Author's Note
I do not own Game of Thrones.
Robert's men were far more wary of Lordling than Ned's own. In response the wolf disliked them, skulking close to Ned's legs whenever he could.
That was, until Jaime Lannister decided to play with fire.
He dangled a scrap of meat over Lordling's head and taunted the beast, whistling and laughing. To the wolf's eternal credit, he only flattened his ears and never tried to snap. He never seemed to eat much.
"Good gods, you've spoiled this thing, Stark!" Ser Jaime laughed. "I thought your wolves were meant to be fierce. This thing's just lazy."
"I wouldn't push it." Ned reached for his white cloak to pull him back. "He's still mostly feral."
"Nonsense!" Jaime waved a hand at Lordling. "I don't even know why you brought it. That thing–" Jaime poked a finger at Ned's chest– "–would never–"
They'd never find out what Lordling would never do, because the direwolf sprang up and slammed straight into Ser Jaime, throwing them both across the deck of the ship. Robert's men yelled and rushed with drawn steel to separate the two, while Lordling snarled and Jaime pulled a knife.
"Enough!" Ned snapped, kicking it from his hand. "I warned you not to taunt him. Lordling."
Truly, he had no idea if the wolf would heel, but he thankfully did, sitting at Ned's side with his hackles raised.
"That thing ought to be skinned!" Jaime spluttered as he stumbled to his feet.
Robert only laughed and slapped his knees. "Oh, no! It's far too entertaining!"
All the same, Ned invited Lordling back to his cabin that night. It was all too likely Jaime and his men would seek retribution for the attack and insult to his pride during the night by tipping the wolf overboard.
"Are you sure he's safe to share bedchambers with, my Lord?" asked Rodrik.
"Has he attacked any of us so far?"
"Ser Jaime–"
Ned sighed. "Close the door."
Rodrik did so and joined him at the desk. Ned leant back in his chair. "Lordling didn't attack Ser Jaime until he touched me."
Rodrik considered this for a moment before turning to stare at the wolf. "By the gods, you're right."
"According to the stories I remember, direwolves can be rather protective of their masters." Ned smiled. "Rodrik?"
"Yes my Lord?"
"Fetch Lordling a bone."