A/N: Righty ho folks, here's another one for you, you lovely lot!
unnamed visitor: Thank you very much, I'm glad you liked Tywin's reaction and his more human side, I like to bring that out in him. Not long at all for you to wait for them to arrive...it's right there below haha!
Anthony: In all honesty I had not given much thought to Sansa's other ladies. I suppose she could have some from the North with her, but for obvious reasons I'm mainly focusing on the addition of Margaery.
Guest: Thank you very much, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I certainly intend to update as often as I can. As for AO3, I only have For His Honour on there at the moment because I post simultaneously with this site. I haven't put my other stories up because it would take forever. Perhaps I will one day, but it would take serious time out of my writing that I don't have right now I'm afraid!
Boramir: Thank you! Yes indeed, one of the aims of this fic was to make Tywin more human and, dare I say it, likable. Indeed, the choice for replacement hand when the time comes will be a tough one. Not many people to trust, and even if Steffon did want Robb, I can't see him accepting the position.
Anon: Yeah, Steffon knows, he's just a little naive and needed that talk from his mother I think. Hmm, I agree Robb as hand would be interesting, but I don't think he would ever accept such a position. Honestly, I have no idea on length. When I started this I didn't think it would even get this long and yet here I am...and more ideas keep popping into my head so who knows haha!
Mel: Why yes...that could be very interesting indeed...
Right-ho folks, on with the chapter!
:)
Explanations
Amy looked up at Robb as they approached the open doors of the throne room, seeing her husband's face set in a rather determined manner. She could see the nerves and the apprehension in his eyes but she was hopeful that no one else would be able to see it. Robb could not be perceived as weak from the start. That would do no good for any of them. She tightened her grip on his arm before glancing back to where Aedan was being carried in by his nurse. Her son looked happy enough, his fist stuffed in his mouth and his eyes bright and alert as he chewed on it. The court announcer bowed his head to them as they drew level with the guards at the side of the doors. Robb inclined his own head in response, waiting for them to be announced before continuing on inside.
"Lord Robb Stark of Winterfell, his wife, Lady Amella Stark, and their retinue!" the announcer rang out clearly and Robb and Amy stepped in unison through the doors. She inwardly prayed that Robb's steps would not falter, keeping her own steps determined as they made their way towards the Iron Throne. Steffon stood at their approach and stepped slowly down, his hand extending to Sansa who was stood at the base of the throne with Amy's grandfather and aunt. Amy avoided looking at her aunt, instead meeting Sansa's eyes and smiling widely. Sansa returned the gesture and she could feel Robb's muscles relax under her touch as they came to a halt in front of the royal family. Amy dropped down into an elegant curtsey as Robb bowed lowly before the throne, both of them rising up together. She took a breath as Steffon appraised them, his eyes sliding to Robb for a long moment before he fixed his eyes on her and smiled widely.
She was more relieved than she could say at that, a smile stretching across her own face. "Welcome back to court," he said simply and she inclined her head, pinching her nails slightly into Robb's forearm. "We are honoured to be here," Robb replied and she breathed a sigh of relief. Steffon fixed his eyes on Robb for a long moment before he nodded again, seemingly satisfied. He gestured for Sansa to move and greet them then and she moved at once. Amy slipped her hand from Robb's arm and he stepped forwards, placing his hands carefully on his sister's shoulders before pressing a kiss to each of her cheeks. "How are you?" Amy heard him murmur, and she smiled. "Well indeed," Sansa replied with a smile, "I didn't know Jon was coming…"
Sansa's brows were raised as Robb pulled back from her and he shook his head slightly. Amy moved forward herself then, and greeted Sansa in much the same way. "You look well," Amy smiled when she pulled back, "we all have a lot of catching up to do." Sansa seemed to understand her words, nodding her agreement and smiling again before sharing a fleeting glance with Steffon. "I believe there is a new addition to the family that we have yet to meet," Steffon spoke up then and Amy couldn't help but beam. "It would be an honour to introduce you," Amy said and he inclined his head in agreement. She turned to beckon Aedan's nurse forwards then, moving to meet her and taking her son from him with thanks. His nurse curtseyed before the throne before stepping back to stand with the rest of their party.
Amy shifted Aedan in her arms so he was better on display, unable to keep the smile from her face as she turned him towards her family. "He's beautiful," Sansa beamed, taking a step forward and reaching her hand out to Aedan. "Say hello to your aunt Aedan," Amy murmured against the top of his soft head, seeing him fix his big blue eyes on Sansa. "He's a fine boy," Steffon smiled, "you must be proud indeed."
"We are," it was Robb who answered, a smile twitching his lips that Amy was pleased to see. The slight tension that had been surrounding them seemed to have evaporated somewhat but Amy was still wary of meeting her aunt's eyes. "As well you should be," her grandfather's voice reached her ears then and she turned to meet his gaze. She could see the pride in his eyes but she knew well enough that he would not show any affection towards her or her son just yet. Not so publically. He did step forward and press a brief kiss to her cheek though. "I am glad to see you so well," he murmured, "there is much for us to catch up on."
"I couldn't agree more grandfather," she replied, shifting Aedan slightly in her arms, and trying not to think about exactly how she would explain recent revelations to him. Aedan began to grizzle slightly then and she bounced him in his arms, hoping he would not make a scene now. Robb's hand came to the small of her back as she rocked and bounced him, pressing her lips to the top of his head and hushing him gently. "You must be weary from your journey," her aunt finally spoke, "I believe some of the queen's ladies are to show you to your quarters." Amy didn't miss the insistent look her aunt gave her as she met her eyes and she frowned slightly. "That would be most kind," Amy said slowly, trying to read her expression. "Indeed," her aunt held her eyes fast, "they are most attentive."
Amy inclined her head in understanding then, coming to the realisation that she would likely be soon getting the pleasure of Margaery Tyrell's company. As uncomfortable as she was with her aunt, she had to put it aside, because they were all on the same side, and Amy knew well enough that they needed to discover Margaery's true intentions. "If you would like to follow me my lord, my lady," a beautiful young woman stepped forward and dropped into a very short curtsey, her eyes lingering on Robb for far longer than Amy liked. She turned her head to meet her aunt's eyes again and saw her incline her head slightly. "How kind," Amy smiled widely, ensuring her voice came out brightly as she stepped towards Margaery. "Thank you," Robb added, inclining his head back towards the royal family again before they followed on after Margaery.
She led them through the keep, through hallways and up stairways. Eventually they came to a halt and Margaery stopped and gestured to the door ahead of them. "Is there anything I can get for you my lord?" she asked sweetly, her eyes all for Robb. Amy refused to let her eyes narrow, though it was all she wanted to do. "No thank you," Robb replied politely, and Amy smiled widely again as Margaery's eyes scanned over her briefly. Amy wondered if she had imagined the dismissive look. Was that disdain there or was she imagining things? She refused to dwell on it, keeping the smile on her face until Robb had ushered her into their chambers. "Thank you my lady," he said warmly before he closed the door on her. Amy made an irritated noise and walked smartly towards the window, seeing that they were only a short walk away from the Hand's tower.
"What is it?" Robb asked from behind her and she sighed heavily. "I'm just not looking forward to explaining about Jon to my grandfather," she said. It was partly true at least. The last thing she wanted to admit to him was her unease about the way Margaery was looking at him. Likely he would just frown at her and then tease her about being jealous. She wasn't jealous, not like that anyway. She had seen several women look approvingly at Robb over the years, she was not so ignorant that she imagined she were the only woman in the world who desired him. Margaery Tyrell was not just any woman though, she was a noble woman from a rich house, and everyone knew that the Tyrells were over-reaching. They always had been. She bounced Aedan again, pleased that he now seemed to be settling after his few minutes of grumbling.
"If anyone can explain it, you can," Robb said, placing his hands on her shoulders and leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek. "I hope so," she smiled, turning her head to the side so he could press his lips to hers for a long moment. "You have said yourself that Jon is no threat, surely your grandfather will see that," Robb said when he pulled back and she nodded, smiling for him. "I'm sure," she agreed with him, "best I go now. Then it will not be hanging over us at dinner, and we can just focus on enjoying being with the family again."
"Come!" Tywin called out, turning from the window and looking expectantly towards the door. A satisfied smile came to his face when Amy slid round the door, her son in her arms and a wide smile on her own face. "Amella," he greeted warmly, walking round the table to greet her properly. His hands came to her shoulders, squeezing them tightly for a moment before he leant in and pressed a kiss to each of her cheeks. "You look well," he stated proudly when he pulled back to look at her, taking in the image of her stood there with her son in her arms. "I feel well," she smiled, "and I must say you look well grandfather, not at all as tired as I imagined." He chuckled slightly at that, he had missed her wits, and he was beyond pleased that she was back in his presence again.
"It is tiring enough," he smiled wryly, moving towards the side table. "Arbour?" he asked her, "Or are you still averse?" She laughed lightly in response, moving further into the room. "I would love some," she replied, her eyes scanning her surroundings, her son's chubby little hand reaching out to clamp around one of her curls. "Sit, make yourself comfortable," Tywin urged her and she thanked him, moving to one of the armchairs. He set her wine down on the low table next to her and she thanked him again, before he moved to take the seat opposite her and appraise her more closely. She was gently prising Aedan's fist from her hair but he seemed reluctant to let go, his eyes fixed inquisitively on Tywin. They were Robb's eyes, but Tywin well recognised the mischief dancing in them that belonged very much to Amy.
"Wonderful news about your mother," Tywin spoke after a long moment and Amy turned her attention to him at his words. "Yes it is," she agreed, "a surprise, but such a wonderful blessing." He inclined his head slightly in agreement. He knew that Amy was likely worried for her mother but she was doing a good job of hiding it. That was good. She would need to be guarded with her emotions during her time here at the Capitol, but he imagined it likely that she already knew that. He could only hope that she would make sure Robb was able to do the same thing. "I wasn't expecting to see you until dinner," he commented after a moment and for the first time he saw her smile falter. "I thought you might like to meet Aedan properly," she said, "and…I also have something to discuss with you, privately."
"Indeed," he raised a brow, and she smiled, shifting forwards in her chair and offering Aedan to him. He leaned forward in his own seat and held his arms out for the baby in her arms. Aedan made a slightly disgruntled noise at leaving his mother but he made no protest at being settled down in Tywin's lap. "It has been a long time since I have been around one so small," Tywin smiled slightly, looking down on the boy who was almost frowning up at him. He looked to be a suspicious little thing and he couldn't help but think that that was probably a good trait for him to be born with in such times. "There will soon be three of them," Amy commented, "it would be wonderful for us all to be together when it happens."
"I can only agree," Tywin said, his hand hesitantly coming to gently touch Aedan's own little hand. The baby gurgled and flexed his fingers, in the next moment wrapping them tightly around Tywin's little finger. "You will have a job prising him away now," Amy commented and he chuckled. "Well, there is no hurry, since it seems you have something of importance to tell me," he said pointedly, meeting her eyes and seeing her shift slightly in her seat. "You remember Robb's brother, Jon?" she raised a brow and he inclined his head. "The bastard?" he inquired, and she frowned slightly but nodded her head in agreement. "Lord Stark…recently revealed the truth of his parentage," Amy said awkwardly, and Tywin raised his brows. "Was it of interest?" he asked her.
"He is the bastard child of Ashara Dayne and…Brandon Stark," Amy revealed after a lengthy pause and he stared at her. "Brandon Stark?" he asked her, his voice coming more sharply than he had intended. This was not good. Not good at all. "I know what you're thinking," Amy said quickly, "but he is no threat. None at all." He frowned at her, wondering if she was merely being naïve or if she was in fact certain of her words. "Can you be absolutely certain of that?" Tywin asked her, his eyes boring into hers. She didn't shift uneasily nor make to look away from him and so he was partially satisfied that this new revelation would not do harm to his family. "I can," she said, "Lord Stark would give him a name of his own, and lands too if he should want them in the future. Robb has his written request to give to the King, but obviously we would not hand it over to him until Jon has spoken with Sansa."
Tywin nodded, slowly taking in her words. "A name of his own?" he finally spoke again, looking at her expectantly. "Brandon," she stated, "for his true father. He will not be given the Stark name, Lord Stark would not risk it, given what it could mean for Robb's future." Tywin breathed out a long sigh of relief at that, nodding his agreement. For a moment there he had been terrified for his granddaughter's future and the future of the baby in his arms. He had always been certain that the North was where her best prospects lay, and he would have been loathe indeed to discover that he had matched her to the wrong man. "Very good," he finally spoke and Amy inclined her head, keeping eye contact with him for another moment before she moved her wine glass to her lips.
"Jon is a good man," she said when she lowered it again. "He came with Robb and I to the Capitol," she continued when he made no comment, "he intends to spend some time here with Sansa before travelling to Dorne. I explained to him how much Tyrion enjoyed his time there, and given that men with his background are more readily accepted there I thought it would be good for him." Tywin nodded as she spoke, taking in her words and accepting what she had said. He was still rather eager to meet this Jon for himself, but Amy seemed satisfied that he was no threat and that was good enough for him. He knew well enough that his granddaughter would never risk the future of her son, he could see it in her eyes. "You know best," he stated, "he is part of your family after all."
"We are all family," she reminded him gently, and he inclined his head in agreement with her. "Indeed we are, and nothing will ever threaten that Amella," he said, meeting her eyes again and seeing her frown. "Jon is no threat," she said, her eyes still fixed on his. "I believe you," he assured her, "it was not Jon that I was referring to." She nodded her head slowly at that, taking another sip of wine. "I was under the impression that Renly was being dealt with," she said and he smirked slightly. "Renly will be crushed should he dare make a move, providing he has no allies outside the Stormlands to aid him," Tywin told her and her lips curled up on one side. "Margaery Tyrell is here," she said, "Highgarden would be foolish indeed to go against the crown."
"They would," he agreed, "and I know that Olenna Tyrell would never risk such a move with her granddaughter here. Which begs the question of what exactly they were thinking in letting the girl come here." Amy nodded slowly again, a rather thoughtful look in her eyes. "She's up to something," she stated after a moment, "a simpleton could see it." It was Tywin's turn to nod then, bouncing his knee slightly as Aedan began to grizzle slightly. "But the question is, what?" Tywin raised his brows and Amy smiled wryly. "What indeed?" she mused, swilling her wine in the glass before taking another sip. "Cersei thinks she has designs on Steffon," he told her and one of her brows raised. "It cannot be that simple," Amy said, "especially with him married to Sansa."
"I agree," he replied, inclining his own glass to her before he drained it. "I can only imagine that you'd like me to befriend her," Amy raised her brows and he inclined his head in agreement. "She is dismissive indeed," Amy continued, "I expect she is much the same with Sansa and my aunt?" Again Tywin inclined his head and Amy stood up, reaching her hand out for his empty glass. He handed it over to her, watching her cross to refill both of their glasses. She was clearly pondering his words and trying to come up with a solution. "I doubt she will want to make friends with me either," she told him as she handed his refilled glass to him. "Probably not," he agreed, "but she needs to make friends with someone, someone we can trust." Amy sighed heavily at that and nodded her head, clearly think hard about his words. "Leave it with me," she said after a long moment, "I will come up with something, I can assure you of that."
"I thought we should clear the air before council tomorrow," Steffon said, unable to quite meet Robb's eyes. "What do you mean your Grace?" Robb asked as he accepted his drink, thinking that he likely knew exactly what he was talking about. "Steffon," he corrected him, taking a seat opposite him. "And I was referring to my behaviour at Casterly Rock. It was…deplorable, and utterly disrespectful to have behaved in such a way in your presence. I can't pretend that I would have sworn off girls completely, and I wouldn't expect you would have believed me if I did. But I ought not to have done what I did, given your relation to Sansa, and I definitely shouldn't have tried to coerce you into joining in. I admire Amy very much, and I admire you for being so unwaveringly loyal to her."
"It's easy when you love someone," Robb said quietly and Steffon nodded his head slowly. "I do love Sansa," he said, meeting Robb's eyes, "I confess I don't always find it easy to remain faithful to her, but I am managing it, and I hope to continue to manage it. There are enough troubles without me causing unnecessary upset to my wife." It was Robb's turn to nod at that, taking a sip from his drink as he contemplated Steffon's words. "Before I met Amy I was tempted," he confessed when he lowered his glass, "it seemed all the men around Winterfell had had a woman bar me. I was waiting on a girl I had never met to reach her sixteenth name day and some days I was absolutely desperate for that experience. I'm glad now that I didn't give in, but I can well understand why others do. I don't judge you for what you did before you wed my sister, but that doesn't mean I liked what I saw."
"Of course," Steffon agreed with him readily. "But as you say, there are far more pressing matters for us to contend with. My sister is only safe here while you hold your throne and it seems there are those who would threaten it," Robb said with a raised brow. "You are not wrong," Steffon said, "I no longer know what my uncle is planning, nor what the true motives of the Tyrells are. Anyone would think that their threat is quelled now that Margaery is here, but I am not so sure. I refuse to be drawn into a false sense of security. I am only the second of the Baratheon dynasty, I cannot afford to be complacent. There is talk from the east that Daenerys Targaryen has dragons and an army of sell-swords, and I think you and I both know she must lust for revenge."
"She can never hope to take a united Westeros," Robb soothed him, "even with dragons, there are said to be three, am I right?" Steffon nodded at the question. "Dragons have been killed by men before, and they can be again should the need ever arise," Robb went on and Steffon's lips twitched up on one side. "I agree, she would not stand a chance against a united Westeros," he said darkly, "but what if she were to come on a Westeros in the midst of a civil war?"
"You can't think like that," Robb shook his head, "besides, even if we did have to march against Renly, do you really think he would continue his rebellion if the dragons came? He would fall to his knees and beg your forgiveness, because she would show him no more favour than she would you. He would gain nothing from continuing to fight against you, surely he would not be that foolish?"
"I don't know," Steffon replied, his leg jumping up and down in a nervous manner. "What are you really afraid of?" Robb asked him gently and his good-brother met his eyes. "Getting it wrong," he said simply, "because I cannot afford to make a mistake in my position. If I get it wrong then I am deposed or dead, and all those around me who I love and care about will be in ruins as well. I have not even seen twenty name days nor fought in a war. This was never supposed to happen like this. My father should still be alive, I shouldn't be contemplating the fact that my first child may be born into a war. You shouldn't be here, leagues from your home…none of this should be happening."
"But it is happening," Robb said quietly but firmly, "and we will deal with it, we have no other choice. Your father was of your age when he took the throne, he managed it, why shouldn't you?" Steffon shrugged his shoulders and drained his glass. "He wasn't green," he said simply and Robb smiled slightly. "Everyone was green once," Robb said, "better green than dead." Steffon snorted at that, a slight chuckle leaving his mouth. "Another war in living memory, the smallfolk will be cursing the Baratheon name, bringing nothing but death to the kingdoms," he said bitterly.
"It might not come to war," Robb reminded him and he sighed heavily. "Might be that you're right Robb," he said tiredly, "but might be that we're the ones who witness the return of the dragons. The Gods only know if any of us will live to tell that tale."
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed! More soon!
:)