A/N: Sorry guys! This was supposed to be up yesterday but by the time I got back from my friends it was time for the big rugby match. After that I was in no fit state to post an update - but my team won so YAY! Anyway, here I am, and here is the chapter - hope you enjoy!
unnamed visitor: Thanks very much, sorry for the wait but as you said, I'm back now! I know, poor Jon. I think while Jon understands that he has still not fully accepted the truth, but his talk with Amy and then with Robb will no doubt of helped. Margaery certainly will have an agenda, and I have many plans involving her that I couldn't possibly spoil on here haha. Yes, Robb and Steffon are indeed their fathers sons, but if Robb were to come to the Capitol then you can bet Tywin wouldn't stand for any animosity between them. Robb has a big decision to make that's for sure. Some questions regarding that and Jon's paternity and the succession issue should all or partly be answered in this new chapter - hope you enjoy it!
Boramir: Thank you! I haven't quite decided on Renly, but you can bet that if/when Stannis gets his hands on Storm's End that probably the entire household will be changed! Tywin will indeed be told in person about Jon, I think it's the best way. As for reactions about Jaime and Lana's little bundle of joy, they will start coming in in the chapter after this one. Hope you can wait that long!
Right-ho folks, onwards!
:)
Persuasion
"What is it?" Amy asked curiously as Robb read through a letter at breakfast with a frown on his face that looked half irritated and half confused. "From your grandfather," he said rather stiffly and it was Amy's turn to frown. "What is he writing to you for?" she asked, seeing her mother and father turn in their direction from the corner of her eye. "He wants me to go to the Capitol and take a seat on the small council," Robb told her and she snatched the letter from his hand at once to read it with her own eyes. "The small council?" she heard Robb's father repeat questioningly as she read through her grandfather's words. "I never had my father pinned as such an optimist," Amy's father said and she heard her mother hush him.
"Well you can't say no," Amy said as she reached the end of the letter, her eyes wide as they turned to Robb. "That is exactly what I intend to do," Robb replied and she stared at him. "He wouldn't ask you if he didn't have need of you, please Robb, you cannot just dismiss this without proper thought," she said, looking at him insistently. He shook his head, his eyes conflicted as he considered her. "Do you really think I am leaving you and Aedan here to go to the Capitol for the Gods know how long?" he asked her and she frowned. "Why would you leave me and Aedan here? Did you not read the letter? They are refurnishing spacious apartments for us, for all of us," she stressed.
"I am not travelling that distance with you, let alone Aedan, when there is a threat of war upon us," Robb said heatedly. "And I am not being separated from you," he continued firmly, "this isn't happening Amy." Amy swallowed down her furious retort, well aware that the eyes of her parents and good-parents, as well as the rest of the family, were looking between her and Robb. "We can talk about this later," she said lightly instead. "Very well," Robb bestowed a smile on her that she knew was forced, and she was already certain that he would go out of his way to avoid her for the rest of the day. Robb hated confrontation and Amy hated arguing with him but she knew in her heart that her grandfather would not be asking for him if he did not have need. With that in mind she determined that she would do whatever it took to get Robb to agree to take the position.
He caught her eye and she smiled sweetly at him, seeing a faint suspicion still in his eyes but his features far more relaxed. Best she lull him into a false sense of security, that way he would likely be easier to find later on. She watched him finish his breakfast from the corner of her eye, keeping her stance calm and relaxed as she ate a little more of his own. "I have to see the steward," he said when he placed his cutlery down and she smiled again for him. "I hope all goes well," she said, as a good wife ought to. "Thank you," he said, the trace of suspicion she had seen in his eyes creeping into his voice now. "I'll see you later," she continued sweetly, and he really did look uneasy as he leant in to peck her lips lightly. "Later," he agreed with a small smile of his own when he pulled away and rose up from the table.
Amy watched him leave, seeing Theon get up and fall into step with him as they made their way out of the hall. She kept the smile on her face until he passed from her sight, her expression dropping into a scowl as soon as he had gone. "I hope you're not going to be too hard on him later," her mother spoke up gently from her other side and Amy sighed, turning to look at her. "I will do what I have to," Amy said, seeing Lord Stark turn to look at her, his brows raised. "Do you really think it absolutely necessary for him to take the position?" her good-father asked her, his eyes boring into hers. "I don't think my grandfather would ask if he did not have need of him, he knows that this is Robb's home, and how hard it would be for him to leave. But I do believe he needs him, and I think that Robb should at least consider it properly before refusing," Amy told him, not looking away from his gaze. "Very well," he sighed, "the decision is for the pair of you to make. We will support you no matter the outcome."
"Do you really believe I don't want to?" Ned asked and Catelyn shrugged her shoulders in frustration. "I don't understand why you are being so evasive about it. I know the truth now, and so does Jon. We have to tell the others before they find out from elsewhere, and don't you think we can at least soften the blow by giving Jon the Stark name?" she asked him with wide eyes, seeing him shaking his head before she even got to the end of her sentence. "I know we have to tell the others," he agreed, his voice pained. "But we cannot just give Jon the Stark name, there would be greater implications beyond our control if we do such a thing," he said firmly and she frowned. "What implications?" she questioned confusedly.
"Jon is Brandon's son," Ned said slowly, "and Brandon was my older brother." The frown smoothed from Catelyn's face at that, her eyes widening in understanding. "His claim…" she said faintly and her husband nodded his head heavily. "I do not believe for one moment that Jon would seek to take control of Winterfell," Ned said, "but if he were to be legitimized then he would be the rightful lord in the eyes of the law."
"What if he gave up his claim?" Catelyn asked him and he paused for a long moment before answering her. "And what if he didn't?" he asked quietly, to which her brows raised. "You just said -," she started but he cut her off. "But what if I'm wrong?" he almost snapped. "It isn't just you and I who would suffer Cat," he continued, "it is as much to protect Robb and his claim, and that of his son. Can you imagine the possible repercussions that could arise from Jon being named Stark?"
"Jon would never seek to usurp Robb's claim, they are brothers still, despite what has happened here," Catelyn tried to argue but Ned was shaking his head. "No matter how he appears, Jon is bitter and upset about this. In his anger it would be entirely possible to think about doing just that. Is it so hard to imagine that he could look at Robb and see that everything he has could have been his?" Ned asked her and she sighed exasperatedly.
"Jon is not that vindictive," she said pointedly. "I agree," Ned said, "but I cannot and I will not risk the future of our son. I'm sorry Cat, but the answer is no. Robb is the heir to Winterfell and I will do nothing to throw that future into doubt. I wish it could be different, but we have to protect our son and his legacy, please tell me you understand that Cat…"
"Of course I want Robb's future to be secure," she agreed heavily, "I just hope you can find the words to explain this to Jon. You know he must be hoping for a name, he has always hoped for a name and seen me as the reason he could not have one. Now I know the truth he must imagine that it is possible for him to have it. I doubt the fact that it would make him the rightful Lord of Winterfell would have even crossed his mind."
"No," Ned said quietly, and Catelyn could hear all the years of regret in that one simple word. Her husband would not change his mind, but she knew that this was a decision that he had not taken easily. To protect Robb he would break Jon's heart. She did not envy him his position, all she could do was stand at his side and support him as ever she had. Without another word she stepped forwards and wrapped her arms around his waist, promising him just that as his own arms came to hold her tightly against him.
Cersei shared a look with Sansa as the court announcer called out Margaery Tyrell's name. Neither of them had been looking forward to her arrival, but there was nothing to be done about it. Cersei was getting away lightly, it was her poor good-daughter who would have to deal with the girl for the most part. She glanced up at Steffon, watching his reaction to Margaery's arrival carefully. Her son's fondness for women was not a secret, and Margaery was said to be lovely indeed. Steffon's eyes did indeed look her up and down as she walked slowly towards the Iron Throne. Cersei could admit she was a beauty, but there was a hint of a sneer playing about her mouth that was rather unappealing. Sansa was far lovelier, best Steffon remember it.
"Lady Margaery," Steffon greeted, making his way down from the throne and offering his hand to Sansa. "Your Grace," Margaery dropped down into an elegant curtsey. "My queen," she added when she rose back to her feet and Cersei narrowed her eyes. It was common courtesy to remain in the curtsey until both the King and Queen had been addressed. As far as sleights went it was a small one, but it was vastly significant in Cersei's eyes. Steffon looked rather disgruntled and she wondered if he too had noticed. "My lady," Sansa said, a slight chill in her voice as she fixed Margaery with a look. Cersei's own lip curled at that, seeing Sansa extend her hand rather pointedly towards Margaery. There was a moment's hesitation before the girl took it, placing the lightest of kisses to the back of it before letting it drop.
"My I present my mother," Steffon gestured towards her and she forced a smile to her face, holding Margaery's eyes for a moment. "Welcome to court," she said simply. "Thank you, queen mother," there was a hint of amusement in Margaery's eyes as she addressed her and Cersei fought hard not to narrow her own. "You must be weary from your journey," Steffon spoke again. "The queen's chief lady will show you to your quarters. You will be expected to begin attending on the queen on the morrow," he gestured towards where Sansa's attendants were stood. "I look forward to it," Margaery said before dropping into another curtsey. "Your Grace," her eyes lingered on Steffon when she rose back up. "My queen," she added almost carelessly before she moved towards Sansa's ladies.
"Do not allow her to serve you food nor wine," Steffon murmured against Sansa's temple under the guise of a kiss. Sansa in her turn nodded, sharing an uneasy look with Cersei. The three of them then turned slightly to see Margaery being led from the throne room. "Now that is done with, I must attend on council. I will see you both for dinner," Steffon pressed a lingering kiss to Sansa's lips and Cersei saw their hands grasped tightly for the duration. "I trust you will have a pleasant afternoon sweetheart," he made sure his voice carried when he pulled back, no doubt for the benefit of the nosy courtiers lingering nearby. "Mother," he added, inclining his head to her before he made his way to the doors, his guards following on behind him.
"Perhaps we could spend the afternoon together?" Cersei suggested and Sansa nodded her head faintly. "Yes," she finally smiled, snapping out of whatever daze she had been in. "Yes, I would like that very much, thank you," she continued, her smile widening as she looped her arm through Cersei's. They made their own way from the hall, smiling to those who parted to make way for them, keeping their faces perfectly calm and composed until they reached Cersei's chambers. As soon as the door slammed behind them Sansa let out a rather frustrated noise.
"Quite the little madam isn't she?" Cersei raised her brows as she moved to pour some wine. "I know this was my idea, but I am regretting it already. Did you see the way she looked at Steffon?" Sansa asked, taking the glass of wine Cersei offered with shaking hands. "You will stay calm and you will smile and show her kindness and favour," Cersei said firmly as her good-daughter took a long drink. "She cannot touch you," Cersei went on, "you are the queen and you are carrying the heir to the Kingdoms. Steffon adores you, she may be beautiful but she is lacking in any grace."
"I know," Sansa said, nodding her head. "But there must be some scheme, do you not think?" she continued, "The Tyrells would have not so readily sent her otherwise. She is up to something, I know it." Cersei could only agree with her there, the Tyrells had been rather too eager to accept the invitation for Margaery to come to court. Then again, her father was always saying how stupid Mace Tyrell was, perhaps allowing Margaery to come was just naivety on his part. She almost snorted at that. She had a feeling that Margaery was far more like her grandmother, and that would not bode well for anyone. "Well," Cersei smiled for Sansa, "if that is true then there is even more reason for you to befriend her, do you not think?"
"I'm here," Robb raised his hands in a gesture of surrender as he entered his and Amy's chambers. "Don't be angry with me, I was helping Rickon with his house sigils and I clear forgot the time," he explained himself as he closed the door. "How is he getting on with them?" Amy asked him as he turned back to face her. "Improving slowly," he answered her, his body still tensed in expectation of her promise from this morning. "Good," she smiled, wandering over to the side table to pour some wine. "Would you like some?" she asked him and he nodded. "Please," he voiced, cautiously walking over to settle himself down on the sofa. "I'm sorry I was irritable this morning," she said as she moved to hand him his glass. "But, do you not think we should discuss all possibilities instead of dismissing the idea of us going to the Capitol without true thought?" she raised a brow as she settled next to him and he sighed.
"Very well," he took a sip of his wine before looking at her expectantly. "Let's discuss it," he invited and she nodded, taking a drink from her own wine. "It would not be forever," she began quietly, "just until everything is settled properly. It would likely mean we would be there when Sansa has her baby, considering I missed the wedding it would be nice to support her through that. Aedan could meet more of his family, and we could experience a different life for a time while we are still young enough to enjoy it. It could be good for us Robb, an adventure and…and truly, I don't think my grandfather would have even considered asking you if he wasn't sure he needed you."
"He was always keen for me to be present when tactics were being discussed," Robb grudgingly agreed with her and she nodded her agreement almost vigorously. "If I were to consider this then there would have to be an agreed time limit. We are not staying there indefinitely Amy, this is our home and this is where I want Aedan to grow up," he told her warningly and again she was nodding. "Of course," she said soothingly, reaching out to take his hand. "Robb I want nothing more than to raise our son, to raise all our children here. I only want to go because I want to help my grandfather, he is my kin Robb and…he would not want to drag us from our home unless he felt he had no other choice. He needs you Robb, I'm sure of it. Please…I would never ask anything else of you…"
"Don't be silly," he squeezed her hand, "you must ask whatever you would of me should you need it. I would never deny you lightly Amy, not without true thought and I'm sorry I dismissed you this morning." She smiled at that, shifting herself closer to him. "We ought not to have been discussing it at breakfast, it was as much my fault as yours," she said, stroking her thumb lightly against the back of his hand. "I will consent to a year," Robb finally said after looking into her pleading eyes for a long moment. "But no more than that, do not ask me any more than that Amy," he was almost warning by the end but she didn't seem to care, flinging herself into his arms. "Thank you," she said meaningfully, her arms tight around his neck. "Thank you Robb, thank you."
"To a new adventure in the south," Jaime raised his wine glass into the heavy silence that had hung too long after Robb had made the announcement that he would be accepting the position on the small council. Amy smiled gratefully at him, raising her own glass, with Lanette doing the same at his side. They were in a small parlour off the main hall, Robb had clearly waited until the family were alone to tell them all the news. "A new adventure," Jaime was pleased to hear his toast echoed, noticing that it made Robb look surer of his decision. "A great adventure indeed, and a great responsibility for you," Ned spoke up and Robb nodded his agreement. "We are all kin and if I am needed, I must do what I can to help," Robb said and it was his father's turn to nod. "When will you leave?" Jaime noted that Catelyn looked rather pale as she asked the question.
"Not for a week," Robb answered her, "we have much to prepare and I want to give my acceptance time to reach the Capitol." Catelyn nodded before taking a very long drink from her wine glass. "We need to speak with the others before you leave, about Jon," Ned said rather awkwardly and Jaime visibly saw Robb stiffen, Amy laying a hand on his knee at once. "Indeed," Robb finally said quietly and another heavy silence fell about the room. "I do not envy you, having to travel with such a young baby," Lanette broke the silence and another grateful smile came upon Amy's face. "Especially a baby as testing as Aedan," their daughter said with a roll of her eyes and Robb mustered a smile. "Perhaps you will find time to visit the Rock during your time at the Capitol," Lanette continued.
"Oh I do hope so, though…I expect Robb will be very busy," Amy smiled, glancing towards her husband. "If I am too busy there is nothing stopping you and Aedan going for a week or two," Robb smiled in return and Amy leaned in to rest her head against his shoulder for a moment. "Perhaps," Amy said, though Jaime imagined Amy would be rather reluctant to go anywhere without her husband. "Well, perhaps there will be cause for both of you to visit," Jaime said with a smile, his eyes sliding to Lanette's. His wife averted her own eyes though and he repressed a sigh, instead taking a sip of wine and trying to ignore the awkward atmosphere.
Lanette was still incredibly reluctant to tell anyone about her pregnancy, even though her condition had already begun to show. Anyone with a keen eye would likely have noticed if it weren't for the fact that common knowledge amongst the family was that she was unable to have more children. Jaime wished she would relent, he wanted to shout their joyous news from the battlements and have everyone in the kingdoms know how elated he was. "I think I'm going to retire," his wife spoke up and Jaime again had to repress a sigh. "Already mother?" Amy frowned slightly, concern shining in her eyes. "I was awake early," Lanette said with a smile, "I will see you all in the morning." She stood then and Jaime stood with her. "I ought to accompany you, I wouldn't want to wake you stumbling around later," he said by way of explanation, but he could tell from her expression that Lanette didn't believe him. "Goodnight," he said jovially, following his wife out of the parlour. Without them they may well be able to speak more freely about their situation with Jon. That's the excuse he voiced to Lanette anyway when she sent him a questioning look.
He didn't speak until they were safely back in their chambers, steeling himself for her reaction. "We ought to tell Amy about the baby," he said casually as he began readying himself for bed. "Why?" Lanette asked him almost sharply and this time he did sigh. "Because she has a right to know, and because she is heading to the Capitol in a week," he said, "would you rather write it in a letter to her?" Lanette said nothing and he turned to face her, seeing her pulling back the covers of the bed and ignoring his gaze. "It will be her brother or sister," he continued, "your condition is becoming obvious, it will not be long until someone works it out and she will be hurt that we didn't tell her ourselves."
"Lana?" Jaime questioned her exasperatedly as he made his own way to the bed, sliding himself in beside her. She had her back to him but he pressed himself up against her and took her into his arms. "I know you're afraid," he whispered against her hair, and her hands came up to grasp around his forearms tightly. "You have no idea," she whispered back and he pressed fierce kisses to the top of her head. "But the Maester is pleased with how you're progressing, and you have said yourself how strongly you can feel the baby moving," Jaime said reassuringly.
"It is not the pregnancy that worries me," Lanette confessed, "it is the birth, it is going through all of that again and not knowing if I will survive to hold our precious child in my arms." He closed his eyes in despair at her confession, tightening his hold on her. "You cannot think like that," he said quietly, "there is nothing to be gained by thinking like that."
"I know," she agreed with him, "but it isn't that easy Jaime, I can't control what goes through my mind. I just…I just worry that having everyone know will make it even more frightening." Again he kissed the top of her head, wishing he had the power to soothe her. Wishing he had the power of foresight so he could promise her that everything would be perfect. That she would be healthy. That their baby would be healthy. "Amy loves you," he finally murmured. "She would want to support you in this, just as I do. We have to tell her Lana, you know we do."
"I know we do," she agreed after a long silence. "We'll tell her before we all leave to travel south again," she nodded against him. "We can tell the whole family, it only seems right since they will all know soon enough anyway," Jaime could tell she was injecting false positivity into her voice but he knew better than to draw attention to it. "That sounds perfect," Jaime smiled, feeling her relax slightly against him. "I am sure they will all be thrilled for us."
A/N: Quite a lot going on there. Hope you all enjoyed it. I'll get another up for you as soon as I can, still in the process of writing it at the moment!
:)