A/N: I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack! And I bear good news and bad news. Good news is, here's the new chapter! Bad news is, I'm going away again at the end of the week - work related this time - boooo! Anyhoo, I may be able to store up some chapters and update using my phone but we shall see. I'll update you on the situation when I know more anyway. I might strike lucky and have wifi!

Boromir: Thank you! Ned and Jaime, I know, it's taken them a while but they're finally bonding! Yes indeed, a bit of a cliffhanger, and another to come in this chapter too...You know I'm not sure what I'm doing with Jon, I have a few options and things to consider with him but we shall see. Ghost would indeed match well with the Kingsguard ;)

guest: You're very welcome, I'm glad you liked it!

unnamed visitor: Staying tight lipped on the baby situation! Glad you liked the Amy/Jon heart-to-heart, I think they both needed to get it out of their system and felt they couldn't confide in anyone closer to them for various reasons. They both seemed to have gotten through to one another in any case. I definitely have a few ideas up my sleeve for Jon, but he'll be at Winterfell for a while yet given there are certain things that need to come out. Jaime and Amy have certainly mended things - time was a great healer for them, and having Aedan certainly helps quell any awkwardness. Thank you so much again, hope you like the new update!

Right then, I think you've waited long enough...hope you enjoy!

:)

Named

Jaime stared at her for a long moment, unable to do anything else as she blinked slowly at him, her eyes still full of that same fear. "How?" he finally breathed and a shaky little laugh came from her lips. "If you don't know how Jaime then the Gods help us," she said and he managed a laugh of his own, his head shaking incredulously. "But the Maester…I mean…I would have thought if he were wrong that it would have happened years ago…" he trailed off, his head still spinning. He couldn't believe it. Could she really be pregnant? After all this time could it be possible that they had been blessed again? "We ought to go to Maester Luwin, together," he added when she opened her mouth as though to protest; "I know you're scared Lana but we need to know for sure."

"But what if I'm wrong?" she whispered, "I don't want to be wrong." He had nothing to say to that so he just settled for moving closer and wrapping his arms tightly around her, his lips pressing to her hair as one of his hands stroked through the lengths. "I know you don't," he murmured against her, "but…if you are with child then we need to know, we need to get you the best care."

She nodded against him after another moment and he pulled away, meeting her eyes and smiling in a reassuring manner for her before he rose up to his feet and outstretched his hand. Lanette placed her own in his and allowed him to help her up to her own feet and he squeezed her hand for a moment before leading her to the door. She came with him without protest but he could still sense her underlying reluctance. He couldn't imagine what she was feeling, his own mind was spinning overwhelmingly quickly but he couldn't even fathom what would be going on inside his wife's. "Whatever he says, I love you, always," he said firmly before he opened the door to their chambers and she nodded, a more determined look coming to adorn her features.

They walked in silence through the hallways, their hands tightly laced together and their steps brisk. Thankfully most people seemed to have retired for the evening and they only came across a few servants on their way through the keep. Down the stairs they went and across the entrance hall, Jaime managing to remember to incline his head to the guards that let them out of the keep. There were few people in the courtyard and again he was thankful for it, pulling Lanette along more firmly as he could sense her rising reluctance again. He understood why, at least, he thought he did, but they needed to know for sure. Into the Maester's tower they went and Jaime had to banish his own fear as he led Lanette up the steps. He needed to be the strong one in this. That much he did know.

"Ser, my lady," Maester Luwin greeted them after he had opened the door at Jaime's sharp knock. "Sorry to come so late," Lanette was apologising at once but the Maester waved it away, smiling kindly and ushering them further inside. "What is it I can do for you?" he asked, looking expectantly between them and Jaime looked awkwardly towards his wife and saw her steeling herself. "I believe I might be with child," she said, her voice shaking slightly and Jaime wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms. "How wonderful," the Maester smiled even more brightly.

"The thing is," Jaime said awkwardly, "when Lanette had Amy we were told she would be unlikely to conceive again." The Maester's smile dropped slightly at that, his concerned eyes going to Lanette. "Is it possible?" she whispered, the longing evident in her voice. "He said unlikely, not impossible," Maester Luwin said and Jaime finally saw a genuine smile light up his wife's eyes; "now, may I ask how many moons you have not bled for?"

"Two," Lanette answered him, her eyes determinedly avoiding Jaime's. "And, other signs?" the Maester coaxed her. "Sickness," she reported, "tenderness…I've been tired; essentially I feel much the same as I did when I was expecting Amy."

"It sounds as though your suspicions are correct, but I can examine you if you give me leave? Then it will be confirmed," the Maester smiled at her and Lanette nodded her head; "if you would?" he gestured to the screen and Lanette nodded before she made her way behind it. "She nearly died having Amy," Jaime said quietly to the Maester as they waited for her to ready herself; "could it happen again?"

"I wish I could promise it wouldn't," the Maester said heavily, a sympathetic smile on his face; "but I cannot. However, in my experiences not all births are the same. Your lady wife was clearly unlucky when she birthed your daughter but there is no reason why it should occur the same way again. Lady Stark is fond of saying that the first is the worst. Of course, I cannot promise an easy time but…there is no reason to think the worst should happen again."

"Thank you," Jaime said meaningfully and the Maester nodded to him before Lanette called out that she was ready. Jaime went at once behind the screen as the Maester moved to one of his shelves to pull down an instrument he knew was used to listen to the baby's heartbeat. Lanette was laid out with a cover up to her waist and her stomach exposed when he rounded the screen and he knelt down by her side at once and took her hand. "Whatever happens, I am here," he murmured to her, pressing a firm kiss to the back of her hand. "Promise me again Jaime, like you did before…promise me you'll love it no matter what," she whispered insistently and he kissed her hand again. "I promise," he swore, remembering the instant love for Amy and being in no doubt that he would feel it again. No matter what.

"May I?" Maester Luwin asked as he rounded the screen, instrument in hand. Lanette merely nodded, her grip coming more firmly around Jaime's as he pressed the larger end of the horn shaped instrument to her stomach. Jaime seemed to hold his breath as the Maester moved his ear to the other end and listened intently, moving the instrument around on Lanette's stomach for what felt like hours. Eventually he lifted his head up and smiled widely at them; "congratulations, you are indeed with child."

Jaime could only laugh out in disbelief, his lips coming to press repeatedly to the back of Lanette's hand. "Thank you," his wife whispered and when he looked up again the Maester was gone. His focus shifted to her face and he could see the silent tears tracking down her cheeks, his fingers moving to lightly brush them away. "I can't believe it," she said, a smile stretching across her face as he beamed down on her. "Believe it," he laughed again, "Gods…I hope we are not too old for this."

"I thought I might invite Margaery Tyrell to be one of my ladies. Since I am expecting I will need more support around me," Sansa said as they had luncheon together and Tywin couldn't help but smile widely, catching Cersei's eye and seeing a rather proud look about her. "What a wonderful idea," Cersei praised, "that is a great honour to bestow on her, and a good opportunity for the girl to stay a while at court. It will be good for her, good for all of us."

"And a hostage should we need one," Tywin added and Sansa inclined her head politely before she continued on with her meal. "Would the Tyrells agree?" Steffon asked from his wife's side. "It would be a great insult to the queen and to yourself if they were to refuse, and I think they have insulted the crown enough already," Tywin answered him, "Mace may well be stupid, but I doubt that even he is that stupid."

"Perhaps a Lannister match could be found for the girl, Lancel perhaps?" Cersei raised her brows and Tywin nodded his agreement. "Perhaps," Steffon spoke up, his fingers drumming against the table; "although, I hear Selyse is sick…perhaps it would be best not to make any arrangements for Margaery just yet. My uncle may have more need than Lancel."

"A fitting reward for his loyal service perhaps," Cersei pondered, "they say Margaery Tyrell is quite the beauty; even Stannis would surely not turn his nose up as such a prospect." Tywin snorted slightly at that, if anyone could turn their nose up at the rose of Highgarden it would likely be Stannis. Still, such things need not be decided on now, there were many eventualities to ponder. "Mace will pay Karenza's dowry to Dorne," Tywin told them and Steffon smiled widely. "What an excellent idea grandfather," he said happily and Tywin allowed him a smile.

"And if he refuses?" Cersei asked with a raised brow. "He won't," Tywin said simply and his daughter raised her brow even higher for a moment before she turned her attention back to her meal. "Have you thought anymore on Storm's End, your Grace?" Tywin asked Steffon tentatively then and his grandson gripped his knife rather more tightly than necessary, knuckles stretching white. He shared a look with his queen and Tywin could see his grip slackening after a few moments and an exasperated sigh left his mouth. "Is it true Renly's banners are moving?" Steffon asked and Tywin inclined his head in confirmation.

"Send word that they are to disperse at once and return to their castles lest their lands be stripped from them," Steffon said, "and send word to my uncle that if he does not desist in what he is doing then I will have no choice but to have him brought to the Capitol to answer charges of treason. As it is, he will relinquish his hold over Storm's End and had it over to Stannis. Stannis will have full control over the Stormlands and Renly can take residence on Dragonstone should he wish to avoid becoming well acquainted with our cells."

"It will be done your Grace," Tywin inclined his head to him before exchanging a proud look with Cersei; "I will see to it once we have the Tyrells where we want them."

Amy stirred awake slowly, feeling the bed move slightly and Robb's hand slip around her cheek in the next moment. She sighed happily, bringing a smile to her face as she blinked her eyes open, his hand coming to brush a few loose strands of her hair back as he smiled down on her. "Morning," she breathed and he leant down in response and kissed her. She kissed him back, her hands sneaking round his neck so her fingers could twist in his thick curls. He moaned his appreciation into her mouth and shifted himself even further above her, his other hand moving to ease her legs apart. Amy pulled her lips away as his body pressed down against hers, his own lips moving to trail kisses down her neck. "Robb," she mumbled, squirming slightly and causing him to groan against her neck; "not now Robb," she protested, feeling guilty as she felt his arousal against her lower stomach.

"I want you Amy," he growled against her skin and she knew that such a proclamation would usually have her soaked and desperate for him in an instant but right now she felt nothing. "Robb, please," she pushed against him and he rolled away with a huff which only served to make her feel worse. She moved herself up in the bed and swung her legs over the side, trying to ignore how awkward the atmosphere between her and Robb was. Ever since Aedan had been born she had not felt at all like making love with Robb. At first it was because she had been unable, her body needing to recover from Aedan's birth. Afterwards though it was because she couldn't, because she couldn't even recognise her own body in the mirror anymore and because she was sure that Robb's desires would be quelled as soon as his hands found the changes in her.

He may claim to want her, but he wouldn't if he truly knew how much she had changed. The thought of her husband being repulsed by her made her clam up each time he made any move to bed her. It made her freeze. Made her terrified. She kept her back to him as she pulled a robe around her and moved to peer into Aedan's cradle, his beautiful eyes just like his father's blinking sleepily up at her. He had evidently just awoken from his own slumber and she smiled down on him for a moment before she looked to where Robb was still lying. "I'm sorry," she said, swallowing hard, "I just knew he would be up any moment, and behold…he's awake already."

"It's alright," Robb sent her a smile that looked rather strained and she averted her eyes, instead bending down to scoop Aedan out of his cradle, focusing on nothing but him and trying ignore everything else. This was supposed to be a happy day, her son would be named and blessed before the heart tree, placed under the protection of the Gods. "I hope it stays bright today," she offered towards Robb as Aedan began to grumble, nudging his head insistently against her breast. "Me too," he said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes as he got himself out of bed and moved towards the dresser. Amy swallowed hard, knowing that he was feeling rejected but she couldn't help it. It didn't feel right anymore. She didn't feel right anymore.

She moved to the chair by the fire and settled down to feed Aedan, his little fingers digging into the swell of her breast as he latched greedily onto her. If she had the courage she would tell Robb that Aedan could spend the night with his nurse so they could be alone together. She didn't have the courage though, nor the conviction. She only hoped that Robb would not come up with the same idea. If he did she didn't know what she would do. She could hardly deny him outright, he was her husband, but there were only so many times she could pretend to be asleep when he came up to their chambers. A heavy sigh left her as she thought on it but she decided she would do everything she could to push away her unease for the rest of the day. Today was about Aedan, not her and Robb. Perhaps she could talk to her mother about it later, no doubt she would be able to put her mind at rest as always.

"You look perfect," she told Robb honestly as he came to take the seat opposite her. "Thank you," he smiled more genuinely this time, his eyes soft as he gazed at her nursing their son. He really did look perfect, clad in a dark grey doublet and breeches with a hint of a white shirt beneath. "I love you," she said, her tone slightly reassuring and he frowned slightly before he answered her back; "I love you too," he said, "always."

Robb walked at Amy's side as they made their way to the Godswood where their families were waiting for them. Part of him was nervous about the day, knowing that he would be the one to conduct much of Aedan's naming ceremony. He glanced sideways at Amy and saw that she was absorbed in their son who was bundled up securely in her arms. The little baby was clad in white with a beautifully woven blanket wrapped around him, a silver direwolf stitched onto the corner of the hem which was hanging down. Amy was clad in a silvery blue with the pearl combs from their wedding day slid into her golden tresses which were half pulled away from her face with the curls tumbling down her back. She looked utterly beautiful and he wanted her more than ever, her rejection from the morning coming back to sting him once again.

Part of him knew he was likely being paranoid and irrational but he couldn't quite shake the feeling that Amy wasn't interested in him anymore. That she didn't desire him the same way anymore. He couldn't understand how it could have happened though, there was nothing different about him; he was the same as he had ever been. This morning he had felt her body stiffen beneath him though, felt the tension in her muscles as he had settled himself between her legs. He had known she would push him away before she did and it stung. His eyes slid to Aedan, seeing one of his hands pulled free of the blankets and waving about the place. The sight made him smile slightly but it did not shift all of his unease.

Sometime, it felt ridiculous to even acknowledge it, but sometimes he felt almost jealous of his tiny son. Aedan seemed to absorb almost all of Amy's attention and he couldn't help that little stab of resentment as he knew that once upon a time it had been him who occupied that time. He just missed her. Missed her so much. It wasn't just making love to her, being as one with her and losing himself in the depths of her pleasure. It was just holding her in his arms without any ridiculous silken barriers between them. Anytime he held her at night now he would feel her stiffen for a moment, as though he was about to pounce on her and claim her. He wanted to. Gods he wanted to. But he never would, not if she were unwilling. And she was unwilling, it made his stomach clench horribly to admit it but she was and that was the simple truth of it.

"Are you ready?" her soft voice pulled him from his bitter thoughts and he started slightly on seeing that they had reached the gate to the Godswood. "Of course," he forced a smile that he hoped she wouldn't see right through before he pushed open the gate and gestured for her to go ahead of him. She did so, smiling almost shyly at him as she moved passed. Gods he hated this. They had never been shy around one another, not even at the beginning where all they had was letters and a first impression to go on. Had their lives really changed so much because of Aedan?

"Who comes before the Gods?" his father's voice sounded and he forced himself to think of his son and how much he wanted to do this well for him. "Robb Stark of Winterfell," he answered, his head held high as he moved further into the Godswood, Amy falling into step at his side. "And why do you come?" his father asked as they rounded the pool and moved to stand before the heart tree. "I come to ask the Gods to bless my son, Aedan Stark," he replied strongly, turning to ease his son from Amy's arms, seeing her smile encouragingly at him. Despite his muddled feelings he took strength from that, kneeling down before the heart tree and laying Aedan at the base before he raised his eyes to the carved face.

"I ask that you bless him with health and happiness, that you grant him long life and good fortune. I pray that he is allowed to prosper, and that the Gods will always smile on him as he walks this world," Robb said calmly and clearly, his eyes not leaving the carved face. "I ask that you watch over him as he grows and forever keep him in your merciful gaze."

With that he bowed his head, a smile gracing his lips as he saw Aedan's bright eyes glinting up at him, a gurgle leaving his mouth and his lips twitching into an almost smile. Amy knelt down next to him then and he raised his head again, meeting her eyes as they crossed their arms as they had done on their wedding day. Both of them touched the bark of the tree, their fingers dipping into the grooves to find the sap. As one they pulled back, their eyes meeting again as they crossed their arms above their son and gently pressed their forefingers to his forehead, a tiny drop of red sap from both of them spotting onto his soft head.

"You are blessed here, Aedan Stark, before this weirwood tree," his father was speaking again now and Robb kept his eyes on his son who was waving his hands insistently, frustrated little gurgles leaving his mouth; "you are blessed as your father and your forefathers before him were in sight of the Old Gods. May they forever guide you through the dark times and the light."

That concluded the ceremony and Robb leant further down to scoop Aedan back into his arms, his son calming as he did so, rising carefully back up to his feet. Amy's hand came to rest on his forearm and he was so glad of her touch that it almost overwhelmed him. He turned to meet her eyes, seeing the beaming smile on her face and he determined to return it. Whatever was wrong between them would be fixed, he had no doubt about it; he could never have any doubt about anything when he looked into her eyes. She leaned in closer and pressed her forehead against his upper arm for a moment and the simple gesture reassured him of that more than any of her sweet words ever could.

Lanette sipped gingerly on her wine at the feast, her eyes roving about the room and finding Jaime in hushed conversation with Lord Stark. She could guess what they were talking about and as ever she ached to know more. She knew better than to ask Jaime though, he had made it perfectly clear that he would not betray Lord Stark's confidence. All she could hope was that her husband would persuade the man towards honesty. They knew better than anyone what keeping secrets could do to a family. She brought a smile to her face as she noted Amy coming towards her, although her daughter's progress was halted several times as she stopped to converse with well-wishers. Lanette had seen on this visit to Winterfell that her daughter had well and truly won over the Northmen. She knew it would be partly because she had provided an heir, but also likely partly because of her effortless charm.

"Can I have a quiet word mother?" Amy asked her when she finally managed to break free from the gathered crowds. "Of course you can sweetheart," Lanette said, glad to have a reason to set down her almost full wine cup and usher her daughter to a more secluded corner of the dining hall. "Is everything alright?" she asked with a slight frown when they were out of earshot, seeing how Amy was playing with the silks of her skirts rather nervously. "I'm worried Robb won't want me anymore," Amy replied after a moment, her eyes not leaving the floor. "Why would you think that?" Lanette asked her gently, her eyes dancing about to check that Jaime wasn't approaching. Amy clearly took a deep breath and Lanette waited for her to answer, seeing her hands clenched even more tightly in her skirts.

"I'm so different, since Aedan," Amy said quietly, "I look in the mirror and I don't even recognise my own body, so how could he?" she asked, her eyes raising up from the floor now to look at Lanette in an almost desperate manner. "Women change after childbirth, it's normal Amy, and nothing at all to be ashamed of," Lanette soothed her but her daughter did not seem at all placated. "I can't bring myself to let him have me," she whispered, her eyes darting about the place, "I can't bear the thought of him being repulsed by me."

"Amy don't be ridiculous," Lanette fought the urge to roll her eyes; "you are a beautiful young woman and that hasn't changed. Robb loves you, not just because of how slim and firm you are but because of who you are inside. That man adores you, his eyes barely leave you no matter where you are in a room. If you think for one moment that he doesn't desire you anymore then you are very much mistaken. I know it can be hard, looking in the mirror and missing what you used to see but isn't Aedan worth a little change to your body?"

"Of course he is, he's worth everything," Amy said, her eyes wide and Lanette came to rest her hands down on her shoulders. "Talk to Robb, let him reassure you, doubtless he will do a better job of it than I will," she smiled, taking a lock of Amy's hair and tucking it back behind her ear; "I worried your father would feel differently about me when I had you," she went on, "but he didn't, it was all in my head as this is in yours. Talk to Robb Amy, and stop driving yourself half mad for no reason."

"Thank you mother," Amy said in a rather relieved manner, stepped forward and embracing Lanette tightly for a moment. "You're welcome," Lanette murmured in her ear before she pulled back from the embrace; "now get back up to the high table and enjoy the rest of the evening, it is being thrown in honour of your son after all."

Amy merely grinned at that, thanking Lanette once more before she turned and made her way back up to the high table. Lanette watched as she slid herself back down next to Robb, his attention turned to her at once as her hand found his. When their lips met in a kiss Lanette smiled slightly and hoped that her daughter would find the courage to voice her insecurities. If she did then Lanette had no doubt that Robb would put her fears to rest in no time. "Are you alright?" Jaime's voice pulled her attention from her daughter and her husband, turning instead to face her own. "Of course," she smiled for him. "Was Amy?" he persisted and she nodded her head. "I thought you might have told her," he raised a brow and she shook her head.

"I told you, I don't want anyone knowing yet," she said and it was his turn to nod; "she just needed some motherly advice it wasn't anything serious. What about you? You and Lord Stark seemed to be conversing rather intensely…" she trailed off with a raised brow and Jaime smiled slightly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. He leant in closer to press a kiss to her temple before he murmured his answer against her skin; "it seems he is finally going to tell Lady Stark the truth, tomorrow."

A/N: Well...I think you can guess what's going to happen next chapter...

More soon!

:)