A/N: Sorry it's been a while guys, it was my birthday and then I found myself struggling with a bit of block. Anyway, I'm hoping it's cleared up now and hopefully you will all enjoy the new chapter!

unnamed visitor: Thank you very much! Yes, Tywin is indeed working quickly to get the upper hand in this situation. Glad you liked the Tywin/Lana scenes, their relationship is a favourite of mine that I think shows his good side to best effect. I wouldn't hold out much hope when it comes to Karenza and Loras, but there are more twists to come with that particular thread so stay tuned. Yep, Renly really is showing his idiotic side, but I think they are well prepared for anything he intends to try and throw at them. Hope you enjoy the new update!

Guest: You're very welcome!

Boramir: Thank you very much. Yes, Tywin is certainly getting ahead with his plans, but there is more to come with the Karenza/Loras betrothal so keep an eye out for that in later chapters. Renly is certainly up to something, and they will be prepared. And yes, Lanette is kind of like Tywin's conscience in a way, with her around I think some of his more ruthless ideas could be toned down.

Guest: I'm not sure, there is so much content I have to try and get through and at the moment there is no reason for them to really be having any kind of interaction I'm afraid.

Guest: Not great for either of those two I agree, but stay tuned in the next few chapters... I suppose not everyone can like Lana, but I think she needs to show a bit of superiority when she's dealing with Tywin or he probably wouldn't listen. With the Starks so close to the Lannisters in this fic I don't think Tywin would want to offend them by breaking up the betrothal last minute. It would be a bit of a sting given they are already on the way to the Capitol. Again, with Karenza, stay tuned...

Right-ho guys, hope you enjoy!

:)

Plans

Cersei watched on carefully as the arrival of the Stark party was announced, blinking slowly before she let her gaze flicker towards her son. She noted, with relief, that he had stood up from the Iron Throne and was descending the steps to the base of it as the Starks came closer. Her own lips twitched up slightly when she caught the eye of the auburn haired woman who was almost of an age with her, knowing she would likely be Lady Stark. The woman was beautiful but she had an air of apprehension about her and Cersei could appreciate why. She managed a faint returning smile for her though and Cersei noted that her eyes were kindly looking. Her eyes flickered back towards Steffon then and he took a few steps forwards as the party came to a halt in front of him.

Lord Stark bowed at once, his wife curtseying down, as did the girl just behind them that could only be Sansa, the future Queen. "Lord Stark, my ladies," Steffon inclined his head to them and indicated them to rise up; "it is a pleasure to welcome you to the Capitol, I trust you fared well on your journey."

"Thank you your Grace," the northern rumble of Lord Stark's voice replied; "our journey was unhindered, thank you for your concern. May I present my wife, Catelyn," he indicated her and she smiled, Steffon reaching out for her hand and placing a kiss to the back of it. "And my daughter, Sansa," Lord Stark indicated the girl behind them and Cersei watched keenly as she took a few steps forward. She looked nervous but did a good job of hiding it as she met Steffon's eyes for a moment before holding her hand out to him. Cersei was pleased for her that it didn't shake, and even more pleased when her son placed a rather more lingering kiss on the back of her hand than he had on her mother's. Steffon would do just about anything for a pretty face, and Sansa Stark was lovely indeed. Cersei could only hope her loveliness would be enough to keep her son occupied, or discreet at the very least.

"It is an utter pleasure," Steffon speaking again pulled her from her musings and she mustered a smile for him as he held out his hand to encourage her closer. She placed her hand in her son's and allowed him to lead her forwards towards the Starks. "In turn," he said, "may I present my mother, the Queen."

"For a while yet at least," Cersei said with a smile, her eyes holding Sansa's for a moment and seeing the girl smile shyly back at her. "Your Grace," Lord Stark bowed to her before reaching for her hand. "My lord," she returned as he placed a light kiss to the back of it. "I am so sorry for your loss," he said in an undertone, his hand clenching around hers for a moment before he let go. Cersei found herself appreciating the moment of pressure and the genuine condolences. She was sick of all the falseness that had surrounded her since Robert had passed. Not everyone was sorry he was gone, no matter what they claimed to her face.

"Thank you," she said, meeting his eyes; "Robert always spoke most highly of you. Trust me when I say he was looking forward to this day," she gestured between Sansa and Steffon; "if only for the excuse to drink himself into a stupor and relive old tales with you."

"I am truly sorry he cannot be here for it all my Queen," Lord Stark inclined his head to her and she brought another smile to her face before turning her eyes to his wife. "Is this your first time in the Capitol Lady Stark?" she asked her.

"Yes, it is my Queen," Lady Stark inclined her head and smiled in a far more relaxed manner than she had before. "Then I must take it upon myself to acquaint yourself and your lovely daughter with the keep, and all around it that will be of interest to you," Cersei said. She was looking forward to company, she craved company these days, it kept her mind from wandering. Strangely enough she had even taken to spending time with Lanette, the two did not speak much but were more than content to share a few words over a flagon of wine or some needlework. It was progress of a sort, and if Cersei ever craved real conversation then she knew Amy was never far away. Her niece would soon be away back to Winterfell though and she knew that she ought to start to get to know her future good-daughter.

"You must be tired from your journey," Cersei went on after Lady Stark and her daughter had murmured their gratitude, looking pointedly towards Steffon. "Yes," he clapped his hands together; "there is a guard ready to escort you to your chambers and I shall look forward to seeing you at the feast, if not before," he finished, his gaze lingering on Sansa for a moment before the three Starks moved towards the guard that had come for them. Cersei tried not to let a knowing smile twitch up at her lips as she watched Steffon watch the retreating back of his future bride.

"…and Gods…he is just so handsome…" Sansa continued on with her gushing and Catelyn chanced a glance towards Amy who smiled widely before turning away to examine more of the fabrics that the seamstress had sent up to them. Sansa sighed in rather a dramatic fashion when she came to the end and sank down onto the bed, a faraway glazed look in her eyes. Catelyn smiled slightly before she crossed to where Amy was sifting through silks and laces. They were to choose something for the wedding, at the behest of the Queen who had been most attentive to them since they had arrived.

"Robb gifted me a lovely shawl that would go well with this," Amy let her fingers linger for a moment on a deep red silk and Catelyn nodded her head. "Was that the one with the golden lace?" Catelyn asked her and Amy nodded. "Yes, with the red and gold beading, I think he was trying to please my grandfather with such a Lannister gift…"

"No doubt," Catelyn agreed with her. They were dining privately with Tywin Lannister later and to say she was apprehensive was rather an understatement. Amy was always full of smiles when she spoke about him but Catelyn was well aware of his family history. Then again, there were few in Westeros who could say their hands had been clean of blood during the Rebellion. Still, there was no need to dwell on such things now, not at such a happy time. "I thought blue," she said, resting her own hand on another sample of fabric.

"Blue would be perfect, it goes so well with your colouring," Amy complimented her and Catelyn couldn't help but smile. "Thank you Amy," she said, "perhaps I could take our choices to the seamstress? Give you and Sansa some time alone…"

Amy nodded her head but Catelyn could see the slight unease in her eyes. Catelyn was no fool, she knew that there was no great love between the two of them and she thought it high time they were forced together. She knew that her daughter had had her nose well and truly put out of joint by Amy's arrival at Winterfell. Sansa had always been happy at the centre of attention but then another girl had come along and placed herself firmly there alongside her. Amy in her turn had been far too caught up with everyone else to make any effort with Sansa after Sansa had been so clearly uninterested in integrating her good-sister into her close circle of friends.

"Try," Catelyn said quietly, "for me, please." She raised her brows insistently at the end and squeezed Amy's forearm gently until the young woman nodded her head in defeat. "Thank you," Catelyn said meaningfully before she gathered up the chosen samples and made her way from the chamber.

"Would you like some lemon water?" Amy asked Sansa when Lady Stark had left them alone. Sansa looked up at the question, faint surprise registering on her face. "It's rather refreshing," Amy persuaded her and Sansa nodded. "Thank you," she said, offering her a small smile which Amy was happy to return. She had always regretted not being as close to Sansa as she was to Robb's other siblings, the trouble was she had never found a way for them to find common ground. Any time she suggested going to the seamstress together Sansa would always be on edge as they chose fabrics and styles together. Perhaps she had been intimidated? Whatever the reason Amy had given up in the end and both she and Sansa had seemed all the happier for it.

"Your mother showed me your wedding dress," Amy said as she handed her a glass of the lemon water; "you are going to look utterly stunning in it."

"Thank you," Sansa said again, taking a sip of her drink; "you looked beautiful in yours you know…sorry if I never told you that before."

"It's no matter," Amy said dismissively, hesitantly coming to sit down next to her on the end of the bed.

"This place is so grand," Sansa said quietly after a painfully long moment of silence; "I wonder if I will fit here."

"You already do," Amy sought to reassure her, "you have always had the air of a southern lady about you Sansa, perhaps from your mother?"

"My mother made her home in the North," Sansa said.

"And you will make yours here," Amy said, "it will not be so hard, the King seems rather taken with you already."

"Do you really think so?" Sansa asked and Amy smiled.

"Yes," she said at once, smiling widely.

It was true, Steffon seemed rather intrigued already by Sansa and Amy was pleased to note it, even if it made Robb wander around with a permanent scowl on his face. He was still not best pleased at the situation that had arisen with Steffon at the Rock. Amy could understand both sides though, although she refrained from telling her husband that. Robb might value honour above all else and be a faithful husband but Amy knew that he was a rare sort, even rarer here in the south. Here mistresses were to be expected and endured. A man could have as many as he wanted, especially a King. She glanced back towards Sansa and wondered if she knew to expect such a thing. Perhaps Lady Stark would have mentioned it. Amy thought about Jon then and sighed, likely Sansa already knew.

"I don't expect him to be true to me," Sansa said, almost as though she had read Amy's mind.

"No?" Amy said softly.

"But that doesn't mean he can't love me, does it?" Sansa persisted, turning to look at her now.

"Of course not," Amy shook her head and Sansa smiled.

"I think mother is afraid of talking to me about it," she confessed, "I think she thinks I'll be upset, that I still think it will be like it is in the stories."

"But you don't?" Amy asked and Sansa shook her head, smiling wryly.

"They're stories," Sansa said with a slight laugh; "I got the truth from my Septa."

"Whatever happens you will have the Queen, she will be a good friend to you I am certain of it," Amy told her meaningfully and Sansa nodded.

"Thank you," she said after a quiet moment, taking another sip from her drink; "I am sorry we were not always like this…it could have been nice."

"Yes," Amy agreed, a smile tugging her own lips.

"It's not that I didn't like you," Sansa went on, hesitating for a moment; "I suppose I was jealous."

"Jealous?" Amy frowned.

"You came with all your southern fashions and stories and no one seemed to look at me anymore," Sansa said and Amy smiled slightly.

"I'm not sure what to say to that," she said after a long moment.

"I'm sorry if I was rude," Sansa said.

"I'm sorry if I seemed dismissive or unkind," Amy said in turn and they smiled tentatively at one another.

"Perhaps when you go back to Winterfell we can write to one another?" Sansa suggested.

"I'd like that," Amy smile, "and I'm sure there will be visits."

"No doubt," Sansa agreed, nodding her head before averting her eyes and bringing her glass up to her lips again.

Jaime was almost late for the meeting his father had called in the council chambers, his steps quickening as he approached the right hallway. He was almost at the door when he saw Robb coming from the opposite direction and he tried not to feel uneasy, knowing that his presence likely meant that his father had asked him to join them as well. Jaime came to a halt outside the door and waited for Robb to join him, sending him a tentative smile to which his good-son nodded rather stiffly. Robb had been thawing in recent days but it seemed as though he was still very on edge when alone in Jaime's presence. Guilt was gnawing more and more at Jaime every day, a nagging voice at the back of his head telling him that they ought to tell Amy the truth; that they shouldn't allow her husband to keep such a secret from her for the rest of their days.

"Were you summoned as well?" Jaime asked Robb as he too came to a halt outside the chamber door. Robb nodded again before he seemed to find his voice; "aye, and my father as well I believe." It was Jaime's turn to nod at that before he moved to rap sharply on the wooden door. His father's voice called for them to come in after a moment and Jaime did as he was told, Robb following on behind him. "Ah, about time," his father said, "I was beginning to think you weren't coming. What kept you both?"

"I was with the men in the yard," Jaime told him and his father sighed exasperatedly, gesturing them closer to the map they were all surrounding and turning his eyes to Robb. "I was with Amy, she needed my assistance with something," Robb gave his own excuse and Jaime noted the slight softening in his father's eyes as everyone moved round the table so the two new arrival could take their own look at the map.

"So…Stannis, you are agreed that part of your fleet will move down to Stonedance as a precaution in case Dorne decide to sail?" Jaime's father asked, his eyes piercing those of the Lord of Dragonstone. Stannis nodded his agreement stiffly and Jaime imagined that he would rather be anywhere else right now. The man was loyal though, he had been loyal to Robert though the man hadn't seen fit to reward him justly for it, and now he would be loyal to Robert's son. Perhaps Steffon would see fit to return Storm's End to him. Only time would tell.

"Forgive me," Robb cleared his throat and all eyes were suddenly fixed on him as he shifted from foot-to-foot nervously before moving his hand to one of the map markers. "Would it not make more sense to push down here, to Cape Wrath?" Robb asked, his eyes dancing around the assembled men; "Would that not leave more time for warning should Dornish sails be seen?"

Jaime noted his father raise his brows at Robb's suggestion and he almost held his breath, waiting to see what his reaction would be. "And what else would you do Stark?" his father finally spoke and Robb shifted again, moving closer to the map and sweeping his eyes across it. "If you are still worried about the Tyrrells then I would suggest that your own troops coming from the Rock should be positioned about Bitterbridge," Robb said and Jaime's father nodded slowly. "Is it true that men are marching up from the Vale?" Robb addressed Jon Arryn.

"True enough," the man replied and it was Robb's turn to nod. "It would be easiest for Renly to come through Bronzegate if he were to march would it not?" he tapped the map lightly with his finger. "Aye, but he could skirt the Kingswood and come along the Roseroad," Lord Stark put in and Jaime saw the frown crease Robb's brow. He glanced towards his own father then and watched him contemplating Robb. Doubtless his father already had a plan for the troops on the ground but he was likely testing Robb. Jaime wondered whether he would pass the test as the young man scrutinized the map for another long minute. "He would have to pass within sight of Fawnton if he went that way; the watch should be on the lookout for him. They would have ample time to warn those at Bitterbridge and they could come and head them off; likely around Tumbleton," Robb said.

"With forces from the Crownlands and the Vale joining them from the north?" Stannis raised a brow and Robb nodded his head. "Aye, and those in the Stormlands loyal to yourself my lord," Robb inclined his head politely and Stannis nodded his own head slowly before falling silent again. "And what of the North and the Riverlands?" Tywin asked.

"We can send men if you think it necessary," it was Lord Stark who answered; "but if Renly were to move tomorrow they would never make it in time. Those from White Harbour would arrive first but if there was a battle at Tumbleton we would doubtless be too late."

"But Renly would know we have more men coming, if he were in a positon to consider another attack then would he not think twice knowing that more are coming from the North?" Robb asked with a frown and everyone considered his words for a long moment. "My brother is an idiot," Stannis finally said, "but even he might think twice knowing what numbers you could bring."

"Does the crown request I call my banners?" Lord Stark asked seriously then and Jaime looked towards his father, wondering what he would say. "Have them gather but do not give the order to march," he finally said, "there is still time for Renly to answer Steffon's call for him to attend the coronation and bend the knee…it is something he might consider now the Princess Karenza is promised to Highgarden."

"Is there word of Loras Tyrell?" Jaime asked and Stannis grimaced slightly, as did his father. "Still at Storm's End from what we know, Mace assured me he will be recalled at once to the Capitol to bend the knee," his father told him.

"Let's hope he will heed his father's instruction," Lord Stark said grimly; "the last thing this country needs is another civil war." Everyone murmured their agreement with that statement, Jaime noting how his father shifted around several pieces of the map to comply with what Robb had suggested. "I think that is all that can be done for now," his father said when he had finished; "now we ought to focus on a happier occasion, perhaps we ought to raise a glass to the coming wedding?"

Again agreements were sounded and Jon Arryn moved to pour several glasses of wine, each serving being handed out. Jaime noted Robb toasted the upcoming wedding rather stiffly and he gestured his good-son to the side as the other men fell into conversation again. "You don't seem best pleased about your sister becoming queen," Jaime said quietly and Robb sighed heavily, his eyes flickering towards his father before he made a reply. "From what I have seen of some of the King's behaviour, I am not sure she will find a happy marriage," he said lowly.

"His penchant for girls?" Jaime suggested with a raised brow and Robb nodded his head before taking a sip of his wine. "You know marriage can change a man, and besides," Jaime went on, "I'm sure your sister is no fool…it is rarer for a man not to take a mistress than it is for him to do so, doubtless her Septa and her mother taught her that."

Robb didn't seem pleased with his thoughts on the matter and Jaime couldn't help but smile. He was naturally protective of his sister but his own thoughts of honour were blinding him to the reality of the situation. "Men like you are rare Robb," he said with a sigh, "that is the truth of the world, and it is unlikely to change."

"No," Robb said, fixing him with a look for a long moment; "I suppose you're right there. If you'll excuse me…" he drained his glass and set it down on the side before uttering his farewells to the others and striding from the chambers. Jaime swallowed down his own wine, his head and his heart engaged in a furious confrontation with one another. He thought of Amy, of Lanette, of Robb and of the future, all his thoughts and emotions battling against one another. He looked towards his father and imagined his wrath…

Jaime drained his own glass, shot out his own swift farewells before he too left the council chambers and pounded down the hallways to where he hoped Lanette would be waiting for him. For so long he had kept everything so carefully buried. It was a secret from a forgotten time that no one needed to speak about any longer. Then Cersei had come back and through his own desire to keep her at arm's length they had managed to inadvertently let Robb in on the secret. Possibly the one person besides Tyrion and Amy that he would least want to know about such a thing. He took a breath and then another before he pushed open the door to his and Lanette's chambers.

She was sifting through her new acquisitions from the seamstress, no doubt deciding which dress to wear for the wedding and which for the coronation. Gods she looked so beautiful and happy and Jaime could hardly bear to change that. It was eating him from the inside out though. What if someone else found out and told Amy themselves? What if Robb snapped? Jaime didn't think it likely but it was a possibility that he could no longer ignore. If he and Lanette sat her down themselves and explained everything then maybe, just maybe, she would understand and be able to forgive him.

"You look like you've had a thrilling afternoon," Lanette raised her brows at him expectantly and he forced a smile to his face that he was sure she would see right through. "What's happened now?" she asked him, half exasperatedly and half worriedly. "I think we should tell Amy," he said before he could change his mind and she took several steps closer to him. "What do you mean you think we should tell Amy?" she asked in a dangerously low voice.

"I think it best that we tell her what went on between Cersei and I in case anyone else tells her first and makes it out to be worse than it was," Jaime told her, doing his best not to cringe away from her. "After all this time you want to tell her?" she asked him incredulously and he nodded his head. "You were right in what you said about Robb, how it isn't fair to make him keep this from her. It's killing him Lana, I can see it in his eyes and the longer it goes on the longer he will resent us for making him keep it quiet," he explained and her expression softened slightly.

"Robb understands how much it would hurt her, that's why he's keeping it to himself. I think he would rather keep this from her than risk upsetting her, especially in her current condition," Lanette said and he groaned. With everything happening all at once it had been easy for him to push Amy's possible pregnancy to the back of his mind. "I can't live with it anymore Lana, live with our secret in the hands of others," he said, "no one can hurt us so long as we tell Amy on our own terms, we can't allow anyone to twist this to their advantage, especially in the current situation."

"Who else do you suppose knows about this?" she asked him with wide eyes and he shrugged his shoulders in a desperate manner. "I don't know, but Varys has his spies…all it takes it a purse shaken in the right direction or one whisper overheard…" he tailed off and he could finally see the acceptance in her eyes. "You're serious about this aren't you?" she asked, meeting his eyes.

"Yes," he nodded determinedly; "no more hiding and no more secrets. Once the wedding is out of the way, we tell Amy the truth."

A/N: A slight cliff-hanger, I do hope to update next week though so long as my block has gone! Thanks for your patience!

:)