A/N And the end is nigh! I might actually be able to finish this in the next couple of chapters, thanks again for reading and reviewing

My Reason 19 – And he is made real

Although it was a last minute change, she was glad to be travelling with Robb and his mother, Alyssa still felt anxious and kept looking anxiously toward shore for Olivia, who would hopefully be there to reassure her everything had gone to plan and Jon was safe. Her staring and anxiety was picked up on by Catelyn, who said kindly,

"If you are feeling seasick my dear don't worry, it will pass. Just focus on one point on the horizon," Alyssa smiled warmly at her, at least she had an excuse for looking so worried.

"Thank you Lady Stark, I'll do that," Catelyn squeezed her shoulder and left as Robb approached.

"You've got to stop worrying," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I'm trying not to," she admitted.

"It'll be fine, I know it," he assured her, kissing her cheek. "Look, we're not far ashore." Straining her eyes, she looked out over the water to the people gathered in the harbour looking for her cousin. When they embarked, Alyssa squealed in surprise as Robb picked her up and lifted her over the side onto the wooden deck. Theon sniggered and she shot him a dirty look before resuming to scan those around. She finally saw her – deeply engaged in conversation with one of the servants. Looking up, she waved at Alyssa and smiled; all had gone to plan. Alyssa strode confidently over to her, returning her smile.

"Excuse me," she overheard Olivia politely say to the servant. "You made it," she greeted Alyssa warmly.

"Why, were you expecting us to sink?" she queried, raising her eyebrows.

"You're so bloody hilarious. I've managed to hide Jon. He's in Robb's room; that servant was the girl who was preparing it. Don't worry i got rid of her, but we'd better get back up there before anyone else," Alyssa wondered why she'd bothered to risk sneaking him into the castle itself but she was simply grateful Jon was safe. She followed the brisk pace the other woman had set, wondering when Robb would be joining them. "Nearly there," she announced, turning another corner and climbing one of the towers.

"Perfect," smiled Alyssa; a tower room was at least off the main passage so any visitors would hopefully make their presence known on the stone steps leading to it.

"I know, I hope Theon has a nice room," she sighed wistfully.

"He might even be sharing with Lord Umber," Alyssa retorted, receiving a poke in the ribs for her efforts. They arrived at the door and Olivia knocked softly before entering. Although she wasn't expecting anyone else to be there, it served to be cautious and give Jon ample time to hide if necessary. He had done indeed, for there was nobody visible immediately on entering.

"You can come out, it's us," Olivia called when she had shut the heavy wooden door behind them. Jon rolled out from under the bed, which despite the heavy drapery was quite spacious underneath.

"Thank the Gods, I thought I was going to be trapped under there," he complained, wiping dust from his sleeves.

"You're not, and thank the gods you made it," Alyssa replied with a smile.

"I don't know how Robb's going to like me being in his room," Jon admitted, looking slightly uncomfortable.

"We'll deal with that when he gets here," she shrugged.

"Not Theon's!" Olivia opined to the others' amusement.

Soon they could hear faint footsteps and voices. Motioning for Jon to lie behind the other side of the modesty screen, both girls listened with an ear each to the door.

"I'll be fine from here thank you, see you at the feast," they heard Robb call out before one set of footsteps drifted away and the other grew closer. The girls relaxed and moved away from the door so Robb could enter along with a large trunk he appeared to be struggling with.

"He's alone," Olivia called out as Jon rose from his hiding place. He was getting a bit pissed off with all of this disappearing and reappearing all the time. "I'll catch you later, I'm off to find out where I get to sleep," she grinned, flouncing out of the room.

"Does she mean her or...?" asked Robb, setting down his trunk with a pant.

"What do you think?" sighed Alyssa, barring the door behind Olivia. Robb shook his head and splashed his face with cold water from the dresser.

"I made it," Jon smiled weakly, vying for his brother's attention.

"I can see, and I'm glad," Robb smiled in return. "I'm not sure what's going to happen from here, but at least for now you're definitely safe,"

"Yes, thank you," Jon replied earnestly. "Though we need to do something soon – I've come here to fight for you, not be your chamber maid," Robb nodded in sympathy and agreement.

"I know. When we're on the march it'll be easier to disguise you with a full helm, but you can hardly wear one around the castle and town," he pointed out.

"I'll get ready for the feast, if you'll excuse me," Alyssa announced, giving both men a small wave before leaving. Of course, she had been so anxious to get to Jon she hadn't asked Olivia where her own room was, or had it been assumed she would be sleeping in Robb's? This made her blush; it was so improper but war was a strange time. People seemed to prioritise matters very differently.

The feast in Riverrun's great hall was greatly welcomed by Robb and his army. Somewhere warm and dry with plate after plate of hot food was brilliant for everyone's morale in general. The men had gathered together under the stars after the feast to drink and talk, a much-needed reprise following the news of Eddard Stark's death and celebrating their arrival at Rivverrun. For many, this meant sleeping within the walls of Catelyn Stark's childhood home, something that most of them were really looking forward to. Alyssa and Olivia had joined Robb and Theon, as had Lady Catelyn. Catelyn and Alyssa sat either side of Robb, Olivia and Theon sharing a wineskin further in the thick of those gathered. The air was filled with the sound of conversation; shared memories of Ned, Robb's success in battle so far and the current political climate of Westeros.

"Are you looking forward to sleeping in a bed again, Lady Arryn?" Robb enquired teasingly.

"Sleeping... yes that's one thing," she replied, making him laugh. Her expression suddenly turned downcast when she remembered who else was in there.

"What?" he asked, noticing her change .

"Your lodger," she whispered. "Perhaps I had better sleep in my own room tonight,"

"I'd join you if I could guarantee nobody else would enter mine, but the servants-" he trailed off glumly. "Anyway, let's not let it spoil this already wonderful evening," Alyssa nodded in agreement, accepting as a cup bearer refilled her goblet. Understandably, many men wanted Robb's attention and he happily obliged them all; a comment here, a joke there. Inevitably the conversation soon turned to politics, and as a result inevitably grew heated.

"So you mean to declare for Renly?" Lord Karstark exclaimed in obvious disgust.

"Renly can't be king before Stannis, same as Bran can't be Lord of Winterfell before me," Robb answered frustrated.

"Surely you don't mean to bend the knee to Joffrey!" Lord Karstark exclaimed, visibly aghast which was not helped by the wine he'd already consumed.

"So now that little shit Joffrey's on the throne?" Jon Umber boomed, his powerful voice carrying over the small crowd. "That's what I think of him, the lot of them southern Lordlings who haven't got a clue what life's like up here," with that he spat on the floor; with some of the men being slightly tipsy this elicited a cheer all round.

"Exactly, why should we have to bend the knee to any of those unhonourable sods?" added Rickard Karstark. "It just doesn't seem right,"

"There's only one king I'll bend to, The King in the North!" yelled Jon Umber, drawing his sword and kneeling, offering it to Robb. This was followed by several others, slowly at first but one by one, they proclaimed him King in the North and bent the knee.

"Am I your brother, now and always?" asked Theon, standing to Olivia's delight and excitement.

"Now and always," Robb replied solemnly, his expression difficult to read.

"You have my sword," Theon pledged, taking a knee. Soon the clearing was filled with loud chants of "THE KING IN THE NORTH!" and whooping. Robb sat in shock, barely registering what was happening around him. He looked to his mother, who looked equally surprised and down at Alyssa, who was staring at the scene in open-mouthed wonder. He slowly stood up and the cheers grew louder. This was very unexpected.

Just over an hour later, Robb was escorting Alyssa to her bedchamber in the castle. She was relieved that she had been assigned one after all, and that it was empty.

"What are you doing?" she asked as Robb hurriedly bolted the door behind them. "I thought you were going back to your room, to Jon?"

"In a little while," he replied, running his hands through his hair. Alyssa recognised this as a sign there was something on his mind, so she patiently sat and waited for him to speak. "I'm king," he eventually said. "An actual king,"

"I suppose I should be addressing you as 'your Grace' now," she replied.

"It's not that," he said, pacing around in front of the fireplace. "If I'm King then surely that will grant me a certain amount of power," Alyssa looked at him in surprise; of course it did, had he lost his wits?

"Yes, i would imagine so," Robb ceased pacing and crossed the room to where Alyssa was sat in a chair, taking her hands he lifted her to join him.

"You know what this means?" his blue eyes bored deep into her curious hazel ones. "I can save him. I can legitimise him, then he doesn't have to die," She realised he meant Jon.

"But he's still a deserter," she pointed out. "He's already done that,"

"But maybe there's a way around that... perhaps if I write the Old Bear and say I've legitimised him, and perhaps send others in Jon's place to go to the wall?"

"You mean Lannister prisoners,"

"Soldiers. That's what the wall needs, no doubt my brother was valuable being the Lord Commander's steward, but these men have seen battle and will be more capable of cutting down wildlings,"

"It's worth a try, I'm not the one to advise," she admitted, though could see where he was coming from.

"I wasn't telling you to advise me, i was sharing you my first act as King in the North," he grinned, kissing her hard and releasing her.

"And what of your hand?" she further enquired.

"I would name Uncle Edmure," he stated assuredly.

"Not Theon?"

"I love Theon like a bother, but my uncle is more experienced and I feel would better advise me," Alyssa nodded, agreeing with his choice. "I'm going to name him right now, then the sooner I can legitimise Jon and win this war!" Alyssa laughed in delight, especially as he took her by surprise, sweeping her off her feet and twirling her around in a circle.

"Good night your Grace," she smiled, cupping the side of his face with her hand as she kissed him sweetly.

"Good night," he murmured in her ear, holding her close. "Would that you were my Queen," he sighed sadly. She tensed at his words; it would be a Frey girl who would eventually hold the title of Queen in the North. After he left, she stripped and changed into her night clothes and bid a servant build up the dwindling fire. She felt in the air things were different now, though for the better or worse she did not know.

Edmure Tully gratefully accepted Robb's offer to be his hand.

"Though you seem to be pretty adept at this war business already," he laughed, raising his glass in celebration.

"I'll still need your advice, and that of the rest of my council. Now Uncle, I would have a word in private. My first declaration," Edmure nodded, and draining his goblet rose and left with Robb to his solar. Robb swelled with pride as he and Edmure wrote the declaration that would legitimise Jon Snow as Lord Jon Stark of Winterfell and also prepared a letter to send to Lord Commander Mormont with their offer of men and to further sweeten the deal supplies in exchange for Jon Snow's desertion. All they could do was wait and hope for the best. Once these tasks had been completed, Robb took Edmure's oath that he would not breathe a word to anyone else, not even his Lady mother before Robb officially announced it.

Robb returned to his room, heart feeling as light as it had before his father had become Robert's hand. As usual, Jon was nowhere to be seen but Robb knew he was there somewhere.

"Come out brother, I have tidings for you," Robb exclaimed, noticing the light-headedness he was feeling was no doubt due to the wine he had consumed over the course of the evening.

"What are those?" asked Jon, appearing from behind the modesty screen.

"Remember when Theon used to call you Lord Snow?" Robb asked; the frown on Jon's face betraying that he did and as much as there was no animosity between Theon, the Greyjoy certainly knew how to piss him off at times.

"Yes. What of it?" Jon was feeling defensive and Robb smirked to his brother's annoyance. "If you're here to jest Robb, I'm not really in the mood,"

"I'm not. I'm being serious Jon, and this is probably the most serious thing I've ever done," he held out his hand, containing the not long dry declaration that he and Edmure had written and sealed. "Go on, open it," flashing him another suspicious glance, Jon gently pulled at the seal and unrolled it. His eyes widened as he read and re-read the contents, mouth growing dry. He looked from the paper to Robb, and back again.

"Is this a trick? Why have you signed it King Robb?" he asked. If this was a joke it was a cruel one, and Robb would perfectly deserve a punch in the face for it.

"No trick, brother. As of now, you are officially Lord Jon Stark, heir to Winterfell. And as of this evening, I am King Robb of the North," Robb giggled after that, it sounded so perfectly unreal he found it hard to believe himself. Just he and Jon in a bedchamber together could have been back in Winterfell when they were growing up, sneaking out to talk to each other of girls, swords and their future plans.

"Thank you," replied Jon, feeling his throat tighten. He wouldn't cry, it took everything inside him to fight the overwhelming emotion and gratitude he felt. "I suppose this means I can join you in the field now,"

"Unless you want to go and rule your castle," Robb clapped him on the back, pulling him in for a tight hug.

"This castle will do for now," he smiled. "Does this mean I can get Ghost now?"

"Yes, though I'd rather you wait until tomorrow, when I've made this common knowledge and let my mother know," Jon nodded returning the embrace. Robb continued to tell him of his terms with the Old Bear. Jon was terrified that he would simply state Jon had deserted before so there was nothing that could be done, but the offer of soldiers and supplies would be welcome especially after he told his brother about the Wights that had attacked the Lord Commander. Swords would certainly come in useful, especially attached to men who knew how to use them.

Before making the news common knowledge, Robb had the courtesy to inform his mother alone about Jon's legitimisation. He was still worried about how his men would react knowing Robb had hidden a deserter amongst them; a man he should have killed. Catelyn's reaction was a mixture of shock, resentment and reluctant understanding. She was delighted he had named her brother as hand which redeemed him somewhat in her eyes. As far as the men were concerned, Greatjon made a point of how now they would effectively have twice the number of Dire wolves which received a chorus of muttered agreements and that Edmure Tully would make a splendid hand. Robb wanted to grin and laugh out loud in rejoice, but kept his body and face calm. Jon crossed the water later that day to retrieve Ghost, who had probably found it easier to hunt and survive without Jon holding him back. He was pleased to see his master, and the reaction from Grey Wind when they reached the small dock again was priceless.

To Alyssa, Jon and Robb's relief Jon was also assigned his own quarters within the castle as Lord of Winterfell, something he had not ever imagined would happen to him. It felt better than a dream, if only some of his other dreams would materialise in the same way!

"I'm proud of you," Alyssa sighed into the crook of Robb's neck as they lay naked upon his bed together, bodies coated with a light film of sweat as a result of the love making.

"Thank you," he smiled against her hair, kissing the top of her head.

"I still wish I got to keep you," she sighed, squeezing him tighter. Robb didn't know how to respond, just held her tighter in return.

"I don't know what I'd have done without you," he admitted. "With war, father, Jon and being crowned; I'm so glad you didn't go,"

"As am I. But i don't want to think about anything else," she added, reaching down to stroke his cock back to life.

"Actions speak louder than words," grinned Robb as she straddled him and squirmed against him until he was hard, then began hungrily probing his mouth with his tongue whilst running her hands through his hair as she lowered herself onto him.

"This is what I've missed," sighed Olivia, contentedly wrapping herself and Theon in one of the blankets covering his bed. "Just being able to be with you alone for a little while,"

"It's not so bad," he grinned cheekily, earning a sharp look. "I'm just relieved everything's worked out for the best," Olivia nodded in agreement, glad to feel safe and warm. The horrible events in King's Landing seemed like a lifetime away now they were in a proper castle, alone at least in this room.

"I wish this war would be over so you can steal me away," she sighed, snuggling closer. This was still very novel to Theon, the concept of sharing his bed with only one woman whilst not meanwhile visiting the beds of others.

"And where would you have us go?" he indulged her, hoping it involved fucking somehow because being in such close proximity with her made him horny.

"Some distant land where there's no war and we can spend our days making each other happy," she sighed wistfully, knowing the unreality of that situation happening. Theon chuckled. Women were amusing with their whims and ideas, but he knew he didn't want to be away from this one.

Time passed and Robb knew he would have to march soon, their next target was the Crag home of the Westerlings. Being sworn to house Lannister, Robb aimed to take their castle and hopefully gain more men for his cause and as such this needed to be accomplished sooner rather than later.

"Are you sure you're alright? You look ever so pale," Lady Catelyn commented to Alyssa one evening at supper as she, for the third night in a row, had felt so queasy she had barely finished a serving of anything.

"Yes, just feeling a little nauseous. I'll go and seek the Maester after dinner," Alyssa grimaced, resting a hand on her fluttering stomach.

"I think that would be wise," nodded Catelyn, whose attention was then diverted to the swell of Alyssa's breasts under her gown. "And is that one of your own dresses?"

"Yes, why?"

"Has it always been so restricting in the bosom area?" Catelyn asked quietly; being a mother herself there were certain signs she recognised.

"No," Alyssa admitted, "It's probably near the time of my moon's blood,"

"And when was your last moon's blood?"

Alyssa thought it strange Lady Stark was questioning her in such a way, though out of politeness she indulged her. "Oh, it was-" and stopped, realising she couldn't actually remember. In fact, she couldn't remember since at least the battle of Wolfs' wood and that had been some time ago.

"I think you had better see the maester," Catelyn echoed her words, and spoke no more of it for the rest of the evening. Alyssa was in shock, it couldn't be. She excused herself after forcing a few morsels of meat down her throat in pursuit of Maester Vyman. She found him in the raven's tower, muttering to himself as he fed the birds.

"Maester, are you available to give me an examination?" she asked nervously, twisting her hands in the material of her thick skirts.

"Certainly Lady Arryn, what ails you?" he asked kindly, putting away the grain.

"I would prefer if we may talk in your rooms, Maester," he nodded and led her to his chambers which also served as an infirmary when required. Alyssa was asked to lie on a comfortable bed and strip to her smallclothes, which she did behind a modesty screen. After much questioning and prodding, Maester Vyman stood back and instructed her to dress. When she returned, he poured her a cup of wine and indicated she take a seat opposite him at his desk.

"Lady Arryn, I can confirm you are with child," he stated. There was no congratulations, she thanked him and drank her wine quickly before bidding him goodnight. She should have gone straight to Robb, instead she went to her room in hope Olivia would be there. She was out of luck, the room was empty and felt cold, probably due to its misuse. She didn't want to go to Robb's chambers, she wanted to talk to her cousin first. She stalked the corridors until she found Theon's room, which too was empty. She allowed her feet to carry her back to the main hall, eyes sharply seeking Olivia so she could drag her away before Robb noticed her presence.

She was grateful that she only had Theon to contend with in prying away her cousin, and he reluctantly let her go seeing the urgency in Alyssa's face. Alyssa said not a word until they were in their own room, with no servants about and the door bolted. It seemed this room was poignant in the history of the new King in the North – where he confessed he's legitimise his brother and where it would be confessed he had a bastard child on the way.

Olivia listened in open-mouthed silence, not knowing what to say.

"You've got to tell Robb," was all she could think of. "Especially if his mother noticed,"#

"You don't think she'll tell him, do you?"

"No, not if she's the one who told you to stay despite his betrothal,"

"Yeah, there's that detail as well," Alyssa remembered, feeling tears pool in the corner of her eyes.

"Hey, don't worry," Olivia soothed her, taking her in her arms and gently stroking circles on her back. "Remember this is a time of war, nothing's as it should be. But you need to tell him, as soon as possible. Despite what else happens you love each other, and that babe inside you is a result of that," her cousin's beautiful words were her undoing as Alyssa sobbed quietly into her shoulder. Once she had recovered, she composed herself and prepared to tell Robb he was going to be a father.