The riot was still fresh in the minds of everyone. Serena spent the rest of that day sitting in her chamber looking at her sword leaning against the wall. All those people wanted was food and care from their King and were ignored. And those men who attacked Sansa...what kind of monster attempts to do that to a little girl. The thought of it crushed her. What if she had not heard the cries? What if she missed her? It would sit with Serena for the rest of her life.

All this because of a war. Hopefully the rumors were true and Stannis was preparing to move on Kings Landing. If his forces arrived with Ned bringing the northerners from the land Joffrey's reign would be at an end. That boy did not deserve to sit the throne whether he was Roberts son or not. The way he treated Sansa as well as his subjects. Sansa was his betrothed and he treated her like a slave and his people he looked on like peasants. It was a miracle Serena was allowed to remain in the keep considering her common background. Her relationship with Cersei was probably the one thing keeping her in the keep.

Serena stood up walking over to the sword grabbing it and sliding it back into its sheath. She hoped she would never have to use it again however it seemed like she would have to use it many more times before she could retire the blade.

A knock them came at the door.

"My lady."

Serena called for the person to come in. A young girl a servant in Joffrey's employ entered the room. She wanted to tell the girl to run and get out of the city before either Joffrey harmed her or Stannis and his men came and had their way with her however she said nothing.

"My lady King Joffrey wishes you see him in his chambers."

What could Joffrey want? Hell he wanted to take her head not too long ago and now he wanted a private audience? Maybe this was it? Despite her service in the riot maybe she was still to be executed? Perhaps as a message to Ned to end his war and free Jaime. Not that she was a highborn but she was raised by him and he would care for her if he was used as an ultimatum.

She agreed and went with the servant who took her through the halls of the keep. Anxiety filled the northerner with each step closer to Joffrey's chamber. She felt like it was a bad idea to leave her sword behind knowing the king's unpredictability.

They arrived at the door and the servant opened the door ushering Serena into the room.

"It's a horse blanket." Joffrey could be heard saying to someone.

"Your grace I think it looks very noble."

"It's a filthy horse blanket take it away."

As she entered the room a man walked passed and out of the room with some fabric in his hands. It was the Royal tailor. She would really hate to work for Joffrey. How anyone including his mother can put up with him was beyond her. When inside the room Joffrey had put on a new shirt and was properly dressed to receive a lady. His mother sat on the other side of the room looking over some parchments. Was there anything Joffrey did without his mother? He would be in for a rude awakening when it came time to bed his future wife. That would be pretty awkward.

"Your grace you sent for me?"

Joffrey turned to look at the girl.

"Yes Lady Serena I did. Please help yourself to some wine or fruit." He said motioning to a table with a bowl of fruit and a pitcher of wine.

She respectfully declined the offer thanking him for it.

"Well to business then." Joffrey started. "I wanted to commend you for your actions during the recent revolt in Fleabottom. With your skill and bravery you not only protected my betrothed but my mother. If there is anything you wish of me just ask and I shall grant it if it is within my power."

'Yea I have a request. Let me and Sansa return home' she thought. He would not have that though. Sansa was one of his great prizes of this war. For as along as he had her there was a guarantee that the north was not going to do anything stupid.

"I was just doing my duty your grace." She said trying to remain humble as was her personality.

"Humble." Cersei said. "I respect that."

"Indeed. Still if there is anything you require do ask it of me."

There were a million other things she could ask the king if she was greedy. She could ask for gold,knighthood,or even her own holdfast. However that was not in her personality nor did she care for land or gold. Maybe one day be a knight which she always dreamed of but a small civilian uprising was not reason for a knighthood.

"Just look after my sister. She's been through a lot recently including her attack during the riot. I ask that you see her and be kind. That is all I ask."

Joffrey thought for a moment before speaking.

"Of course my lady. An honorable request. I admit I've treated Sansa terribly these last few weeks."

'That's one way of putting it.' Serena thought to herself.

"I promise to see her and make sure she is well."

What a politician he was. Ruthless on the throne but compromising when he need be. Perhaps his mother played a role in that. If only was able to actually reign him in and end his tyranny maybe this war would not have started in the first place.

"Thank you your grace." Serena said.

Her eyes turned to look at Cersei without moving her head. She looked so elegant today with her Crimson dress embroidered with gold. The sun shown through the window right on her causing her to glow with the gold in the dress. She could not think about that now. Not in front of Joffrey. Quickly she averted he eyes from the Queen who seemed to notice it at the last second. If Joffrey found out about them he would hang her for sure.

"If that is all your grace." Serena said hoping to get out of that room.

"There is one more thing my Lady. In light of recent events with the war and the recent attack in Fleabottom it has shown how overwhelmed the City Watch as well as my Kingsguard are. Considering that I will name you my mothers personal bodyguard."

"That's not necessary my sweet child I believe Ser..."

"That is my decision mother. I want to know you are protected by a proficient warrior which the lady Serena has shown herself to be. She nearly defeated my uncle Jaime and saved both you and lady Sansa. With Stannis coming and many enemies living within this city I want you safe."

Cersei gave into the king's command. It wasn't like she was truly mad about he decision. It gave the two an excuse to be together. However she wanted to seem strong especially to her son the King.

"Do you object to this appointment my lady?"

She was actually given a choice in the matter? It surprised her. Usually a royal command was a royal command not a choice. She thought about it a moment. It would not look good with Sansa and even the northerners if she accepted this position. Many would think she was betraying her father and brother. However it would keep her close to Cersei which could have its benefits. She would be close to her lover and could be present for all the meetings and war councils and get informed on everything going on and help the north by feeding them that information. It was a risk she would have to take.

"It would be an honor to serve as her grace's bodyguard or wherever you wish me to be."

Joffrey cracked a smile at that one. A look of 'I know where I wish you to be'. Disgusting. She then walked over and knelt before Cersei.

"It is my honor to serve you your grace."

"Please rise. There's no need for such formalities." She said.

Serena stood.

"Go on dear. I will call on you later."

Serena thanked the king for his favor and bowed before leaving the room. This could be a good thing. If she could be around for all the different meetings and get all the information as to what the Lannister army was doing.

She then went to have supper which would be brought to Sansa's chambers. It was definitely not the night for her to be on her own. Luckily Serena found her when she did. Sansa would never be able to recover from that if it had gone any further. When she arrived Sansa was knitting on a chair while her handmaiden set the table.

Serena did not know this handmaiden well save for the span of one conversation however she seemed dedicated and trustworthy so there was no need for Serena to worry about her being a spy. This handmaiden my the only trustworthy person in this city.

"Serena!" Sansa screamed running up to her sister pulling her into a tight hug.

She was still clearly shaking from what she endured. The older sister couldn't imagine what she was going through right now. Serena would never let that happen to her being trained with a blade but Sansa was was not. She was a child who wanted to be a proper lady. There was no judgement there from Serena. Who wouldn't want to be a lady from the stories in songs married to your knight in shining armor to care for your needs and love you till the end of your days? Was not her cup of tea but to each their own in her eyes.

"Are you alright? You're shaking!"

Sansa pulled away. There was a look of fear in her eyes. What could it have been? She was safe now behind thick stone walls with her sister to protect her. There was nothing more to be fearful off.

"What is it?"

Sansa looked down.

"I've bled." She said softly.

Serena could not hear her sister with her head hung low and soft spoken voice. She asked the girl to repeat herself a little louder.

"I've had my blood." She said looking up.

Serena's eyes widened. No. Judging by the fear in her eyes Cersei knew which meant Joffrey knew. If they knew it would not be long before they began planning the wedding. She can have the King's children now. It was a surprise this was not mentioned at the meeting she just had with both Joffrey and Queen. Maybe they felt it was best to find out from Sansa herself. Although Joffrey would typically be boasting about such things. However it was a happy moment and Joffrey nor the Queen could take that away.

"Sansa...your a woman now." Serena said with a slight smile.

Sansa sat at the table as Shae set the food before her. It was hard for her to smile. Perhaps if Joffery was the gallant Prince she hopped he would be this moment would be different. Serena sat next to her taking her hand in her own.

"Sansa you have to be strong. You're a woman grown now. The Queen will insist this marriage be soon. It'll probably be after Stannis attacks as he is preparing to attack as we speak."

"You have to get me out of here!" Sansa exclaimed. "I can not marry Joffrey!"

Serena pulled her sister into a hug to calm the girl down before someone heard. What could she do? Varys had already risked his head enough for Serena there was no way Baelish could be trusted with this plot either after what he did to them during Joffrey's ascension. There was no way she could do this alone and there was no one she could trust.

"Sansa...there's nothing I can do."

"Please!"

Serena pulled back looking her sister in the eyes watching the tears well up.

"I have no one I can trust. It's one thing to have Varys smuggle letters in but he's not going to stick his neck out for us. Littlefinger can't be trusted either. Joffery had the city watch and guard shifts changed so I don't know when to plan the escape."

Sansa felt angry and afraid and rightly so. She held herself up good for a child but everyone has a breaking point.

"Can you trust Cersei?" Sansa asked almost mockingly.

"What was that?"

Serena was shocked and aggravated. What was she insinuating? There was no was she could know about her and Cersei. No one knew. Both had been extremely careful. So careful not even the King knew. If anyone knew Joffrey knowing wouldn't be too far behind. If he found out Serena would find her head on a spike.

"I know you and Cersei talk all the time. Almost like you're friends or something. You're always being called to her chambers and after Joffrey's..."

"Sansa stop."

Tears began to well in the girls eyes.

"Serena..."

She moved in hugging her sister again.

"Sansa I am here for you. Any friendships I make I do for preservation. I swore to father I would keep you safe. One day I swear we will get out of here and back home again. I swear it."

Sansa hugged Serena tighter.

"Forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive."

Torrhen marched through the camp to the command tent. Ser Alton had returned from the capital with the King's response. Everyone knew what the response would be this was just a formality. Joffrey would never surrender the kingdom even if he knew he was a bastard. If the realm could hear the north wanted peace maybe their view on the war will change.

Torrhen entered the tent with all the Lords and generals assembled inside. Robb stood next to Ned who had Cat to his other side. Ser Alton was still being brought in. The lords discussed the verdict amongst themselves.

"No way that boy king agrees to the terms." The Greatjon said. "We may have won every battle but he knows he has us where he wants us. All it takes is one defeat and we could be crushed."

"We will never lose." Robb started "We lose we meet the same fate as my grandfather. I do not intend to meet that fate my Lord."

"Let's not get over excited." Ned jumped in. "We've only won a few battles. Let's win the war first."

It was then that Ser Alton was brought into the tent. He looked weary from the road and whatever bath he had gotten in Kings Landing was gone. Ned welcomed Ser Alton back and asked if his travels were well and if he was treated well.

"All was well my lord thank you."

"Do you bring a response from the capital?" Torrhen asked.

"I do. The King and his council have declined your terms."

"Figures the cowards would turn down our terms." Lord Karstsark said.

"They did however offer counter terms." Alton stopped and Ned have him the signal to continue. "The north must surrender and all northern Lords come to Kings Landing and publicly declare Joffrey the one true King. Secondly Lord Eddard Stark must turn himself into the captivity of the crown where he will be charged with treason and sent to the Wall. Lastly The Ladies Sansa and Arya will be returned to Winterfell as long as Ser Jaime Lannister is returned to Kings Landing."

"Arya? They have Arya? Did you see her?" Catelyn jumped in.

Ser Alton shook his head.

"I did not see her at all my Lady nor did I lay eyes upon Sansa. I did see the other one...Se...I can't recall her name."

"Serena?" Torrhen asked.

"That's it."

Torrhen out a sigh of relief. It was good to know Joffrey had not killed Serena. Deep down he knew she was ok. They had that connection that twins always had. They could feel each other even if near a thousand miles separated them. It had seemed to diminish since the war started but it was still there.

"Where did you see her? How'd she look?"

"She was in the council chambers when I brought the terms back to the capital. She..."

Torrhen asked 'what' wondering what was so bad that it made him stop.

"She was advising the council."

The room filled with some audible gaps. Ned remained silent placing his hands on the table. He raised her better than that. Though he thought he did the same for Theon Greyjoy. He however would wait for Ser Alton to finish his report.

"She actually advised in favor of the North. Cersei wanted to have you all executed and the Stark's stripped of all titles. It was her advice that prompted Lord Tyrion to send these terms."

Now that sounded a lot more like Serena. She would never betray the North or her brother. Perhaps it would be good for her to get close and know exactly what was going on.

"Well Ser Alton the North will have to decline the king's proposition. He is not the true heir of Robert Baratheon nor are his siblings and therefore has no right to give demands. Take Ser Alton to his cell."

"His cell is full." Lord Karstark informed his lord.

Ned thought about it for a moment.

"Build Ser Alton another pen. In the meantime put him with the kingslayer. Have your boy watch over them."

Lord Karstark bowed to his liege lord and took the prisoner with a 'come on'. With a few final words Ned dismissed the rest of the lords and generals. They flooded out of the tent leaving Ned,Cat,Robb,and Torrhen.

"Well it seems Serena is doing well for herself." Robb said in a somewhat sarcastic tone.

"What do you mean by that?" Torrhen said.

"I'm just saying that..."

"Enough!" Ned said in a raised voice. "We need each other right now. We need to do our jobs and Serena is doing her's."

"How?" Robb asked the pitch of his voice slight raising. "What makes her different from Theon?"

"She didn't attack Winterfell." Ned said.

The Lord of Winterfell walked over and patted his sons shoulder.

"She promised to protect Sansa and she cannot protect her if she is dead. If she had betrayed us Ser Alton would have reported her agreeing with the Queen and Joffrey and wanting our heads."

Robb placed his hands on the table apologizing for coming to such quick conclusions. Both Ned and Torrhen understood. The war was taking a toll on everyone especially Robb after the news of Theon taking Winterfell. No one knew who to trust. Trust was key in war especially when it came to family and those around you.

"Any word from Bolton's son?" Robb asked.

"None yet. We will receive word do not worry."

No one could wait for the war to end. No one wanted it not even Robb who called in the banners. No one wanted to slaughter thousands of people or lose their homes as the Stark's had. It was no surprise Ned could keep his calm. He had served in two wars and new the prices that needed to be paid.

"We have some news to share with you as well." Ned said.

Robb and Torrhen looked up to their father. They wondered if it was good news. Good news would help boost morale significantly.

"What news?" Robb asked almost concerned.

Ned looked to Catelyn who smiled a bit.

"Cat. Want to tell the boys?"

A silence filled the tent. What was it? It had to be good judging by the smile on Cat's face. They waited for what felt like hours for the news to spill out. Robb almost wanted to grab his mother and shake her until she unveiled what it was.

"We are having a baby."