A/N: Sorry this is a little later than planned. I wasn't happy with it, still not sure if I am but it's too late now! Hope you enjoy!

Guest: Thanks so much!

unnamed visitor: Thank you! Some of that is coming up in this chapter, some of the other things you mentioned you will have to wait for though I'm afraid. Some of your concerns for Jon should be cleared up in this chapter for you! There are going to be a lot of possibilities for him to consider now he is free of the wall. Hope you enjoy the new installment!

Boramir: Thank you! Yes there are risks with Jon, and lots of possibilities for him which will be mentioned in this chapter. Tywin is planning on using Robb more as an military adviser than a general - though if war comes he would probably be expected to fight. That aside, Robb will certainly have to win the respect of those he is on the council with first and foremost. I know, poor Lanette obviously can't help but worry given her past experience, this pregnancy will be tough for her emotionally that's for sure.

Guest: Thank you very much. Many, many plans in mind for Jon. I just need to decide which one to go with!

Right-ho, onwards and enjoy!

:)

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"Sit yourselves down, all of you," Ned directed and Catelyn swallowed hard, meeting Robb's eyes for a moment before she looked away quickly. "Are we in trouble?" Bran asked fearfully and an almost smile twitched at her lips. "Because we weren't doing any harm up in the old tower," Arya continued and Catelyn noted that even Ned had managed a half smile. "No, you're not in trouble," Ned answered them quietly. "We have something important to tell you," he continued on and Catelyn moved her hand to find his. "Are you not going south after all?" Arya asked almost excitedly, looking towards Robb who grimaced slightly. "No, we're still going," he replied and Arya scowled slightly. "It's about Jon," Catelyn spoke up when Ned showed no sign of speaking again, her eyes darting to where he was skulking in the corner. He had not even wanted to be present for this but she had insisted. She was sure that her children would feel no differently towards him and he needed to see that with his own eyes.

"You haven't changed your mind have you? You're not going to kill him for desertion?!" Bran sounded panicked and Arya looked scandalized at his words. "No!" Rickon piped up, "No, you can't!" Catelyn was hushing them at once, looking towards Ned and willing him to find the strength to speak up. "Of course not," he finally said. "What you need to understand is that Jon is still your kin, and will always be your brother in your hearts though he is not…not…" Ned tailed off, his face pained as the three of them stared at him with wide eyes and confused expressions. "I'm not your brother," Jon spoke up quietly from the corner he had been lurking in and their heads snapped round to face him. "What? Of course you are!" Arya protested and Catelyn sighed heavily.

"What do you mean?" Bran's confused tones came, his eyes darting between Jon and his parents. "I claimed Jon as my son when I ought not to have done," Ned explained, finding his voice again. "His true father was my brother, Brandon, but I…I thought it best that I claim him as mine. So that he might at least have one living parent." It wasn't the entire truth, but Ned didn't think that the other three would understand his true reason for claiming Jon as his own son, and so Catelyn didn't contradict him.

"But…" Rickon trailed off, his features confused. He looked more childlike than ever and Catelyn wanted nothing more than to take him in her arms and soothe him as if he was her baby again. "Listen to me," Robb said before she could even consider moving. "It doesn't matter who Jon's mother and father are, what matters is that he is our family and he has been raised as a brother to us. There is no need to think of him differently, you still think of Theon as a brother don't you? Even though he is not."

Rickon nodded slowly at Robb's words, keeping eye contact with his older brother for a long moment before he turned in his seat to look towards Jon. He was up on the sofa in the next moment and holding out his arms. Catelyn couldn't help but smile, her hand finding Ned's as Jon came forward slightly uncertainly and picked Rickon up over the back of the sofa. She noticed Robb poking Arya and Bran and looking at them insistently as Jon held Rickon tightly. Bran seemed to get the hint, getting up and walking around to where Jon was now lowering Rickon back to the floor. As soon as his arms were free Bran was in them and she breathed yet another sigh of relief, Ned's hand twitching around hers.

Her moment of relief was shattered in the next moment though as Arya stood up from the sofa and, instead of moving round to Jon as the others had, darted towards the door. Before she could even fully form her name her daughter had slammed out of the room. The others all looked round at the sound of the door, Jon's eyes conveying his devastation. "She'll be alright," Catelyn soothed at once, "it's a shock…she will come around I'm sure of it." Bothe Ned and Robb agreed with her and Jon looked faintly more placated. "It will be fine Jon," Bran reiterated, "Arya's just stubborn."

"That's true enough," Jon chuckled, ruffling his hair, his voice sounding ever so slightly forced to Catelyn. She tried not to dwell on it though, and pretended not to notice the uneasy expression that came across Robb's face. He was the only one who knew so far that Jon would not be getting the Stark name, and Catelyn knew that he was feeling guilt about it. Ned had already told him that he wouldn't have to be present when Jon was told, and Catelyn knew that he was immensely grateful for the consideration. Robb had enough on his mind at the moment, and he was already conflicted over going to the Capitol without worrying about Jon and everyone's various claims to Winterfell.

"Perhaps you boys ought to find your sister, I need a word with Jon," Ned said after another few moments and Robb jumped up at once. Bran and Rickon were more reluctant but Jon encouraged them to go and so they did as they were bid. "Is something wrong?" Jon asked as soon as the door closed behind them all. "Sit down," Ned said in response and Jon did as he was told, albeit slowly, his eyes dancing with suspicion. "With everything out in the open I imagine that you must have been thinking about your status…your name," Ned said awkwardly and Jon's eyes darted towards Catelyn's for a moment before he looked down at his own entwined hands. "I confess it has crossed my mind," he said quietly and Catelyn took hold of Ned's hand, squeezing hard.

"As it has mine," Ned told him, his grip on Catelyn's hand almost painful now. "I have, and always will, consider you as part of this family," Ned went on, "but I cannot ask the King for permission to revoke your status as a bastard." Catelyn saw the quickly concealed devastation in Jon's eyes, her heart aching for him. "However," Ned went on and she saw Jon looking more hopeful now, "I can ask the King permission to give you a name of your own."

"Of my own?" Jon repeated, half confused and half longing, his eyes dancing between the two of them. "I thought perhaps you could take your true father's name as yours, be known as Jon Brandon," Ned explained, "I would bestow lands on you should you wish. It is past time that Moat Cailin was rebuilt. You are young and strong Jon, you could do it if you want…if you do not are free to stay here at Winterfell. Travel the world. Whatever you please…just know that you will always have a home here, and people who care for you."

"That's a lot to think about," Jon said slowly, his eyes widening. "Of course it is," Catelyn spoke up before Ned could say anything. "And we don't expect you to decide right away. Take all the time you need," she urged him, mustering a smile when he looked in her direction. "Thank you," Jon said faintly, "may I be excused?"

"Of course," Ned said at once and Jon rose up. "I'm grateful," Jon said quickly, "I truly am…I just need to think about it. I wouldn't want to accept anything in haste and let you down." Ned nodded at that, his eyes tight. "You could never let me down Jon, you are a credit to this family," he assured him, "and if it were simple I would give you the Stark name in a moment. But you understand why I can't, don't you?"

Jon again nodded, and again Catelyn forced a smile to her face when he glanced at her. He returned it faintly before he made for the door. Catelyn didn't dare even move until she heard it close firmly behind him. "I think that went about as well as could be expected," she said, Ned's tight hold on her hand finally slackening. "Aye," Ned agreed slightly stiffly and she sighed. "It's not easy for him Ned," she continued, "it's not easy for any of us."

"I know, and I have no one to blame for that but myself," he said bitterly, refusing to look at her. "I didn't mean it like that, I didn't mean to imply -," she began but he cut her off quickly. "I know," he said again, his eyes still turned away from her. "I think we might need to have a talk with Arya," she said after a few moments of quiet. "The boys have taken it well enough, but Arya has always been more…challenging," she chose her words carefully and Ned snorted. "That is one way of describing her," he said, a trace of humour lacing his tone now. "I just want this all sorted before Robb leaves, so he can at least set aside his guilt," she continued.

"He has nothing to feel guilty about, this mess is all my own making," Ned said with finality and she reached her hand out to rub soothingly up and down his back. "You were foolish," she conceded, "but you didn't do any of it for malice or personal gain. I know you think you have somehow cheated Jon out of his claim but he is not Brandon's true son. You are still the rightful heir of Winterfell and one day many years from now Robb will inherit it. Jon can choose his own path, which he might relish once all of this sinks in better. Just have a little faith Ned, our family is strong – I have no doubt that we can survive this."

"How was it?" Amy asked in concern when Robb slammed the door of their chambers slightly harder than necessary. "I'm sorry," he was apologising at once as he saw she had Aedan tucked in her arms. "I didn't know he was here," he elaborated and she smiled at him, holding out her free hand to beckon him closer. "Did it not go well?" she asked and he sighed heavily. "Arya ran off, the boys seemed to take it well enough," Robb reported to her, running his hand through his hair. "And…the rest?" Amy asked him awkwardly and he sighed again. "I don't know, I left before they could tell him," he said and she smiled slightly.

"I just feel so guilty," he admitted when she offered him no more words. "Guilty?" she repeated with a frown. "Jon can't have the name Stark because my father is afraid of putting my future at risk," he elaborated and it was her turn to sigh, rising up from her seat by the window and coming towards him. "It's not just your future," she said firmly, "think of our son." Robb knew she had a point, but it didn't make him feel much better. He couldn't help but think sometimes that had the truth been known and Jon been named then he would never have had the two things in this room that made him happier than he had words for. That was not a thought that rested easily in his mind. "I can't help it," he said simply, his hand coming to stroke gently across Aedan's head.

"Jon will get through all this, and he would never want to put your future at risk. I'm sure he will understand why he cannot have the Stark name. It wouldn't be right, you know it wouldn't…he is not true born…nothing can change that," she said softly and he frowned at her. "I'm sorry Robb," she continued before he could comment, "but that matters, not to your or I or the family but to the rest of the world. You are true born, and it is your right to be the heir of Winterfell."

Robb said nothing, and Amy seemed to sense she had said enough because she wandered to the other side of the room to settle Aedan down in his cradle. He watched her. She was right of course, but he had always hated the fact that Jon didn't share his name, that he wasn't his true brother. He was still ashamed of the tactless words he had uttered when they were children. Those words still haunted him, as did the fact that he would never be able to take them back. He and Jon had never spoken about it in their adult life. Robb wasn't even sure if he ever wanted to. Dragging it all up would only serve to make him feel even more ashamed of himself. Before he could sink down even further into his darkening thoughts Amy was before him, manoeuvring herself skilfully into his lap and wrapping her arms tight around his neck.

"I'm sorry if I was tactless," she apologised to him, her lips coming to press against his temple. He wound his own arms around her waist in response and pressed her even closer to him. "I know you're right, that you didn't mean it nastily. It's true, Jon is still not true born and asking him to be acknowledged as a Stark would throw all of our futures into doubt. As much as I wish we could share the same name it is not to be…I have to agree with father, for Aedan's sake as much as my own," Robb replied and she kissed his temple again before burying her head in the crook of his neck. "He will get a name," she reminded him, "his father's name."

"Gods I hate this," Robb rushed out, his hands clenching around the silk of her dress. Amy pulled back at his outburst, her eyes wide and concerned when they met his. "I know you probably don't want to hear this," she began, keeping her eyes on his, "but perhaps us going to the Capitol is the best thing for everyone. We can all have some space away from this, from everything that has happened. Time and space can heal a great many things, just look at me and my father." She smiled slightly at the end and his own lips twitched up briefly. Perhaps she was right. Time apart had certainly done wonders in easing the strain between her and her father. Perhaps time would help settle the heavy atmosphere and the tension that had been surrounding them recently. "You never know," he finally spoke and she looked relieved, leaning forward and pressing her lips to his.

"Just you, me and Aedan for a while," she smiled when she pulled back and he chuckled slightly. "And the rest of the occupants of the Red Keep, and my new friends on the small council," he replied, raising one of his brows. "You will have my grandfather there, and Steffon," she said and he grimaced. Amy must have noticed his expression because before he could comment she was speaking again. "And you said you always got on well enough with Stannis," she continued on, "and likely Sansa will sit in sometimes."

"And the queen mother," he said and it was her turn to grimace, her own fists clenching against his back. "I'm sorry," he apologised before she could say anything, "I ought not to have said that, it wasn't fair." His hand came up to twist around a lock of her hair and her expression relaxed somewhat. "I have made my peace with my father, I can only hope to do the same with my aunt," she said quietly and he sighed heavily. Somehow he imagined it would be a lot harder for Amy to forgive her aunt than it had been to forgive her father. He also imagined it had been the same way for her mother, and that it was probably best not to voice his scepticism. Amy was excited about going to the Capitol, seeing her grandfather again and experiencing life at court for a while. He wouldn't spoil that, whatever his own mood. "I am sure you will," he smiled, leaning in a pecking her lips.

"We ought to get Aedan back to his nurse," Amy said regretfully when she pulled back, "else we will be late for dinner, and there are precious few of them left with all of us together." He murmured his agreement, though he was unable to help but grumble when she slid herself out of his clutches. Having her arms around him always made him feel better. She smiled knowingly at him before she crossed back to the cradle and he watched her ease their son into his arms. He stood as she straightened up and she moved back towards him. "Give him here a moment, I have barely had any time with him today," he said, outstretching his own arms for Aedan. Amy shifted him into them in a moment and Robb lifted him up to settle against his chest, his lips kissing his soft head as he breathed in his perfect baby scent. "We can be a little late for dinner, if you want more time with him," Amy said softly and he nodded his agreement. "I'd like that," he smiled, "very much."

Jaime visibly saw Lanette stiffen from the corner of his eye when Amy and Robb made their appearance in the small parlour where they were dining for the evening. The younger Stark children were absent, Catelyn having explained in hushed tones that Jon had wanted to spend time with them to better explain everything. Jaime had nodded his understanding, seeing the grim look on Ned's face as he had sat stonily at the head of the table. He had barely said a word, his eyes almost glazed over as he lifted his flagon to his lips every few moments and drank deeply. "We were beginning to think you'd got lost," Catelyn said, mustering a smile for the new arrivals and setting about pouring them a drink. "We were with Aedan, we rather lost track of time," Amy said apologetically as she lowered herself into the chair Robb pulled out for her. "Rather understandable," Catelyn smiled again, "you have arrived before the food has been served at least."

"Where is everyone else?" Robb asked, his eyes darting about the half empty table. "With Jon," Catelyn said, "given what happened this afternoon he wanted to explain things better to them – especially Arya." Robb nodded his understanding at that, taking a long drink from his wine. Jaime saw Amy slip her hand round him and lay it gently on his lower back and he was pleased to see his good-son look more relaxed when he lowered his glass again. He could only imagine what the Starks were going through in the wake of the revelations about Jon. He had experienced his own turmoil with Amy, but that had been a private thing. This news of Jon would spread throughout the Kingdoms in the end, people about Winterfell were already whispering about it. Amy had elected to tell her grandfather, something Jaime thought was wise. He didn't think a letter would be the best way to inform his father that his granddaughter's position as future Lady of Winterfell was in doubt.

Amy would ease any worries his father had about future succession. He was certain of that. He was also certain that he and Lanette should share their news now while there was a lull in conversation, before the servants arrived with the first course. "Lana," he murmured quietly, laying his hand on hers. "Perhaps we ought to…" he trailed off, raising his brows and flickering his eyes towards Amy. His wife sighed heavily and he squeezed her hand as she finally nodded her head. "There is something your mother and I would like to share with you before dinner arrives," he spoke then, knowing that Lanette wanted him to be the one to speak up. "What is that?" Amy asked him brightly, a smile lighting up her features. "We have had some good news, some wonderful news," he replied, his hand tightening even further around Lanette's. "Though we thought it impossible it seems that the Gods have seen fit to bless us again," he smiled and Amy stared at him.

"Bless you?" she repeated, her eyes blinking slowly at him as a tiny frown creased her brow. Everyone's eyes were on him now and Jaime took a breath as Lanette shifted slightly in her seat. "With a child," it was Lanette who uttered the words before Jaime could find them. "Oh, how wonderful!" Catelyn clapped her hands together, a wide smile on her face. "Congratulations," Ned inclined his flagon to them, a small but genuine smile on his own lips. "Yes, congratulations," Robb repeated his father's sentiments but Jaime barely registered them as Amy stood up abruptly from the table as they left his mouth. "Excuse me," she said faintly before she practically bolted for the door. "Amy?!" Robb was only half risen from his own seat when she slammed out of the room. Deathly silence followed and Jaime could barely bring himself to look at Lanette.

When he finally did he saw the dismay on her face. "It's a shock…likely she just needs a moment," Catelyn said kindly and Ned murmured his agreement, though they both looked troubled. "I'm sorry, I -," Robb seemed at a loss for words as he looked between them and the door. "I'll go and find her," he finally continued, making to stand up from the table again. "No, I'll go," Jaime said firmly, standing up and pressing a kiss to Lanette's temple before he made his way to the door. Never in his life had he ever been angry with Amy, but he was close to it now. He had never expected her to react in such a way, he had expected her to be thrilled and full of supportive words for her mother. Jaime would have her apologise if he had to drag her back into the parlour himself.

His determination faltered though as he pounded down the hallway, hearing the sound of sobbing growing ever closer. He found her leaning against a wall in a secluded part of the tower, her hands on her mouth trying to stifle her tears. "Amy?" his voice was barely a whisper but she turned to him, another wave of tears seemingly taking her over when her eyes found his. All thoughts of being angry with her flew from his mind then, and in the next instant he had her in his arms, rubbing soothingly up and down her back as she sobbed against him. Eventually she seemed to calm and he pushed her away from him slightly so he could meet her eyes, determined to get to the bottom of her reaction. "Your mother's upset," he said gently, "why would you just run off like that Amy?"

"I know I ought to be glad for her," she whispered, averting her eyes, "for both of you but – I…I just can't help but think of what happened to her before. I always wanted a brother or a sister when I was younger, but when I was old enough to understand and you told me what happened, why mother couldn't have any more children -," she choked slightly at that but Jaime could sense that she wasn't finished. "I nearly killed her," she looked up to meet Jaime's eyes and her own were wide and scared. "What if this baby succeeds?" she asked him desperately, "I can't lose her father, I just can't…I can't lose my mother."

"Hush now, come here, come on," he soothed her, pulling her back into a tight embrace as the tears were clearly threatening to come for her again. "I never wanted to upset her," Amy said, her voice muffled in his chest, "I could just see it all in my mind…losing her…I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Again he hushed her, his hand stroking through her hair. "Do you truly believe that I am not afraid? That your mother is not afraid?" he asked her gently, pushing her back slightly again. "We are terrified," he answered his own question. "But this is a blessing from the Gods, after so many years. Your mother was always desperate to have more children. As much as she adores you Amy, she couldn't help but long for more. We gave up hope a long time ago…but this…this is a blessing. Your mother is wonderful, do you not think another child deserves to know what it is like to be loved by her?"

Amy nodded her head at that and he smiled, brushing her tears away with the pads of his thumbs. "She needs you," Jaime told her quietly but firmly, "and so do I." Amy's lips twitched up at that before she took a deep shuddering breath. "Shall we?" he asked, holding out his arm and she nodded her agreement, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow, her grip almost too tight. He kept their pace slow as they walked back to the parlour, giving Amy the time she needed to regain her composure. When they reached the door he looked down on her and saw the look of determination flash across her features before she pushed it open. He followed after her, seeing Lanette now sat on one of the sofas, clearly being comforted by Catelyn. Robb and Ned were sat looking worried in another corner, relief gracing Robb's own features when he saw Amy approach her mother.

Lanette stood at once, and Jaime could see the nervousness and the upset in her eyes. "Amy -," Lanette started, but she got no more words out as Amy wrapped her arms around her and embraced her tightly. When they pulled apart Jaime could see that relief was now the predominant look on his wife's face. "I am so, so sorry," Amy said clearly, her hand finding Lanette's. "It was selfish and rude of me to just leave like that," she went on, "it was a shock, and I confess that I am going to worry so much about you but…" she stopped to take a deep breath, "but you are the most wonderful mother in this world, and it would be cruel if another child could not know your love. My little brother or sister is going to be so blessed to have you, and I promise you mother, I will be there for you whenever you have need of me. I swear it."

"Thank you sweetheart," Lanette managed to get out, her voice rather constricted with emotion as she pulled Amy back into her arms for a long moment. Jaime breathed a long sigh of relief before he slowly crossed to them, laying a hand on the small of Lanette's back when she pulled away from their daughter again. "Well, now that Amy has recovered from the shock, perhaps we ought to raise a toast," Catelyn spoke up and Jaime thanked her gratefully. "That would be lovely," Lanette added, a real smile lighting up her features now that Jaime delighted to see. The others moved about, all claiming to have something to do; like call for more glasses or debate which fine wine to break out. Jaime knew it was to give him and Lanette a moment to themselves and he was grateful for it. "She was worried about losing you," Jaime murmured against her temple before he placed a kiss to it.

"I wish we could promise her she won't," Lanette said quietly in return and he nodded his head before cupping his hand around her cheek so she met his eyes. "We can promise her no such thing," he agreed, "but I will pray every day for you and our children, and I am almost certain that the Gods would not bless us with this child if they meant to take you away. You are far too good to be taken so cruelly from this world." Lanette pressed her lips together firmly at that and he could see her eyes swimming with tears, his lips coming to her forehead. "I love you Jaime," she finally said and he kissed at her again. "And I love you," he returned, "as I always will."

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed! I will have another for you as soon as I can, but I haven't written a word yet. I have a plan though (I think!)

Thanks for your patience!

:)