A/N: Hey guys, so sorry I haven't replied to you all as I usually do! I'm away from home and the internet connection is ropy to say the least. Coupled with some personal drama I really haven't had the time and I'm so sorry. I figured you'd just appreciate a new chapter rather than wait for me to get my head together and find the time to reply to you all. Again, sorry about that...but hope you like the new chapter.

More when I can.

:)

Settling

"Are you nervous?" Amy asked and Robb turned to look at her, a smile coming to his lips as he took in the sight of her propped up against the pillows nursing Aedan. "A little," he admitted to her, and a smile tugged on her own lips. He approached the bed and her head tilted up as he came to a halt by her side, sliding one of his hands into her hair and pressing her head against his torso for a moment. "You'll be just fine," she said in her soothing tones and he bent his head to kiss the top of hers. "What will you do today?" he asked her, running his hand through her hair before encouraging her head to tilt back again. "I'm undecided," she said and he smiled slightly again before leaning in to press a lingering kiss to her lips. "Well, whatever you do, enjoy yourselves," he smiled, turning his attention from her and letting his fingers whisper along the back of Aedan's hand for a moment as he continued to feed.

"Don't let any of them make you feel small," Amy said seriously as he straightened his doublet. "Just remember that you are here at the personal request of the Hand of the King," she continued on and he nodded determinedly. "Thank you," he said meaningfully and she smiled again. "Remember," she said again, her eyes meeting his, and he nodded once more. "I'd best go, I love you," he said, quirking his lips for her again before he made for the door. "We love you too," she returned as he opened it and his smile widened as he stepped out, a new spring in his step. It was his first day sitting on the small council and he was determined to make a good impression. Many of the men he would sat in with had far more years of experience in war and life than he had. Yet, he had been summoned to aid with military tactics. He could only hope Tywin would not live to regret asking him to come, the last thing he wanted was to make a mess of it and be the cause of people questioning the Hand's judgement.

He made his way towards the council chambers, household guards bowing their heads to him as he passed their posts. Gods this place was so different to Winterfell. While there was formality there at times, everyday life was just that. Normal. Ordinary. There was no standing on ceremony, Robb would often share a laugh and a joke with the guards at Winterfell. Would even spar with them in the yard. He imagined there would be none of that here, none of them seemed able to even meet his eyes. A heavy sigh left him but he pushed his uneasiness away and concentrated on finding his way to the council chambers. Eventually he reached them, thankfully not taking any wrong turns, hesitating slightly and wondering if he ought to knock. Don't let any of them make you feel small. If he wanted to be seen as equal then surely he ought to stride right in? He took a steadying breath and summoned up all his courage before pushing open the door.

"Stark! Welcome!" Tywin at least looked pleased to see him and he swallowed hard. "My lord," he greeted, his eyes scanning the other faces. Jon Arryn smiled pleasantly at him. Stannis met his eyes and inclined his head slightly. Varys also inclined his head, a tiny little smile playing about his lips. Maester Pycelle fixed him with a look and a slight frown, but said nothing. Robb then met the eyes of the last man in the room, knowing who he was though he had never met him before. Petyr Baelish. Littlefinger. "A pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Littlefinger smiled, but Robb didn't think it quite met his eyes. "You look very much like your mother," the man continued and Robb inclined his head, unsure of what to say. He was saved having to find words by the arrival of Steffon. Those gathered all moved as one, bowing to their King as he made his way to the head of the council table.

"Please sit," he invited when he reached his own chair and Robb moved to seat himself between Stannis and Jon Arryn, deciding that they were the two who made him feel the least uncomfortable. Steffon caught his eye then and gave him an encouraging little nod. Robb was glad in that moment that he had made his peace with his good-brother the night before. What he needed more than anything was allies on the council, and it calmed him somewhat to keep reminding himself that Steffon was just as green as him. "To business," Tywin said with a raised brow when everyone was settled in their seats. "No reply as yet from Storm's End," he continued, "which is what we are all awaiting."

"He would have received the order by now," Stannis said stiffly from Robb's side, and there were murmurings of agreement around the table. "Agreed," Tywin inclined his head, "but from our scouts and spies we know that there has been no movement of troops. Stonehelm seems to have thought better of marching for Renly, which would have been a disappointing blow for him given the numbers they could have provided."

"Do you have spies within Storm's End itself my lord?" Robb asked, his mouth unbearably dry as Tywin fixed his eyes on him. "I have spies everywhere," came the reply, a slight quirk of the lips. "Very good," Robb said quietly, "forgive me…I must get up to speed." Tywin continued looking at him for a long moment before he inclined his head. "No need for forgiveness," he said, "you are right. You must be informed of all council business. Question us when you have need to." Robb was placated by that, his heart beating normally again as he inclined his own head in thanks. "Are our armies ready? Should Renly make a sudden move?" Steffon raised his brows and Tywin nodded. "Ready and poised around the Capitol, with more on standby," Tywin answered and Steffon looked satisfied. "Good," he said simply, though Robb could see in his eyes that he thought it anything but.

"Then we wait," Jon Arryn said quietly, "there is nothing else to be done about it." Tywin agreed with him but Robb could see that he was unhappy. He imagined that they were all sick of this state of limbo, of living with the constant worry that a new day could bring war upon them. "News from the east -," Varys began but was cut off at once. "She has declared herself Queen of Mereen," Tywin almost snapped, "I know."

"They say the dragons are growing swiftly," Littlefinger spoke next and Robb frowned slightly. "Let them grow," Tywin said dismissively, "if they are her only weapon she will need an army of hundreds of thousands to bolster her. She cannot hope to achieve it, nor can she hope to raise enough ships to carry them here. Daenerys Targaryen is no threat while she has no coin, and she will get no coin, not when she insists on making enemies of the slavers. There is a vast enough expanse of water between us, and as Stark can tell us, winter is coming. She would be foolish indeed to think of invading, what little force she has would be crushed upon landing, if they weren't drowned at sea first."

"Good," Steffon said after a long moment of drumming his fingertips against the table. "Now," Tywin shuffled some of his papers in front of him, "I believe there are happier notions to discuss. Your Grace, did you want to continue with plans for the queen's name day?" Robb's head spun slightly at the abrupt change in conversation, blinking slightly stupidly. Littlefinger was looking at him strangely when he caught his eye and he forced himself not to frown nor shift uncomfortably in his seat. Instead he moved his eyes slowly back to Steffon and hoped that he looked calm and unaffected. Somewhere in the back of his head he began to come to the realisation that Tywin didn't want to say too much about the Targaryen woman in the presence of the full council. The notion made him want to frown but he fought the urge, thinking he may speak to Amy about it later. She would likely have better insight into her grandfather's thought process than he did.

"I intend to continue with the plans," Steffon was saying, "the queen deserves such an occasion, given how rushed the coronation was. Now her discomfort with the child has passed, I see no reason why this should not go ahead for her name day."

"Very good," Tywin inclined his head and noted down a few things on a sheet of parchment which was already covered with ink. "Two weeks should be more than enough time to organise the joust. Will the crown be offering the winner's purse?"

"Of course," Steffon replied with a smile. "Jousting, archery and hand-to-hand?" Tywin looked expectantly towards Steffon again and he inclined his head. "Of course," he said again, "three days, and three nights of feasting. It shall be a spectacle indeed, and something to show the people that these whispers of rebellion and war are just that – whispers." Steffon's tone had started off as light and jovial, but Robb imagined that he wasn't the only one who had caught the hardening of his voice as he came to the end. "Very good your Grace," Tywin replied in an unaffected manner, "it shall be done."

"And how did Sansa take it?" Amy asked Jon gently as she poured them both a cup of tea. "She was…shocked, but she listened to me and…well, everything seems fine between us. She's invited me to stay for as long as I like, and she agreed with you about travelling," he told her with a slight smile, "she thinks it might be good for me." Amy had a smile on her own face as she settled down opposite him. "Good," she said, "how long do you think you will stay here?"

"A while longer," Jon said, "I know I can't really do anything to help but I'd like to see Robb find his feet a bit first. Was he nervous this morning?" Amy nodded at his question, taking a sip of tea before she answered him. "He seemed apprehensive, and he was rather quiet last night. I just kept reminding him that he was chosen to come here, it is not as though he asked for the honour," she said with a slight roll of her eyes. "Believe me, my grandfather does not bestow favour on anyone unless he feels they deserve it, kin or not," she finished, moving her cup to her lips again.

"Did you speak to your grandfather about me?" Jon asked then and she met his eyes, seeing the underlying fear in them. "I did," she confirmed, "and he understands. As everyone else does, he knows that you are still part of our family, and that you are no threat to us." Jon looked relieved at her words and she was glad of it. She privately still imagined that her grandfather would be watching Jon like a hawk, but she was satisfied that no harm would come to him. "What do you intend on doing while you're here at the Capitol?" Jon asked after a moment of quiet. "There are no duties for you to attend to about the household that's for sure," he smiled slightly and she returned it. "Perhaps that is a blessing," Amy said, "they would rather distract from other things. I have a feeling I am going to be rather busy these next months."

"How so?" Jon asked her curiously and she glanced towards the door for a moment before answering. "Someone needs to find out what the Tyrells are up to," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Margaery is here for a reason, they never would have just meekly handed her over just because the King commanded it," she went on and Jon's brows raised. "No," Amy nodded in a rather determined manner, "she is up to something, and you mark my words…I will find out what."

"Does Robb know about your little mission?" Jon asked her in an amused tone and she narrowed her eyes at him. "Robb has quite enough to deal with," she said lightly and Jon snorted. "More like you know he wouldn't like it," he said knowingly and she shrugged, taking another sip of tea. "Robb is too honest, if I told him I was playing a game with Margaery then he would give it away in a moment without even realising it," she said, "best he doesn't know anything, that way he cannot scupper my well laid plans."

"So you have a plan?" Jon asked her with a raised brow and her lips curved up on one side. "Might be I do," she said in a teasing tone, "but I am not divulging it to you. You're almost as bad as your brother -," her eyes widened, faltering slightly as she looked at Jon. "We are brothers still Amy," he said slightly exasperatedly and she relaxed. "Sorry," she said sheepishly, avoiding his gaze. "Don't be," he said, "I know it's a strange thing for us all to get used to. I know we are not blood brothers, but that doesn't change the fact that we grew together as such."

"No I know it doesn't, of course it doesn't," she said quickly, meeting his eyes again and seeing him smile. "Sansa is going to give the request to the King, about my name," Jon told her after a moment of quiet and she smiled. "Well then, I imagine you to be Jon Brandon by the end of the day," she said in an amused tone and he smiled widely. "I'm not sure it will happen that quickly," he said.

"Don't be surprised if it does," Amy said, "I do believe the King would do just about anything for his queen." Jon chuckled slightly at that, looking faintly bemused. "She seems happy," he said seriously after a moment. "She does," Amy agreed, nodding her head. "It seems she was made for the Capitol, as she was always so certain she was," he mused and she smiled slightly, murmuring her agreement. She knew that Sansa had had a faltering moment or two before she had wed Steffon, but there was no need to tell Jon that as she was now ever so clearly perfectly happy here. "She is a wonderful queen," she said instead, "and the King likely knows it well enough."

Lanette smiled slightly wryly as she looked up at the Rock, just waiting for Jaime to come to her side and help her down from her mount. Tyrion had not come out to greet them but she hoped that there was no troublesome reason behind his absence. They had received no more word from him or Geanna after they had sent back their letter of congratulations. "Must you frown so my darling," Jaime drawled from her side and she narrowed her eyes at him before shifting in the saddle so he could help her down. "I wasn't frowning," she said indignantly when she was settled on her feet. Jaime said nothing in response, merely rolled his eyes and looked at her sceptically. She avoided his gaze and instead looked towards Bran, ushering him towards her. He came with wide eyes constantly flickering back up towards the Rock.

"What do you think?" she asked him with a smile as they slowly ambled towards the steps of the keep. "It's so big…I don't know how I will ever find my way around," he said in a rather dazed manner and she laughed lightly. "I thought the same when I first came here, but you will soon get used to it I promise you. Robb did after a little time," she assured him and he smiled. "Thank you my lady," he said brightly and she beamed at him. Bran was such a courteous boy, she hoped Jaime would not be a bad influence on his manners. "I'll have one of the squires come and show you to your new chambers," Jaime spoke up from her other side. "Thank you Ser," Bran replied and Jaime smiled slightly in return. "You will commence your duties with me tomorrow, we wake early and break our fast before spending the morning in the tiltyard," he said.

"I can't wait Ser," Bran said excitedly and Lanette couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. Once inside the entrance hall Jaime was beckoning one of the squire's forwards at once. Lanette reached her hand out to give Bran's shoulder a reassuring squeeze and he smiled at her again. She let go when Jaime had finished giving instruction to the squire, encouraging Bran to go with the young man who was tasked with getting him settled. "We will see you at dinner Bran," she told him as he was led towards one of the stairways. "Thank you my lady," he inclined his head politely to her before he disappeared from view. "Now, perhaps we ought to go and find Tyrion," Jaime said pointedly, his hand coming to rest on the small of her back. Her own hands went to her obviously rounded stomach. People had already noticed her, she had seen them whispering behind their hands when Jaime had helped her down from her horse.

Jaime asked a passing serving girl where Tyrion was and they were told he was likely in the quarters he shared with Geanna. They made their way in that direction, a smile twitching at Lanette's lips when they rounded the corner to see Tyrion heading their way. Despite her apprehension she was thrilled to see him again, and even more thrilled to see the enormous grin on his face. There was a spring in his step as he practically bounced towards them, calling out his greetings in an infectiously cheery manner. "You look happy brother," Jaime said in an amused tone, "has something happened while we were gone?"

"You need joke Jaime," Tyrion chuckled as Jaime's hand came to clasp him firmly on the shoulder. "How is fatherhood treating you?" Jaime asked him with a grin. "Well indeed, though apparently sleep is a luxury to which I am no longer entitled," Tyrion said with a roll of his eyes, though Lanette could hear the sheer joy that laced his words. "You could have warned me," he went on and Jaime chuckled heartily. "I thought I would leave that as a surprise," Jaime returned and Tyrion rolled his eyes again before fixing them on Lanette. She saw them widen and she knew that he had seen her stomach as he blinked rather rapidly. "Congratulations," she said shyly and he blinked again before another wide smile stretched across his face. "I believe I ought to be saying the same to you," he grinned, "by the Gods, it seems the North has bestowed a miracle on us."

"A miracle indeed," Jaime said as Lanette breathed out a sigh of relief. "Come!" Tyrion clapped his hands together, still beaming. "You must meet my son, and we must toast to this gift from the Gods!" he continued on, turning on his heel and leading the way towards his chambers. Jaime and Lanette shared a relieved look before he laced his fingers through hers and tugged her along in Tyrion's wake. Thank the Gods he had taken it so well, now she only had to pray that Geanna would react in a similar fashion. "Sweetheart!" Tyrion was calling as they followed him into his living quarters. "Jaime and Lana are home and they have the most wonderful news! Come, come," he turned to usher them into the bedchamber, "meet your nephew!"

"What news is that my love?" Geanna asked as they followed on after Tyrion. "Our darling boy is no longer saddled with the burden of being the future Lord of the Rock," Tyrion declared, to which Geanna's eyes widened, moving to take in Lanette's appearance. "Don't get ahead of yourself Tyrion," Lanette said slightly shakily, "we may yet have another girl."

"You are expecting again!" Geanna beamed at them. "By the Gods that is wonderful indeed, Tyrion you ought to call for some of the good wine so we can all toast the news!" Tyrion agreed readily, moving to the window seat where his wife was sat and taking her hand in his. He pressed a kiss to the back of it before his eyes went to the bundle nestled in her other arm. "I will see to it at once my dear, once we have introduced our boy," Tyrion said and both Lanette and Jaime inched forwards to peer into the blankets. "A perfect little Lannister," Jaime said in slight wonderment and Lanette could only agree. The baby was fair and it was obvious already that his eyes would soon turn that unique shade of Lannister green. "You must both be so happy," Lanette commented, sending a smile to Geanna and feeling even more relief when she smiled back. "Gods it was hard work indeed, but now he is here I realise how worth it he is," Geanna said and Lanette nodded her agreement. "Believe me, I know that feeling well enough," she smiled.

"Right!" Tyrion clapped his hands together again. "The wine, the toast!" He pressed another kiss to the back of Geanna's hand before he made for the door. Lanette sent Jaime an insistent look, inclining her head slightly in Tyrion's direction. "I'll give you a hand," Jaime said in the next moment, clearly understanding her meaning. Lanette stood still where she was until both brothers had disappeared from the room and closed the door behind them. "How are you feeling?" Geanna asked her before she could open her mouth to say anything. "Truth be told I have no idea," Lanette confessed and her good-sister nodded in understanding. "I was so worried about how you and Tyrion would react," she continued quietly and Geanna's eyes widened. "Oh you shouldn't have been!" she almost scolded. "Trust me, we are thrilled for you both. Tyrion and I are happy enough that our boy is healthy and happy. We do not lust for titles for him. If one comes then so be it, but if it does not then it is not the end of the world."

"Thank you Geanna, truly," Lanette said, meeting her eyes, "since you arrived you have been so good for Tyrion, and I cannot thank you enough for being such a wonderful friend and sister to me." Geanna smiled at that, blinking her eyes rather rapidly before she gestured for Lanette to come and sit next to her in the window. "Would you like to hold him?" she asked as Lanette settled herself down and she found herself nodding, suddenly rather nervous. "I suppose I could use the practice," Lanette said and Geanna smiled again as she shifted her son into Lanette's waiting arms. "I am sure you don't, you have always been such a natural mother," Geanna said as Lanette rocked Tybolt slightly in her arms. "Thank you Geanna," she said again, meeting the younger woman's eyes, "thank you so very much."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed, will update when I can, and reply to you all next time! If you had any questions you really wanted answering from the last chapter then please repeat them again and I'll answer you! I can only apologise but hope you enjoyed the update.

:)