Updated 4/9/2019: Edited for a smoother read.

Chapter 16

Catelyn I

This was ridiculous. She knew that she shouldn't feel afraid. Her nephew wasn't the kind of person to exact revenge.

But she was terrified all the same.

How many times did that little voice in her head tell her she was being too harsh on Jon? That she need not fear his possible claim on Winterfell? Robb was a perfectly healthy boy who did not lack against Jon in anyway except quite suddenly in fighting skills. Mace Tyrell was still the Lord of the Reach besides it being an open secret that his own mother thinks him a fool. But he was the eldest and he inherited High Garden as was the law. Ned loved her. He wouldn't do anything so cruel as rip the lordship from her own firstborn. Even so, she seemed unable to treat Jon as anything other than a threat.

Now she would pay for it.

Ned had warned her time and time again to stop treating Jon so harshly, but his words fell on deaf ears. When Jon was barely older than a toddler, he had fallen quite ill with the pox and for a time his death seemed all but certain. She had promised herself and the gods, the Old and the New, that if Jon recovered from the pox, she would treat him well. He recovered, but her behavior remained the same. She had broken a covenant with the Gods. She knew it was self-absorbed to think the Gods making Jon into a king was a punishment against her, but she could not escape the feeling that she was about to undergo a reckoning. And she deserved it.

She walked around the household on tiptoe. Whenever she passed Jon in the hallway, she dropped into a curtsy and refused to meet his eyes. She had no way of knowing if he acknowledged her or not, but he always had Ser Barristan in tow and he seemed to find it confusing that she would defer so low and so often.

It baffled her, a few days after Jon's - or Aemon as he was going by now - declaration of his Targaryen inherency that she found she wasn't surprised, at least, to hear that he wasn't Ned's son. For all that he looked like him, her husband's behavior regarding Jon - Aemon! - had been perplexing. Steadfast Eddard Stark who kept his oaths and never lied, broke his oath of marriage with a woman and got her with child. It had been very uncharacteristic of him and she remembered being confused after he initially showed her Aemon.

Of course it all made sense. Robert would have put the boy to death if Ned had even so much as breathed the word Targaryen. For all of her distaste and disdain for Aemon, it appalled her to think of the fate Robert would have dealt him if he'd known. Just...why did he have to claim Aemon as his bastard? It wasn't his bastard status, it was that he had represented the sole issue in their marriage.

What might be even more confusing was Aemon's steadfast regard for Jaime Lannister. The Lannisters had an extremely distasteful and violent reputation thanks to Lord Tywin's obliteration of Houses Reyne and Tarbeck. The golden son of the terrible lion himself murdered King Aerys Targaryen II. The only decent thing she'd ever heard about him was that he was the best sword in the Seven Kingdoms and after seeing him clash with the likes of Ser Barristan Selmy and disarming him easily, she believed it. The rest of the Lannisters were known to be golden and haughty. Few could stand them and they would've had few allies were it not for the extreme wealth they controlled. It was well known that it was by Lord Tywin's good grace and influx of gold that King's Landing wasn't bankrupt.

Catelyn's opinion of the Lannisters had changed very little in their time here. She had found Cersei Lannister irritating and condescending and it took all her strength not to slap her when a sneering smile grew on her lips upon looking at Sansa. She personally had not been in favor of the marriage between Sansa and Joffrey, no matter how powerful it would make House Stark or even House Tully. The prince had seemed a boorish sort and not particularly clever, but Catelyn had wanted her sweet daughter as far away from Cersei's clutches as she could manage. Catelyn had actually gotten down on her knees and thanked the Seven that Aemon had put an end to that.

Before the...incident with his sister, Catelyn found Ser Jaime to be remarkably stolid and silent, not unlike Stannis Baratheon. He was nothing like the dashing young man with a golden mop of hair who always smirked in the same vein as his twin. She would be lying to herself if she didn't think he had looked dashing at the tourney of Harrenhal and, even though she was already promised to Brandon at that point, her heart had wilted a little when he had knelt to King Aerys and accepted his white cloak. All of the noble ladies that had been in attendance had heaved sad sighs and a few of them even broke down weeping at the thought that the beautiful golden lion would never have children.

She found Tyrion Lannister to be rather crude at times, but he was well-spoken, well-mannered and was increasingly thankful for his hospitality. Especially now, he went out of his way to complement her household. She thought perhaps it might do well to maintain good standing with the Starks, since the former royal children were given leave to attend their lessons and walk around the keep as befitted guests, not prisoners. That decision had ultimately fallen on Aemon and he had released them, with the exception of Cersei.

Catelyn's blood ran cold just thinking about that night. After the rather rushed trials of Jaime and Cersei, Ned had almost dragged Catelyn back to their room, his face one of alarm, anger, and pain. From there he had whispered what he found when he entered Jaime's room and Catelyn had gaped at him in horror. Later she heard it whispered among the servants about how men couldn't be raped, but she knew in her heart that Jaime had been used against his will. When he was dragged before the king, he hadn't looked like a knight, but a very sick man on the edge of despair. She knew his confession wasn't a true one. It had been more than obvious he pleaded that way to avoid unnecessary death for the children, but Robert had been like a bull elk and only saw red. The trial had been a travesty of justice and she knew it would bring a world of pain onto the heads of House Stark if Tywin Lannister had ever learned the details, especially since Ned had accepted his position as Hand. He was supposed to control the king after all.

Neither she nor Ned slept that night. They had lain in bed and whispered of the possible atrocities to come. The peace that had been won with Robert's rebellion - always so fragile - was gone. It would be torn to shreds with the beheading of Ser Jaime. The wrongful beheading of Ser Jaime. Ned had whispered soothing words in her ears that had sounded hollow to her.

"It's going to be alright. We'll manage. I have hope and faith that the Old Gods will set things right.

"I know you're trying to comfort me, but it might as well be our heads on the block tomorrow. Tywin Lannister will tear the Seven Kingdoms apart and if he gets a hold of us...there shall be no mercy," Catelyn whispered, gripping at her sheets tightly.

"We'll have to wait and see," Ned replied, kissing her on her shoulder and running a hand up and down her arm in comfort.

And so Aemon Targaryen, last true son to Rhaegar Targaryen declared his heritage and took the throne, with Ned's support. Had Ned put him up to it? Her instincts screamed at her that Ned could not possibly be behind his nephew's sudden interest in the throne. Robert was Ned's best friend and he would sooner stand with him than against him and he would never have risked Aemon's life.

Aemon put him up to it, Catelyn thought as she walked along the halls of Winterfell. Had Ned finally told him about his mother? She had no doubt that he would do it without her present, in all likelihood because she would be too pained at the thought that he had loved another. Aemon had to have insisted that Ned back him in his scheme - not to take the kingship - but to save Jaime Lannister. But why him? They hadn't even met each other until a moon ago. What am I missing?

For all that the House of Stark was behind Aemon Targaryen, there were a remarkable amount of secret meetings being held. Ned, at least three times in a week, didn't even see his bed until the dawn had arrived. Aemon held his most secret of meetings in the godswood, in the dead of night. Jaime Lannister, despite no longer having a position in the Kingsguard, had been the gatekeeper to the godswood and no one dared approach him.

Catelyn hadn't encountered much of Ser Jaime since he had stood in solidarity with her nephew. For his part, he seemed to avoid everyone, including his own family, all except Aemon and occasionally Ned since they had meetings in his solar. She had been surprised at his steadfast support of Aemon. She knew that Jaime owed Aemon a debt now, but even the known phrase 'a Lannister always pays his debts' didn't seem to quite cover this kind of loyalty. Ser Jaime murdered his grandfather after all, but Aemon had almost immediately pardoned him of that. There was more to that relationship than was being let on. She had asked Ned about it, but he had merely shaken his head. Ned had always been a poor liar - which made it incredible that he kept Aemon's secret for so long - and she could see the certainty and terror in his eyes that there was something deeper to their relationship.

She froze in the hall as Ser Barristan purposefully made his way towards her.

"My Lady Stark, King Aemon requests your presence," he said, nodding at her in acknowledgement.

"Did His Grace mention why?"

"That is for him to say, My Lady," he replied.

More secrets, she thought. They were certainly working very hard to keep their plan under wraps for as long as possible. She wondered for a moment why such secrecy would be necessary. It was unlikely, even a week after the execution, that either of the Baratheon brothers knew about the usurping of their king. She, of course, had seen Ned, Aemon, and even Ser Jaime himself going to Maester Luwin with parchments in hand, which could only be letters going out across the Seven Kingdoms. It was only a matter of time before the world knew what had happened here.

She and Ser Barristan walked into the godswood. Ser Jaime, for once, was not standing guard at the door and that he was in fact standing with Aemon and Ned by the weirwood tree. He was just latching an intricate wooden case shut as Ser Barristan walked up and declared, "I have brought Lady Catelyn, Your Grace."

"Thank you, Ser Barristan," Aemon said, giving him a nod before his eyes fell on her. Ser Jaime and Ned too looked at her. She shivered under the weight of their stares, feeling for the first time like she was naked instead of wearing a full dress and shawl.

"I will not let you down, Your Grace," Jaime replied smoothly and slung the case around his shoulder. "I will protect it with my life."

"I'd still prefer you over the harp. Remember that, please," Aemon had replied, his voice colored with amusement.

For the first time since he had arrived, Jaime smirked, then nodded and strode off back to Winterfell.

The harp? Another mystery and one she did not have time to contemplate as Aemon regarded her.

Catelyn opened her mouth. She should greet him, but the words seemed stuck in her throat. She glanced at Ned who smiled at her, exhaustion lining his face. That eased the tension in her throat and she fell into a deep curtsy in front of her nephew. "Your Grace, I would like to apologize to you. I have treated you shamefully since you were a babe. I have long known that my treatment of you was wrong and yet I could never break myself out of long ingrained habits and prejudice. I should have welcomed you into my household with open arms, regardless of who you were to Lord Stark. I beg your forgiveness."

She forced herself to look up into his eyes. He regarded her coolly which was almost worse than anger. She had expected a lecture and perhaps mild punishment, though it would not look good for him to punish the lady of his staunchest ally, no matter what wrong she had done to him.

"Yes, you should have," he finally replied. "All I ever wanted was a mother, but you made it clear under no uncertain terms that I was never to regard you with anything like motherly affection. You made me an outcast in my own home. Did I ever truly have a family when almost everyone always regarded me by my status first? Even Robb, whom I love like a brother, called me bastard."

"Yes, I know. I am the one responsible. I was the one who sowed the seeds of doubt and mistrust. I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I beg you for it anyway."

Aemon huffed. Was it her imagination or did it not sound like the deep growl of a wolf? "You are forgiven, Lady Stark, but I will never forget. Now, rise, that's not what I called you out here for."

She shivered once more and the wind had nothing to do with it, but she stood slowly and looked at Ned. He smiled and nodded at her again and then walked over to hold her hand.

"I am in the process of arranging marriages for Robb, Sansa and Arya. I would ask that you inform Sansa of the pending nuptials. It's not finalized, but I feel it's best to be transparent to the girls in this regard. I'll inform Arya myself."

Catelyn had to tamp down on the rage that threatened to choke her. How dare you use my children as pawns in your war, but this was every nobles calling and the king had every right to arrange matches as he saw fit. It was rarely done, but she knew that he was in desperate need of allies and her children were their best hope. "Of course, Your Grace. To whom are they to marry?"

"I am looking to marry Robb to Margaery Tyrell and Sansa to Willas Tyrell. Arya may marry Tristayne Martell, but I know how reticent she is to marry, so that will only be offered if nothing else appeases them," Aemon replied.

She was stunned. The Tyrells were an exceptionally powerful household and they had supported the Targaryen's during the Rebellion. It wouldn't be entirely unreasonable to think that they might support a Targaryen again. As she contemplated it, the matches were well thought out and it would make the Starks powerful in ways they hadn't seen since the time of the Kings of Winter. She knew very little of the Tyrells personally, other than by their reputation, but Willas Tyrell had been almost as handsome as Ser Jaime. He had also been knightly before his injury and everything she had heard about him since suggested he was a kind and intelligent young man, but few wished to wed a cripple. His prospects had all but vanished the day of his injury. The only thing she knew about Margaery Tyrell was that she was the same age as Robb and said to be just as kind as her brother.

Dorne would be perfect for Arya. Her wild wolf who tried so hard to train with the men would finally get her wish if she were to marry into Dorne. But my baby will be on the other side of the world! Simply put, she would in all likelihood never see Arya again unless they visited King's Landing. She glanced at Ned and he nodded yet again.

"Very well, it will be done, Your Grace."

Once more his gaze pierced through her and she had to fight not to turn her eyes away.

"And you will write your father and sister and tell him to bend the knee."

"He may not listen to me," she replied and struggled to keep the trembling from her voice.

"Then I suggest you press upon him how urgent it is that he listen," Aemon said, his voice and eyes as cold as steel. Then he walked past her out of the godswood.

She let out a ragged breath once he was out of earshot and her husband gave her a weak smile.

"I am confident in the matches that have been made for our children. We both knew this day would come," Ned said, embracing her as they too began their walk out of the godswood.

"And yet it still feels too soon," she said, grabbing his hand and squeezing it. "I'll admit, the matches are excellent. I think our children will be satisfied once they meet their betrothed."

"I think so too."

"Did you help him?"

"It was mostly Lord Jaime who suggested the matches."

"Lord Jaime?" Catelyn asked. She did not like the sound of that.

Ned gave her a strained smile and using a hand at the small of her back, he forcibly steered her to their chambers. Once closed, a mask that she didn't think he was capable of wearing fell from his face. He looked exhausted and wary. "Aemon has made Jaime Hand to the King."

Catelyn was certain her heart skipped a few beats as her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. "Jaime Lannister, Hand of the King?" She whispered. Her eyes swept the room as if looking at the interior of their chambers for an answer. "Did you not say something to him? Lannisters are hardly trustworthy!"

"Of course I did," Ned snapped. "He gave his reasons of which I cannot tell you. They are sound, but still I am troubled. I don't trust any lion to have Aemon's best interests at heart."

"What can we do?"

Ned sighed and slumped. "Nothing. At least nothing without raising suspicion in either of them. Aemon's sending Jaime on a solo mission. He's going to negotiate the alliances for the other lord paramounts while Aemon leads the army."

Catelyn felt faint and she had to sit down on the bed a moment to rest. "How did Lord Jaime get so much influence over Aemon?"

"I know how, but that doesn't mean I approve."

"How then?"

A shadow passed over Ned's face and he said, "I would prefer there be no secrets between us anymore, but...I can't. I can't tell you. That's for either Aemon or Jaime alone to tell."

"What shall we do?"

"We will counsel Aemon to the best of our ability. Perhaps with separation, he'll come to his senses and see reason. Let's pray that happens before Lannister does too much damage to his cause. Come, we must tell our children of their pending betrothals."

"Very well. I'll admit, if Lord Jaime does manage to pull this off, House Stark will be in a powerful position. I just can't see him doing all this work on Aemon's and our behalves," Catelyn replied, wringing her hands.

"Neither can I. We shall see what the coming months bring."

Once more she prayed to the Old Gods and the New that Jaime Lannister would not betray them or their nephew or it could be the downfall of them all.