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.

38. Chapter 38 James VIII and Eddard II

A/N: So here it is, the final chapter of this story. It's been a long time since I started this and I truly did not expect it go be so long. But my ideas just flowed and there was no stopping them. Regardless, I want to thank everyone who has been with me since the first chapter and some. I definitely did not expect 92 reviews, not like I care how many I got, mind you. Also this is a long chapter because it is the final one.

And yes we are skipping time again. This is a year later.

Four new children in this.

Marissa who is 1, Jon and Sansa; Rhaenys who is 10 months, James and Dany; Cassana who is 7 months, Arya and Gendry; Benjen who is a newborn, Rickon and Marci.

Disclaimer: I still own nothing after 38 chapters, GRRM will always own these characters (but 22 of them, I own those) and the universe.

Chapter 38 James VIII and Eddard II

James

One year later…

The news came to Winterfell eventually. News came from a raven to all the lords of the Seven Kingdoms and those of the North. Word even came from riders along the road and smallfolk coming from the Kingsroad. The news was that King Stannis had defeated the Greyjoys down at the Iron Islands, that Asha Greyjoy had bent the knee to him, and that her daughter had been taken as a ward. Like father, like daughter, James had thought when he heard the news. He could remember when his father left to defeat Balon, only to bring back Theon with him. James remembered, those memories still lingered after so many years. A wife, five children to call his own, but still they lingered. He recalled having to be the acting Lord of Winterfell at the time - well he did have help from not only Maester Luwin but Ser Rodrik - he was only eleven.

Bran had left with an army of Northmen, Stannis had decided to test his loyalty by asking him to bear arms. Bran had answered his call, of course, as all the houses loyal to the king did. Armies from the Reach, the Vale, the Westerlands, and even the Stormlands answered the call as well. Gendry rallied his men and went along with the rest. Stannis had an army at his back to crush Asha, who had decided to lightning raid Lannisport and attempt a siege on Casterly Rock. Or so the news claimed. James didn't think Asha was bold enough to attempt a siege on the Rock, that place was practically impenetrable.

"Good news, my lord," Ned jested as he sat next to James in Bran's own solar, reading the message with him. James's son had returned from his fostering over a moons turn ago with Robert and Lyanna. Arya and Jaime had come with them, Gendry let them come to Winterfell while he went south with his army. Once he was finished he would come back north with Bran and return to Storm's End with his family. Edric would go down south back to Storm's End, Robert with him. Robert had Alerie to go off and marry, while Edric would go to Casterly Rock to spend time with his betrothed, Victaria. Lyanna would stay, having been betrothed to Ned.

It took some convincing on Arya's part, but Gendry finally relented. It took about half-a-year for him to finally give up on betrothing his daughter. Word have traveled fast that the Stark cousins had fallen for each other, and soon no one wanted Lyanna. Horrible gossip of her maidenhead being taken had spread in the capitol as well. James knew Ned had not done such a thing. Gendry, having realized this, had decided to let his daughter marry Eddard. Once it was done, in a few more moons, Ned would become the lord of a holdfast and a bannermen to Winterfell. Yet that would not happen for many years until Jaime became lord.

James had been the acting Lord of Winterfell for the past few moons while Bran had been away. Jaime had not been there, so it came down to him. James knew how to be a lord, had been a king, and so Bran left it to him. Each day he had to listen to pleas, write raven letters, deal with business that happened outside of Winterfell as well, in the villages and the like. Maester Willem and Tyrion helped him, even Jon had managed to help even though James told him to be with his family. Jon liked to help and did not mind.

Everything in Winterfell was back to normal, as usual. Myrcella had been running it personally for a year now. Lady Catelyn had decided to relinquish the title to her, saying that she was not as youthful as she once was. Now she spent most of her time with her grandchildren, all she had left living for, so she said. James's mother spent her time looking over the newborns. There was Benjen, Rickon and Marci's newborn son who had his father's look. Rickon had gone south with Bran having been the Lord of Karhold. He decided to leave Marci and his children with them. There was his son, Rickard, a boy who had his mothers dark hair and brown eyes. There was also Alys, who had Rickon's hair and eyes.

Even Arya and Gendry had a new child, a daughter named Cassana. She had Gendry's eyes and his dark hair, looking every bit like her father. Yet her face was of Arya's, a good balance to be sure. Cassana was only three moons old. Jon and Sansa's little girl had finally turned one a couple of moons back, little Marissa was already such a sweet little girl. She looked like Sansa through-and-through, no hint of Stark left in her. Sansa was grateful for that.

And as to remind James that he had another daughter, crying began to envelop the solar. It was the cries from his daughter Rhaenys. Rhaenys had been laid to sleep in the solar while Dany got some rest. She was tired a lot as of late. Rhaenys was named after Dany's niece, the daughter of Rhaegar who had been killed by Amory Loch. She wanted to honor the poor girls memory and James decided to. He had no more Stark names to give, he let Dany name her. Rhaenys was not planned, James knew. She had been conceived on the night of a feast Bran held for one of his bannermen. James did not remember the act of coupling that night, usually he had been so careful since Rhaegar had been born. But that night he did not spill his seed elsewhere as he was prone to, and Rhaenys was the product of it. He loved his daughter, of course, his daughter looked all too much like Ned. Rhaenys had Dany's face and features, but James's eyes and hair.

"Father?" said Ned, looking at him strangely. James was brought out of his thoughts. "Rhaenys is crying; are you going to or may I…"

James smiled softly and motioned for him to get her. Eddard had been excited when he met Rhaenys for the first time. He was a loving and dutiful brother, more so than he had been when Rhaegar was born. James knew he wanted to show that he was ready for marriage, ready to be a father. He would need the practice, James knew, fatherhood was tougher than even James thought. He was just lucky to have such a good mother such as Daenerys by his side. James knew Lyanna would be a good mother as well.

Ned placed the scroll on the table and walked up to get the babe from the crib. Eddard held her in his arms and came over to sit across from James. Ned let her grip his finger with her tiny hand and smiled down at her. All of James's children loved Rhaenys, Rhaegar was loving as was Rhaella and Cat. Rhaella was always willing to help, she was excited for another sister. Catelyn was intrigued and wanted to protect her. Rhaegar was curious and loving. James was grateful for his children, Dany and him practically had to do nothing but feed her. They had so much help around Winterfell.

As he reclined in his chair, James remembered when he first held Ned in his own arms. Gods how he felt old now.

"Uncle Bran will come home now," said Ned at last. He looked up at James with Rhaenys still in his arms. "Now nobody can go against King Stannis."

"Aye, that he will. I will no longer be the Lord of Winterfell anymore."

Ned laughed. "You never liked it. I'm glad you gave the title and responsibilities to Jaime."

"Jaime needs to learn. It is what Bran would have wanted, what my father would have done. I'm just glad to not have to listen to anymore pleas."

"I hated listening to pleas in King's Landing," Ned told him. He laughed lightly as Rhaenys cooed at him. He then continued, "As I sat there with Robert and Lord Davos, I couldn't help but think how you and Mother did it."

"Love makes a fool of us all, Ned."

"A fact well know," he murmured.

James then asked, "So, how goes thing with Lya?"

"They go well. Already her and Aunt Sansa are planning the wedding. Although it won't happen until her father returns with Uncle Bran."

James knew that all too well. Lyanna had been excited to marry Ned since she returned to Winterfell. Each day she spoke of it with Daenerys. She wanted a ceremony in the godswood, a northern feast, and all the things a wedding brought. They would be wed as soon as Gendry returned. Each day she, Daenerys, and Sansa spent time devoted to the wedding. They had silk and lace brought from the South and Tyrion over sought the supplies for the feast. Ned was excited and nervous to be married, but looked forward to it. It was all he wanted.

"That won't be for a while, Ned. I'm glad you've found love with her. Truly, I am. What Casella did…I never knew, no one did. Have you spoken to her since you returned?"

Ned shook his head. "I cannot, Father. I've seen her, of course, but nothing more. Lya doesn't want me to talk to her, nor do I really want to."

"I cannot blame you. Love can be nasty business."

"I forgive her," his son admitted. "I don't hate her, Father - at least not like Lya does. Lyanna is protective of me, didn't like how she hurt me. I've grown past it, mostly."

"Then why won't you speak to her?"

Ned shrugged. "I don't want to anger Lyanna, nor do I really feel the need. If she came to me I'd talk to her. I think she wants to discuss what happened. I don't see the need. She moved on with Addam, I fell for Lyanna. I think what angers me the most is that I didn't know of Lya's love sooner. I would have married her years ago." He looked back down at Rhaenys and smiled. James knew his son had always been wise.

James nodded. "I can understand. Regardless, will Sella be invited to the wedding?"

He shrugged again. "I don't mind her attending. All of Winterfell will practically be there, why shouldn't she? I know she is close with Cat and Rhaella. I won't get in the way of her friendship with them. If she wants to go, she can. Although I don't know if Lyanna would like it very much. I'll convince her to."

"She has been quite lonely since Addam went down south with your uncle."

"I'm glad he went down south," said Ned. "I never want to meet him. I try to be the better man, Father, but if I ever saw him…I don't know what I'd do."

"Addam is a good lad, Ned. He is honorable and true."

"I know he is. Rhaella says so herself. But-but he took Sella's love from me and that I cannot forgive." Ned shook his head. "No matter, I love Lyanna and that is all done."

After a few moments of silence Eddard decided to change the subject. "So what becomes of Asha now? Will King Stannis have her killed for treason?"

"No, he won't," James said. "He won't because she bent the knee, as her father did. Unfortunately her daughter will be made a ward to the queen, or someone of a higher house. Mayhaps Bran will take her."

He saw Ned's eyes grow wide. "Uncle Bran? Do you think…"

"Yes, I do. Selyse has too many ladies-in-waiting; Gendry has a new daughter and would not do so. Bran, he has only Jaime. He could take her as a ward."

Ned nodded. "Aye, he could. Why don't they have other children?"

James shrugged. "Not my business, my son."

"Aye, I suppose it is not."

Ned looked back down at Rhaenys, who was now facing him while sitting upon his knee. Rhaenys could sit upright by herself now without support, she could even jabber if she wanted, mostly she didn't.

Eddard smiled brightly at his sister and said, "I'm glad she was born. Hear that, little one, you're so loved. She looks so much like me, Father."

"That she does, Ned. That she does."

Rhaenys only cooed and reached out to grab a handful of Ned's tunic. Eddard laughed and cradled her close to him.

James smiled softly at that when a knock came on the door.

"Come in," James said and Rhaegar entered with Cat and Jeyne at his heels. Rhaegar ran over to James and threw himself on his lap. James laughed and Rhaegar did with him. Rhaegar was a sweet boy, a good lad. He was beloved by all in Winterfell, much like Bran was at his age. He had grown now, James noticed. He would be strong when he was older. Dany liked to keep his silver hair short, right above the ear. James liked it. It is how he and both Ned kept their hair now. Too long had James worn long hair. Rhaegar was five and growing, Brandon was his best friend. Those two did everything together.

Rhaegar hugged him and laughed. "Hello, Papa."

"Hello, my son. How are you today?"

"Good. Brandon and I sparred today. Uncle Jon is teaching us."

"Is he?"

Rhaegar nodded, his silver eyes piercing. "Yes. He said that Ned and Robert learned at our age."

"Aye, they did. Isn't that right, Ned?"

Ned was holding Rhaenys on his knee, while Cat and Jeyne were on each side of him, making faces at the babe. Rhaenys was cooing and making laughs, causing the girls to laugh at her. James could remember when Jeyne was a babe, when Cat was a babe as well. He wasn't there for Cat's birth as he was for the rest of his children's. The thought made him sad. He loved Cat more than life itself, she was his favorite child, if he had to choose. Ned was his eldest son, he'd mean so much to him. Rhaella and he had always been close since she was a child, Rhaegar was sweet and Rhaenys was just as such. But it was Cat he loved, he loved her because she was Arya through-and-through. He loved her because he wasn't there for her birth. James always felt remorse for that.

But his children were growing on him and James did not know where the time went. Rhaella was a woman now, Cat was becoming one as was Jeyne. Robb was coming into manhood, Edric and Jaime were almost men themselves. Edric had his Victaria, Jaime had his Minisa. Even Robb was now taking a liking to girls from Winterfell. Brandon and Rhaegar were growing, even Marissa was already one.

Ned finally looked up at him and nodded. "What, Father?"

"Did you and Robert start sparring at Rhaegar's age?"

Ned nodded. "Yes, we did. Ser Edmund taught us as did Uncle Jon."

"Can we spar, Ned?" Rhaegar asked.

Ned smiled. "Of course, Prince Aemon."

"Can I hold her, Ned?" asked Jeyne. "Please?"

"I want to hold her!" Cat protested. "Jeyne, you hold her all the time. You have Marissa!"

"Marissa is with our mother. And Rhaenys is so cute."

"Is there a reason why you two are here?" James asked, Rhaegar bobbing on his knee.

Cat nodded. "Yes, Father, uh, Jaime requests your presence in the Great Hall. He wants your opinion during todays pleas."

James raised an eyebrow. "Has Maester Willem taken ill?"

"No, he just wants you there."

"Jaime feels he can't do it," Jeyne said. "He's afraid he'll fail."

James sighed. "Jaime must learn. If he wants to learn how to be a lord he can only learn through experience. Bran nor I will not be there forever."

"That's what I told him," said Ned, "but he just wants you there."

James nodded and Rhaegar jumped off his lap. "I'll go, you know I will. Ned, look after your brother. You know how he gets."

Ned nodded. "Of course, Father."

James went to the door but finally remembered that Rhaenys needed to be fed. "I hate to do this, but I need my daughter Rhaenys."

The girls pouted. "But, Father!" Cat protested. "We want to play with her!"

"Can't we just play with her, Uncle James?" Jeyne asked.

"Rhaenys needs to be fed, I'm sorry. You can play with her later, I promise. Go play with Rickard or Alys."

Jeyne shrugged. "We could. Let's go, Cat."

Ned took Rhaegar's hand in his and walked over to James to place Rhaenys gently into his arms. The girls walked out of the room with Ned and Rhaegar. James walked over to his and Dany's chambers in the Great Keep with his daughter in his arms. Rhaenys was looking over his shoulder, and James could see her looking around. She had wisps of brown hair upon her head and silver eyes that were his.

James walked into his chambers and found Daenerys sleeping on the bed in a woolen dress of baby blue, her silver hair in a braid. She had been so tired as of late. Beside her he saw Cassana sleeping in a wicker basket that she had made for her. James hoped Rhaenys grew close with Cassana, but he knew that she would be with Marissa. They were as far apart in age as Cat was with Jeyne, and look how those two turned out.

"Daenerys," James whispered softly. He walked over to her and shook her lightly on the shoulder. "Dany, wake up."

Daenerys stirred lightly and blinked her violet eyes open. She sat up in the bed and rubbed the sleep out of them, straining her vision. Dany then smiled softly and reached out her arms. "Is it time to feed her?" she asked in a groggy, half-asleep voice.

James nodded. "I'm afraid it is, Dany. I know how tired you are."

Daenerys only nodded in-reply and took Rhaenys in her arms. James walked over to the table and grabbed a chair, pulling it up in-front of Dany to watch her feed the babe. He had done this since Ned and Rhaella. James could still remember when he and Dany would awake early in Maegor's Holdfast so she could nurse the twins. Daenerys did not allow any milk maids or wet nurses, for she was the only one she wanted her children getting fed from. James would sit on the bed, dressed in his kingly clothes, crown upon his head, and watch as she'd feed Ned first and then Rhaella. Dany would say nothing but to smile. The memory was as clear as a painting.

Daenerys bared her breast and watched as Rhaenys latched on and suckled the milk out of her. James only smiled and looked at her, she smiled back wantonly, still tired from rest.

James looked to Cassana. "I didn't know that Cassana was sleeping here."

"Arya bid me to look after her while she caught up on some rest," Dany told him. She smiled softly. "I couldn't say no, James. Arya would do the same for me."

Rhaenys was suckling the milk and looking up at Dany, while Dany smiled down upon her. "I think she will look so much like Ned when she is older."

"That she will, Dany. I can remember when our twins were in the same spot. Gods, where did the time go? Did you know Rhaegar has begun sparring with Brandon?"

Dany nodded. "That I did." She yawned. "Gods, I just want to sleep."

"I'm sure Rhaenys will nap once she is done feeding."

"That she will. I'm just so tired from Rhaenys and helping with Lya and Ned's wedding. Can you believe it, James? Ned, our baby boy, is already being wed. He is only sixteen."

"He and Lya are in-love, Dany. I know they will grow old together. I-I can sense it in my bones. Such as I did with Sansa and Jon. Soon they will give us our first grandchild."

"Gods I cannot imagine us being grandparents, James. Now I will have to help raise not only Rhaenys but their first grandchild."

James laughed softly. "We will help them, of course, but they will learn as well."

"We never had anyone to teach us."

That made James laugh again. "Did you forget my mother stayed in the capitol for more than half-a-year to help us with Rhaella and Ned?"

"Oh, yes, I know. But she didn't raise them, James. She meerly-"

"-looked after them while we sat on the small council, listened to pleas. That's what we will do, Dany. Speaking of pleas, Jaime bid me to come to the Great Hall. I must get going."

She nodded lightly. "Of course, my love. Go help the lord of Winterfell."

James got up from the chair, kissed his wife on the lips and Rhaenys on the head before going towards the door.

"James, one last thing!" Dany whispered as to not wake only Cassana but Rhaenys who was now asleep in her arms.

"Yes?"

Dany cleared her throat. "Casella wishes to speak with you. It concerns the wedding."

James gave her a confused look. "And why does she want to speak with me?"

"Just go to her, James. Casella is like a daughter to me, no matter her transgressions against Ned. Please, James." She smiled. "I'll make it worth your while."

James laughed lightly. "Oh, no, that's how Rhaenys was born, and Rhaegar."

Daenerys giggled like a girl, reminding him of the woman he fell for. Even after so long he was still madly in-love with her. She smiled at him, her silver hair shining bright. James smiled at her and strode from the chamber.

James found Jaime in the great hall, sitting upon the Chair of Winterfell. He was dressed in his best lordlings clothing. Jaime looked ever the little lord and James saw himself in him at his age. He could remember sitting in that chair with Maester Luwin beside him, how he missed that old man. James wished his children had gotten to meet him, Maester Luwin was so full of wisdom.

James took his seat beside Jaime and said, "Hello, Jaime. How are you feeling, my lord?"

Jaime scoffed, his auburn-brown hair bouncing. "I'm no lord, Uncle James. My father is still the lord of Winterfell."

"That's true, but he is on the kingsroad as we speak. You're the lord now, my lord."

Jaime rolled his eyes. "I don't want to the be the lord…yet. I mean, I do one day, just not today. It is so much work, Uncle James."

James snorted back a laugh. "You're talking to someone who knows all too much how that feels like, Jaime. Now, Cat tells me you want my help in todays please?"

He nodded. "Yes. I'd rather you listen to them while I spar with Robb and Edric."

James shook his head. "I'm sorry, Jaime, that cannot happen. Your mother would be furious, your father even more so. I will give you advice and listen, but you will make the decisions. It is time you learned, Jaime, as your father had to at an even younger age than you."

"Okay, Uncle James."

James saw the disappointment flicker across his nephews face. It reminded him of himself at that age. He hated being lord and the duties that followed. I won't let Jaime become like I was. I won't have it.

"Jaime," said James out loud. He saw his nephew turn to give him his attention.

"Yes, uncle?"

James cleared his throat. "I was like you, at your age. I had to be lord when my father, your grandfather, left to fight the first Greyjoy Rebellion. Listen, I know it is a lot of duty and work but it pays off. This will be your legacy, your children's legacy. Just, just do a good job."

He nodded. "I will. I'm not worried."

James smiled softly, he never said that at Jaime's age. He then asked, "So how goes things with Minisa?"

Jaime was taken back. "You-you know about that?"

James laughed. "News travels fast in Winterfell. Do you think Lyanna hasn't told anyone?"

"Yes, I suppose she would. I-I have been writing her as frequently as I can. I was quite taken by her when I met her in King's Landing."

"You know she is technically your great-cousin."

Jaime shrugged. "I care not. Lya and Ned are marrying. I think I may marry Minisa one day. Forge a further alliance between House Tully and Stark."

James didn't know that. "Is that how you feel about her?"

He nodded. "I mean, I guess. I don't know, Uncle James. I think she likes me but I'm not sure."

"Have you asked Lyanna? I'm sure she'd tell you the truth. Rhaella would be more than happy to give you advice."

"Rhaella has helped me quite a bit, actually. She has told me what to write, what not to write. She claims that Minisa likes me, but…I'm just afraid she doesn't and I don't want to get hurt."

"Rhaella would not steer you wrong, Jaime. Tell her you like her, take the chance. You might regret it if you don't."

Jaime nodded again as the castlefolk and smallfolk alike came in the Great Hall and James sat there with Jaime and listened. Some of them asked for stone masons to repair their house, one asked for a carpenter to repair an ale distillery. Jaime used his "lord's voice" as James called it and gave out his decrees. He lent them the men they needed and resources. A good lord always looked after his people, Bran had told him. How those words wrung in James's own ears from Eddard Stark, his father.

Jaime would ask him advice from time-to-time. He'd ask him if that was not enough men, or if the farmer had enough sheep in his flock. James only smiled and asked what he thought the right judgement was. He used the same system in King's Landing where the pleas were three times as numerous and complicated. Jaime went with his heart and made the right decisions. All he needed was to trust himself, for that was important above all else.

As soon as it was done, James bid Jaime leave and went to find Casella. He knew that at this time of the day she would be found sowing with Rhaella. After returning from King's Landing a year ago, Rhaella and Casella had rekindled their friendship with Darci and Beth. Casella was happy to be back with her friends, James knew, and had made his daughter Catelyn into a somewhat of a lady. James was forever grateful for that. Cat did not have much support when it came to that, something Rhaella should have been there for.

James shook his head as he approached the sewing room and thought about the girl who was like another family member to the Starks. Casella had always been a nice girl, he knew. She had a good heart, could do no wrong, was passionate and protective of what was hers. Sella had loved his son, something that James thought would be his first and only love.

Then she met Addam.

James did not know of it, at first. He started to notice once Casella stopped spending time with them as she used to. It was Rhaella who told him and Daenerys about Addam, some boy from the guard she had met. He was a nice lad, James knew, but in his mind it was some lad who replaced his son in Casella's heart and that he could not have. He did not speak to Casella for what she did. Only Cat and Rhaella spoke to her. James viewed Casella as somewhat of a niece, even though she wasn't. He had known her since she was girl. Yet in the end she broke Eddard's heart and had taken his virtue. Something that James could relate with when it came to his tumblings with Ros.

Ros was not on his mind as much as she used to be. He never saw him and Ros with Ned and Casella. James thought that Ned and Sella would marry but it was not meant to be.

When he approached the sewing room, he could hear the fishwives giggling as they always had done. They were speaking of gossip around Winterfell. James peeked through and could see that Lyanna was not with them, of course. Lya never sowed if Sella was there. Those two had animosity between them because of what Casella did to Ned. Lya would not forgive her, could not. Casella could not forgive her for taking Ned's love, as she liked to say. Yet Ned's love must have meant nothing to her if she moved along so quick with Addam.

James saw them in a circle now. Casella was at the back with Darci on her right and Beth on her left, Rhaella was across. All those ladies were woman now, Casella having grown even more beautiful. Something Ned noted when he arrived in Winterfell. James had made sure to see Casella's reaction when she saw Ned again, and it was great to behold. He saw the moistening of her eyes, the blush on her cheeks, the failed suppressed smile. She found him handsome, he noticed. Even Sansa, Dany, and Myrcella took note of the same thing. Casella still found him handsome. Yet he also saw the smile fade when Ned stepped out from the carriage holding Lya's hand.

"Lord Stark!" Tyrion Lannister's voice wrung out from the hall. James saw the dwarf waddling down the hall towards him dressed in Lannister crimson. Tyrion always wore his houses colors, no matter what. "What are you doing out here in these halls?"

James laughed. "I could be asking the same of you, Tyrion. Shouldn't you be planning my sons wedding?"

Tyrion sighed while he closed the distance between them and stood in-front of James, craning his head up to look at him. "I remember when that boy was just two." He lowered his hand to show Ned's height at that age. "That tall he was, James. Now I have t crane my head up to look at him. And it is Lyanna he is marrying! Gods, who knew. I didn't, for sure. Regardless, what are you doing here?"

James motioned to the sewing room with his head. "I must break words with Casella."

"Ahh, I see," said Tyrion. "And why should you wish to speak with one of the fishwives?"

James laughed softly. "She wishes to speak with me. I-I think it has something to do with the wedding."

"It probably does. Lyanna told me herself she does not want Casella going. That girl does not like her."

"She did break Ned's heart, something Lya won't forget. She is fiercely protective of him."

Tyrion rolled his mismatched eyes. "All Stark wives are like that. Why, I remember Daenerys being equally as protective. Do you recall?"

James nodded. "I try not to, but I do." He shook his hands. "I do not want to remember, Tyrion."

"Sorry," he apologized. "Nonetheless, I must go down and make sure those servants are bringing those casks of ale front the cellars." Tyrion turned on heel and walked off, he then yelled, "I'll have them flogged in the courtyard if they aren't!"

"Bran would never allow that!" James yelled back.

"I don't care!"

James laughed lightly and turned around to find Rhaella standing there. She gave him a puzzled look. "What was that about?"

"Nothing, my daughter." James scanned the sewing room. "Do you think I could have a moment with Casella?"

Rhaella raised a silver eyebrow. "Regarding…"

"…Regarding, Ned and Lya's wedding? I wanted to let her know she is invited."

Rhaella nodded and whispered, "She wants to go, but knows that Lyanna hates her. Does Ned want her to go?"

"Ned is indifferent. He cannot forgive her, mind you, but he feels she should be allowed to go. All of Winterfell will practically be there."

"I'll tell her, Father. I'm sure she'll enjoy the news."

Rhaella strode back into the sewing room, closing the door behind her. James sighed and went out to the courtyard, he needed the fresh air. Outside carpenters were repairing a wagon, donkeys were drawing carriages filled with supplies into the Great Hall. The northern air was crisp and humid, as if it was going to rain.

James saw his mother in the courtyard, watching the castefolk to make sure they were doing their duties. He sighed to himself. Catelyn Tully had promised him to rest more, to not confine herself solely to ladies duties. Myrcella had been given the official title of Lady of Winterfell, James's mother had grown too old for it. She just wanted to spend time with her grandchildren for she did not know how much longer she had in this world. "Nonsense," James said when she told him. He still thought his mother very youthful for her age. She had no signs of ailment or any of the sort that came with age. Her hair was still mostly auburn now, even though a few strands of grey broke through. No wrinkles truly threatened her face either. James often thought her grandchildren prevented age from catching up, and most agreed. He wanted his mother around for as long as possible. He wanted Rhaenys to get to know her.

"Mother!" James called out to her above all the commotion. She caught his gaze. He closed the distance between them and sighed. "You promised me you would not do ladies work anymore. Let Myrcella take care of it!"

Lady Catelyn put her hands on her hips. "I am not dead, James. I love my grandbabies all the same but the day gets boring. I needed something else to do."

James rolled his eyes. "Mother, please, do try and rest more. You promised everyone you would. You even promised Rhaegar. Would you break his promise?"

She smiled lightly at the jest. "I guess not. There is just so much to do with Lyanna and Ned's wedding." She shook her head. "I cannot believe they are getting married, James." His mother smiled brightly. "I can still recall holding each in my arms when they were born. How they looked so much alike as babes. Now those two babes are marrying each other for love. Can you believe it? The Jon and Sansa of their generation…"

James sniggered. "I suppose that is what they are. Mother, please go get some rest now. Let Tyrion at least resume this responsibility."

"I will not, James! I need to do this."

"Mother, please listen. I just want you to be around enough to watch Rhaenys grow."

His mother frowned. "Is that what you're worried about, James? Are you worried I won't be around long enough?"

James nodded.

Lady Catelyn sighed. "I am still in very good health, gods willing. I'm not going anywhere, I promise."

She came over to embrace him and press a kiss to his cheek. "You and Bran have the same fear. Even Jon does. I'm not going anywhere, James."

James Stark knew it was true, he just had a son's worry. Lady Catelyn was beloved by all the Stark children. There was not a grandchild of hers who did not love her unconditionally. She treated them all with equal amounts of love, although he knew that Lyanna had always been her favorite. He couldn't blame her, Lya was a sweet girl. It was why all the boys called her "Pretty Lya" or "Sweet Lya" as Ned did.

The days passed after that and time moved slow. James Stark still performed his duties around Winterfell, whether it was helping Jaime with pleas or helping with Lya's wedding. Many duties had to be performed by everyone around Winterfell. Reports had come from scouts and messengers that came from the kingsroad that the Northern army was coming closer and closer. Everyone was excited for Bran to finally be home, James especially. He did not look forward to all the lords duties. He just wanted to spend time with his children, wife, and Rhaenys, her especially.

It was a rainy day in Winterfell when Bran returned with eighteen-thousand Northmen behind him. The servants, Myrcella and castle folk alike gathered in the courtyard to greet their liege lord. James was there with his whole family as well. Ned was beside him with Lyanna. Rhaella was there with Rhaegar in her arms and Cat beside her. Daenerys stood by James with Rhaenys in her arms as well. Everyone wore cloaks to cover themselves from the rain. James hated the rain.

Bran came through a few moments later with his lords and personal guard, Rickon as well, and Gendry came with him, too. James knew he would. The Lord of Storm's End he was but Gendry Baratheon would not miss his own daughters wedding. What surprised James even more was when Bran came in with a girl no older than seven. She had black hair, was lean with a decent nose. The girl was lean and lanky. James had a guess as to who that was: Asha Greyjoy's daughter. He and Jon were right, Stannis had given her to Bran as a ward, a hostage. James knew that Asha had married some lord upon the Iron Islands, or whatever custom they had there. He heard that she had two sons, Theon and Maron and a girl, Alannys. James knew who that was now. The girl was scared, he noticed. She hid behind Bran, who was just a stranger to her. Asha must care for her deeply, otherwise they would have taken a son.

Everyone said their hellos after that. Rickon reunited with Marci and his children, Gendry with Arya and his newborn Cassana. Even Bran shared hellos with Myrcella and Jaime. They all said hello to each other after that and once it was done, he bid Alannys to come forward. The girl was timid, fresh tear stains on her face. James felt pity for the girl. She was ripped from her mother, ripped from her home. Yet he knew the Starks would treat her well. James himself would make sure of it. Alannys timidly said hello to all, and James saw them all trying to put on the biggest smile for her. It made her face lighten, he noticed, yet still she remained scared.

As soon as Bran and Gendry were settled in, the Lord of Winterfell bid James, Jon, Rickon, Robert and Ned to join him in his solar. James had a talk with his family before him and Ned departed from their chambers. He bid Cat to look after Alannys, to treat her kind and take her in as a friend with Jeyne. Cat nodded and did as bid.

Now James sat in Bran's solar with his son at his side. Eddard and Robert attended these political meetings, Jaime with them as well. Those three needed to learn. Of course Ned and Robert learned under the king, yet still there was room. Robert was to become the Lord of the Stormlands, Jaime of the North. Eddard would be lord of a holdfast somewhere outside of Winterfell, given a piece of land he'd come into once Jaime became lord.

A servant girl came around and poured them all tankards of ale. When she came around to Robert, the future Lord of Storm's End groped her bottom causing the poor girl to yelp. Jaime laughed like a boy, Ned shook his head with a grin. Robert laughed as well as the girl blushed and ran out the solar.

Gendry was not too pleased. "Robert! Do not do that again! You are betrothed to another. I thought you cared for Alerie."

He nodded. "I do. I think I may love that girl. It is just…I'm not married yet, Father."

"Regardless, Robert. It is not appropriate behavior. She isn't a piece of meat."

"She was last night," Robert grumbled, causing Jaime to laugh as well and even Ned let out a chuckle.

Bran had enough. "Okay, enough of this. Do you want to hear what happened?"

Jon nodded with Marissa in his lap. The girl was one but was all Sansa. She then reached out for Ned, James saw.

Jon laughed and said, "Why do both my daughters love you, Eddard?"

"You're not the only one who can say that," Gendry jested. That roused a laugh from James and the other men.

Ned chuckled as he took Marissa in his arms and sat on her in his lap. He proceeded to stroke her auburn hair. "Continue, Uncle."

"How were the squids?" asked Jon. "Did they grow even more fierce since we last faced them?"

Gendry shrugged. "They were as easy to kill as the first time around, Jon. This rebellion did not last long."

"A foolish rebellion," said Bran. "Now I have a ward to look after, just like Theon was to father. Yet unlike Theon, I feel bad for Alannys."

"I had a talk with Cat," James told him. "She vows to take her in as her own friend, as we did with Theon."

"I had the same talk with Jeyne," Jon added. "She says she will make Alannys a friend. Gods know that girls needs it."

"Did Stannis force you to take her as a ward?" Robert asked.

Bran nodded. "I had no choice. Stannis entrusted her with me."

"How long will she remain a ward, Father?" Jaime asked.

"I do not know, Jaime. Treat her as you would a sister."

Jaime smiled softly at that. "I always wanted another sibling."

"Is she a nice girl?" asked Ned.

"She is, Eddard. Alannys is not like a Greyjoy."

"Asha is not a bad person," said Jon. "It is just that…she must do what is best for her people."

"It does not change what happened," James said. "Regardless, how was the battle? Did it last long?"

Gendry shook his head. "It merely lasted a few days, James. I had to lead an attack on Old Wyk, Bran had to lead one upon Pyke itself. Stannis had catapults launching into the castle."

"Aye, as Robert's namesake did," Jon pointed out.

"Will you disband your army, Father?" asked Jaime.

Bran smiled. "What would you do, Jaime?"

"I'd keep them around for a few moments. Not long, however. They'll want to go home soon and see their families."

"That's what I shall do, son. Good job."

Jaime smiled to himself in achievement as Jon asked, "Now what do we do?"

"See my daughter marry her cousin," Gendry replied, showing a smile. Even though he agreed to marriage, James knew that he was still not comfortable with the idea of Lyanna marrying her own cousin. He will feel comfortable enough when Lya and Ned present us both with our first grandchild. It will wash away then, I know it will.

Ned and Lyanna's wedding was a fortnight later.

The sun was shining brightly in Winterfell on the day of their wedding. James awoke with Daenerys by his side, Rhaenys in the crib beside their bed. His wife awoke with a smile, how radiant and beautiful it still was after so many years. "Our son marries today," she told him. "Yesterday he was a babe at my breast, a child in your arms. Now he is marrying and starting a family." James couldn't help but smile and kiss her. He then replied, "Promise me you won't cry too much at the ceremony, Dany." Daenerys only chuckled and promised she wouldn't, yet James knew it was lie.

When the Starks broke their fast together, Ned nor Lya were anywhere to be found. Lyanna was off getting ready with her mother, Ned was off sparring and clearing his mind. James did the same the day of his wedding. Daenerys was the queen at the time, yet she spent her day preparing with Sansa and his mother. James would not have it any other way. As the sun reached its zenith, James sparred with Jon the whole time, trying to rid himself of the nerves in his belly. It did no good, of course. James couldn't help but be nervous.

As the sun reached the afternoon, James dressed for the wedding with his family. Daenerys dressed in his favorite dress of red, the one that bared her shoulders. She pinned her silver hair up in the back and put on a crown of blue roses. James always enjoyed those roses. Rhaella dressed in light blue letting her silver hair flow down. Cat wore a dress of violet which brought out her eyes and let her hair down, too. Rhaegar was dressed in a doublet of black with black breeches, a Targaryen brooch on his collar. Dany combed his silver hair to the side. Little Rhaenys was dressed in a baby dress of grey.

Ned was not with them, of course. He dressed alone in his and Rhaegar's chambers. James had to go and check in on his son, make sure he was ready. He bid his family good-bye and told them that he'd meet them in the godswood. The ceremony would begin soon.

James marched down to Ned's chambers dressed in a doublet of grey with grey breeches and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

James opened the door and saw his son sitting on his bed, he was looking down at the ground. Ned was looking handsome, of course. His brown stubble was on his face, just as Lya liked. His hair was freshly combed. His doublet was intricately sown in a grey color, a direwolf sown onto the breast and a dragon brooch on his collar. He wore a nice pair of black breeches.

"How are you feeling?" James asked.

Ned fiddled with his fingers. "Nervous." James could see the sweat on his brow. "Nervous and scared, Father. I-I don't know what to do. I'm scared to be a father."

James shook his head and smiled lightly. He walked over to sit next to his son. "Ned, you'll make a great father. You've practically been raising children your whole life. I see the way you are with Cat, Jeyne, Rhaegar, Brandon, all of your cousins. You admonish them when you have to, love them fiercely, are protective. How does that not make you a good father-in-waiting?"

Ned chuckled. "I suppose so. I'm just nervous."

"I cannot blame you. I was nervous as well before I wed your mother. At least you don't have to face thousands of people, just a couple hundred."

"I suppose so," Ned said with a chuckle. "I could not imagine how you felt."

"Trust me, Ned, what comes after is even harder."

"What, the bedding?"

James laughed. "No that is quite easy. Once you hold your child for the first time, once you hold Lyanna every morning as you awake, you'll know of what I speak." James turned around to see the sun setting down in the evening, it was time to see his eldest son wed.

He rose from the bed and extended his hand. "Come, my son, it is time. Lyanna awaits for you."

"I thought it would be Casella waiting for me," Ned said with remorse. "Ever since I was four I thought I'd marry her. I don't know how she is right now. She must be grieving."

Addam had fallen in the battle of Pyke, James had found out with the rest. Not many northmen died in the battle but he was one of them. Casella had cried for a fortnight when the news was given to her. Rhaella was by her side through it all. Eddard felt bad for her, tried to go console her, but couldn't. He didn't wish this upon her. He just wondered if she would have cried had he died. When Lyanna learned the news she relented in her hatred. Her and Casella reconciled their differences and decided to stay friends.

James shook his head. "Nasty business, Ned, I know. At least Lyanna had the decency to let her come to the wedding."

Ned nodded and rose from the bed. "Lyanna is the woman I love. Casella had the chance, Father, but she chose another." He smiled. "Let us see me wed, Father. Let us make you a good-father."

James smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way, my son."

The ceremony was beautiful. The grounds of the godswood were littered with white flowers that lead towards the heart tree. A red carpet was set out from the entrance leading to the weir wood as well. Baratheon and Stark stood side-by-side in-front of the Heart Tree as the castlefolk littered into the godswood. James stood at the front with Daenerys and his family, holding Rhaenys in his arms. Tyrion was beside them. Casella was by Rhaella in a dress of emerald, her auburn hair pinned in the back as Eddard always had preferred. Beside him was Sansa and Jon with their children and Lady Catelyn. Arya on the other side where Lyanna would stand with Edric and Rickon with Marci and their children. Bran was at the front performing the ceremony. Lyanna loved the old gods, James knew, she did not want a septon.

Sansa was crying already, James saw. She still held a great deal of love for the nephew she considered like a son after so many years. "My sweet Eddard," she would always call him. James had smiled to her and said, "Do you remember when you'd bathe him as a child and sing him to sleep, Sansa?" That only made her cry even more. Eddard was in-front of the Heart Tree with Robert looking utterly nervous.

It was then that Lyanna was finally brought forward by Gendry, her arm locked in his. Everyone gasped when they saw Lya, she looked very beautiful. Her brown hair was curled and flowed down her shoulders like a river. Her dress was of ivory silk and Myrish lace, her skirts were decorated into floral patterns picked out into pearls. Gendry stood by her as the ceremony began.

Ned smiled and took her hand in his, as they both stood in-front of the Heart Tree clenching hands and smiling. The old tree creaked in the wind, and James could swear he heard his father's voice in the wind. The thought made him want to cry.

And as soon as Bran began to speak, the tears came like a river from the women. From Arya to Myrcella to Daenerys to Rhaella, the women and girls all cried. James held Rhaenys and watched in a trance while his son, his Ned, his baby boy that he could remember holding as he was squalling and red-faced…was being wed. James wanted to cry with the women, this was his son that was being wed not some ordinary man. Yet the tears would not come. Rhaenys cried for him it seemed. The girl began to squall and James did his best to console her. He rocked her back-and-forth, soothed her, but it would not work. Daenerys took her from him and she stopped crying. It seemed she loved Dany more than James already.

Gendry had stepped forward and removed the Baratheon cloak from his daughters shoulders, handing it over to Robert who took it and folded it. Ned then stepped forward with a cloak of the grey of house Stark and draped it across her shoulders.

"I finally proclaim these two man and wife," Bran announced after the cloaks had been exchanged. Then Ned stepped forward and smiled before taking her in for a deep-long kiss, sealing their love for all of eternity in-front of the gods. Everyone began to clap after that and James did as well. He felt a tear come down his cheek then as thoughts of Ned as a child ran through his mind. From his first words to his first steps, to his first love. James could remember them all. He quickly wiped it away as he wrapped around his crying wife and she nestled her head into his arm.

Everyone gathered in the Great Hall soon after to enjoy the wedding feast. There were many men there that night. Castlefolk, nobles, guards, and Bran's lords were attending. Ned sat the seat of honor with Lyanna, those two were the only ones on the dais. James sat with his family and the rest down below. He glanced back to see those two acting already like newly weds. Ned would whisper in her ear and she'd giggle away, they'd even drink wine from the same cup. As time progressed through the feast he saw that Ned was drunk, Lyanna with him. Both of their faces were flushed by the time it was ready for their first dance.

James watched with his arm hugged around Daenerys as they watched their child dance with Lyanna. Dany looked at him with sad eyes and he only bent down to kiss her. She smiled and cried a little, never had James seen her cry so much. When it comes to Ned she will always cry. Daenerys has always been that way.

As James watched Ned smile and trip over Lya's feet he heard a cry and a small crash. He and Dany whipped their heads to see Casella run out of the Great Hall with her skirts in her hands. James could only close his eyes and exhale softly.

James looked down the hall to see Ser Edmund busy with drink and song. He did not notice his daughter run out of the hall. Ser Edmund was a great father, of that James had little doubt. Normally he would have been out there comforting his daughter in a split-moment, but not this time. Rhaella was holding a sleeping Rhaegar and could not move. Rhaegar would awake in a moment to a fray of tears. Cat was talking with Jeyne and did not notice. James knew it would be left up to him.

Daenerys nudged him. "Go to her, James. You know you must."

"Mayhaps I should get Ser Edmumd."

"He is half in his cups, James. Casella loves you like an uncle, just go to her."

James sighed. "Fine."

He stood from his seat and found Casella out sitting on the steps that lead into the Great Hall. She was crying softly, he could hear. This was all the sadness she had collected from not only Addam's death, but the thought of what she lost with Ned. Casella was leaning forward, her face held up by her hands as she cried.

James put his hands in his pockets and took a deep breath before saying, "I saw you left the feast, Casella."

Startled, the girl turned around and wiped her tears. "I didn't see you there, Uncle James."

James softly laughed. Ever since she was a girl she referred to him as such. James did not mind. She considered him like an uncle, Dany a mother. When she was Ned she would call him "good-father" in jest. Now it was Lyanna who would call him that.

James motioned to the spot beside her. "May I take a seat?"

Casella nodded. "This is your home as much as it is mine."

He sat beside her and sighed, looking up at the stars. James thought about how many times he looked at the stars with Daenerys, with Ros. Yet it was Dany he always remembered. "The Dothraki say all things of importance in a man's life must be done under the stars," Daenerys had always told him. Rhaegar was created under the stars.

"You want to tell me why you left the feast?" James asked.

"I think you know the answer."

James nodded. "You knew this day would be difficult for you, Casella. After everything you went through with Addam…you knew what you were in for."

"I know," she replied ruefully, "I know. It is just…as I saw Ned holding her hands, kissing her, dancing with her…I could not help but see me instead of her. When I still loved Ned - in a way I always will - I often imagined our wedding. I saw it come to pass earlier today. I tried not to cry but…as I saw them dance it was too much to bear. I was such a fool to not wait for him, but I couldn't. Each day I was so lonely. Each day that I couldn't kiss him, love him, have him hold me…I found comfort in Addam's arms, only for him to be taken as well. Why are the gods so cruel?"

"I cannot answer for the gods. I can only tell you that Ned made his choice, as did you. You must move on, Casella. You cannot harp on what love you once shared with Eddard. He is a married man now. He loves Lyanna plain enough. Soon she will be with child."

Casella sobbed then. "Gods!" she wailed, "I hadn't thought of that. I forgot that he'll now share children with her." Now her sadness grew to anger. "I hate her! I hate him! I hate the gods, I hate all of this! Why couldn't I have just waited? Why…" She broke down and sobbed then.

James didn't know what to do. She wasn't truly his daughter but he knew she wanted comfort. Treat her as you would Rhaella or Cat crying in this moment. She deserves this much.

And before James could offer, Casella wrapped her arms around him and cried into his shoulder. James hesitantly held her as he did and waited until she stopped. "You will find a man to love one day," James told her. "One day you'll find someone. It may not be tomorrow, a fortnight, a moons turn. But one day you'll find him. And when you do, you'll know."

Casella nodded and wiped off away her tears again. She smiled through red eyes. "Thank you, Uncle James. You're a good man, despite the fact that you're my former loves father."

James laughed. "You're a good friend to not only Rhaella but Catelyn. I will forever be in your debt for making her into a little lady."

Casella laughed at that. "It was hard but we managed."

"And you did a fine job, Casella. Come let's go back to the feast."

They returned to the feast as the bedding had just begun. Lyanna was being dragged off by the men, but Robert and Gendry would not let it go too far. Eddard was being taken away by the women, who were more like vultures as they tore off his doublet.

James Stark walked over to his wife and watched as their son went off to become a man. James kissed Daenerys, the woman he fell for so long ago, the woman he shared five children with and the woman he would grow old and die with.

"I love you," was all he said.

"I love you, too," she replied.

Those were the only words James needed to hear.

-x-

Eddard

Eddard Stark awoke to a cold day in Winterfell. He was in his chambers he shared with his wife, Lyanna. He and her received their own chambers in Winterfell now since Uncle Rickon had left. Lya's own family was leaving soon and she was sad about it. They had been married for two moons now and Ned had never been happier. Ned had never been so happy since he had married Lyanna, he was glad to be in-love with her. She was his best friend in every way. Lya knew him best, as Casella once did, yet Lya's love was unwavering while Sella's was not. Casella could be laying next to me, Ned thought as he examined his wife.

Lyanna was lying next to him sleeping, looking as blissful as a newborn babe. She was lying on her back with her brown hair flowing down to the sides. Ned thought her so beautiful. Their wedding was everything he had imagined; he often thought about it during their last year at King's Landing. Ned loved that last year with her. They kissed all the time, not caring about what everyone thought of them. Ned missed fostering at times. Well, it was the people he missed, truly. He missed Victaria, Alerie, and Minisa. Minisa was coming from Riverrun to announce her betrothal to Jaime, Ned thought that was great. Those two had fallen for each other just as Ned had for Lya. Edric was going down to Casterly Rock to spend time with Victaria, while Alerie was going to Storm's End to spend time with Robert. Ned was the only man who had found his wife and love. He could not wait to get a child on her.

The coverlets were down enough to expose her breasts. Ned smirked to himself and ran a hand over one of them, causing Lya to sigh in her sleep. He could not get enough of her body. When he took her maidenhead it was as sweet as it was with Casella. Ned had taken the time to commit her body to memory, had kissed her everywhere he wanted. When he took it he entered her slowly and pushed his way in. Lya almost screamed out in pain when it snapped but Ned kissed the pain away. Finally as he moved inside her it was everything he imagined with his eyes on hers. When he spilled inside her she only moaned and clenched his cheek with her hand. Ned had wanted her since they courted down in the capitol, but honor kept him in-check. Now the honor did not need hold him back anymore.

Ned cupped her breast then and lightly twisted her nipple, causing her to stir in her sleep. He figured she would never wake and turned back on his side to get some more sleep of his own. It wasn't more than a few moments later when he felt the bed shift and Lya nestle her head in the crook of his shoulder. Ned only opened his eyes and smiled to himself.

"Good-morning, husband," she whispered before pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Ned chuckled. "Good-morning, Lady Stark."

That made Lya laugh as she nibbled on his ear. Since their bedding she could not have enough of him. Already servants were gossiping that the two "young Starks" would announce Lya getting with child within three moons. At the pace Lyanna went, Ned did not doubt that for a moment.

"Again?" Ned asked. "Gods, Lya, you wore me out last night. I just need some rest."

"But I am hungry," she whispered in his ear.

That made Ned laugh again. "Don't stags eat grass?"

"Stags do," she replied, "but wolves don't." Lya bit down playfully on his neck.

Ned chuckled again and flipped around to face her. Lyanna smiled at him and kissed him before scooting into his arms. Ned sighed heavily upon her head. He had never been happier than in this moment. "Can't we just stay in here all day?" Lya asked.

Ned shook his head. "I don't think our family would have it. We both have things to do."

"But we're a married couple now," Lya whispered.

"Married couples still have duties, Lya. You're a lady of Winterfell now until I get my own holdfast. But that won't be for many, many years."

"I cannot wait." Lyanna smiled and kissed him again before dipping her hands downwards. Ned's breath hitched in his throat as she did. He felt himself growing hard in the palm of her hand. Lyanna was a man trapped in a woman's body.

"You're a man trapped in a woman's body," he jested as she slowly began to move over him. "I swear that you are. Who knew-"

"-Enough talking," she said, kissing him with fervor. Lyanna moved over him at a quicker pace now and Ned moaned into her mouth. He cupped one of her breasts, dipping down to put one in his mouth. Lya moaned slightly and threaded his hair. After a few moments she suddenly pulled him on top of her without a moments notice. Lyanna guided him inside her and Ned felt himself moan as the warmth enveloped him. Lya was his second love besides Casella. Ned never coupled with any women in King's Landing, although he knew he could have. Once the news reached around the Red Keep that he and Casella were no more, the girls came at him like vultures. Yet it was Lyanna who threw them away and claimed him for herself.

As Ned moved inside her now, Lya clenched his back with her hands and let him have his way. He had her twice already last night so he was able to last a bit longer than usual.

"Let me on top," Lya commanded.

Ned laughed between breaths. "As my lady-wife commands."

Lyanna flipped onto him and rode him as wild as a horse. Ned could not last long after that. He grabbed her breasts and then reached down to rub her in that nub she liked. She crumbled in-front of him and screamed in pleasure as Ned did the same and hoarsely moaned her name.

Lyanna rolled off him then, sweating and panting as she laid beside him. Ned only did the same and laughed loudly. "Gods, woman, you're going to be the death of me."

"I just love you, Eddard. Is that such a bad thing?"

Ned shook his head. "I think not, Sweet Lya. Come, let us get dressed."

Eddard Stark stood from the bed and stretched before throwing the drapes open to let the light in. It was a cold day in Winterfell, he could tell, but the chamber would forever be warm by the hot springs that flowed below like blood through a man's veins. Ned was grateful that his uncle Bran gave him these chambers. "You are a married man now," he had said. "You both deserve your own chambers." And so he gave them over once Rickon left with Marci back to Karhold. Ned liked his uncle Rickon, although he hardly got to see him. He could remember him being such a funny man before Bran announced his betrothal over six years ago. Yet Ned knew as much as all the Stark cousins knew about how much their family had been through before his father was even king. From the Others to his grandfather's murder.

Ned quickly put on a tunic with a jerkin over it, slipping on a pair of small clothes and breeches. Lyanna just sat on the side of the bed, naked as her nameday. She hated dressing for the day when all she wanted to do was lay in Ned's arms. Yet Ned knew he had responsibilities, more so he just disliked staying cooped up all day like a chicken. He wanted to go spar with Robert a few more times before he left. Gods knew when Ned was going to see him again. The thought made him sad.

Lya picked up on his sadness as a dog picked up on a trail. "Why are you sad?"

Ned shook his head and laced his breeches. "Nothing you need hear, Lya."

Lyanna sighed. "Your stoicism will be the death of me. I thought your mother was jesting when she warned me about it. Gods, now I know how she felt all these years - Aunt Sansa, too."

Ned laughed. "I'm sorry, it is just I don't like talking about it sometimes."

Eddard saw her pout and cross her arms angrily. Lyanna held her face up in defiance. Ned sighed as he saw this and walked over to place both of his hands on the bed, trapping her. Lya would not meet his gaze.

"Don't be cross with me, Lyanna."

She crossed her arms even further under her breasts. "I do not appreciate the way you do not open up to me. I am your wife."

Ned sighed. "Yes, you are. What would you like to hear?"

Now she looked at him. "Why are you sad? I can feel it."

"All right, I'll tell you," Ned relented. "I was just thinking about Robert leaving, is all. I don't know when I'll see him again."

Lyanna frowned. "My sweet, I know how close you two are. Trust me when I tell you that you'll see Robert again. Soon he will have to marry Alerie, and do you think we will miss his wedding?"

Ned chuckled and shook his head. "No, we wouldn't miss it for the world."

"There you go. At least you know you'll see him soon. Now do you feel better about talking to me?"

Ned nodded and smiled. "I suppose I do. You're the best wife a man could ask for."

Lyanna smiled and kissed him. "And you're the best husband. Come, move so I can dress myself. I have to go start sowing our child's clothing."

"Child?!" Ned asked with wide eyes. He scanned her body for any sign of pregnancy. "Are you. with. child?"

Lyanna shook her head. "No, silly. I am just merely preparing for such."

Ned chuckled to himself as Lyanna moved passed him and dressed. His wife liked simple dresses when it came just for the day, the only time she dressed ostentatiously was for feasts or special occasions. That does not mean Lya did not like looking pretty, it was the opposite. She did like lady things such as needlework or embroidery, she just liked horseback riding more than the usual lady. Ned could swear that his sister Cat and Lya were half-centaurs. Those two went riding everyday and Ned supposed it was good for their relationship. He already knew that Rhaella would be a great good-sister, as would Cat. Ned just thought it weird that Rhaenys would probably be an aunt before her second nameday.

Eddard marched down to break his fast with his wife once they were done dressing. Lya decided on a woolen dress of light blue today and let her hair down and curled as he preferred. Once they arrived they found the Starks already eating. His father and mother were there with Ned's siblings, Ned's aunt's, uncle's, and cousins as well. His and Lya's grandmother was there as well. Even Alannys, his uncle Bran's ward, was there too. Ned felt bad for the girl when she arrived in Winterfell. She constantly cried for her mother and was shy, very shy. Soon her shyness gave way like melting ice as everyone was kind and nice to her. Uncle Bran treated her as if she was his own daughter and was kind to her. Alannys did embroidery, rode horses, sat-in on Maester Willem's lessons as well. Once the ice was melted, a sweet girl was revealed underneath. Alannys liked horse riding, sword fighting, and even dancing. It surprised Ned, but she was given the freedom will to like what she wanted under her mother, Asha. Alannys and Cat and Jeyne had started becoming friends slowly. Even Ned had talked to her a few times. Alannys liked him, but she liked Robb even more. She was welcome under the Starks of Winterfell.

"It seems the newly weds decided to break their fast," said Ned's father.

Ned could only give a brisk laugh. "You know how it is Father."

His father snorted back a laugh. "Just ask your mother."

Robert and the boys laughed at that as Ned grimaced in disgust. Ned's mother then playfully slapped him across the head. "Don't say that in-front of our children."

"Yes, please do not," said Rhaella. "It disgusts me."

"Me, too," Cat added.

Ned took his seat beside his father and Lyanna sat down next to him. A couple of servants came forward and put a plate of boiled eggs and bacon in-front of them with some dark toast and little fishes. The family ate their fill while they grueled Eddard and Lyanna about their marriage. "How are things going?" their grandmother asked. "Are you both happy?" asked their aunt Myrcella. "Why are Ned and Lya married?" asked Brandon. Too many questions, too many questions, Ned thought each time they would ask. He knew it was all loving but still they were trying to accept the fact that they were cousins. Did it take this long for them to accept Jon and Sansa? Will it take them less or longer for Jaime and Minisa?

After the breakfast, Aunt Sansa had pulled him aside. She was his favorite aunt, the woman he loved in a way a son loves his mother. Ned wondered how his aunt might have looked like at his age, he knew she was very beautiful - still very beautiful. Robert had bid Ned to meet him at the practice yard, as if he could read Eddard's own thoughts. Ned smiled and said he would be there, of course. He just knew it would be more than a moment. That is why he bid Robb, Jaime, and Edric to begin while Robert had to wait. Robert scowled, of course. He still did not get used to the notion of Ned being with his sister. No one had.

"Take a walk with me while you head to the practice yard," she bid him.

Ned nodded. "Sure, Aunt Sansa."

And so they walked arm-in-arm through the practice yard of Winterfell. The castle folk dipped their heads at them both as they walked. Ned only dipped his head in-return as did his aunt. As they walked Ned took the time to look at her. Ned was a hair taller than her, but he knew he still had room to grow. He could be as tall as Robert is now by the time he stopped growing and Robert was tall. Sansa Stark Targaryen's hair was as auburn as Jeyne's, her eyes still as blue as Robb's or Marissa's. He thought her very beautiful.

Sansa caught his eye. "Why do you stare, dearest Ned?"

"Just admiring the beauty I have walking with me." He bowed his head. "I am honored, my lady."

At that his beloved aunt gave a laugh. "Flattery. Something you seemed to master long ago. It has won the heart of Lyanna, I see."

"I won Lyanna's heart years ago when I stayed with her in the godswood," Ned told her. "Do you remember the day she fell from the tree?"

Sansa nodded. "I do. She told me the story herself. That was the day she loved you Ned, and how she does. Lyanna will forever be loyal."

"I know she will. Regardless, what did you wish to speak of?"

His aunt shrugged. "How your marriage was going, how I understand what you are going through. All those questions at breakfast will soon end in time."

Ned sighed. "But when, Aunt Sansa?"

She leaned in to whisper, "Get her with child, Ned."

He felt his face flush. "I-I-I…"

Sansa Targaryen laughed. "Surely you and Lyanna must have done that by now. It is expected of you both, Eddard. Once my mother, her father, even Robert hold you and Lya's child in their arms…all that awkwardness, questions, resentment…it will all wash away like a rain relieving the ground of yesterday's snow. You can trust me on that."

"Is that how it was for you and Jon?"

"Oh very much so! They did exactly what they are now to you and Lya. But once Robb was born, once your father held him, my mother as well…they did not care. Trust me, Ned. You'll want to be a father soon."

"But I'm scared," Ned whispered.

His aunt kissed his head. "I was as well. You think you won't know what to do but once you feel that swell of love and protection, you will. When I first held Robb…gods, I don't know how to explain it."

"Like a spring thaw," said Ned.

She nodded. "Yes, something of the sort."

"I felt the same when I first held Rhaegar."

His aunt smiled. "Then you know the feeling. But when it is your own child…nothing compares."

"I suppose you are right. Thank-"

Suddenly Ned heard crying coming from the godswood and his aunt picked up on it too. It was a faint cry, a cry he had heard many times in his life. Ever since he was a boy of four he had heard that cry. Eddard stopped walking, closed his eyes, and sighed heavily.

It was Casella.

Sansa Targaryen shook her head. "She cries for you, Eddard."

"She cries for Addam," he corrected.

"Yes, that may be true, but it is for you as well. Do you not think she regrets leaving you? Do you not think that when she saw you and Lya wed she must have seen you and her? Oh, believe me, Eddard, she did…she did. I would have bawled my bloody eyes out if I saw my Jon marry another woman."

"You nearly did with Arianne Martell."

"And I cried for a fortnight before their wedding. You can ask your father if you don't believe me."

Casella's wail was heard again and Ned's arms stiffened. He felt that he should talk to her, comfort her, but he did not wish to anger his wife. Lyanna held resentment towards Casella for her treatment of Ned, well she used to heavily but now it had lessened. Addam's death had done that. Ned felt bad for Casella when he heard the news that Addam was killed on the shores of Pyke by an Ironborn arrow. He was buried in Winterfell by his family and Casella had attended, even Rhaella did. Ned could not, would not. He did not wish harm upon the lad but knew it was the man who took Casella from him. Yet at the same time were it not for him he would not be with his sweet Lyanna.

"Go to her," his aunt whispered. "You know you must, Ned. She won't try anything. You two can still be friends. Maybe that is what she wants, to be your friend."

"I can't," Ned whispered. "She hurt me, Aunt Sansa."

"She is hurting now," she countered. "Is that not enough that Addam had to die?"

"I didn't kill him."

"I know you didn't."

"And there is still Lyanna. She would not like it. Her jealousy…"

"Lya will understand. You are not there to kiss her, Ned. You are there to simply comfort her. Is that so wrong?"

Ned shook his head. "I suppose not. I will go see her." Ned pressed a kiss to his aunt's forehead and said, "Uncle Jon is a lucky man."

His aunt smiled. "And Lyanna is a lucky woman. Go, see Casella happier."

Ned nodded and bid his way into the godswood. It was a place that held even deeper meaning for him than just a place of worship, happiness and memories. It was the place where he married his wife, his love. It was a place where he kissed Lyanna for the first time as well.

He found Casella sitting by the Heart Tree, crying into her hand. Ned had seen that image all too much in his life. He had seen it once as they were children and she hurt herself, he had seen it when Ser Edmund nearly died in a hunting accident. He had also seen it before Ned went south for his fostering.

"Casella."

She looked up from her hands and was visibly startled to see him there. "Eddard? I didn't expect to see you here, or for you to ever speak to me again. Why are you here?"

Those words hurt but Ned gave her no reason to doubt them. He had not really spoken to her since he arrived back in Winterfell. Mainly because of Lyanna, but also because Ned still felt wounded. They had not talked about it.

"I heard you crying."

Casella laughed briskly. "I didn't mean for you to hear. I meant for no one to hear."

"I'm sorry you feel that way."

She nodded and pulled a wineskin from beside her. Casella took a long drink and threw it away, wiping the wine from her chin. Ned was stunned. Sure Casella drank, at feasts, but never alone. It was alarming to Ned. He didn't wish this upon her, never this.

"Why are you drinking so early in the day?" he asked as he moved his way towards her.

Casella looked upon him with nothing but venom. "Now…now you care?" she slurred. "This is the most you have talked to me since, since you came back."

Ned sighed and stood in-front of her. Sella would not look at his face, she kept her eyes to the ground. "Shouldn't you be with your wife?"

"Lyanna is sowing with Rhaella. I was off to the practice yard."

"Then go," she spat. "You're not wanted here."

Ned sighed again and squatted down to her eye-level. "Casella, I do not hate you. I forgave you a long time ago."

She snorted in reply. "Sure you did. Why did you invite me to your wedding, Ned? You knew that I would cry."

"You wanted to go," he reminded her.

"I did not. I did-did not care."

Ned saw the frown she was trying to suppress. He saw the girl he used to love there. But did she ever love him? That thought was forever on his mind.

Ned decided to take the plunge. He sat down next to her releasing a giant sigh, his hands laid against his legs that were propped up in-front of him. Ned stared out into the distance in-front of him, the only sound was the rippling waives of the godswood and the trees in the cold wind. Casella did not say a word, nor did he.

Finally Ned spoke. "I cried for you when I received the raven, you know. I cried for you, Casella. I loved you. I loved you with all my heart since I was nothing but a boy. Yet the question still remains…did you ever love me?"

She did not reply.

Ned continued, "I suppose you did not. The way you threw away our love like yesterdays left overs…I was once told by someone that you only loved me for the blood in my veins. That you loved me because of who my parents were, of me being a former prince. Were I not from a line of kings and queens, you would not have given me a second glance. I suppose that isn't true considering Addam was not from royalty."

Casella remained quiet and Ned glanced to see her looking at the ground, tears silently coming from her eyes. He shook his head. "Did you cry for me? Would have you cried for me if I had died on the shores of Pyke?"

"I cry for the love we once shared!" she finally screamed at him, her eyes in a blaze of anger. Ned kept his gaze forward. "I loved you, Ned! I always had! Addam was just a means to replace you. You were gone for three years, Ned - what was I to do? I could not kiss you, hold you, have you inside me. What would you have done?"

"I would have waited."

She scoffed. "Sure. The ever honorable Eddard Stark would have waited. Of course."

"I came here to talk, to console you. I did not come to argue."

"Then leave. It makes no difference to me, Ned."

Ned stood from the ground in-anger and began to walk away, but before he did he had to say, "I loved you, Casella. But you were the one who never really did. In the end it is your loss. I love, Lyanna. I will have a family with her, live out my days. I wanted us to be friends, but…good-bye."

It was more than a few steps before Ned heard footsteps behind him, the leaves crunching. He turned around to have her throw herself on top of him and tackling him to the ground. Casella was on top of him and trying to kiss him. Her lips locked with his once, but Ned tried to push her off.

"Casella, get off me!"

"I'm sorry!" she said between tears. "I love you, I always will! Forgive me. Love me again. I know you love me, Ned. You don't love her!"

Ned had enough and threw her off him. Casella landed on the ground in a thud and looked up at him with sad eyes. The tears came again. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Gods, I'm sorry. Ned, please forgive me."

Ned sighed and squatted down again, he grabbed her by the arm and stood her up. Casella flattened her dress and wiped away her tears. "Casella," Ned began warmly, "I do not hate you anymore. I want us to be friends."

"Lyanna will never allow it."

"You let me handle, Lyanna," Ned assured. "I don't want you to be alone, Casella. I cannot love you anymore, you know that. Find someone. Do not let me get in the way of your happiness." Ned chuckled to himself as he remembered saying these same words to Lya in this very spot because of the very girl he was talking to. How life was queer. He then continued, "I assure you that we can be good friends."

She smiled through red eyes, her beauty was radiating. "I'm happy to call you friend, friend."

Ned laughed. "I'm glad to hear it. Come, let us get out of here."

Ned lead the way out and she followed. Casella then left him afterwards, off to join the ladies. Eddard Stark took a breath, clearing his mind of these just past events. He knew that talk had to happen, not only for his sanity but Sella's. They had too much history together. Ned would have to see her nearly everyday for many years before he and Lya came into the holdfast. He could not have him and his wife feel uncomfortable in their own home. If Lya would be mad at him for this, so be it, but Casella deserved happiness as Ned did. Lyanna would get over it in time. Especially after they shared a child together.

And a few moments after he had left the godswood, her voice rang from behind dripped in anger. "Why were you speaking to her?"

Ned groaned in agony. Of course Lyanna had to see him walking out of the godswood with her. A place where Ned shared many kisses and tumbles with Casella. Eddard then turned to face her, lowering his hands in assurance. "Nothing, Lya. We did nothing, I promise."

Lyanna put her hands on her hips. "That wasn't what it looks like! A hug, Ned? Really?"

"Lyanna, she deserves to be happy. I only told her that we could remain friends."

"Friends?!" Lya yelled. "Why?! She hurt you, Ned! Do you remember when your cried into my arms the day you received the raven? Do you? She hurt you!"

Ned face softened as he closed the distance between his wife and braced her shoulders. "I know she did. I know the wound that was keenly felt by her own words. But I forgive her, Lyanna."

"Why?" she asked softly.

"Because she deserves to be happy." Ned pulled her into an embrace. "As I deserve to happy." He kissed her head. "As you deserved to be happy so long ago."

Lyanna nodded against his chin. "I know. You can be friends with her, I guess. Just please for the sake of me…"

Ned pulled out of the embrace to look her in the eyes. "Never, my love. I would never do that."

Lya warmly smiled and kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too. Come watch me spar."

Lyanna stopped in her tracks. "I would, but I cannot stand the looks the girls give you and my brother. I could never stomach it in King's Landing, and I could never now."

Ned chuckled. "Then show them that you are mine."

"How?"

"Kiss me good luck in-front of them."

And so his wife did. Ned brought her over and found Robert already half-naked swinging his sword while a sweaty Edric, Robb, and Jaime were equally as half-naked on the other side, drenched in sweat. Trying to be so much like me and Robert, I see. Lyanna kissed him and wished him luck before he sparred Robert. It was how Ned passed the time each day.

Another moons turn passed and the time of Robert's departure kept creeping closer. Ned passed the day the same. First he'd awake with his wife in his arms and spar with Robert. Ned would then sit in on pleas with his uncle, go out when his lord uncle also had to attend to his smallfolk. Jaime and Robert would come with them each time.

Ned grew solemn as the days neared. Now it was just but a few. This morning marked the fourth but last. Eddard awoke this morning to Lyanna not by his side. He found her sitting at the foot of the bed, completely naked. Lya had her face in her hands and Ned sense something was bothering her. Her brown hair was down her back, curling into ringlets at the end.

"Long night?" Ned asked.

Lyanna shook her head. "I slept fine."

"Then what is bothering you?"

Lyanna turned her head and gave him a small smile. "I have some news, Eddard."

"What news?"

Lyanna smiled wider. "I've been having morning sickness these past few days. I also haven't had my moons blood in a couple of moons turns."

Ned felt his eyes grow wide as he quickly scrambled to sit by her side on the bed. He quickly grabbed her hands and noticed the tears in her eyes. His heart was beating at a thousand paces, as if it was a stampede of horses.

"Are you with child, Lya?"

She nodded rapidly and bit her lower lip, tears coming down her face. "I believe so, Ned. I believe so."

Ned felt tears of his own. "I-I don't know what to say." He grabbed her by the face and kissed her fiercely. "Gods, I'm so happy. We are to share a child, Lya!"

Soon it hit Ned and he felt his face drop in shock. "I'm going to be a father."

Lyanna laughed loudly and held him, giggling into his shoulder. "We're going to be parents, Ned. We'll have a baby boy or girl of our own."

"A boy or girl?" Ned asked quickly. "Names, what about names?"

Lyanna hushed him and put a finger on his mouth. "One day at a time, Ned. But if it is a boy we will name him Gendry."

"And if it is a girl we will name her, Sansa."

"Sansa?"

Ned smiled. "A lovely name. I promised Aunt Sansa long ago that I would name my first daughter after her." Ned chuckled. "Robb says that means he gets to name his first daughter, Daenerys. He loves my mother so."

"A lovely name then."

"Yes, I know it is."

"And who won your father's name?"

Ned sighed in jest. "Rhaella did."

"Poor boy," Lya jested, she stroked his cheek.

Ned laughed. "No matter. We cannot all name our children after our mother's and father's. Else wise there would be a lot of Dany's, James's, Arya's and Gendry's running around."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Ned kissed her again and blinked out his tears. "Gods, I'm going to be a father. I cannot wait to tell our family, Lyanna."

That made her increasingly happy. She clenched his hand and gave a giddy jump. "When shall we tell them? At breakfast? Yes, Ned, let us tell them now. Please, why not?"

Ned shrugged. "I suppose we could. We might as well tell them before your belly swells too big."

"It has only a little," said Lya. "Well, at least, I like to think so."

Ned looked down to notice a slight swell that could easily go unpassed to the eye. It was not large enough for anyone to notice, surely. It took about three moons and a fortnight before his mother began to show with Rhaegar in her belly.

"So do we tell them now?"

Ned saw Lya's expression change. "Why don't we wait."

Ned chuckled. "For how long? You know they will be happy, Lya."

"But what if they aren't?" she whispered. "What if they can't look at us anymore because they'll know we fornicated."

"Lya we are husband and wife. It is expected of us to be doing as such. They won't think any different of us."

"But what if they treat our child different?"

Ned was taken back. "How could you think such a thing? Our family loves us, Lya. If that was true than Robb, Jeyne, Brandon, nor Marissa would be loved. I love Jeyne with all my heart, she is more like a sister than cousin. Robb is like a brother, Brandon is the same to Rhaegar. Marissa is as sweet as they come."

Lyanna wiped her tears. "You're right. I was so foolish to think so."

Ned smiled. "Once my father and your mother hold our child in their arms…" Ned placed his hand on her stomach, Lya placed hers on top of his, "…then they will know a love like no other. Lady Catelyn will be a great-grandmother."

"Breakfast then."

"Breakfast it is."

Ned could not hold his smile as they broke their fast with the Starks. Lyanna sat next to him, hands clutched under the table. Their family noticed, of course. His father asked why they were so happy but Ned only lied and said he was having a nice day. Lyanna did the same when questioned by Lady Catelyn. However, when Ned looked over at his wife he saw the smile she was trying to suppress, too. Ned couldn't help but laugh.

"Why are you so happy, Ned?" Rhaegar asked in an inquisitive voice as he clenched his spoon.

"Yes, why are you happy too, Pretty Lya?" asked Brandon.

Lyanna giggled and looked to Ned. "May I? Please?"

Ned nodded as Lyanna rose from her chair.

Rhaella's jaw dropped. "No…" Ned saw her smile so wide. How often his sister smiled, he wasn't sure. But this smile made him break. For now she was for once truly happy for Ned. Rhaella was smart. She knew what Lyanna was about to announce. "Lya, are you-" he saw the tears.

Lyanna's tears formed as well as she nodded. "Yes, Rhaella."

Rhaella covered her mouth. "Seven hells…"

"What's going on here?" asked Edric.

Ned looked around the room to notice that all the adults had caught wind. Lady Catelyn had tears in her eyes, as did Ned's mother. This was the moment she was told she was to be a grandmother. How Daenerys Targaryen did not look that old yet. Neither did Catelyn Tully when she was presented with Robert.

Lyanna looked down to Ned and clenched his hand. Ned nodded in reply.

"I'm with child."

There was applause, tears, and congratulations that soon followed. Ned's father hugged him with force, braced his shoulders and smiled. "I'm to be a grandfather." Everyone else made their congratulations as well and Ned's aunts and grandmother shed many tears of joy for them both. Cat hugged him, happy and excited to be an aunt, as Rhaegar was explained to and he understood…very little. Rhaella was with Lya and holding her happily, both crying. Rhaella even hugged Ned intently, never had she done as such.

It was the next day when his aunt Myrcella announced herself with child as well. After so many years she had finally gotten with child again and all of Winterfell was happy. She was going to announce it the day Ned and Lya knew, but she decided to wait another as not to trump them. Ned gave her a kiss on the cheek in gratitude. They had been trying for years. All of Winterfell knew it. No one said anything, no one expected anything. In a way their pregnancy was better than Ned's. They surely deserved it more than Ned and Lya. Whose only advantage was youth.

It was the last day Robert was to be in Winterfell when Ned was roused from his bed too early in the morning. The birds had just begun to chirp. A sharp knock had come on the door and it was a steward from his uncle Bran, "Urgent business, my lord. Your presence has been requested with your uncle's and father."

Ned rubbed his eyes as Lya sighed next to him and wrapped herself around him, snuggling her head into his chest. "What news?"

"A raven from the Wall."

Ned felt his eyes grow wide, he felt confused. A raven from the Wall? How could this be? What threat could pose themselves to the Night's Watch after so many years? Wildlings? White Walkers? But my own parents defeated them so many years ago.

"Tell them I'll be down there as soon as I dress."

"As you wish, my lord."

Ned sighed and looked down at his wife, she was awake, feigning sleep, he knew, but Lya did not want him to leave. Eddard chuckled as he kissed her head and said, "You can stop pretending, Lyanna. I know you want to talk about it."

She gave a smile with her eyes still shut. "You know me too well."

Ned disentangled himself from her embrace (even though it pained him so) and stood from the bed. He dressed as Lyanna sat up on the bed. "What do you think this is about, Ned? The Wall?"

Ned sat down to lace his boots and answered, "Not sure. It is urgent, Lya, that much I can sense. Who knows what things lurk in the Land of Always Winter."

"The Others were defeated long ago," she said. "Surely, they cannot be a threat."

"No, but wildlings can."

"Wildlings," she spat. "They have no leader."

Ned tied on his other boot. "Ah, but they do. A man named Mance Rayder. He helped take back Winterfell from the Boltons and helped defeat the Others. Only for him to be kept on the other side again and told he can still call himself King-Beyond-The-Wall. Of course no one has seen or heard from him for years."

"Mayhaps he is dead."

"Mayhaps. Although we don't know for sure. Winter is coming…"

Lyanna gave a slight smile at there families words as Ned finished dressing and got down on one knee in-front of her, clenching her hands. "I'll be back soon, my love. Why don't you get some rest." He kissed her.

"Rest will do me good." She rubbed her belly. "For the little one growing in here I'm sure it is the best thing."

Ned placed his hand on hers. "I'm sure it is."

Lyanna kissed him again before Ned made his way to the door and closed it behind him. He strode down the halls of the Great Keep towards the east end where his uncle's solar was located. Ned felt tired, of course, but there was nothing he could do. If he wanted to be a lord of his own lands he had to learn how to lead. What best way than to learn from the Lord of Winterfell? Ned would rule northern lands regardless.

He arrived at the solar a few moments later, only to find his father, uncle's, and Robert half-awake. Even Jaime was there, his eyes wondering between opening and closing. Bran gave him a hard shove on the shoulder and his son snapped awake.

"Now that Eddard is here," the Lord of Winterfell began, "we can get down to this raven."

"Not without some ale, at least," said Tyrion. "We will need some of that to lighten the senses."

The men grumbled in-agreement and Bran ordered for ale to be brought with some light food. Once the servants came back and poured the ale, he began to pass the raven scroll around. Ned did not get a chance to read, nor did Robert, but he knew the message had ominous tidings.

Ned's father grunted. "Mance Rayder. Surely he must be dead."

"This cannot be," said Jon Targaryen with a shake of his head. "No, this cannot. Mance…surely he does not have the power, James?"

"I know not," Ned's father replied. He put a hand to his chin. "Yet why would Pyp lie, Jon? Why would any of them? They know us, we know them. They-they wouldn't do this unless it was serious."

"Of course it is serious!" Gendry Baratheon exclaimed. "Castle Black is under siege by wildlings, mammoths, and giants! They've come back for revenge, James."

"I told Jon to let the Wall come down," James Stark said. "But he couldn't have it."

"You know I could not allow that," Jon replied. "They cannot be trusted, James. I know you loved Val and I know some of them were our friends, Ygritte, but...you knew it could not happen. The whole country was in anarchy at that point. Now…it is a different issue."

Val? Who is that?

"It makes no matter," added Bran Stark. "We have to go and reinforce Castle Black. If this is true, it puts the whole north in-danger. We are the first line of defense should Castle Black fall to the wildlings. We have no other choice."

The men nodded at that and Ned did not fully understand. But Jaime spoke for him. "Are you saying you're going to the Wall, Father?"

Bran nodded. "Yes, I am, Jaime. We all must go."

Jaime's eyes grew wide. "Even me?"

Bran shook his head. "No. You will stay and be the Lord of Winterfell while I am gone. You will be alone at this. Your uncle's will not be here, nor your cousins."

Cousins? "Cousins? You mean…I am to go?" Ned asked.

"Me as well?" asked Robert.

"Aye," said James Stark. "You are both men now. You want to lead, well learn how to follow."

Ned's eyes grew wide. "Father, no…Lyanna, she is with my child. I will not leave her."

"I had to leave your mother when Cat was in her belly. We all make sacrifices, Eddard. Even your uncle will not see his second child be born to him, nor did he see Jaime as well."

Ned felt sad when he said that. Now he had no choice, he knew. He would go to Castle Black with his uncle's, father, and Robert.

Bran then explained, "We must leave soon. Give the army time to prepare and then we will go. The Night's Watches strength is not what it used to be - even smaller than when Jon was Lord Commander. We must head north with all haste. Jon who is the Lord Commander now?"

"I believe it is one of the Mormont's now. Ser Jorah had no sons but the ladies do. He joined the Night's Watch surely after I left. Jeor, is his name. He is the son of Lyanna Mormont."

Ned chuckled at that, he had no idea that the Mormont's named a daughter after the Lady Lyanna.

Bran Stark then said, "As it was when we relieved the north of the Ironborn, so it shall be again. James will be my second, Jon and Gendry as well. Tyrion, you may come along if you wish."

Tyrion nodded. "I do wish. I will not miss out on this."

"So be it. I will tell my lords later in the day, the Greatjon will be the first to move north. His lands are closest to the Wall."

"Who will attend to the castle's duties?" asked Jon Targaryen.

"Sansa or Daenerys can attend to the stewardly duties while we are gone, even Arya could help should she wish. Myrcella will be the Lady of Winterfell, Jaime the lord, and Ser Edmund the master-at-arms, or castellan. Go to your families."

"But we are forgetting that Gendry is the Lord of Storm's End."

Gendry sighed. "I will send a raven to Stannis, as we should do regardless. I will tell him I cannot move back south until the Wall is safe. I entrusted my own army with Ser Desmond. He is my most trusted knight and friend. He knows how to run Storm's End. I will send a raven down and make him castellan in my stead. Once this business is over I will go down south with my family."

"But I was to court Alerie," Robert whispered.

Gendry shook his head. "I know, Robert. We can send a raven to Highgarden and inform them. I'm sorry."

Ned saw a flicker of sadness go across Robert's face but he regained his composure. He had more to learn than Ned out of this. He was to be the Lord of Storm's End and Lord of the Stormlands, not Ned. Ned was just going to be…well, Ned.

He went back to his chambers soon after where he found Lyanna still asleep. Ned did not want to tell her, did not want to sadden her nor stress her. He did not want to do that to the babe they were to share, yet he knew he must do it. Sooner or later he would have to leave, in no more than a fortnight if everything went to plan. Ned had that long to spend with her, to make love to her, to kiss her and hold her. He would make every second count.

Eddard sat the edge of the bed where his wife was sleeping. Lyanna was on her side, hands tucked under her face. The sheets were down to her stomach to expose herself. Ned reached over and pushed the hair from her face until she stirred awake and smiled. "I could awake to this every morning…"

Ned gave a small laugh. "And I hope you do for many years."

Lyanna sat up on the bed and sensed his sadness again. "What is wrong? I can sense something is a miss, Eddard. You can tell me."

Ned shook his head. "I don't want to."

Lyanna frowned. "Tell me, my husband." She grabbed his hand.

"Fine. The news, the raven…Lya, you were right. Wildlings have set siege to Castle Black and the Wall."

Her silver eyes grew wide. "Gods. What will Uncle Bran do?"

"He will do as the Warden of the North must. He will take an army to the Wall to reinforce them. My father is going, Uncle Jon as well. Even Tyrion and your father are going, Lya. Robert…he is going as well." Ned met her eyes. "I am going, too."

He saw her frown turn to shock. She stammered her words and Ned just let it sink in. Lyanna began to shake her head vehemently. "No, that cannot be. No, no, no, no. You are my husband, we are just wed, I carry our child. You cannot go, Ned, please…" the tears came now. "Don't leave me."

Ned kissed her and pressed his forehead to hers. "I don't want to. But I must go, Lyanna. Duty dictates that I must. If I want to rule, I must do this…"

Lyanna then muttered, "You agreed to this? You had a choice, didn't you?"

"I was not presented with such."

"You were," she seethed. Lyanna began to beat his chest with tears coming down her face. "You did! You did! How could you do this to me?! How could you want to leave me?!"

Ned held her in his arms as she sobbed into his shoulder. Lyanna would not stay mad at him, could not. She knew as much as he did that he had no choice. His uncle would not give him land lest he did this. Ned did not know how long he'd be gone from his wife's arms. A fortnight, a moons turn, three moons, six, seven, a year, two years…he did not know. He might miss the birth of his child, he could miss his or hers first name day. The thought made Ned terribly sad, sad enough for tears. Is this how my father felt when he couldn't see Cat into this world? Is this how Uncle Bran felt as well?

Ned held Lyanna for the rest of the day, not wanting to let go. Neither of them left their chambers, even though their family had tried to persuade them to. They made love as often as they could, as much as they could. Each time Ned was inside her he could not help but think this could be the last time in awhile, the last time in his life…if things went wrong. He shook the thought from his mind.

The news spread quickly around Winterfell. The castle began to bustle with men and women preparing food and arms, and loading them up into wagons. The smith of Winterfell, a giant man, was working day and night. And soon the sound of hammers as steel were as familiar to Ned as the sounds of chirping birds. By the next few days the Greatjon was off with his men and towards the Wall.

Most of the days were spent with the northern lords and his uncle's and father making final preparations. Bran Stark could only muster a few thousand, some having left after he returned from the Greyjoy Rebellion. He would leave at least two hundred behind to guard the castle.

Soon the ravens were written not only to King Stannis but to Ser Desmond of Storm's End and Alerie as well. Robert himself wrote the letter. He told her of the wildlings and how much he loved her. Ned was the only one to know how he had fallen for her. Robert in-love, it was a queer thing to behold for sure. Ned then spent his days with Cat, Jeyne, Robb, Rhaegar, Brandon and all his cousins. Besides Lyanna he spent it with Cat and Jeyne the most. He went riding with them and Jeyne's love for him had only grown fiercer. She begged him to stay - no doubt Lya had a part to play in that - but Ned only laughed and hugged her close. Even Cat tried to persuade him to let her come along with them. Catelyn wanted to see the world, the Wall especially, but Ned had to say no. Their father would never allow it. Ned even spent a few moments with Casella.

There was a giant feast for the lords and bannermen of Bran Stark the day before the last. He made speeches and Ned got truly drunk to wash the pain away. Lyanna was with him through it all.

Each day Lyanna tried to persuade him. As the days neared closer, she would talk to him about it more and more. As she laid in his arms every morning, his hand on her belly, no clothes or sheets to keep them apart…she'd always ask. "Must you go?"

"Yes, you know I must."

"But your uncle has many men under his command, surely-"

"-Lyanna I must. What will I tell our child or you should the Wall fall and wildlings arrive outside Winterfells gates? I will not have it."

"How do you know it is as bad as they say it is?"

Ned did not know. "We have to trust what the raven said, Lya. The Wall can be climbed, can be overrun quickly. We must reinforce them."

The days fleeted like leaves in the wind after that, and Ned awoke to what possibly could be his final time in Winterfell. Lyanna held on to him like an anchor did the sea floor or a vine to a tree or moss to a rock. She did not let go. Lyanna cried into Ned's bare chest as he held her. Ned cried as well. He loved her dearly. This woman, this beautiful woman who was his cousin, his lady, his wife, the mother to his child. Eddard Stark's biggest regret was not loving her sooner.

They made love one last time as Ned looked into her eyes. Exactly like the night he took her maiden's gift. As Eddard Stark sat in his bed, knowing full well what was awaiting him outside. Lyanna clung to him like a spider and said, "You do not do anything foolish, Ned. You come back to me. You come back to our child." She took his hand and put it on her slightly swollen belly. "Think of this moment when you're scared."

Ned kissed her softly. "I will. I'll always think of the two of you."

They made love one last time and after he was done, Ned dressed and left the chambers as she rested. Lyanna needed her rest. Being with child was a hard burden that Ned was all too familiar with. He had been there to see Rhaegar grow in his mother's belly, he could kind of remember when Cat was in her belly, too. It drained them.

Ned now made his way to the section of the Great Keep where his families chambers were. His father was with their mother and Rhaenys, wanting to be alone. Ned would oblige that wish.

As Ned passed Cat and Rhaella's chambers he found his sister sitting on the bed in her night clothes, her silver hair flowing over her shoulders. Her lilac eyes were as red and Ned could tell she had been crying. Never had he seen his sister cry. Rhaella tried so much to be like their mother, like the blood of the dragon. She would never weep unless the occasion called for it.

Ned stepped towards the entrance and said, "Hello, Rhaella."

Rhaella looked up from her hands and appeared startled. "Ned. I-I didn't expect to see you there."

"May I come in?"

She nodded. "Sure."

Ned walked into the room and sat down next to her. He had never been close to her, his twin sister. Many times he wanted to be, but…he supposed it was just not meant to happen. Ned felt compelled to ask, "Why were you crying?"

"I wasn't crying," she said, wiping her tears. Her tone was soft. "I simply had something in my eyes."

"If that is what you must tell yourself."

She laughed. "I suppose so. It is just…never mind."

"No, tell me. Rhaella, what is troubling you?"

Rhaella took in a breath and explained, "I just don't want you and Father to leave. Everyone is leaving, Ned, and I don't know if I'll ever see you or our father again. What if something happens?"

Ned couldn't help but smile. "Twin sister, nothing will happen. I'm sure we will be back home soon."

Rhaella nodded. "Gods willing. And Lya, Ned, your wife. She is with child and has to be alone. I feel so bad for her."

"Why are you two being nice to each other?" Cat asked as she stood at the doorway. She was in a dress of grey with her hair in a braid.

"I-I don't hate, Ned," said Rhaella. Ned felt pride. "I don't want him or Father to leave."

"Cat, come here," Ned asked.

Cat nodded and sat beside Ned. "I want you both to look after Lyanna while I am gone. I want you to promise me both." He looked to Cat. "Be patient with her. Look after her. For your niece or nephew."

Cat smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "You know I will, Ned."

Now he turned to Rhaella. "And, Rhaella…make sure she doesn't cry for me day-and-night. Help her feel alive, feel happy. Be there for her as the child grows within her belly. Mother was sad when father was gone…when Cat was in her belly. As the time grew close she grew solemn and sad - so Grandmother has told me. I don't want that for Lya. I want her to be happy."

"She'd be happier if you stayed behind," Rhaella whispered.

"That cannot happen, you know that as much as I. Just…promise me you'll look after her. Don't let her cry."

Rhaella pulled him into a hug. "I promise, Ned. For the nephew, or niece hopefully, that grows in her belly. I promise."

"Thank you."

And they all heard a giggle and a laugh as Rhaegar came into the room with Brandon at his heels. Rhaegar laughed and ran into Ned's arms, while Brandon jumped on the bed and hugged Rhaella.

"I'll miss you, Prince Aemon," Ned told his little brother. "Make sure the evil dragon doesn't capture the princess." He looked to Brandon who was in Rhaella's lap. "You hear that Ser Arthur?"

Brandon nodded dutifully. "Yes, Ned."

"Good." Now Ned braced his brother by the shoulders. "Rhaegar, I'm being serious when I tell you this…do you hear?"

He nodded. "Okay, Ned."

"Take care of mother, okay? Make sure to be nice to her, to love her. You'll be the only man, Rhaegar. You're the man of the family now."

At that he smiled. "I am. Papa told me I was now."

"And you are," Ned said with a smile. "I know you'll do it. And take care of Pretty Lya for me. Will you?"

He nodded dutifully. "Okay, I'll look after Pretty Lya. I love her."

Ned smiled. "And she loves you too, Rhaegar. I'll miss you, Prince Aemon. I'll see you soon."

Ned hugged his little brother once more and held him tight. Rhaegar only placed his head on Ned's shoulder, and wrapped his arms tightly around his neck. How Ned loved his little brother, his only brother. He looked up to Ned, wanted to be him and loved spending time with him. It was why Ned could never stay mad at him or Brandon.

It was time to leave soon after.

Everyone gathered in the courtyard to make their final goodbyes. Ned was dressed in a tunic with a leather jerkin over it, furs strapped on his shoulders to keep him warm. By his side was a sword and dagger, never had he been in-battle or had to kill a man. Ned figured he would before all of this was over. His late uncle Robb had killed his first man at fourteen, had been christened in the blood of battle. Eddard Stark didn't know how he must have done it, how he must have felt when he first lead men into battle. The thought itself was terrifying.

Soon the men were mounted and ready to go, the northern army was already making its way out of the gates. Ned's uncle Bran had already made his goodbyes to everyone, having gone at the head of his army. The rest of Ned's uncles and Robert had stayed behind and said their goodbyes already. The women were in the courtyard with the children, some were crying others were not. Even Alannys, Bran's ward, was there beside his aunt Myrcella. Aunt Myrcella was not crying, nor was Ned's mother. Daenerys Targaryen would be strong in this moment, he knew…until she sent him off. The tears would start coming then.

Robert made his goodbyes first, then Uncle Jon and Robert's father. Arya Stark was not crying neither, Ned saw. But Ned's eyes were only on Lyanna who was trying her best not to shed any tears either. Eddard could not help but frown at that. His wife was glowing, radiant even in her dress of dark brown. Her brown hair flowing down just as Ned liked. Gods would he miss her.

As soon as Tyrion and finally Ned's father said their goodbyes and mounted their horses with Robert and his two uncle's as well, it was Ned's turn. Ned took the time to say good-bye to his cousins, to Jaime, Edric, and Robb. He even gave Alannys a short hug. Edric was bitter about not being able to go to Casterly Rock as promised, but was still sad to see them go. Robb was sad as well. He had his hands deep in his pockets and he was looking down to the ground. Ned put a hand on his shoulder and told him to cheer up, for they'd be back soon. Robb only nodded in reply and gave Ned a hug. They usually just shook hands.

Jaime gave him a hand shake and a hug, he was now the Lord of Winterfell. Ned pressed a kiss to each of his aunts cheeks, but hugged his aunt Sansa for longer than usual. She promised to look after Lyanna and his child, although Ned knew everyone would do that for him. Ned pressed a kiss to Cassana's forehead, and another to Marissa's cheek. The girl blushed at one. He then said good-bye to Brandon and finally to Jeyne, his Jeyne. Lovely Jeyne.

Ned stood in-front of Jeyne and stuck out his hand. "Good-bye, my lady."

Jeyne pouted and swiped his hand away and hugged him with a smile. Ned couldn't help but smile, too. He held her for a while, Jeyne mainly did not want to let go. She began to cry and Ned soothed her the best he could. "You'll be a woman the next time I see you," he told her. "You'll be too beautiful that I'll have to protect you from all the boys."

Jeyne laughed between tears. "I'll always love you, Ned."

"I know. And I love you too, Jeyne. Don't tell Lyanna this but if I were ten, I would have married you in her place."

Jeyne pressed a kiss to his cheek in-reply and hugged him once more. She whispered words of encouragement and promise. She promised to look after Lya and his child. Ned loved her so.

It was hard to leave her. He moved passed her to say goodbye to his grandmother, who held him close as she did Robert and told him to be safe. Ned knew he would. It was even harder saying good-bye to his family and even Casella. Sella gave him a short hug, for Lyanna was there, and told him she'd pray for him. Ned only thanked her. Rhaella hugged him longer than she usually had and said she loved him. Rhaella never said that too often. Rhaegar gave him a huge hug, cried, and told him he'd miss him. "I promise to be the man," Rhaegar said. "I'll look after Mama." To which Ned replied, "I know."

It was just as hard to say good-bye to Cat as it was to Jeyne. "Good-bye, Cat."

Cat smiled and hugged him. "I expect that horse ride when you return, Ned."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"I love you, big brother. I'll help Lya with the baby. I promise to be a good aunt."

"I know you will, Cat. And I love you too, little sister."

He kissed his sister on the head and pulled from the hug, Cat had begun to cry softly. Ned hated seeing her cry. She loved him and their father too much. It pained him so.

Ned made his way to his mother and held her close. To his surprise she did not cry. "Come back to me, my baby boy," she whispered while peppering his hair with gentle kisses. "Come back to your wife and child. Look after you father as well."

"I will, Mama."

Ned kissed her on the cheek once more and looked down at Rhaenys who was asleep on their mother's shoulder. Eddard bent down to kiss her on the forehead and threaded her brown-black hair.

Now it was time to say good-bye to Lyanna.

Eddard stood in-front of his wife and softly held her hand, looking at her in the eyes. "My lady," he whispered. "I love you and I'll miss you."

"You're such a dolt," Lya said with tears coming down her face as she pulled him into a hug and kissed him for as long as the Long Night. When she broke it off they were both out-of-breath and Ned only pressed his forehead to hers. "Come back to me," Lya whispered once more. "Come back to our child." She took his hand and put in on her belly.

"I will, my lady, I promise. You take care of our child. I'll think of you everyday and write when I can."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

And with that Lyanna opened his hand and put a bracelet in it, Ned saw. It was grey in-color with a direwolf upon it. It was made out of thread and sown around a cord. Yet at the end of the bracelet was a locket of her hair. Ned couldn't help but laugh softly when he saw it. "Is this your hair?"

"Do you like it?"

Ned looked at her and said, "I love it." He placed the bracelet on his wrist. "I'll wear it day-and-night."

He kissed his wife one last time for the longest time and she cried as he walked out of her arms. Ned mounted his horse, his father next to him clad in Stark grey with a sword by his side, and nodded. His father nodded and smiled softly before spurring his horse further.

"To the Wall!" Gendry Baratheon yelled in that booming voice of his and they were on the move. Next to him was Robert, who was looking down to the ground all sad.

"We'll see them again, Robert," Ned assured as they moved out of Winterfell's gates, its grey walls looming behind them. They moved along the kingsroad with his Uncle Gendry leading the way, Tyrion beside him. The men were in-front and behind them moving along the narrow road.

Robert smiled and said, "I know we will."

"Winter is coming…" said Ned's father.

"Winter is coming…" Robert repeated.

"Winter is coming…" Ned echoed. "Winter is coming."

A/N: There you are. Yes, there will be a sequel. But…that won't be for a while now. I have to take a break from writing for a little, or at least this story. I have another to get back to until I can write this one. Make sure to catch the sequel to this soon. I'll post an Author's Note on this when it begins.

I'd like to thank everyone who has read this, favorited it, reviewed, and followed. Once again, thanks, it means a lot.