That was the only reason they were here. They had already searched Winterfell - when they heard that the Northmen were coming from Deepwood Motte and before Jon had arrived there. But Theon had not been found in Winterfell. Even Jon had looked for him. Osric had men from House Umber search among the wounded and the dead - just to be sure. He wasn't there. And even if he was, his sister Yara knew better than to ask Jon for his 'safe' return home.

"She wants mercy."

"There was no mercy for my brothers," was all Jon said before he hung two of the men.

The last man stood there and watched as the Ironborn soldiers swung on the rope. He shook his head and looked back at Jon. "Do it! End it already!"

"Not for you," Jon mentioned and nodded towards Meera.

Meera pulled back her bow and released the arrow, shooting the rope that the soldier had been attached to. Several guards from Karhold had joined them by then and watched as Jon pulled the Ironborn up.

"You're letting him go," asked one of the guards from House Karstark.

"You will tell your Princess that I want her brother dead."

"She doesn't know where he is. She doesn't..."

He was silenced as Meera hit him across the face with the blunt end of her spear. Jon had to hand it to her, she was efficient with both the bow and her weird-looking spear. Her long brown hair blew past her face, showing the smile of confidence in how she handled her weaponry.

"You will tell your her that she is no longer welcomed here in the North, her brother, her father or any other Ironborn who thinks they can come here to our home. If she so much as decides to set foot in my brother's Kingdom, it will be because her father will bend the knee and to see that Theon Greyjoy is hanged from Winterfell's gates - the same way he hung my brothers," Jon demanded before kneeling in front of the man. "I am the son of Eddard Stark. He helped halt an Ironborn rebellion once. As his son, I plan on doing it again. Do you think you can tell her that?"

The man swallowed and nodded. "Aye."

Osric nodded his head as the man was placed on a small boat and pushed off of the shore. "Well said, Jon Snow."

Jon took in a deep breath and watched the man sail away. Those were more than just mere words to Jon. It wasn't a simple threat. No, it certainly was not. Jon meant it. If he ever saw Theon again, he'd hang him from the walls - whether Bran or Rickon were alive. Thinking of those words, he kept them near to him.

You may not have my name. But you have my blood.

Jon would protect the North just as his father had.

The raven had been received in Castamere and almost immediately Robb departed and made his way towards Riverrun. Ser Merlon Crakehall - along with a hundred of House Crakehall's guards - Lady Jeyne Westerling and her brother, Ser Raynald Westerling and their Uncle, Ser Rolph Spicer accompanied his party back to the Riverlands. Smalljon and Daryn eyed all of them warily. House Brax and House Banefort had pulled all their men away from the battle - with the promise that Lord Edmure Tully would no longer raid their lands.

Robb would have to discuss that with his Uncle. Of course, he'd wait for the opportune time. Right now, this was a time to grieve. Robb did not know his grandfather - only that the man had been ill for some time. His mother spoke fondly of him and despite their unsteady relationship at the moment, he knew that he should be there for her.

Riverrun was a beautiful sight as he rode towards the bridge. He wondered then about Nysa and if she would be present to welcome him back.

Work with her, the words echoed in his head. How could he repair their relationship? They had been the best of friends during their childhood in Winterfell. How did it go all wrong? His heart beat faster as he entered the yard, several of the men shouting and cheering for his arrival. His gazed narrowed in on the front steps and immediately his heart lurched. Nysa was not there.

"Welcome back, your Grace," Jory Cassel nodded to him.

Robb dismounted from his horse and bowed his head in response before looking about the yard. "My wife?"

"She isn't feeling well at the moment, my King," Jory answered.

"What could have possibly kept her from greeting her King," a voice came from behind Robb. Jory peered behind him to see a young woman - a pretty young woman - had strolled up and had linked her hand through Robb's. His eyes narrowed before turning back to Robb.

The King cleared his throat and unlaced his hand from the woman's. "Jory, this is Lady Jeyne Westerling from the Crag. We are holding her father as one of our guests."

"Prisoners, you mean," Jory added.

Robb took a deep breath. "Yes," his voice was soft. "Lady Jeyne, this is Jory Cassel. He is the captain of the guards."

"And your wife's brother," Jory interjected.

"Yes."

Was that all he was going to say, Jory thought. He looked over at the young Lady again, her smile and eyes seemed to belong to the King at this moment. Was Robb ready to cast his sister aside so quickly? He thought then about the news he learned this morning after the Queen had fainted - his sister was expecting a child, the King's child. Wyl had carried her up the Maesters. Lady Catelyn had said that this was normal and that she had just been overworked. But Jory stayed there - even after everyone had departed and demanded to see Nysa. He discovered the news from the two of them but had been sworn to secrecy. Obviously, Nysa and Lady Catelyn wanted the King to find out before anyone else. And yet, here was the King with another woman.

Ser Stevron watched the young woman warily as well. That was rather quick that the King had taken on a mistress - especially since he claimed to be in love with his wife. Ser Stevron turned towards Jory Cassel to see how he would defend his sister.

"Could you show me to my father, your Grace," Lady Jeyne lifted her hand again.

"I will have some of the guards take you there," Jory stepped in.

The young Lady went to open her mouth but this time Ser Stevron decided to speak up - a fierce need to defend the Queen. "We are all glad that you are here, my King. The men can see to it that the Lady sees her father and perhaps her own guards can escort her there," he looked past them. "And if I'm allowed to speak freely, my King?"

Robb didn't want to upset House Frey further, so he nodded.

"Your mother is grieving the loss of her father and your wife is ill. You have a duty to family first, your Grace."

"Aye," Robb nodded his head.

"And you are," the young woman looked at him with confusion.

"Lady Jeyne, my name is Ser Stevron Frey. I am one of the Queen's personal guards."

"Personal guards," Robb questioned, causing Jory's anger to grow.

"Yes, my King. These are dangerous times. I suggest that you see to your wife. Now."

Nysa sat up quickly from the bed, joy and happiness filling her the moment that Robb walked into the room. She was anxious to share this news with him. Her smile dropped immediately upon seeing that he had a guest with him - a female guest. Lady Catelyn stood up from Nysa's side and scowled at the young woman in the room. Behind them were four men - all of them wearing the sigil of House Westerling. Nysa remembered it from her lessons. She knew that Robb had gone there because they were to pledge their fealty to him but she couldn't account for the reason why there was a young woman standing close to her husband - so very, intimately close.

"Robb," Lady Catelyn spoke first. "We are sorry we could not greet you but..."

"He is your King, surely he demands respect," the young woman spoke.

"I beg your pardon," Nysa couldn't tear her eyes away from her, or perhaps it was the space - or lack thereof - between this woman and Robb.

She went to respond but Nysa quickly put up her hand.

"I am the Queen of the North and the Queen of the Trident. Before I was, Lady Catelyn Stark held the title of Lady of Winterfell, the Queen Mother. And she currently has decided to act as Lady of Riverrun. Since you are a guest in our lands, you will address us as such," Nysa told her.

"Of course, my Queen," she curtsied.

"And who might you be, my Lady?"

"This is Lady Jeyne Westerling from the Crag," Robb introduced her. Nysa noticed that she shied back when Nysa spoke to her. It was either that or the heated gaze that Lady Catelyn pinned her with. But the moment that Robb spoke up for her, she returned to his side. "I was told that you weren't feeling well," Robb stepped forward, walking towards her bedside.

"Leave," Nysa looked up at him.

Robb appeared shocked and albeit a bit hurt. "Nysa, I haven't seen you in..."

"Not you," she interrupted before her eyes lowered. She watched with satisfaction as that Lady Jeyne shied away again. "Her."

Her satisfaction grew when Robb turned to the young Lady and nodded for her to leave. There was a moment of silence as Robb stood in the middle of the room. His mother was by Nysa's side, staring at him with distaste before sighing heavily. Robb noticed movement toward the side.

"My King," a tall, older knight bowed. "My name is Ser Brynden. The last time I saw you, you were but a babe. And now," he smiled, "you stand here before me as a King. I've heard of your victories and we've been honored to assist you in any way we can. Although, it's saddened me that we've met under such circumstances, your Grace."

Robb bowed his head. "I have heard many stories of you as well, Ser Brynden. My mother speaks of you which such fondness. I am sorry for your loss," he added before turning towards his mother, "both of you. If there's anything I can do..."

"We will leave you to speak with your wife," Catelyn said quickly and walked towards her son. She placed a hand on his shoulder, comfortingly before departing after Ser Brynden.

Nysa looked at Robb with suspicious eyes before turning to lay on her side.

A Lady? A pretty, young Lady? A tear slipped from her cheek then. She was grateful that she had turned the other way on the bed - she didn't want him to see her crying over him. Was she too late to fix things with Robb? Had she been pining for Torrhen for so long that Robb gave up any hope on her? And what about their child? She decided that she wouldn't tell him then, couldn't inform him of the life they had created. She didn't want him to know. Not when he was with another.

"I hear that you've been ill," Robb cleared his throat.

She felt a dip in the bed and knew that he had sat down by her side. Her hand moved to her stomach again and she closed her eyes. "Aye."

"You have personal guards now," Robb asked.

"You did ask that I choose someone."

"I did," he agreed. "Is there any other business I should know of?"

Always business with him. Was that how it would be? She remembered Lady Catelyn's advice and tried not to think of how Torrhen would have answered. She knew - and had definitely seen - there were women who had lain with Torrhen in his bed. Her heart knew sadness, knew what it felt like to yearn for someone who didn't return your affections. Was she so consumed with other things that she didn't think of putting Robb first?

No, she thought. This works both ways. He has to give a little as well.

"House Frey has been fickle at times," she mumbled. They have been plotting to end my life and your child's - she thought to add but decided against it. Nysa noted a slight growl and thought that Grey Wind had entered the chambers. "Ser Stevron has been kind and watchful."

"Good," Robb responded with a bite to his tone.

"And I had a disagreement with Lord Karstark."

"What did he do," Robb growled this time - louder than his wolf.

"Nothing of importance," she wiped at her face before he would see the wetness. "Harrion and I settled it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she attempted to laugh. "You worry too much."

"You are my wife," he replied and Nysa allowed hope to grow - hope that they could fix this.

"Can you lay with me here, my husband," she asked.

She waited to see if he would oblige her. For a moment Nysa almost felt foolish. Surely there were things that needed to be done, Lords to meet with, funeral arrangements to be made. She remembered Lady Catelyn's memory - Lord Stark's return to her after such an absence. Nysa wanted that, craved that. She waited with bated breath as she heard Grey Wind shuffle further inside and lay down at the foot of their bed. Robb slowly turned his body, shifting until he lay right next to her.

He wrapped his arm around her and held her close to him, not bothering to take off his cloak or any other clothes. Work with her, he remembered and saw this as a sign from the Gods that this could work. They could still be King and Queen - together. He felt her warmth hit him like a thousand arrows, pinning him to her side. Robb heard Nysa's sigh of content and felt her body relax against his.

"I've missed you," Robb mumbled into her hair before resting his head back against the feathered cushions.

Nysa was already asleep.

Jon walked alongside Lady Mariah Karstark. Her daughter Alys, following closely behind. He had met the Lady before as well as the young girl who seemed to smile shyly at him. He remembered Nysa encouraging the young girl to dance with all of the Stark boys at a feast a couple years back. She had taken to Bran the most. But it appeared that she had grown some and was now looking with eagerness at him. Not used to the attention, Jon gulped nervously before turning away from young Alys Karstark to look ahead.

"Do you suppose they'll stay away," Lady Karstark questioned.

"It's hard to tell what they think of," Jon answered. "It is best to be prepared, my Lady."

Ghost had run into the woods with Meera some time earlier, making sure that there were no other Ironborn hiding about around Karhold.

"I received raven from Lady Glover about the assistance that you have given and I must say that I was grateful to hear you had taken Winterfell back," Lady Karstark commented then.

"Perhaps it was done a bit too late, my Lady," Jon admitted.

"I have also heard a rumor that Bran and Rickon Stark are still alive."

"Aye," he answered but didn't clarify any further. "They are unfounded rumors at present. People are saying that the bodies did not belong to them but boys from a nearby village that Theon Greyjoy had killed."

Lady Karstark shook her head. "Those savages," she snorted. "I remember telling Nysa once not to listen to that squid."

Jon chuckled at that. "Lady Catelyn had called him the same thing as well. Theon could make Nysa laugh and," he paused, "and he could make her cry as well. She told Nysa that she had more nobility than," Jon smiled.

"Than that squid," she finished. "Speaking of the young Nysa - one must wonder, Jon Snow," Lady Karstark stopped then and turned to face him, "why it is that you have not rode South to help save her?"

"Nysa needs saving, too," Alys spoke softly, almost in pain as though they believed her to be dead as well.

There was something that Jon pondered about everyday. His goal at first had been to avenge his father, fight against King Joffrey and House Lannister, save his sisters who were stuck in King's Landing. Nysa had been foremost on his mind lately. But the memory of Ghost looking at him - with Bran's eyes - warning him that 'she would need him here', kept him in the North - made him believe that she was alive and well.

"Our King fights for her," Jon stated. "I fight to protect the North. I have a feeling that she wouldn't want me to leave it abandoned."

"I have a feeling that you are right," Lady Karstark replied. "I received news from my husband that Eddard and Torrhen have fallen in battle."

Jon sobered quickly. He knew that there had to have been some fallen men. After all, this was war. But to hear of Torrhen Karstark's death and knowing what that would mean to Nysa - he took a moment to gather his thoughts and turned his attention back to Lady Karstark.

"I'm certain that Nysa would want vengeance for them as well as her Uncle." Jon nodded. "When Ser Rodrik came here and said that the North had to be protected from an Ironborn invasion, I gave him men so readily. And now with two sons gone," she paused and sadly nodded her head, "we must do all that we can to protect what is left."

"Yes, we do," Jon agreed. "And there is still much left to fight for, Lady Karstark. The Gods are good. They'll see us through this."

A small tear fell from Nysa's eyes as she watched the scene in front of her. Lyra told her not to watch. Ser Stevron had agreed and told them to take another path that would not lead her towards the front yard of Riverrun. But she was used to inflicting this type of self-harm, she supposed.

"She is pretty, but not that pretty so as to tempt me."

Nysa wiped her face quickly and turned to her intruder. Narrowing her eyes, she studied the man in front of her. He looked familiar but she couldn't place him. Studying, his armor, she knew he was from the Westerlands. Beyond that, she couldn't tell. That is when he bowed and smiled.

"Am I so easy to forget? We met in King's Landing. We danced during the feast held in Lord Stark's honor," he informed her.

"I find it rather disturbing to recall thoughts of my visit to King's Landing," Nysa turned away.

The man walked away from the entryway and turned to lean against the wall, opposite of Nysa. She didn't appreciate the way his eyes regarded her. Looking back towards the yard, Nysa's gaze followed Jeyne and Robb as they sat closely together and spoke about...

Gods, she didn't know what they were speaking of, but she wanted to get her bow and shoot the Lady with it.

"He has many a things on his mind, doesn't he? The King," the man said.

"There are no doubt many anxieties that plague my husband at the moment," Nysa admitted, "none of which concern you."

"So, you did become his Queen? When I heard that the maiden I had danced with at King's Landing had become the Queen of the North, I hardly could believe it."

"Well believe it because it is true," she snapped. "What are you doing here?"

"Your husband holds my father and brother as his prisoner."

"You came with Lady Jeyne?"

"No," he answered. "Her brother spends his time with their father, making sure that he is well. And yet Ser Raynald's sister spends her time with the King, while the Queen watches."

"I don't know who you are but I'm going to have to ask you to leave me."

"When we met, I mentioned my name and you told me the words of my House. I pretended to be hurt at the tourney so that I could speak to you," he confessed.

"Merlon, Ser Merlon Crakehall."

"None so fierce," she smiled.

"You know the words of my House?"

"I paid attention during my lessons," Nysa said as she went to stand.

"Will I see you at the feast tonight, my lady?"

Nysa turned sharply towards him and he smiled. "You know who I am now?" Ser Merlon chuckled and leaned against the balcony close to her, looking out over the yard with Nysa. "Tending to his wife seems to have been a forgotten concern," he pointed out. "Here you are, alone, unguarded, unhappy..."

"What makes you think I'm unguarded," she snapped, her tone icy and unwelcoming.

He took a few steps forward until they were close. His presence near her was unsettling. Nysa didn't like it. And apparently her demeanor showed because Lyra and Ser Stevron quickly appeared. Along with them was Cayn and Wyl. Ser Merlon glanced at them before smiling at Nysa.

"Do not mistake Ser Stevron's age or Lady Lyra's sex as a sign of weakness, Ser," Nysa commented. "So, if you think that you can come here and make idle threats to my health, then you are sorely mistaken."

Immediately, Wyl and Cayn pulled out their swords, ready to defend her.

"You may be guarded but I noticed that you didn't dispute the fact that you are unhappy," Ser Merlon told her.

"Of course I am happy."

"Are you trying to convince me or convince yourself of that," he asked.

"What sort of questions are these?"

"I'm just stating that sometimes a woman has needs. If her husband," he pointed out towards the yard, "doesn't see to them. There are others who can bring her satisfaction."

"How dare..." Lyra and Ser Stevron moved forward but Nysa held up her hand.

"You are too forward, Ser. You forget that I am your Queen."

"Oh no, I haven't forgotten," he said leaning his head down. Nysa's body tensed and she backed away slightly. Ser Merlon's smile widened. "I just wanted to point out that I think your husband is the one who has forgotten."

He left quickly before Lyra or Ser Stevron could say a thing to him. But the damage had already been done. Nysa felt a piece of her break as she looked out at the yard and saw Robb laughing and chatting amiably with Lady Jeyne. She thought that she and Robb had been resolved some things. Although she would wake in the middle of the night and early in the morn to find his side of the bed empty. Grey Wind was always present by her side and would growl at the men Robb had brought from the Westerlands. He appeared by her side now, nudging at her stomach - as though he knew what precious treasure she carried.

How odd that this Lady Jeyne would receive the young Wolf while Nysa - the Queen - got the direwolf for protection. Was that Robb's way of apologizing for his lack of presence by her side?

She wondered again, why did Robb bring Jeyne here? Had Robb forgotten about her and taken a mistress already?