Serena awoke to the sound of birds chirping. Her eyes fluttered open and looked around the room not immediately recognizing he chambers. They weren't Cersei's nor where they her own. Her blue eyes darted around until they found a red head sleeping in the bed. Sansa. She then realized she was sitting in a chair near the bed.

Sansa had been afraid last night after Joffrey sent Ser Meryn upon her. Serena took her supper in Sansa's chamber and the pair talked and played games until both had fallen asleep. Sansa looked so peaceful sleeping. There was no Joffrey nor war. It was nothing but sunshine and butterflies deep in sleep land. She decided to let Sansa get more sleep even if it was just a few moments.

The door creaked open and the handmaiden came in with a tray of breakfast for her lady. The girl was quiet as not to wake the sleeping lady just yet. She saw Serena sitting in the chair sword still strapped to her hip and have a slight smile. Serena stood up quietly and walked over to the handmaiden.

"I'm sorry my lady if I had known you had stayed I would have brought you breakfast." She said in a low voice.

"Don't worry about it" Serena started. "I've never been much of a breakfast eater anyway."

There was a moment of silence before Serena broke it.

"You're new to Sansa's service...I haven't seen you before."

"I am my lady. My name is Shae."

"Just call me Serena...I'm no lady."

Shae just gave a nod.

"You care for her." Shae said.

"I do."

Shae was going to say something however Sansa made a groan and rolled over waking up.

"I brought your breakfast my lady."

Sansa got out of the bed and saw her handmaiden who helped put her robe on as she stood up. Then she saw Serena standing there still in the same clothes she wore the previous day. She had stayed. A smile grew on her face as she walked towards the small table in the middle of the room to eat her breakfast. She noticed the one meal and frowned.

"You're not eating?"

"You go ahead. I'm not a breakfast person."

Sansa felt bad but dug in. Serena stood in the room with her a bit as Shae went to draw her a bath. When breakfast had been eaten and bath ready Serena took her leave.

"I should be on my way."

Sansa came over pulling her sister into a big hug with a smile as big as the Red Fork. It didn't need to be said that Sansa appreciated what Serena did. She was the best older sister one can ask for. The hug broke and Serena left the room.

She went to her own chambers closing the door and drawing her own bath. Everyone in the castle had servants to bring them food or draw a bath except Serena. She preferred to do her own thing not wanting to be like these perfumed lords and merchants who strut around the streets like they own every cobblestone.

The water got to the perfect temperature and she stripped and slowly stepped into the tub. The warm water soothed her as she let out a deep breath and laid back in the tub just taking a moment to relax in the water. It felt good to relax even if just for a moment. Everything over the last few months had been so stressful. The death of a king and a nation at war.

Now she had to deal with a ruthless Joffrey and her divided loyalties. Her loyalty to House Stark and her love for Cersei. Of all the people in Westeros why couldn't she fall in love with someone else? Why did it have to be Cersei. She was a member of the rivals to House Stark. A House they were at war with. It couldn't be but the heart wants what it wants.

After a moment she picked up the rag and began washing. She finished her boy and then washed her hair. By the time she was done the water had cooled and was no longer soothing. She got up and stepped out of the tub grabbing a towel that was placed on a chair beside it using it to dry herself. Then she put on her typical outfit. Tunic,trousers,and shoes.

She walked out into the main part of her chambers where a beautiful breeze blew though the window blowing her hair around. The city truly was beautiful. Red buildings spreading for miles over the land. The weather however was not. Currently it was beautiful. Not too hot or cold with a nice breeze blowing about. However by midday she will want to fall on her sword from the heat.

A knock came on the door. Serena told the visitor to come in. The door creaked open and Serena turned to see who it was. It was reveled to be one of Cersei's handmaidens.

"Sorry to disturb you my lady. Her grace wishes to see you."

Serena tied back her hair to look a little more fancy and left with the handmaiden. They traversed through the castle up to the royal quarters and up to Cersei's chamber. She knocked on the door earning a "come in". She opened the door and let Serena in. The door was closed behind her. Her blue eyes fell upon the Queen Regent in a beautiful red and gold dress the colors of House Lannister hair beautifully braided. She looked up to see the younger woman enter the room and smiled.

"My little wolf." She said putting a parchment down on the table.

Serena smiled at her lover and responded with a "my lioness". Cersei seemed intrigued with the parchment on her desk peaking Serena's interest.

"Help yourself to some wine."

"No thank you...a bit early in the day for me. You wished to see me?"

Cersei took a sip of her goblet and set it back down.

"Yes." She said handing over the parchment. "Renly Baratheon is dead."

Serena read the parchment in shock. Young Renly dead. He was a fool to claim the Iron Throne especially with Stannis being the older brother.

"How?"

"Some reports claim one of his Kingsguard did. Others claim some type of blood magic was used. Regardless I say well done to whomever did it." She said lifting her cup in a toast.

That would mean Renly's bannermen would flock to Stannis. If that were the case Stannis would have a massive advantage over the Lannister's. That would mean Stannis would be setting his sights on Kings Landing. Renly should have attacked weeks ago but was too busy playing war like a child with duels and parties. Stannis was a more serious commanded. He'd be on the march as soon as his forces were consolidated.

"That's not the best of news." Serena said.

Cersei seemed intrigued as to why she felt that way over the of their enemy lifting an eyebrow.

"Why's that?"

"Renly's death means his men will move to side with Stannis. Stannis is a much different commander than Renly. Renly was holding court in the Stormlands with his hundred thousand men with tourneys and little balls keeping a hundred thousand men off the board. Now Stannis commands them and he won't be playing court. He'll be marching on the city."

Stannis was not going to play games everyone knew that. He was the most serious man in Westeros. If he had a goal he was going to move to achieve it and not wait around hoping it falls into his lap. If Stannis has the numbers he will take it. This meant that war would be on their doorsteps soon. Serena would then have to decide what to do when it did. Escape or fight.

Another key would be Stannis's patience. It would be smart to wait for the Northmen to come to Kings Landing and besiege it together. The question would be would he wait for Ned and his men to get south or would he get cocky and hit the city now feeling he could take it with the Lannisters occupied in the west.

"Perhaps he will. The city will be ready. The King has taken personal change of planning the cities defenses."

Serena caught a laugh in her throat. What did Joffrey know about planning the defense of a city. He had an entire council of older and wiser men who could do a much better job planning a cities defense. Hopefully he won't listen to any of them allowing Stannis to win and Sansa and herself to be freed. However Stannis winning would mean Cersei would be taken from her.

It was sad to admit but her love for Cersei had changed her. She was loyal to Ned the man who raised her but she felt loyal to Cersei as well. She was her lover there had to be some loyalty there. It split her between her family and her love.

"Hopefully he heeds the advice of his councilors. Stannis is not a man to play with."

"Oh my little wolf there is no need to worry. Joffrey has the best advisors in the Kingdom giving their wise advise."

"Best advisors...even Tyrion?"

Cersei gave Serena a look at the mention of Tyrion. She was not happy that her father had sent him to serve as Hand while he fought the war in the Riverlands. All her life she hates Tyrion and now she had to suffer him having real power and giving orders. Tywin should be sitting in that chair not that misshapen little beast.

"Tyrion may be a murderous little freak of nature but he has his uses." Cersei said taking a sip of wine.

"Why do you hate Tyrion so?" Serena asked. "He is your brother."

It was a question best left unasked but she was curious as to why she hated him. Sure he was small but he seemed kind and had one of the sharpest minds in the Seven Kingdoms. There really was no better man to serve as Hand of the King from her knowledge of him.

"Because he's a murderous little beast who murdered our mother to come into the world and would much rather spend his time fucking whores than doing anything productive."

"He didn't chose to kill your mother. Lady Stark's own mother died when she was born and no one holds it against her. Littlefinger owns a brothel and is the Master of Coin."

"Well I can't speak for Lady Stark and the Tully's but as for Littlefinger no one really likes or trusts him however he is good as his job. If I or Joffrey felt like he was lacking in his duties he would be decorating the city walls."

Serena couldn't argue with that assessment. Especially after Baelish betrayed Ned however in terms of his job everyone called him a magician. Money would be needed and he would rub his hands and say some magic words and poof money would be there for whatever was needed.

"Oh I almost forgot why I really asked you here." Cersei said ringing a small bell on her table.

The door to the room then opened and a soldier carrying a small crate. Serena was wonder what was in the crate. Was it something bad or innocent. Was it a gift? Her mind was swimming with ideas. Cersei thanked the man and he left a crowbar on top of it and left with a bow.

"What is it?"

"It is a gift." Cersei started. "Go ahead open it."

Slowly and cautiously Serena stood up and walked over to the box. For a moment she could have sworn he had heard movement within it but there couldn't have been. She picked up the bar and placed it between the pieces of wood and broke it off. When the wood hit the door a animal quickly ran out startling the girl.

Cersei chucked as Serena got back up and regained her senses and looked back on the animal. It was a puppy with white and black fur and looked a lot like a wolf. It was a beautiful animal. It looked at Serena with its tongue hanging out. She crouched down and extended her hand. It walked over sniffing her hand before she moved to pet its soft fur. Serena then picked the dog up holding him with a smile.

"Is it for me?"

"It is...a little wolf for a little wolf." Cersei replied.

Serena was overjoyed to have a dog. She always wanted one and was jealous of the Stark's for getting their own dire wolves but never made too big a deal out of it. She wasn't a Stark.

"It's beautiful...thank you."

"What will you name her?" Cersei asked.

Serena pondered it. There were a lot of good names for a dog. She didn't really want a cliche name but something that had meaning. It was a female dog so it had to be a girls name. She then thought of the perfect name.

"Lady."

Cersei's eyes immediately widened at the mention of the name. It was the name of Sansa's wolf who was executed by Cersei's command at the crossroads. Lady may be gone but she lives on in this dog.

"A lovely name." Was all Cersei could say not wanting to stir anything up.

Serena could see that however did not want to start anything with her right now. All she wanted to do was pet her knew puppy. Cersei picked up her cup and took another sip of wine. Cersei was drinking a lot more than usual. Something was off.

"What's wrong? You're drinking a lot."

Cersei sat back in her chair a flash of anger showing.

"Tyrion is having my daughter shipped off to Dorne like some prized horse. If that isn't a reason to drink I don't know what is."

Serena sat down still stroking the head of Lady.

"Maybe Myrcella would be safe in Dorne. If the city falls to Stannis it wouldn't be safe for her here. Perhaps Tommen should he sent away as well."

Cersei seemed almost betrayed by the statement. How could Serena side with Tyrion on this matter? Myrcella shouldn't he sold off to Dorne. To a family that despises here for a crime committed years ago.

"Safe? How would she be safe there? How would sending Tommen away make him safe? My children will only be safe with their mother."

"Cersei..."

"No. I cannot bare to lose them." Myrcella will go to Dorne and come back to me in pieces. I will not let that happen."

Serena set Lady down and let her run around for a bit before standing up going to get some wine.

"I thought it was early in the day for you?"

"It is." Serena said pouring the red liquid into the goblet and taking a sip. "But taking about politics makes me want to drink."

Serena sat back down in the chair Cersei giving a near angry look. She took a sip of the wine and set the cup down.

"Stannis knows the truth. If he takes Kings Landing none of your children will be safe sending Mycella to Dorne puts near a thousand miles between them. If she is to be wed to the Martell boy she'd be safe. The only way to get her is to declare war on Dorne. Send Tommen to a bannerman or Casterly Rock until the treat has passed. You don't want them here when the war comes."

Cersei shook her head.

"The roads are full of bandits and would happily attack his caravan when they learn who it's transporting. Maybe the Brotherhood Without Banners would learn we are moving Tommen and take him. Or maybe the Stark's will find him or Stannis. Any man would happily sell him out for a reward."

Serena stood up and walked around the desk.

"You know you think too much." She said sitting down on Cersei's lap. "I think you need get your mind off everything."

She then leaned in planting a kiss on Cersei's lips.

Ned sat at the table that was covered with a map of Westeros while reading over some raven scrolls. The word had come in of Robb's victory in th Westerlands. It was a great victory. It denied Tywin any reinforcements in the Riverlands. If Robb had been defeated it would give Tywin thousands more men and put the northern forces at an even worse disadvantage.

Twenty thousand to near sixty thousand was a bad enough disadvantage. Lysa Arryn joining the fold would be critical. The Knights of the Vale were the best soldiers in the Seven Kingdom. It was their support that gave the edge to Robert during his rebellion. Why Lysa would not commit to their cause despite the Lannister's killing her husband was unknown.

Ned then sent then sent for a soldier to bring him a blank piece of parchment and some ink. While waiting he continues to read through some letters and planning the war. He picked one up and saw the seal of a wolf. It was from Winterfell. Quickly he tore open the seal and began reading the message.

'Lord Stark,

Winterfell has fallen under attack by the Ironborn led by Theon Greyjoy. They lead a false attack on Torrhen's square to draw our troops out and attack. The castle is now firmly in the hands of the Ironborn with Bran and Rickon as their hostages. Ironborn are now raiding the coasts reaving and raping. Deepwood Motte has fallen and Moat Caliln has also fallen under attack.

Maester Lewin'

Ned slammed the parchment on the table letting out a screamed anger. Why did Robb send that damned boy back to his father. Theon nor his father could be trusted. Now Winterfell was in the hands of the Ironborn. Why would Balon order an attack so deep into Northern Territory? Unless he didn't order it? Moat Calin and Deepwood Motte were one thing but to lose Winterfell now of all times.

How could Ned lead a war and call himself Lord of Winterfell if Theon held the castle. Robb should have waited to send Theon until Ned escaped and was able to discuss the potential alliance with Balon Greyjoy. Of course it would have its benefits as they didn't have a fleet but Balon could not be trusted. Now Winterfell was in the hands of the Greyjoy's and the Northern armies were near a thousand miles away.

The question was now what to do about it. They couldn't allow Winterfell to remain occupied yet they couldn't march the army back. Something had to be done about this. Ned could not let this stand. If he can't protect his home why should anyone follow him.

Cat then ran into the tent wondering what the commotion was about. She looked and saw the parchment beneath Ned's fist and the look of anger and sadness on his face. Immediately the worst thoughts flooded into her mind. Was it news from Oxcross? Was Robb or Torrhen injured,killed,or captured? Could it have been news from capital? Serena and Sansa?

"What is it my love?" She asked.

Ned said not a word and handed the parchment to his wife. She took it and her eyes glossed over it taking in the words. Her eyes stopped and her body almost gave out. Winterfell...captured. Bran and Rickon captives of the Ironborn. She dropped the paper and fell forward against the desk. She warned Robb to never let that boy leave his sight! Now Winterfell was in the hands of the Greyjoys.

"I warned him Ned. I told him never trust a Greyjoy! Now our home is gone!"

Ned stood up walking over to his wife placing his hands upon her shoulders calming her down.

"It'll be ok Cat. As soon as the boy's return I will send Torrhen north with a small force to retake it."

"Is that wise?" Cat said. "With the war here we need all the men we can get here. We'd have to pick a front to fight on. Don't you have a loyal lord you can trust do take some men already in the North to do take it back in your name?"

Ned looked down. Most of the northern host was south of the neck thousands of miles away. The only men left in the north were small defense forces. There was one lord who might have the manpower and was close enough to throw the Ironborn out.

"Perhaps. We will have to wait for Robb and Torrhen to return from the Westerlands."

Cat let her head lay on Ned's shoulder. He took his hand running it though her hair to soothe his side. The pair just took a moment together in silence just the two of them. Husband and wife. A pair that never expected to see each other again after Joffrey took the throne. Now they were together again in each other's arms in a time of war thousands of miles away from home which was in the hands of the enemy.

It felt good to once again be in each other's arms again. To hold one another and have a moment to forget about the war and everything going on. She then pulled back and looked her Ned in the eyes.

"I have some news for you."

Ned's eyes widened. What could the news be? Was it Hoster? He knew the Lord of Riverrun had been feeling quite ill as of late.

"What news?"

He waited as Caitlyn figured out the words to use. The suspense was killing the lord who wanted to know what the news was

"Tell me."

The words that left her lips left the lord shocked with widened eyes.