A/N: And here's part one of the two parts that everyone has been waiting for :D

Pray for my sick grandfather. Gonna fly to Cali to take care of him.

Be sure to check out my new stories, Bet of Dragons and Dragonshield :D

Enjoy.

Chapter 75: Marriage Alliances

"Apologies for the lingering stench of pitch and smoke, your Graces." Tywin Lannister kept his hands clasped together as he escorted his guests through the gardens. None of his guards were in sight, nor was his family - this was something he would need to do personally, having put it off till the right moment. "We've only been relieved from the siege for a day."

"You need not apologize, my Lord," Rhaegar replied. "It was we that relieved Casterly Rock." The remnants of the Ironborn army had barricaded themselves in Lannisport and would not budge, using the civilians as human shields against the dragons. It would take more men to force them out, so they would wait for Ned and the other Kingdoms before advancing further.

Lyanna forced herself to be here, and it was not just the innate discomfort that came from being close to Tywin Lannister that made it difficult. The upset stomach from Oxcross hadn't let up even after a bath and clean clothes banished the smell of piss and blood - she was almost convinced she knew what it was, but held off. Best wait for confirmation, and speculation didn't make her feel any less than walking wounded.

She wouldn't let the lions see her in any sort of weakness though. "It holds well for your keep, Lord Tywin, that even in spite of a siege the aesthetic holds wonder." The gardens remained colorful, fountains clear and sparkling as the birds darted in to drink and frolic.

"Thank you, your Grace." Tywin's expression was neutral, but he seemed genuine. "My mother enjoyed bringing beauty to the Rock, and it was something Joanna continued following our marriage." A flash of sorrow crossed his face. "An austere beauty, I believe, we don't have the same luxury of space that Dragonstone or Highgarden or even the Red Keep hold."

From his reputation in King's Landing both during Aerys' reign and now her husband's, the sight of Tywin Lannister genuinely loving someone was quite surprising. Apparently even the ruthless love. "She had excellent taste, though I've never seen Highgarden to compare. The Water Gardens of Dorne, yes. Much more extensive, though I can't really compare beauty for that reason." Lya would always hold the Water Gardens with fondness - she had truly fallen for Elia there.

Tywin stroked his chin. "Rare to see one from the North so worldly."

"I beg your pardon?" Lyanna narrowed her eyes.

"I don't believe a Warden of the North set foot in the south between Cregan and your Lord father, your Grace. Times… have changed." A true comment, one Lyanna couldn't refute.

Sensing the tension, Rhaegar interjected. "Times certainly have changed, Lord Tywin, what with new alliances and dragons returned to the world."

"Dragons… yes. I never thought I would see them." Your grandfather and father did, though the former had a much better chance of effectuating his dream. "But you raise a good point about alliances, and how House Targaryen is lacking in them."

The King and Queen shared a look as Tywin led them into a secluded alcove, one that nevertheless offered a good line of sight to those who might have wished to eavesdrop. "You have been active in the politics of Westeros since before I was born, my Lord," Rhaegar said. "So speak your mind."

He nodded. "Of course, your Grace." Tywin took a breath - now was the time he had patiently waited for four years. "You only have one Kingdom behind you in spite of all your alliances. The North. All others are tenuous at best."

Lyanna didn't like his tone - a confident superiority, as if his instincts were above theirs along with his experience. "You discount much, Lord Tywin."

"Do I, my Queen?" Tywin leaned against the stone walls, crossing his arms. "The Lord Paramount of the Stormlands hates your husband, while the Prince of Dorne is close behind - which makes your… joint marriage to Queen Elia not worth a copper star in terms of diplomatic leverage." Joint marriage. Lyanna had to admit he was more astute than most. "Lord Elbert of the Vale is not trustworthy, basically your late brother without the intelligence to grasp the futility of his attempts to rule. Lord Tully is an easily offended fool, while Lord Garlan of the Reach may be your ally but House Tyrell was never the top dog in his Kingdom. The Hightowers and the Starry Sept are." Tywin drew a bit of satisfaction for teaching the youths a lesson in politics. "To note, all you have is the North, your personal banners in the Crownlands, House Dayne, and whatever Houses in the Reach would follow House Tyrell if the Hightowers refuse to. You need a new alliance."

"And I presume such an alliance shall be provided by yourself?" Lyanna asked… well, she knew the answer.

"You need me, your Grace. The military, political, and financial might my Kingdom provides."

"Your mines are close to exhaustion, Lord Tywin," Rhaegar countered, testing the waters.

A chuckle. "Lord Varys is good, but not that good. His men do not penetrate deep enough into the mountains." The pun was not intended, but quite amusing to him.

Rhaegar and Lyanna grasped his meaning - House Lannister wouldn't be running out of coin. "Alright," Rhaegar conceded. "Let us dispense with the back and forth arguments, Lord Lannister. I am not so petty or proud to decline an alliance with you if the terms are agreeable enough. State them." Frankly, he didn't see their situation as bleakly as Tywin did, but since Doran wasn't at all in his camp in spite of Elia, a new alliance was desirable.

"Hand of the King. I want the pin back for myself."

"Out of the question."

Tywin gave him a patronizing look. "Come now, your Grace. Even the child that you were had to concede I was a competent Hand to your father… before the unpleasantness."

"I wouldn't call letting him stay in Duskendale and nearly ensuring his death there as competent," Rhaegar countered, though the argument was… weak.

Sensing a vein twitch in Tywin's temple, Lyanna jumped in. "Let's not bring up the parts of the past best forgotten." Aside from the feuds with Aerys now known to be instigated by dark forces beyond their comprehension - Lyanna herself knew that better than anyone - she pushed them elsewhere. "My goodmother is Hand, and a good one at that."

"Is she a competent advisor and administrator, I cannot deny such, my Queen, but…"

"My father used to say everything before the word 'but' is horseshit, my Lord."

That stopped Tywin - for a moment, Lyanna's bit of northern wisdom took the words out of his mouth. Lya smiled genuinely while Rhaegar stifled a chuckle. It wasn't often that Tywin Lannister was at a loss for words.

"Your father was a wise man," Tywin finally said before continuing. "...but there remains a flaw in her thinking. She is a zealot for the return of old Valyria. I will not argue against the merits of that philosophy because ideology doesn't matter to me." The royals believed him. "But idealogues do not have the necessary finesse to conduct the matters of diplomacy and unpleasant dealings a Hand must. Only loyalty is needed, and as I was once loyal to my friend your father I am loyal to you."

"We'll see." Rhaegar moved on. "Even if I was to make you my Hand, alliances are forged with marriages usually - I presume my mother and your son do not count even if there is a child."

"My granddaughter has the Targaryen name. As far as the world is concerned she is fatherless." Cold, but Tywin Lannister was known for that. "Jaime will not marry anyone not Queen Rhaella and that is impossible, while I wouldn't wish my other son on anyone."

Lyanna exhaled. "Lord Tyrion is quite a delight to be around," she felt compelled to say.

Tywin snorted. "You may be the only one who thinks so… your Grace," he added, derisive but never overtly insulting. "But such is a distraction. My daughter Cersei will be the offering that seals the alliance."

Distasteful as the bartering of daughters was to Rhaegar, Tywin was that sort of man and he had to deal with it. "Alright, your daughter Cersei."

"She will not be marrying my husband," Lyanna put her foot down, posessively. "I and Queen Elia do not share."

"Except with each other, I find." Tywin actually chuckled. "Do not fret, your Grace, such wasn't what I was asking for. Someone without any marital commitments will do."

"My brother Viserys?" Rhaegar asked. "Because I will not allow a betrothal of any of my sons, they are far too young to be betrothed to someone of their own age, let alone someone already flowered and grown."

"While my sympathies are with such a sentiment given how my father sold my sister to the Freys, it wouldn't work on a practical level for the marriage needs to be now. I was thinking of your goodbrother, Lord Stark."

"My brother?" Lyanna blinked - Ned was freshly widowed and with two children already, though from what she knew of this a marriage with Cersei Lannister wouldn't be so easily rejected by him.

Tywin found great amusement in this. He decided to hold back the last bit of information, for now at least. "I wouldn't see why not? He is without a wife, and from what I've heard his relationship with Lady Catelyn wasn't a love match. Given his past with my daughter, I would think it is perfect."

"Ned's feelings notwithstanding, Lord Tywin, I draw back to the political considerations here." Rhaegar knew Tywin would approve of such a cold-blooded view on things, and he had a dynasty to protect. "My goodbrother has a daughter and a son already, and I do not believe your bannermen will accept an alliance that doesn't stand a chance at producing an heir to the North."

Pursing his lips, Tywin nodded with a sigh. It is time. "I knew that would be a complication, which is why I ask that you legitimize Lord Stark's bastard son by my daughter as part of any agreement between us." He wouldn't have to wait long for the reaction.


"Rock of Harrenhal! Rock of Harrenhal!"

Riding atop his destrider, Lord Eddard Stark looked out as both his own bannermen and those of the Riverlords cheered him. A modest man, he eschewed forms of braggart but did smile and wave to the men - flattered at their appreciation.

Ice had tasted blood in the last weeks, the final raiders dispatched and the Ironborn confined to Seaguard itself. The Riverlands were close to free and all knew Ned was the cause of such a victory.

Swinging off the horse with the help of Jory Cassel, Ned was greeted with his own battle commanders. Jorah Mormont, Roose Bolton - as cagey and emotionless as always - Gregor Forrester, and a quite upset Jason and Jeffory Mallister. This is not going to be pleasant. "Follow me, my Lords," he instructed, motioning them to enter the tent.

A map was hastily tacked to a camp table in the center, positions crudely drawn upon it. "My Lord," stated Roose to begin. "The last of the Ironborn have been dispatched at the Teats." Ned was glad no Bracken or Blackwood was present to argue over what was the proper name of those cursed hills. "All of the Greyjoys are relegated to Seaguard itself."

"A feat not even the King could arrange," spoke Jorah. "They still hold Fair Isle, the Crag, Kayce, and Lannisport in the Westerlands even after Oxcross."

"Watch yourself, Lord Mormont." Jorah quieted down - he was absolutely loyal, but Ned would have no badmouthing of his goodfamily even if it was simple Northern ribbing of southerners. "Oxcross and Castamere were major clashes, while these were raiding actions."

"My point, Lord Stark," Jason Mallister said. "My keep and lands still rest under the Ironborn yoke."

"It's invested on all sides, Lord Jason," spoke Gregor Forrester, commander of the Northern Fleet on the Sunset Sea. "Nothing's getting through from the water either."

A snort from the young Jeffory, one of Brandon's former bosom companions. "Tough shit. They're Ironborn. They can smash trough your piddling fleet as if it was kindling."

Gregor narrowed his eyes. "I defeated them once, and I can do it again."

"Enough." The arguing was giving Ned a headache. "My goodsister the Queen informs me that the Ironborn are gathering their main fleet in the Shield Islands, while the rest are supplying their footholds in the Westerlands. We need not worry."

"It isn't your subjects starving or brutalized, Lord Stark." Jason was insistent. "We need to attack."

"Out of the question."

"I wouldn't have taken the Rock of Harrenhal for a coward."

Ned glared. "It isn't about that. We are going to need our strength for when the Iron Islands themselves are invaded. The siege stays, dismissed." He wouldn't tolerate further discussion. "I said dismissed." One by one, the other Lords exited the tent to their own commands.

Collapsing in his camp chair, Ned picked up the letter he'd been dreading to read since it arrive two nights ago. Might as well get it over with, he shrugged.

Lord Stark,

Thank you for your return of my daughter's body to her childhood home. I have interred her in the crypt of Riverrun beside her mother, much as it pains me to think that I will never see either of their faces again for the rest of my life.

While my grief is immense, as Lord of Riverrun I must bring up matters of state. My hope is to confirm from you the inheritance of my grandson Lord Rickard to Winterfell and the North, while additionally making the offer to gladly foster my granddaughter Lady Sansa as my daughter ultimately wished.

In addition, I would like to ask your permission for a potential marriage alliance between our Houses or our bannermen in order to continue the amity and accord we created during the Rebellion.

Regards,

Hoster Tully, Lord of Riverrun, Lord Paramount of the Trident.

Setting down the letter, there were conflicting emotions running through Ned's mind. He was glad that Catelyn was laid to rest with her mother and family - given all that had happened and his own assessment of feelings in Winterfell, laying her to rest in the Crypts was not an option he could afford to consider. Too many would take it as an affront.

In regards to the rest, Ned couldn't help but feel affronted at Hoster's demand. Sansa was his designated heir by virtue of time of birth, and that his goodfather repeated the same demand Catelyn did was a nonstarter.

Do I wish to continue the alliance with the Riverlands? Given the situation he and Rhaegar were in at the time, Ned needed to marry Catelyn but everything was different now. Priorities changed.

There was one alliance he truly wanted, but Ned doubted that option was available to him. Lord Tywin likely has better alliances to be made, and Cersei's moved on. Of course she would move on, being the most eligible unmarried woman in the Realm not named Targaryen. Ned had missed his chance.

Perhaps a northern bride would be best, but what kind of life could he give a woman he did not love? Catelyn became embittered because of it and one look at Elbert's marriage to Lysa Tully showed what an embittered marriage could do. Father never took another wife after mother died. Mayhaps that was the fate for Eddard Stark?

Sighing, he walked to his cot, laying down upon it. As was the usual, his dreams were filled with emerald eyes. Both a pleasure of the joy he experienced and a taunt for what he'd never again have.


The candles had long since burned out and were replaced with new ones, wax still close to tallow from how fresh they were. But the three royals - two by blood, one by marriage and love - still were without sleep. Their eyes were sunken, heads aching from mental and physical fatigue, but still they sat as the entirety of what was told to them in the past day sunk in.

"A nephew." Lyanna still couldn't believe it. "All this time I had a nephew the same age as Baelon and I never even knew."

"No one knew outside these walls," Rhaella mused. "Jaime certainly didn't…" She snorted. "Leave it to that old cunt, Tywin. Joanna used to tell me that he could fool the greatest mind reader in the world, and she was right. He was saving young Robb Hill for his bid to restore himself to power and he struck at the best possible time - at least the best for himself." The former Queen had to hand it to him. It fit even the Tywin she knew.

Rhaegar could only think how this affected Ned, his friend and goodbrother. Well… he's gonna have to marry the girl. "Perhaps this isn't a bad thing?"

Lyanna blinked. "Excuse me? How is this possibly positive?"

"Ned is not someone to jump into bed with just anyone." The idea was laughable from anything Rhaegar knew of the honorable northern fool that was his best friend. "So either Cersei plied him with intoxicants or he genuinely loved her."

"Knowing that bitch, she probably did," the Queen crossed her arms.

Rhaella shook her head. "I know Lannisters intimately, Lya. Cersei is more like her father than her mother, but she still has Joanna in her. And from personal experience, even a strong person cannot resist a lion's charms if they truly don't wish to." She couldn't resist a smirk as comprehension dawned as a pale horror on Rhaegar's face at the thought.

"Must you?" he croaked out. "I try not to think of that,"

"Oh relax, we're all of age - I'm sure you heard us."

"Enough." This time both women giggled at Rhaegar's discomfort, easing the tension.

Lyanna wiped her eyes. "Alright, let us suppose that Cersei's motives were pure in regards to my brother and the marriage is well-received by both." Certainly Cersei would be better than Catelyn in terms of the north - if loyal, the Tywin cold-blooded ruthlessness had its advantages in dealing with the stubborn and wild northern Lords. Ned has the honor and the reputation, but not the savvy. Cersei could provide that. "But we cannot seriously hope to bow down to Tywin's request. It is too much of a concession."

Mind thankfully ending revolting images of his mother and Ser Jaime engaged in torrid coupling, the thoughts of his own small council and the ruling of the Realm led Rhaegar to only one conclusion. "No, I think I shall accept."

"You can't be serious."

"I am, Lya. He was right, we need allies besides your brother. Robert and Doran hate us, Elbert is weak, and the Tullys are unreliable. Only Garlan can be counted on but he likely doesn't have the loyalty of his grandfather sewn up. We need Tywin, and this is the best option."

"He was a capable Hand to Aerys," Rhaella agreed. "The Realm operated well under his tenure, at least until the madness took hold and first Owen Merryweather and then Connington fucked things up royally." Not good memories, they were. "A good choice, provided he's watched till he proves loyal."

"Would you resign your post, goodmother?"

Silent for a moment, Rhaella sighed quietly and reached for her pin, unclipping it and setting it on the table in front of her son. "Mayhaps I am a bit inflexible with our heritage - with our birthright. Tywin would be better than I."

Rhaegar looked her in the eye. "You'll always have a place on my council, muna." She nodded before mother and son embraced each other, the moment a sweet one. Lyanna hoped and prayed that Egg and Jon would have such a similar, close relationship with her and Elia. That they'd live long enough to take such a mantle for their sons.

She knew perfectly well the hole in one's heart without one's mother.

As they pulled back, Rhaella bit her lip. "I got this after dinner, tonight. While I should have given it to you then, we needed this conversation first." She handed an opened ravenscroll with the Targaryen seal upon it. Elia. Only she in King's Landing had the authority to use it.

Reading it quietly, Rhaegar's eyes soon glassed over. "Elia's with child."

"Yes, apparently she is."

Lyanna was quiet, digesting the news. "And so am I," she murmured.

Her husband was floored for the second time in ten seconds. "What?"

"The maester here confirmed what I already knew… seems it was the same for our wife." She looked at Rhaegar, who had an unreadable expression. "My love?"

Hesitantly, Rhaegar reached out and placed a hand on her stomach - their babe currently small inside her. "You're going to King's Landing as soon as possible. I shan't have you in danger." His tone was firm, but there were tears in his eyes.

Lyanna couldn't hope to argue. "I know."

"I should leave the two of you to this," Rhaella smiled, rising and smoothing out her skirts. This was a private moment for her son and gooddaughter.

Barely moments after Rhaella left to spend the night with her lover in his ancestral home, the King and Queen embraced. A desperate love driving them as they laughed joyously. "I can't believe it… I can't believe I am so blessed," Lya whispered into Rhaegar's ear.

"I'm gonna be a kepa," Rhaegar murmured into her hair.

Lyanna giggled. "You were a kepa before meeting me."

His hold tightened. "Then I'll be a kepa again… I suppose we can call our new babes twins."

Pulling back, Lyanna scrunched up her nose and lips. "I don't think simultaneously getting two women with child is the same as having twins, silly dragon."

"What if we conceived them in the same intimate assignation. I do enjoy spilling my seed into both of you after the other." Rhaegar wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Gods, you're such a lecher. You're lucky that I love you."

It was in a japing tone, but Rhaegar's smile changed. He reached up to cup her cheek. "I love you," he murmured.

Her heart clenched. "I love you too." They kissed, sweetly and tenderly. "Rhaegar, sing for me. Sing the same song that made me fall for you."

Jenny of Oldstones… looking after me even after your death, Aunt Jenny. "You need not ask, my love…" But before he began, Lyanna covered his mouth with her finger.

"Just promise… you'll sing for…" Her voice caught. "Both Elia and I when you return?"

A heavy question, implying much. "I promise." He meant it.


"The cub is down for his nap," commented Malera, brushing her raven hair behind her ear. "He won't stop cuddling the lion cub, the boy's obsessed with it."

Cersei smiled at the thought of Robb - her son was as much a lion as he was a wolf… Fitting he'd have a connection with the sigil of House Lannister. "I think the cub prefers his cuddles to mine, though mayhaps he is too young to raise a mighty creature."

Jeyne raised a brow. "Thinking of taking the cub for yourself?"

"Why not?" Cersei shrugged. "I could finally scare my brother away when he torments me." The three young ladies laughed as Jeyne poured a cup of Crag sweetwine for the three of them.

A brusque knock on the door startled them. "Let them in, dog," she instructed Sandor. Gods, he has no tact…

The door opened to reveal her father. Both Malera and Jeyne stood and curtseyed. "My Lord."

"Get out, I wish to speak to my daughter alone." Tywin's voice left no room for maneuver. "Lady Genna has tasks for you both, so go." They didn't hesitate to obey.

Apart from his own children, no one disobeyed a direct order from Tywin Lannister.

Cersei, looking at him, didn't stand. "What do you want, father?" The siege was lifted and fresh food finally allowed in the keep, she didn't want to deny herself a good meal to listen to whatever he would be ranting about.

"You're to see your Aunt too, after this. Plan your wedding however way you want, as long as it doesn't bring shame to me."

Her eyes widened. For the life of her, Cersei didn't expect that. "Wedding… you've found a betrothal?" No… gods, please no.

Tywin huffed. "I am not as heartless as you and your brothers make me out to be. Of course I'd tell you before the fact." Even still, it sounded like a barter in the market from his lips - he likely considered it such.

"And why is this to happen now? After all this time?" Since his failed attempt to begin betrothal talks with Robert Baratheon, Tywin didn't bother trying to find a man for her. Cersei thought the worry was behind her, but apparently not.

"An arrangement with King Rhaegar. A marriage to connect his house with ours and to seal my return as Hand of the King, so I shan't have you fuck this up for me." A clenched fist showed how far Tywin Lannister would go to make it happen.

"I shall not marry some fool or old man so that you can make nice with the King!" Cersei knew what would happen to Robb in that, forget about herself. Either raised here in Casterly Rock as a normal highborn bastard, or essentially treated as a dog or gutter trash in whatever keep her husband ruled over.

Her father looked her over. "I would think you'd be glad to marry Eddard Stark."

For the second time in less than five minutes, it was as if Robert Baratheon's warhammer slammed into Cersei's heart… only this time the shock led to warmth rather than pain. "Edd...edd...Eddard Stark?" Ned… my sweet Ned… please let it be true.

"The father of your bastard, aye. He's a widower now and needs a Lady of Winterfell - I need an alliance with his goodbrother the King, so it works out." Since her mother died, sentimentality was wasted on Tywin Lannister. "That is unless you are truly opposed…"

"No!" Cersei bolted upright, seeing the look of amusement in her father's eyes - of course he took pleasure in humiliating them. "I mean… I consent to this."

He chuckled. "Not that I care for your consent or not, it does make matters easier." He eyed her over and sighed. "If the King or Queen come by, make sure you are presentable. Until his damn cloak is on your shoulders, I can't have you being the stupidest Lannister again." With the gruff last, he was out - leaving Cersei alone.

Collapsing flat on the bed, Cersei covered her mouth - breathing deeply. "It happened… my prayers have been answered." She closed her eyes, imagining Ned. Her Ned, smiling at her, his hands warm as they danced at the wedding. How he looked with enchantment at her at the Tourney of Harrenhal. His look changed to love as they coupled, when they made Robb.

Robb will finally know his father… have siblings of his blood, both half and full. Cersei cupped her belly, imagining the future lionwolves that would grow there.

"Gods, Ned, I cannot wait to see you." Her smile faltered slightly. "I hope you still love me."


Tomorrow they would leave on dragonback.

Lyanna was resigned to it, cupping her still flat stomach as she walked through the halls of Casterly Rock. Within nestled another dragonwolf, a sweet babe conceived by the love she and Rhaegar felt for each other. Elia holds a babe in her womb as well. Two babes, and they would need their munas. At least this time she was able to fight, to show the world that Lyanna Targaryen was a warrior Queen.

In this she was content to head back with Rhaella to King's Landing. A smile crossed her face - she and Rhaegar already celebrated the life inside her, and Lyanna was looking forward to doing the same with Elia.

But first thing's first. "Turn here, your Grace," Ser Jaime remarked, guiding her left at the crossed corridors.

"Thank you." This was Jaime's childhood home, and she deferred to him on the path from the guest wing to the residential chambers. "Surreal, isn't it, to be back home for the first time?"

"Aye, your Grace." Jaime was quiet, mostly masking his emotions, but they were alone. "Father hid my nephew from me."

"I know Rhaegar doubts you didn't know, but I agree with Rhaella." His lover believed him, believed that Tywin would hide the fact from him in order for political leverage.

Jaime sighed. "Tyrion said he wanted to tell me, but father refused. All for the benefit of House Lannister, I suppose." He snorted. "Your brother was more wronged than I, though."

Lyanna nodded. "It's why I and Rhaegar are making the stop at Seaguard. We need to tell him."

"Likely the best approach. He needs to know what he's dealing with." Jaime stopped in front of a door. "Here we are, this is where Tyrion said he'd be. Good luck, my Queen."

Entering the chambers, Lyanna's breath hitched. Sitting on the bed, playing with wooden figurines of horses and knights, was a young boy the same age as Jon. At first glance he was completely Lannister - golden hair, green eyes, and the same beauty as Jaime had - but Lyanna was a Stark. She knew. He is Ned's. Of this she held no doubt at all upon seeing him.

My nephew.

Seconds passing, the lad finally noticed her. "Hello," he called out.

"Hello," Lyanna replied. "May I join you?"

The boy, Robb, looked a bit… hesitant. "Who are you?"

Lyanna bit back a smile. Smart boy. "I am your aunt."

"Oh… I guess it fine."

Lyanna took the opening and walked to the bed, sitting on it next to her nephew. "Your name is Robb, correct? I must say you look like your uncle Jaime."

"N'uncle Little always say so." He eyed her curiously. "I see Aunt Genna, but no you before."

She didn't hide her smile this time. "I'm your aunt Lya… your father's sister."

All sort of heistance evaporated from Robb, his eyes widening and jaw spreading wide. "Poppa? You poppa sister?"

"Aye. He's my older brother."

"That mean poppa coming?" There was so much awe in the boy's voice for a man he had never before met - it told Lyanna that Eddard Stark was a revered presence in the Lannister household when it concerned Robb at least. "Momma tell me so so much of poppa, how he great hero of North. Big big wolf."

That was truly funny, in a good way. "A quiet wolf, but yes, very very big." The boy was a delight. Already Lyanna could imagining him best friends with Jon and Egg.

"He coming?"

"Yes, he is."

The door suddenly opened at that moment, and both direwolves looked up as the lioness entered. Cersei didn't look too immediately shocked - likely having guessed it was one of the royals due to Jaime's presence outside the door - but she did seem surprised at the fact Lyanna was here.

Robb beamed. "Momma!" He ran to her and hugged her skirts. "Aunt Lya says poppa is coming! Is that true?!"

Still reeling from the enormity of it all, Cersei nodded as her eyes met Lyanna's. "Yes, pup. Poppa's coming." Robb whooped with glee, bouncing up and down in pure joy. "But you need your sleep."

He pouted. "No sleep. I wanna see poppa!" But even in his excitement, the young lad's continence reared its head as he yawned.

Gods, he was so like Ned it was uncanny - while much quieter, Lyanna could see the same mannerisms. "Your poppa would want you to grow and get your strength, nephew. A wolf can't hunt if he's not rested." That seemed to work for Robb, as he didn't complain and instead dutifully trudged to bed. Cersei tucked him in and pressed a kiss to his head. "We need to talk, Lady Lannister," Lyanna said softly but firmly.

"I know." Golden hair pulled into a loose bun, Cersei motioned at Lyanna. "Follow me."

They were soon in Cersei's private chambers, the lioness taking a seat on her bed - the skirt of her red dress puffed up round her legs while Lyanna crossed her arms and stood above her. "I won't ask about why you said nothing about my nephew to my brother or the Crown. Your father's nature speaks for itself."

"He is a predictable man when you know what to expect… if not exactly how it manifests." The situation was profoundly awkward, but Cersei was handling it well. Why not? Her dream was on the cusp of becoming reality. "Not a day has gone by that I haven't told Robb of his father… of the other half of his heritage."

"I can see Ned in him, even if he looks like your brother in all the superficial aspects." Lyanna noticed the ever so slight sparkle in Cersei's eyes when she mentioned Ned. Could Cersei Lannister of all people actually love my brother? Ned falling for her was surprising but explainable - the converse was shocking to anyone that knew of how Cersei had been. "Let's cut to the chase, Cersei."

"Aye, that is reasonable." Swallowing, Cersei looked up - her greens locking with Lya's greys. "I'll put this out right now. I love your brother and cannot think of anything more wonderful than marrying him."

Lyanna nodded. "Good." But her expression didn't change. "That doesn't address the depth of my concern."

"What do you want me to say, your Grace?" Cersei sighed. "I cannot erase my family's reputation just like that, much as my father couldn't erase his father's reputation for the longest time." Everything was uncomfortable for her, but Ned was worth the loss of composure. He is always worth it. "But I can only say that all of my feelings for your brother are genuine."

"He's endured so much loss in his life, Cersei." It seemed as if Lya's statement brought sorrow to Cersei, and it lessened her coldness. "My father and Brandon's death hit him hard, and he didn't have the support structure in Winterfell as I did in King's Landing. Sansa was but a babe and could only do so much, while Catelyn…" It was unwise to speak ill of the dead. "She was never the warmest of persons."

Cersei shared no such compunctions. "That cold trout cunt never deserved him." For years it drove Cersei to the greatest anger that her of all people shared Ned's bed - she knew that he got no love from the arrangement and it broke her heart. "He needs someone that loves only him and can be a proper partner. I've heard of the issues the North is having because of her incompetence."

Lyanna raised an eyebrow. "I am, yet how are you familiar?"

She shrugged. "Call it glutton for punishment, I suppose. Needing to know about the man I love even from afar."

At this point, Lyanna was convinced that Cersei's feelings were genuine - it was obvious. Only the best mummers could fake that level of adoration and Cersei was not as skilled in that regard as she might think. She would be devoted to Ned, but… "He has a son and daughter."

"I am aware." Cersei stiffened as well. "Sansa and Rickard, his children of the Tully bi…" She stopped herself. "The Tully."

Lyanna caught what she was trying to say, and though she shared her characterization of Catelyn based on her experiences with the woman and what Ned bemoaned in his letters to her, in the context of speaking on Sansa and Rickard it was not something she liked. "I haven't seen Sansa since she was a babe, and Rickard is newly born and hasn't left Winterfell, but I love my niece and nephew very much. Only my children hold a superior place in my heart." Her eyes narrowed at Cersei, the same gaze as she gave the Ironborn or Robert Baratheon when the wolf emerged from her den. "I will not allow Ned to marry anyone who would hurt them, his feelings be damned."

Cersei was quiet. Ice seeming to cross her leonine features - green eyes darkening, only accentuated by her beauty. "Is that what you think of me? That I'd become Alicent Hightower?"

"It sounds like something your father would do… ensure there are no threats to his grandson becoming Lord of Winterfell." Knowing Ned, he'd make Robb his heir so the issue would be if Sansa or Rickard were cast aside and embittered, a power struggle would ensue. She would not let that happen.

And truly, neither would Cersei. She stood up, glaring at Lyanna. "I hated Catelyn Tully, yes. I think she was a horrible fit for him and I was jealous that she had him while I didn't - not that she appreciated the gem she was given in Eddard Stark, but I am not Alicent Hightower. Sansa and Rickard are of Ned's blood and I could never hate them… or force Ned to forsake them."

They stared at each other, neither giving ground. "And if I don't believe you?"

She crossed her arms and held her ground. "If so, then fuck you… your Grace," Cersei added.

The tension in the room doubled, dropping several degrees colder from the pure ice in both their glares… until it was too much. Both women simultaneously burst out laughing, the seriousness of their discussion changing to unseriousness almost immediately. "Oh…" Lyanna ground out in between chortles. "That was good…"

Cersei shook her head, almost bawling over so she sat. "Forgive me for that, your Grace."

"No need." Laughter tapering off, trying to compose herself, all answers needed had been given. Interrogation over, Lyanna took a seat next to Cersei, taking the woman's hands in hers. "I still can't believe it. You love my brother, truly?" It seemed so… unlikely.

Cersei let out a tiny giggle - the sound quite unlike her. "It's hard to believe for me as well, considering how I was, but I do." Not a day went by that she didn't think of him. Dream of him.

"I mean… how? You danced at my wedding to the King, was that when it happened?" Lyanna was genuinely curious, and Cersei would be her goodsister after all - the Queen wished to have a good relationship with her. It had been the same with Catelyn, only those efforts pretty much immolated themselves when the Tully showed she was unsuited to be the Lady of Winterfell.

"That was when I realized it, your Grace…"

"Lyanna. We're soon to be family, so you have leave to call me by my name."

She smiled, eyes kind. "Lyanna." Cersei had for so long been the dominant in her friendships… it was oddly refreshing to have one on equal terms… mostly equal. "It did happen fast, and that shocks me considering how we met."

An eyebrow. "How was that?"

"I…" She hesitated, remembering what precipitated it. "Umm… I had left the Prince's solar at Harrenhal." Lyanna adopted an expressionless look. "It was the last time I… pursued the Prince, the day after the announcement of your betrothal."

Lyanna frowned. "Was that the last time?"

"Yes, I promise."

"Good… I'll forgive just this one time." No use in being needlessly jealous, though perhaps she'd need to 'claim' Rhaegar just to be sure. "So when did my brother enter the scene?"

"Right after. I wasn't looking and… ran into him." Cersei blushed. "I called him a 'Northern Fool' and stormed up."

Lips curling up, Lyanna laughed. "Knowing my brother, he probably fell in love with you right there."

Cersei sighed happily. "Not that I deserve him, but I thank the gods that he did." She bit her lip, suddenly withdrawn. "I worry… will he never forgive me for keeping Robb from him?"

"That…" Lyanna thought for a moment. "He may hold a grudge against your father, but just as he doesn't blame Rhaegar for what Aerys did he won't blame you - that's if he still loves you." That didn't mollify Cersei. "Robb will be his heir, no doubt though. Ned is… too honorable to deny his eldest."

"Lord Tully won't like it, though fuck what he thinks." Cersei was serious.

Another grin from the Queen. "You're already thinking like a northerner." The two of them chuckling, perhaps this would work out well.

Until they told Ned, though, everything was up in the air. And no one in the mix found comfort in that fact…

A/N: Tywin certainly knows how to negotiate.

Drop a review and be sure to check out Dragonshield and Bet of Dragons; if I get 30 comments for this story, I'll update in a week with the Nedsei reunion :D