A/N: This is late, I know, and I haven't sent out any replies which isn't something I like not doing. Long story short I've been having a bit of a personal nightmare and consequently I'm having to move, which equals no internet. I'm using a friends just to get the next chapters of my stories up, and I want to be quick about it because I don't want to be a cheeky cow and just sit and use her internet for ages. So, I can only hope you can be patient with me, it might be a while before the next one is up but I can promise I'll do my best for you. Thank you to everyone that reviewed, reading your words really did cheer me up as it's been quite a testing time for me lately. Once again, I will do my best, and thank you all so much.
Hope you enjoy!
Dirt
"Do sit down, make yourself comfortable," Amy's smile was almost sickeningly sweet as she gestured to the table which was laden with cakes and tea. "Thank you," Margaery's returning smile was almost as sweet as she walked purposefully to her chair, her eyes sweeping across the room. "Theon!" Amy barked when Margaery had almost reached her destination. He physically jumped and scurried to the table to pull out the chair for Margaery. Amy had to bite back a smile, he was doing well already, studiously looking towards the floor rather than at either of the women present. "Thank you," Margaery said as she seated herself and Theon bowed far more lowly than necessary, his eyes darting to her for a second before they found the floor again.
Amy marched towards her own chair, and Theon moved round to pull it out for her. She didn't spare him a glance, waving him away dismissively as he bowed down to her. He backed away quickly, moving back towards the wall and standing up straight against it, his eyes now fixed on some point above their heads. Amy glanced at Margaery and saw her looking slightly confused, her eyes moving to Theon on more than one occasion. "Can I offer you some tea? Or perhaps some wine?" Amy asked brightly and she blinked at her before smiling sweetly again. "Perhaps some tea to begin with," Margaery answered her and Amy reached for the pot. Margaery picked up her cup and offered it out to be filled, to which Amy placed the pot back down and frowned.
"Forgive me," she said, taking the cup from Margaery and inspecting it closely. "What is it?" Margaery asked, clearly confused now. "Theon!" Amy snapped, "This cup is filthy, fetch another!" Theon jumped to do as he was told at once and Margaery looked bewildered. "I am so sorry, my lady," Amy shook her head, "how he thought this was fitting enough to be set out is inconceivable to me."
"It's not a problem," Margaery said at once, her eyes darting to Theon as he came to Amy's side and held another cup out to her with slightly shaking hands. "That is for Lady Margaery, with your apologies," Amy said dismissively and Theon again bowed to her before moving to place the cup down onto Margaery's saucer. "I am so sorry, my lady," he said meekly and Amy had to try very hard not to smirk. "It's quite alright," Margaery looked almost embarrassed. "Since you're here you may as well pour us some tea," Amy said and Theon nodded his agreement at once, moving to pick up the pot and pour a measure into Margaery's cup. She thanked him and Amy saw a tiny smile grace his lips that she knew Margaery wouldn't have missed. He poured Amy's cup next and she didn't even look at him. "Take this," she said, holding out Margaery's original cup to him when he placed the pot of tea back down.
"Yes, my lady," he said quietly, taking the cup from her. "That's all," Amy said pointedly, and he bowed lowly again before backing away to stand against the wall again. "How are you settling?" Amy asked Margaery, smiling sweetly as though nothing had happened. "Well enough, the queen is incredibly kind to me," Margaery replied, focusing on Amy now as she picked up her tea. "That is her nature," Amy said, taking a sip from her own cup. "These cakes look wonderful," Margaery offered and Amy smiled in response. "I hope they are to your taste," she said, gesturing for her to help herself. Margaery took one of them and placed it on her plate. "I am sure they will be," Margaery replied, and Amy moved to take one of her own.
They ate in silence for a few moments, Amy not daring to chance a glance at Theon, though Margaery's eyes seemed to flutter towards him a few times. Amy could only think that that was a good sign. Her interest in him was clearly piqued, and Amy wondered if she would ask her about him directly. Perhaps not while Theon was still in the room. Slowly Amy moved her hand against her fork until it was pushed right to the edge of the table. She had a quick look to check that Margaery wasn't watching her before pushing it off the edge. As soon as it clattered to the floor Theon moved, kneeling down at the side of the table and picking it up at once. "Fetch another," Amy said dismissively. "Right away, my lady," Theon inclined his head to her before he straightened up and scurried to the door.
"He is rather well dressed for a servant," Margaery commented when he had left the room. "He's our ward," Amy said slightly edgily, "he must dress befitting his status, whether he deserves it or not is questionable." Margaery smiled slightly at that, but Amy could practically see her mind going into overdrive. "How long has he been your ward?" she asked after a moment and Amy sighed in what she hoped was an uninterested manner. "Since the Greyjoy rebellion ended, he has been at Winterfell even longer than I have," Amy answered her and Margaery nodded slowly. "Indeed," she said vaguely, before moving to pick up her cup of tea again. Amy hid her smile with another mouthful of cake. Margaery was clearly interested in Theon, and Amy was almost certain she had picked up on her comment about how long he had been at Winterfell. Perfect.
"That's beautiful fabric," Amy changed the subject as the door opened again. "Thank you," Margaery smiled before taking another sip of tea. "The seamstress here is talented indeed, have you visited her?" Amy asked as Theon set down a new fork at the side of her plate. Knowing him it was likely exactly the same one that she had knocked to the floor. Again, she didn't even spare him a glance, seeing him bow and return to his position against the wall from the corner of her eye. "I have yet to sample her wares," Margaery answered her question, "I have enough dresses from Highgarden."
"And so finely made," Amy practically simpered. "You're too kind," Margaery returned, her eyes again flickering towards Theon. Amy tried not to feel too pleased with herself, but she couldn't help but think that this had gone far better than she had imagined it would. Part of her was worried that it would take several luncheons such as this to draw Margaery's attention towards Theon. It seemed the woman was just as sharp as Amy had feared her to be, though in this case she was glad of it. With any luck this could be the first and the last luncheon.
"Not joining in?" Steffon's voice came behind him and Robb turned his head to see him coming to a halt at his side. "I haven't the energy," Robb said tiredly, trying not to think about how little sleep he had been getting for the past days. "Sleepless nights?" Steffon asked him with a slight from and Robb smiled. "Aedan has a tooth coming, that's all," he said reassuringly and his good-brother's features relaxed. "Jon seems to be holding his own," Steffon nodded out into the yard and Robb nodded his head in agreement. "He was always better than me, even more so since Ser Jaime last visited Winterfell," Robb said.
"I faced him once during the stay at the Rock, never again," Steffon shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "I've yet to meet anyone who's bested him, it's lucky I'm not an overly proud man or I would be bruised indeed," Robb grinned and Steffon snorted. "Ser Barristan is very impressed with Jon, I can see why," Steffon was nodding slowly and Robb considered him for a long moment. "What are you thinking?" he finally asked and Steffon turned to meet his eyes. "Jon wishes to go travelling to Dorne, does he not?" Steffon asked.
"Aye," Robb nodded his agreement, wondering where the King was going with this. "My sister is leaving soon, and I need to choose a band of men that I trust will keep her safe in the time before her marriage," Steffon explained and Robb thought that he may well have worked out what he wanted. "You are thinking of asking Jon?" he raised his brows and the other man nodded. "I may not know him well but I believe I can gauge his character easily enough, grandfather seems to think it's a possibility I ought to consider," Steffon said and Robb nodded slowly. "If he were to do it, you would be able to trust him completely," Robb told him, and it was Steffon's turn to nod. "I think I will speak with him, it would not be a permanent charge, and I would not expect him to take the white cloak," he said.
"There is no harm in asking," Robb smiled slightly and Steffon inclined his head before he resumed watching the men in the yard. Robb watched them too for a time, but he soon grew bored, his mind too fatigued to bother watching their swing and their footwork in any great detail. Eventually he clapped Steffon on the back and gave his farewells before heading back towards the keep. A quiet afternoon with Amy was just what he needed, and with any luck she would have seen the Maester about Aedan's discomfort. They had been reassured over and over that it would pass when the tooth finally broke through. But, as Amy had pointed out, there were still several more teeth waiting to poke through his gums.
Grey Wind trotted around the corner of one of the towers as he approached the steps and yapped when he set his eyes on Robb, his tail wagging as he bounded towards him. His wolf never did fail to put a smile on his face, his joy at being reunited with Lady had kept him in high spirits since their arrival. "Hello you," Robb greeted him with an affectionate pat, to which he whined slightly. They fell into step as they entered the keep, and Robb had to hide his amusement as several of the guards blanched on their way passed. Eventually they reached the chambers that he and Amy occupied, and he pushed open the door, allowing Grey Wind to enter before him.
He was greeted again by the sight of Amy and Theon drinking together, Aedan nestled in cushions and blankets on the sofa between them. They would deny it if he accused them, but he knew damn well that they were up to something, Theon was never happier than when he was involved in some scheme or another. "Good day?" Amy asked him with a smile and he returned the gesture. "Good enough," he returned, moving to get himself a drink. "Did you get up to anything interesting in my absence?" he asked casually as he poured a glass of wine. "I had luncheon with Margaery Tyrell actually," Amy replied, a little too innocently for his liking. "Was it enjoyable?" he asked.
"Inspiring," she replied simply and he rolled his eyes. He would bet Winterfell that whatever she was up to had something to do with Margaery. "Good," he replied just as simply, moving behind the sofa so he could peer down on their son. He appeared to just be awakening from a nap, his bright eyes shining as he gazed up at Robb. As ever, he couldn't help but smile down on him, his lips breaking out into a returning grin, his little fists coming to wave in the air as an excited gurgle left his mouth. Grey Wind was drawn by the sound, padding his way between Amy and the table so he could nudge his nose against the bundle that contained Aedan. The baby only gurgled more loudly, his head turning sharply towards the wolf, one of his fists reaching out and knocking Grey Wind's muzzle.
Amy inhaled rather sharply, and Robb was amused to see that even Theon looked troubled. "He won't harm him," Robb rolled his eyes as Grey Wind nuzzled against Aedan's stomach, a delighted laugh leaving the baby's mouth. "That's the happiest I've heard him in days," Amy said almost wonderingly, and Robb bend his head down to press a kiss to her cheek. "So, did you manage to dig up any dirt on Lady Margaery?" he murmured to her and he felt her stiffen slightly. "Do you really expect me to believe that you two aren't up to something?" he pulled away with a grin, looking between her and Theon. Theon merely grinned, but he could see the shock in Amy's eyes. "Whatever it is, just make sure you don't do anything stupid," he met his wife's eyes and she nodded her agreement.
"I just want to know what she's up to that's all, there is more to her being here than her family not wanting to offend Sansa," Amy explained to him and he nodded his head, his expression more serious now. "I agree," he said, "just promise me that your determination will not lead you to any harm. The Tyrells are dangerous Amy, and we have far too much to lose."
"I am not going to put our family in danger Robb," she told him determinedly, her eyes fixed on his. "Good," he said simply, leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead as Aedan let out another shrill burst of giggles. "By the Gods, who needs a nurse when you have a direwolf," Theon commented and Robb chuckled slightly. "So what's your role in this master plan?" Robb rolled his eyes and his friend grinned at him. "To make her feel sorry for me, sorry enough that she might just let me in on her own little master plan," Theon replied with a wicked grin, and Robb almost felt sorry for Margaery. "And I'm sure you won't enjoy it one bit," he said drily, Amy's hand coming to rest on his forearm as he remained leaning against the back of the sofa. "You have to treat me like dirt from now on, when she can see us, I mean," Theon told him and Robb nodded slowly. "It's rather fun actually," Amy commented and Robb snorted. "I'll bet," he replied, laughing again at the dark look that crossed Theon's features.
"That's it, again!" Jaime clapped his hands together as the arrow Bran had loosed ended up in one of the middle rings. Bran again took an arrow and notched it, drawing back the string and squinting towards the target. When he let go it soared into one of the middle rings again and he kicked at the dust under his feet in frustration. Jaime could well understand it, he himself had never been a fan of the bow and had always hated his father's insistence that he practice at it. The only time it had ever been of any use to him was whenever he had actually consented to going on a hunt. Usually he avoided those as well, it was not the sport for him, and nor it seemed was it for Bran. He had promised Lord Stark that he would encourage his son in various skills and not just concentrate on sword fighting however, and so he was persevering in having Bran at the boards at least every other day.
"Ten more and we can get out the tourney swords," Jaime encouraged him and the boy managed a half-hearted smile. "What's the point? I'll never hit dead centre," Bran said with a sigh, though he did pull out another arrow from the bucket. "It comes with practice," Jaime said for the thousandth time. "You know how well Amy shoots, do you really think she was always that good? She had to practice, day after day for months and years," Jaime continued on encouragingly. Bran didn't need to know it was a complete lie. Amy had been eight when Lanette had finally given into his badgering and allowed her to have a go with the bow. She hit the centre on the third day and he had been stunned, and convinced it had been a fluke. It soon transpired that it was no fluke, and Jaime had an immense pride in her that was only matched by his irritation that his tiny daughter was far better than he had ever been nor ever would be.
"I have done it for years, even Robb is better than me and he doesn't even try," Bran said, evidently his frustration was growing as the arrow he sent flying only just managed to hit the edge of the board. "Not all men are natural bowmen, but it is something we have to learn. You never know when you might need to use the skill, and even if you are merely average with the bow it is far better than being useless," Jaime told him, and Bran smiled slightly. "Do you shoot well?" he asked and Jaime chuckled. "Not at all well, Amy was hitting the boards better than me at the age of eight," Jaime said honestly and Bran looked far more reassured.
"Arya's better than me," Bran confessed, his eyes on the floor. Jaime couldn't help but laugh slightly at that, moving to his side and clapping him on the back. "We cannot all be good at the same thing, the world would be a boring place indeed if we were," he said, "now how about you shoot the rest of these arrows and we can see about showing you some new moves with the sword." Bran nodded his head determinedly, reaching for another arrow. Jaime stepped back, smiling slightly as he watched him, only looking away when he saw Lanette approaching. He couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her, watching the graceful way she carried herself, her steps careful as he knew how mindful she was of her expanding stomach. "Hard at work?" she smiled at him when she came close enough and he grinned back. "As always," he winked at her, seeing her roll her eyes. "Indeed," she said with a raised brow, coming to a halt at his side.
"How are you?" he asked her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders before pressing a kiss to her temple. "We are both well indeed," she smiled up at him and his heart soared. "Then I am content," he said, his eyes going back to Bran as he pulled another arrow from the bucket. He looked towards the target and saw that the last one had landed slightly closer to the middle. As he looked another hit at around the same distance away. "Keep it up Bran, that's real progress," he encouraged as the boy notched yet another arrow. "I had a letter from Amy, they are settling in well at the Capitol, though Aedan's teeth have begun to come through," Lanette informed him quietly after Bran had loosed his arrow.
"That's good, though…perhaps not about Aedan, I cannot quite believe he is of that age already," Jaime replied, thinking that their grandson had likely doubled in size since they last saw him. "I know, though I suppose it is true that they grow so swiftly when they're small," Lanette returned. "Amy has promised she will come a month before the child is due, though likely Robb won't be able to leave the Capitol. Though she is hopeful he would come for the naming ceremony, and then she would return with him afterwards," Lanette continued on and Jaime nodded. "With time moving so swiftly it will likely be sooner than we imagine when she arrives," he said, and it was Lanette's turn to nod. "My thoughts exactly," she said, her hands coming to cradle her stomach.
Jaime moved his own hand to lay on top of the swell, a smile creeping onto his face as he felt the movement. "I've shot ten now Ser Jaime," Bran's voice interrupted his moment of bliss and he sighed, rolling his eyes at Lanette's amused expression. "Then as promised, we shall move on to the sword," he smiled at the look of delight on Bran's face, Lanette's hand coming to rest on the small of his back. "You two are building quite the rapport," she said quietly as Bran moved to reclaim all the arrows from the board. "He is my squire, it will not reflect well on me if he is not raised to knighthood in a few years," Jaime said and she snorted slightly. "No I suppose it would not," she smiled, "I shall leave you boys to it, do not let him work you too hard Bran!"
Amy clutched Robb closer to her, still trying to regain her breath, his own heavy in her ear as he lay with his head in the crook of her neck. Being with him was still exhilarating, even if they had to be more careful now. She couldn't risk getting with child again just yet, she wasn't ready for it, and she wanted to be home at Winterfell before even contemplating the idea. There was no way she would have been able to give Robb up entirely though, it would have been next to impossible. "We should sleep," he murmured in her ear, his voice breathy and deliciously warm. "We should," she agreed, though she made no move to release him from her embrace, not quite ready to let go of the feeling of his body caged above hers. "We will only regret it if we don't, when he wakes," he continued, pressing a kiss to her neck. "I know," she sighed, finally letting him go so he could roll to her side.
She moved herself to nestle against his chest, his arms coming to wrap around her and make her feel inexplicably safe. Just as they always had. They were more of a comfort now that they were at the Capitol, somehow she needed his comfort more here. Perhaps it was being so close to the heart of the plots and schemes that made her feel more cautious and anxious than she had ever been at Winterfell. Lord Stark's departing words to her still resounded in her head on nights when her mind was troubled and refusing to sleep. She snuggled further against Robb, determining that tonight would not be one of those nights. Tonight she wanted to drift away slowly and contently in her husband's arms and not worry about what the morrow would bring. She sighed happily and closed her eyes, only for them to fly open again at once as a soft knock came at the door.
Amy shifted from Robb's chest at once and made to slip out of bed. "Stay, I'll go," he protested, but she was already pulling on her robe. "There's no point now, you stay in bed," she returned and he sighed heavily but made no other argument as she tied her robe tightly around her and went for the door. She pulled it open a crack, narrowing her eyes slightly when she saw who was on the other side. "What do you want?" she hissed, to which he flashed a grin. "No need to sound so pleased to see me," Theon drawled and she narrowed her eyes still further. "What do you want?" she repeated through gritted teeth. "Did I interrupt something?" he asked in a sing-song voice. "Don't make me get Robb," she snarled at him and he chuckled. "Very well, I only came because you told me to come to you at once if Margaery made any contact with me," he said innocently and her eyes widened.
She pulled the door open a little further so she could really appraise him. "She contacted you? How? What did she say?" she reeled off the questions but Theon merely reached into his doublet and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. "Why don't you see for yourself?" he raised a brow and she practically snatched the letter from him, hurriedly unfolding it.
Theon,
If ever you need a friend, you only ever need seek me out.
M.
"Is everything alright?" Robb asked from behind her and Amy smiled widely, lifting her eyes from the letter to meet Theon's, seeing the triumph dancing in his own orbs. "Yes," Amy answered Robb, seeing Theon's grin widen. "Yes, everything is just fine."
A/N: I'll probably be adding a bit of Theon POV in coming chapters, because I imagine you'll want to see some of his interaction with Margaery. I'll be back as soon as I can, please bear with me!
:)