A/N: *Please Read* There is a time jump here at the start of part four which should be pretty obvious. However, I imagine there might be a bit of "woah woah woah what happened with Renly?" thoughts (which is totally fair enough), just to let you know...it will become clear in Tywin's POV section further on in the chapter. So, anyway, hopefully it doesn't confuse anyone at the start, I don't want anyone thinking I'd just abandoned that plot.

Anyway, this is part four, I hope you enjoy the start of it.

unnamed visitor: I'm glad you feel better about it, I think it was important for Amy to face them so she can really come to terms with it. Obviously I think she wishes she never found out but at least she can go home now safe in the knowledge that she still loves her father. Well, hopefully this first chapter of part four will be exactly what you were hoping for. And yes, while I don't think Tywin would have gone quite that far I don't think Jaime would be his golden boy anymore, that's for sure! Thank you as always, hope you enjoy the new chapter.

Boramir: Don't worry, no one's writing any letters anywhere haha. Yes indeed, things are starting to look up for them all, which naturally means I need to find some way to meddle with it. Thank you very much, hope you enjoy the new one!

Guest: You're very welcome.

Right-ho, heeeeeere's part four!

:)

Part IV

New

"Have you ever seen anything more perfect?" Amy asked softly as Robb pressed a kiss to her temple. "I don't know," he replied, his voice laced with pride and wonderment; "his mother comes rather close." Amy laughed slightly at that before she turned her head and pressed her lips to his for a moment before she turned her attention back to the bundle in her arms. Their son had been born not yet an hour beforehand, hours of agony had turned into a burning pain that she felt sure would kill her. Then it was gone, just like that, gone in an instant when she had heard the cries, when Maester Luwin had lain him down against her chest and declared him healthy indeed. The pain had seeped back now, a dull pain throbbing between her legs and exhaustion clouding almost everything.

At first she had barely registered Robb finally being allowed in once she and the baby had been cleaned up. All she could think about was the tiny little creature in her arms that was just about the most incredible thing she had ever clapped eyes on. Even seeing Robb for the first time could not compare to this. The overwhelming love she had for her baby clouded almost everything and she had only become aware that Robb had even entered the room when he lowered himself to sit on the bed next to her. He had been unable to utter a word at first, his eyes wide and almost disbelieving as he fixed them on their new born son. When he found his voice he had stuttered out his disbelief, and told her how incredible she was. Amy had to confess that she didn't feel very incredible right now, but her son…he was quite possibly the most incredible thing she had ever seen.

Robb reached over then, his hand shaking slightly as his fingertips came to brush their baby's cheek. He squirmed in his blankets at the contact and Amy couldn't help but smile widely at him. He had such a look of Robb about him although he was far more Stark in colouring, the light sprinkling of hair on his head the darkest black. His eyes were blue for now but Lady Stark had told her they would change from the stormy dull colour they were now to something more pronounced as he grew. Amy wondered what colour they would be, if they would be Lannister green, Tully blue or perhaps as Stark as his hair.

"You ought to hold him," Amy said after watching Robb tentatively stroke the back of their son's hand for a long moment. "He's so tiny," Robb's eyes widened, "what if I do something wrong?" Amy wanted to laugh at the look of panic in her husband's eyes as he met hers. "You're his father, you need to hold him," she told him firmly; "besides, did you not hold your brothers and sisters when they were babies?"

"Yes, but -," he started and she cut him off at once. "I have never held a baby in my life, if I can do it then you most certainly can," she said and he seemed to consider her for a long moment before he nodded his head. She shifted their son up at his gesture, seeing a look of intense concentration on Robb's face as she handed the squirming little bundle over to him. That look of wonder came over him again as he cradled his son, his lips breaking out into a wide smile as he cooed down on him. "You see," Amy said quietly, trying not to smirk, "that's not so hard is it?" Robb didn't answer, his eyes seemed almost glazed over as he looked down on their son and Amy was again fighting the urge not to smirk at him.

A knock at the door finally pulled him from his stupor as Amy called for their visitors to come in. She vaguely remembered Lady Stark saying that she would keep the rest of the family at bay for as long as possible but that they would want to come eventually. She seemed to have been right, Lady Stark poking her head around the door at Amy's instruction; "are we alright to come in?" she asked and Amy nodded her head happily. Rickon practically bounded through the door as soon as his mother opened it fully and Amy couldn't help but laugh slightly as his approach slowed the closer he got to the bed. "You can come and see him you know," Robb said in an amused voice and Rickon moved closer and closer until he could peer down into the blankets.

"He looks like Jon," Rickon said and Amy swallowed hard, determined not to look at Lady Stark or Robb, almost grateful when her son let out an irritated noise. She instead turned her attention to fussing over him so she didn't have to see her good-mother's face. "He looks like a Stark," Robb corrected Rickon gently and one glance at the little boy told Amy that he too had realised his mistake. "His eyes are different," Rickon offered up then and Amy couldn't help but smile. "They'll change too," Arya said as she too approached the side of the bed; "won't they?" she looked between Amy and her mother for confirmation. "Yes they will," it was Lady Stark who answered and Amy was glad so see that she looked perfectly composed.

"He doesn't do much does he," Rickon observed after a moment and almost everyone laughed at that. "Well he won't yet, will he, he's a baby," Bran commented as he gathered around. "He'll grow soon enough believe me, then you'll be wishing he still didn't do much," Lord Stark commented from where he was stood just behind his wife. "Maester Luwin sent this, he thought you might want some before bed," Lady Stark came forward to place a bottle of milk of the poppy down on the bedside table. "Thank you," Amy said gratefully, "no doubt I will have need of it."

"You did brilliantly," her good-mother praised her and she smiled slightly. "Yes, a healthy boy, I suppose my duty is done now," she said almost teasingly and Robb turned his head and grinned at her. "You wouldn't want him to be all alone now would you?" he asked and she rolled her eyes. "Let the poor girl recover," Lord Stark chuckled slightly, finally moving further into the room until he was stood at the foot of the bed. "Yes, let me recover," Amy agreed, "I'm sure he is in no hurry for a brother or sister."

"No, but I am sure you are in a hurry for a rest," Lady Stark said, eyeing her sympathetically; "come now you three, out…you can see him again tomorrow. Come now!" she ushered them away, all uttering their goodbyes and Rickon looking rather mournful as he was shooed from the room. Robb stood as they left, approaching his father and Amy suddenly wished she were elsewhere, somehow feeling as though she was intruding on a beautiful moment. "I wish I had been able to see you when you were this small," Lord Stark murmured quietly, almost regretfully and Amy had to look away as tears stung her eyes.

"I'm proud of you," her good-father went on and she looked back to see he had his hand firmly clasped around Robb's shoulder. "Thank you," Robb murmured back and she could tell his voice was choked with emotion. "Enjoy your rest," Lord Stark directed towards her then and she smiled; "the Gods know you deserve it, and you'll not be getting much of it in the future." He looked fondly towards the baby in Robb's arms then before he inclined his head to her, clapping his son on the back once more before he followed his wife and children out of the door, closing it firmly behind him.

Robb approached the bed again, a wide smile on his face as he carefully shifted their son down into the cradle that had already been placed on her side of the bed. Amy watched him as he gently tucked the blankets around him before tenderly stroking his hand across his head. He stepped back then and carefully climbed over her so he could flop down on his own side of the bed. "What a day," he said in a slightly dazed manner, his hand coming up to his forehead. Amy couldn't help but laugh at the expression on his face, shifting herself carefully down so she could come and lay against his chest. His arms were around her in an instant, one stroking through her hair as the other lay on the small of her back.

"Gods we will have to think of a name for him," he said after a few moments of silence and she nodded her head against him. "We will," she agreed, "but perhaps we best wait until tomorrow." He murmured his agreement at that and she sighed happily before snuggling closer, her eyes feeling heavy now. "Damn, someone ought to write to your parents," Robb said suddenly and she jumped slightly, her eyes forcing back open. "Write them later Robb," she mumbled sleepily and he relaxed under her touch again; "just hold me a while," she sighed; "and wake me if he needs me…"

When Robb woke for the third time he was surprised not to hear the cries of the baby, his eyes blinking slowly several times before he moved his hands up to rub the sleep from them. After a moment he heard faint gurgling and he smiled despite how tired he felt, shifting himself up and looking to the side to see Amy was still fast asleep, her hair all over the place as she lay face down in the pillows. Carefully he got himself out of bed and padded round to her side of the bed so he could peer into the cradle, his smile widening as he looked down on his son. He'd pulled his little hands free from his blankets and was chewing on his fingers, his eyes wide and bright as Robb seemed to catch his attention. A louder gurgle left his mouth and Robb bent down to scoop him up carefully, cradling him against his chest as he moved away from the bed and towards the window.

"We don't want to wake your mother," he murmured against his soft head, "she needs her rest, to recover." To say Amy was exhausted was an understatement. The second time their son had woken up in the night she had almost fallen asleep whilst feeding him. Robb could feel the tiredness in his own body but he knew it was nothing compared to what she must be feeling. Being outside their chamber and hearing her fighting with all her strength to bring their baby into the world had been hell. All he had wanted to do was help her but he was banned from their chambers and even if he were allowed in he would have been able to do nothing to help. Now their son was here though, and he was so utterly tiny and perfect. Robb breathed him in as they stood in the window, recognising that strange scent that only babies seemed to possess. Somehow though it was all the more overwhelming to him now that it was his own son cradled in his arms.

Part of him still couldn't believe it, that he was a father and Amy a mother. She would be wonderful, she already was, already adamant that she wanted no wet nurse to help her. She was determined to do it all on her own and Robb knew better than to argue with her, he had seen the conviction in her eyes when she'd made the decision. It was strange standing here, finally holding the little creature who he had felt nudging at Amy for the past months. Those moments had been so incredible, feeling the baby seemingly grow stronger and stronger every day. By the end those nudges had made Amy wince at times but she never complained once. His son began to grumble then, pulling him away from the fond memories of his wife, and he knew he would soon have to wake her up so he could feed again.

"You're a greedy little creature," he told him softly as he turned away from the window and approached the bed. The baby let out a cry as he drew nearer and Amy shuddered awake at once, her head raising up from the pillows as she dragged her body closer to the edge of the bed. Robb saw her body stiffen as she saw the cradle empty and in the blink of an eye she was sat bolt-upright. "He's here," Robb soothed her at once and the panic faded from her eyes as he came closer and eased their son into her waiting arms. "Hungry again my greedy little one?" she cooed at him and he nudged his head insistently against her breast in response. "I thought I might go down and write to your mother and father," Robb said tentatively as she rearranged her nightdress so their son could latch onto her.

"Yes, I suppose," she said vaguely, her attention absorbed by her feeding baby. Robb bit his lip slightly and wondered if he should say anything else. Things were better between Amy and her parents but the letters that she sent them were far less frequent than they used to be. "And your grandfather of course," Robb added and she nodded, raising her eyes up to meet his and smiling for him. "Of course," she agreed, "but perhaps we ought to give him a name first before you write our joy to the kingdoms."

Jaime and Lanette were sat breaking their fast on the terrace overlooking the Sunset Sea when one of the Rock's squires came bearing a letter. Lanette snatched it at once, flipping it over and seeing the direwolf stamped into the wax. It took her mere seconds to snap it open and unfurl it, feeling Jaime's expectant eyes on her as she did so. By the end a wide smile adorned her face as she looked up to meet her husband's gaze. "A healthy boy," she reported to him, "and Amy is perfectly fine, no complications…Gods…I cannot believe it. A grandson!" she almost squealed in delight at the end, passing the letter to Jaime as he reached out for it as though he needed to see the words himself to believe them.

"Aedan Stark," he spoke the name of the baby in a slightly dazed manner, "by the Gods…" He was shaking his head with a slightly disbelieving look on his face as he took in all the words. "We are invited for his naming ceremony," Lanette stated then, as though he would not have read it himself. "Yes," he said faintly, laying the letter down on the table and Lanette frowned slightly at him. "I thought you might be a bit more excited," she said pointedly.

"I am excited," he assured her at once, reaching out for her hand, "but I cannot help but remember the last time we saw her. I was hardly her favourite person then was I?" Lanette smiled sympathetically at him, rubbing her thumb soothingly over the back of his hand. "She wouldn't have invited us if she didn't want to see us Jaime," she said certainly but he didn't look convinced. "Robb sent this to us, not Amy," he said and Lanette sighed heavily. "She had just given birth, I think writing a letter would be the last thing on her mind. Do you really think Robb would have invited us of his own volition and not consulted her?" she asked him with a raised brow.

"No of course not," Jaime said after a moment, looking far more placated now and Lanette smiled, squeezing his hand tightly before she let go. "Good," she said, standing up from the table; "now you ought to make sure the men are ready to leave tomorrow, and I am going to start packing… Oh and we really ought to get a gift made…there should be enough time. A shame Tyrion and Geanna won't be able to come with her only a few moons from term. Anyway, come now Jaime," she clapped her hands together, "the sooner we get organised the sooner we can meet our grandson!"

Tywin was in a rage as he was finally left alone in his study in the Hand's tower. He really ought to have guessed that Renly would set about starting trouble again but he had thought after the man had finally come to the Capitol and bent the knee that he would go away quietly and at least try and behave himself. Apparently that had been too much to hope for and now his granddaughter's betrothal was left in tatters. There would be hell to pay for this, Mace Tyrell had already been summoned from Highgarden to answer for his son's behaviour. Tywin knew it was all Renly, one of his plots to undermine the Royal family without actually committing any treason. So much for him being an idiot, this was far more clever and underhand than Tywin would ever have given him credit for in the past.

Marrying Loras off to one of his own lords' daughters was a snub to the Royal family that aside from causing embarrassment also made them look weak. Thankfully Tywin had already opened up talks with Dorne and he was hopeful that now Karenza was un-promised again that she would be a more favourable match for Prince Trystane than Eleanor, given that she was closer to his age. Damn Renly. Tywin was now also having to think of finding a second husband for Cersei. She wouldn't like it, but it may prove necessary if Renly continued with his scheming. Quite what he was trying to achieve he didn't know, the people may once have rallied to him but Steffon was proving himself quite popular and his queen was adored by the people.

Tywin had always privately thought that Margaery Tyrell would have been a better match for Steffon but having mentioned it to Cersei he was quickly told in no uncertain terms that the arrangement made by Robert would go ahead. Steffon was to marry Sansa Stark as had been agreed when they were children and Tywin now thanked the Gods that it had gone ahead. She had the smallfolk on her side, delivering alms to them and giving coin to orphanages in the city. She was always willing to stop and speak with even the poorest and most dishevelled of them. Really she couldn't do more if she tried, and it was all the better that it was coming from her own heart rather than something she had been told to do. Steffon had also told him in confidence a few days previously that Sansa believed herself to be with child. If that proved true then the succession would be in little doubt, the strength of the Baratheon dynasty all but secured.

Something would have to be done about Renly though. Steffon was unwilling to confront it, unwilling to believe his uncle would betray him and even more unwilling to see him brought to any kind of justice. He seemed to hope that by ignoring it that it would all go away but Tywin knew better. Stannis knew better as well, he was in as much of a rage as Tywin was – if not more so. Whatever it was Renly had planned Tywin just knew he would have to make sure the Tyrells were contained somehow, they were the only true threat to the safety of the crown and coupled with Renly they could be a real problem. At least the other kingdoms would fall in line, Dorne too if this betrothal could be arranged quickly. Tywin sighed and slapped down a few markers onto the map. Renly was shut up behind the walls of Storm's End for now but Tywin knew he would have to move some troops around to make sure he was ready should he think to move.

With a sigh he placed a final marker, his thoughts pulled away from Renly as someone rapped sharply on the door. "Come," he ordered and the squire entered in the next moment. "A letter for you my lord," the squire said, unable to meet his eyes as he held out the parchment. Tywin took it, examining the seal at once and seeing that it came from Winterfell. "If that is all you may go," he said, somehow keeping his voice even as the squire bowed lowly before backing from the room and closing the door. As soon as he was alone Tywin was snapping the seal and unfolding the parchment with shaking hands, almost afraid to read the words. Don't be like Joanna. Don't be like Lanette. He breathed a sigh of relief as his eyes hungrily sought out what he needed to know above all else; Amy is perfectly well.

Once he had read that he sank down into a chair to read the rest, a smile slowly but surely creeping across his face. A healthy boy, Aedan Stark, a son and heir for the North. Of course, if the Gods were good Tywin wouldn't live to see him become the Warden of the North but at least he knew his legacy would live on somehow. Named differently but still half Lannister, and with a mother like Amy he was certain his great-grandson would have the best traits of his house. He exhaled slowly before reading over the news once more. A gift would have to be arranged, for Amy and the baby. He tapped his fingers against his chin as he thought on it, wondering what would be best to send to his granddaughter and her new born son.

Amy walked slowly up and down the parlour, gently stroking her finger down Aedan's nose as she did so. She had learned in the days following his birth that such an action helped get him to fall asleep. He had been grizzling since his feed and ready for a nap but he could be a stubborn little thing, often refusing to drop off. Amy imagined it was because he was so inquisitive, his eyes always bright and shining and latched onto something or other. Likely he didn't like to sleep lest he miss the slightest thing. She glanced towards Lady Stark then and her good-mother sent her a smile as she poured out two cups of tea, the door opening as she did so. Immediately Lady Stark pressed her finger to her lips as Robb appeared and Amy smiled gratefully back at her as she turned her attention back to her son. He was so close to sleep now she could almost feel the relief that came for her when his eyes finally closed.

Robb came to peer over her shoulder as she paused in her pacing and Aedan's heavy eyelids battled open once more to fix on his father. "You've done it now," Amy said rather irritably and he placed his hands on her shoulders and leant in to kiss her firmly on the cheek in response. "Give him here then and get your tea before it gets cold," he murmured against her skin. Amy didn't need telling twice, turning on the spot and practically thrusting Aedan at Robb before she moved to take her place on the sofa next to Lady Stark. "Arya was the same," her good-mother said sympathetically as she passed a cup to Amy, "sometimes I wondered whether she actually needed any sleep."

"He'll be off in a moment, Robb seems to have a knack for sending him to sleep," Amy said, taking a sip of tea, "I wonder if it's his stories…" Robb looked up at that and narrowed his eyes at her to which she only smiled sweetly, taking in more of the tea. "Perhaps you're right," her good-mother agreed in an amused tone as the door opened again. The smile Amy sent towards Lord Stark faltered slightly as she took in his grim appearance. Lady Stark seemed to notice it as well as she spoke up to question him; "what is it my love?"

"Another deserter from the Wall," he said in a heavy tone and Robb stopped in his pacing to look towards his father. "Another one?" Robb was frowning, "That is the third in as many moons." Lord Stark nodded his agreement heavily and Amy sighed, knowing what was coming next. "Theon is seeing to the horses, we'll leave within the hour," Lord Stark said and she saw Robb nod in response, his eyes flickering down to Aedan for a moment before he approached her. She stood as he came closer and received their now sleeping son back into her arms. "Do you think he will have the same tale as the last two?" she asked.

"Perhaps," Lord Stark said, fixing her with a look for a moment. "Do you wonder if perhaps there is any truth to it since there have been so many desertions recently?" she asked with raised brows and he sighed heavily. "Men spin any number of tales when they're caught," he said gently; "believe me I take no pleasure in dealing this justice to them but desertion from the Wall means death, they knew that when they took their vows. If there were any truth to this tale do you not think that the Lord Commander would have informed the kingdoms?"

"I suppose," Amy said dully, knowing that this would mean being separated from Robb for a few days most like, unless the deserter was close to Winterfell, which she doubted. "He's not far away," Lord Stark seemed to read her mind, "seems he must know the North well since he is barely a few hours ride from here." Amy was slightly more placated at that and Robb looked rather relieved when she met his eyes. "I'll not be long away from you both," Robb murmured as he came closer, leaning in and pressing a lingering kiss to her lips. "I hope all goes well," Amy said like a good wife should, pushing away her nagging feelings on the matter. Robb smiled slightly in response, stroking a finger gently across the back of Aedan's hand and giving her a fleeting look before he made to leave the room.

"I'll take Bran too, the others will stay," Lord Stark directed towards his wife then and Lady Stark nodded her head, rising up from the sofa. "I only hope this will be the last one," she said, her hands coming to rest on his upper arms. "So do I," he responded heavily, kissing her on the forehead before he made to leave; "we'll only be a few hours," he reiterated; "there'll barely be time to miss us."

A/N: Well there we have it, hope you enjoyed the start of the new part. I'll get more up for you as soon as I can!

:)