A/N: New chapter folks, hope you all enjoy!

unnamed visitor: Thank you very much, I definitely did not want to spoil the bond between Robb and Jon, a little honesty from both has them just as close as ever. Yes indeed, I think deep down Jon needs a little time to get his head around everything and travelling for a while will give him the time and space he needs to do that. While Jon is going to Dorne, there will be no POV from him as this fic will remain focused primarily on Jaime/Lana, Robb/Amy, so any word on him will come through them. It will not be long until they all reach the Capitol, this is the only chapter where they will be travelling. So next chapter will have their arrival. Thank you so much as always!

Guest: You are very welcome!

Boramir: Thank you very much. Glad you liked the idea of Bran being Jaime's squire, kind of a sweet irony given canon! I suspect Tywin's head is going to be spinning an awful lot in coming chapters with all these new revelations coming for him! And yes, there will certainly be a lot of conversation happening when they arrive at the Capitol.

Anon: Yes, leaving chapters are never easy to write. Glad you like the thought of Bran being Jaime's squire. Amy will certainly do her best to protect Robb, heaven help anyone who means any harm towards him. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter of Jon's name but I will be sticking with Brandon. It works for me, as Ned honouring his brother and Jon being able to build a house to honour his father's legacy - since Brandon never lived to inherit Winterfell. I know I can't please everyone, but I wouldn't be being true to myself or my story if I just changed my mind. Thank you for the thoughts though, as I said, I do appreciate them.

Right-ho folks, on with the chapter!

:)

Worries

Tywin raised his head at the knock on the door, calling for his visitor to come in. He hoped it wasn't anything of importance. There was a lot of work for him to be getting on with and he had requested that he not be disturbed unless it was absolutely necessary. He didn't look up from his parchment until he heard the door open and close, seeing a squire stood before him looking rather sheepish. "This better be good," he said heavily and the boy stepped a little closer to him. "Two letters arrived for you my lord," the squire reported. "Leave them there," Tywin instructed him, gesturing to the edge of his desk. The squire did as he was bid and when Tywin looked up again when he came to the end of his letter he was alone in the room again.

With a sigh he set his own written word aside and pulled the two sealed letters towards him. Both bore Lannister lion seals stamped into the wax and he opened the first of them, a slight smile tugging at his lips as he read the words. It seemed Geanna had succeeded first time around, a healthy and perfectly formed son being born to her and Tyrion. Another Tybolt Lannister, the boy would be named at the turn of the moon and there was a tentative invite for him to attend the ceremony. He sighed heavily. In all honesty he would like to attend, but it would be next to impossible. Robb and Amy would be arriving at the Capitol in a mere week and there was far too much to contend with, what with Renly and the threat from the Wall. He tapped his fingertips against his desk in an agitated manner. Relations between himself and Tyrion had improved immensely over the years, and he was quietly impressed with the way that his younger son had been managing the Rock in Jaime's absence.

Gifts and finery would have to make do for the new family until he could afford to take time away from his positon and head back to the Rock. One day he hoped he would be able to step down from his post as Hand and allow Steffon to appoint a replacement he could trust. A younger man who would have all the energy that Tywin felt he himself barely had in him any longer. It would be a while yet, he would endure the pressure for a while longer at least. At least until he was certain that his grandson's reign was secure and under no more immediate threat. The order for Renly to vacate Storm's End and hand control of the seat over to Stannis had been sent mere days ago after last minute adjustments to the wording. Somewhere inside Tywin knew that Steffon was still hoping that a reconciliation could one day occur between him and his uncle. Tywin doubted that it could ever happen, but he kept his opinion on the matter to himself, and he would continue to do so unless Steffon seemed on the brink of making a mistake.

The boy was learning swiftly, and adjusting well to being King but he still had much to learn. There was still a naivety about him and the willingness to see the good in everyone. Tywin supposed it was not a bad quality to have, and one he knew that Sansa Stark had encouraged in him, but he had lived long enough to know that good did not reside in everyone. He shook his head, pulling himself away from troubling thoughts as he set aside Tyrion's letter and turned his attention to the other. He imagined it was from Jaime, no doubt informing him of when exactly he and Lanette would expect to arrive back at the Rock. It was indeed Jaime's hand that greeted him when he unfurled the parchment, but his words were about the last thing that Tywin had expected to read. He blinked stupidly, his eyes sliding back up to the top of the letter so he could read it again.

The words remained the same, he had not imagined them. For a moment he considered it to be a jape, a hoax. It was dismissed in a second. Jaime's hand was unmistakable and he knew that his son would not jape about such a thing. A sudden and unexpected burst of nervous laughter barked from him in the next moment as he clapped his hand to his forehead. It took a lot to stun him but this had about done it. He had come to terms with Lanette being unable to have more children many years ago. Yes, it had been disappointing, but she was invaluable to him and his family, and so he had put it to one side and focused on Amy. Her own marriage had secured her future and he had been pleased to see how she had thrived in the North. Tyrion's children would be the future of the Rock long after he was dead. It had taken a while to get used to that, but eventually he had come to terms with it, all with Lanette's help of course.

Now he had this news, news that she was expecting again after so many years of being certain that it would never happen again. Gods. He could scarce believe it. Jaime wrote of their joy, but he imagined that they were feeling terror in equal measure. His son wouldn't cope if… He stopped that thought before it went too far, almost feeling the weight of Joanna's cold hand in his. A shudder took his body for a moment, the letter shaking in his hands. He laid it aside and clenched his fists hard to stop the shake, forcing himself to calm down. There was no reason to think the worst, to believe that it would happen the same way again. There was no reason why Lanette should not have a healthy birth with no complications. He let out his breath slowly and unclenched his fists, his hands steady again. Perhaps the future of the Rock would continue from Jaime's line after all. Hopefully Tyrion would not be too put out. He couldn't imagine him being resentful, it had never appeared to be in his nature. Likely he would be thrilled for Jaime and Lanette, just as everyone else would be.

"I've been thinking," Amy said breathlessly as Robb kissed his way down her body. "Tell me later," he murmured against her skin as he pressed his lips to her stomach. "It's important," she persisted as his kisses reached her lower stomach. "You have the worst timing," he groaned, pressing one more kiss to her skin before he turned his eyes up towards her. She bit her lip as she met his gaze, his eyes darkened with lust as he rested his chin between her hip bones and blinked expectantly at her. "I've been thinking about us having more children," she said, holding his eyes and seeing his brows raise. "More?" he asked, his eyes flickering to her stomach for a moment. "I'm not," she shook her head at once, "and truth be told…I don't think I want to be."

He frowned at that and she took a breath. "Aedan is so young, and such a handful. I just don't think I'd be able to cope with another, especially since we are going to the Capitol. When I fall pregnant again I want to be at Winterfell," she explained to him and his expression softened, his frown smoothing away. "I understand," he said and she felt relief. "Then…you won't…" she tailed off, raising one of her brows expectantly. "I won't," he confirmed and she smiled at him, her hand coming to rest in his curls. "I can finish you in other ways," she said softly and he grinned wickedly at her. "Oh, I know," he smirked, his lust filled eyes darkening even more. "I do want to have more children," she felt the need to explain herself better. "I know you do," his own voice was reassuring as she clenched her hand slightly more tightly in his curls. "I want to give you countless children," she elaborated and he chuckled, his lips finding her skin again.

"We can fill Winterfell with them on our return," he breathed against her skin and she shuddered in delight as his warm breath tickled at her. "I can scarce wait," she said, her breathing becoming more ragged as he kissed downwards. "I love you Robb…thank you for understanding," she managed to get out. "I love you too," he replied, his breath warm between her legs now, making her squirm. "Now would you please stop talking?" he continued in an amused tone before he finally buried his head between her thighs.

"Word from Tyrion," Jaime grinned as he held up a letter to Lanette. "A healthy boy," he told her before she could ask and she smiled. "That's wonderful. How is Geanna?" she asked him, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "She's perfectly fine," he answered her, "I'm more concerned about you. What is it?" he asked her, his elation for his little brother quelled for the moment as he took in his wife's appearance. "I just worry how he might react to our news, especially now that he has a son," she told him, still looking troubled.

"Lana don't be ridiculous," Jaime sighed, "Tyrion will be thrilled for us, he adores you – he has done since the first moment you arrived at the Rock. He knows how hard it has been for you to live without more children, believe me, he will be just as happy as we are that there will soon be another addition to the family. Our new baby and his son will grow up together, why would he not want that?"

"You think I'm being silly?" Lanette raised her brows, biting down gently on her lower lip. "Yes, I think you're being silly," Jaime confirmed with a grin and her own lips quirked up slightly. "Stop being foolish," he continued, "the Gods know…I sometimes wonder if you don't enjoy worrying." Lanette smacked his arm at that and he chuckled, stepping closer and wrapping his arms around her waist. "I can't help it, you know I can't," she said as she wound her own arms about his neck. "I wish you would have a little more faith my love," he murmured in her ear, "you have been the positive force in this family for so long – don't give it up now."

Lanette sighed against him and he pulled her even more tightly into his arms, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her lower back. "We'll be home soon enough," he said, "and then you will see for yourself that there is nothing to worry about. It will be nice having a baby about the Rock again, especially since you and I are well out of practice."

"I think Aedan had reminded me," Lanette replied and he was pleased to hear the amusement in her voice. "I think that boy is Amy's just desserts for the havoc she wreaked on us as a child," he returned, and a proper laugh escaped her lips. He pulled back, thrilled to hear the delightful sound again, meeting her eyes and smiling widely at her. "No more worrying unless there is something to worry about," he stated and she nodded her head in a determined manner. "No more," she agreed with him and he leaned in to press his lips to hers in response.

Cersei narrowed her eyes, her steps quickening as she recognised her son's voice. She had just left Sansa's chambers so she knew damn well that the giggles she could hear did not belong to her good-daughter. Curse it. Steffon had done so well so far in his marriage, his eye had been caught by several pretty women at court but she had heard no whisper that anything more than that had occurred. Sansa was growing bigger with child though, and Cersei knew from her own experience how that could quell a man's desire. She knew she could not forbid her son from taking a mistress, she could only encourage him not to, and if he insisted, then she would damn well make sure that he kept his affairs discreet.

She slowed her pace as she reached the door of his study, which stood slightly ajar. Eavesdropping was not the most attractive thing to do but in this instance she felt it necessary. What she needed to know was exactly what she was potentially dealing with, knowing damn well that Steffon would play it down if she confronted him about it. "You must forgive me your Grace," the simpering tones of Margaery Tyrell reached her ears, causing her eyes to narrow again. "I fear I have taken up far too much of your time…" Cersei dared inch forward to peer through the gap in the door on hearing that, seeing nimble fingers lingering on her son's forearm. She bit her lower lip and pulled back again, straining her ears for Steffon's murmured reply.

His words were too quiet for her to catch but her nails dug into her palm as she heard Margaery's tinkling laughter floating through the door in the next moment. That was quite enough. She drew herself up to her full height and knocked sharply on the door. There was a scuffle, and the sound of a chair being scraped back, the door opening fully to reveal her son in the next moment. He looked unabashed, and thankfully his clothing still looked neatly pressed. Margaery looked equally as poised and unruffled. That at least was a weight off her mind. Just what the Tyrell girl was up to she didn't know, but she did know that she did not like it one little bit. "Mother," Steffon said, his tone slightly awkward, "I was not expecting you."

"Indeed," Cersei said simply, her eyes flickering from her son's face to the woman leant against his desk. "I ought to return to the queen lest she be missing me," Margaery said, looking unabashed as Cersei fixed her with a cold stare. "Indeed," Steffon agreed with her, shifting slightly from foot to foot. "Your Grace," Margaery dropped into a low curtsey, "queen mother," she added carelessly when she rose back up. With that she made for the door, and Cersei counted ten beats of her heart before she slammed it closed behind the scheming little madam. Steffon flinched at the sound, seemingly shrinking away from her as she turned her eyes on him.

"Tell me you didn't," she said lowly and he stared at her. "What do you mean?" he asked. Cersei narrowed her eyes at him, he was not feigning ignorance on this matter. A nobody she would let slide, she would not be impressed but she would let it go. Not this though. Not a woman like that with a name like hers. "You know what I mean," she snarled at him, "you know what she's doing, don't you? You know she is trying to drive a wedge between you and Sansa? The Gods only know what she means by it, but you are supposed to be cleverer than that. I raised you to be cleverer than that Steffon."

"It was just a brief conversation mother, you are being paranoid," he said dismissively, turning and walking to the side table which was adorned with a selection of wines. She let her eyes wander the room as he busied himself pouring them both a measure of wine. She saw two discarded glasses on his desk and her eyes narrowed yet again. It seemed that Margaery had been in her son's presence for a lot longer than he was making out. He turned back to her then and she forced her features to relax, holding her hand out for the wine he was extending to her. His own glass clinked against hers in the next moment and they both moved to take a drink.

"I didn't mean to patronise you," Cersei said when she lowered her glass again, "but you know that we have to tread carefully with the Tyrells." Steffon seemed to nod his agreement, taking another drink before he made any comment of his own. "We need them onside," he said, "and we will not get them onside if we are seen to shun and show disapproval to Lady Margaery. I would have her write favourable things to her family, wouldn't you?"

"I told you that Sansa and I would see to that," she reminded him with a raised brow and he sighed heavily. "It was a conversation," he said again, sounding rather impatient now. "Did you summon her here?" Cersei asked him. "Or did she come of her own accord?" Again Steffon raised his glass to his lips and she knew without him answering that Margaery had made her own way into his presence. "And why would she do that I wonder? Unless of course she had any message from the queen…" she tailed off, raising her brows again as Steffon seemed unable to look at her. "She lost her bearings, it's a lot to get used to," he said sheepishly and she snorted. "Come now Steffon," she scoffed, "tell me that you didn't believe that."

Steffon didn't answer, his gaze still avoiding hers. Gods. Sometimes her son could be so naïve. He had been doing so well since taking the throne, taking all his new responsibility in his stride and treating his wife as a queen ought to be treated. She was so proud of him, especially at his young age, but now he was endeavouring to remind her exactly how young and foolish he really could be. "Don't be turned by her Steffon," she said quietly, "it will be the biggest mistake you ever make."

"I love my wife," he told her, looking her dead in the eye. "Love does not make a man faithful, nor quell all of his temptations," she said gently and he sighed heavily. "I am doing my best," he said impatiently and she smiled slightly. "I know you are," she stepped forward and lay her hand on his arm. "You are doing so well," she continued, "do not throw it all away, especially not for her, she is a scheming little madam who has come here with some plan or another. Do not enable her to succeed in whatever it is. She is Sansa's lady, no more than that. Do you understand?"

"Of course I understand," he nodded, "I know I can be weak when it comes to women mother, but I swear, I am not stupid enough to even think of disgracing myself with her." Cersei let out her breath, finally satisfied as she nodded her head. "Good," she smiled, "because aside from anything else it would break Sansa's heart, and I don't think either of us want that."

Robb hung back with Aedan cradled against his chest as Amy said goodbye to her parents. He had already said his own goodbyes, his eyes finding Bran already sat atop his horse, a smile gracing his lips which his brother returned. His attention then went back to Amy and her parents, his hand rubbing soothingly up and down Aedan's back. Their son had already been passed between them, smothered with kisses and promises to see him soon until Aedan had finally lost patience with them. He was settled now, his eyes bright and shining as he pulled away from Robb and looked about the bustling camp inquisitively. Robb couldn't help but smile, he never could when his son was concerned, even when he woke screaming in the night. As exhausting and testing as he could be, seeing his gummy little smile never failed to make Robb's heart swell with joy. He was grinning now, his little fists waving and excited little gurgles leaving his mouth as his eyes found Amy.

Her attention moved from her parents for a moment then, a beaming smile on her lips and her eyes lighting up as they found their son. They lingered on him for a moment before she turned back to her mother. Their arms came around one another for a long minute, before Amy pulled back and rested her hands on Lanette's shoulders. Robb could only imagine that Amy was soothing her mother for the thousandth time about her pregnancy. He only hoped that his good-mother would be reassured by the words. Ser Jaime caught his eye then, inclining his head towards him. Robb inclined his own head and offered his good-father a smile. Things between them were better now, especially since Robb was no longer harbouring any illicit secrets from Amy. The weight that had been placed about them seemed to have been lifted, enough time passing that they could put it all in the past. He was glad of it, especially now that they had Aedan, and that his good-mother and father were expecting another child.

"Goodbye Robb," Lanette called over to him as she finally moved away from Amy and to her husband's side. "Goodbye my lady," he called back, encouraging Aedan to wave to his grandparents. They smiled for him, but Aedan soon lost interest in waving, his chubby little hand instead coming to clamp about the laces of Robb's doublet. Robb wandered slowly towards where Amy was stood waving then, raising his free hand up to follow suit as his good-parents made to leave with their guard. Amy didn't lower her hand until the sound of hooves against the ground faded away and the departing party disappeared from view. Robb then moved his free hand to the small of her back, feeling her leaning back into his touch.

"Are you alright?" he asked her and she nodded her golden head in a rather determined manner before she tilted her head to look up at him. "I am," she confirmed to him, "it's never easy saying goodbye to them but I will see them again soon enough." Robb voiced his agreement at that, a smile twitching at his lips as Amy turned her attention to Aedan. "Come on sweetheart," she cooed, "let papa go, we have to get moving ourselves." Aedan screeched slightly in protest as she tried to prise his hand free of Robb's doublet and he couldn't help but chuckle slightly. "Perhaps I ought to come with you in the carriage for a little while?" he suggested to her and she sighed heavily. "If you don't mind," she met his eyes, "it may be easier."

"It means spending time with my wife and son, of course I don't mind," he smiled at her, shifting his grip on Aedan slightly as Amy laced her fingers through his free hand. "It will not be long until we reach the Capitol," she commented, swinging their entwined hands slightly as they ambled towards the carriage. "And then the true adventure begins," he said slightly wryly and she smiled up at him. "You can be excited you know, I won't tell anyone," she said teasingly and he chuckled. "I suppose I am a little," he conceded, "but I am still nervous, I don't want to give your grandfather any cause to regret appointing me."

"My grandfather will likely never admit how impressed he is with you," she returned, opening up the door of the carriage. "But he is," she continued, gesturing for him to climb up first with Aedan, "otherwise he never would have asked for you in the first place." Robb smiled slightly at that, her words soothing his apprehension slightly as he settled down with Aedan on his lap. Amy climbed up next, closing the door firmly behind her and coming to seat herself at his side. He wrapped his arm about her at once and she snuggled closer to him, a satisfied smile coming to his face at her action. "I am sure I will get through it with you by my side," he commented as the carriage jerked into motion. "There is nowhere else I would want to be," she smiled, looking up to meet his eyes. He smiled back at her, pressing his lips to her forehead and letting them linger for a long moment and trying to ignore his underlying apprehension.

A/N: Capitol next chapter! I'll post it as soon as it's ready!

:)