I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire – George Martin has that privilege
Lady Catelyn Stark ran to her Lord Husband's bed chamber during the night. She can't remember running to Ned's chamber, she would seek him when she received bad news, but running to him, to his chamber over a dream was something she had never done. She had awoken crying and shaking with the scene still in her head. "Lady Stark?" One of the guards at the bottom of the stairs to Ned's chamber was asked concerned. "Are you well?"
She nodded "I need to speak with Ned," Her voice quivered as she spoke "Has he headed this way?"
"Yes, M'Lady a while ago I believe." She nodded as she rushed up the stairs.
When she reached Ned's door, she did not hesitate as she carefully opened the door. There was a fire lit in the hearth that hardly warmed the room. She looked to Ned, as expected he was asleep. Closing the door quietly she walked to his bed. Remembering why she had ran to his room she began to cry. Lifting the sheets carefully she climbed into his bed. When Ned turned over, he pulled her to him, "Cat," when he opened his eyes, the light from the fire was enough to show her tear streaked face. "Catelyn?" instinctively he pulled her to his chest protectively. She lost control as she cried into his chest as the images of her dream flooded her mind. He kissed her head and reassured her that she was safe, that he would protect her. When she settled enough to speak she leaned back enough to see his face, only to look away. "I'm sorry, Ned."
Not comprehending why, he cupped her cheek to pull her face back. "Why are you apologizing, Cat?"
"For waking you."
"Do not apologize for such a thing. Tell me what is bothering you." She hesitated for a moment as she looked into his eyes. There was warmth in his usually cold, stern expression.
She rested her head on his chest before she began telling him of the dream. "I dreamt of my mother…" she pulled herself as close to him as possible as he wrapped his arms around her. He knew this topic was not one she often spoke of. It was difficult for her, to lose her mother so young. "When she had the fever but… she was pregnant and died before she could go through birthing."
"It was only a dream. You were with her Cat, you know she wasn't." He rested his head on her, hoping that she was calmed.
"It wasn't just that Ned… before she died, she turned into me." Catelyn began sobbing and held her tight. He knew she feared having the same fate as her mother.
"Cat, my love, listen to me. You are not your mother, you will not leave this world of a fever. You have too much to live for. Winterfell needs you, the kids need you… I need you."
She brought her eyes up to meet his; tear stained but still beautiful to him. "It is a mother's nightmare not to be in this world for her kids… it is mine to not be here for them or you."
He cupped her face gently, wiping the remaining tears from her face, "As it is mine, I love you." Leaning forward he kissed her lips gently.
"I love you too Ned."
"Shall I rid you of this nightmare, my love." Catelyn nodded her head and let out a small laugh, returning his kiss.
"If it please you my lord."
