Author's Note: Warning for smut at the end of this chapter.

Enjoy guys.

Chapter 3

A Storm Lord's Honour

Catelyn

Despite her son's wishes Catelyn rode with the host to Riverrun. Robb wanted her to stay at Harrenhal where she would be safe, but she refused. She wanted to be near when the time came to see her family. She has not seen her father Hoster Tully for many years now, and seeing her sister Lysa has made her want to be with her father once more. Of course she was frightened; she was frightened that Ser Jamie would learn of Robb's advance and retaliate by killing Edmure, her brother; she was frightened that Joffrey would have Ned killed for his grandfather's defeat; she was frightened that they would be attacked during the night by Westermen. But despite all of her fears there was nothing more frightening than the possibility that Robb might be killed in the days to come.

Before he left Harrenhal Robb had written several letters and had them sent out across the Seven Kingdoms to the various high lords throughout Westeros. After the last letter had been attached to its raven and sent Robb left Harrenhal for Riverrun. Several days after leaving Harrenhal the host met up with the men-at-arms sworn to the Houses Vance and Piper, both loyal to her father's House. Ser Marq Piper was leading his father's men while Karyl Vance was the new Lord of Wayfarer's Rest after his father was slain in battle weeks ago. Both men greeted her before holding talks with Robb, where he welcomed their support and received their praise upon their learning that he has Tywin Lannister as a prisoner, with Ser Marq imploring Robb to kill him.

"Would that I could Ser Marq, but he has more value alive than dead just now, especially as Joffrey holds my father and sisters hostage," Robb had told the hot headed knight. Catelyn could understand Ser Marq's anger though, for she had heard of the burning of Pinkmaiden Castle, the seat of the Pipers. Tywin Lannister had sent the Mountain to burn the lands of various River Lords, and Pinkmaiden was just one of them. All in retaliation of Catelyn's imprisonment of his son Tyrion.

As the days passed by other lords and knights arrived, flocking to Robb's banners, all with the promise of aid, and all honouring their oaths to Catelyn's father. Today saw the arrival of Stevron Frey, the eldest son of Walder Frey, the Lord of the Crossing. He was accompanied by a few of his kinsmen, and several knights and men-at-arms as well. Catelyn walked into the tent where the meeting with Ser Stevron was being held, and she found Robb stood with the Greatjon and Lord Karstark stood on either side of him. Standing next to Lord Karstark was Dacey Mormont, who was dressed in boiled leather and ringmail with her hair tied back in a ponytail. Standing next to the Greatjon was Lord Roose Bolton, who was quiet the whole time, and Ser Wylis Manderly, the Heir to White Harbour. All of them greeted her in their own manner; Greatjon Umber was as boisterous as ever, while Ser Wylis was respectful and kind; Lord Bolton was soft spoken with his greeting, while Dacey Mormont gave her a respectful yet unladylike greeting; and Lord Karstark gave her a kind smile and a bow of his head. Robb however gave her a small smile and a slight nod before turning to face the men standing opposite them; Stevron Frey and his men.

"My Lady Stark," Stevron said in a kind voice. "I am honoured to meet you again my lady, it has been too long since you graced us with your presence. I am terribly sorry for what has happened to your lord husband. Gods willing we shall free Lord Eddard from his false imprisonment soon."

"I thank you for your kind words Ser Stevron," Catelyn said politely. And I wish your lord father had stirred himself sooner, she added in her mind.

"I thank you for arriving Ser Stevron," Robb spoke in his lord's voice, sounding much like his father in that moment. "What aid does Lord Walder intend to send?" Catelyn noticed that at the mention of his father Stevron seemed to grow uncomfortable. After a moment Stevron cleared his throat and answered.

"None my lord, for my lord father has died recently," he said. Catelyn was surprised at this news, and felt both sad and grateful; sad for Stevron for losing his father at a difficult time for the Riverlands, and grateful because it was less likely that her family would have to pay too steep a price for the Freys aid. "He died peacefully in his sleep, near as the Maester can tell." Robb bowed his head respectfully at Stevron's words.

"You have my condolences my lord," Robb spoke. Catelyn bowed her own head, while thinking how not that long ago Robb was cursing Lord Walder for not sending aid to Riverrun. "The old ferret refuses to aid my grandfather, his liege lord, and would seek to put a hefty toll on me to cross his bridge? I think not mother, we'll find another path to use," he had said to her.

"His death was long expected, though it still has hit us all hard at the Twins," Stevron said. After that everyone took a seat and then the talks began. Catelyn listened to her son and the lords gathered as they spoke, coming to agree upon tactics and the placement of the men of the Twins, with Robb suggesting that they gather within the Whispering Wood north of Riverrun to draw out Jamie Lannister while Robb attacks the camps laying siege to her childhood home. Then the talks went to the suggestion of betrothals, which Catelyn had expected.

"You expect a marriage for one of your numerous sisters into my House, my lord?" Robb asked, his voice neutral but his eyes hard. If Stevron Frey was at all intimidated by Robb's hard look he did not let it show.

"I do expect a marriage for one of my sisters my lord, you have it true," he said. "However, I will not impose upon you a marriage between yourself and one of my sisters, as my father would have no doubt done. Instead I wish to ask both you and your lady mother to assist me in joining House Frey to our liege lord's House." Stevron's words had not been expected by Catelyn. She had honestly thought that the eldest son of Lord Walder would try to tie both Houses Stark and Frey in matrimony, but instead he had sought out Catelyn's own House instead.

"You want a marriage between your House and my uncle, Ser Edmure?" Robb asked, his voice wavering slightly then. Catelyn noticed the slight smile on Stevron's face then, as if he was expecting Robb's reaction.

"Indeed my lord," he responded. "I have a sister who is your own age, if not a few months younger. Roslin is the fairest of my late lord father's daughters, and much fairer than many of you may imagine if you can believe it." Catelyn looked at her son's loyal lords who were all looking anywhere but at Lord Stevron as if they had just been caught stealing a sweet like a badly behaved child would. "I am also open to any other offerings for marriage to my sisters, nieces and so on if any are interested, but I would also like to offer some of my kin for fostering if it please you Lord Robb," Stevron said to get the talks back on topic.

"I am listening my lord," Robb replied. Catelyn leaned in closer then, eager to hear of what kin Stevron wants to be rid of. A small part of her snidely wondered if the eldest son of Lord Walder was just looking to get rid of unwanted siblings and heirs, but all the same she wanted to know what her son was going to be offered.

"My lord father left me not just with the Twins, but also with many siblings, some of whom are young enough to be my own great-great-grandchildren ," Stevron jested then, earning a couple of sniggers from Greatjon and Lord Karstark. "I would like to do right by as many of them as I can, but such a task will be near impossible. Nevertheless, I would like to see four of my younger kin fostered at Winterfell, two boys and two girls." Catelyn nearly choked at the suggestion of taking on so many wards from a single House. "If any of your fellow Northern lords are willing to take a ward or two I would both be honoured and grateful. As well as fostering I would like to see some of my brothers, nephews and so on being taken as squires by you and yours my lord." Robb took a deep breath then, perhaps to steady his nerves Catelyn thought.

"I cannot promise to convince my uncle to marry your sister Lord Stevron," Robb began, his voice lacking any emotion. "But I can see no reason to refuse to take a squire, as long as the lad will not be a hindrance to my duties."

"Have no fear there my lord," Stevron spoke then with a smile. "My brother Olyvar will be a helpful and dutiful squire to you. He is eager to please, but he knows what will be expected of him. He is only seventeen, but he will be a great help to you I am sure."

"Very well," Robb said, his voice respectful. "But I am not so sure about taking four wards to Winterfell. I can happily take two wards, a boy and a girl to learn from my lord father and lady mother respectively. Perhaps if my lords are needing squires or want wards then I am sure we can agree?" Robb turned to look at his lords then, waiting for them to respond.

"My brother could do with a squire himself," Ser Wylis spoke up then. "He has been in need of one since Bryen was killed during the battle. I'm sure he would welcome one of your kinsmen my lord." Stevron bowed his head gratefully then. The Lord of the Dreadfort was next to speak then.

"I find myself needing a new wife Lord Frey," he said in that soft, quiet voice of his. "My only trueborn son died a few months past, and I have only a baseborn son to carry on the Bolton bloodline, which I do not find to be suitable. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement?" Stevron bowed his head to the lord, and Catelyn noticed the nervous look behind his eyes then. Good, so it is not just me that Lord Bolton makes uncomfortable then, she thought. Robb turned to Lord Karstark then, whose eyes widened upon realising that Robb was waiting for him to respond next.

"Well... I was hoping for a Northern match for one of my sons, but perhaps Torrhen or my Eddard could marry a Frey, if they are agreeable to the idea," he eventually said. Catelyn noticed that Lord Karstark did not offer to betroth his daughter Alys to a Frey. With Daryn Hornwood dead, he will probably try to get Robb to agree to marry her, she soon realised.

"If you've any strong lads looking to learn how to swing a sword properly like a true warrior then I am willing to take a squire Lord Frey," the Greatjon spoke then, drawing Catelyn back to the conversation. Stevron looked at the Lord of Last Hearth with wide eyes, but nodded his head in thanks. All eyes then turned to Dacey Mormont, who looked at Lord Stevron with hard eyes.

"My lady mother and I are in the middle of discussing taking on a ward from House Stark, so I cannot see how we can take on more wards," she said. "If my mother wishes for another ward then I am sure she will seek you out my lord." Stevron looked at Dacey then, his eyes narrowed.

"What about taking a husband, my lady?" he asked boldly. "Given the reputation of the women of House Mormont I do believe that you ladies take husbands who are of lower standing so as to keep your House name." Catelyn looked back at Dacey and saw the cold look of anger in the young woman's eyes.

"No," she spat. "I shall take a husband who proves himself worthy of me, not some weakling Southron who is offered to me like a petty bauble." Those words shocked Catelyn, but not as much as they clearly shocked Stevron who seemed taken aback by her words. Before he could say anything though Robb spoke up.

"I do believe that we have come to a few agreements my lord," he said. "If we come across any other... opportunities to strengthen our alliance then we can discuss them at a later date." Robb's voice while respectful was quite hard, giving the clear impression that there was no more to be discussed. Lord Stevron looked at him before bowing his head slightly and rising to his feet.

"Very well Lord Robb," he said as he offered his hand to him. Robb took the hand and shook it. "I shall send Olyvar over to you by the end of this evening, once he has sorted out his own equipment." Catelyn watched her son as he observed the Lord of the Crossing, wondering what was going on in his head.

"Thank you Lord Frey," he said. "I shall see you on the morrow when we ride out again."

With the meeting over everyone left the tent to go about their own duties. Robb walked away with Lords Karstark and Bolton while the Greatjon went to find his son, Smalljon Umber. Ser Wylis decided to go and take over from Theon who had been watching over the Lannister prisoners. Dacey however walked off to join her own warriors who were on the other side of the camp. Deciding to speak with the young woman Catelyn, after having her afternoon meal, walks towards the Mormont side of the camp with her guard detail close behind. The guardsmen are led by Hallis Mollen, a guardsman who Robb named as the captain of the guard after Ned went south. Hallis is a muscular built man who Catelyn has noticed has a rather loose tongue, and has a tendency to state the obvious. After half an hour of walking Catelyn comes across Dacey training her men, all of whom were listening to her words with rapt attention. Catelyn has noticed that the Bear Islanders look at Dacey with respect and not leering looks that she has noticed some of the other men in the host give her.

"Right you lot, that'll do for now!" Dacey bellowed. "Go get some rest, and be ready to get up before sunrise." The Bear Islanders all dispersed and went off in different directions. Catelyn approached Dacey then as the men left, and was about to call out to her when the young woman turned around. "Lady Stark? How are you?" she asked, sounding surprised. Catelyn smiled at her.

"I am well Dacey," she answered, remembering Robb's words about not using Dacey's title. "I must say I am rather impressed that your men follow your orders without complaint." Dacey smirked at that.

"It took some time to get them to respect me, but after knocking a few heads together the men learned to get their shit together," she said before grimacing. "Sorry my lady. Growing up on Bear Island we do tend to forget ourselves when training with our men, and so we adopt their manner of speaking and forget our own courtesies." Catelyn smiled at her.

"No offence was taken Dacey," she told her. "I was wondering if we could talk privately?" Dacey looked at her for a moment before nodding her head in agreement and showing her to her own tent. Upon entering the tent Catelyn saw a blanket on Dacey's cot. The blanket was green in colour with a half finished black bear, missing its lower body. Dacey offered Catelyn a seat which she took while she got out a wine goblet.

"I have some Arbor gold if you would like?" she asked.

"Yes please," Catelyn said. Dacey filled the goblet and gave it to her before putting the bottle of Arbor gold away and taking out a drinking horn and a bottle of mead. "Not one for wine?" Catelyn asked. Dacey smirked as she pours her mead into her drinking horn.

"I've never liked the taste of it personally," she replied. "I've always preferred ale and mead. But I always keep a bottle handy should I find myself hosting a guest. It would be poor of me to only offer ale to a lady such as yourself when accepting you as a guest, especially when observing guest right." The two women then raised their drinks and took a sip before Dacey sat down and picked up the blanket. Catelyn found it amazing that Dacey could do such work when all she has ever seen the young Mormont woman do is train with her spiked mace.

"Is that blanket to be a gift?" Catelyn ventured. Dacey gave a soft smile as she began to thread a needle through the blanket.

"Aye," she said. "For my nephew, Beron, my sister Alysane's son. He will see his second nameday soon." Catelyn watched as Dacey threaded the needle through the blanket. "You probably thought that I wouldn't be one to do this sort of thing my lady," she said. Catelyn was about to speak out when Dacey continued. "It's alright. Truth be told I hate doing this sort of thing. But Alysane is much worse than I am when it comes to needle work, and our younger sisters are only interested in learning how to fight at the moment. Mother was about to teach them more about the womanly arts when we received the call to arms from Winterfell. So, here I am working on a blanket for my little nephew while I am stuck in the south fighting Lannister scum. Or rather, working on it when I get the time." Catelyn looked at the blanket again as Dacey continued her work on it.

"It looks quite good to me," she said. "That is the sigil of your House, is it not?" Dacey nodded her head.

"Perhaps the only pattern that I can do any justice towards," she said. "Though I must say, this is better than the blanket that I did for my niece Bera." Catelyn raised her brow.

"Bera?"

"Oh, Alysane's daughter, who's nine," Dacey replied.

"I didn't know that your younger sister was married," Catelyn asked. Dacey grimaced at that before looking up at Catelyn.

"She isn't," she said. Catelyn was shocked by this admission.

"You mean your niece and nephew are..."

"They bare the Mormont name my lady," Dacey cut in quickly. "Such is the way with the women of my House. In times when the men are dead or otherwise unable to carry on the family name the women of our House name our children as Mormont to ensure our House's survival, as has been our way ever since the Age of Heroes. Only the men sire bastards, but the women birth Mormonts." Catelyn remained silent at Dacey's words for a time while the younger woman worked on the blanket. During that time Catelyn wondered how a proud House like the Mormonts can exist without ridicule from other Houses when their daughters do not marry. After a good few minutes of silence Catelyn took a deep breath.

"Is your nephew your heir Dacey?" she asked. Dacey looked up from the blanket and stared at Catelyn before nodding her head.

"Aye my lady," she said. "Unless I birth a son of my own Beron will be my heir."

"And will you..." Catelyn started but trailed off, wondering if perhaps she had gone too far. Dacey gave her a kind smile though.

"If I should have a child it will be with a man that I marry," she said. "I may be my mother's daughter when it comes to combat and sewing, but I am a little bit old fashioned if you will when it comes to family. I know I don't look it, but I am a pretty good dancer and a decent singer, so long as we are singing tavern songs rather than the soft Southron songs of princes and knights." Catelyn smiled slightly at that.

"And what sort of man would you take for a husband if you don't mind my asking?" she asked. Dacey looked deep in thought then before looking back down at the blanket.

"Anyone who is of the North and will put aside their own name if they are of equal station," she said. "If my idiot cousin Jorah hadn't disgraced our name and taken that Hightower bitch to wife then I would consider being the lady of any castle of the North. But thanks to him selling poachers to slavers and choosing exile I will not marry someone who will expect me to set my own name aside."

"Not even Robb?" Catelyn asked then. Since the battle with Tywin Lannister's host Catelyn has had her suspicions about whether or not there was something going on between the two of them, considering how informal they are with each other.

"Robb?" Dacey asked, shocked at the suggestion. After a moment though Dacey started to giggle. "Oh my lady, you do not think that Robb has feelings for me that go beyond friendship, do you?" Catelyn looked at her with a feeling of dread, fearing that she might have insulted Dacey, but after a few more moments of giggling Dacey composed herself. "I'm sorry Lady Stark, I do not mean to be rude." Dacey took a deep breath before she continued. "Robb is about nine years younger than I am, and he is my future liege lord. As we are both the heirs of our Houses I would not dare to think about anything that would lead to either of us falling in bed together. While I admit that I had my doubts about his ability to lead to start with he has done much to persuade me that he knows what to do. I may respect and admire him, but I do not desire him. I have made it quite clear to him that I have no intention of being married to someone who is already first in line of inheritance to their father's castle unless they are prepared to give up their inheritance. And as I have said, Robb will be my liege lord one day, so I will not put him in an awkward situation. Also..." Dacey then put the needle aside and lifted the blanket up to show the half finished image of the black bear on it. "I can only sew the image of a bear, and nothing else. Not even a direwolf, which I have attempted to do once as a child." Dacey looked off to the side then, a look of disgust on her face. "I dare not show my poor attempt at a direwolf to anyone, not even your son my lady. Even you would be mortified by the shoddy work." With that both women burst out laughing after a moment.

After staying in the tent for some idle chatter Catelyn left Dacey's tent to allow her to get some sleep. She walked back to her own tent with Hallis and the other guardsmen walking beside her. She had gotten halfway through the camp when she saw Theon walking by with a young common woman who seemed to be giggling and blushing. Catelyn thought about calling out to the Greyjoy boy but then decided against it. Why does he feel the need to bed every pretty woman he meets? she thought to herself. She continued to walk back to her tent, shaking her head in disgust as she did. As long as he doesn't bring back a bastard that he sires, she thought. Thinking that made her think of Jon, her husband's bastard son. It angered her every time she thought about it. She had tried once to accept the boy, but she just could not do it. She felt that if she knew who his mother was then it would be easier, but Ned would never tell her anything about his mother. Was he ashamed of himself for it? Was he drunk and cannot remember if he took a woman willingly or not? Was it another woman that he had loved who died bringing Jon into this world? Catelyn always wondered about it. She knew that she should not take her anger out on Jon, it was not his fault that he was born, but she just could not help how she felt.

When she finally got back to her tent Catelyn settled down on the cot and tried to sleep. As she lay there her thoughts turned to Ned. She missed him terribly, she really did. She missed his presence, the feel of his beard on her chin whenever they kissed, the warmth of his body whenever they held each other, the feeling of him inside her whenever they made love. She just missed him; and as she lay there thinking of him she drifted off to sleep. First she dreamt of their wedding during Robert's Rebellion, when she had married Ned while her sister Lysa married Jon Arryn of the Vale. She remembered dancing with him briefly after the feast, then dancing with the other lords, both his own lords bannermen and her father's. Then she remembered the bedding ceremony, and Jory accidentally tearing her wedding gown. The man who then was still a boy nearing manhood was mortified by what he did. Then she remembered laying down in her bed with Ned laying on top of her, and then the pain of the first time he took her. Their first time was quick, but then Ned had taken her again the following morning.

After dreaming of their wedding Catelyn dreamt of the day she gave birth to Arya, when she had finally birthed a child with Stark features. She remembered Arya crying loudly until she settled down. She remembered when Ned held her for the first time that his face had softened, as if his heart had been melted by his youngest daughter. The smile on his face and the tears in his eyes made her smile, and that had been the day that Catelyn had truly fallen in love with her husband.

Then the dreams turned darker; she dreamt of Bran, her sweet little Bran, falling to his death from the tower; she saw Sansa being abused by Joffrey and his mother Cersei; she saw Arya scared, in pain and weeping as men laughed at her as they crunched their knuckles and prepared to beat her and do worse; she watched as she was hanging by her wrists as Rickon, her youngest son was being torn apart by lions while Robb was being literally pulled apart, each of his limbs tied to a horse. Then Catelyn was watching as Ned's throat was slit open as her children's heads were presented to her by a sneering Tywin Lannister, before she saw Jon Snow stalking towards her, a look of hate in his eyes.

"Snow, please help me!" she called out to him, but he just snarled at her before stabbing her in her gut with a dagger.

"YOU'VE DONE THIS!" he roared as he stabbed her again. "THEY'RE ALL DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU! ROBB, SANSA, ARYA, BRANDON, RICKON, MY FATHER, YOUR FATHER AND BROTHER, YOUR UNCLE, YOUR SISTER AND HER SON!" He stabbed her for every name he uttered.

"Please Jon stop, stop," she begged weakly as blood fountained down her body.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! EVERYONE IS DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU! ALL BECAUSE YOU COULDN'T TREAT ME AS ONE OF YOUR OWN LIKE MY FATHER DID, LIKE ARYA AND ROBB DID!" He stabbed her again, the pain was almost too real.

"Please, Jon, enough," she cried out, her voice weak. "I'm sorry." She felt her head being pulled up before feeling steel pressing against her throat.

"Well it's too late," was all Jon said before slicing Catelyn's throat wide open.

Catelyn sat up quickly, her body soaked with sweat. She rubbed her hands against her forehead and took a deep breath. Just a dream, she reminded herself. It was just a horrible dream. As she regained her composure Catelyn looked across to the entrance to the tent to find Robb's direwolf sat there looking at her. She still has not gotten used to the presence of the beast, but she was thankful for it being with Robb.

"What are you doing here Grey Wind?" she asked the direwolf as she waved it over. The grey furred animal padded over to her and began to lick her hands before licking her face. Catelyn laughed as the beast did that. "Shouldn't you be with Robb?" she asked. The direwolf cocked its head to one side quizzically, its yellow eyes boring into her. As she looked at the beast the entrance to the tent opened to reveal Robb.

"Mother?" he said to her. Catelyn looked up at him and smiled.

"I thought Grey Wind stayed by your side all the..." she trailed off when she looked down at his leg and saw another direwolf standing beside him. This wolf also had grey fur, and yellow eyes which seemed duller than the eyes of the beast in front of her just now. Catelyn looked back at the direwolf in front of her and saw that the eyes were more of a dark golden yellow. She looked back at Robb and realised that the direwolf by his legs was Grey Wind. Sansa's direwolf Lady had been killed months ago, and the direwolves of Bran and Rickon were with them at Winterfell. So that meant that this was Arya's direwolf. "Nymeria?" Catelyn said with a gasp after thinking for a moment. The direwolf gave a little yelp before bounding over to Grey Wind to try and tackle him to the ground, only for Grey Wind to tackle her instead.

"Gods, take it easy you two," Robb said while laughing. Catelyn could not help but join in with her eldest son's laughter. For the first time in months she felt a sense of joy. It felt like a part of her family had been restored even though it was only Arya's direwolf.

She watched as the two big direwolves played with each other in her tent, bounding about without a care in the world. It made Catelyn smile wide. She could almost forget about her troubles. As she watched the beasts play Robb cleared his throat.

"Mother, we need to gather for a council," he said. Catelyn looked at her son, dread quickly pooling within her.

"Is it news from the capitol?" she asked fearfully. Robb shook his head.

"No mother. We have some guests," he said.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"Beric Dondarrion, the Lord of Blackhaven."

Beric

The last few weeks have been dreadful. He has seen several friends die during the months since being sent by Lord Stark to arrest the Mountain that Rides, Ser Gregor Clegane, who has been raiding the Riverlands and putting its people to the sword. One of those friends who has died was Thoros, who sacrificed himself to allow Beric to escape. Now Beric was on his way to meet the boy who had succeeded where he had failed.

Beric Dondarrion was the Lord of Blackhaven, a House of the Dornish Marches in the southern Stormlands. The Marcher Lords have always had bad blood with the Dornish for as long as they can remember, although in recent years things have changed, or so Beric likes to think. He is betrothed to Allyria Dayne, a lovely young woman from Starfall in Dorne. Her nephew Edric is Beric's squire, a blond haired lad of eleven years of age, and is the young Lord of Starfall. Beric gets on quite well with his young squire, and hopes that fact will go a long way to strengthening the bond between him and Lady Allyria when the time comes for them to marry.

Some months ago Beric and Edric had travelled from Blackhaven to King's Landing to take part in the Hand's Tourney, an event that King Robert Baratheon had organised to honour the elevation of his friend Lord Eddard Stark to the position of Hand of the King. Beric took part in the joust but had been defeated by Thoros of Myr, a Red Priest from across the Narrow Sea. He got on quite well with the foreigner, and even shared a couple of drinks with him. He stayed in the city for a time, and was there in the Throne Room when small folk from the Riverlands came pleading for help with the men raiding their lands. That was when Lord Stark had commanded him to bring the Mountain to justice.

It was at the Mummer's Ford that Beric and his group had been ambushed by Gregor Clegane's men, where Beric lost over eighty men, including Ser Raymun Darry, Ser Gladden Wylde and Lord Lothar Mallery who had joined him. That was where Thoros had died, pushing Beric out of the way of the Mountain's lance and being impaled upon it. Beric and a man of Winterfell named Alyn rallied the survivors and withdrew from the field, being pursued by Lannister and Clegane men all the way. Beric managed to shake them off, but was left with very few men afterwards. Of one-hundred-and-twenty men, only two score survived, and many died after that. Alyn had died from an arrow wound that had gotten infected, and several others died from their wounds too. Beric found himself in charge of the survivors, with young Edric faithfully serving at his side and Harwin, another man from Winterfell, helping to lead the men. Several days ago they heard a rumour that Tywin Lannister had been defeated by Robb Stark, the son and heir of the Hand, and it was Harwin who pleaded with Beric to go and see him.

Barely four days ago the group came across a bloody field that was littered with thousands of corpses, mostly in the colours of the Westerlands. Beric walked among the dead bodies to see if he could recognise anyone of importance, and was surprised to hear from the people cleaning up and dealing with the dead that one of the slain Westermen was none other than the Mountain himself. Surely not, Beric had thought at the time. After crossing the river to find Robb Stark and learn from the boy himself, Beric learned that there was more to what he had heard. As well as killing the Mountain, the Northmen had captured Tywin Lannister and his youngest son Lord Tyrion, as well as the twin sons of Ser Kevan Lannister who it is said had fallen to Robb Stark's blade during the battle that the small folk called the Humbling of the Lion. Beric could not help but be impressed that a boy of fifteen could be so successful in his first battle. Now he was sat in a tent surrounded by Northern lords who eyed him with suspicion. He noticed some Rivermen too, including Karyl Vance, who was now Lord Vance, and Ser Marq Piper. Those two greeted him upon seeing him enter. Beric also noticed a young woman with a bear sigil on her armour. Ah, one of the famous Mormont warrior women, he realised. He sat there with Harwin and Edric beside him, waiting for Lord Robb to arrive.

After what felt like an eternity two people entered the tent, followed by two massive beasts that looked like overgrown dogs. Both had grey fur and yellow eyes, and stood taller than most dogs.

"Gods another bloody direwolf?" Lord Umber shouted. Beric looked up with wide eyes then. "As if one was bad enough."

"Ah quit complaining Greatjon," Lord Karstark said. "Maybe this one'll take two fingers off your other hand to balance things out." The gathered lords in the tent laughed at the jape, while Lord Umber glared at Lord Karstark.

"Harwin?" Robb Stark called out in a surprised tone, drawing Beric's attention. Beric expected to see a young boy the same height as Edric beside him, but instead found himself looking at a young man with a full beard and the look of someone much older than fifteen. "I had thought you were among the dead in King's Landing?" The Northman standing beside Beric gave Robb Stark a wide smirk.

"Your lord father sent me and twenty others with Lord Beric here to try and deal with the Mountain," Harwin said. "We failed in that, but have heard that you managed to kill the cur." The young Stark gave a slight smile before his face fell serious again.

"That honour falls to Ser Wylis Manderly of White Harbour," he said. "But yes we have managed to destroy Lord Lannister's host." As he spoke Robb Stark looked at Beric. "And you are Lord Dondarrion I take it?" he asked.

"Yes my lord," Beric answered. "Lord of Blackhaven in the Dornish Marches. Lord Eddard Stark charged me to bring Clegane to justice, but I had failed him when the Mountain and his men ambushed us. We had more than a hundred men, but less than two score of us lived to tell the tale." Robb Stark gave a slight bow of his head then before gesturing to the woman stood beside him.

"This is my mother, Lady Catelyn Stark," he introduced. "She has travelled with us despite my advice to stay at Harrenhal." From the tone of his voice Beric could tell that Robb Stark did not approve of his mother being with his host, and he could not blame him; if his own mother were still alive Beric would rather she stay away from a host marching through the country to battle. Beric took Lady Stark's hand and brushed his lips against the knuckles as courtesy dictated.

"I trust the Seven have treated you well despite the circumstances my lady," he said. Lady Stark smiled slightly at him.

"I shall thank them once I am reunited with my lord husband and daughters Lord Dondarrion," she replied.

Soon after the introductions were made, which included introducing the direwolves Grey Wind and Nymeria, Beric and the others all sat down and began to talk about the war thus far. Beric and Harwin told the lords of the ambush at the Mummer's Ford, telling them of the lives lost including Thoros and Alyn. Robb seemed saddened by the news of the Winterfell man's death but quickly hid his feelings. After Beric told them his story the Northmen told him of theirs, including how Robb Stark, with help from his great-uncle Ser Brynden Tully, had planned the lure that brought about Tywin Lannister's fall. Beric was impressed with what he heard, and even more impressed that Robb praised his great-uncle for his part of the planning. Northern lords certainly have more humility than some southern lords that I know of, he thought, remembering the time he sat beside Lord Randyll Tarly of Horn Hill in the Reach's side of the Dornish Marches. He spoke with the Reachman (who was the only man to deal Robert Baratheon a defeat during the Rebellion) a few years ago when they met at a feast. To this day Lord Tarly fumes over his liege lord, Lord Mace Tyrell of Highgarden, claiming the credit for the siege of Storm's End, which Lord Tarly had planned and put into effect himself.

Soon the talking turned to planning the next moves of the host as they all marched to Riverrun, the ancestral seat of the Tullys. Beric listened as the lords from the North and the Riverlands spoke about how to surround the three camps that would be laying siege to the castle. When Harwin asked about the Kingslayer and what was to be done with him Robb told them that they would have the Freys and the Mallisters draw the man out and trap him. Beric was nervous when he heard that; he saw Ser Jamie at the joust during the Hand's Tourney, and he defeated all of his opponents until the semi-finals where he was unhorsed by Joffrey Baratheon's sworn-shield Sandor Clegane, who had won the joust in the end. A knight like Ser Jamie would be hard to defeat, let alone capture.

"Lord Robb?" Beric began uncertainly. Everyone in the tent looked at him then. He took a deep breath and looked directly at Robb. "If you have no objections I would like to ride ahead with Lord Frey and assist in detaining the Kingslayer." Some of the lords just looked at him while others laughed slightly. Robb just looked at him, as if trying to gaze into his very soul.

"Why, if I might ask, would you want to risk your life for a cause that is not your own Lord Dondarrion?" he asked after a few quiet moments. "Your seat is in the Stormlands, far away from the conflict. The Lord of Storm's End, Renly Baratheon, has not declared his intent to take part in this conflict so you may be seen as disobeying your liege lord regardless of whether or not he summons the Storm Lords." Beric looked down at the table in front of him then and cleared his throat.

"My lord," he began as he brought his eyes to look across the table at Robb Stark. "Lord Renly is indeed my liege. But your father charged me with a lawful duty while he was the Hand of the King, which puts his authority second only to the King himself, and above that of my own liege lord. The circumstances may have changed with King Joffrey sitting the Iron Throne, but as far as I am concerned your father's orders still stand. I failed in my duty to arrest Ser Gregor Clegane, and I feel that I must atone for that failure. Men died under my command, including men you have known for years my lord. I need to redeem myself." Lord Umber pounded his fist on the table before rising to his feet.

"Are you saying that you would risk being called a traitor like we have for a man who is not your own liege, even if it means having your lands taken and given to some other Stormlander or, gods forbid, Lannister lackey wanting to lick Joffrey's arse?" he asked loudly. Beric stared at the giant man, rising to his own feet.

"Yes, Lord Umber," he answered flatly. "I would risk my life for an honourable cause. I swore vows when I was knighted, and I aim to uphold my vows to the best of my ability." The giant Northern lord stared at him for a while before, to Beric's surprise, he began to chortle.

"You've got some balls for a Southron," he said as he sat back down and continued to laugh. Beric looked back to Robb and saw the wide smile on his face. Beric could clearly see that Robb looked up to Lord Umber. The young man looked back to Beric and stood up himself.

"You believe that you need to prove that you are committed to our cause, and I respect that my lord," he said in a tone that was both respectful and hard. "I need men that I can trust to take on the Kingslayer, but I need them to take him alive. I do not know you, but if my lord father trusted you with an important task, then I can as well." His declaration caused some of the lords to look at him, some of them stunned (mainly the lords of the Riverlands). "Do you swear to bring me the Kingslayer alive?" he asked. Beric bowed his head to the man.

"Upon my honour as a knight," he began, "upon my honour as a lord, I swear by the old gods and new to bring Ser Jamie Lannister the Kingslayer to you alive and in chains my lord." Robb Stark looked at him with hard eyes, as if judging his words. After a few moments he turned to a young man who looked to be the same age as him.

"Olyvar, go and get Lord Dondarrion some food, as well as a decent bed for the night," he said to the lad.

"Will do my lord," the lad said with a bow before leaving the tent. Robb turned to look at Beric again.

"You will want to get a decent night's sleep as well as some food my lord," he said. "I shall provide you with such as I am sending you to what could very well be your death." Beric gave the young Northman a smile.

"My thanks my lord," he said. "And you'll find that we Stormlanders are a touch hard to kill." Robb laughed at that.

"They say the same of us Starks," he said in response as he turned to leave the tent. "May the gods watch over you Lord Dondarrion. "

Renly

What in the Seven hells am I doing? Renly thought to himself as he sat beside Margaery at the head of the table. They were in Highgarden in the Reach, where Margaery's father Lord Mace had thrown a feast to celebrate Renly being named King and marrying Margaery. The original plan that Renly had come up with with Loras's help was to get Robert to marry Margaery and make her Queen that way. Now he was sitting beside the sister of the man he loved while trying to look happy about it. Thankfully the smiles came easily for him.

Renly had come to Highgarden after Ned Stark refused his offer, stating that the Throne should go to Stannis. The thought irked Renly; Stannis was not suited to be King, anyone with half a brain would know that. Now Ned was a prisoner of Cersei and her incest born bastard son, along with his daughters, and his eldest son was waging a war to free them. Right now though Renly was sitting down trying to look pleased with himself as various Reach lords approached the high table to give their congratulations.

"Your grace, your grace," a knight of House Fossoway said as he bowed before them. "May the Seven bless your union and grant you both a healthy and prosperous reign when you come to your throne." Renly smiled at the man, bowing his head in return. He saw the red apple on gold field that marked him as being a Fossoway of the main branch seated at Cider Hall.

"My thanks for your words Ser," Renly spoke, making sure his voice sounded grateful.

"Yes Ser Bryan, many thanks," Margaery said. Renly took her hand in his and gave her a gentle squeeze to thank her. The young woman smiled widely and looked at him briefly before looking back at the knight. "I trust your lord father is well?" Ser Bryan gave them a small smile.

"He is well despite being bed bound with his illness," he said. "Although our Maester assures us that he shall make a full recovery, thank the gods." Renly bowed his head at him then.

"Yes, may the Seven show your House favour, both on and off the battlefield," Renly said. "I trust that your House and your cousins of the green-apple branch will do the Reach and indeed the whole of the Seven Kingdoms proud during the battles to come." Renly did his best to sound confident and sincere. If the knight saw through him or not he did not show it.

"We Fossoways have had our upsets over the last few decades, but during times of conflict we always look out for each other as kin should do, wouldn't you agree your grace?" he said, looking at Renly as he said that last part. Renly smiled at the knight, while inside he was seething at him. Was that an intentional barb at me for usurping Stannis's claim Ser? he wanted to say. But instead he cleared his throat and looked up at him.

"Yes, you are correct Ser," he said. "I can only hope that my brother Lord Stannis will have the brains to set aside his claim without forcing me to take battle to him. He is a stern man but I am sure that he can see reason." With his piece said he stood up. "Now forgive me Ser, but my legs grow stiff from sitting down too long, and I would like to dance with my lovely wife." Ser Bryan dipped his head and stood back.

"Of course your grace," he said. "Seven blessings to you."

Renly took Margaery's hand and escorted her to the dance floor, where they both started the dancing. Soon they were joined by Margaery's parents, Lord Mace and Lady Alerie, who took to the dance floor beside them. Then Lord Mace's sister Lady Janna joined with her husband Ser Jon Fossoway of the green-apple branch; other lords and knights soon took to the floor, and then the dancing lasted for nearly an hour before Renly and Margaery sat down again. They had traded several dancing partners over the last hour before dancing with each other again. As they sat they ate some of their food that was still on the table.

"You are a splendid dancer Renly," Margaery said as she brought her fork to her mouth. Renly smiled at her as she ate her food.

"Thank you my Queen," he said teasingly. Margaery blushed brightly at his teasing. "I trust you are looking forward to seeing the Red Keep?" The young woman looked at him with a wide smile. At that moment Renly looked at her face, and was momentarily stunned; he briefly saw Loras's face looking right back at him. He shook his head quickly and regained his composure, remembering hearing of the similarities between Margaery and Loras.

"I am," she said after he looked back at her, her smile still there. "I am most looking forward to seeing the capitol once we have removed Joffrey from the Iron Throne." As she spoke Renly saw out of the corner of his eye one of his guardsmen approach the high table. Ser Garlan, one of Margaery's older brothers, holds his hand up to halt him.

"It's alright Ser Garlan," Renly called out to him as he turned fully to look at him. "Let him pass." Garlan stepped to the side and allowed the man to approach.

"My thanks your grace," he said with a bow. "I am sorry to disturb you at your wedding feast, but two letters have arrived for you." The man held out two sealed letters which Renly took from him. He inspected the first letter which had a wax seal stamped with a crowned stag within a fiery heart. So Stannis has converted to that red woman's religion, he thought, images of the priestess who he met once floating to his mind and making him uncomfortable. Renly broke the seal and read the letter's contents.

Renly,

As your elder brother I ask you to set aside this foolishness of calling yourself King. The laws of the Seven Kingdoms dictate that I am Robert's lawful heir, not you.

As your King I command you to surrender your crown and bend the knee to me. For the love of the mother who birthed us into this world set aside your claim and I shall give you lordship of Storm's End, a seat on my small council, and I will name you as my heir until a son is born to me.

His Grace Stannis the First of His name of the House Baratheon,

Rightful King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men,

Lord of the Seven Kingdoms

Renly sighed upon reading his older brother's writing. He looked to Margaery who was looking at him with concern in her eyes.

"Stannis wanting me to bend the knee," he said irritably. It was then that he noticed Lord Mace stood in front of him, and his mother Lady Olenna was hobbling over before sitting down next to her granddaughter.

"Your brother's claim means nothing your grace," Mace said. "Let him make his threats, he'll never take up arms against you once you have gained the might of the Reach and the Stormlands at your back." Olenna huffed at her son's declaration.

"For goodness sake Mace, give the lad a chance to read the other letter," she barked at him. Mace looked at his mother, his face red with embarrassment.

"Mother, that is hardly an appropriate way to speak in front of the King," he stammered out. Looking away from the arguing mother and son Renly looked down at the other letter. The wax seal upon it was stamped with a running direwolf. That's the Starks sigil, he realised. What the hells do they want? Do they know of my offer to Ned somehow and want an explanation? Renly broke the direwolf seal with shaking hands and rolled the letter open.

To Lord Renly of the House Baratheon,

I write to you to deliver news that I have successfully captured Lord Tywin Lannister after luring him into a trap just east of the Green Fork of the Trident. I hold the Lord of Casterly Rock as my prisoner, as well as his second son Lord Tyrion and his nephews Willem and Martyn, the twin sons of Ser Kevan Lannister. I write this letter to other Lords Paramount of the Seven Kingdoms.

I write to you to ask that you hold off any plans that you might have and ride to Riverrun with all haste to meet with me and my father's lords bannermen to discuss how best to take the capitol and bring justice down upon Joffrey for his crimes against my House. I know that he is your nephew my lord, but his actions can not go unanswered. By the old gods and new I seek to make him pay for his crimes against my father and his men.

Yours sincerely,

Robb Stark, Heir to Winterfell

Renly blinked in amazement at the letter, which he read twice more to make sure that he was not misreading. After reading it for the last time he handed it to Margaery who took it and read it quietly. Her eyes lit up after a moment, and her smile got wider than Renly thought possible. She looked up to her father and handed the letter over to him.

"Lord Stark's son has captured Lord Lannister!" she exclaimed loudly. At her words the hall fell silent; lords and knights stopped conversing with each other while the musicians stopped playing their instruments, and gossiping ladies choked on their wine while servants looked around curiously to determine what was going on. Renly painted a smile on his face and stood up to look at everyone in the hall.

"I have received a letter from Lord Ned Stark's eldest son and heir, Robb Stark," he said. "He has written to tell me that he has captured Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock in battle." The hall remained silent for a moment before sounds of cheering erupted throughout the hall. Renly smiled at the scene before him, and for the first time that night his smile was genuine.

Various people spoke amongst themselves about the news from Robb Stark. Some were amazed at such a feat while others wondered how Northmen could be smart enough to know how to lure anyone into a trap. Bloody ignorance, Renly thought. Even he knows that the men of the North are not the simple minded barbarians that many of the south think them to be. Robert's tales of the North and its people had always filled Renly's ears when he was a boy, and those tales have always impressed him. True some of them may have been exaggerated by Robert, as he often did exaggerate when telling his stories, but he was sure that there was quite a bit of truth here and there. As the night wore on Renly let his mind wander to Loras. His best friend and true love was not in Highgarden at the moment at his own suggestion. Loras believed that Renly would not be able to do his duty by Margaery if he were nearby. It hurt Renly to think that, but not as much as it hurt him to think that he was only using Margaery for his own selfish desires. But truly whose desires are they? he thought to himself.

Finally after a long time of sitting the calls for the bedding ceremony went up. Before Renly realised it the musicians started playing 'The Queen Took Off Her Sandal, the King Took Off His Crown', the song that is traditionally sung during the bedding ceremony. The ladies in attendance gathered around Renly and dragged him out of the hall to the room that he and Margaery would share tonight. He knew that the men would be lifting Margaery up and carrying her out to the same destination. He had wanted to avoid the bedding ceremony but Margaery convinced him to let it happen. As he was taken to the room where he and Margaery were expected to consummate their marriage Renly noticed that the ladies were removing his clothes.

"Are you as big as King Robert was said to be?" a lady asked, resulting in other ladies cackling. This made Renly uncomfortable. This shouldn't be me, he thought. Robert was always better at this. He was always confident with women, with talking to them and spending time with them and fucking them. Why did I agree to this? It should've been Robert that Margaery married, not me. What if I call out Loras's name when I... Before he could finish his thoughts Renly was bundled into the room, now as naked as his nameday.

"Have fun now your graces," a lady said before closing the door, the sounds of laughter muffled by the door. Renly looked to the bed to find Margaery lying down on the bed, her naked body exposed to him. He looked at her body, letting his eyes roam over her breasts, her slender yet shapely figure, her unblemished skin. The Little Rose as they called her looked just like a rose to Renly; all small and beautiful and innocent.

Looking back at the door, Renly thought about running out of the door and fleeing from the room, but managed to stop such thoughts from happening. It would not look right if the King was seen running like a craven from his Queen on their wedding night. Sighing loudly, Renly walked to the door and pulled the lock shut, stopping anyone from entering. He then looked back at Margaery, who was smiling at him, looking anything but innocent at that moment.

"Come to bed Renly," she called out softly to him. Renly walked over to the bed, looking anywhere but at her. It did not feel right to be bedding the sister of his true love. It felt like a betrayal. As he sat himself down on the foot of the bed he felt the bed shift behind him. He looked over his shoulder quickly to see Margaery crawling over to him, her breasts swaying. He looked away, then he felt Margaery's lips kiss his neck softly before they travelled to his cheek.

"I really think..." he started as she continued to kiss him. "I think we would be better served... um, no that's not what I..." Margaery's hand came up to his cheek and pulled his head around to face her.

"Close your eyes," she said, and Renly did just that. A moment later he felt her lips on his, and it felt weird. In one respect it was good to feel how soft her lips were on his own, but at the same time he found himself feeling like he was worthless. She's a beautiful woman who deserves a proper man, like Ned's son Robb or, or even Edmure Tully. Not some spineless shit like me, he thought. Gods why did I have to fall in love with Loras if I was to marry her? This is cruel to her more than it is to me. After a few more kisses Renly broke off, pulling his head back.

"No," he said firmly. He opened his eyes then and saw the hurt in Margaery's eyes.

"No?" she asked, her voice full of uncertainty. Renly opened his mouth to answer, but he could not say anything. What could he tell her after all? He looked away from her then, and gently pushed her away from him. "Renly?" her voice came pleadingly. "I know..." she started but did not finish. Renly frowned at that, and then after a moment he turned to look at her. He saw the look in her eyes then; a look of knowing.

"You... you know?" he asked. "But... how could..." He trailed off, not knowing what to say. Margaery looked at him and shuffled closer to him, putting her hand on his shoulder.

"I know that you love Loras," she said, and Renly felt his gut sink then. "I know because he told me. We've always told each other about our worries ever since we were children running around our mother and father's ankles." Renly smirked at that, as he remembered Loras telling him a similar thing a few years ago. "He told me about it all after he came back from Storm's End after his squiring was over. We spoke about it all, about how you both got close and became intimate with each other." Renly gulped then and turned to face her fully.

"Margaery," he began. "This was never supposed to happen. It was Robert that you should've married, not me. Loras and I planned to expose Cersei's secret and get Robert to notice you. I even showed a portrait of you to Ned Stark and asked if you looked like his dead sister Lyanna, whom Robert loved. But now he is dead."

"Yes," Margaery breathed, her voice breaking. "Robert is dead, and now you are fighting for the Iron Throne. I know this is unfair to you and Loras, but we have to do this tonight. We have to do it." Margaery's voice hardened then, and she placed her hands on Renly's cheeks. "Please. Just close your eyes and pretend that I'm Loras if it helps. If thinking of thrusting into my brother helps then do it. Just take me, and take me now."

With her words spoken Renly gently pushed her back down onto the bed. His mind was now made up, and there would be no going back. Forgive me Loras. Margaery spread her legs for him and he positioned himself between her thighs. She grabbed his manhood with her hand which felt incredibly soft.

"Just think of Loras," she said softly, and he did. Renly imagined that it was Loras beneath him, not Margaery. He felt himself harden after a while, and soon Margaery guided him to her entrance. He felt his tip brush against her folds, and he felt a shudder run up his back. "Do it," she whispered. "Put your member in me and take me." And a moment later Renly felt himself entering her.

Renly pushed his manhood as far as he could into Margaery, feeling her tight around him. His head was a complete mess. It felt wrong, but at the same time it felt right. He kept his eyes shut the whole time as he pulled back slightly before thrusting forward again, making Margaery gasp. She sounded as if she were in pain, and Renly hated it. He wanted to pull out, but as he began to move he felt her legs wrap around him.

"Don't stop Renly," she said. "Please, keep going." And he did. He thrust into her again and again, going slowly. He felt her lips brushing against his shoulder then before they travelled up to his neck and then his cheek. "Oh gods," she called out then as he ploughed into her, sounding as if she were uncomfortable. Renly willed himself to carry on, to stay inside her. She began to moan then, the sound disturbing him to start with, until he realised that her moaning sounded nearly like Loras whenever he moaned when Renly took him. He pushed into her again, and Margaery's moaning sounded delightful then. He felt himself harden further.

"Oh gods," he groaned against her ear then, brushing his fingers through her soft curly brown hair as he quickened his pace. Margaery rocked her hips in time with his own thrusts, trying to match his pace. "Oh gods..." he had to stop himself there as he nearly spoke Loras's name then. Margaery's moaning continued though, so Renly just kept on going, thrusting into her very core again and again, as hard as he could. Soon he was almost deaf to her moans and only heard Loras.

As his pace intensified Renly imagined that Loras was beneath him, moaning and groaning as he pushed into him with every movement. He imagined his hair in his hands, and his breath against his neck and cheek. He thought of Loras with every thrust, every movement. He ignored the feeling of breasts squeezing into his chest; he ignored the soft hair that was rubbing against his lower belly. He just thrust into her, thinking of him. After doing that for a long time he felt himself going even faster than before.

"Oh gods Renly," she said. "Renly, Renly. Renly!" The voice got louder as he thrust faster, feeling himself nearing his end. "RENLY!" she called out as he felt her tightening around him, squeezing his manhood and making him explode inside her.

When the last of his seed left him Renly stilled, keeping himself inside her. He let his breathing return to normal, closing his eyes before he removed himself from her as gently as he could. When he was finally free of her warmth he opened his eyes and looked at her. Margaery lay there, her face flushed and a few tear streaks lining her pretty face. She looked at him with soft doe eyes, gazing into his own blue orbs. She brought a hand up to cup her face and pulled herself up to kiss him.

"It's done," she said. "It's okay." Renly closed his eyes again and shook his head. It's not okay, he thought. I'm not even sure that this was a good idea. Renly pulled himself away from her and rolled to the side, lying down on the bed with his back to her. "Renly?" she said, her voice wavering. Renly sighed quietly as he tried to get himself comfortable. When he felt her hand touching his arm he brushed her off. "Renly, what's..."

"Please Margaery," he said harshly, looking over to face her. When he looked at her and saw the pained look in her eyes he felt disgusted with himself. "I'm sorry," he said after a moment. "I didn't mean it like that." Margaery looked down at the bed beneath them then, tears leaking from her eyes. Renly sat up then and put an arm over her shoulder, noticing how she stiffened at his touch. "I shouldn't have snapped like that Margaery. I'm sorry." Margaery sniffled.

"It's okay," she said, her voice breaking as she clearly tried not to cry. Renly tensed at that, feeling miserable. He pulled her into his arms then.

"Just let it out," he told her. "It's just you and me here. Let it out." Soon he heard her crying, and felt her tears running onto his shoulder. He breathed out slowly as she cried, and he rubbed his hand up and down her back.

"I... I'm sor... sorry," she stammered between tears. Renly shook his head. You useless, stupid, gutless shit, he chastised himself as he held onto his wife. He lay them both back down onto the bed, feeling tears falling from his own eyes then.

"Just let it out Margaery," he told her again. "You don't have to be sorry sweetheart." He soothed her as best as he could until after quite a while later she was sleeping against his chest. She snored quietly as she lay in his arms. Renly wanted to move and leave her in peace, but he stopped himself from doing so. You don't deserve her, he told himself. She deserves much better than you.

She deserves so much better...

Author's Note: So that is that. Now some people might be thinking what the hell in regards to Dacey doing sewing, but do remember that as she is a noble woman of Bear Island I find it conceivable that she can sew as well as fight. She is comfortable in mail and dress, so she should be fine with either mace and sewing needle.

I was not sure about doing Renly's segment but in the end I went for it with some inspiration from DizzyDG's fic 'Truth Breeds Lies'. That is a good fic to read if you like your AUs.

Now before I forget, in regards to chapter two about what to do with the Seven Kingdoms, I am still undecided as everyone who has reviewed so far has left very good arguments for either scenario. So I would like to ask you to send me a Private Message with what you think I should do; have Jon become the king and unify the Seven Kingdoms, OR have his true parentage kept secret and break up the Seven Kingdoms. It's one or the other, you can't decide on a different course. If you can take the time to do that then I'll be grateful for your input.

So options are:

1- name Jon king, unify Westeros
2- keep Jon's parentage secret, breakup the kingdoms

Anyway, let me know what you guys think. No flames please.