The sun had finally began to rise sending its rays through the trees creating a beautiful view. The army had been marching for most of the night and would soon be finding a place to settle down for the rest of the day and rest up. Many of the men were starting to tire and straggle behind. Even Robb was struggling to keep his eyes open. Torrhen was managing to stay awake but would soon succumb to sleep. They would need every man to be perfectly rested before the battle.

Torrhen looked at everything going on. This war between the Stark's and the Lannister's. Tywin truly didn't believe that his grandchildren had no blood relation to Robert...more like he refused to believe it not wanting the Lannister name to be besmirched in any way. Sure the Targaryens wed brother and sister but they were the Targaryens nobody was going to say they couldn't do it. Perhaps if they had done things differently in Kings Landing maybe the war could have been prevented.

"You know we should have accepted Renly's offer." Torrhen said.

"What offer?"

Torrhen had forgotten they never mentioned Renly offering Ned a small force back in Kings Landing before Robert's death.

"Before Robert died Renly offered to get us a small force to strike while the castle slept. Naturally Ned turned it down."

"It was a dishonorable thing to do." Robb said.

"I'm all for honor but maybe it could have prevented a war. Arrest the Queen and her bastards and we could then prove Cersei's infidelity and install Stannis maybe we wouldn't be having this war. With Renly's men or no we should have stuck. All this bloodshed could he been avoided."

All this could have been avoided. Men wouldn't have to die by the thousands to depose a false King when this could have been resolved. Sure Torrhen enjoyed the idea of being at war as did most men he didn't enjoy the killing and the death something he will have to do a lot in the near future.

"I fear for the girls." Torrhen said. "Trapped in the capital with Joffrey and the other Lannister's."

"They'll be fine." Robb said. "Serena can take care of herself and care for Sansa. No one will harm

Her while he's there. Plus we have the Kingslayer. They wouldn't dare harm a hair on their heads while we have them."

They continued to ride a while longer before Robb settled on a space to camp. It was a good spot well hidden behind the trees and had a stream for water. The men were tired from all the marching they had been doing after dinner the night before. The tents were set up and the men began to rest.

Ned stood at the table overlooking the map looking at where the pieces were placed. So far the Lannister's had been denied a victory in the war by Robb. Never did Ned think he would ever be back leading men into war. Much of his youth had been spent at war. A year fighting the Targaryens and the months spent fighting the Greyjoys. The siege of Pyke will be a day he will remember until the day he dies. Ned just wanted to spend the rest of his days in Winterfell with his family. He knew when it was said Robert was coming to Winterfell to appoint him Hand of the King everything was going to change.

Robb was taking the small force with Torrhen to take out the small Lannister force mustering near Oxcross to prevent them from joining with Tywin who was garrisoning at Harrenhal with all of his host. Robb's victory at the Whispering Wood and capturing Jaime took a main force out forcing Tywin's hand. The Lannister's still outnumbered the northern army by a lot and with Jaime being a prisoner Tywin would hopefully come full tilt. Hopefully taking out the army at Oxcross could keep them in the war. Ned had faith in his son to succeed in this task.

Cat then came into the tent smiling at her husband. When the news had come from the capital that Ned had been imprisoned she feared that she would never see him again. If it weren't for the twins who knows what the Lannister's would have done to him. Perhaps his head would be decorating a gate in the city somewhere. Thank the Gods they didn't find out. He looked up to see his wife and smiled.

"I never thought we would ever be at war again." Cat said.

"Never thought I'd be leading men into war again. I vowed never to march south again after the Greyjoy Rebellion and here I am...at the head of an army."

She walked closer and set her hands down on the table looking at it. Her eyes looked at the pieces on the map signifying navies and armies.

"You never should have left Winterfell...you should have told Robert no."

"He was my friend Cat I couldn't abandon him in his time of need. It wasn't for naught. Jon Arryn was murdered."

"By whom? Was it the Lannister's like Lysa suspects?"

"I didn't have time to conclude the investigation but I suspect it was."

Caitlyn wasn't surprised yet sad to hear the news. A house murdering the member of another for no reason at all was scandal unlike no other. It was wrong. Obviously Jon Arryn knew something. Whatever it was it died with him. Was it the truth about the 'Royal Children'? Was it something else?

"Did you ever get anything out of Tyrion while you had him in your custody?" Ned asked.

"Nothing...he claimed innocence up to the moment he walked out the door. Clearly the Gods deemed him so in his trial by combat."

Ned stroked his chin. Perhaps the dwarf was innocent of the charges...perhaps we was innocent of any wrong doing. Tyrion was the outcast of the family maybe they wouldn't inform them of their plans and used the man as a scapegoat. If that was the plan than it worked. Had them looking at the wrong person the entire time while the true criminals ran free. It had to be Cersei...they really was no one with more motive and the drive to do it than her. Perhaps Jon did the same thing Ned himself had done...confront Cersei about her bastards.

"It had to have been Cersei. I traced Jon's steps back several months and was right at the end before he died before I was arrested. I think he found out what I had and Cersei killed him to keep her secret."

"And then Bran re discovered it."

"Aye."

"Cersei and her brother will burn in the deepest of the seven hells for what they did to our son. I know it."

Serena sat in her chamber reading from a book. It was calming from everything going on. All everyone could talk about was the war. How many died in each battle, the brutality of the killings, it was all too much. There was took much killing and death in the last year all starting from the death of Jon Arryn. Reading was the only thing that kept the girl sane...and smart. It also kept her mind off Cersei. She was still somewhat conflicted about their new relationship. How would the people react if this relationship had been exposed? It could ruin both of them...not that Cersei's reputation was perfect with the rumors that she fucked her brother and had three children with him.

What would the realm think of Serena? How would that fall back on Ned as a father? The daughter...ward of Eddard Stark fucking Cersei Lannister the alleged brother fucker and mother of the King who wants to murder her family and is currently at war with. What would Torrhen think? Her brother would never understand if word had reached him. All these thoughts were subdued by her mind focusing on the words her eyes scanned over on the pages. A knock disturbed her.

"My Lady the Queen wishes to see you in her chambers."

Serena replied with an 'at once' and closed the book with a slight slam placing it on the table and left the room. By the time she exited the chamber the servant who had brought the message was gone. The sounds of footsteps echoed through the halls of the castle as the girl made her way through it. As she walked the sound of whistling could be heard. The tune was not one Serena knew. Perhaps it wasn't a song at all but a knew one invented by the whistler. It was a beautiful sounding tune that would make a good song played on some drums and lutes. She would get the change to ask the whistler of the song as they bumped into each other.

"My apologies." The man said.

When Serena looked down...way down she saw the small body of Tyrion Lannister.

"I'm sorry my Lord."

"No need to apologize My Lady it's quite alright."

They took a moment to fix themselves and re organize their thoughts.

"It's good we bumped into each other. I never got the opportunity to give my sympathies about your brother."

"Thank you Lord Tyrion."

"Your welcome. I did see him on my way back down for Castle Black. He seemed well and in good spirits despite everything. I even designed him a saddle so he can ride again."

Serena smiled at the sympathies and the mention of the saddle. Tyrion was not like the other Lannister's. He seemed kinder and gentler than the others. Sure Cersei was gentle to a select few people people but not everyone. Tyrion seemed sincerely kinder. If what he said was true and he designed Bran a new saddle then he truly was a kind man.

"Thank you Lord Tyrion. No one in the North liked to ride more than Bran."

"It was no problem at all. I have a soft spot in my heart for cripples,bastards,and broken things."

There was a moment of silence.

"You know I here you almost beat my brother in single combat." Tyrion said.

"I did." Serena replied with the hint of a smile showing.

Anyone would smile at that. Jaimie was touted as one of the greatest fighters in the land so to be able to beat him was a blessing. Honestly was a good fighter but not the best. Either his opponents were too afraid to hit a Lannister or people just like to over praise a famous name. As much as she would like to talk about the near victory Cersei was waiting.

"I'm sorry my Lord but Cersei has called for me."

"Ahh yes mustn't keep the Queen waiting. Until next time my Lady."

The pair then parted as Serena continued her trek to the Queen's chambers. When she reached the door a handmaiden was standing outside and saw Serena. Quickly she knocked on the door being alerted that Serena was to be arriving shortly. The sound of a 'come in' was heard through the door. With a nod from the servant Serena opened the door entering the room and the servant closed it behind her.

Cersei was sitting at a desk with a cup of wine beside her and a parchment in her hands. It seemed like whatever was written on the letter had her going nuts. It had to be news from the war...nothing has had the blonde so wound up especially after Robb captured Jaime at the Whispering Wood. Cersei laid down the parchment at smiled at the sight of her lover her green eyes glowing with excitement. The Queen regent stood up walking over to Serena embracing her and giving a passionate kiss that was happily returned.

"So good to see you my little wolf." Cersei said breaking the kiss.

Serena smiled at the nickname Cersei gave her. 'Little wolf' just as Sansa was Little Dove. She wasn't no little wolf. Sure she was smaller and younger than the Lannister Lioness but was just as ferocious if not more.

"Well my Lioness don't let my northern courtesies fool you. I may be a little wolf but my claws are just as sharp if not more so than yours." Serena replied.

Cersei smiled at the acceptance of the nickname by the younger girl and enjoyed the little nickname given to her "lioness". She was a lioness...one not to be messed with. Anyone got in her way it would be the end of them. They parted and Cersei went for the pitcher of wine.

"Wine?"

"No. It's a bit early for me."

With a nod Cersei filled her goblet taking a sip from it.

"What was troubling you?" Serena asked.

Cersei walked back around her desk placing the goblet down looking at the scroll that has been been unrolled onto the table.

"News from the war...it seems Ned Stark and your brother survived their journey and Lord Stark now heads the Northern army."

Serena mentally cheered at the news. Ned and Torrhen were alive and made it to Robb. The plan had worked. Now Ned was at the head of the Stark army along with Robb who truly proved himself a capable commander against the Lannister's who were led by Tywin Lannister who had to be one one of the smartest men in Westeros. Hand of the King for twenty years and would serve that role again for Joffrey and he built the Lannister house up from near ruin. For him to be embarrassed like this by a boy no older than sixteen is most definitely getting on the older Lord's nerves. Cersei watched the dark haired girls face attempting to decipher her thoughts on the matter but struggled to decode it.

"How does that make you feel?"

"Lord Stark..." She started. "Lord Stark is a veteran of two wars both of which he won. One of which brought down the greatest dynasty the world has ever seen. Robb has proved to be a good commander but to have Ned leading them...it causes problems."

Serena couldn't believe she was saying this. It was of course all our of necessity of staying alive and keeping Sansa safe. She looked as Cersei leaned in giving a look that told the girl to continue elaborating on her point. She may be the only person Cersei would actually let advise her shockingly considering she was raised by the enemy. Surprisingly she trusted the northerner.

"Ned Stark is known across the country as a war hero and the most honest and honorable man. With him knowing the truth and Stannis revealing your secret it would have more merit in the eyes of the Lords and Ladies of Westeros...Lords and Ladies whose support Joffrey needs to remain on the throne."

Serena really was a smart girl. Cersei knew it was true. If Ned Stark was allowed to live even as a traitor he would rally many Lords to the rebels cause. It would make it more difficult to hold support of the people and Lords. The only thing keeping the people in line was fear. Joffrey needed more than that. That was why having Serena on their side was a asset. She was born and raised in Winterfell and now found herself swearing allegiance to Joffrey. However it may take more that that alone to keep the Lords and Ladies support.

"Lady Serena...born and raised in Winterfell now in Kings Landing advising their enemies. How would you deal with this threat?"

"Your...Ceresi I wouldn't presume to..."

"We're losing this war Serena. What would you do?"

Serena didn't know how to respond. Should she say anything at all? At this point she advised way to much already. Maybe if she didn't Cersei might get suspicious and question her loyalty to Joffrey which knowing Joffrey could be the end of her.

"Well for one I'd focus all our efforts here in Kings Landing preparing for Stannis and Renly."

Cersei raised an eyebrow and nodded at her to continue.

"Your forces outnumber the Stark's by a lot. Renly however...if he can keep his men he would have the numbers. He could take Kings Landing in less than an hour if he attacked today."

It was the truth. Even if most of Renly's forces were Tyrell men,who weren't much good at fighting,the numbers would give them the advantage. If they managed to burst through the gates of the city that would be the end of if.

"Perhaps you should be leading our army." Cersei replied.

Serena let out a chuckle.

"That is an honor I can do without." Serena replied.