A/N Thank you for your patience with this update, not only have I been doing yet more uni work I've also been reading other people's fiction, and enjoyed it so much I somehow neglected my own! And wow, the reaction to Jon/Alyssa... it's nice to know I have some honourable readers out there ;-) Aaaaanyways, this is the last chapter of My Reason. Thank you so much everyone who has read and enjoyed it, and if you haven't enjoyed it, let me know why. I'm always keen to improve my performance!

Alyssa opened her eyes to see the sun was barely out, and instantly she felt awake. The morning of her wedding had dawned, and she had been engaged for less than twenty four hours. She smiled a little; where she came from weddings were planned months in advance and lots of money was spent on food, drink, garments and decor. Hers would be very different, but Olivia had already informed her some of the servants were working into the night in order to prepare as much as possible. Her thoughts went to the night before and she felt a wave of nausea flood over her, ruining her positive mood. She shuddered involuntarily, pulling the covers tighter around her.

"You're awake then?" Olivia muttered, voice still thick with sleep as she burrowed her way into a sitting position.

"Mmm-hmm," Alyssa replied from under the covers, not daring to speak in case she threw up.

"Come on Alyssa, it's your wedding day," Olivia replied brightly, grabbing the covers and flinging them back, causing Alyssa to shout in surprise. "Rise and shine, we got several hours to get you looking most beautiful!"

"Ugh I don't think I can move," she protested, lightly clutching her stomach.

"Is everything OK with the baby?" Olivia asked concerned, eyeing her cousin warily.

"Probably just a touch of mother's stomach," Alyssa grimaced, "Accompanied with nerves." Olivia squeezed her shoulder in sympathy, though of course had no idea herself what being pregnant would feel like. She was an enthusiastic advocate of Moon tea, and Gods knew she'd had plenty of it brewed in the past. Especially when Theon Greyjoy was around.

"Well for today you're confined to your room. Lady Stark will be coming to dress you not long after breakfast, and it's important the King does not see his future queen before the ceremony," Those two words – future queen – hit home with Alyssa.

"Excuse me," she muttered, leaping out of the bed and dashing to the chamber pot; Olivia wincing as she emptied her stomach. "Sorry," she panted when she had finished and rinsed her mouth.

"It's OK, just try not to do that when you're reciting your vows,"

"I suppose something to eat might help, how am I meant to break my fast if i can't leave this room?"

"That will be taken care of dear cousin, trust me," Olivia winked. "Now don't bother dressing yet, a bath should be brought to you soon,"

"You're the best," Alyssa grinned, before retching again.

Thankfully, her stomach settled by the time a group of servants had prepared a steaming bath, and she had broken her fast on bread, fish and rhubarb tartlets. Olivia had rummaged through her things, and being the former southern party girl she was had managed to bring two nice gowns to war with her. Ordering Alyssa to strip and get in the bath, Olivia got to work polishing her skin and treating her hair with sweet-smelling oils she had managed to persuade the servants to find.


Robb was still in the great hall with Theon and Jon, having broken his fast with everyone else that morning.

"Today's the day," grinned Theon, raising his cup to Robb.

"Aye, who'd have thought?" Robb grinned, meeting Theon's cup with his own before taking a deep gulp.

"Hadn't you better go easy on that? Or you won't be able to put your own cloak on let alone fasten it to Alyssa," Jon quipped. He felt displaced that morning, as if nothing was real and he would wake up any moment back in his cell at castle black.

"Relax brother, it's my wedding day. You'll understand when this war is over and your time comes," Robb sounded jovial and Jon knew his words were meant as comfort, but the reminder that it was the Frey girl and not Alyssa he would be marrying caused him to frown.

"I'm sure she won't be that bad," Theon piped up, not entirely wrong in his assumption of what was making Jon brood more than usual.

"Have you met her?" he retorted.

"If mother thought she was good enough for me, you know she's got to be something special," Robb added, feeling guilty that he'd passed his sentence to Jon for his own honourable yet selfish reasons. As far as Jon was concerned, he'd more than received payment for it.

"And what about you Theon?" asked Jon, pointing his cup at the man opposite him.

"What about me?"

"When are you going to settle down with a nice lady?"

"You know us Iron born only take salt wives," Theon scoffed. "When I want heirs, I'll find a wife then,"

"What about Lady Dorsinger, don't you imagine you and her will produce pretty offspring?" asked Robb pointedly.

"I don't imagine anything, why complicate things with marriage?"

"Well you'd better hope her father doesn't marry her off to some young, or even worse, old lord in the meantime then," Jon winked, Theon for a moment looking anxious but the look was gone as soon as it speared.

"Well let's hope he takes his time for now," was all he could come up with to Jon and Robb's mirth.


Late afternoon, the sun was already beginning to set. Winter was coming, Alyssa knew. It would be getting dark when the ceremony took place; candles and lanterns had already been taken out so there would be adequate lighting for all.

"You look beautiful," Lady Stark exclaimed as she stepped back from adjusting Alyssa's (borrowed from Olivia) makeshift wedding gown. It was forest green and set off her hazel eyes beautifully. Olivia had put powder and rouge on her face to give her a soft glow, and her eyes were twinkling with excitement. Alyssa admired herself in the looking glass, though as she turned to the side she frowned.

"What's the matter? Don't you like it?" Olivia asked in surprise.

"It's beautiful," replied Alyssa, "But I don't have a cloak with my house emblem here,"

"That doesn't matter," said Catelyn, kindly. "You can wear one of mine. It's a Tully cloak, of course, but my sister married your uncle and she was a Tully before an Arryn,"

"Thank you," Alyssa replied gratefully, tears creeping to the corner of her eye at her future good-mother's gesture and the painful memory that her uncle would not witness her marriage. She liked to think he would be proud to see his house and his one-time ward's house unite. As Catelyn left to fetch a cloak, Olivia carefully sat her down in order to do her hair. She left most of it loose, though the front section she pulled off Alyssa's face and fastened it in a delicately elaborate southern curl.

"You'll do," grinned Olivia, stepping back to admire her handy work.

"I'll do?" Alyssa laughed. "Thanks!"

"You look incredible," Olivia admitted, "If I look half as good as you on my wedding day – if I ever get wed, that is – my husband will be most grateful,"

"Theon's already tried his luck with me so I think you're in with a chance," Alyssa winked.

"Who says I'm marrying Theon?" Olivia huffed, turning so Alyssa wouldn't see her cheeks turn red.

"Who would want to?"

"He's not so bad,"

"Not so bad enough to want to marry?"

"Shut up, no talk of any other weddings apart from yours!" Olivia declared, stamping her foot in mock anger. Soon Catelyn arrived with the cloak which she carefully fastened around Alyssa's shoulders, taking care not to disturb her freshly-styled hair.

"OK, are you ready to go to the Godswood?" she smiled, looking happier and lighter than she did since the news of Lord Stark.

"Who will be escorting me?" enquired Alyssa.

"I will," came a deep voice from the doorway. There stood Catelyn's brother, Edmure Tully dressed in all of his finery for the occasion.

"Thank you," Alyssa smiled, taking his outstretched hand which he kissed the back of before tucking her arm into his.

"You're welcome Lady Arryn, now if you'll come with me, your wedding ceremony awaits," Alyssa's throat felt dry as they descended the stairs from her room down to the main building and out into the dusky evening. She could hear music faintly coming from the Godswood, she didn't know what piece it was but it was sweet and slow.

The lanterns had already been lit as it was darker amongst the trees, and there was a small crowd of people who turned and chattered excitedly as she made her way to Robb on Edmure's arm.

Jon felt so guilty, ignoring the rise of bile in his throat as he watched them exchange cloaks in front of the heart tree. He felt worse that he didn't feel guilty about the betrayal as such, just that it had been so long before he'd had her he was relieved it had happened, needed to happen and was every bit as magical as he imagined even though he knew it would never happen again.

They sealed their marriage with a chaste kiss as those who had come to bear witness cheered loudly, with whoops and calls of "King in the North! Queen in the North!". Alyssa's heart felt like it was going to stop with happiness, not only with her husband by her side but that these people accepted her enough to refer to her as their Queen straightaway. In the main hall the servants, under Olivia and Catelyn's instruction, had done a wonderful job. There was plenty of food and drink, and musicians and fools aplenty. Nobody would have thought they were in the middle of a war as the King span his new Queen around the dance floor. Alyssa danced with nearly everybody in attendance, though admittedly only for short stints as having a person growing inside her made her feel tired quickly. One of the few people she did not dance with was Jon, and he was deliberately avoiding her when at all possible as well.

Robb was having a breather at the high table when Theon approached him looking thoughtful.

"Your grace," he greeted him.

"You don't have to call me that when nobody's around," Robb reminded him.

"It's not so bad when you get used to it," Theon shrugged. "Anyway, I've been thinking. In order to get the Lannisters back for what they did to your father, you need to take King's Landing. And for that, you need ships,"

"No shit," Robb replied snappily, wondering why Theon thought his wedding of all times was appropriate to bring this up.

"My father – he has many ships. If you were to declare him King of the Iron Islands again, he'd give you his ships to take King's Landing. I know he will!"

"Are you sure?" Robb focused all his attention on Theon, interested.

"Yes. Send me Robb, I'll treat with him myself,"

"Let me think on it," Robb replied, "Meanwhile, come and have another cup of wine with me, it's my wedding after all," he indicated the chair to his right, the place of honour that had previously been occupied by Edmure Tully.

"Where is your bride?" asked Theon, pouring some more wine. Robb scanned the room and saw her speaking with the she-bear.

"She's in very good hands," Robb smirked. There wasn't a bedding ceremony as such, it would be pointless as most people knew Alyssa was carrying Robb's child anyway but there were still cheers and quips as the newlyweds left together for Robb's chambers. Jon had even been amongst those cheering, convincing himself that the night before had not happened and he was very pleased for his half brother and new good-sister. Olivia sought out Theon, greeting him with a highly inappropriate kiss for a public place, though most were too busy in their own revelry to care.

"Is it time for our bedding yet, Lord Greyjoy?" she asked mockingly, raising her right eyebrow.

"So long as you don't expect us to say any vows first," he winked.

"Unless you vow to fuck me through the mattress this evening," she whispered heavily into his ear.

"If my honour relied on the fruition of that vow, I'd be the most honourable man in Westeros," he replied.

"Shame it doesn't," She giggled, running to her chamber knowing that he would follow.


Alyssa and Robb were lying together, satisfied in the aftermath of their lovemaking.

"At least you know you're definitely getting an heir," she sighed against the curls of his chest, idly running her fingers up and down his arm.

"Mmm," he replied sleepily. "Which reminds me, there's something I need to talk to you about,"

"Oh?"

"We're to march west soon, to the Crag, seat of house Westerling. They're sworn to the Lannisters, yet if I can take their castle it'll put us in even better stead to march against Tywin's army.

"I don't know if travel will be good for the babe,"

"Exactly, I want you to stay here. I'll come back to you as soon as we've secured it, then i'll be here when the babe comes,"

"We're talking a good few months Robb,"

"Which is fine, because I've decided I'm going to send Theon to the Iron Isles to treat with his father, we could use the ships,"

"What?" Alyssa sat up, this was news to her.

"He spoke to me of it this evening, and the more I think on it the more i think it's a good idea, and who better to treat with Balon Greyjoy than his son?"

"But he hasn't seen Theon for years Robb, why would he trust him? Especially coming as envoy of the son of the man who took him hostage?"

"That's exactly why I should send Theon, to show what a man his son's become and that he was treated well during his time with my family. If not, would he be fighting for us now?"

Alyssa knew he was getting annoyed with her, but there was a nagging feeling in her gut that this was wrong. She put it down to hormones and lay back on her husband's – still not quite used to that yet – chest and resumed stroking his arm.


Theon was still awaiting an official answer from Robb regarding Pyke a couple of days later. He was keen to go, but knew better than to push his King for fear of angering him. To Theon it wasn't just rallying more troops for Robb's cause; it was his chance to prove to his father that he was a man now, fighting for the King in the north. It was at the end of another long council meeting, finalising their moves on the Crag that Robb asked Theon to remain behind.

"What is it your Grace?" he asked when they were alone.

"Robb," he replied.

"No, I'm Theon," he smirked, knowing what his friend meant.

"You'll be something in a minute," muttered Robb, trying to conceal his mirth. "I've thought on your proposition, and you will go to Pyke to treat with your father," Robb handed him a scroll with his terms written in his careful hand.

"Thank you, Robb," Theon smiled. He was going home! "When do you require I take leave?"

"As soon as you can, the sooner we get those ships the better,"

"Right away," Theon bowed his head in understanding.

"And don't be too long," Robb added, nothing else needing to be said.

"I won't," Theon replied, a moment shared between them evaporating as Theon turned and left the chamber. If Robb needed his ships soon, Theon would begin his preparations immediately. He'd leave that very afternoon if it were possible. He immediately headed to his own chambers, collaring a couple of servants on the way to help him pack. It wasn't until they were sat to their evening meal that he spoke to Olivia about it, when they were drinking alone together at one of the benches.

"So Lady Dorsinger, I have a proposition for you," he began, his tone making her fully expect it to be something delightfully filthy.

"Go on," she stared at him as she drank from her cup.

"How do you fancy yourself as a salt wife?"

"Literally? What are you not telling me?" Theon took a breath and smiled, trying to make the situation look as appealing as possible.

"I'm going to Pyke, to treat with my father. Might look good if I turn up with a pretty Lady like yourself on my arm,"

"Pah, is that the only reason why?" she scoffed, though knew in the back of her mind the fact he'd asked her at all was something grand for Theon Greyjoy.

"Well, I might enjoy your company a little bit," he shrugged. "And you know you'd miss me, and the things I do to you," he had her there, she had to admit. "So what do you say, fancy the life of a salt wife?"

"I'd rather be your real wife," she answered quickly, the words off her tongue before she could process what she'd said. Theon almost choked on his wine.

"Let's go to Pyke first, hey?" he spluttered, Olivia nodding, too embarrassed to say anything further.


Lord Walder Frey was in his solar, spluttering and shouting in response to Robb Stark's letter.

"This King in the north has only gone and got some girl with child – a lady no less – and bloody married her!" he fumed to his castellan and maester. "He thinks he can make a fool of me? I'll bloody show him!" he continued to rage, and if he had the agility would no doubt be running off the walls in anger.

"My Lord, I have read the letter," his maester soothed. "And you won't actually be losing out. The offer is still there to marry the Lord of Winterfell. Jon Stark is the Lord of Winterfell, and of an age with Roslin. The young wolf has even stated this wedding can take place before the war's end, if you so wish,"

"I still feel this is a slight on my house," Walder sulked, shaking his fist.

"But Lords usually have a habit of outliving Kings. And if Roslin were to marry Robb, she would be Queen but whose queen? And for how long? If he gets taken and his head with him, it would happen to your daughter as well. Being Lady of Winterfell will be a much...safer life for her my Lord and work out better for you in the long run,"

"Hmm," Walder pondered, rubbing his hand through his many sagging chins. "When you put it like that, perhaps Robb Stark has done me a favour. Write back saying I graciously accept those terms, meanwhile I'll need woollen gowns for Roslin," The maester bowed, nodded and left in order to carry out the task.


A response from Castle Black arrived at Riverrun and Jon was on edge, knowing the contents of this letter could seal his fate. If Joer Mormont declared him a deserter, then despite being legitimised Robb would have to execute him. Robb had been in his chambers with the letter for a long time, and Jon felt sick with nerves. Eventually, one of Robb's men came to summon him. With heavy feet, he dragged himself to his destination. He noticed every tile, brick and piece of fabric on his journey as if he were walking to his doom and this was his last glimpse of life. He knocked on the door, and Robb called him in.

"Tell me," Jon said immediately, forgetting that it was the King he was addressing as well as his half brother.

"Jon, sit down," Robb invited, his face displaying no emotion. This had to be bad, Jon thought. If Theon hadn't left for Pyke, he would probably have given it away as Theon wasn't as controlled as Robb at controlling his body language.

Jon sat.

"Joer Mormont sends his regards, though politely reminding me that the Night's Watch takes no part in any wars or differences between the houses of Westeros.. bla..bla..bla.." Robb began. "And while he appreciates your intention of riding south, it pains him that you deserter because, he regrets to inform me..." Robb paused and looked at Jon who, if possible for his, looked paler and scared.

"Get on with it," Jon urged, graces gone out of the window.

"Regrets to inform me that you were the best damn steward he had, and can only hope that the Lannister prisoners we're sending him to half as good a job up there," Robb smiled. "And he says you're to visit him when your'e settled in as Lord of Winterfell," The smile that spread across Jon's face was magical, Robb had never seen him so happy before.

"So I'm not going to die," Jon grinned.

"Not by my hand," Robb affirmed, grabbing his half-brother in an embrace. "And I hope not by anyone else's because you'll be no use to me dead at The Crag," Jon hugged Robb back, it felt like his life had begun again.


Alyssa began to worry as her stomach grew. Robb had been away for a few months and she was cranky and restless; communication had been few and far between. The last she'd heard was that they had taken the castle, though Robb had received an arrow injury and was being tended back to health before riding back to her. Another two months passed, and she knew it would only be a matter of weeks before she gave birth. Catelyn had travelled between Winterfell and Rivverrun, spending a month in each to look after her sons and her good-daughter. Bran had wanted to come back with her but she firmly stated there must always be a Stark in Winterfell, and he had been doing such a good job so far she was proud of him.

At last, the day came when Robb returned. Alyssa couldn't move as quickly as she would have liked due to the size of her stomach, but she hurried as soon as she heard they were in sight. She impatiently waited in the courtyard, and the sounds of shouts and horses grew nearer. Robb wasn't bringing his whole army back, the majority were posted back out west. But she recognised him straight away, and wanted to run right up to him. Jon was riding proudly beside him, and she knew their secret would be safe.

As soon as Robb spied his wife, he leapt from his horse and passed the reins to the nearest person – in this case it happened to be Jon – as he sprinted towards her and warpped her in his arms.

"I can barely fit my arms around you," he laughed. Alyssa would normally have hit him but she was too happy to do anything but squeeze him back.

"Welcome back," she murmured, tears pricking the corner of her eyes.

"I missed you so much," he moaned into her hair, not letting go despite his retinue getting to work putting the horses away around him.

"I missed you too, i don't want to be without you again," she replied. She walked with Robb to his chambers, grateful he kept to her slow, waddly pace.

"Any word from Theon?" he asked hopefully.

"No," Alyssa shook her head. "And I would have thought Olivia would have written before now, though I have heard nothing from her either,"

"I'm sure there's no need to worry," Robb soothed, though he was worried, it had been several months since Theon had left for the Iron Isles, and he had not heard a thing from him or his father. There was a bath ready and waiting for him when he reached his chambers, and clean clothes laid out courtesy of Alyssa. "How have you been anyway, everything OK with our baby?"

"Everyone's been so nice to me and I feel really looked after," she smiled. "Let me look after you now," he didn't object as she helped him remove his clothes before he eased into the bath. She took the cloth and gently washed him, grunting when her stomach got in the way.

"I can manage you know," he frowned, not wanting her to exert herself in these late stages of pregnancy.

"I'm fine," she snapped, not meaning to. "Sorry," she smiled again, continuing her work. Once he was clean, dry and in fresh clothes he felt a lot better. Though nothing could compare with lying on the bed with Alyssa, her stomach resting on his, with his hands on her stomach, being able to feel his child moving against him.

Weeks later, Alyssa went into labour. It lasted all day and most of the night, and Robb felt helpless knowing there was nothing he could do apart from pace up and down outside her bedchamber. He did not eat or sleep and it was a wonder he did not pass out from exhaustion, but he reasoned if Alyssa could go through it with all of the pain then he could show a little patience as well.

He stopped when Alyssa went silent and the silence was filled with a piercing loud cry. Heart hammering in his chest, he froze, waiting for someone to come and say or do something. He did not have to wait long, as his mother opened the door with a smile on her tired face.

"Come and meet your son," she held her hand out to him, proudly leading the new father to her first grandson.

The tiny thing was lying in Alyssa's arms, red-faced and cross looking as he took in his surroundings. He had the stark look – brown hair and a long face though babies' faces got so mashed up sometimes it was difficult to determine what the eventual features would be.

"He's wonderful," Robb grinned, just staring.

"Do you want to hold him?" Alyssa asked in a whispery voice, though the smile on her face indicated she was fine.

"What if I break him?" Robb answered worriedly.

"You won't," Alyssa assured him. "And he needs a name," Alyssa held out her arms gently, and with Catelyn's help Robb took his tiny son into his arms, his eyes never leaving the babe's.

"Every Stark family needs a Brandon," Robb murmured.

"Do you not want to name him after your father?" Alyssa asked, puzzled as she was sure that was what Robb would have chosen. Robb took his eyes off Brandon for a moment to look at her.

"When this war is won, the first child we have after that will be named for my father as he won't be here to share the victory," Robb pledged. He looked to his mother who despite her smile had tears rolling down her cheeks.

"First grandchild," she offered with a smiling sob, though Alyssa and Robb knew the real reason.

"Go on Mother, hold him," Robb offered his son to his mother who gratefully but carefully cradled him to her chest.

"He's beautiful," she declared, gently rocking him. It had only been six years since she had last had a babe in arms, and no doubt had Ned lived they may have had more. But she could not think on that – her children and grandchild needed her now and she would be strong for them.

They were all surprised at the next visitor who knocked tentatively on the door. Robb went to open it.

"Jon!" he cried, "Come in and meet your nephew!" Jon smiled – genuinely smiled. He was at leace with what had happened now. He didn't think he'd be able to cope with the birth of Alyssa's child, because of the fact it wasn't his, but seeing the love and happiness in Robb's eyes whenever he spoke of them made him realise he was being selfish and stupid.

Despite Catelyn's reservations toward him, she held out Brandon for him to take into his own arms, terrified but at the same time utterly spellbound by the newborn.

"What's his name?" Jon asked Alyssa.

"Brandon," she replied proudly. Jon nodded and smiled, before handing Brandon back to his mother.

"Anyway gentlemen, if you'll be so kind as to leave, I need to feed this little one in private," she gave Robb a knowing look.

"I think it's a good time to drink to the Prince of the North's health!" Robb declared.

"Hear hear!" Jon chorused, wrapping his arm around his brother's shoulders leading him out of the room. As Alyssa fed Brandon under her good-mother's guidance, she smiled to herself.

At least something beautiful had come out of this war.

~fin~

A/N So there it is, my first complete GoT fiction that took bloody long enough to write! Any feedback is very welcome, I may continue aspects of this fics with characters in the future as well as working on other stuff. I finish uni in a matter of weeks which means I'll have a lot more time for fun writing, until then I wish you all the very best and again, thanks for reading and sticking with it!