How embarrassing – almost 20 days since my last update! Hope you're happy with this one, and I'll try my hardest to get it finished soon, though can't promise it'll be before season 2 comes out! Now with this chapter, I know all the dialogue isn't going to be correct for certain scenes but then again a lot of things in this story aren't correct – just go with it ;-)

Wicked Heart

It was past midnight and despite the brightness of the camp torches, Theon to his dismay found the spot on the woods he'd agreed to meet Jon was almost engulfed in darkness. His task wasn't made any easier with the added weight of armour he'd brought in order to disguise the younger man in order to get him into the camp. The wolf was another matter. He swore under his breath as he tripped at another tree root – why was he doing this? What would be the implications be if he got caught? Reaching their agreed spot, he whistled thrice sharply – their agreed signal that the coast was clear.

"I thought you'd never come," Jon muttered, appearing suddenly in the gloom.

"I can go back if you like," warned Theon. "Do you realise the risk we both take right now? And what about Ghost?"

"Ghost can take care of himself, he'll go off hunting , he's proven pretty self-sufficient so far," Jon assured him.

"I recall it was him that led to your discovery earlier," Theon scoffed.

"Well I'm glad he did," shrugged Jon. "He's smarter than you give him credit for,"

"He'd better," Theon replied, uneasily. "Now get these on and hurry. You'll spend tonight in my tent, we'll figure everything else out afterwards," Jon nodded and followed Theon through the forest. His eyes were more accustomed to the gloom so he did not have any problem navigating through the undergrowth. He took a deep breath as they reached the edge of the encampment, glad for the helm which disguised who he was. They encountered few guards as Theon led the way to his tent, and were thankfully questioned by none.

The days that followed Robb's victory felt to Alyssa more like the old days – the atmosphere throughout the encampment was lighter, people were smiling more, and although he wouldn't be forever, Robb was hers. She was glad she had spoken with Lady Stark since hearing of Robb's betrothal. In times of war, nothing was certain and she should be grateful for what she had.

The air was surprisingly warm as her and Robb were laid upon his bed, she on his bare chest. She closed her eyes in contentment as he stroked her hair. His dire wolf, who normally dozed off at Robb's feet, sat up and yelped, hurrying over to the canvas entrance, looking at Robb as if to be let out.

"What's up with him?" Alyssa tutted, annoyed she'd have to move from her current comfortable position.

"Beats me, perhaps he needs to do his business," Robb gently placed her to the side as he got up to untie his tent flaps and let the wolf free. "He's been acting strangely as of late. Maybe being in battle's changed him," he smiled, returning to Alyssa.

"I'm sure killing must change everyone in some way," she sighed.

"He's a wolf my love, he's used to killing things," he smiled, pulling her into his arms again. It wasn't long until they drifted off to sleep, enjoying the contentment.


Understandably for someone who's been sleeping under the stars for as long as he had, Jon slept soundly in the relative warmth of Theon's tent despite the fact it was on the floor, the other side of Theon's bed so that he would not be spotted by anyone who entered. Theon lay awake worried and restless; as much as he liked Jon he was terrified that his discovery would be found out by others. Olivia had been understanding and agreed to stay in her own tent for the time being, but she was no help when it came to what should be done. The only person he could think to speak to was Alyssa; he knew he could trust her not to turn them all in, not with her own cousin in on the secret.

He found her in the morning breaking her fast with Olivia outside their tent.

"Lady Dorsinger," he nodded and winked at Olivia as he approached.

"Lord Greyjoy," she smiled in return. "Has your bed been cold the last few nights, or have you adequately warmed it?" Alyssa looked at both of them in confusion; she knew Olivia had been sleeping in her tent for the past few nights though Olivia said it was because she had felt unwell and did not want to make Theon ill whilst there was a war going on.

"A man always knows how to warm his bed," he grinned, "though admittedly it's not the same,"

"This is not adequate conversation when one is eating," chided Alyssa, though the glint in her eye betrayed her amusement at their banter.

"I apologise Lady Arryn, especially as the whole camp never knows when yourself and the acting Lord of Winterfell are-"

"Shut up Theon," Alyssa threw a crust of bread at him, going red.

"What can I do for you?" asked Olivia, standing and brushing the crumbs from her skirt.

"As it happens, many, many things. Though currently it is the presence of your dear cousin i request,"

"Here i am," Alyssa shrugged. "How may I be of assistance?"

"And it had better not be in the same way I can," Olivia jested.

"No, not at all," he assured her with a wink. "But I would request a word in private, i have an urgent matter to discuss with you. And Olivia, it wouldn't hurt for you to be present. Would it be too forward of me to ask if we may use the privacy of your tent?" Both girls looked at each other and then at him, puzzled.

"Is something the matter?" asked Alyssa, frowning.

"Yes. No. I don't know," he replied, suddenly overwhelmed with panic. Olivia seemed to pick up on what he wanted to speak about and paled in response.

"Let's go into our tent," she suggested, taking the lead, and checking nobody was watching them dragged Theon inside, followed by a puzzled Alyssa.

"What's going on?" Alyssa asked, looking from one of them to the other.

"Alyssa, you've got to promise, you can't tell anyone," Olivia pleaded. "It could mean our heads,"

"Keep it down!" Theon scolded her.

"What?" Alyssa grew concerned. All of Theon's earlier swagger and confidence had disappeared.

"Please, promise," Olivia whispered, taking her cousin's hand.

"Look, whatever it is, you can tell me," Alyssa smiled, assuming perhaps her cousin had gone and got herself with child.

"I might as well just come out with it. I'm telling you because i trust you and need your advice," Theon began, to which she nodded and indicated he continue. He took a deep breath. "Jon's here. In the camp, well in my tent. He rode down from the wall then he heard Robb was at war with the Lannisters when Lord Stark was taken," Alyssa sat down in shock, she had not expected to hear this. Her heart was beating – she was aware they were looking at her expectantly, as if waiting for her to say something.

"How-how long has he been here?" she asked faintly.

"Since I've been sleeping in this tent, a few nights now. We discovered him in the woods – well actually his direwolf –"

"Direwolf?" Alyssa cut her off, " That would explain Grey Wind's strange behaviour, if there was another wolf nearby," she almost laughed at her powers of deduction. "And i take it Robb doesn't know,"

"Of course not! He'd have to kill his own blood for deserting. I don't know why he did it Alyssa, i don't know why i didn't just send him away, but i couldn't turn him in either." Alyssa sat, thinking.

"You know Robb's going to be so angry if he finds out, and now you've let me know and made my life a million times more difficult," she sighed.

"I know, I'm sorry," Olivia looked at her feet ashamed.

"Can i speak with him? Alone?" she asked Theon.

"I don't see why not," he shrugged. "It can't do any harm,"

Oh, but it could she thought. "Just don't say anything to anyone else," Alyssa warned. "All of our lives are at risk. Theon – you're stupid. Incredibly caring, but stupid. I'm going to speak with Jon. Olivia, you'd better escort me in case there's talk of why I'm in Theon's tent when my heart is Robb's," she was unsure whether the last part she said was a reminder to her, a demonstration of honour or something else.

The walk to Theon's tent – which was normally five minutes – seemed to last hours and with each step a weight in Alyssa's stomach grew heavier and heavier. When they arrived at the entrance, Olivia lingered with her for a moment.

"Shall i come too?" she asked.

"Surely you and Greyjoy have some catching up to do," Alyssa tried to make light of the situation. "I promise not to kill Jon for this, at least i think I can," Olivia nodded and left as Alyssa let herself in. At first the main chamber of the tent appeared to be empty. She didn't know if she should call his name just in case this was some kind of joke or ruse. She slowly walked to the centre of the dome, looking about her. The presence of another person made itself known to her, not physically but mentally. She couldn't explain it but she knew.

"I know you're here," she spoke softly. Movement came from her right; of course, the only part of the room not visible was the other side of the bed. She couldn't put into words or thoughts how she felt seeing Jon emerge, like an apparition. It was wrong – he shouldn't be there. He should be up on the wall but seeing him, she selfishly knew she didn't want him to go anywhere.

"They told you then," he said grimly, grey eyes staring into hers. She nodded, frozen to the spot.

Neither of them moved.

"Have you told Robb?" he asked. She shook her head no in response, and he appeared to visibly relax.

"Why?" was all she could bring herself to ask.

"To fight for Robb. And my father. I couldn't stay up there Alyssa; they tried to make me stay. Sam and Gren and Pyp, but I rode away anyway. They could hang for my desertion, but i had to come." For you, he wanted to add.

"If Robb knows you're here, he'll have to kill you," she whispered.

"No, he can't. I'm here to fight for him," Jon insisted. "if he knew, he wouldn't. He couldn't," Alyssa knew he was right. Although deserting was punishable by death, she knew Robb couldn't actually do it. Not to Jon. They were brothers, despite not sharing a mother.

"And when were you planning on telling him you're here?"

"I don't suppose any time will be the right one," he confessed. Tentatively, he stepped from behind the bed to cross the room to where she stood. As much as her insides were screaming at her to move away, she couldn't move.

"I'm glad they found you," she couldn't stop herself from saying.

"Me too," he admitted. "It wasn't very pleasant in the woods I'll admit. But if it means i can fight for Robb...for father...for you... it'll be worth it,"

"Jon-," her voice carried a warning note, yet he didn't stop walking slowly towards her. She could feel him before he was within reaching distance. To say there was an atmosphere was an understatement. She loved and loathed it at the same time.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, reaching out to touch her face; she unconsciously leaned in toward his touch as he ran his thumb over her lips. She closed her eyes and realised she was shaking. "Don't be scared,"

"I'm not," she whispered, only half-lying.

Jon took another step closer, she could feel the heat from his body and was convinced he'd be aware of how hard her heart was thudding in her chest. He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against hers. She didn't move, but didn't push him away. He pulled away after what felt like forever but in reality was only a few moments.

"Robb," she muttered. "We can't, even though he's betrothed to another I love him," her words sounded weak in that moment. Theon had already told Jon about that, not knowing how he felt for Alyssa.

"I've dreamed of you," he murmured, lightly stroking her shoulders. Her eyes went wide, wondering if his had reflected her own.

When he kissed her again, she returned it.

Whilst this was occurring, a raven arrived from King's Landing. The message was brought straight to Robb, who at the time was in his war tent with his mother, Jon Umber and by this time Theon Greyjoy.


Winterfell

Osha, the wildling woman who had been taken on as a servant when Robb had spared her life after slaughtering her companions in the forest, was carrying Bran on her shoulders through Winterfell. At his insistence, they were headed for the crypt following a dream Bran had the previous night in which a three-eyed crow had told him his father was down there.

"That's where I saw father," he indicated an empty cavern off the main path.

"Y'see? He's not 'ere," Osha replied confidently, waving the torch around the cavernous space. Suddenly there was a loud growling sound, causing Osha to gasp and jump back, dropping the torch and falling over her own feet.

"Here Shaggydog!" a small voice called from the darkness, and Rickon appeared looking small and frightened.

"What are you doing here? Come back up with us," Bran scolded him, also feeling embarrassed that his brother's pet had given him such a fright.

"No. I'm here to see father," Rickon replied defiantly.

"How many times have I told you? He's in King's Landing with Sansa and Arya," Bran replied sternly.

"No, he's down here. I saw him,"

"Saw him when?"

"Last night. When I was sleeping," the younger boy answered confidently, retreating and calling his direwolf after him.

Once they were back in the courtyard, Osha tried to comfort Bran. "You both miss him, it's only natural that you'll-"

"Bran," interjected Maester Lewin, who had been looking for them. He paused for what felt like an eternity before closed the distance between them, bad news etched all over his face.


Catelyn Stark barely heard the respectful acknowledgements of the soldiers as they bowed their heads either side of her, bravely walking through the camp to the edge of the woods. Gripping a nearby tree, she let her tears fall, a horrible tightness in her chest spreading and mingling with the overwhelming loss she felt at hearing her husband had lost his head. Breathing heavily, she became aware of the sound of steel hitting wood and someone crying out in exertion. Call it mother's instinct, but she followed the sound and it almost broke her heart again to see Robb further up the embankment slashing at a tree as if it were the embodiment of King Joffrey and the rest of his conniving family. He didn't hear her at first when she called his name, and when he finally turned, revealing his tear-streaked face all she could think to say was "You've ruined your sword," Robb looked at it and dropped it, walking over to his mother as she took him in her arms and stroked the back of his head, whispering calming noises into his ear.

"I'll kill them all!" he snarled against her shoulder, "Every one of them, I will kill them all,"

"My boy," Catelyn soothed, "They have your sisters; we have to get the girls back. And then we will kill them all."

Luckily for Alyssa and Jon, they were merely talking when Theon burst into his tent. The look of rage and hurt on his face sent them both into alarm. Had Jon been found out?

"Jon, I'm so sorry," he began, clearly trying to disguise the tears threatening to spill down his face.

"What is it? Does Robb know I'm here?" Jon panicked, looking about him as if expecting soldiers to march in and arrest him at any moment.

"No, no," Theon shook his head. "Alyssa, you need to go to Robb,"

"Why, what's happened?" she asked in alarm; her heart and head couldn't take any more emotional intensity for one day.

"Jon, I'm so sorry. Your father... Joffrey had him executed," Alyssa thought she was going to collapse and probably would have done had Jon not gripped her arm tight.

"What?" his face fell, hardly believing what he had just heard. If his father had been killed, was that it? Journey ended?

"I need to go to Robb," Alyssa mumbled, gently prying Jon's arm off hers. It hurt – Eddard Stark was Jon's father as well but it would hardly be right if she stayed to comfort Jon when Robb didn't even know he was there. Jon nodded, and as soon as she had departed he and Theon embraced and let the tears fall.

Alyssa was blinded by tears as she looked for Robb. The atmosphere in the camp had changed again, like someone had flipped a switch. Men looked sorrowful, women were openly crying. She stopped a serving girl in her tracks to ask of Robb's whereabouts.

"He's with Lady Stark in his tent, m'lady," she replied softly with a courtesy. Alyssa thanked her and headed in that direction. Catelyn was leaving as she arrived and Alyssa immediately embraced her, both women weeping.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry, if there's anything I can do..."

"Go to him," Catelyn croaked. Alyssa nodded, and squeezed Catelyn one more time before entering the tent. Seeing Robb just about broke her heart. He was sat on his bed, staring ahead. His eyes were red and still wet with tears, and the fact they followed her movements was the only indication he was aware of his surroundings.

Her own tears fell more freely as she wrapped her arms around him, one around his back and the other deep in his hair. When she felt him shudder as his sobs started again, it almost broke her. Especially considering her actions just hours earlier. She really did not know what to say to him, just held him as he cried and stroked his hair.

"I'm going to need a new sword," he eventually said. Alyssa merely nodded and kissed him. She hated Joffrey. Hated the Lannisters. Hated the piece of her heart that wanted to go to Jon and comfort him. And hated that she was going to have to tell Robb his half brother was there.