After the skirmish outside of the brothel the city guard helped bring Ned back to the Red Keep where Grand Maester Pycelle worked on the wound on his leg. Serena stood outside the Chamber with Torrhen waiting for an update. Sansa and Arya had tried to burst into the room when they first returned but they managed to get them back to their chambers with the help of the Stark household guard. Serena continued to walk back and forth stirring with anger at Jaime Lannister. One of the City Watchmen reported that Jaime had fled the city riding hard to get far away. Serena had wanted to chase after him but Torrhen was able to talk her out of it.
Waiting outside with the was the King and Queen as Ned was Robert's best friend. He and Torrhen had begun to talk and Robert was very laid back knowing Ned would be ok. Serena stayed silent leaning against the wall beside the door waiting for the Grand Maester to finish his work. While over the last few weeks Serena had struggled to keep her eyes off of Cersei however now she couldn't even look at her. She was furious at all the Lannister's for what had happened to her father. Jaime had no right to attack them in the street like that...there was no reason to kill Jory or the other Stark men. If she ever saw Jaime Lannister again she'd drive her sword through his chest.
After what felt like days had passed by Pycelle the chamber earning the attention of everyone waiting outside.
"Lord Stark will be quite alright. Luckily nothing in his leg was seriously damaged. He will be in pain for a while and will need a cane to walk until he is healed." He said before walking away allowing them time with him.
Serena entered the chamber and carefully sat on the bed next to him placing a hand on his own. They were in the room for a few minutes before Ned began to stir. His vision was blurry and could see a figure sitting beside him. As his vision cleared he made out Serena's face and smiled earning one in return. His memory returned from earlier. The fight with the Lannister soldiers, Jory's death, and Serena's amazing duel with Jaime Lannister. He turned his head to the side to see Torrhen standing beside the King and Queen. At the sight of the Royal couple Ned attempted to rise but the pain was too much.
"Pardon Your Grace...I would rise."
"Are you aware of what your wife has done?" Cersei asked.
"What Cat has done?" Serena asked in a raised voice rising from the bed.
Cersei looked to the girl who had a fire in her eyes. At the sight of the golden haired Queen that feeling brewed in her stomach. However with the anger she felt she was able to shove it to the inside.
"What Lady Stark has done is nothing compared to what your brother has done!"
"Serena." Ned said trying to calm the girl down.
"What my brother has done was done on his accord. I knew not what he intended to do until it had happened. Believe me I'm as upset as you are."
"You lying wh-"
"Enough!" The King shouted.
"What will you do with him?" Serena asked the King. "He attacked the Hand of the King and your friend. Are you going to let him get away?"
"What would you have me do?" Robert asked. "I'm half a Kingdom in debt to his bloody father. I don't care what happened between you and those yellow haired shits but it ends now."
"It ends with justice." Serena said.
"Serena calm down." Ned said.
"I want the Imp released immediately. This strife between you and the Lannister's is done. I can't rule the Seven Kingdoms if two of them are at each other's throats."
"With your leave Your Grace I shall return to Winterfell and set things right."
"Piss on that!" Robert exclaimed. "Send a raven. I need you here with me. I'm the King I get what I want. We'll speak when I return from the hunt."
"Hunt?" Serena asked looking to the King.
"Killing things clears my head. Ned will have to keep the throne warm while I'm gone." He said turning to Ned. "You'll hate it more than I do?" Robert replied tossing the Hand's badge on the bed.
"Your friend was attacked in the street and left wounded and you are going on a hunt?" Serena said.
Torrhen stepped forward attempting to calm his sister down but she shrugged him off. She felt more anger towards the King than she did Jaime. The King was Ned's friend and he was wounded. While the wound wasn't fatal I was a severe wound non the less and instead of staying with his friend and getting justice for the attack in the street leaving three Stark men dead the King retreats into the woods for a hunt.
"I swear if you weren't the King I'd smack you across the face."
If this were any other person Robert would have them flogged but this was the daughter of Eddard Stark. While she wasn't his blood she may as well be.
"We will talk when I return...now put it on...put it on Ned. I swear to all the gods you take it off again I'll pin the damn thing on Jaime Lannister." Robert said leaving the room.
Ned reached to pick up the badge and placed it on the table beside the bed not needing it at the moment. The door closed behind the King leaving Ned with his children. Serena couldn't believe that the King was just going to bail like that and not do anything. If the crown was that much in debt to Tywin Lannister Robert wasn't the true King...Tywin was. Robert couldn't even punish Jaime even if he wanted to. How could Jon Arryn have allowed this? How could Ned take this?
"What a King he is."
"You need to calm down Serena." Ned said.
"Father's right." Torrhen replied.
Serena turned to her brother.
"Calm down? Father was just stabbed in the leg and nothing can be done about it!"
Ned grabbed Serena's hand causing her to turn her attention to him. He had a calm and understanding look on his face.
"You need to keep calm...we can't lose our heads now."
Serena took a deep breath slowly feeling calm take over. She was still angry about what happened but would have to move on from it as nothing could be done about it at this point with Jaime in the wind no doubt running off to his father. The door then flew open and Sansa and Arya stormed into the room to see their father. They gave him a huge hug ensuring they were careful not to aggravate the wound on his leg happy that he was ok after the fight.
After some moments they left the room to allow Ned some time to rest and heal before having to take his place ruling while Robert went on his hunt. Serena spent some time sewing with Sansa as the red head loved to sew and make dresses. It wasn't really Serena's cup of tea but it kept Sansa's mind off what happened. At nightfall she helped her younger sister clean up and into bed before heading out to find her brother.
It was much easier to walk around the Red Keep as she started to get a better idea of the way around. Being alone in the hallway with nothing but her thoughts the anger began to stir within her again. How could Robert call himself Ned's friend when he was attacked in the street and does nothing about it? Doesn't send a party out for Jaime nothing. And then he decides to leave on a hunt. How could Robert do that? She would never abandon her friend in their time of need.
Turning a corner Serena bumped into someone with a slight grunt that echoed through the empty hallway. When she was able to recover she apologized to the person and looked to see who it was that she had bumped in to. When her blue orbs saw the long golden hair there wasn't much need for a guess for who it was. What was it and these two bumping into each other? This was the second time they have bumped into each other in the Red Keep and the third since Winterfell. Serena almost felt as if Cersei was intentionally running into her. What was her game?
"Serena...I wanted to speak with you."
"About what?" Serena shot back.
"I understand you are angry about what my brother did outside of Littlefinger's brothel but I want you to know that I had nothing to do with what happened out there. I had no idea what he was going to do until I heard of the fight...from what I hear you gave Jaime a good fight."
"I did...I would have beat him too if that soldier didn't intervene."
The comment made Cersei chuckle. Serena was more calm then she was earlier. What if she was telling the truth? What if Jaime truly didn't divulge his plan? Now calming down that feeling in her stomach returned as she looked at the beautiful Queen. What was this and why was she feeling this way every time the pair were in the same vicinity as each other?
"Perhaps that's why Jaime ran. Maybe finally meeting his match scared him off."
The pair laughed at the comment.
"Even here I've heard you were quite good with a blade...apparently those stories were true."
"Aye." Serena replied.
"Well I believe it is time for bed. It's been quite a long day."
Agreeing Serena departed heading back to her chamber instead of seeking out her brother. Getting inside and closing the door she unbuckled her belt which held the sheath of her sword and placed it beside the bed before changing into a nightgown and going to bed.
—-
The next day Ned was to sit on the throne and receiving petitions from the people. He was not very enthused about it but it was his duty as Hand of the King and he would do what was required of him. They started the day eating a good breakfast in the morning. Arya could not stop talking about her "dancing lessons" with Syrio. In fact it's been all she's talking about for weeks since her first lesson. If Ned actually wanted her to learn how to use a sword Serena and Torrhen would have been more than happy to teach her how to truly use a sword not that "dancing" garbage she was learning. Ned understood their concern considering he too had to hear all about the dancing lessons all day every day along with them.
"You know Arya I can teach you how to really use a sword." Serena said eating a price of bacon.
"I'm ok. I like my dancing lessons." Arya said before leaving the table to no doubt practice her dancing.
Serena smiled while taking a drink from a cup of water.
"She's stubborn just like her mother." Torrhen said with a chuckle.
They laughed and things settled down for a moment before Ned stood up.
"Well it's that time." He said clearly not exited about having to sit on the throne.
The twins stood up to follow him not wanting to leave his side again after what happened outside of the brothel a few days prior. Ned felt they were overdoing it but appreciated the gesture and allowed them to do so if it made them feel better. They then ventured out through the keep making way to the throne room. When they arrived there were already a crowd of nobles and lowborn alike that had gathered to make their plea to the King...or in this case the Hand of the King. Ned walked up towards the throne with the common folk and noblemen bowed at the Hand as he passed.
He took a seat on the throne with Serena standing to his right and Torrhen to his left. Lord Baelish and the Grand Maester sat beside the King to aide him in his decisions. Many people came up to ask something of the crown. Most of them were petty incidents like fights or small land squabbles which Ned would send envoys to end the disputes and distribute the land in a way that makes all parties happy. The twins could see Ned was not at all enjoying sitting on the throne and ruling. Robert fought his rebellion to become King and he spends that time forcing the council to run the Kingdom for him...that was not a real King.
Eventually a man stepped forward sadness painted on his face. He held a bag in his hands and seemed quite distressed. Ned told him it was alright to speak and he began to detail his story. His village was attacked by a band of bandits. He detailed the assault of the people of the village and its destruction which angered Ned.
"They burned almost everything in the Riverlands. Our fields,our granaries,our homes. They took our women and took em again and then butchered them as if they were animals. They then covered the children in pitch and set them on fire."
The councilors were highly disturbed by the report and hearing that the Riverlands were set ablaze but what sounded to be a band of brigands. The man denied it claiming nothing was taken but something was left behind. The man then dumped the contents onto the floor. Immediately the smell hit their noses causing many to gag. Upon looking at the contents they saw a pile of fish.
"Fish."
Petyr leaned over to whisper to the hand.
"Isn't that the signal of your wife's House? Tully?"
Ned asked the man if they flew a banner and if any descriptions of the attackers could be given. The description sounded a lot like a man they were all familiar with...The Mountain. There was no reason for him to turn brigand.
"What reason would Ser Gregor turn brigand the man is an anointed Knight?" Pycelle asked.
"I've often heard him called Tywin Lannister's mad dog. I'm sure you have as well." Bawling said before leaning in to speak in a whisper. "Can you think of any reason the Lannister's might be angry with your wife?"
Serena and Torrhen didn't understand why Gregor would burn any villages down with no standard. Maybe if it was under orders Tywin didn't want a controversy however sending the biggest man in Westeros was not the best way to do it. Maybe Gregor was maybe the best for the job but is the most recognizable face in Westeos next to the King's. It was not a smart move for Tywin who many considered to be quite a smart man when it came to leadership and war.
"I..if the Lannister's ordered an attack on villages under the King's protection that would be-" Pycelle started before being interrupted by Baelish.
"That would be almost as brazen as attacking the Hand Of The King in the streets of the capital."
Silence fell over the room as Ned pondered what Robert would do...what he should do. What had to happen was no easy choice but had to be done and it had to be done now. If the Lannister's were ordering raids on the Riverlands it had to be stopped. Ned knew Robert wouldn't do anything about it just like he did nothing about Jaime attaching him in the streets outside of Littlefinger's brothel. Justice had to be done for this. This was treasonous and at some point somebody had to do something about the Lannister's and put their foot down. The Hand stood up with the assistance of his cane as he looked out into the crowd.
"I cannot give you back your homes or restore your debt to life but perhaps I can give you justice in the name of our Kong Robert. Lord Beric Dondereon."
The Lord stepped forward.
"You shall assemble a hundred Knights and arrest the false Knight Gregor Clegane." He bowed accepting the Hands orders.
Many thought that was the end of it but the Hand's decision was far from final.
"As for Gregor Clegane I detaint him and strip him of all lands and titles." The court gasped at the decision.
Serena and Torrhen looked to each other shocked at the decision but happy someone was going to do something about it unlike the King. Grand Maester Pycelle attempted to change Ned's decision by having him wait for the King but he cut him off.
"Grand Maester...send word to Tywin Lannister at Casterly Rock and inform him that he has a fortnight to ride to the capital to answer for the crimes of his bannerman or he branded a traitor."
Pycelle bowed his head. After that the day was done for the Hand who couldn't stand to sit another minute on that chair. Serena and Torren followed him out of the throne room as his day on the throne was done. They made way back to the chamber of the Hand where Ned sat down taking his face in his hands with a deep breath. Being Hand was getting to Ned. Why did ever leave Winterfell?
"Father..." Torrhen said getting his attention. "Perhaps it would be best to send word back to Winterfell. With your attack in the streets and now the Lannister's ordering attacks and raids in the Riverlands the North may need to be prepared."
"Tywin Lannister would not be so brazen to declare war against the North."
"There are already reports of Lannister forces being rallied after Cat arrested Tyrion." Serena pointed out. "This village raid was a message...release Tyrion or risk war. We know the Lannister's will risk anything after Jaime attacked us in broad daylight for the entire city to see."
His children may be right. If Jaime would attack him openly for all to see what would Tywin do? He's already ordered his bannerman to set villages afire all for The Imp. If Tywin were to attack the North...no...he wouldn't.
"Tywin would not openly attack the North...not While Robert sits the Thorne. Even after no Lannister army as ever gone that far North."
"While Robert lives." Serena said sitting down.
That night Ned sent for Sansa and Arya to meet with him in the Hands Chamber. Serena and Torrhen saw they ere there. Ned has pondered every moment since the attack about his children and their safety and something had to be done to ensure their protection with all that has been going on with the battle in the streets and the arrest of the Imp tensions were high between the Starks and Lannister's.
Both girls sat patiently as their father figured out the words to use.
"Girls...I have decided to send you both back to Winterfell."
Both of their faces lit up in shock as the words came out of his mouth and into their ears. Shock quickly turned to anger and anxiety for the young girls who both had wished to return to the North...more Arya than Sansa but both had been through a lot on the road. They had been dug up from their home but had quickly planted roots in the capital.
"What!" They screamed out in unison.
"What about my dancing lessons?" Arya asked. "I'm finally getting good!"
Ned went to reply but Sansa snapped at her sister.
"Forget your dancing lessons what about my marriage to the Prince?"
"Girls." Ned said.
He didn't want to do this to them. Both had finally found a reason to enjoy the capital especially Arya who spent half of the trip begging to return home. It was a hard ride and go make them do it once was bad enough but a second time? This time of course the trip would be by boat but it was still a long trip for two children.
"When you return to Winterfell I will send Serena back with you and she will properly train you to use a sword. And Sansa when you come of age I will find you a good match. A lord with a holdfast and a gentle heart." Ned said.
"I don't want a Lord with a gentle heart! I want Joffrey! I'm to be his Queen and have his children with beautiful blonde hair."
In that moment Ned's eyes lit up. Both Serena and Torrhen noticed it. Sansa and Arya both continued to have a conversation before Ned broke it up telling the girls to get to bed. He had some of the guards to escort them to their chambers and then walked back behind his desk.
"What is it father?" Torrhen asked.
There was no response as the Hand lifted up a large book. A book detailing every birth and death of every Lord and Lady of every family that meant something. He flipped through the pages all the way until reaching the pages of House Baratheon and sifted through the words.
"Father..." Serena said.
"Lord Orys Baratheon,black of hair. Axel Baratheon,black of hair. Lyonel Baratheon,black of hair. Steffon Baratheon,black of hair. Robert Baratheon black of hair. Joffrey Baratheon,golden haired."
He stopped and looked up to his children who wondered what it all meant. It hit Torrhen first and Serena was still confused as to what Ned was trying to get at.
"The boy has golden hair what of it?" She asked.
"Think about it. Joffrey,Tommen,and Myrcella all have golden hair like the Lannister's yet every Baratheon has black hair. Even Roberts bastards...the ones we know of all have black hair."
It was odd but they were all half Lannister so there was the possibility that they could have golden hair.
"So? They are half Lannister they all had gold hair."
"But shouldn't at least one have black hair?" Torrhen asked.
And that's when it hit Serena. Joffrey,Tommen,and Myrcella could not all be Robert's children. To think Robert's grandmother was a Targaryen and none of their offspring had silver hair? All the Baratheons had dark hair and thick black beards. Not a trace of Targaryen for the world to see. One of his three children should have thick black hair just like their "father".
"What will we do?" She asked.
They both waited for Ned's response as he sat there deliberating what to do. He wanted to do this as right and honorable as possible as was his nature. He knew what he had to do and dismissed his children.
