The Black Wolf & The Mother of Dragons

by kinginthenorth23

James Stark sits at the Wall as eight years have passed since the events of AGOT. Just as he thought he was done with getting involved in the realms activities and the Seven Kingdom's were at peace, Daenerys Targaryen captures King's Landing. However she has other plans... A story of love and betrayal. This story is post ASOIAF saga and AU. Dany/OC. Arya/Gendry. Jon/Sansa/Arianne.

37. Chapter 37 Lyanna I

A/N: Second to last and this time I am serious, haha. Another time skip here. We're about two years into their fostering.

So that means Robert is 16; Ned is 15; Lyanna is 15. All the other children are two years older but since they are not in this chapter, it does not matter.

New characters in this. Alerie is 13; Victaria is 11; Minisa is 12.

Chapter 37 Lyanna I

Lyanna

"When does the queen want me to write her letters for her?" Lyanna Baratheon asked.

Alerie shrugged. "As soon as you can, Lya. Why, is there somewhere you have to be? Perhaps to see Eddard?" She grinned.

Lyanna felt her face flush. "No, no. I just wanted a moments respite before I did that. Writing ravens is such tedious work, I don't know how my uncle must have done it when he was king."

"At least that is all you have to do!" Alerie complained. "Trust me, Queen Selyse makes me do much worse. Minisa, too."

Lyanna couldn't help but laugh at that, Alerie tended to exaggerate like her mother.

Alerie was the daughter of Willas Tyrell and Arianne Martell, Robert's own betrothed. She was a girl of three-and-ten. She had her mothers raven hair, her mothers body but had her fathers eyes and face. Lyanna thought her very comely and Robert had taken a liking to her. Alerie had inherited her mothers Dornish wit, as Ned liked to say. She often had a retort for one of Robert's gaudy jests, or knew how to make his blood boil just for a laugh. Lya loved her.

The second girl Lyanna had befriended in King's Landing was the daughter of Tommen Lannister and Margaery Tyrell. Her name was Victaria and was very beautiful, as befitting a daughter of Margaery and Tommen. She was only eleven. Victaria had her mothers curling brown hair, her figure even, but her eyes were as emerald as a Lannister. She was betrothed to Lyanna's younger brother Edric. He was now in Winterfell being fostered by their uncle Bran. Victaria and Edric had been writing each other since the news of their betrothal, and she desperately wanted to meet him. Lya knew he would maybe come down with her uncle and aunt from Winterfell, and Jaime would be coming with her parents. He was now in Storm's End fostering with her father, it was a trade, so to speak, between her uncle Bran and father.

There was also Lyanna's great-cousin, Minisa Tully. She looked like her mother, Roslin. She had auburn hair, was short and had brown eyes. Lyanna had grown closer with her than the rest. Since they were related by blood, Lyanna felt she could be close with her. She liked Alerie for her wit and how she kept her brother in-line. Victaria was a good friend too, but it was Minisa who she had grown closer with. Minisa was named after Lord Edmure's mother who had died on the birthing bed.

"It cannot be too bad, Alerie."

"It is bad, Lyanna. Anyway, are you excited to see your parents and aunt and uncle in a moons turn? Even your cousin and brother?"

Lya smiled. "Of course. I've missed them so much." She giggled. "I know your mother is excited to see my uncle again."

Lady Arianne had come into the city to see her daughter. Lord Willas was supposed to come as well but he could not, for Highgarden needed him. Arianne Martell was someone that Lyanna admired, and how she had beamed when she saw Lya again after ten years. Arianne had known her as a child when her uncle was king and her mother upon the small council. She was supposed to be married to her uncle Jon, but that fell through. Lya knew that she still spoke to her uncle James through raven, and they were good friends. She knew Arianne was excited to see him after so long. Now she was happy as the Lady of Highgarden and Lord Willas's wife.

At that Alerie gave a large laugh. "My mother is filled with nerves and excitement. She hasn't seen James Stark in years, although they write each other all the time!"

"Much to his wife's chagrin."

Alerie raised a black eyebrow. "What do you mean? Is Lady Daenerys the jealous type?"

Lya nodded. "Oh, very much so. I mean, I love that woman so much but she is overly jealous. I know that my uncle would never be unfaithful to her. He loves her like-"

"-like you love Ned," Alerie jested.

Lya blushed and scowled. "Yes, I suppose. I do…love him, yet he won't see my worth."

"He will soon, Lyanna. You're too pretty for him not to notice."

At that Lyanna smiled. "Thank you, Alerie. Although I must say you are quite pretty yourself. Robert has taken a liking I heard."

She rolled her eyes. "My betrothed is a dullard, but a sweet, lovable, handsome dullard. I wouldn't change him for the world."

"Lyanna!" Robert's voice called out from behind her. Lyanna saw Alerie's face turn a shade of crimson as her betrothed neared. She had taken a liking to Lya's brother, as most maidens did.

Lyanna turned around to see her brother coming towards her dressed in his daily clothing of a tunic with breeches. It was hot in King's Landing. His coal hair was down to his shoulders, his beard was of the same shade. Robert was sixteen now, while Lya and Ned were fifteen. He had grown stronger, too. His muscles visible through his tunic. It is why so many girls liked him. Yet Robert had not changed and still kept his womanizing ways. Alerie did not like that, even at thirteen she voiced her displeasure. Lya liked that about her.

Robert closed the distance between them and gave Alerie a smile before addressing Lyanna. "Lya," he said, "Ned received a raven from Winterfell this morning. It held dire news..."

Lyanna felt her eyes grow wide, she feared something horrible had happened. Was it her grandmother? She knew Catelyn Tully had grown older but not that old. She was still very youthful and beautiful. "Is it Grandmother, Robert?" If it was so, she would cry right at this moment. "Please tell me it isn't…"

He raised an eyebrow. "No, it isn't about our grandmother! Lady Catelyn is still in very good health. Gods forbid anything happens to that woman. I love her too much." Robert paused for a moment but then continued, "The raven is from Casella. I fear the worse has happened Lyanna."

Lyanna felt a sensation of relief, yet sadness. She knew what he was talking about. Casella and Ned had grown apart since his fostering began. Eddard had feared it since leaving Winterfell, she knew. It had been two years since then. Lyanna had to find that out from Robert at first. Eddard did not speak to Lyanna much when they went down south, he could not even look at her. He held her hand when the carriage moved from Winterfell, for comfort, Lya deduced. She could still remember when she professed her love to him in the godswood, had pressed her lips to his and it awoke something inside her. It felt so right when he kissed her. Lya could remember how he groaned, how his tongue lavished under hers…she wanted to feel it again. Ned and her had grown closer, of course. She and him were close to being something, being a couple. Lyanna Baratheon knew he felt something for her - Alerie, Victaria and Minisa saw it too - and had to discover the truth.

He had kissed her once since that night, in the godswood in King's Landing, right where his own mother and father shared their first kiss. King Stannis had to hold a feast for some lords that came in from the Reach which meant that Lyanna and Ned had to go. They both got drunk that night, Eddard especially. It was then that he professed that her kiss had awoken something in him, that he probably felt something for her. He then said he wanted to kiss her again, and Lyanna let him. It was just as sweet as the first time, if not even more so. It had lasted longer than the first, he had used way more tongue. Yet at the time it happened he was still writing to Casella and the guilt came again the next day. Ned did not talk to her for a while after that, but soon it gave way as Casella began to write him less and less.

Lyanna knew it would happen, she was sure it would happen. Ned and Sella were only thirteen, still children in a sense. Lyanna knew that they were not old enough to have a love that could last the test of time. They had loved each other since they were children, Lyanna had to sit there and witness each kiss or laugh from Casella's mouth, the pang of jealousy hitting her each time that Ned did not look at her that way. Now that Casella and him were more than likely done, Lyanna could show him her heart. She had wanted to for the longest time and knew Ned did as well. "One day you'll see its worth," she had cursed him in the godswood those two years ago. Now it was Lyanna who's comfort he sought, not Casella. She wondered if Ned loved her, he had never said it. She would have to find out.

Lyanna gasped and covered her mouth. "Oh, no. How is he Robert?"

"He is in his chambers, Lya. I fear that he has taken it hard."

"Does he ask for me?"

Robert nodded and rolled his eyes. "Yes, he does. Go see him, Lya. He needs you now more than ever." After that he strode away.

Robert had found out that Lyanna loved Ned, although she did not know how. Eddard claimed that he told Robert nothing, but she wasn't so sure. Perhaps Robert had always known but said nothing. One day he came to her and told her that he knew. "How long have you loved him?" he asked. Robert was never serious, but to this he was. His brown eyes did not lie. Lya had never seen her elder brother serious about many things, but when he was…it was a sight to behold. Lyanna then replied, "Since I was a girl, Robert." He sighed and rolled his eyes. Robert then told her that if she was to be with someone, he was glad it was Ned. It took time for him to accept it but he eventually did. Although he did warn her that their father would not take kind to it. For Lyanna would possibly be betrothed to a lordling to a higher house, even though she would not allow it. There was nobody she wanted to spend the rest of her life with besides Eddard. She would run away with him if it came down to it, as her namesake did with Rhaegar Targaryen. She just hoped it didn't start a war.

Lyanna looked to Alerie who smiled and waived away her worry. "Go to the man you love, Lyanna. This may be the chance you get to show your worth."

Lya smiled and hugged her, she appreciated her support. Alerie was the first to know about her love for Eddard. Ned would speak with her each morning as the king and queen would break their fast, they'd speak as friends and cousins but there was something there. Lyanna would flirt with him openly, not caring about the propriety of it all. He would flirt with her too, and the other ladies took notice. Alerie was the first, she asked one day, "So how long have you loved your cousin?" Lyanna almost spit up her wine then. She felt she could trust Alerie and told her all the truth. Alerie wanted her to be with Ned then and made it her life's mission to do so.

Soon Ned and Lya's morning conversations lingered into the evening after supper, and in the moment before going retreating their chambers for the night, Ned would spend it with her. Normally he would with Robert, they'd either spar again or simply play a game of cyvasse. But as Robert's relationship with Alerie grew and he spent more time with her, Ned spent more with Lya. They began to walk in the gardens then, arm-in-arm.

It was something they did before supper with the royal family. At first it was arm-in-arm, a common form of manners that lords and ladies did. Soon it became holding hands. Ned told her that he had grown to like her, not love her, but like her. For he still held on to the hope for him and Casella. Lyanna was already besotted with him, she didn't know if Ned was there yet. Ned said he wanted to marry her when they returned up north if things fell through with Casella, but Lya didn't know if he was telling the truth or simply saying it to reassure her nerves. He would call her, "his sweet." At times he referred to her as "Sweet Lya," or "Pretty Lya." Buts he didn't know how he felt, Lyanna would have to find out.

Maegor's Holdfast was quite, although Lyanna did not know why. Usually it was bustling with servants and more servants. But today it was different. Lord Davos was holding his small council meeting in a few moments, she knew. Lyanna did not have much time to speak with Ned. He and Robert had so many responsibilities. In the mornings they'd sit in on small council meetings, afterwards they'd have lunch. After lunch they'd sit in on pleas and then have a lesson with the Grand Maester before supper. It was only after supper or in the morning that he and Robert would spar together.

Samwell Tarly, the Grand Maester, was a man that Lyanna had come to love. He was the man who brought her, Ned, Robert, and Rhaella into this world. When he saw her again for the first time in over ten years, he stammered and smiled. The fat maester was good-hearted and was a great friend to the Starks of Winterfell. Uncle Jon was his best friend, they wrote each other constantly.

Lyanna reached his chambers and gave the door a stern knock. At first there was no answer. She used this time to straighten out her dress, shake out her curled hair, and puff out her bosom - it had grown since she gone down south. Lya always had to look pretty in front of Eddard.

Finally his sweet voice wrung out. "Who is it?"

Lyanna cleared her throat before answering, "It is me, Ned. It is Lyanna."

"Come in."

Lyanna opened the door and found him sitting on the bed, looking out the window. Eddard had grown since that boy of thirteen who left with her to King's Landing. He had grown taller, stronger, even more handsome, if that was even possible. He now wore a stubbled beard of brown upon his face and wore his hair below the ear. She thought it made him looked more older and refined.

His chambers were modest in size, they all were. There was a nice sized feathered bed in the middle against the wall, a large window with white drapes which overlooked the city of King's Landing below. The drapes were open which let all the light inside and illuminated the room. Beside the bed was a night table which held candles and a mirror. His chamber pot was in-front of the hearth. Ned liked to keep his chambers small and modest.

Lyanna further into the chambers and closed the door behind her, locking it. She didn't want anyone to hear this conversation. She studied Ned in this moment, knew the strength in his arms and the man that existed underneath. Ned had a giant heart, a part of himself that not many people knew about. He cared about what others thought of him, even though he seemed so secluded in Winterfell. One thing that bothered him that Lya never knew about was his relationship with Rhaella. Lyanna and Rhaella are as close as fish are to the sea, but Ned was not that way with his sister. It had bothered him for years and Lya never knew. There wasn't much she knew about him before their fostering.

Lyanna closed the distance between them and walked over to sit down beside him, flattening her blue silken dress. She sat there and stared out the window with him, looking down at the smoke coming down from the houses in Flea Bottom or the men-at-arms that were patrolling the crenelations of the Red Keep. Lya thought King's Landing to be beautiful in a way. It could not compare to Winterfell in her mind but she was used to the South and its ways, something that was completely lost to Eddard.

They sat there in relative silence, neither of them saying a word. Lya knew that he would speak to her in time, he just needed to collect his thoughts. Ned was like that, so like a northmen even though he was born in this exact city, this exact holdfast.

Finally he rested his head against her shoulder, sighing heavily. Lyanna's heart fluttered and threatened to burst from her chest. Her ribcage constricted, her breathing faltered. Never had he shown her so much emotion without it being a special occasion. Sure he had hugged her, held her hand, kissed her once…but, this…seeking comfort from her, was greater than any kiss. He trusted her, and that trust was important.

Lyanna frowned and leaned her head on top of his, as if she was saying, "I am here for you."

Ned sighed against her shoulder and said, "It finally happened, Lya. I finally received the raven I've been waiting for."

"What raven?" she asked.

Ned sat up straight and sighed heavily before placing the message in her hands. "Read it, Lya. It-it's from Sella." He shook his head.

Lyanna turned to kiss him on the cheek before turning her attention to the raven. She began to read as Ned placed his head on her shoulder again, looking for that comfort he sought, like a child does his mother or a husband his wife. Lyanna flattened the raven scroll with the palm of her hand and saw the dainty writing that could only come from Casella. She saw it was a long message and finally she began to read. It was exactly what she had expected would happen. Casella had found love in another mans arms, a boy from the guard named Addam. "I will always love you, Ned," the message read. "I'll always remember you, I'll always cherish you as my first love, the boy who took my maidens gift. But you've been gone for too long and I can't wait for you anymore. I'm sorry, but I've found love with another. His name is Addam and he is in the guard. He is a nobleman's son and arrived at Winterfell with his family a year ago. I've been with him for the past half-year…"

Lyanna could not read the rest.

She crumpled it into a ball and threw it against the wall in clear anger. What a bitch, she thought, the wolfsblood upon her. Casella broke his heart, hurt him, and that alone made Lyanna upset. Ned had seen this coming, yet the sting was still keenly felt. He wanted to keep loving Casella until he returned to Winterfell but it seemed that she did not care anymore. When Ned arrived he wrote her as much as he could, looked forward to her ravens. And they came as frequently as they could, and then they came less and less. Lyanna knew what was happening then, Sella had found another, just as this message stated. I warned him, I warned him and he wouldn't listen. Even his own father did. I'm surprised Rhaella said nothing. Why must she put him through this?

Ned sniffled and stood from the bed to look out the window. Lyanna sighed to herself and watched as he leaned against it with his hands, in his brown woolen breeches and white tunic. She could see how much this hurt him.

"You knew it was bound to happen, Ned," Lyanna said, her voice dripping with remorse. "You saw it coming, you knew it and I knew it."

"I know," he said softly, his back still turned to her. Ned was fifteen, but he seemed like a child in this moment. "I just didn't expect her to wait so long or be so cold. I-I loved her, Lya. She was my first love, my first everything. I had loved her since I was a boy." He turned around to look at her with sad eyes, his lips in a frown. "The way she broke it to me, as if I meant nothing to her. I'm at a loss for words."

Lyanna gave him a solemn smile. "Ned, I'm sorry. I know how this must hurt you."

He shook his head and smiled now. "At least I have you, Lyanna. I should be apologizing to you."

"For what?"

He got down on one knee before her, taking her hands. He looked up at her with those pleading silver eyes she loved. "For being so blind," he answered. "Blind to your love. I-I didn't know, I never knew. If only I had known when I was four, perhaps we could have been together."

I want us to be together now. Lyanna knew he liked her, she could feel it in her bones. If only he wasn't so stubborn at times. "Ned, you know my feelings for you. Why can't we be together? Do you not like me?"

He seemed surprised and startled, perhaps he did not expect this. "I-I don't know what to say, Lyanna."

"It is pretty simple, Ned. What do you feel for me?"

"I don't know," he answered truthfully. "I do like you in a way, perhaps I do love you…" He shook his head. "We are cousins, Lyanna."

Now she groaned in-anger, Lya had enough. She had waited too long for this moment and would not accept no as an answer. "I do not care!" she snapped at him with anger, her eyes wide. "I don't care if we are cousins! Gods, do you think Aunt Sansa and Uncle Jon do not love each other?"

He shook his head like a child.

"Why does it matter?" she asked. Lyanna felt the wolfsblood now. "Ned, I love you so much. You know I do." She grabbed his hand again and pressed a kiss to it. "If only you gave me the chance to show you. I could be as Casella was, perhaps even more. I promise to love and cherish you, I pro-"

He pressed finger to her mouth and said, "I know you do. I just don't know what I feel yet. It would be as if I were betraying Robert."

She removed his finger from her lips. "Robert knows!" Lya yelled. "He has known for a long time, and encourages it. Ned, stop being so stubborn! I know you feel something for me! I felt it when we kissed in the godswood all those years ago, and I knew when you kissed me again during that feast in-front of the nobles!" She smiled. "Just tell me you love me."

He blushed under his brown stubble. "I can't."

Lyanna had him now, she couldn't stop. "I know you do. I can see it in the way you blush. Kiss me, Ned. Kiss me."

"I won't!" he yelled in grief. Lya saw him glance quickly to her lips before looking back at her. He wants to kiss me, but honor holds him in-check. He is a Stark. "I just can't, Lya. Casella is still too fresh on my mind."

"Casella is kissing another man as we speak," Lya reminded him, it was as if she had just slapped him in the face. "She has forgotten about you, Ned."

Ned shook his head. "I can't accept that, I won't accept that. I know Casella-" he took in a deep breath, as if he was holding back tears. "I know she…"

Eddard stood up and turned around so she wouldn't face him. Lya knew he wouldn't let her see him so vulnerable, at least not yet. Instead she stood up and walked over to pull him into a hug. Ned took it willingly and pressed his face against her neck, Lya could feel tears. She made soothing sounds and threaded his hair with her fingers, comforting him as a mother did her child, as her mother used to do for her as a babe. Lyanna could still remember Arya Stark's hugs, her soothing sounds that rocked her into a deep sleep.

Lyanna kissed his hair. "It will be all right, Ned. I assure you that Sella will know the mistake she made by leaving you. You're a good man, Eddard. You loved her through all of this, your love never wavered. It is her who did not care, who simply stopped because you were not there. She may have never truly loved you, just the Targaryen prince."

Ned pulled from her hug and wiped his tears, nodding. "I think that may be the truth. Rhaella once told me that Sella only loved me for our heritage, because of who I was, not for who I am. I didn't believe her, but now…I can see it. If she can easily throw me away like yesterdays left overs, then she never loved me." He laughed again. "I can't believe you saw me cry. Please don't think me weak. I'm a fool."

Lya shook her head. "I'd never think you weak, Ned. You're a human, human's have emotions. You've loved her since you were a boy."

"You love me. You truly do for who I am, but I cannot give you all of my love yet."

"Why not?"

"Because I cannot be hurt again."

"Ned," Lya said cooly, "I will never hurt you."

He shook his head. "I know you won't, Lya. But…you are a daughter of Storm's End, and will be betrothed to a lordling. We can never be."

Lyanna crossed her arms. "I won't be sold like cattle, Ned. I will not be betrothed to anyone! I want to marry you and only you! I love you! I will tell my father when I see him. I don't care."

That made Ned scared, she saw. "Your father? Gods, we'd have to tell our whole family if something came between us."

There was that word again…"if." Lyanna wanted to shake him, slap him, beat his chest with her hands until it wrung into his thick northern skull. How much more did she have to prove her love? Did she have to kill someone? Throw herself from the Red Keep? What was it….

"What do I have to do to show you that I love you?" she asked. "Ned, please tell me, please. Why must you act like this with me?"

He shook his head and cupped her cheek. His fingers were calloused from the sword. "It is just the way I am, Lya. I cannot just give you all of my love when I still feel something for Casella. I understand that you love me, and one day…I will say those words to you. Just not yet, I promise."

"Do you not desire me?" Lya asked. "Do you not find me pretty?"

Ned was taken back, she saw. "Of course, I do. You're so beautiful and pretty. I just…we our family, I'm afraid to tell them. Our parents will not like it, I doubt they know."

"My mother knows," Lya blurted. Her mother had known since Lya was a girl, she even told her once when she was naught but four. Even Daenerys Targaryen knew, and her aunt Sansa as well. Aunt Sansa and Lya were close. Her aunt supported her love for Ned, even his own mother did. She didn't let him reply. "Your mother knows too, Ned. Aunt Sansa does as well. Pray tell, what do you think Sansa Targaryen thinks?"

"She supports it," he said melancholically. "I know her better than most. She'd support that."

"Because she married her own cousin," Lya reminded him again.

"Yes, you love reminding me of that. Just-" He looked outside and back at Lyanna. "I must go to the small council meeting. I-I have to go."

Ned took her in a quick embrace, pressed a kiss to her cheek, braced her shoulders and said, "Thank you. I don't say that nearly enough."

He began to walk towards the door when Lyanna blurted, "Court me."

Eddard stopped in his tracks and turned around. "Excuse me? I don't think I want to do that."

Lyanna raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

He blushed. "Uh, you know-"

"No, you dolt!" Lyanna laughed. "I said, court me not…well, you know! I think we should court, Ned."

"Court?" he said, abashed. "I don't understand." He went towards the door. "Lya, really, I must get going…"

"It'll take a moment," she assured. "Lord Davos is not the king, he won't be angry if you are a few moments late. He likes you, Ned."

Ned face softened at that revelation. "Yes, you are right. Explain what you mean."

Lyanna sighed. "Has your father taught you nothing?! How did he meet your mother?"

"She chose him as her king and consort," he said without hesitation. "Why do you ask?"

Lyanna sighed heavily. "Yes, that is true, but your father also courted your mother before they wed. Ned, they got to know each other. That is what I am asking. Court me, give me a chance. You don't have to kiss me until you've fallen for me. That is all I ask. Court me, get to know the real me. That is all I ask."

She could his face battle with this revelation. Lya saw he wanted to, but something was holding him back. He then said, "How long will the courting last?"

"As long as need be," Lya answered. "Here, we have at least a moons turn and possibly two before our parents arrive. It took your father about the same amount of time. My mother told me it took him even less."

Ned shook his head. "I want to, Lyanna, but Sella-"

"-Casella is with another man in this moment, Ned. Can you not see that? She moved on, quick as a viper. You should do the same, can do the same. Do you not want happiness?"

"Of course I do," he said softly, almost in a whisper. "Yet-"

"-This is the most honorable thing a man can do for a lady. Courting is a northern custom, it is honorable and held in high regard."

Ned took a deep breath and nodded. "Fine. We can court, Lya. Except, how does one court?"

"We spend every moment together," Lyanna told him. "We break our fast together, walk in the gardens, speak at supper. We get to know each other, Ned. That is all."

Ned nodded again and went to the door. He flashed her a smile. "I look forward to this courting, Lyanna Baratheon. I-I hope to love you as much as I did Casella. Although, that won't happen in a fortnight or a moons turn…it will in-time. I think I may already be half-way there."

He then strode from the chamber. Lyanna let out a deep sigh and fell onto the bed, as if she were an egg cooking in the sun. She felt her heart flutter, her nerves beat. Her every being was drained by this. We are at least getting somewhere, she assured herself. Gods, why is this so difficult? Lyanna felt as if she had just battled a bull with her bear hands. Ned was a northmen and they were so stoic and solemn. Lya was of the South, she had always felt that way. The North was just so lost to her, in a way. She loved Winterfell, loved her family, but she had always known the southern culture because she had grown up in it. The men of the South were not that honorable.

The boys at Storm's End often gawked at Lya openly, none of them cared about the propriety of it all. Lyanna only sighed, rolled her eyes, and figured they were vultures. One of them had the audacity to ask for her hand in open court, one of them tried to kiss her, something that she only slapped him in the face for. Sure, some of them were comely and could have caught her eye…were it not for Eddard, it was always because of Ned. She had loved him all her life, since she was just a little girl. Lya had been waiting, hoping, praying for an opportunity to show her worth. Now she had that chance; Lyanna had to make it count.

She walked out of the chamber then and closed the door behind her. Lyanna marched down to the queen's solar in Maegor's, it was down in the lower levels. Queen Selyse was not found there, of course. King Stannis had made her an advisor on his small council, even though Ned had told her he didn't want to. Custom dictated that the queen sat upon the council, unless the king wished against it. Queen Cersei Lannister was not on the court when Lya's own grandfather was alive, but Daenerys Targaryen had been when her uncle James was king.

It was because of this that she had to write the queen's own personal ravens, something a lady-in-waiting was supposed to do. Lya thought it tedious work but at least it gave her something to do. In the morning after breaking her fast she'd usually write the letters while the queen was at the small council. After that Lya then had lessons in etiquette and needlework from the septa. Then after lunch she'd have to make sure the servants were doing their work and have a lesson with the Grand Maester concerning the learning of languages, but that was not today; which then concluded in either going horse riding with Princess Shireen or having to relay messages on the queen's behalf. It was tedious work but paid off in the end because at least after supper she had free time to spend with her friends or Ned.

Lyanna now sat in the queen's solar, idly writing the raven scrolls. She had a cup of wine there to help make the time pass, but it was to no avail. Lya was replying to a raven from the Vale, it was concerning grain supplies. She didn't know why this person wrote the queen for more grain, but they did. The queen could only reply that she'd speak with the king about it.

Lya rotated her wrist, it had come sore from writing. She then stood up from her seat and walked over to look out the window into the city. King's Landing was not as beautiful as Storm's End, and could not even compare to Winterfell. The Red Keep was beautiful, of course, but the rest of the city she could do without. She knew that Aegon the Dragon first landed her during his War of Conquest and this is why it was the capitol, but, truly, she thought, they could have done better. The houses were too neat in row, some of them so small. Flea Bottom, newly repaired from the fires of when Stannis took the city, was all but new. The rush was back to its health as well. Yet Lya missed her home, wanted to go back. Just one more year.

A knock came on the door then and Lyanna was startled. It might be the queen! Lya sat down in her seat again, scooting it in before taking the feather quill in hand. She downed her cup of wine and threw the goblet under the table. "Come in."

The door creaked open and Victaria came in with two servants, Minisa with her. Lyanna sighed in-relief.

Victaria smiled. "Hello, Lya."

"Hello, Victaria."

Minisa came in the solar and said, "The small council meeting is running into the lunch hour, I fear. The queen will be there for quite some time. The Greyjoys, it is nasty business. We brought lunch and figured we'd sup with you." She flashed her a smile.

Lya knew what she was talking about. King Stannis had left the city with an army of men from all over the South to head to the Iron Islands. There were talks of rebellion again from Asha Greyjoy. So, King Stannis went over with a few thousand men to make sure that she would not try anything. Lyanna didn't know why the Greyjoy's tried so hard, they never will get independence. She thought her grandfather, Robert Baratheon, already taugth them that.

Lyanna laughed. "Oh, you have come at the greatest time! I couldn't write another raven scroll if my life depended on it! Truly, I don't know how my uncle did it."

The girls nodded and took their seats. Two servants came in and laid down plates of food for each of them. Dove pies, with leeks and carrots. Fresh bread and a flagon of wine. One good thing that came from King's Landing was the food was fresh and good. Lya never went hungry.

Lyanna poured the girls some wine before beginning to eat. The dove pie was good and flaky in her mouth as she ate. She wiped her mouth and swallowed before asking, "Where is Alerie?"

"She's with her betrothed," said Vicataria, giggling. She was a romantic. When they first arrived at King's Landing, Victaria had said she had eyes for Eddard. Lyanna quickly shot down that notion. "I think she is quite taken with your brother, although she'll never admit it."

"I don't know why," Minisa added. "I think they look quite charming beside each other."

Lyanna rolled her eyes and laughed. "That's good to know. They are supposed to spend the rest of their lives with each other."

"As I will with your brother." Victaria blushed. "Is it true he is coming with your parents?"

Lya nodded. "Yes, it is. Edric…he's excited. My baby brother will not be so little anymore."

"I'm sure it will be fine," Minisa assured. She cleared her throat. "I heard a story today."

"What story?" asked Lya, swallowing a bite of carrot before taking a sip of wine.

Minisa swirled her cup and said, "Word is that you are courting Eddard."

Lya almost spit up her wine then. Gods, word travels fast around here doesn't it? There are no secrets in King's Landing, my mother told me. I guess it is true. Garlan Tyrell, the Master of Whispers, had spies all over the Red Keep. Mayhaps one of them overheard? It would not surprise Lya if he knew of her taking fancy to her own cousin. Not that she really cared, mind you.

"Where did you hear that?!"

She shrugged. "Lady Arianne, in fact."

Lya was surprised. "Lady Arianne, how-"

"-She overheard you talking to Ned this morning," Victaria explained. "Alerie then told us, because her mother told her. Courting? Is it true?"

"Oh, please, do tell us, Lya!" Minisa begged. "Is it true?"

"You two are worse than a couple of fishwives." Lya smiled to herself as she recalled what Tyrion Lannister used to call her, Rhaella, Darci, Beth and Casella. The group of gossiping fishwives, he'd always jest. How she missed that dwarf. "Fine, I'll tell you." Lya tried to hold back her smile, but failed. "Yes, it is true. Ned has agreed to court me."

Victaria squealed in excitement, Minisa clenched Lya's hand. "I'm so happy for you," Minisa said. "Why did he agree?"

"Yes, how did you convince him?" Victaria asked.

"He and Casella are no longer," Lya told them, the shock plain on their faces. "She has found love in another's arms, it seems. His name is Addam, a member of the guard in Winterfell. Ser Edmund, he probably approves of him."

"I thought he approved of Ned?" asked Minisa.

"He does, or did. Ser Edmund is traditional, and…I'm sure with Ned being gone, he just wanted Sella to be happy."

"Surely this must be a blessing then," said Victaria.

"It is and it isn't," Lya truthfully said. "Ned is mine now, nothing to hold him back. On the other, I don't like seeing him unhappy and distressed. It seems I can never win."

"Everything will go as follows," Minisa assured. "He will see your worth yet, I'm sure of it."

Lyanna nodded and took one last bite of her meal and pushed the plate back. The other two girls finished soon after and left Lyanna. Lya picked up the quill again but could not find the will to continue on, for thoughts of Ned were on her mind. Did he actually feel something for her? Lyanna couldn't truly say so. He did show her emotion, affection - he'd open himself up to her as a husband did his wife, but in the end would he marry her? Eddard had cried in-front of her, an act she knew he only did in front of Casella. It gave her hope that there was something there. She just wanted an answer, but feared the worst one he could give. Lyanna wanted an answer, needed an answer. She couldn't rest until she did; it was like a fitful sleep she couldn't lull herself out of. Lyanna Baratheon hated the feeling. It was all that plagued her thoughts this day and the day that followed.

The end of the week was nearing now, and she knew that on the morrow the courting with Ned would begin. Lya really had no opportunity to spend anytime with him or see him. Ned and Robert had been with Lord Davos in small council meetings most of the day and listening to pleas with him into the afternoon. The only time she could see him was supper, and usually afterwards he'd be so tired he went straight to sleep. But on the morrow he assured her it'd be different.

After finishing her supper, Lyanna decided to go back to her chambers for some rest. Ned had just went to his, still Casella was ever on his mind. At least that is what Robert had told her. Lya didn't want her still plaguing his thoughts when the courting began, it was one thing she needed to be assured of.

She was walking in the Throne Room now, it was on the way to Maegor's Holdfast. Lyanna stood in-front of the dais that ascended to the Iron Throne and by gods was it a glory to behold. She did not remember much of the chair when she lived here as a child. Lyanna did not have fond memories of the Throne Room, it seemed every bad thing had happened here. She knew that each day Ned had to sit in the same council room where his own father was almost murdered at the hands of Aegon Targaryen. It was a queer thought, to be sure. That so much history for the Starks had happened in this same capitol. That in that very throne, her own beloved uncle sat and listened, sometimes his wife would be with him.

Suddenly Lyanna imagined her uncle James sitting upon the Iron Throne, listening to pleas. As she stared at the barbed chair in its empty glory - the only sounds within the Great Hall being the scurrying of a few servants - she saw her uncle as king. Lyanna could vaguely remember him as such. She saw him in his grey doublet, his black breeches. Lya remembered his trimmed beard, his long hair, the crown of the King of the North upon his head. Beside him she imagined a youthful Daenerys Targaryen, a beauty to behold she was sure of it. She imagined her in a violet dress, her silver hair like sunshine flowing down her shoulders. On top of her head was a shimmering crown with three dragon heads. Each dragon a different color representing one of her dragons, Rhaegal, Drogon, and Viserion. She saw them holding hands, smiling, she even saw them holding a babe in their arms. Ned and Rhaella, to be sure.

Suddenly Lyanna felt a hand on her shoulder and she almost jumped out of her own skin. She even emitted a shriek that sounded all too foreign.

And there was a laugh. "I didn't mean to scare you child."

Lya turned around to see Lady Arianne Martell standing there, her brown eyes staring up at the Iron Throne. She was in a Dornish silken dress which clung to her. Her black hair was flowing down her back and on her arm was an ordained jeweled snake. Lya remembered it as a child. Lady Arianne was beautiful, of that Lyanna had no doubt. She could have been her aunt, she thought to herself. Her uncle Jon was meant to marry her, almost did, but he found love in Sansa Stark instead. Lya was glad for that. Two cousins finding love in each other, not caring about what their own family thought. It was what she wished for her and Ned.

If Jon Targaryen had not wed Sansa, then Robb, Jeyne, Brandon, and now even little Marissa, a newborn babe that had just been born, would not have existed. Marissa Targaryen had been born two moons ago, Lya knew. She could remember getting the raven. Ned, Robert, and her had been so happy that Sansa birthed another girl. "She has auburn hair and blue eyes," the raven read in the penmanship of Jon Targaryen. "It seems Brandon is the only one to have received the Stark look, just as Arya was the only one of your Lord grandfather's." Lya smiled at the memory.

Lya dipped her head. "Lady Arianne, I did not see you there."

She made no reply but to look at her. Arianne studied her like a book, and Lya felt uncomfortable in her own skin. Suddenly she said, "I remember when you were naught but two, Lyanna. You were a sweet child. Gods, look at the beauty you have become."

"Thank you, my lady."

Arianne then motioned to the Throne. "It is a beautiful sight, is it not? The most powerful seat in all of the known world."

Lyanna turned around to the Iron Throne and nodded at its barbed edges. "It is indeed."

"I remember when your uncle was king," Arianne said. "I recall how much he hated it. He would not have dawned the crown were it not for Daenerys. Yet, I know that James would still do it over again because he loves his children. He loved Eddard and Rhaella very much, I remember. He made sure to spend time with them daily."

"He now has two more children, Catelyn and Rhaegar."

Arianne smiled. "Yes I know, child. James has told me. Catelyn has his look but her mother's violet eyes and Rhaegar has his mother's look but his father's eyes. James writes that Cat is willful like your own mother and Rhaegar is as sweet as they come."

Lyanna couldn't help but smile softly. "That he is. I do miss him, as does Ned. He was close with them both, actually. Catelyn, especially."

Arianne nodded and then asked, "Do you remember much, about when your uncle was king?"

"I don't remember much," Lya admitted.

Arianne sighed. "It was not a great time for all, I fear. I…I fell in-love with a man only to watch him fall for another."

"My uncle Jon," said Lya.

At that she nodded. "Yes, that is him. I did love him, I think." She gave a brisk laugh. "I haven't spoken to him in years. James is the only one I still speak to from Winterfell." Arianne waived her hand. "Regardless, so much happened in this very room during your uncle's reign. Have you heard the stories?"

Lya nodded. "A few, to be sure. I remember your own wedding - well very little."

"Yes, that was a most unfortunate situation. My own cousins and brother put me up to that." She sighed. "I was then put in a prison, but your uncle treated me and my cousins well. He visited me daily and I could never hate him because of it. He was the only one who cared, who saw me for who I was. Not even Jon came to see me once, not once. He only cared for Sansa."

"I'm sorry about that."

Arianne waived away the apology. "It was such a long time ago, child. I hold nothing against Jon anymore; I'm happily married with Willas and my three. James tells me Jon has three children."

Arianne and Willas had three children. Two boys, one named Doran, the eldest, and another named Mace. Then there was Alerie.

"Four, actually," Lya corrected. "He and Sansa had a fourth one, a girl named Marissa. She has Sansa's look."

Arianne smiled. "How very lovely. I'm sure she'll be a comely child."

"I'm sure she will be."

Arianne Martell then turned around and paced a section of the Great Hall. She turned to Lyanna and said, "This is the very spot where your uncle held a welcoming feast for me and my cousins. Have you heard of that night?"

Lyanna shook her head. "No, what happened?"

Arianne looked to be surprised. "You have not heard of the night where your cousin Rhaella was poisoned?"

Lya remembered now. "Yes, of course. A sad night, I'm sure."

"Very sad." Lyanna could hear the remorse in her voice. "Your uncle cried like a babe, Daenerys and your mother as well, even Jon. I remember holding Jon as he cried softly. He loved Rhaella very much, everyone in the Red Keep loved the royal twins, as they were called. You took it hard, I remember. Your mother did not allow you to visit Rhaella and you missed her."

"Rhaella and I are still very close."

"That is good to hear."

There was silence then until Arianne finally said, "I fear the night is growing dark now and I must retreat to my chambers." She gave her a smiled. "Good-luck courting Eddard tomorrow, Lyanna."

Before Lya could reply she stormed off, her silks trailing behind her. I see where Alerie gets her personality from. Lyanna took in the sight of the Iron Throne once more and made her way back to her chambers, where she let the sleep take her. That night she dreamt of her and Ned's wedding, or at least how she envisioned it. They were in the godswood in Winterfell, snow falling around them. He'd be as handsome as ever and would kiss her in-front of their family, not caring about it all. She'd then imagine bearing him children, living out their days as they'd watch them grow. Even as she dreamt Lya told herself not too grow to attached, for it was all just a dream. Yet one day she hoped it would become reality.

When finally the sun broke over the horizon, Lyanna was happy that it would begin today. She made sure to wear her finest dress that was comfortable in this heat and marched her way down to Lord Davos's solar on the west end of Maegor's Holdfast.

Upon arrival she found them already breaking their fast. Robert was sitting on Lord Davos's right, Ned to his left. When Lya walked in, Eddard flashed her a quick smile before returning to reading Lord Davos his raven scrolls. Again she did not get the chance to speak with him this morning, he was too busy to keep her any company. Lya just spent her time speaking with the girls, it is all she ever did. They had become her good friends, in a way. She knew she'd miss them once this was all over. Of course they promised to write her all the time down in Storm's End. Except Lya knew her parents promised to take her to Winterfell once her three years were over.

Lord Davos stood from his seat when Ned was done and said, "I am going to rest for a moment before going to the small council. Eddard, Robert, you may spar for a little if you wish but be in the council chamber in time. I hate this as much as you do, lads, but King Stannis made me his hand and I intend on not failing him. So, be there."

They both dipped their heads. "Yes, my lord."

He grinned. "Good."

With that he strode from the solar. Robert stood up first and said, "I'll meet you down there, Ned." He glanced to Lyanna and quickly embraced Alerie before walking out from the solar.

Ned stood up from his seat now and Lyanna thought he would walk right past her but suddenly he stopped behind her. He bent down to say, "I haven't forgotten about our courting. It begins today, I know. I promise to spend supper together alone."

Lyanna turned her head to look at his silver eyes. He was sporting a smile. "I demand a walk in the gardens."

He chuckled. "As my lady commands. Before supper or after?"

"Before."

Ned dipped his head. "Of course."

He pressed a kiss to her cheek before also walking out of the solar. Lyanna felt her face flush and once Ned was out of ear shot, the girls begin oohing like the giddy maidens they were. They supported Lyanna with their teasing, she knew it was loving.

"A kiss to the cheek," teased Victaria. "Finally, progress."

"It is better than hugs," said Alerie. "I wished Robert kissed me on the cheek."

Lya rolled her eyes. "My brother is a dullard. I'll give him the hint."

Minisa stood from her seat and said, "Let's go watch them spar."

"What?" asked Lya

Victaria did the same and replied, "They always do without tunics and jerkins. All the servants watch, why can't we?"

"The queen expects me to write her scrolls, again," Lyanna told them. "I have no time to gawk over them like a couple of little girls."

Alerie scoffed. "You're no fun, Lya. Who cares what the queen thinks?"

"Selyse is as cold as a corpse," said Victaria. "It is not like she is great to be around."

"Victaria!" Lyanna admonished. "Don't say such things, anyone could be listening."

She rolled eyes in-reply.

Minisa then said, "Well, are you coming?"

Lyanna shook her head. "No, I don't think."

"Fine."

Lya knew they did this every morning, but did not partake. The servant girls end her friends would watch as her brother and Ned spared half-naked, as they did in Winterfell. Lyanna could not stomach the blushing and gawking. Her jealousy would rage when one of them made a comment about Ned. One servant girl even had the audacity to say that'd she would take Ned's virtue. Little did she know Casella had that.

The girls left then and Lyanna just went over to the queen's solar to write her scrolls. The day passed by in a flash and Lyanna did not know where it went. Later that day she met Ned in the gardens where they walked and spoke. He told her that he did not reply to Casella's raven, that he would not tell her about he and Lya. Lyanna was grateful for that much. Rhaella knew of her love for Ned, had known for quite a while. She thought it queer and was angry when Lya told her, her intent of telling Ned in the godswood about her love for him. Of course Rhaella just wanted her to be happy, but not with her brother. Lya knew once she saw how she was with Ned she wold be happy for her.

Days became weeks and weeks became a moons turn, and finally the approached two moons. Their family was set to arrive in a few days and Lyanna was excited, for things between her and Ned were great. The courting had been going very well and already she was besotted with him, and she knew he was with her.

They'd spend most of their day with each other.

Each morning began the same. Lya would awake and he'd bring her breakfast and they'd eat in her solar. Usually they'd talk about what they had to do today or about events that happened in the past which made them laugh. They spoke of Winterfell and their family. Ned was truly taken with her and even the girls said so. Victaria had questioned him when the wedding was one morning, and he spit up his ale then. Eddard thought no one knew about their relationship. How romantic he could be at times, Lya knew why Sella had fallen for him so fast.

He'd hold her hand in public, walk with her in the gardens, embrace her openly, talk with her at night in the godswood. At times he'd plant his face straight into her hair and take in her scent. An act he said he saw his father once do to his mother, or so their aunt Sansa told him. Ned had tried to do that to Casella once but she told him not to ruin her hair. Lyanna could care less. Yet one thing had not occurred: Ned hadn't kissed her. Lya was not surprised, he told her he'd kiss her when he was in-love with her. Ned looked up to his father, and would have done as he did. James Stark did not kiss his wife for the first time until he had fallen for her, Lya would have it the same way. She wouldn't have lust be the only thing about their relationship. "Love built over time is better than out of lust," she could hear Catelyn Tully Stark tell her. "It lasts longer and is stronger. Just trust me, Lyanna." And so Lya did. She trusted her grandmother with the world.

Lyanna looked forward to tonight, she knew. Ned had something planned. She had found a note this morning in her breakfast that he had brought for her. "Meet me in the godswood tonight," it read. "Meet me where it all began." Lya smiled at that. Her nerves were on edge. What could he have planned? Something romantic, she hoped. Maybe he was going to kiss her? No, Lya thought, he won't kiss me just yet. Even though I have loved him for so many years.

When finally the sun had set in the horizon, the moon and the stars shining brightly, Lyanna Baratheon made her way to the godswood of the Red Keep. Her friends had wished her luck before going, had hoped and prayed for the best. Her nerves were on edge as she walked, her heart fluttering. The smile on her face could not be surpressed.

She entered the godswood and heard the should of crickets and rustling leaves. It was not as great as the godswood of Winterfell, nothing could compare to that godswood. Lya walked towards the heart tree, well the fake heart tree; it was just a giant oak tree with red leaves. All the others had been cut so long ago by the Andals.

Lyanna stood in-front of that same tree in this moment, when suddenly she felt arms snake around her waist. Startled, she emitted a shriek as she was picked up off the ground. Lyanna laughed loudly. "Ned, put me down! Stop it!"

"It's not, Ned," Eddard imitated in his best Stannis Baratheon impression. "Now, Lady Baratheon, I do not know why you are here at such an hour, but don't you have ravens to write?"

That made Lyanna laugh harder as she struggled to get free. "Stop it, Ned. Put me down!"

He chuckled and placed her down on the ground. Lyanna turned around and embraced him fiercely. Ned snuggled her hair and took in her scent. She enjoyed that so much. "Pretty Lya," he murmured. "Tonight is very special for the both of us."

She smiled. "And why is that?"

He looked up at the sky with his arms around her. "The moon and the stars are out. It is a beautiful night. Would you like to look at the stars with me? I used to do it all the time with Cat in Winterfell. Sometimes even Jeyne would join us. We'd lay down in the godswood and just point out the stars Maester Willem taught us."

"I'd love to."

Eddard lead her to a clearing in the godswood and both laid down, staring at the stars. Lyanna let herself snuggle closer to him and he did not protest. Already it was a good sign, to be sure. And to test him even further she gently placed her head on his chest as they both looked at the sky. Again, no protest. Ned's breathing was the only thing Lyanna heard besides the beating of his heart. So many times in her dreams she had envisioned this moment.

Ned wrapped an arm around her before saying, "There's my mothers star. Dany Stormborn, it's called."

"Your mother has a star?"

"Yes. My father named it when they courted, much like we are. I like to imagine us as they were. Nevertheless, the star is very special to her."

"Can I have a star?" she asked, looking up at him with a smile.

He nodded. "Yes, you can." Ned pointed to the sky and Lya turned her attention back up to it. She saw a bright star out in the sky. "That can be yours. Let's call it…"

"…Sweet Lya? It is what you call me."

"Yes, we can call it that." He chuckled. "Sweet Lya, it is."

Lyanna wanted to kiss him in this moment and looked back up at him. She stared into his eyes and Ned saw her intent. But before she could press her lips to his he pointed back to the sky and said, "Look, that is Ice Dragon." Lya saw the constellation, forming into a dragon in the sky. "The tail points south," he told her, but she already knew. The maester in Storm's End had taught her about the stars. She just liked giving Eddard this moment. "And the eye points north."

"I didn't know that," Lyanna lied.

He nodded. "Maester Willem taught all of us that. I miss him, I miss Winterfell."

"One more year," said Lya. "One more and you can go home."

"Home is wherever you are," he whispered, kissing her hair. "I won't go back unless you do with me. I will not let you go back to Storm's End."

Lyanna felt her heart swell. "What are you saying, Ned?"

"I think I'm there, Lyanna."

In this moment Lyanna Baratheon felt herself crumble, her heart skip a thousand beats. She didn't know what to do or say. He is there, he is mine, we can be together. She smiled to herself, her gaze fixed on their conjoined hands spread on his torso. "And where are you, Ned?"

He gently turned her to face him, his finger placed under her chin. Ned stared into her eyes and said, "I think you know where I am."

And with that he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her with such kindness and gentleness that was exactly like their first kiss. Ned groaned under her touch as she darted her tongue into his mouth. When they finally broke it off he laughed lightly and said, "I think I'm in-love with you, Lyanna. I want you to marry me. I want us to have children, grow old."

Lyanna felt the tears now. "I think I want the same, Ned. I-"

He kissed her again and it was furious this time. Nothing held them back. Ned kissed her as if he had wanted to for such a long time, and it felt so right to Lya. It was like two people, becoming one, in the most odd ways. One time she asked her aunt Sansa how she knew she was in-love with Jon, and she only told her, "I knew when I kissed him for the first time. We were taking a walk in the gardens when James was in the Stormlands with your father. He took me aside and kissed me, and…it just felt so right, Lya. I knew he was my cousin, knew it was wrong, but…I didn't care. With his lips pressed to mine I knew we were meant for each other."

Now Lyanna knew what she meant. Suddenly, Ned flipped her under him without breaking off the kiss. His hands groped her skirts and pushed them up, almost exposing her smallclothes, but he caught himself. "I'm sorry," he apologized, breaking off the kiss. His lips were swollen, she saw. "I-I lose myself. I'm terribly sorry. It is just…it's been a long time and-and, Lya, please, I have no intention of dishonoring you like I did Casella. I intend for us to wait until we are wed."

Lyanna shushed away his worry. "It is quite all right, Ned." She felt him push down her skirts. "I know how honorable you are, how you strive to be like your namesake. I don't think I mind, I want you to take it."

She saw the shock on his face. "I-I-I won't do it, Lya. I will not, cannot take your maidenhead. I love you, that much I now know, but that…I cannot do."

"And why not?" she asked. "You did so to Casella."

He sighed in agony. "I was thirteen, Lya, just a boy. I was drunk, I did not think things through. I was sad about leaving, sad about everything. I just wanted comfort and she sought to it. I have no intention of dishonoring you."

"Do you love her more than me?" Lya asked. "Is that why you won't take it?"

"Why would you ask such a thing?" he asked, in-shock again. "Is that what you think?" He sighed. "Lya, sweetling, Casella and I are over. I feel nothing for her anymore and she surely doesn't love me. I love you, I want to marry you. When we go back to Winterfell in a years time I will stand with you and tell our family. I don't care what they think."

"We should tell them before then," Lya proposed. "They arrive in two days - well at least our parents do - and we should tell them. I am marrying you, Eddard."

"And I am marrying you, Lya, I assure you of it. Do you think…do you think there is hope for us? Do you think your father would actually agree to it? I have nothing to give you, Lyanna. I-I'm not Doran or Loras, or your brother. I'm not even Jaime. I'm not a lordling, just the son of a Stark and the last Targaryen. Just, Ned."

Lyanna frowned when he said that, she felt very sad. It was the truth, he had nothing truly to give Lyanna. No land or position, just honor. Still Ned was known throughout the realm for his parents, being a former prince is hard to forget. Yet Lya thought perhaps if her father saw how happy she was with Eddard, then perhaps they could be allowed to marry.

"You give me love," she assured him. "You give me love and freedom, and that should reign above all others. My father will see that I love you and will let us marry. I'm sure of it, Ned."

He smiled. "I pray to see the day, Lya."

They saw the day two days later.

Their parents arrived in King's Landing with a procession of Stark and Baratheon men behind them. It was a glorious sight, to be sure. Lyanna had awoken with nerves of excitement when she awoke, it had been two years since she had seen her parents and Jaime. Even Edric was coming with her uncle James and aunt Daenerys. Sweet Edric, my baby brother. He will be looking like a man now at eleven. Edric liked Lyanna, and she liked him. Robert and her weren't close as children, they were getting better at though, she had to admit, fostering has drawn them closer. It was Edric who she looked after. He was her baby brother.

Ned and Robert were equally as excited. Lord Davos gave them the next week off their fostering and duties to spend time with their family. Lya knew if King Stannis were in the capitol, that would not be happening, but the former smuggler was not that serious. "Go spend time with your families," he said. "Your duties will still be here when they leave. We can manage without you for a week." Lya was grateful for that much.

Now they awaited in Lord Davos's solar, awaiting the arrival of their family. Ned, Lya, Robert, and the girls were there. Lya was beside Ned, hands clenched under the table. Robert was with Alerie and Minisa. Lord Edmure and his wife had gone out to the city to greet them with Lord Davos. Lady Arianne, however, had decided to join them in their solar. She was excited to see her uncle after so long. Although Lya knew that her aunt Daenerys would not take it well. That woman was so prone to jealousy, something Lya could relate with. She knew Ned was a handsome man, had seen the others servant girls staring. Yesterday she had caught one of them and pulled Ned into a ferocious kiss in-front of her. "He's mine," she wanted to tell her, but the kiss did that for her.

They had just received the news that they entered the cities gates and Ned clenched her hand in excitement. Victaria, Edric's betrothed, was sitting across from Lya and she could see the sweat forming on her brow. She had been writing Lyanna's brother since their betrothal announcement and since his fostering began in Winterfell. Today was the first time they'd meet in-person and she was nervous. She feared that he wouldn't find her pretty, although Lya knew he liked her because he told her in his last raven. Lya assured her that she had nothing to be worried about.

Finally a steward came in and poked his head through the door. "I am here to announce that your families are awaiting in the Great Hall. They have arrived and are waiting for you. You are free to go to them."

When they arrived to the Great Hall, Lyanna saw them in the back of it staring at the tapestries. It was who she saw was with them that made her heart skip a million beats. She saw two silver haired women, another silver haired boy, a girl with brown hair and finally her brother and cousin Jaime. And her parents. Lya felt Ned's hand sweat as he flashed her a smile.

It was Ned's entire family, she saw. Rhaella, Cat and Rhaegar had come with them, it was a very nice surprise. She had just wished that all her cousins had come, her grandmother as well. But Winterfell still needed to be attended to.

As Lya walked with her friends, brother, and Ned over to their family she looked at them all. Rhaella had grown more womanly, not tall like her mother, but beautiful and graceful. Cat was becoming a woman now, Lya saw. She was now coming into womanhood, something Ned would have to deal with. Rhaegar was only four, but growing. He still looked like handsome as he always had. Then there was Jaime and Edric, both boys at the moment were talking and laughing. Not boys, Lya corrected herself. They had grown taller and stronger, not as strong as Ned or Robert but still as boys their age should look. Edric looked like Lya except with darker hair; Jaime looked like his father but with his mother's face and eyes.

The adults had grown older, Lya saw, but still seemed youthful in their ways. Ned's parents looked the same, Daenerys Targaryen looking pretty as always. How Lya envied her beauty, even though she had been told she was beautiful on numerous occasions. She just hoped to be as beautiful as her at her age. Lya's mother was still young, her father still strong. They would never change, she figured.

"Is that Rhaella, Cat, and Rhaegar?!" Robert exclaimed with joy from behind. "I didn't know they were coming!"

"Neither did I!" said Ned.

Victaria came up beside Lya. "Which one is Edric? Is he the one with the silver-"

"-eyes, yes. Is he to your liking?"

Victaria nodded. "Very much so. I-I thought him to be not as comely."

Lya smiled. "Us Baratheons come from good stock, I promise you that."

"A fact well know," Robert jested.

Suddenly their families conversations stopped as they turned to notice them. Everyone smiled brightly, but Lya saw her mother's gaze flicker to her and Ned. Good, Lya thought, I want them to know. She then saw not only Rhaella's, but her aunt Dany's flicker there too. The men and boys were unaware.

The reunion was a happy one, that much Lyanna Baratheon knew. As soon as they had seen them, they came at them running - well it was just Rhaegar really. The boy ran from his mothers grasp at Ned and nearly tackled him into a hug. Eddard laughed as he hugged Rhaegar and they wrestled lightly. Lyanna thought their reunion was the sweetest. How Rhaegar looked up to him. The rest of them was filled with hugs and kisses. Lya's mother had commented on how she was a woman now. The biggest surprise, however, was that her mother was with child. And the other surprise was that Ned's mother was as well. That threw him for an even bigger surprise. Lady Daenerys was farther along than Lya's mother, she could see her bump through the dress. Lya knew they did not want more children, but…she didn't think about it.

Lya felt a swell of excitement when she heard the news. A new baby brother or sister to call her own, how Lya wished for a girl. Too long had she been surrounded by boys, by her own brothers. She was also excited for Ned, too. He wanted another boy, but Rhaella wanted a girl.

The rest of the reunion was filled with joy. Edric had hugged Lya tight, told her he missed her and went over to Victaria. Lya watched as her brother blushed and bowed, Victaria blushed and curtsied. Already they had taken a liking to each other. Ned hugged Cat with such vigor, even tears came down Catelyn's face. Lya knew Ned missed her the most above all others. She also knew he missed Jeyne just as much. Robert said hello to all, Jaime hugged Lya and shook Ned's hand. Rhaegar hugged Lya like he always did. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and called her "Pretty Lya" as he always had.

After their joyful hellos they stayed in the Great Hall and walked around, the parents leading the way. Lya and Ned stood back with their cousins and listened as James Stark reminisced about his time in King's Landing.

Ned was next to Lya, holding Rhaegar in his arms. He was pointing out to Rhaegar about the Iron Throne, about the tapestries. Rhaegar really liked the crowned stag of House Baratheon, well it was encompassed by a fiery heart because of Stannis. Lya smiled at that. She saw Ned holding their child in his arms. Lyanna hoped to see the day.

Suddenly Rhaella came up beside her. "How long have you and Ned been together?"

Lyanna shook her head. Rhaella would be the first one to notice, she knew, and the first to say something. Lya and her had been close since they were children, they wrote all the time after she left Winterfell. She felt she could tell her anything, and so she did. At first Lyanna was hesitant to tell Rhaella about her love for Ned. Lya thought that she would disown her, never speak to her again but it was not so. Rhaella had figured it out herself, had seen the stares and touches of the arm. She confronted Lyanna years ago, and when she was told the truth she did not speak to her for a day. Rhaella did talk to her again and supported her. "You deserve to be happy," she told Lya. "I just don't want to see you hurt. Ned loves Casella, Lyanna." In the end she was wrong.

"It's been a few moons now," Lyanna told her. "When he received the raven from Casella I was there for him. We courted, Rhaella."

"Courted?" She saw Rhaella's eyes grow wide. "So, you two, you both intend on…marrying one another?"

Lyanna nodded. "Ned wants to and I love him. He has fallen for me, Rhaella."

Rhaella kept her composure and continued to walk with her. "I want you to support us," Lya heard herself say. "Rhaella, please, I beg of you. Your father and mine need to be convinced. I won't allow myself to be betrothed to another but Eddard."

She kept quiet for a moment but finally said, "I know, Lya. I'm here for you and Ned. What Casella did to him was wrong, and…I wanted to warn him but I didn't want to hurt him. I know Eddard and I aren't close, but…he doesn't like to hear certain things."

"He was angry you didn't tell him," Lyanna honestly told her. It was the truth. Eddard would have been with Lya longer had he known Casella was seeing another for a long time. It was why when he saw her at the reunion he only gave her a nod. No hug, no shake of the hand, nothing. He was angry with her. "You should have told him, Rhaella. Six moons! Six moons Sella had been seeing that boy behind his back."

"I know he's angry with me," she whispered. "It is why he did not hug me or even shake my hand. Only a nod, Lya."

"You should apologize, Rhaella. It is the only way."

They went to Lord Davos's solar in the Tower of the Hand soon after, Victaria and Alerie came with them. The Starks and Baratheons had lunch with them, a meal of stuffed chicken with bread and vegetables, a flagon of wine as well. It was good and well. When they were finally done they sat around the table and spoke of their fostering. Lyanna, Robert, and Ned told them about their daily duties and about how they were being treated right and well.

James Stark put down his wine glass and looked around the solar. "This used to be Jon's solar. I remember how he'd sit in here and write away. Gods, he hated being Hand. He only did it for me." He shook his head.

Daenerys Targaryen reached over and clenched his hand, frowning. Lya saw Ned and her in that moment, how she yearned for it. Ned reached for Lya's hand under the table and clenched it. Lya looked to him and smiled. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Daenerys then said, "We at least had two beautiful children in this very keep. We can take that from it, can't we?"

He smiled and nodded. "Of course. It is just so much history, Dany. Arya, don't you remember?"

Lya's mother snorted in reply. "I try not to, truth be told. I hated it - we all did."

"I liked it at times," said her father now. "We had two children here, Arya. How could you hate it so much?"

She scoffed. "Gendry, don't be such a dullard! Of course, I liked that part of it. Just not the others…"

"We know what you're talking about," said Catelyn. She was sitting between Ned and Victaria with Rhaegar in her lap. "Uncle Tyrion has told us about all that went down here. From Father's almost death to Rhaella's, even down to when Mother had that whor-"

"-Catelyn Stark!" James admonished. "Enough! I don't want," he glanced to Rhaegar, "him listening."

Cat nodded and said, "Fine. But I just want you to know that we know."

"I'm going to kill that dwarf," vowed Daenerys. "He shouldn't have said a word."

James reached over and patted his wife's hand. "It is best they knew anyway, Daenerys. They are old enough to handle it."

Suddenly a knock on the door came and Lyanna turned around to see Lady Arianne poke her head through. "Sorry to interrupt," she apologized. "I just wanted to say hello to you all."

Lya turned to see her uncle's face, the shock on it was plain enough to see. "Arianne?" he said in-shock, his eyes wide. "I-I didn't expect to see you."

He stood from his seat to walk over and give her a hug before sitting down. Lyanna saw Daenerys Targaryen eye her with disdain, clearly jealous of her presence. Arianne made her way and said hello to them all before saying, "James, I was wondering if you would sup with me sometime this week?"

He nodded. "Of course. We have much to speak about."

And with that she made her leave. Once she was gone, Alerie having gone with her, Lya's aunt groaned in-anger. "That won't be happening, James!" she yelled. "I forbid it!"

James Stark only rolled his eyes and said, "After, what, years and years the jealousy lingers? She does not like me, Daenerys!"

"She clearly does," Rhaella muttered.

"I told you!" yelled Rhaella's mother. "She does! I knew it!"

"Oh, she always has!" said Lya's mother now. "I knew the moment she poked her head through. She only came for James."

"Oh, enough!" James pleaded. "We are here for the children, not some petty love triangle which means nothing."

"How is Winterfell?" Ned suddenly asked. "How is Grandmother and Aunt Sansa? How's Marissa? Is she in good health?"

Ned's father's face relaxed and he said, "Your grandmother is getting a bit older, but she still has good health. I tell her to take it easy, to let Myrcella take on more duties, and she has. She now spends most of her days looking after Marissa and Brandon and the younger ones. Your aunt Sansa is busy with her child, of course. Your uncle's are still doing fine. I suppose…you want to know how…well…"

"No, I don't," said Ned. "I don't care what she does, Father." Ned stood from his seat now and Lya felt her eyes grow wide. What does he mean to do? "I was going to wait a year, but what does it matter? A fortnight, a year, my love won't change ever." He cleared his throat. "I have fallen for Lyanna and she has for me. I love her and mean to marry her. There, I said it."

Lya looked around to see the shock plain on their faces - except Rhaella, Robert, and Catelyn's. Edric didn't know, Jaime neither. Those two exchanged a shocked glance with jaws dropped. Ned's father did not seem fazed, as did his mother. Lya's mother did not either. It was her father who was in-shock, shaking his head vehemently. Lyanna was surprised that Ned's father had nothing to say.

Ned sat down again and nodded at Lya. She smiled at him, he at her. Suddenly her father said, "This cannot be, Lyanna. You know you are meant to be betrothed to another. You know this. I cannot allow this, whatever it is."

Lyanna looked at her father now, a man she had always loved. But now she could not allow this. "I won't marry who ever he is, Father! I love Eddard, I mean to marry him!"

"Lyanna!" he yelled in-anger. "I won't have this insolence."

"I won't be sold off like cattle! I will marry Ned!" She felt the tears in her eyes. "I-I-I'm sorry, I just can't."

Lyanna ran from her chair and out of the solar, tears in her eyes. She ran down the halls with her skirts in her hands. She was not prepared for that moment, she now realized. Lyanna wanted to marry Ned, her whole being depended on it. She did not want to be in a loveless marriage with some stranger just so her own father can make a political alliance. Already he had Highgarden and Casterly Rock aligned with him. Who else could he need? Sunspear? Trystane Martell had no sons, just daughters and they were bastards. The Vale? Petyr Baelish had a wife but no children. Lyanna had no one to be betrothed to. Even her great-cousin Hoster was already married at fifteen to a girl from House Whent. He was allowed to marry for love.

Lyanna broke down in her chambers and cried into her pillow. She hated being this kind of girl, girls who used tears for weapons. But what emotion did she have left? She hated waited so long for Ned to be hers, only for her father to try and take it from her. Lyanna couldn't have it, would not have it. She would run away to Essos with Eddard if it came down to it. She would do anything for him. Yet he had told them, without her knowledge. It was a surprise, but she understood.

And that's when the knock came on the door.

"I don't want to see anyone!" Lyanna seethed. "Leave, whoever you are!"

"Lyanna, it's me," said her mother. "Open the door, sweetling. Please, just open."

"It is open."

The door creaked open and Lyanna felt the bed sink as her mother sat on it. Lyanna kept her face into her pillow and did not look at her. Her mother just began to stroke her back as she did when Lya was a child. "Little Lya," she whispered. "I remember when you would run around these very halls as a child. I remember your uncle chasing you, your brother, and your cousins as you'd giggle and run from him. Now you're a woman, and now I'm having another child."

Lyanna did not reply.

Her mother sighed. "Lyanna, ever since you were just a girl I've known about your love for Eddard. I know how well he treated how, how loving he was. And…and I'm sure that's what made you love him. I married for love, and I suppose you should too. Your father…he is just being honorable, is all. I'll try and convince him, but I cannot promise it."

Lyanna looked at her mother now, she saw the frown on her face. "I don't care if you do or don't, Mother. I will run away with him! He loves me, too! It just isn't me. Ned kissed me a few days ago, told me he loved me. We courted for almost three whole moons! Uncle James and Aunt Dany did the same! Do you deny their love?"

She shook her head.

"And Aunt Sansa and Uncle Jon? They're cousins!"

"They had a choice," her mother told her. "They had a choice, Lya. They were older when it happened, and not betrothed…"

"Neither am I! Who could Father betroth me to? No one! House Martell? Trystane holds no sons, just bastard daughters. House Arryn? I don't think so. He already has two sons he has betrothed off to two different houses! Why does he need me?" She motioned to her mother's belly. "Now he has a third on the way. If it's a girl, he has another calf to give away."

"Lyanna," she admonished, "your Father loves you very much. You know how much he does. He is just stubborn and honorable. I'll-I'll try, is all I am saying. Come back to lunch."

Lyanna nodded and went back to the solar with her. She finished her meal and they were kind with her. Her father said nothing, he kept his face towards his plate. Once they finished eating they walked around the Red Keep together and supped afterwards. Lyanna then went horseriding with Cat later in the evening, by themselves. Cat and her weren't close, but they were nice with each other. She liked horse riding as Lya did.

They stopped at the Blackwater Rush together and watched the sun fall in the sky. As Lyanna sat next to Cat on the grass, she looked at her cousin. Cat's hair was longer than when Lya last saw her. It flowed down her back, both of them having practically the same color hair. She was beginning to form a woman's body, Lya saw. She was the same age as Cat when she first received her moons blood.

"Do you really love my brother?" Cat suddenly asked, staring at the water. "Do your really love him, Lya?"

"Of course I do, Cat. Why do you ask?"

She sighed. "I wasn't there to see it, but I know how much Sella must have hurt him. Ned loved her a lot, actually. Casella and I are closer now than ever. She taught me how to do needlework and showed me how to be a lady. I still don't like to do that stuff, mind you, but I can now at least do it." Cat shook her head. "Casella has changed since she met Addam, Lyanna. She doesn't spend so much time with the Starks anymore. Her and Rhaella have even drifted a little. It has pained Rhaella a lot. All I am saying is that I don't want to see Ned hurt again. I don't want to see you stop talking to us because something happens."

Lyanna frowned and replied, "Catelyn, I love Ned as the moon does the stars, as your father does your mother. He loves me, too. I won't hurt him, I promise."

At that Cat smiled. "Good. Because if you did, I'd have to take your head."

Lyanna smiled as well. "And we couldn't have that, Catelyn."

The days drifted off as well and Lyanna did not know where the time went. Soon it was a couple of days before their family was off to leave again, and how she was going to miss them. Just one more year, she kept assuring herself. Yet there was still strain between her and her father. He still hadn't come to Lya about it but she knew it was ever on his mind. She knew he would before he left.

It was the final night before the good-bye feast Lord Davos was having for the Starks on the morrow. The cousins had not spent too much time together as one. Edric had been spending most of his time with Victaria, much to Jaime's chagrin. Jaime wanted to spend his time with Edric because those two were close - those two were close with Robb, making them a nice trio. But Edric had taken a liking to Victaria and they were besotted with each other. Cat had claimed that she saw them kissing. Lya didn't know what to make of it.

Lyanna spent most of her time with Rhaella. They'd gossip, sow, horseback ride, walk the Red Keep. Cat would join them sometimes, but not really. Mostly she would be with Minisa. Those two were so much alike, it just made sense. If she wasn't with Minisa she was with Ned. James Stark even had his supper with Lady Arianne, but he brought his wife with him. They even went to the market once with their mothers. Eddard spent his time with Rhaegar and Jaime. He wanted to get to know Jaime better. Robert was with Alerie, of course. He was really trying to get to like her.

Now all the cousins were huddled together in Ned's chambers by candlelight. The sun had gone down in the sky. They decided to spend this night together, as one. All they did was talk and tell stories, even their feelings. Robert told them about King's Landing, about fostering. Even Edric did as well. He seemed to be enjoying his time in Winterfell with their family. He liked waking to see them everyday.

Lyanna was sitting next to Ned, her head leaning on his shoulder. He had both his arms around her as he leaned against the bed. Rhaella was beside her with Rhaegar in her lap, Lya saw him drifting out of sleep. Cat was next to him, with Jaime and Edric beside her. Edric had Victaria's hand clenched in his, while Robert had Alerie's in his as well. Lya smiled when she saw that. She knew how much Alerie wanted affection from Robert.

Jaime was telling them how Storm's End was like. "I like it," he said. "I like it, I do. I like the castle, the servants and people. But-but now I know how you must have felt. I took Winterfell for granted, our family with it. I miss them so much. I'm sometimes very lonely at Storm's End, although I know your father means well and your mother treats me as if I were her own son."

"That's how I felt everyday," Lya told him. "Jaime, I understand. Just…just push through it. I promise it will be over soon."

Jaime pouted and put his face in his hands. "I miss Robb, I miss my mother and father. I miss Grandma, too. I even miss Jeyne." He looked up at them with his emerald eyes. "I also missed all of you. I'm sorry I'm not as close with you as I am with Robb or Edric. I-I want to, but you're so much older. I'm sorry."

"Oh, Jaime," said Lyanna, "you have nothing to be sorry about. You know we love you and would never steer you wrong."

Jaime nodded. "Thank you, and…and I love you too."

Lyanna gave a small smile as Cat said, "I really missed you all. I wish you could come home, Ned."

Ned chuckled. "One more year, Catelyn. I swear when I get home we will ride in the Wolfswood with Jeyne."

Cat smiled. "Jeyne misses you so much, Ned. Everyday she speaks of you. She's grown now, she's more beautiful than ever. You won't even recognize her."

"Can you give her a letter from me?"

Cat nodded.

"Now who's turn is it?" said Rhaella. She laughed. "How about Rhaegar? Rhaegar, what are you feeling?"

The baby boy rubbed his eyes and said, "I'm just tired, Rhaella. I want to sleep."

"Then sleep," Edric said. "Go to sleep, Rhaegar. I'm sure Rhaella will take you to your chambers."

Rhaegar nodded and drifted off into his other world. There was silence in a for a few moments. Finally Jaime spoke up. "Lya, will you really marry Ned? Are you two actually in-love?"

Lyanna looked up at Ned who only shrugged. "Yes, Jaime," Ned said. "And how does that make you feel?"

Jaime shrugged. "I don't know. It was a bit weird, at first. You're cousins."

"Aunt Sansa and Uncle Jon are cousins," Edric corrected. "If they could, why couldn't they?"

"Thank you, Edric," Lyanna said.

Edric nodded and stared off into the distance.

Finally Ned spoke his part. "I know I haven't spoken of it since you have arrived, but now I have to." He cleared his throat. "Why didn't any of you warn me about Casella? You especially, Rhaella. You should have warned me. You should have told me she was seeing some other boy, had met someone new. I wouldn't have been so miserable as I was before Lya."

"I wanted to, Ned," Rhaella told him. "But Casella made me promise not to. I-I…I'm sorry. I should have but didn't."

"Casella and I have grown closer," said Cat. "We have, I cannot lie. She taught me needlework and how to be a lady. Now she doesn't spend so much time with us, Ned. She is always with Addam."

"She only sows with me and leaves," Rhaella said. "Beth and Darci have found men, but I haven't. I-I don't know what it feels like, to be in-love. Everyone tells me I'm more beautiful than my own mother but I cannot find a man."

"You will one day," Ned assured. "One day, Rhaella, I promise. You just cannot expect the perfect knight to come down."

"All the boys at Winterfell are nothing but vultures," Rhaella spat. "Addam is at least honorable and nice. Casella…she's besotted with him. It is as if you didn't exist, Eddard."

Ned shook his head. "I want nothing to do with her. If she wants to remain friends, I couldn't, not after this. Ten years, and she threw it away! I cannot stand it."

"Now you can marry Lyanna." Rhaella smiled. "Mother supports it, Ned, she's always known. Even Father has known. He said he knew when Lya was but a girl. Aunt Arya had told him."

"I knew years ago," said Robert. "I didn't say anything because I couldn't. Ned loved Casella. Now…well, I wish I would have."

Everyone nodded. Alerie rubbed Robert's arm and he only hugged her.

"I don't want us to leave," Cat said. "Can't you just come back, Ned."

"I will be back soon, Cat. Just take care of them all."

The cousins retreated to their chambers after that. Lyanna went to sleep happy this time. She hadn't been that happy since Ned kissed her in the godswood. Now she just wished to turn the sun forward and just marry him. It was all she wanted. She even dreamed of it again. Lyanna dreamed of their wedding in the godswood of Winterfell, where so many Starks had married. She saw them standing in-front of the Heart Tree. She envisioned the first time they'd make love, to the moment of where she'd birth their first child. Even to the moment of holding her first grandchild. Another year and you can, she told herself. Yet the thought of her father was ever on her mind. He had not come to see her yet and it was finally the last day they were spending in King's Landing. On the morrow he would leave for Storm's End with her mother and Jaime.

The day went by fast. They broke their fast, Lya sowed with Rhaella and spent more time with her. She even spent time with Jaime and Edric and Cat. Her and Cat rode horses together and went down to the rush. Lyanna did not see Ned the entire day.

Now she sat in her father and mother's guest chambers, waiting while Robert and Edric finished dressing for the southern feast they were holding. Feasts in the North were less ostentatious than in the South. The southron way had more intricate detail and elaborate dances. The North just cared about singing, drinking and feasting. The South was a bit more graceful, yet Lya preferred the North. It was where her family was.

Lyanna sat at the table with her father, who did not say a word. He just kept to himself but Lya could sense he wanted to say something. Finally, he did. "I have been avoiding this to give you time to cool, Lyanna. But you know you cannot marry him. I had plans…"

Lya sighed. "What plans, Father? I feel you just don't want me to marry my own cousin."

She saw him close his eyes and shake his head. "Ned has nothing to do with it. I know he is good and honorable; I know he will treat you well."

"Then why are you so opposed to it?"

"I had plans to betroth you to a boy from the South. He was a nobleman's boy from the Reach."

"I won't marry him, Father. What could would that do? You already have two boys betrothed to two powerful houses. Why do you need me?"

"You're a daughter of Storm's End and it is expected of you. How would it be like if my own bannermen heard about my daughter marrying her cousin?"

"Tywin Lannister married his own cousin," Lyanna reminded him. "Do you think anyone laughed at the mighty Tywin?"

"Not to his face," grumbled Edric from the bed. "I heard he was scary to look at. At least Uncle Tyrion says so."

Lya's father turned his attention back to her. "Yes, that is true…"

"He was allowed to marry for love, Father. He was the Lord of the Rock. Even Jaime gets to marry for love. Jaime is the future Lord of Winterfell! There is no more point in betrothal's, Father."

"It just cannot happen, Lyanna."

Lyanna sighed again and felt the wolfsblood boil. She could not yell at him but would not marry anyone other than Ned. My maidenhood, Lya thought. If he took it, he'd have to marry me. And my father couldn't marry me off to someone like a goat. I have to do this, he has to take it.

"Well, Father, you cannot marry me off."

He crossed his arms. "And why not?"

"Because you cannot, I won't allow it."

He laughed. "And you make the decisions?"

"I do when it comes to my life."

"Lyanna, enough! I cannot stand this anymore. You will not marry Ned and will do as you're told!"

"I won't!" Lya screamed. "I won't! I will not marry some nobleman's boy because you want to be powerful!"

"Lyanna, stop it!" her mother admonished. "You're going too far."

Lyanna felt her face flush in anger, and she didn't know what compelled her to yell, "Well you cannot marry me off because I am no longer a maiden! Ned took my maidenhead!"

She saw the looks on their faces after she spoke. Her father was in clear shock, Edric had stopped pretending to punch Robert. Lyanna's mother had stopped combing out her hair in her green woolen dress.

Suddenly Robert went for the door. "I'm going to kill him!" he screamed. Robert ran out the door. "Eddard!"

Lyanna flew from her chair and chased after him. Edric and her father followed. By the time she ran out to the halls she could not find him and could only hear his footsteps. "Robert!" Lya yelled. "Come back! I lied, he didn't! Robert!"

"If he took it, he's dead!" her father vowed.

"He didn't, I lied!" Lya said. "I don't want to marry the boy."

"Not now!" her father barked. "You're in quite a bit of trouble, Lyanna Baratheon."

Robert's footsteps grew faster and suddenly Lya heard his fists banging on the door. "Ned, open this door! You're a dead man, Eddard!"

Lyanna turned a corner as she heard the door open and a clash. She then heard a scream and what sounded like punches. When Lyanna and her father found Robert he was punching Ned in the face. Eddard was on the floor and trying to push him off. Rhaella was on the bed, clutching Rhaegar, while her mother was back against the mirror, a brush in her hand. Her uncle James was not there, which was surprising.

"Robert, you idiot!" he yelled. "Get off, you bloody aurochs!"

"Why did you do it?" Robert yelled, trying to punch him again.

"Do what?" Ned yelled.

Lya's father finally ran into the room and wrapped his arms around Robert's back. "Robert, get off him! He didn't do it!"

Ned struggled and finally threw Robert off by elbowing him in the face. Lya's father stumbled back as well and Robert got up from the ground, blood coming from his nose. Ned stood up as well with a bruise on his cheek and blood trickling from his mouth and nose.

He glared at Robert in anger, wiping the blood. "You damn dolt! Why?!"

"You took her maidenhood!" Robert yelled, pointing at Lya. "Why, Ned? You're supposed to be honorable. She isn't Casella!"

Ned's eyes widened and he threw his arms out in-despair. "I never took her maidenhead! Who told you that?!"

"Lya did!" Robert yelled. "She did."

Ned looked at Lya in shock and then back at Robert. "Lya, tell them."

Lya exhaled deeply and said, "It's true, he didn't take it. I only said it because I don't want to be married to anyone but Ned." She walked over and pressed her lips to his quickly before wrapping an arm around his waist. Lya could see her father look away. "I love him, Father. I won't marry anyone else."

Gendry Baratheon said nothing and walked out of the chamber. Robert stood there awkwardly clutching his bleeding nose. "I-I apologize for punching you, Ned. I-I-"

"-Apology accepted, Robert," said Ned. "I would have done the same had someone told me they took my own sisters maidenhead. You had to protect her honor."

Robert nodded and looked to Ned's family. "Aunt Dany, I apologize. Rhaella, Cat." He looked to Rhaegar. "Sorry, Prince Aemon. Didn't meant to scare you."

Rhaegar nodded as Robert walked out from the chamber, leaving Lyanna with Ned and his family. Ned released himself from her embrace and shook his head. He walked over to a basin and splashed the blood off his face. After that he wiped it off with a cloth. "Lya, why?"

"I was desperate," Lya admitted. Ned paced back and forth.

"What happened?" James Stark's voice wrung out from behind. "Ned, why are you bleeding?" He came up to examine Ned's nose dressed in Stark grey.

"I'm fine," Ned assured him.

James looked to Lyanna. "What happened, Lya?"

"Nothing, James," Daenerys said. "Just, let us give them a moment."

He nodded. "Sure. Rhaella, Rhaegar. Come with us both to this feast."

They nodded and Rhaella held Rhaegar while they went down to the Throne Room. Lyanna stood there with Ned while silence reigned for a few moments. Finally he spoke. "Lyanna, why did you tell them that?"

"I was desperate, Ned. I didn't want to marry anyone but you. I love you."

"I love you too, Sweet Lya. But lying like that won't make it happen."

"It is happening, Ned. We will marry one another."

"Yes, but not by being dishonorable. I won't have it."

Lyanna shook her head. "Ned, why not? Think about it, my sweet. If you took it..we would have to marry. You'll take it one day."

"And that day will be at our bedding, Lyanna."

Lyanna sighed, he would not budge. At least he had respect for her honor. She admired that. "Fine, Ned. I just want us to marry."

He came over and hugged her. "We will, Lyanna. I will go to Volantis and marry you, I don't care. I love you, you love me. That is all that should matter."

"Our family in Winterfell will support us. We will tell them through a raven, Ned. They should know."

"Rhaella will tell them," said Ned. "She will spread the word."

Lyanna chuckled. "I suppose so. Come, let's go to the feast."

Ned nodded and lead her down there. The Great Hall was hung with Baratheon tapestries and ornate decorations. There were a lot of nobleman's and royals. It smelled of soup, bread, and duck. Lya was not interested in the feast, she did not care for it. All she did was sit by Ned and they spoke the whole time. They danced a few times, but Ned just missed the fast-paced jigs of the North. The southern dances were slow and proper, he hated that. Lyanna's mother was with Daenerys, both of them could not drink because of being with child. Rhaella was dancing with some boys, Lya saw, but nothing could come of it. She lived too far away. Catelyn was dancing with Jaime and Lya saw they had been talking more and more. She wondered what would become of that. Although she also saw Minisa catching Jaime's eye. Lya knew that would be trouble.

Lyanna's father sat with her uncle James and some nobleman's. Some of them recognized them both and Lyanna could hear them telling stories. Edric and Robert both danced and spent their time with their betroths. Lady Arianne had left for Highgarden, so she was gone.

Ned took Lyanna to the godswood afterwards and they both drank to their hearts content. They both got drunk off the wine and looked at the stars. Ned held her and they both retreated back to her chambers afterwards. It was then they kissed until his lips were swollen and Lyanna pushed him onto the bed. She began to unlace his breeches when he caught her and told her no. Lyanna could not press him anymore. If he wanted to be honorable, she would let him. She knew he didn't want to turn her into Casella.

Finally the next day came and the Starks left soon after. Lyanna had stood with Robert and Ned in the Great Hall, seeing them off. Their goodbyes had been filled with tears of sorrow. Lyanna hugged her mother, hugged her father even, but could not bring herself to kiss him on the cheek. He was still upset with her and would relent in-time. Lyanna then said good-bye to her cousins, Edric as well and even Victaria cried a little before kissing Edric on the lips. Lya laughed as her brother blushed prettily.

Rhaegar cried as he left Ned and did so as well when he left Lyanna. Lya consoled him, kissed his head, told him she'd see him soon. Rhaegar wiped his tears and nodded, telling her he'd miss her. Lya's heart swelled so large she couldn't contain it.

Robert sighed as they stood in the empty Great Hall. "Now we have to go back to fostering. I can already hear the pleas." He walked away with Alerie.

Ned sighed and kissed the top of Lya's head. "One more year, Lyanna. One more year we can be together and not care."

"We have nothing but time, Ned. Nothing but time."

And with that Lyanna Baratheon clenched his hand and walked out of the Great Hall, happiest she'd ever been. Ned was hers, only hers. She would marry him, she knew, and that was all she wanted.

A/N: One more after this, I promise. Thanks for reading.