Both Winterfell and Wintertown were working hard to prepare for the royal arrival. Robert was at least a day ride away by now and everything had to be ready by the time he got to the northern capital. Servants worked hard bringing up extra food and wine for the feast that was to be held in the King's honor. This royal visit was going to chew into the stores set aside for winter when the snows came and the crops died. This would also cost in the treasury as well which would probably be able to take the hit. The castle itself had been cleaned and extra rooms had been prepared for the royal family and extra candles were brought up for Tyrion as he liked to read.

The royal arrival was the gossip on the town as everyone was talking about it from the servants to Sansa. Some of the townsfolk said they saw the entourage just a few miles down the Kingsroad while others say it was still another day down the road. Either way Winterfell would be ready for the King upon his arrival. Serena was starting to get tired of hearing Sansa infatuating over Joffrey a boy she has never once met or seen. It was all she could talk about since it was announced that Robert was coming to Winterfell. In truth Serena could care less as she never really got attached to men. It wasn't them she just didn't really care for all the romance and flowers. She preferred charging into a battle field swinging her sword around.

The Starks were not very fond of the Lannisters and now they had to welcome them into their halls. Even worse Sansa has been drooling over one for the last few days. Ned believed that it was a childhood infatuation and would eventually go away with time. Serena prayed to the Old Gods for that as she would cut the girls tongue out if she had to listen to any more 'Joffrey this and Joffrey that.' She loved Sansa as if she was her own blood but she couldn't stand her fascination with the Prince.

Jon,Torrhen,Robb, and Thoen were all getting prepared for the arrival with haircuts. They made jokes about the King and the Lannisters laughing so loud they could be heard all the way down in Kings Landing. They were exited for the feast...who wasn't exited for a feast. There was food,music, girls, and lots of exitement. It would be one of the only good things to come out of the royal visit. Everyone in the North knew why Robert was coming up all this way. No one wanted Ned to go south as nothing good ever happened to a Stark who went south. He had gone south twice already and who is to say what will happen the third time around.

Serena had been talked into wearing a dress for the occasion as she preferred the comfort of men's clothes as they were much easier to fight in if a skirmish arose. She sat in the bath scrubbing off the dirt from the courtyard off of her flesh. From training earlier in the day she was covered in dirt from rolling around avoiding the strikes of the sparring sword. She strained all of the dirt that had built up throughout the day.

Once she was cleaned of all the dirt and grime she stood up and stepped out of the steel tub grabbing a robe to dry off. Once her entire body was covered up she walked into her chamber where a blue dress lay out for her next to a matching fur to help keep warm when outside. She swapped into the dress and placed the robe in the wardrobe. Walking over to the mirror flatting out her dress she looked making sure everything looked perfect. When satisfied she left her chamber.

Sansa was still in her bath cleaning and daydreaming. Her mind drifted to Joffrey and imagined what the Prince looked like. All she could think about for the last few days is Joffrey and was ecstatic at the possible idea of being the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and birthing little Princes and Princesses. It was of course all any young girl dreamed of whether they were high born or low born...who wouldn't want to be the King or Queen. Once out she also put on a blue gown with a fur before making her way to the courtyard.

Everyone was ready for the royal arrival except Ned. Yes it was nice to see his old friend again after nearly ten years but he did not want that title that came with the visi t. The Lord of Winterfell would rather stay in Winterfell with his family and people. Ned himself new the risk of going south. His father and brother went south and they didn't come back. It is true he went south to fight for Robert but he barely escaped with his life and he didn't want to risk it again. He fought in two wars and now he just wants to stay in Winterfell.

Bran then barged into the room alerting Ned that Robert was just down the road. He made his way to the courtyard and prepared his family and court for the arrival. Everyone had finished lining up when the gates opened allowing a Kingsguard in golden armor to ride in with a small golden haired boy that could only be the Prince Joffrey. Robb turned to see Sansa staring at the boy with a smile on her face to his disgust. Next rode in a man wearing a helmet shaped like a dogs head signaling that that was Sandor "The Hound" Clegane.

After him rode in a wheelhouse which could only be housing the Queen. Behind them rode in another Kingsguard followed by a large bearded man who could only be King Robert himself. Once their eyes had laid on the King they fell to their knees kneeling before their King. Robert dismounted his steed with the help of some steps that were brought over. He stepped down and walked over to his old friend Ned and looked down at him. Bringing up his hand he motioned for Ned to stand.

Ned stood up and everyone followed their Lord standing up. Robert and Ned stared at each other for a moment noting many differences that came with their age. Everyone in the courtyard was looking at the King waiting for him to speak.

"You got fat." Robert said with his deep booming voice.

Ned stared at his old friend not saying a word and motioned his head pointing out the Kings large belly. Silence overtook the yard until a deep loud laugh escaped the King's lips. Ned laughed with him as the old friends embraced for the first time in years. It was good to finally see Robert again after all these years. Ned was happy that all the wine and pigeon pie hadn't done him in yet.

"Cat!" Robert said pulling Catelyn into a hug and placed a kiss on her neck.

He then pulled away and rubbed Rickon's head slightly messing up his hair before sliding back over to Ned.

"Nine years...why haven't I seen ya? Where the hell have you been?"

"Guarding the North for you Your Grace...the North is yours." Ned replied.

That is when Queen Cersei exited the wheelhouse to Serena's shock. She had heard Cersei Lannister was a beautiful woman but the sight of her made the younger girl feel a turn in her stomach she couldn't decipher. She was stunning with long golden hair wearing a red dress covered by a golden fur that matched her hair. Serena forced a blink and looked away as not to bring attention to her. Cersei however noticed the girls gaze and noted it.

Robert then went down the line shaking Robbs hand. He then walked by Sansa noting her beauty before stopping before Arya not knowing the girls name.

"And your name is?" He asked.

"Arya." The girl replied.

Robert then proceeded to approach Bran.

"Show me them muscles."

Bran then pulled his arm out from his fur flexing it for the King.

"You'll be a soldier." He said with a chuckle.

He then walked over to Serena who he remembered hearing Ned had took in after his rebellion.

"You must be Serena."

"Yes Your Grace."

"I hear you like swordplay?"

"I do Your Grace."

He smiled at the reply.

"You good?"

"Best in Winterfell."

Robert laughed at the response.

"Think you're better than the Kingslayer?"

Serena looked to Jaime Lannister sitting on his horse with his golden locks slicked back.

"I'd beat him into the dirt."

Robert roared in laughter.

"I would love to see that!" He exclaimed moving on to Torrhen.

Cersei approached Ned lifting up her hand for him to kiss it.

"Take me to your crypts Ned...I wish to pay my respects."

"We have been riding for a month my love...surely the dead can wait."

"Ned."

Ned then walked with Robert to the crypts.

The feast was one of the largest Serena had ever seen. Tables filled the main hall where the Stark family ate their meals and Ned ruled over the North. Food covered all the tables and the wine flowed. King Robert was crossing the hall back and forth conversing with everyone including the servants who poured the wine. One of which Serena and Torrhen watched him kiss and feel up to their disgust. Usually many would bring up issue with such behavior but Robert was the King and no one would dare say anything.

With the wine flowing so did the conversations. Men told stories of war and battle telling the tales from the very middle of the field of battle. The one story that everyone loved was that of the Siege of Pyke when Robert's forces breached the walls of Pyke and Thoros of Myr charged through with his flaming sword. That story was a classic every man and woman is Westeros has heard nearly a dozen times. Torrhen always wondered how the man got his sword on fire with some suggesting that the blade is dipped in wildfire to allow the steel to burn.

Serena occasionally stole glances at the Queen who sat at the high table next to Catelyn. She would turn her head back to Torrhen whenever Cersei would look her way. There was something about the Lannister who made her feel...weird...it was a feeling she had never had before and didn't really know what it was. Cersei knew she was being scouted by the adopted Stark...she too was stealing a glance at the girl. On the ride up she wasn't too impressed with the North or its people...but Serena infatuated her. She was a tall beauty just a tad shorter than her brother Torrhen with long black hair and amazing blue eyes.

What was she doing...the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms shouldn't be looking at anyone other than her King no matter what he did to plight her...especially a woman. It wasn't right...not that Cersei Lannister cared about what was right. Serena excused herself to get some air and make water. Upon exiting the castle she heard what sounded like steel crashing against wood. Upon further investigation she found Jon Snow training in the yard outside the hall. Anger filled each swing of his sword as he was left out of the festivities.

"Is he dead yet?" She asked.

He stopped and turned around to see his adoptive sister anger filled his eyes.

"Enjoying your feast?" He asked in response.

"It would be better if you were in there." She replied.

"Well maybe you could talk to Lady Stark and change her mind." He said with a chuckle

"I will pass on that." Serena replied. "You're not missing much anyway...there's only so much royal family one could handle."

"You should trying being on the Wall." A voice said.

The pair turned to see their uncle Benjen.

"Uncle Benjin!" The pair said in unison.

Benjen hugged both of them before taking a look at them. It has been a long time since he was in Winterfell.

"Gods you two need to stop growing!" He exclaimemd. "I rode all day...I didn't want to leave you with the Lannisters. Why aren't you at the feast?" He asked Jon.

"Lady Stark thought it would be an insult to the royal family to seat a bastard in their midst."

"Well your always welcome on the Wall...no bastard was ever refused there."

"Then take me with you." Jon said.

"Jon the Wall will still be there years from now...there is no need to hurry. Now I'm going to go save your father from his guests."

With that he left for the main hall leaving the pair alone.

"I feel sorry for you Jon."

"Don't be I will be at the Wall soon enough." He replied.

'I feel bad...Torrhen and I aren't even Starks and we have been treated better than you since the start."

"You and Torrhen aren't bastards." Jon replied.

Serena just nodded in agreement with that statement. Jon went to keep thrashing the wooden when the doors to the hall opened. Out of them came Cersei Lannister with a look of anger and disgust on it. Her breath could be seen flying away as the crisp northern exposed it as a vapor. She looked from left to right trying to figure out where she was. Serena felt that feeling return in her gut and decided to approach the Queen to see what she needed.

"Do you need help Your Grace?"

Cersei looked up at the girl smiling.

"Yes...I've decided to retire for the night and can't seem to remember the way to my chamber."

"I'll show you."

With that the pair started walking around Winterfell as Serena showed the Queen to her chambers. As they walked Cersei stole close up glances at the girl.

"So you are the adopted daughter?"

"I am Your Grace."

"Please call me Cersei...from what I hear we may be family soon."

"Yes I hear the same thing."

"So tell me your story."

Serena gulped at the question. She didn't like talking about what happened but this was the Queen and she couldn't tell her no.

"There isn't much to tell. Torrhen and I were born on a small farm a bit west of White Harbor. Lord Stark came across our farm shortly after our parents were murdered by Wildlings that snuck south with everyone's eyes on the war. Lord Stark took us in and raised us here in Winterfell allowing us to have a life."

Cersei smiled at the girl.

"I'm sorry to hear about your family." She replied.

"It's alright. The Wildlings responsible were killed and me and my brother were rescued. We are alive and that's what matters. We have a family in the Starks."

The pair then stopped in front of a door.

"These are your chambers Your Grace."

Cersei thanked the girl before entering the room. Serena decided to return to the feast. Upon returning nothing had changed. Robert was still kissing at the servants and Robb was carrying Arya off to bed. She took a seat next to her brother and poured herself another cup of wine.

Eventually everything settled down and the castle went to bed. Ned and Cat were laying in bed discussing Robert and him becoming Hand Of The King.

"I would say 'listen fat man you are not taking my husband anywhere. He belongs to me now.'"

The pair chuckled at the statement. Ned then stopped and looked to his wife with a serious look.

"How did he get so fat?" Ned asked about his once skinny and fit friend.

"He only stops eating when it is time for a drink."

The pair laughed until they were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"It's Maester Luwin my Lord."

Ned allowed the Maester in. The old balding man entered the room closing the door behind him.

"Pardon My Lord...My Lady. There was a rider that arrived from your sister."

Catelyn quickly got out of the bed and grabbed the parchment.

"This was written in the Eyrie...what is she doing in the Eyrie?"

She broke the seal and unrolled the letter reading the contents. Shocked by the words she tossed the paper into the flames of the fireplace and watched it shrivel into nothing. Ned watched in curiosity about what was said in the letter that prompted his wife to burn it.

"What news?" He asked.

"Lysa has fled for the Eyrie...she claims Jon Arryn was murdered...by the Lannisters. She also writes that the King is in danger."

"Cat her husband just died. She doesn't know what she is saying." Ned replied.

"Lysa's head would be on a spike right now if the wrong people got this letter. Why would she risk not just her life but Robin's as well if it wasn't the truth."

Ned stroked his beard as he sat up in the bed thinking about what to do. Someone had to get to the truth of this and he knew there was no one that could be trusted to carry out this task for them. He had to go to Kings Landing himself to get the truth and get justice for Jon if this information was accurate.

"I will go to Kings Landing."

"Ned! If the Lannisters killed Jon they will kill you too if they find out you are getting to close."

"Cat...we have to find out the truth of this. They can't kill two hands as the realm as well as Robert would get suspicious. I must go."

And that was the end of the discussion and Ned went to bed to prepare for the trip south that would no doubt depart soon.

Bran was walking around the castle as he usually did but this time was accompanied by his direwolf which he hadn't yet named. They walked around until they stood before the Broken Tower which was one of the oldest structures in Winterfell. With many stones sticking out it made climbing it easy. He walked up to it grabbing at one pulling his little body up. As he climbed he placed his feet on stones below to hold himself up. The higher he got noises filled his ears sparking his young curiosity.

Quickly he made way to the window at the top of the tower to see what the sounds were. Getting to the top he grabbed at a piece of wood sticking out of the tower and leaned over peaking into the window and what he saw was shocking. The Queen Cersei Lannister with her dress pulled up and her brother Jaime Lannister behind her thrusting inside of her. Out of shock the boy couldn't move. He stood there watching until the eyes of Cersei met with his own. That kicked the boy into gear as Cersei begged Jaime to stop. He looked up and Bran who was attempting to run. Jumping into action he ran over to the window grabbing the boy by his tunic.

"Are you mad?" Jaime asked.

"He saw us!" Cersei yelled at her brother.

"It's alright."

He looked to the boy who was scared and speechless.

"He saw us!" Cersei yelled again.

"I heard you the first time...quite a little climber huh? How old are you?"

"T...t..ten." Bran stuttered out.

Jaime turned to look at Cersei who held her dress over her exposed breasts fear filling her eyes before looking back to Bran.

"The things we do for love." He said shoving Bran out the window.