A/N: Sorry this took a while, I've been having a personal nightmare which I won't get into on here. Hope you enjoy the new chapter, and sorry again for the wait.

unnamed visitor: Thanks very much, glad you liked their brief introduction. I usually write Margaery as a good egg, or not at all, but this fic may disappoint if you want her to switch the the "good" side. She's very much a schemer here, and it's not about to change I'm afraid. Glad you liked the Jaime/Lanette scene, I thought they needed a nice bit of light relief. Hope you like the new chapter.

Boramir: Thank you! Amy probably should speak up, but I think she wants to handle things on her own and try and find out a bit more beforehand. Indeed, if the Baratheons, Starks and Lannisters remain strong then it will be hard for anyone to wrestle for power. The only trouble is Renly, but they have the means to deal with him, the decision just needs to be made. Appreciate your suggestions as usual, they're always good to read.

Guest: Thank you!

Anon: Yes, the game is pushing certain people back together. It would indeed be nice, but I'm saying no more.

Guest: Haha, yes indeed, and I think Robb was oblivious to the whole thing, bless him, he's not a game player that's for sure. And yes, I think Tywin can see that Jon is no threat - he has far bigger fish to fry.

Right-ho folks, onwards!

:)

Plots

"I want him summoned!" Steffon slammed his fists down on the table. Varys and Pycelle seemed to jump slightly at the action but Tywin merely blinked, his eyes flickering to Robb for a moment and seeing his features still, albeit troubled. "Then we shall summon him," Tywin said simply and Steffon nodded curtly, leaning back into his chair and sweeping his icy eyes around his council. "If he doesn't come?" Stannis asked the inevitable question and Steffon fixed his eyes on him for a long moment. "Then you will lay a siege on Storm's End," he answered his loyal uncle, "and you will break him. You have the rest of the Stormlands at your disposal. The Swanns have knelt to us, with them onside none of the others will be foolish enough to rise for Renly, and Lord Arryn has offered forces from the Vale to bolster your own."

"Very good your Grace," Stannis inclined his head, obviously placated. "My lord?" Varys piped up with raised brows, his eyes fixed on Tywin. "Yes?" Tywin returned, trying to keep his voice even. "This new news from the east -," the eunuch began, to which Tywin held up his hand at once. "Is nothing more than exaggeration. Do you seriously believe I do not have spies in Mereen?" he raised his own brows and Varys looked suitably abashed. Littlefinger was gazing at him in a way that was almost enough to make him feel uncomfortable. He did not trust that man one bit, though he was working on a way of getting him away from the small council.

"I think that's enough for today," Steffon said slowly, to raised brows. "Your Grace, surely -," Pycelle began, but was quelled in an instant by a look from his king. "Renly will be summoned," Steffon said firmly, "I will give him ten days to respond, and in those days I intend to hear nothing more about him. The queen's name day tourney begins in a few days, and I will have it be a happy event."

"Very good your Grace," Jon Arryn inclined his head and Steffon returned the gesture. "You are dismissed," Steffon waved his hand and the sound of chairs scraping back filled Tywin's ears. "A moment Robb," Steffon spoke up again just as Robb made for the door. Littlefinger and Varys cast curious glances but Tywin was pleased to see Steffon still reclining in his seat in an unaffected manner. He got that from his father. As irritating as it could be on occasion, it was also a wonderful ruse. Robb walked easily back towards the council table and didn't open his mouth until the door closed firmly behind the departed.

"So, what's really going on with the Targaryen?" Robb asked and Tywin smiled wryly at him. "Apparently she has conjured up an army," he replied, his eyes flickering between the two younger men. "How many?" Steffon asked calmly, drumming his fingertips against the table. "Not enough to trouble us, but enough to get people talking," Tywin answered him and he sighed heavily. "And what are you going to do about it?" Robb asked curiously, retaking his seat. "Nothing," Tywin said and the two younger men exchanged a puzzled look with one another. "Nothing?" Steffon repeated.

"She can't touch you Steffon. She cannot hope to cross the Narrow Sea, and if she does she cannot hope to win. She would be destroyed, if she is foolish enough to try then she is obviously as mad as her father. Let her continue doing what she will in the east, she is making more enemies by the day. It will not be long until one of them manages to get rid of her, even with her dragons she is weak, and I have it on good authority that she is barren," Tywin explained to them and both raised their brows.

"You think someone else will do our dirty work?" Steffon questioned him, his blue eyes burning into his. "I am almost certain of it," Tywin replied, "the slavers are most unhappy with her. They have lost their income and she has marched from city to city destroying their way of life. She will not get away with it for much longer, several attempts have already been made on her life." Steffon was nodding at that and Tywin hoped he would be placated. Truly, he wasn't overly worried about the threat of the Targaryen girl, especially now he had the news that the line would truly end with her death.

"Why was this not discussed in full council?" Robb asked then and Tywin smiled wryly. "Because I do not trust this information with our full council, nor do I want them thinking we are worried, or what our plans regarding her are," Tywin answered him and both he and Steffon frowned. "Who?" Steffon narrowed his eyes and Tywin smiled thinly. "Varys," he replied and Robb bit down on his lip. "You think he could be a spy for her?" Robb asked him and he inclined his head. "I have never been certain of his true allegiance, and I am still not. Best he is kept as far away from Targaryen matters as possible," Tywin said and the pair of them nodded.

"Best focus on Renly then," Robb said after a moment of quiet. "Indeed," Tywin said, "let them believe we are being complacent when it comes to the Targaryen, that way we may indeed discover where true loyalties lie." Again his words were greeted by the nodding of heads, and he let out a relieved sigh. "Would you pardon Renly?" Robb asked Steffon quietly and Tywin watched his reaction carefully, seeing the slight grimace cross his features. Tywin knew well enough that before Robert's dead Renly had been by far Steffon's favourite uncle. "If I can," Steffon said after a long pause, and Tywin imagined that like him, Robb had no more words. "I think that's all for today," Tywin said after several minutes and Steffon nodded his agreement. "Until next time my lord, your Grace," Robb bowed shortly when he stood up from his chair.

"Until next time," Tywin and Steffon said as one, inclining their heads and mustering smiles for him which he returned before letting himself out of the council chamber. "Who else don't you trust?" Steffon asked as soon as the door was closed. "Littlefinger," Tywin replied at once and Steffon nodded. "That's why you wanted Robb, because you suspect them of disloyalty?" he guessed astutely and Tywin smiled wryly. "Indeed," he confirmed, "plus, you must admit, he has done a marvellous job of placing our troops in the most efficient locations."

"You want me to lure Margaery Tyrell into my bed?" Theon looked like all his name days had come at once and Amy sighed heavily. "At what point did I say bed her?" she asked him exasperatedly and he grinned. "You didn't say I couldn't," he returned and she rolled her eyes. "Theon. Read my lips. Get to know her, get her to trust you," she spoke slowly and clearly. "There are other things I'd like to do with those lips," he winked at her and she made an angry noise. "Theon!" she snapped her fingers before his eyes. "Focus, please!"

"Alright, alright. What's your way?" he asked slightly moodily and she fixed him with a pointed look before answering. "You're our poor, repressed ward and we treat you terribly," she began, "we look down on you, barely treat you any better than a servant. What wouldn't you give to be able to revenge yourself upon your high and mighty captors?" she arched one brow at the end and Theon grinned at her. "By the Gods, you really don't like her do you?" he practically cackled and she couldn't resist a smirk. "Will you do it?" she asked him, her eyes not leaving his. "Fine," he said slowly, a hint of a smile playing about his lips. "Please don't pretend you see it as a chore," Amy scoffed, "we all know how much you enjoy playing games."

"You may have a point," he conceded, his eyes wandering to the side cabinet. "Shall we drink to it?" he asked and she inclined her head. "Very well," she agreed, and he rose up at once to pour them two glasses. "Is this what you'd do to any woman who dare dance with Robb?" Theon asked as he poured out the wine and she narrowed her eyes at him. "That is not why I'm doing it," she said firmly and he smirked. "But I bet it's made you more determined," he said slyly as he handed her a full glass. "Perhaps," she agreed, and his smirk widened. "You never struck me as the jealous type," he said in a sing-song voice. "I'm not jealous!" she snapped at him and he chuckled. "Of course not," he said sarcastically.

"I just didn't like it," she confessed after a moment, "her being so…familiar with him." Amy shrugged her shoulders and took a long sip of wine, lowering her glass to see Theon gazing at her intently. "You're mad if you think she could tempt Robb into anything," he said seriously, "Robb is so in love with you it's actually nauseating." He grimaced slightly at the end and Amy couldn't help the smile twitching at her lips. "Well, what's not to love?" she asked with a raised brow and he snorted. "Besides, Margaery will soon have her hands full with me," he winked at her and she sighed, deciding not to even bother chastising him. "As you say Theon," she said tiredly, and he grinned before taking a long drink of wine.

"I'll invite her to luncheon tomorrow," Amy said after a few moments of quiet. "I imagine you want me to attend," he drawled back and she smiled wickedly at him. "I expect you to attend on me," she corrected him, "and I am going to make your afternoon hell."

"Wonderful," he rolled his eyes, sinking further back down against the cushions of the sofa. "And remember, not a word to Robb," she warned him, and he nodded before draining his glass. "I know, I know, top secret," he waved his hand dismissively and she narrowed her eyes. "I mean it Theon, he can't know about this…he wouldn't like it," she told him firmly and he met her eyes. "I won't say a thing," he assured her, "I know what he's like. He'd blow the whole thing before I even nearly get the chance to get under her skirts."

"You are seriously deluded," Amy shook her head incredulously, but before Theon could retort the door to her apartments opened and Robb strode in. "How was council?" she asked him at once and he shrugged his shoulders. "Not too much to discuss, the King has decided to summon Renly," Robb replied to her, wandering over and slumping down on the sofa next to her. "That should be fun day in court," Theon quipped and Amy smiled, Robb managing a half-hearted attempt at her side. "Would you like some wine?" she asked.

"Please," he smiled properly this time and she leant in to press a kiss to his cheek before rising up from her seat. "Theon?" she held her hand out for his empty glass and he handed it over. She moved to the side table to pour both men a hearty measure, seeing Robb lean back against the cushions and run his hand through his hair from the corner of her eye. "You look exhausted," Theon commented and Robb smiled wryly at him. "A baby will do that to you," Robb said with a roll of his eyes. "He can stay with his nurse tonight," Amy said as she crossed back to them with the full glasses. "He has only been so grizzly lately because he has a tooth about to appear," she continued as she handed one glass to Robb and the other to Theon. "I know," Robb smiled as she settled back down next to him.

"What have you been doing this morning?" he asked after taking a long sip of wine. "I broke my fast with Sansa, then I spent some time with Aedan. He went down for a nap not long ago so I asked Theon to share a drink with me," she replied with a smile. "You know me, I can never resist a summons from a beautiful woman," Theon winked and Robb scowled at him. He had no time to say anything in response though as a loud wail from the next room drifted through to them. "I had hoped he'd sleep longer," Amy said exasperatedly as Robb put down his glass and stood up. "I'll go," he said, placing his hand on Amy's shoulder to stop her rising to her feet. "He might be hungry," Amy told him as he retreated towards the other room, "he didn't feed before he went for his nap."

Robb disappeared in the next moment and Amy narrowed her eyes at Theon at once. "Must you wind him up?" she hissed at him and he grinned. "It was just a jape, you need to relax Amy…I could help you, if Robb's too busy," he winked and she leant over and slapped his arm. "Shut up," she said pointedly and he let out a chuckle. "You're as easy to wind up as him," he rolled his eyes and brought his glass back to his lips. Amy continued glaring at him but stopped when Robb came back into the room with Aedan in his arms. Their son was still grizzling slightly and chewing on his fist, which likely meant his gums were aggravating him again. "My poor boy," Amy cooed, leaning over him as Robb retook his place at her side, her hand going to Aedan's cheeks to wipe away his fallen tears. "We will have to see the Maester about more ointment for his gums," Robb commented and she murmured her agreement.

Aedan fixed his big blue eyes on her then and began to grumble again, Robb shifting him up and offering him to her. "Hungry, as I suspected," Amy said as she settled him against her chest, his head nuzzling her breast insistently as she did so. "Out, Theon," Robb said at once, as Amy's free hand went to her lacings. "Seriously?" Theon asked in an innocent tone. "Seriously," Robb confirmed and Theon sighed heavily. "Fine," he huffed, "see you later." He placed his empty glass on the table before standing up and making for the door. Amy tugged the rest of her lacings free when it closed behind him and Aedan was latching onto her at once to drink his fill. Robb sank back down against the pillows, his fingers coming to play with the ends of her hair as she nursed their son. "You're exhausted," she said knowingly as a yawn took him over.

"I cannot deny that," he said heavily, and she turned her head to look at him. "If you are free for the afternoon then perhaps you can use the time to catch up on some sleep," she suggested and he smiled slightly. "I would rather spend it with my wife," he said and she smiled at the hint of suggestion in his voice. "And any other day, I would be glad to spend it with you," she said, "but I promised Karenza I would have tea with her this afternoon. I think she's worried about going to Dorne, it is only a few weeks away and I think she could use a distraction."

"That's sweet of you," Robb replied, stifling a yawn in the next moment, to which she turned and send him a knowing smile. "And as your wife, I think it my duty to inform you that you need a good few hours of rest," she said, "and I think we can be absent from the feast for one night, we can dine here just the two of us."

"If you insist," he smiled widely at her and she returned it before turning her attention back to Aedan. "I do," she confirmed to Robb as he resumed playing with the ends of her hair. "I think some time with you is just what I need," he said heavily as Aedan turned his head away from her breast and smacked his lips. "Did something happen in council?" she asked him concernedly as she laced her dress back into place. "No," he shook his head, sending a smile her way that didn't quite reassure her. "Because if it did you can talk to me, I'll only worry otherwise," she persisted, gently rubbing Aedan's back as he gurgled in satisfaction. "It's nothing," Robb insisted, "everyone is just sick of this Renly debacle that's all. The sooner it's over the better."

"I can only agree with you on that score," Amy smiled, placated now. "Are you taking him with you to see Karenza?" Robb asked, eyeing Aedan as he peered over her shoulder. "I think it might be best, given how grizzly he's been. You will not get any rest with him around," she said and he smiled. "Well I hope you both have a wonderful afternoon," he said, his fingers coming to whisper across Aedan's cheek as he grinned widely. "And we hope you get some rest, we'll leave you now, and I promise we'll be quiet when we get back," she said, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to his lips. "I believe you, but I'm not sure about him," Robb said in an amused tone when she pulled back. "I will do my best at any rate," she smiled widely in return, pressing one more kiss to his lips before she rose up from the sofa. "Say goodbye to papa," she cooed at Aedan, encouraging his arm to wave. "Enjoy yourselves," Robb grinned as they made their way to the door.

Cersei moved down the hallways towards her daughter's chambers, determined to try and keep her mind away from Steffon's troubles and focus on Karenza for the afternoon. Her eldest daughter would be leaving for Dorne sooner than she would like, and she had vowed to make the best of the time she had left with her. She would go for the wedding of course, but that would be a year from now and Cersei could not quite fathom how she would cope with one of her precious children so far away from her. The decision had been made though, and there was no getting around it. She just had to smile and nod and not show Karenza just how worried and apprehensive the whole arrangement was making her feel.

She shook her head slightly as she reached Karenza's door, bringing a smile to her face and knocking softly. When there was no reply after a few moments she frowned slightly, moving her hand to the handle and pushing it open slowly. She peered round into the living area and saw no sign of her daughter. Assuming her elsewhere she made to close the door again, but the sounds of laughter from the adjoining bedchamber stilled her hand. Instead she moved into the living area and moved slowly towards the bedchamber, not wanting to intrude on her daughter but at the same time curious as to who was with her. The door was stood slightly ajar and through it she could easily recognise the back of Amy's golden head.

"I don't know…is it not too much?" Karenza asked her cousin, biting down gently on her lower lip. "You will be meeting your betrothed and his family for the first time, nothing could ever be too much," Amy said in a matter of fact tone and Cersei couldn't help but smile. "I've never worn anything so bright before, nor so…" Karenza tailed off and Cersei could see the blush rising up on her cheeks. "Revealing?" Amy supplied in a knowing voice, and Karenza nodded shyly. "You're a beautiful young woman Karenza, you ought not to be ashamed to show the world that," Amy told her seriously and Cersei was smiling again at her words. "Do you think the Prince will like me?" Karenza asked and Cersei's heart wanted to break at how young and innocent she sounded.

"Of course he will, he would be mad not to," Amy assured her at once. "I know how scary it is, leaving your home and all you know to travel for days to meet a whole new family. Leaving behind everyone you love will be hard, but it is also an adventure, and likely you will meet new people who will love you. Who you will love in return," Amy sounded so certain and positive that even Cersei almost believed her. Karenza certainly would. "Now," Amy brightened again, "why don't you try this dress on, and then perhaps we can style your hair."

"Thank you Amy," Karenza beamed at her. "It was my pleasure, I'll wait in the other room while you dress," Amy replied and Cersei quickly backed away from the door. She didn't get far before Karenza's bedchamber door opened fully and Amy appeared with her son in her arms. "Your Grace," her niece's eyes widened at once. "Aunt, would be nice," Cersei said with a slight smile, "would you sit with me a moment?" Amy seemed to hesitate for a moment but soon nodded her agreement, closing Karenza's door and moving to take a seat on the sofa. Cersei took a deep breath before she moved to perch next to her. This was the first time she had been alone with Amy since she had arrived at the Capitol, and she suddenly had no idea at all of what to say.

"He's a gorgeous little thing," she finally said, gesturing to Aedan settled in Amy's lap, his little fist shoved in his mouth. "He's a troubled little thing, the Maester thinks his teeth are beginning to come," Amy replied, a slight smile on her face. "I remember that well enough, a testing time for everyone," Cersei said, relaxing slightly. "And a sleepless one," Amy said wryly, to which Cersei laughed almost nervously. "I wasn't sure whether to write to you," she said after a long moment of silence. "I'm not sure how I would have felt about that," Amy returned quietly, her eyes flickering towards Karenza's closed door. "I don't want to even imagine what you think about me," Cersei said just as quietly, and Amy considered her for a long moment.

"I think it happened a long time ago," she finally said, "I think we are family, and that if my mother can forgive and move on then I ought to do the same. We have enough troubles without living in a past that I am more than happy to forget all about and never mention again."

"Can we start again?" Cersei asked. "You and I used to get on so well, before…" she trailed off, not wanting to say anymore. Amy nodded her head slightly, bouncing Aedan on her knee as he began to grumble. "I can agree to that," her niece said, "we are all of us stronger together. We cannot afford to have division in the family."

"I could not agree more," Cersei said honestly, "how are you getting along with Margaery?" Amy grimaced at her question and she smiled knowingly. "She will not be befriended by me, she will not trust me," Amy said, "but I have hopes she will trust someone else." Cersei raised her brows at that, wondering just who her niece had in mind. "She seemed to take quite the interest in Robb the other night," she dared say and Amy scowled. "She did it to get a rise from me, I am certain of it. She would no more unburden herself to him than she would to me or Sansa, or yourself," Amy said.

"Doubtless you're right," Cersei nodded, her attention caught by Karenza's door opening. "Mother! I didn't know you were here…" her daughter blushed but Cersei merely smiled widely at the sight of her. The dress Amy had picked out for her was a beautiful blue, almost the exact colour of the sea when the sun was at its highest in the sky. It certainly was more revealing than she would usually wear but it suited her wonderfully, complimenting her eyes and her complexion. "Who is this beautiful vision, and what has she done with my little girl?" Cersei asked in an amused tone and Karenza looked instantly relieved. "Do you like it mother?" she asked, swishing her skirts slightly from side to side.

"You look utterly stunning. Is that one of your dresses Amy?" Cersei inquired of her niece as Karenza came closer and sat herself down opposite them. "No, it's just a little early departing gift for Karenza. I know how much I fretted about what to wear when I met Robb and his family for the first time, I just thought it might help," Amy replied and Cersei's smile widened even more. "That is so thoughtful of you, we are truly lucky to have you here in the Capitol," she said sincerely and Amy smiled a proper smile that lit up her eyes. "Thank you," Amy nodded, her eyes sliding back to look at Karenza. "Your mother is right, you do look completely stunning – Dorne will be lucky indeed to have you."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed that, will have another for you as soon as I'm able.

:)