Thank you very much for the reviews, I really think as I've been writing this I've developed as a writer for the better, I'm proud of the last few chapters in particular! Thank you to all of you who have added this as a favourite story or on story alert, you're all there reminding me to keep at it and remind me how much I enjoy doing this.

Chapter 18 – Confrontations and movements

Exhausted from crying and unusually heightened emotions, Alyssa fell asleep as she cradled Robb's head in her chest. She had no idea at that point if he was awake or not – he'd been very quiet apart from the occasional sniffle, each one a reminder of the pain he was going through. As dawn broke, she slowly blinked her eyes open and noticed Robb was sat at the end of his bed, half dressed and staring blankly ahead.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, crawling out of the covers and tentatively placing her hand on his warm bare shoulder.

"I don't know," he shrugged. "I don't know if it's anger or sadness I feel,"

"I imagine it's both," she replied, squeezing his shoulder. "I'll fetch us some breakfast," Robb didn't protest as she kissed his cheek and dressed hurriedly; a plain black gown that was befitting of her mourning. Leaving the tent, the atmosphere was still sombre; women were red-eyed and the men looked glum. Instead of going straight to the nearest cook fire, Alyssa looked around and slipped between the tents until she reached Theon's which was fortunately in close proximity. As luck would have it, Theon was just leaving so she called out to him. He looked surprised to see her, and his face still bore the expression of hurt.

"What can I do for you Alyssa?" he asked. "Have you and Robb spoken?" she knew what he was referring to.

"Not yet. He's upset enough already,"

"He's not the only one. I'm going to get some breakfast to take in my tent – wait for me there?" Alyssa nodded.

"Don't be too long though, Robb's waiting to break his fast," she cautioned.

"I'll take it to him if I have to."

Alyssa nodded and entered as Theon held open the canvas for her. Jon clearly wasn't expecting to see her, he was sat on the floor idly turning his sword, Longclaw in his hands and his mouth almost dropped to see her. Seeing the pain in his soulful eyes almost had her welling up again, but she managed to retain her composure.

.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, desperate to fill the awkward silence between them.

"You couldn't begin to imagine," came his curt reply.

"Jon... I'm sorry," she shook her head, lowering it until she was looking at the floor rather than him. "Maybe I should tell Robb... the more I think about it the more I know he'll be furious later on when he does find out."

"You can't tell him!" Jon raised his voice slightly, quickly getting to his feet. "Not after the news about father, how d'you think he'd feel knowing he'd have to kill his bastard brother as well?" Jon spoke so venomously she took a step back, her heart racing even faster.

"He wouldn't," she said, more to herself. Looking up at him, she continued, "What are you going to do? Hide in Theon's tent forever? Then what happens when we move on?" She also wanted Robb to know for a very selfish reason - she knew after their last encounter she could not be trusted on her own with Jon, having to see him in secret. If Robb knew he was there, she was certain he wouldn't have him put to death. It would also keep Jon busy so she could focus on what numbered days she had with Robb before his marriage to some Frey girl. This blackened her mood even further, she had managed to put that to the back of her mind for the most part.

Jon knew she was right, it wasn't practical for him to keep hiding and the risk it put Theon at made him feel even more guilty. His bloody honour came first in the end; ironically seeing as it seemed to have deserted him when he left the wall without looking back. "Fine. Tell him I'm here. But if he does put me to death," he began, approaching her cautiously until he was stood directly in front of her, looking down with a nervous smile. "I want to remember your face,"

Alyssa couldn't move or say anything, merely stare at him with a puzzled expression on her face, though not unhappy. Jon raised his hand from by his side and ran his fingers gently from her temple to her chin and she closed her eyes at his touch. She didn't say a word or react as he kissed her briefly on her lips and stepped back. "OK, now you can tell him," Slowly, feeling like the walking dead, she turned and left, heading in a daze towards Robb's tent. Already her chest felt tight and there was a lump in her throat. Was she in effect instigating Jon's death sentence?

She hadn't been gone very long, the cook fires were still going and people were still sitting round them, eating and chattering in low voices. The whole encampment was saddened by Ned's death, would they mourn his bastard if it came to that? She almost stumbled on a rock as she arrived back at Robb's tent, and quickly recovered and entered. Theon was still there, his plate was clear but Robb's was still rather full. That was not a good mood indicator.

"Y you've had something to eat then?" she asked, her voice sounding higher than she expected.

"I've had a few mouthfuls," Robb smiled weakly.

"Well, I'd better be going," interjected Theon. "I'll see you later Robb,"

"Wait," spurted Alyssa.

"What is it?" Theon asked, confused.

"Robb," she said gently, crossing the living area to sit in the chair next to his and take his hand. "There's something I need to tell you. And Theon," Robb looked puzzled now, and Theon paled.

"Are you sure now's a good time?" he asked, clearly very nervous.

"To tell me what?" Robb asked sharply, looking from one to the other. "What do you need to tell me?"

"OK, I suppose now's as good a time as any," sighed Theon, taking a seat opposite Robb. "I was in the woods some days ago with Olivia.. after the battle. You know how it is, we had a great victory, you did a great job and we decided to let off some steam in the-"

"I see where this is going, is it relevant?" Robb snapped, interrupting him. Alyssa stroked his hand gently, trying to soothe him.

"Just listen," she murmured, nodding encouragement to Theon, who took a breath and continued.

"While we were... you know.. there was a noise. Immediately I looked around, and there was a wolf,"

"Why would I give a damn about a bloody wolf?" Robb asked slowly. "Unless it maimed the Kingslayer - which as much as the incestuous fucker deserves it would be terrible for my sisters - I can't say it's top of my priority list," Robb was getting angry, he didn't see why this was important or where it was going.

"It was a dire wolf! A white dire wolf with red eyes! Any idea where you've seen one like that before?" Theon whispered, a little sharper than he had intended. Robb sat back in shock, realisation dawning on his features.

"Just the wolf?" he asked in a low voice. Theon gulped.

"No," whispered Alyssa, gripping Robb's hand tighter subconsciously.

"So what are you saying?" Robb was hesitant to ask. Was Jon living out in the woods, spying on him? Or had he been killed? It was, after all, several days ago.

"He's here. He came as soon as he heard they'd taken father prisoner. He wants to fight for you, but he knows he risks his life by leaving the wall. I'm also aware that there could be Dior consequences for myself," Theon gushed. Robb set his jaw firmly. Turning to Alyssa he asked,

"And how long have you known about this?"

"Since just before the news of your father," she replied, meeting his gaze. His expression was unreadable, he merely nodded slightly and turned back to Theon.

"You did right to hide him," he said. "If any other man knew of his presence... like you say, he left the wall. He's a deserter so should die, but I swear he won't die by my hand. Where is he now?"

"In my tent. He's been there this whole time," he confessed. Robb nodded again.

"You did well. By rights you should be punished, but how can I punish someone who is like a brother to me whose only crime was to protect my half brother? You have my thanks," and for the first time since hearing of his father's death, Robb smiled. Alyssa and Theon relaxed as well and allowed broad grins to appear on their faces, though for different reasons. Both were pleased to see their Lord happy again even though the bad news was so raw. "I'll see him after I've met with my council. Theon, assemble the others,"

"Yes my lord," Theon smiled and bowed with a flourish, turning on his heel and leaving to carry out his orders.

"And as for you," he focused his attention on Alyssa again, "You are the most perfect, beautiful woman in all of the seven kingdoms and beyond,"

"Robb Stark, you'll make me blush," she joked, though it filled her with warmth from the inside to hear.

"I take it you've seen him," he stated rather than asked.

"Yes. I didn't want to keep it from you, but then what with the terrible news yesterday I didn't want to irk you further," Robb pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, gratefully.

"We've got to keep this quiet though, if my mother were to find out it would really upset her at this time," Alyssa nodded in agreement against his chest. She knew of the animosity Catelyn Stark felt for Jon; and just after Ned's death would not be a good time for her to find out his bastard son; the reminder that he had been with another woman; was living amongst them. "Can you go to him today? Tell him I know and I'm not mad, and I'll come and see him as soon as I can,"

"Of course. I'll see you later," she replied, grateful that Robb had taken it so well. Now she just had to get through spending the most part of the day with a man who turned her brain to jelly and body into a walking corpse.

As the encampment was up in full swing, nobody noticed her as she stalked through the tents to Theon's and deftly slipped inside. To her surprise she heard another female voice speaking softly. Edging in slowly, she was relieved to see Olivia and Jon chatting together at a table.

"Hello," Alyssa greeted them, pulling up a chair herself.

"Hi Alyssa," greeted her cousin with a smile. Jon looked at her and smiled in acknowledgement, it didn't feel as awkward as it had the last few times they'd encountered each other.

"How have you been Olivia? I'm sorry I've not seen a lot of you recently," she felt slightly guilty about this as well.

"Oh you know, pretty cold at night but I've been keeping myself busy, mainly my hands so I'm not tempted to go and gut Jaime Lannister," she said so matter-of-factly that the others couldn't help but stifle a giggle.

"So Theon's going to have a whole new wardrobe by the time you've finished," Jon grinned.

"Either that or every piece of fabric he owns is going to be covered in intricate flowers and symbols," she shrugged. "But I'm glad to be doing my bit to keep you safe," she smiled sweetly at Jon.

"I appreciate it," he grimaced. "How's Robb?" he looked at Alyssa anxiously.

"He's feeling better this morning," she began, as her heart began beating faster she took a deep breath to steady herself. "And he's coming to see you after he's spoken with his council," The colour drained from Jon's face when he heard the news.

"He knows," he said, more to himself. Alyssa almost melted when he looked up at her, almost pleadingly with his dark soulful eyes. "Is he angry? Am I to die?"

"No," she replied firmly with a smile. "Yes, he's surprised. Understandably he doesn't want anyone else to know should his mother find out but he seemed... happy. And was grateful to Theon for taking you in and ensuring you weren't discovered."

"I'm not," interjected Olivia.

"Oh don't think I've not had complaints from him too," groaned Jon. The last thing on his list of cares at present was Theon Greyjoy's sex life; or lack of as the current situation meant.

"I'm sure your hormones can wait a little longer," she addressed Olivia, then turned to Jon "Robb's coming to see you , after he's spoken with his council. He's asked me to stay with you until then," Jon nodded in understanding, no emotion readable on his face.

"I'm not. Though I am pleased you're here Jon, really," she said. "And thank you for being so discreet about how you were discovered," This made Jon blush, and this time it was Alyssa who was trying to keep a straight face.

"Do we really need to hear anymore of this?" pleaded Alyssa.

"No, no, I'll be getting off anyway. I'm sure there's plenty of repairing and such for me to be getting on with. I'll see you later," she winked, pushing her chair back as she rose to leave. When she had departed, the atmosphere seemed to get heavier again though not quite matching the intensity of the previous night or this morning.

"So tell me, what else did Robb say?" asked Jon when they were alone.

"He actually said he was grateful to Theon and I – Theon especially for the risk he's taken so far in keeping you hidden. I think it's made him feel slightly better about your father, because he knows you're feeling the same way,"

"Yes," Jon cast his eyes down again. "Any word of the girls?"

"Sansa wrote, though there was no mention of Arya," Jon nodded, this was what Theo had already told him. He was hoping there would have been more news though, and it was particularly worrying for him to hear there was nothing about Arya as he and his youngest half-sister had always shared a close bond.

"How long before Robb heads to Riverrun?" asked Jon, anxious as to how he would remain undiscovered when they travelled.

"I don't know," she confessed, "Though I imagine it'll be very soon. Robb's meeting with his council at the moment." Jon nodded again. He suddenly felt at a loss of what to say. "I'm sorry," was all he could muster.

"What for?" she asked, although she had a feeling she knew.

"This morning. Last night. It was wrong of me, I know."

Alyssa took a deep breath and puffed out her cheeks. "It's OK. You weren't the only party involved in those actions. I could have stopped you and i didn't,"

"I just couldn't help myself. I know that sounds pathetic, but it's the truth,"

"Which is why I felt like I couldn't stop you," she admitted. "But I love Robb. I know he's getting married as soon as this fucking war's over. I remember every single day; and now you're here i feel like I'm being pulled in different directions,"

"You know I'd never force you into anything," he sounded a little bit offended.

"I wasn't implying you would. To be honest, i wasn't aware of how much I've missed you until I saw you and now you're here I'm afraid of being around you,"

"Why, do I scare you?" he asked, worriedly.

"No! I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt me, it's just... Gods, everything's so different and complicated compared to how it used to be. When I first arrived at Winterfell, before King Robert came, everything seemed to simple and straightforward. Now I feel like we've all aged twenty years in a matter of months and nothing's certain anymore. Will we make it back to Winterfell?"

"Yes," Jon nodded vehemently. "And you're right, things have changed. But that doesn't excuse my behaviour. Marriage or not, Robb loves you and i can't allow my own selfish feelings to get in the way of that, or compromise your honour and integrity,"

"Please also accept my apologies. I've seemingly led you on before and did nothing to encourage you otherwise since you've been here. "

"Perhaps we should change the subject," Jon suggested, looking around him. "What are your thoughts on a few games before the Lord of Winterfell joins us?" Alyssa nodded in agreement, and with their attention elsewhere the time soon passed until Robb had quietly entered, watching his half-brother with mixed sadness and joy.

"So it's true," he finally spoke, making them both jump. Jon immediately grew nervous, but As soon as his brother crossed the distance between them and wrapped him into a huge bear hug his face relaxed again. Robb firmly pushed him backwards though not long afterwards, his face serious.

"First things first." Robb began in his lordly voice, a sound becoming more and more familiar to Alyssa. "We leave for Riverrun in the morning. You're to disguise yourself and take a boat along with Olivia. My mother and Theon will be with me, so Theon can keep her well away from your boat. Once there, you're to follow the servants and camp followers and stay with Olivia at all times until I come for you. It's probably best if you camp outside of Riverrun itself with the soldiers."

"What about Ghost?" Jon asked concerned.

"I'll have to send someone back for him, I don't know when. Will he be OK fending for himself for a while?" Robb looked down, it would pain him to have to leave Grey Wind anywhere so couldn't imagine how Jon would feel when he had already gone so long without seeing his wolf.

"I won't have a choice," he smiled weakly. "Thank you, Robb,"

"Thank me when you're safely across with us," his half brother replied, squeezing his shoulder. "Now Alyssa, would you please excuse Jon and I? I'm sure you understand I'd like some time alone with him,"

"Of course," she nodded, kissing him goodbye before setting out into the warm afternoon air. She decided she might as well start packing if they were to be on the move the following day.

"Theon Greyjoy, don't you have actual work to be getting on with?" Olivia scolded him; she was trying to fold her clothes into a trunk ready for the following day's journey and Theon was being most unhelpful by taking advantage of the fact her hands were full and therefore could not stop him from groping her chest from behind.

"I do but you won't let me," he grinned, grazing his teeth over the nape of her neck almost causing her to drop the dress she was folding.

"Theon-" she warned, then squealed and giggled as he swiftly lifted her into his arms and carried her over to her bed.

"This could be our last chance to fuck under canvas for a while," he informed her whilst impatiently caressing her curves through her dress. Olivia tried to stifle her giggles and sighs as she happily gave in to his ministrations, adjusting her position so that he could sensuously undress her, his appreciative expression the more she was revealed making her want him equally in return.

"Fine but then you can help me pack," she gasped, working on removing his clothing.

It was that moment Alyssa reached the entrance of her tent; though from the conversation and sounds she could hear from inside she sighed and turned away in the opposite direction.

Robb's mood was lighter when he retired for the night. He'd not been able to spend as much time with Jon as he would have liked as there was much to prepare. He also felt very anxious about what the consequences would be should Jon be discovered, but at least he was doing everything he could to protect him. Alyssa had been reading, reclined on the bed on her back. She put down her book and stretched, deliberately arching her back more so than necessary knowing it was one of the things that made Robb's blood get warmer.

"You're looking better," Alyssa commented. She and the servants had packed most of Robb's belongings throughout the afternoon and so now his tent was looking very plain in comparison to previous nights.

"I feel better," he admitted with a smile. With one last stretch Alyssa slowly rose to a sitting position, beckoning Robb to join her with her right index finger. He was hard before he reached her, and patiently allowed her to slowly undress him before pulling him down next to her and wrapping her leg over his naked waist. Her legs effective spread, Robb's hand massaged her through her small clothes as he kissed her, using his mouth and tongue to stifle her moans of pleasure and surprise when he hit just the right spot to send static shocks up and down her spine. Alyssa for the most part was able to keep her mind on the fact it was Robb doing this, Robb's skilled fingers bypassing her clothing and finding their way inside her and curling in the most exquisite manner. Though when she came, she remembered Jon's lips on hers earlier and the thought of forbidden fruit intensified her pleasure.

Without waiting for an invitation she climbed onto all fours and gazed lustily at Robb who needed no further explanation. His hands held her hips in place as he thrust against her. Alyssa closed her eyes and bit her lip as her breath came out in gasps, matching his thrusts with her own. A tear rolled down her cheek as she came again, only this time she was clearly picturing Jon claiming her in her mind. Her low moaning was all for him. She prayed he couldn't hear them. If Theon had, or so he claimed, then who else?

The following morning, it was a short ride to the water where boats awaited to take Robb and his host to Riverrun. Alyssa was to take the boat with Jon and Olivia which was one of the first to leave; so far, so good. And fingers crossed, although Jon was currently disguised in a heavy cloak, none of the residents of Riverrun would recognise him anyway save the possibility of Catelyn's brother Edmure yet it had been a long time since he had visited, or they him.