3.

Cat watched them leave and turned her attention towards Ned. She had lot of things on her mind that were discussed this morning. She still remembered when the news of battle of trident arrived. The rebels had won and she was happy for that. But she was lot happier when she knew that her father, her uncle and her husband had survived. She had Robb in her arms, who seemed to be dozing off after being fed. She had told him that his father will be returning and taking them to their new home in north. But Ned had led army to Kings Landing, from there went to lift the Siege at Storms End and then further south to rescue her sister. Her father and Uncle had returned but she still waited by the window looking for Ned's return. Though they had spent only their wedding night together and that too out of their duty, she was eager to move north. It was her new home and her son was going to be its Lord someday.

When Ned had returned he was happy to see her and their son. He had thanked her for their son and for her prayers for his safe return. But her joy did not last long, he had told her about the bastard in the evening. She grew angrier as Ned started to explain. He did not talk about the women he slept with. He said he was sorry and insisted that bastard was to live with him. For Cat it was the betrayal of worst sort. He expected her to live with the proof of his betrayal in her home. She had rage and raved but Ned stood firm. The morning after Ned had talked with her father and her uncle for hours. Her Uncle Brynden had come to talk to her afterwards. He did not mention the details of talk but urged her to give Ned a chance. He told about how desperate men become during wars and Ned had lost every one but a younger brother. He assured her that bastard won't become a problem to her or her son. He just told her to trust his word and giving Ned a chance.

She knew Uncle Brynden would not give her false words and there was a reason for what he said. But she could not bring herself to talk to Ned. Ned ever the gentleman did not force the issue. He used to spend time with Robb regularly with or without her presence during their journey to Winterfell. She was thankful for that little gesture but still had anger waiting to lash out at Ned.

But after hearing Uncle Artos this morning, she was not sure of what to think of it. She was glad Ned had not fathered a bastard but Jon had Targaryen origins. She had heard what had happened in Kings Landing. If secret got out then she knew Lannisters were going to come after him and Starks. It was a possible trouble brewing and a perfect way to ensure a long war. She wanted to hear what her husband had to say and so she looked at him questioningly, urging him to end the long drawn silence.

The long pause should have given Ned time to gather his thoughts but all he managed to speak, "I.. . am sorry." Ned looked down at his hands and began," I thought it was best if no one knew the truth. If worst was to happen, then you and Robb would be spared. I promised Lya that I will look after her son and keep him safe. I still intend to do same. He will be raised in Winterfell as my bastard along with Robb. "

Cat knew she could do nothing to change his mind neither would she be able to convince Benjen and Artos otherwise. She had to make peace with the situation. But that was not what Cat was hoping to talk about," Ned what about us. We were fighting about Jon. Why did you think that you should hide it from everybody? We are married; we are to spend rest of our remaining lives together. You should trust me. Let me help you."

Ned realized what she was speaking about," Cat I know I should have told you the truth but in Riverrun we hardly knew each other. This is new to me Cat. I was not supposed to be Lord of Winterfell. I still feel like I am replacing Brandon. I will need time to come to terms with it. If you have doubts about us, then let me make it clear to you, 'Cat you are my wife and mother of my heir and nothing will change it'."

Cat thought about what Ned had said and coming from Ned it was promise of future together. She suddenly remembered her uncle telling her 'to give Ned a chance'. May be her uncle had seen something she hadn't or didn't understand. She thought of doing the same. She got up to leave the room," I should check on Robb" while walking out she stopped at the door "I will move Jon to a room near Robb and Mine."

She decides to go to Robb's room. She heard the familiar sound of walking stick ahead and it to be Artos. Artos glanced at her as she started walking with him," He is not a man of too many words but of deeds. Give him time he won't disappoint you my lady."

Cat nervously glanced at him, "My uncle said the same."

"Yes the Black Fish, clever man. I hope to meet him someday."

"And why is that?"

"We all have heroes, my lady. It is hard to watch men fight safely from castle." Artos deciding to change subject may be because it was hard for him," Ben decided that he is angry with the dummies in the practice yard. So I thought to check on my grandnephews."

"Will he be alright?" Cat was worried about him. He had gone through so much at such a young age.

"Well, give him some time. He needs to come to terms himself which he will. Lad did fine job when he was the Stark in Winterfell."

They reached Robb's room. He was still sleeping peacefully in his crib. His wetnurse was working with needles in the corner. She got up to greet them but Cat gestured her to continue. There was nothing that she could do other than waking Robb. Artos seemed to have thought the same as he decides to walk out. Cat knew now came the dreaded part, she had to see that Jon's room was changed and make sure he was looked after. But she didn't know where his room was. She decides to ask Artos who was still waiting for her by the door, "Jon?"

Artos seem to understand what she was asking," Come on. I was going to see him. I met him yesterday. All Stark that one. Bit quiet for my liking."

Cat followed him. She was glad for the little tidbit Atos mentioned. If bastard had Targaryen eyes or hairs it would have been a disaster. They reached Jon's room. Room was not bad. He was awake. His wetnurse seemed to be entertaining him. When she became aware of their presence she greeted them hastily. She saw Jon in his crib, a toy wooden wolf his hands and was busy licking it. Artos was write he was all Stark. He was looked more Stark than her Robb. She felt pang of jealousy rising through her and that too for a silly reason. She decided to do what she came to do. She ordered servants to move him to a room next to Robb's. She decided to stay with Robb and told so to Artos who seemed puzzled by sudden change in her demeanor.

Cat reached Robb's room to find him awake. She dismissed the wetnurse and lifted Robb in her arms who seemed to be delighted to see her. She thought about Jon but seeing Robb decided to ignore rest of world and busy herself with him.