CHAPTER 6

AN: Alright so I'm a but sorry as I had to go off of my original path for this chapter as I didn't like how it went and it was the exact opposite and childish in many ways and didn't fit the vibe of my Joffrey. This also following my changing of the fact that in my original work he never really knew who pushed Bran. Now he knows and he's not happy. Also for those who review I just love them so please keep doing so I love having everyone pitch in ideas and thoughts and theories. It makes my day. Especially having someone who is currently working on a 300,000 plus word story and you know who you are. Thank you for taking time out of your day all of you. I adore you and wish to hear more from you.

When I awoke I was greeted by a darkened room. The lack of light outside was my only indicator of it being nightfall. But even with the lower light level, I could make out the forms of two women that I find myself wanting to see the least at the moment. My mother and Catelyn Stark, the gods truly punish me so. I understood their reason for being in the room as I could see Bran on the bed that Lady Stark sat next to but why do I have to even bother. Though they didn't really matter when I focused on Bran. The younger boy was breathing and that was relief enough for me to allow myself to close my eyes and allow my pain wash over me and it was vast.

Everything from my lungs to my legs felt as if they were on fire and I wasn't a fan of such things. It fucking hurt and I'm sure I looked a mess. I sure felt like one. I only wonder what my dear she-wolf and others were presented as Bran and I were found. From what I could see and feel before I greeted the darkness of unconsciousness I was a right mess and from what I could feel now but not see as there were now a plethora of furs covering what was hidden beneath I was worried to hear what the maester had to say. My pain was unbearable yet I did not shout merely held back at what my brain told me to do as I have been doing for years. I would not lash out as an animal wounded. I am not weak… I am strong and I shall not let whatever the extent of my injuries hold me back.

Sadly I had something I needed to take care of and she wasn't looking as if she would leave my side anytime soon. So taking a breath I looked at the glazed-eyed and not all their mother of mine and painfully reached out and touched her arm. The mere motion alone had my eyes water and my head throb in what I could tell was retaliation for such a dullard thing.

She jerked as if awoken and met my eyes allowing me to see into her own. I saw many questions and fears held there but I did not care for them. This woman almost killed my friend for such a stupid asinine reason! No, not friend… brother and for that, she would not be forgiven easily if at all. My look must of spoke volumes as she averted her eyes and cried for they only held anger, hate, repulsion, and most of all disappointment.

I knew what she was capable of, I always have. I'm not blind to what she does or how she does them or for whom. I know she's been with other men than my 'father' but I could not fault her for having someone that was not the harsh man the king was. But for one of them to be my uncle? That was too far for even me to turn a blind eye. How did I never know of this? Actually, mo- the queen may have wanted the others to get back to the king and merely kept her involvement with my uncle as the true secret… Although there were other things beyond her laying with other men as she had also been meeting with shady persons and I have a feeling that she is over her head in that regard seeming to think the thing between her legs will get her through talks as easy as gold will… it will not always be the case as I'm her son and she can't and won't do such a thing. I would sooner put her head on a spike than even think of her in that way. Hell, right now I can't even see her as my mother. To ask uncle to kill a boy so young to hide a secret… It was undesirable to me… but… if it was any other and I had been caught in such a position then I could see why someone would act so rashly. But that didn't make it okay.

When I come back from my thoughts mother was a mess to look at. Tears, snot, and a continuous flow of hiccups and gasps followed by very soft apologies and beginnings for forgiveness that I had to endure. I allowed my eyes to flick to the Stark woman only to see her paying no attention to us. Fully entranced by the still but breathing form of her young and I believe to be her favorite child.

With the knowledge of her attention not being on us, I reach out, and with whatever strength I have left I grip as tight onto the queen's wrist and pull her so she's almost hovering over me now completely out of her chair. The weak woman seems even more distraught and can barely keep her feet. But she seems to know that if she pulls away I will be even more displeased so she barely holds herself up and turns her face away to keep her disgusting tears and snot from my face, how gracious of her.

With a clear but soft voice not hiding any of my hostility, I breathe out, "You dare?!" Her response is only to gasp heavily but she held her position. "Too far woman… you overstepped"

"Jo-Joffrey I-" She tried to say but I growled low and grabbed her face to look at me. Her cheeks gripped in my hands making her shut her mouth.

"Listen… you will not try to harm… Bran or I-" She tried to say something but I squeezed harder making her hush once again. "YOU or anyone you try to pay will not lay a finger on him… if I hear of an attempt or anything against him I will destroy you" I fiercely finished off my sentence breathing becoming labored. The rush of words hurt but needed to be said as my chest burned with such pain. Before I could go on a voice finally whispered from over near Bran.

"Your son wakes yet mine still sleeps… why must I be punished so." Even with her saying the words I felt like she knew why this was happening to her and I didn't know nor care what the reason was. But from what I've seen it must be something born of pettiness and stupidity. Hell, maybe the gods are punishing her for something since her history isn't the best honestly. Best friend maimed, betrothed strangling himself, husband birthing a bastard, sister being assuredly insane, and now her son is almost killed. Not forgetting anything else I'm not privy to. The woman was a walking curse on the Stark family and it shows clearly.

But Bran is important to me so I finally relinquish my hold on the woman that birthed me and speak softly as it hurts less to do so. But with the quiet of the night, she could easily hear me. "I… I tried to shield him as he fell… I couldn't protect him fully but I did take most of the damage… which is obvious." My tone held no room for her to act her usual way and she seemed to understand as she decided not to say anything against my claim. If she had I would have bitten the wrenches head off I swear to the gods.

There was a whine at the door and soft-spoken words of who I believe to be guards protecting the room which is utterly useless as our would-be killer is with us now. But I knew who was outside and groaned. "Let Bran's wolf in." and almost immediately my mother jumped up and opened the door allowing the Direwolf entry. The canine rushed over and lay with the sleeping boy and his mother looked incensed at the animal for laying with Bran. She went to say something but for maybe the first time Bran slightly moved and Lady Stark shot up and gasped. My mother on the other hand stood stock still and quickly looked over to me only to be greeted by my hard stare.

She smartly shut her mouth and moved back over to me and sat down once again. "When it is morning and Arya or Jon wishes to see me allow it." Very softly she nodded making me sigh. "I will rest and heal and when it comes time we will talk further… don't forget what I said." Yet again she nodded and I closed my eyes.

I didn't expect to feel soft lips on my forehead or for my mother to whisper. "I won't disappoint you my lion."

Without much energy left, I softly whispered out. "If you keep that oath then… you may have a chance to still be my mother." Then finally I let the dark take over again. The pain ebbed and I slept. Maybe in the morning, I shall find out the extent of my injuries. It would be good to know after all. The pain may be a bit more bearable if I knew… I think. I only hope to see Arya when I awake. Seeing her will make this worth it.

And with that thought in mind, I slept on with the image of an angry-looking Arya shouting at me for being a dullard and then hugging me for doing something so reckless for her brother. It was a nice dream.

AN: I won't quit my story so never worry about that. I'm just not consistent and I apologize for that. How did you feel about this chapter? Again anything would be appreciated from me. Bye for now.