Author's Note: Thank you for all the follows and favorites. I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones, I own only Johanna.

Chapter 10: Love

Johanna

Robb had kept his word to her, not once did he let his opinion of her family reach her ears. She was thankful for his kindness. For weeks they had been able to build a system of keeping their emotions in check. He spoke nothing of her family, and she pushed Joffrey as far from her mind as she could. He would spend his time training, she would watch him with Rickon and if not she was with Bran. The boy could not keep his excitement over being able to soon ride.

The clang of metal rang out through the courtyard while Johanna held Rickon in her lap, the boy laughing. Johanna too had a smile on her lips, watching Robb train against Theon was something she had grown quite fond of. He was more relaxed in his mother's absence, and without Ser Rodrik to badger him. She never asked where they had gone, she let her mind fill in the blanks, her husband had enough on his plate.

Finally the clang of metal ceased, and the courtyard was filled with laughter in it's place. Theon Greyjoy and her husband stood laughing, sweat beaded on their faces. Rickon jumped from her lap and went in search of Maester Luwin, the young child still had lessons. Johanna thought of following him, and sitting in on his lessons but Robb caught her eye. He mouthed to her to wait for him, and soon he was gone.

Johanna stood in the courtyard, waiting for him to return. They had truly not had any alone time together, at all. After the wedding she had spent her last days with her family, then her trip to the wall, then the loss of her child and the weeks since had been filled with her spending time with his brothers. Johanna was at peace with how things had been going between them, but she would have enjoyed some time alone with him. She knew he was busy, he was the Lord of Winterfell after all. But she still felt like a stranger to her own husband.

I want this, I want us.

The words he had said to her weeks ago had been burned into her brain. She had never had someone speak to her with such compassion on the matter of being together. With Joffrey it had always been established they belonged together, belonged to each other. He was hers, and she was his. Her wedding vows would never break that, but she would not see her brother for years to come. She had to accept that her love for Joffrey would have to be put aside to focus on learning to love the man who would be the father of her children.

"I didn't think you would still be here." His voice cut through her thoughts. "I thought I'd have to go searching for you."

Johanna turned to him, a smile on her lips. His face was no longer covered in sweat, instead his hair dripped water down his face. She knew then he had taken the time to bathe.

"I thought of leaving, but I didn't see the point." Her voice remained light. "You are a stubborn man, no doubt you'd have found me."

She took his arm and followed him along. She tried to get back to the first night she met him, the night she had let her guard down for a moment. He had shown her flowers, and his wolf, somewhere in there she had let him see her. She let her mask fade for a moment, and she knew she had to get back to that. If she was ever to have children with Robb Stark, she had to learn to love him or as close as she could get to loving him. Her mother never loved her father, that much she could see, but she was not her mother. Johanna had tried to be half as strong as her mother, and she never imagined that she could raise children without love for the man who fathered them.

She felt herself tense up as the man walked her into the Godswood, she had not been there since the night of their wedding. She found no place among the old Gods of the trees, the ones who she held no faith in. But she did not speak up as her husband lead her deeper into the Godswood, finally stopping at a tall sentinel tree. He removed his cloak, spreading it out over the cold ground. She watched as he sat down, his back against the tree, his legs spread far enough for her to fit between them. Johanna hesitated a moment before settling down against him.

"Can you tell me what it was like for you in Kings Landing? What it was like growing up as a Princess?" His arms had wrapped around her waist, holding her close to him.

She thought for a moment, a hum coming from her lips. She didn't know why he was asking but she could give him something.

"When I was younger, I was never really beyond the walls of the Red Keep. I was mostly in lessons, and spending time with my family, I never minded being sheltered. When I got older I got bored, so I would take my brother Tommen to the beach in the evening." Her voice was distant, she was picturing it all in her mind. "We would bury feet in the sand, let the waves crash over our feet. It never lasted long my Uncle Jaime would find us."

She paused for a moment, a small giggle leaving her lips at the memory.

"I used to be terrified he'd tell my mother, she was so protective, but he would just kiss my head and promise not to tell. He loves me, and I adore my Uncle. He's the greatest man I have met, he's kind, and just."

She felt her husband laugh as well, and for a moment she felt herself relax further into his chest.

"How about Joffrey? Have you two always been close?"

She caught the hint of frustration as he asked about her brother. She hoped he had not noticed the relationship she had with Joff. Though she knew he would have accused her of such if he thought so much.

"We've always been close. Imagine having this other half of you, a total other piece that makes you feel whole, but it's a person. He's always been there, always looked out for me. I never thought I'd be without him, even when I learned I was to marry." She longed for him. "I always imagined marrying a Tyrell or some Lord of the south, I never thought I'd be far from him."

She felt his breath hitch at the mention of their marriage, and felt his arms squeeze her gently.

"I always knew for as long as I could remember that I was to marry the Princess of the Seven Kingdoms. I remember I was young and my father told me you were to come to Winterfell, and when it didn't happen I was so crushed."

She felt guilty, he seemed to have longed to marry her and yet she never wanted it.

"Well we are together now, and we have many years to get to know each other."

It was the truth, marriage was forever. She would spend the rest of her life at his side, no matter what was to come. She never intended for that, Joffrey was meant to be her forever. But the Gods had made her life a different story, had given her a true husband.

"I agree."

A moment of silence fell between them, but Johanna found comfort laying in his arms. The sun had begun to set and it made the Godswood even more beautiful. He held her as they sat there, his arms fitting perfectly around her slender waist.

"Do you miss them?" His voice was so soft, as if he was afraid to hear her answer.

"Of course, I do." She closed her eyes, picturing her family's faces. "Just as you miss your father, and sisters. Kings Landing is so far away, it only makes sense to miss the ones you love."

She felt his hands twitch, she did not know if he was angry, or if his emotions were getting the better of him. She knew he was close to his family, she knew it was not an easy thing for him to have them so far away. She wanted to comfort him, so she gently placed her hands over his hands.

"We will both see our families again and until then we focus on building our own family."

She sounded so hopeful, she felt she had to. Johanna needed to make him believe in her, and if she could, then she will believe in herself. Before she knew what was happening she found herself on her feet, her husband looking into her eyes.

"Do you mean those words?"

His blue eyes grew more intense as the silence fell between them. She wanted to mean them, but she knew she truly didn't. She wanted to focus on them, but it was hard with her brother's eyes constantly staring back at her in the mirror. She was a constant reminder of him, of the man she loved. She wanted to love her husband, but breaking every mirror in Winterfell wouldn't save her.

"I want to." She spoke. "I want to mean them, but I fear I can't give you what you want."

It was the most honest Johanna had been, with herself and with him. She was afraid. She was afraid she could never give him what he sought. She expected him to walk away, or to grow angry. Joffrey would have grown angry. She felt herself flinch as his hand touched her cheek, the gentle caress of his hand.

"I know you love someone else, Johanna." Her eyes grew wide. "I am not foolish, I do not know who he is, but I know it's someone. But I am not giving up, because I can't stop myself from falling."

She closed her eyes, letting his hand travel down her cheek, feeling his fingers graze her neck. His hand finally settled on her shoulder, the touch so gentle she could hardly feel it.

"You are more honorable the most men I've ever met, Robb Stark." Her voice was soft, her eyes still closed.

"Then you haven't met enough men, my love." His hand traveled down to her waist. "What's he like, this man you love?"

She stood frozen, her eyes opening slowly to meet his. What could she say to him? That the man she loved was her brother? Was her twin? That she had been a sin? How could she say such things?

"You do not wish to hear those words."

His second hand found her hip, and soon he was holding her body close to his.

"I would not ask if I could not handle your words, Johanna." His voice was a whisper. "He is far from us, and I know one day you will love me, but I still wish to know of him."

"He was.." She racked her brain. "He was kind."

She felt him laugh, but she truly didn't know what to say about Joff. How could she describe him to Robb without giving away who he was.

"Was he good to you? Did he love you too?"

"He was good, and yes he loves me.. loved me."

She could only hope he still loved her. Johanna had not doubted her brother's love, but not once had he written to her. She had gotten letters from her mother, her Uncle Jaime, but none from Joff. Had he simply forgotten her?

"Did he ever hurt you? I saw bruises on our wedding night? I could only assume they'd come from him."

Johanna felt as if she had been caught in her sin, but he couldn't know the bruises on her skin had come from Joff. Her husband had never once spoke on the bruises, and she only imagined he had missed them on her wedding night. She had thought he had forgotten, or simply not given a darn about them.

"He um.. no, he never.."

"Johanna, you've lied to me before and your quite bad at it." He lifted her face to look at him. "I won't ever hurt you, I promise. And I am sorry he ever did, because love is not about hurting them. You never hurt the one you love, ever."

She took herself from his arms, almost offended at his words. What did he know of love? She had loved Joff almost her whole life, she had loved him before she truly knew what the word meant. His anger got the better of him at times, and he had hurt her a few times but it never meant anything. She was the one to cause him to get angry, it had always been her fault.

"If I offended.."

"I am done speaking on this, Robb, please."

She was upset, his words hurt her. He knew nothing of her relationship with Joff. Her brother loved her, more than any other man could. He told her so.

"I am sorry, come on, we should get back."

She cursed herself, she had gone from having a moment in the beautiful Godswood with her husband, to thinking of Joff. She loved her twin, but she didn't even know how he felt now. She had been gone months from him, and he didn't even care to write to her. She was beginning to think Sansa had truly captured his attention. Without thinking Johanna stopped at the edge of the Godswood, it took a moment for Robb to turn back to find her standing still.

"Johanna, I said I am sorry." His voice held frustration. "We should find some dinner, and then find some sleep."

She didn't speak, she was battling herself. She wanted to mean the words she had told him, about starting a family. She wanted to love him, wanted to do something to make herself forget her twin. Loving Joff would bring her nothing but sadness, he was never going to bring her home.

"Johanna..?" Robb was now standing in front of her.

She looked at him, her eyes meeting his. She didn't think, didn't speak, she crashed her lips onto his. It was a fevered kiss, a wanton kiss. She didn't think of who she was kissing, just that she needed to kiss someone. She needed to feel something beyond the sinking emptiness she felt thinking she would never again see her brother. Her arms wrapped around his neck, letting his rough hands find her hips. The kiss continued for a moment, and when he pulled back confusion was evident on his face.

"What was that for?"

"Please, I do not wish to talk." She kissed him again.

It seemed to take no time at all for the two to be in their chambers, her lips pressed to his in heat. Her hands traveled to his hair, and as she ran her fingers through his curls, he let out a small moan. She let out a sound as she was unceremoniously thrown onto their bed, her husband soon looming of her. She watched him undo his top, throwing it across the room. She didn't speak as he pushed skirt of her dress up, or when he removed her small clothes.

"If you want me to stop just say the word." His voice was full of lust mixed with concern.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and once more pulled him into a kiss. As she kissed him, she felt his fingers run along her slick folds. She hid her moan, but as he pushed his finger inside of her Johanna let the moans come from her mouth. She let the pleasure wash over her his as he added another finger to inside of her, the feeling something she had never truly experienced before. The kisses shared between them were rushed, and his fingers were just as rushed inside of her.

When he pulled his fingers from inside her, Johanna found herself sitting up and removing his breeches. She felt desperate, and she wanted him so much. The scary thing was she didn't know if she wanted him for him, or if she was using him just to fill her empty desires. Using him to fill the hole left by her brother. Once her husband was rid of his breeches, she felt his hands urgently and roughly tugging off her dress.

Unlike their last few times in bed, there was an obvious change in their pace. His hand raked over her naked body, his grip on her was rougher than she was used to from him. She kissed him, and tried to pull him closer but he seemed to be teasing her. After what seemed like ages, her husband finally pushed his cock inside of her. Johanna wrapped her legs around him, pulling him as deep into her as she could. Johanna felt as if she was losing her mind as his thrusts became fast, and his lips moved down her neck and to her chest. His hands were still roaming her body and her own hands had settled on his back, slightly digging her nails into his back.

Robb kept thrusting into her roughly, while she let his name continued to fall from her lips. Without warning Robb pulled his cock from inside of her moving to lay on his back, without skipping a beat Johanna found herself riding her husband. Her hands were placed upon his strong chest while his found her hips. He held her hips tightly, helping her move up and down upon his cock. She felt her head fall back in pleasure, and together she found herself letting go with her husband. She fell against his chest, her breathing completely erratic.

"I love you, Johanna." His voice was a whisper.

She didn't speak, she just found herself laying there with her head upon his chest. She had never imagined he could be so rough, or that she could truly let go of herself with him. She was still afraid she only allowed it to happen in such a manner because she was filling a hole inside of herself.

"Get some rest, my love."

She didn't argue, she felt her eyes closing. She felt herself falling into a deep sleep, filled with memories of her past.

Johanna stood at the beach of her feet buried deep in the sand. They were leaving in the morning to go North, and Johanna could not be any less pleased. Jon Arryn, the man who had been nothing but kind to her, had past and losing someone was hard for all. She was going to leave home with the memory of a funeral in her head.

"Johanna." Her Uncle's voice cut through her head.

"Uncle Jaime." She turned her head just as her Uncle walked unto the beach, his golden armor shining in the moonlight.

She saw the look in his face, worry was etched onto is young features. He came to where she stood, her feet buried as the water washed over her.

"You need to go back to the keep, lioness."

She didn't want to go back, she didn't want to go north. She would marry a ruthless man, who would never love her. Joffrey was the only man who would love her.

"I don't want to."

"Your father demands it, and you know I can not fight him." His hand fell on her shoulder. "I wish I could keep you home, Johanna, but you have a duty."

She knew she had a duty, she always knew she had a duty. She slowly removed her feet from the sand, and began her way back to the Keep. She knew by the morning she would be leaving for her new life.

"Johanna, I know you are sad." His voice came from behind her. "Just never forget we love you."

Robb

She lay in his arms, her breathing had long since gone soft. He did not wish to fall asleep, he was enjoying the sight of her laying against him. He never intended to speak to her of the love he knew she had for someone else, but after the letter he had gotten from Jon he felt he needed to. He had known, but having someone confirm his own thoughts made him feel less insane. Jon on the other hand had gone completely mad. His half brother's theory was true madness. Robb would not even allow his mind to linger upon it.

He too never thought they would make love in such a manner. He thought Johanna was fragile, sweet and innocent but there was something lingering beneath her surface. There may be a wolf lingering somewhere in his wife after all. He would have to find out on his own, but he knew it would time some time.

Robb felt her shift in his arms, her hair falling softly against his chest. He had told her he loved her, and he knew the words had fallen from his lips in a moment of pleasure. Robb also knew he had meant his words, he loved her. Johanna was everything he had imagined she would be, beautiful, dutiful and graceful. She showed him more of herself, and he knew with time he would begin to see more of her.

"Lord Robb." A gentle knock came to the door.

Robb knew it was Maester Luwin, which meant only bad news would come. He slid from the bed, and donned his breeches. Robb could not answer the door with his cock bared. When he opened the door, Robb slipped from the chambers as not to wake Johanna.

"Maester Luwin, what can I do for you?" His worry was evident.

"Word from Kings landing, and your mother, my Lord."

Robb felt his blood run ice cold, the fear setting in. He stood there thinking of all the things that could have happened. All the horrors that could have reached his mother, and his sisters. He knew his father was a strong man, his worries were for his sisters.

"What word?"

He watched the old man wring his hands together, his voice remained steady though as he spoke.

"Your mother has taken Tyrion Lannister as a prisoner for his crimes, she believes he was the one to send the man to kill Bran." Robb wished he had known sooner, he would have kept the damned Imp in Winterfell.

"And of Kings Landing?"

"I am sorry, my Lord, your father was attacked on the streets of the city. Jory, and the rest of the men accompanying your father that night were killed."

Robb felt a sorrow wash over him, Jory was a good man, but the sorrow quickly turned to anger and worry.

"My father? How is he?"

"He took a spear to the knee, my Lord, but he lives."

He did not doubt his father was alright, but the years have long since caught up to the man. An injury to his knee would be painful, and very difficult for him. Robb did not know how to feel truly, his anger was all he could comprehend.

"I am going to hope the King will bring whoever attacked my father to justice."

But he knew by the look on the Maester's face, his words were premature.

"I doubt that, my Lord, for it was the Queen's brother. Jaime Lannister was the one to attack your father."

He bit the inside of his cheek, rage filling him. Any composure Robb Stark had left was gone, and all that remained was rage. His hands shook, and he could say nothing to the Maester. He bowed his head to the man before slipping back into his chambers, they would speak more in the morning. His saving grace was that his wife still lay sound asleep in their bed. He didn't know if his anger could be concealed, and he knew better than to speak of her family. If Robb wished to keep his wife he could not speak to her on the matters of her family.

He slipped into bed beside her, the young woman sound asleep. She was still facing his direction, her hair falling softly over her face. He reached a hand out and pushed the golden locks away from her face. She was so beautiful. It was a shame that her blood, her family, had openly attacked his own. Robb knew something bad was coming, and he could only hope Johanna would be on his side. He was her husband after all. But he knew that blood would always come first, and he would pick his own over her. No doubt she would do the same.

"We have a long road ahead of use, my love." He whispered.

Before finding himself in a comfortable spot Robb leaned over to kiss her head. He knew her mother's blood could not be trusted, he could only hope Johanna could be. Her family had no doubt set the men to kill the unborn babe. Johanna would one day learn the truth of them, and he did not pity the person who had to tell her those truths. It sure as hell wouldn't be him.

A/N: This chapter is meant to show the different types of love going on. Johanna's mad love for Joffrey, her love for her family, and Robb's love for her. Also Johanna's growing love for him.