Author's Note: First off I am so so sorry about the huge wait. It was not my intention to go so long between chapters, however my laptop had to be sent in for repairs to the keyboard. I know, it is sad and annoying. But I have been spending my time plotting out the rest of this story so never fear there is much drama and excitement to come! May have also inadvertently come up with another story idea but that will come later!
Shout out to StudyInBlack for the review on the last chapter and who received a sneak peak for this chapter.
Alright without further adieu here is chapter four, where we shall see some Ned and Robert interaction and will Jaime and Alysanne finally meet? - officially at least? Stay tuned and fine out!
Down into the crypts of Winterfell did the two old friends delve. For a moment they could pretend that they were not as the world knew them now; the King of Westerns and the Warden of the North. Robert sighed as the cool air of the crypts wrapped around him, New followed closely like a shadow knowing he did not need to show him where to go, the other man knew exactly where Lyanna Stark's tomb was. The tombs under the keep held ancient tombs dating back hundreds and hundreds of years, back to the Kings of the North long before Aegon the Conqueror had made his landing on the shores of what was now King's Landing. Ned seldom came down to the crypts on his own, if he was honest he was haunted by the ghosts of his family. His father, his brother... Brandon and his sister... Lyannna. He could close his eyes and remember them, their faces so clearly. It was as if they were still there, waiting for him. For the first years after the Rebellion had had, had so many nightmares about their deaths. He had cursed the Old Gods for not giving him the strength to prevent their deaths or for taking them all from him. The years though had passed and he had eventually found some peace, but still he avoided the crypts. He could not look upon the effigies of his family without he heart breaking all over again.
But because Robert bid it he went down once again to face his family. To silently beg their forgiveness for his failures to them both in life and in death.
As both he and Robert reminisced over the past it eventually came, what the King had come all the way to the North for. He asked him to serve as Hand of the King, of course he acknowledged the honor that his friend and King was offering to him, but did not rush to answer. He knew his wife, Catelyn was not fond of him leaving. But since the raven came from her sister Lysa things had become more complicated. The realm was not safe, Jon Arryn had died and if Lysa was to be believed it was not a tragic sickness but poison that had taken him. It was clear that plots were being made and if someone killed the Hand of the King that was as good as making an attack on the King himself.
"You helped me win the Iron Throne, now help me keep the damn thing." Robert said to him once Ned had rose from his knelt position before him. He looked down and breathed in deeply, he knew his friend did in fact need him. Needed him probably more than ever.
"We were meant to rule together, if your sister had lived..." Robert continued and Eddard snapped his head up to look at him. "-we would a' been bound by blood." They would have been good-brothers, and Lyanna would have been Queen. So many things would have been different.
"But it's not too late... I have a son you have a daughter, we'll join our houses." the King then said. This proposal did come as a surprise to the Lord of Winterfell. It was not an outlandish idea and instantly he knew that Sansa would be excited by the idea, she would love nothing more than to become a princess and one day a Queen. A gasp left Eddard's lips and he looked to the other man with wide eyes.
"And what of Cersei? She has agreed to this?" Ned asked his friend.
"I am King and Joffrey's father am I not? You are my greatest friend, this is what is best and she will agree with what I decree." the King responded with an edge to his voice. Clearly he had not discussed this with his wife but not that Robert would have ever thought too before. "But that is not the only way we will join houses." Robert then added and again Eddard was knocked back with a wave of surprise that hit him right in the gut.
"Sure you don't mean Arya too?" he then asked in shock and too the reply Robert laughed.
"No, no. I think Cat would have my hide if I stole both her daughters to marry my sons." he then said and shook his head slowly. "No I was speaking of your niece."
"Alysanne? Cersei would never agree to have her child son marry a girl almost twice his age." Ned said skeptically. It was one think for a betrothal of a girl to a man and wait until she came of age. But Alysanne was already a woman grown and flowered, Benjen had already received letters from Lords of other Northern Houses to ask for his daughter's hand, and even some from the Houses of the South. But he had not accepted, it was an unacknowledged fact that there was a fondness between Robb and Alysanne, ever since they were children. Ned was not opposed should his eldest son come to him someday and ask for permission for her, Benjen and Ned's own parents had been cousins. To have the King seek a bride who was so much older for the younger prince was almost cruel, she would be well into her prime by the time Tommen even came of age.
"No. No. Not for my son Ned, but marry her to the Lannister House." Robert then explained. "Don't give me that look Ned, do ya' think I've not noticed the icy relations between your House and Tywin's? You both have been at odds since we took King's Landing." he quickly continued.
"For good reason, for the Old Gods sake Robert you saw the bodies of Elia and her child-" Ned had started to say.
"Don't start with me Ned, there's nothing to be done with that now. I am tryin' to keep these Kingdom's together, and I can't two of the greatest Houses that are at my sides be at each other's throats." he then said sternly interrupting Eddard as he spoke. "I want you to bury the hatchet with Tywin Lannister, your niece will marry into his family and all will be settled once and for all."
"So you want me to convince Benjen to marry his only daughter to Tyrion Lannister, the dwarf?" Ned asked a little incredulously.
"The Imp? I would not do your niece the dishonour." the King then said. "She would marry Jaime Lannister."
"The Kingslayer? You think that is a honor?" Eddard retorted. Jaime Lannister to the Lord of Winterfell was a man without honor. He had taken vows to be Kingsguard to Arys Targaryen and in the sack of King's Landing had placed his sword into the King's back. When Robert had taken the throne Ned as been vocal about delivering justice for his crime and broken vows, but Robert would not hear of it, instead he allowed Jaime to keep his station and rewarded him for killing the Mad King. "The man is sworn to your Kingsguard, he is forbidden to take a wife." he then pointed out.
"I am King am I not?" Robert responded tightly. "Tywin has wanted for years for me to release Jaime from his vows so he can have his heir back. Already we agreed that I would chose Jaime's wife in exchange for this. But I need a bride for the heir of Casterly Rock from a family I can trust. Your House is the one if the only that I can truly trust Ned."
Robert was right, Eddard did not trust the Lannisters, neither Tywin or Jaime. He could think of many reasons why he could say no, how he could get Benjen to say no to this idea. But on the other side he knew Robert needed peace, that was what they had fought for all those years ago. Dorne was living in isolation from the rest of Westerns and the crown, the Iron Islands were only in line because Ned had Theon as a ward in Winterfell. Now with Lysa Arryn the regent of the Vale and accusing the Lannisters of murdering her husband... yet another kingdom that was ready to pull itself away from the crown. Then there had been the fact that after the Rebellion he had come up to the North and had not left...
"My kingdoms are torn apart... fractured... broken... Never been the same since the war. With your daughter's marriage to my son and your niece to Jaime Lannister we can start to put it all back together again." Robert then said and Eddard sighed. There were rare moments that his friend showed his wisdom, they were few and far between but once upon a time Ned had believed that the man before him would make a great King - this moment almost made him believe again.
The sun was starting to set and Alysanne gathered up her skirts as she quickly descended the stairs that would bring her to the corridor of the main hall. She had put on one of her nicest dresses for the feast to honor the royal family's visit to Winterfell, it was of a deep blue material with a higher collar but a small cut down over her collarbone and silver stitching in the style of ivy vines over the bodice. Her hair was only simply done, with some of her locks of hair plaited into small braids that were pulled back around her head. The rest of her long brown hair fell in waves over the back of her shoulders. The wintery keep had been filled with wondrous smells as the cooks and kitchen maids had been at work all day preparing the evening feast. The feast was probably the most exciting thing Alysanne could remember happening at Winterfell. Brushing her hands as she reached the bottom of the stairs she breathed in deeply, collecting herself before she started to move down the hallway.
Torches along the wall cast the hallways with a warm glow. Having heard just a short while ago from Sansa that King Robert had proposed uniting the Stark and Baratheon Houses, she was sure tonight would prove even more exciting and lively than anticipated. As far as Alysanne knew Lord Eddard had yet to formally accept the offer, but few doubted that he wouldn't. A royal betrothal to the crown prince... it would be impossible to have a more advantageous suitor than Joffrey Baratheon. And Sansa was thrilled with the idea, she had always loved the songs and tales that told of brave, gallant knights and charming princes. Already Sansa was, no doubt, imaging her life as a princess in King's Landing and Alysanne almost wished we would be able to see it all for herself. But the likelihood that she would ever journey to King's Landing, even for the royal wedding was small. Besides the wedding would not be for a few years yet as her cousin had yet to flower, and the brown haired Stark girl had little idea about where she would be when that time came.
Just earlier that afternoon Alysanne learned that her father had in the past six months had received no less than four ravens from Last Hearth to suggest a betrothal between Smalljon Umber and Alysanne. There had been other letters with marriage offers from the Karstarks, Manderly's and Glover's, not to mention Hoster Tully's very forward suggestion of Edmure Tully as a groom for his daughter's niece. However Benjen Stark never even entertained the idea before quickly shooting that offer down. As she grew older Alysanne knew it was becoming harder for her father to give gracious excuses for not accepting any of the offers made for her hand. In part she knew her father was reluctant to entertain any offer that would mean his beloved daughter might leave Winterfell.
But Alysanne had decided that tonight after the feast she would have a true and honest talk with Robb, about what they both wanted and had wanted for a long time. No more delays, no more waiting. Tonight she would know if Robb truly did want her as his lady wife... and if he did they would seek the approval of both her father and his before Ned Stark made to leave for King's Landing.
She was both excited and nervous.
Arriving before the main hall she saw the small gathering of Starks, Baratheons and Lannisters - all were preparing to make their grand entrance into the feast. A Stark had been assigned to escort one of their guests inside. Her uncle Ned was to escort Queen Cersei while her Aunt Catelyn would escort King Robert, Robb would escort Princess Myrcella, Sansa would escort Prince Joffrey while Arya would escort Prince Tommen. Her grey eyes then slowly turned about the crowd and looked for her father, assuming she would assume that she would be escorted by him into the feast. However she turned and caught the eyes of her Uncle who promptly and politely excused himself from the Queen and King's side and moved towards her. The brunette straightened her back as he approached and smiled, a smile that was warmly returned.
"Alysanne... I was hoping you might escort Ser Jaime Lannister into the feast." Ned Stark said to her and she blinked quickly in slight surprise. "He is the Queen's brother and it would be a slight to her if we didn't at least offer all our Northern hospitality to them." he then went on to explain.
"Of course Uncle Ned." she replied gently once she had cleared her throat.
Eddard's smile deepened and he placed a hand on her shoulder affectionately. "Thank you sweet girl." he then told her before he turned and return to where Robert, Cersei and his lady wife were waiting. Now she turned her head and looked for the golden head of hair of Jaime Lannister, briefly her eyes met Robb's blue ones. He was standing from the princess who seemed to be animatedly talking with him and Alysanne suppressed a giggle, it was clear that the young girl was infatuated with her cousin. Quickly she sent him a smile before she continued to turn her head and she finally spotted the man she was looking for. Jaime was standing on the far end of the entrance hall, lingering in a doorway with his arms folded over his chest as he spoke with his brother. Alysanne merely watched him for a moment before she moved to approach him. He was undoubtedly a gorgeous man, and she could easily see why many gossiped that he was the most handsome man in the Seven Kingdoms.
Slowly she walked to the two Lannister men but as she got close they each turned their heads and looked to her. Two sets of green eyes focused on her and Alysanne felt her stomach clench a little. She had never been nervous like this before. However she steeled herself and placed a pleasant smile on her face.
"Good evening my Lords." the brunette Stark said gently as way of greeting. Tyrion, the Imp, looked her once over and smiled before he glanced back to his brother and then back at her.
"Ah, you must be the Lady Alysanne Stark." Tyrion said and her grey eyes turned and looked to the man who stood shorter than her and her lips quirked into a wider smile.
"That is what everyone insists on calling me around here." she replied playfully. From his spot Jaime smiled as he too looked over the girl, while the other Lannister burst into a warm chuckle.
"Rumors have been reaching me ears since we got to the North of Benjen's daughter being a woman of radiant beauty and exquisite charm." Tyrion then said a smile still on his face. "I'm glad to see both claims are very true indeed."
Alysanne laughed and she bowed her head appreciatively as a light blush dusted across her ivory cheeks. "Well thank you Lord Tyrion." she then stated.
Slowly Jaime Lannister stood up from leaning against the stone archway and straightened himself, even smoothing his golden-brown doublet. Turning to face Alysanne he smiled to her before he bowed his head to her, as was the knightly thing to do. He then reached for brunette's hand and raised it to his lips to give her knuckles a kiss.
"A pleasure to meet you Lady Alysanne." the blonde knight said and then slowly released her hand. Her cheek flushed and her blood seemed to run hot, though she had received small attentions and compliments from men before in her life however not ever from a man quite like Jaime Lannister. "To what pleasure do me and my brother owe your company?" he then asked and from the side Tyrion smirked to himself.
"My uncle asked that I escort you into the feast, Ser Jaime." she then informed him.
"And what of me? Am I to be denied the company of such a fair creature this evening?" Tyrion then gasp in mock shock and horror and Alysanne smiled apologetically to him.
"My pardons Lord Tyrion, if I had a sister she would gladly escort you. But sadly there is only a few of us Starks and so many of you Southern's." she then said and Tyrion waved his hand, as if to dismiss her apology to him.
"Do not fret my Lady, I'm sure my brother will make wonderful company for you." the dwarf then said. "As long as there is much wine at this feast I am sure I will be able to survive. My Lady," Tyrion said and bowed his head to her before looking to Jaime. "-brother." he said and then departed their immediate company. For a moment the pair were silent and each regarded the other.
"So you are to be my escort?" Jaime then asked as he leaned in a little closer to her and Alysanne tilted her head up and looked directly at his emerald eyes.
"Yes, my Lord." she then lowly replied, to which Jaime smiled and then offered his arm out to her as the doors to the Great Hall were opened. Whipping her head around she noticed everyone else was lined up and ready to make their procession into the feast and she quickly placed her hand onto the crook of the golden Lannister's arm.
"Well my Lady, please led the way." he then said lowly to her.
Alright kiddies, there you have it! Jaime and Alysanne have officially met! Hope it was worth the wait for you all and thank you guys for staying with this story, I very much appreciate you loyalty. As always I will ask for you to leave a review with your thoughts and comments!
For everyone who reviews they shall recieve a preview for the next chapter!
Until next time my darlings!