Chapter 2 : Tensions and Truths

Aenar/Jon Targaryen 

Same day

To say that his life had been altered was an understatement. The Wall was supposed to be the most significant transformation of his life, but then he discovered he was the rightful heir after Rhaegar. It was what he had read in the letters and what the voice had told him. As he ate from his plate, he couldn't help but notice that he had less food than before. He had defeated Robb in a similar manner before, but this time, he was confident of his victory. Lady Stark would surely be angry with him, although it couldn't be as bad as during the Greyjoy rebellion when she sent him to bed without supper for a week if he beat Robb.

She was not just Lady Stark but his aunt as well. He would never treat a child or anyone as she did, punishing them for someone else's wrongdoing. He didn't care about the looks she gave him, though. At some point, she would find out. However, even if she knew, there was still a chance she would scorn him for being the child of an unliked lady and the grandchild of incest.

Robb pulled him out of his thoughts and asked, "Why didn't you do that earlier? I hope you weren't taking it easy on me," he inquired seriously.

He grumbled a reaction towards Robb, "I did, but an explanation will have to wait," he replied, looking at the bowl of meat stew. He took a sip and tried not to spit it out due to its saltiness. He had learned to tolerate it, and he usually would excuse himself and say he wasn't hungry, but not anymore. The plan was to let his uncle see what his wife was up to and what she did in the shadows.

So he spoke up. "Lord Stark, you remember I was curious. Are you open to trading the food? The cooks have made it taste wonderful. I have no idea what they have put into mine." Everyone at the table looked up at his question. His uncle gave him a knowing look. Lady Stark looked shocked, and the rest were utterly bewildered about why he asked that question.

"Snow, do you really think a lord wants to trade his food with you? The cooks would prepare something far better for the lord than for you," Lady Stark said with a scowl towards him.

"Ah, good you say that, Lady Stark. But still, I would offer my portions to anyone who would like to have it, as I'm not hungry at the moment," he said, looking around.

"Jon, come, I would like your food," His uncle said. "But Ned, why would you want anything from Snow?" Lady Fish tried to argue.

"Cat, if my son wants to share his food because he isn't hungry, what would be the matter? The same cooks prepared the food," His uncle questioned his wife. That seemed to silence his wife.

So He stood up and walked towards the high end of the table where his uncle sat. "Here, Lord Stark, I hope you enjoy the food. It has been specially prepared for me," he said, looking at Lady Fish, full of contentment.

"Thank you, Jon. Are you sure you don't want food for yourself?" his uncle asked.

"No, Lord Stark. If the food is prepared like this, I would rather not eat. I find it unfair to have something so unique and eat it all alone," he answered sarcastically, smiling at his uncle.

"As you will, but remember it is still your nameday. Come with me after the luncheon. I have something for you at Mikken's forge," Lord Stark smiled, and he nodded in agreement.

"Now, let's taste this food," His uncle said, looking at him. Lady Fish looked worried, unsure of what she was supposed to do. His uncle took his spoon and took a bite. It only took a few seconds before he couldn't contain himself and spat it out.

"Husband, what is wrong?" Lady Fish asked, her voice full of worry. His uncle shot his wife a glare. "Jon, please tell me this hasn't been happening more often?" His uncle asked, his voice filled with pity and anger. "No, unfortunately not. As I said, this happens when I'm doing better or learning things quicker than your heir. I had to learn to lay low to make sure I wouldn't get punished," He answered, his voice filled with anger and stoic determination.

"How could you treat Jon like that?" Robb shouted loudly and accusingly at his mother. Her gaze swept back like someone was behind her, but no one was there. Her face displayed surprise at Robb's words, then turned to him, her face filled with anger. "What Robb? What have I done to Snow? Is as it should be to protect my children against bastard greed." Lady Fish asked Robb, looking at him with hatred. He would have acted cowardly, looking down or walking away in the past, but he no longer cared about what she would think.

"What you just said, Jon would never do that, and when father spits out his food, you look guilty like you've been caught. You did something with his food so he would eat less or nothing when he was better at things than me. That's why today he was better. Because before, he held back so he wouldn't be punished for being better." Robb shouted accusingly.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I have done nothing that isn't warranted to the bastard! You see, husband, what I mean? The bastard is once again shaming me. No, he's setting me up against our family," Lady Fish responded. It was a complete lie. She had made a mistake and was now trying to cover it up.

"Yeah, sure, my Lady. Then why did you hit me, as well, for beating Robb when you cornered me on my way to my room? Or, as you have done multiple times before, why did you spice my food with so much salt that it was inedible? Why do you think I wanted to give my food to Lord Stark or any of my siblings?" he said, not looking away. He looked at the woman who had made his life far more difficult than it had to be. He would never be like her. He did not choose to be born. When he became king, he would ensure things like this would never happen again.

"Cat, please tell me this isn't true. But I know it is because I just tasted the food. Please, if I and Jon are wrong, then eat this bowl," his uncle said, pointing at the food. "Eat it all here before everyone, and don't leave a scrap."

"What? You can't order me to eat food prepared for a bastard. I'm the Lady of Winterfell and deserve far more respect than that lowborn bastard. I will not lower myself," Lady Fish defiantly replied, but she dug her own grave by saying that. The entire group, except for little Bran, gasped, even Theon, who was pretty open about his disdain for his supposed bastard status.

"So, it's all true? You did that to my blood, hitting him and giving him salty food. And now, what else?" Lord Stark looked at his wife with utter horror. "Jon, what else happened to you that I'm unaware of?"

"Why are you asking Snow? They are liars and cheaters by nature. Why would you even listen to him over your wife?" Lady Stark asked angrily, glaring at him as if she wanted to kill him. However, she was smart enough not to call him a bastard.

"I asked him, not you, wife! Now, Jon, speak up. Don't lie, speak the truth," his uncle said. He looked around; Arya looked angry, Robb looked disappointed, and Sansa looked as if she didn't care or was trying not to look guilty. Bran was looking around, wondering what was going on.

As he spoke, his words dripped with sarcasm. "Well, father," he emphasized the word' father.' "As you must know, Lady Stark has often spoken to me about how I'm a treacherous bastard. A product of lust, they call it in the South. Only out of greed and all, taking from their true-born siblings. She reminds me of that more than once. I have overheard her talking with my sisters about that. Luckily, one doesn't seem to listen, and Robb has always treated me like a brother," he looked at Robb and Arya with affection but looked at Sansa with regret. 'He knew all those things weren't true. He wasn't even a bastard, so all those bastard things she says are all shit,' he thought smugly.

He wanted to say more, but his uncle interrupted and was boiling with rage. "Catelyn!! What did you say to my son and daughters? Why do you think many bastards would rebel? Is that what the faith teaches?!" he bellowed, looking bewildered.

"Sorry, Jon. Please, Jon, continue your story," His uncle said calmly, trying to keep his composure.

"I, of course, have never thought of doing that. I have had a fantasy of being Lord of Winterfell. Why wouldn't I? But I would never act against my family. Ironic, really, family, duty, honor. The House Tully words. It seems I have been better at them than actual house members," He replied scornfully.

"But I'm getting off-topic. In response to reminding me of my position and ensuring I didn't undermine Robb, I was sometimes sent to bed without food for a week if I beat him or got slapped by Lady Stark. This all started when you were away for the Greyjoy Rebellion. Because she was running the household, people did what she said. You can't really blame them for following her commands. When you returned, it was subtle, small things, like not getting new clothes, forcing me to learn to knit, not getting firewood, eating less food, or making it salty. Then, I would say I was not hungry. Or she'd slap me when we walked into each other after I had beaten Robb. So, to avoid that, I stopped and only studied hard by myself and practiced alone in the first keep. So that's all I have to say. You can ask the servants. They helped me sometimes if I didn't get any food. They left food for me in the kitchen or for Old Nan for helping me learn how to knit," He finished, a sense of relief washed over him.

"Lying bastard! Husband, you can't su--" Lady Stark spat with a scowl, unable to contain her anger.

Then the slap came, the first time Eddard Stark had ever struck his wife. "Wife, go to your bedchamber. Stay there until I say so. No comments. I haven't felt this angry since the death of my father and brother," Lord Stark said with a growl, full of sadness and rage. Lady Stark stood up and walked away from the Great Hall.

"Sansa, Arya, your lessons with the septa will stop. What she is teaching you isn't good. You will be taught by a proper lady of the North in the future. As for the rest, no more Faith of the Seven will be introduced to my children. You can pray to them if you want. I won't deny you. But the Sept of Winterfell will be closed. You can visit the one in Wintertown," his uncle said.

Arya was thrilled not to have to go to the septa anymore, and Sansa was confused but accepted her father's decision. "Jon, I'm so sorry I didn't see it before. If anything like this happens again, please talk to me and don't hide yourself anymore. It's only bad for Robb if he thinks he can win every fight. You two boys push each other and make each other better," His uncle asked them, and both he and Robb nodded in agreement.

"Let all the servants come here. I want to talk about this, to see who in this household is partly responsible for this horror that has occurred," his uncle ended with a deep sigh.

"Jon, I'm sorry for what happened, and I know you would never usurp me. Be who you are now and fight the best you can. I do love you brother, don't forget that." Robb said as he hugged him.

"As do I, and thank you, brother. I will," he said with a big smile. "Damn her, I can't believe she did that. I'm not even sure that woman is my mother," Arya shouted angrily, receiving looks from everyone.

"Arya, little sister, I don't care for Lady Stark, but she is still your mother. You don't have to forgive her. She is your mother, and you only have one," he said, trying to sound believable, but he believed his words. He would give much for a day with his mother. Perhaps he would forgive Lady Stark in the future, but he didn't want her or any of his cousins to lose their mother as he had done.

"Fine, but I will not forgive her," Arya said, staring angrily around the room. "That's all I asked. I don't even know my mother, so remember what you have," he said as he looked her in the eyes.

"Jon, I'm sorry. I only did what my mother asked, and I have missed you," the little nine-year-old Sansa said, looking very sorry.

"I understand, Sansa. I accept your apology," he said as he embraced her, and she sobbed. He kissed her on the crown of her head.

"Well, Jon, let's finish the meal and then join at the forge," his uncle said. "Of course, father. I'm curious about what you have planned," Jon replied, not knowing what his uncle had in store for him.

As he finished the meal, he couldn't help but wonder what his uncle, Lord Stark, had in store for him at the forge. He made his way to the forge with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Upon entering, he saw his uncle standing near the anvil, surrounded by various tools and pieces of metal.

"Jon, come here," his uncle beckoned him. "I have something special to show you."

He approached, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He noticed a set of finely crafted chest pieces and arm braces displayed on a nearby stand, gleaming in the light. It was unlike anything he had ever seen before.

"This is a suit of armor I had commissioned for you," Lord Stark explained. "It is made of the finest northern steel and adorned with the sigil of House Stark and a laughing weirwood tree. I believe it is time for you to have a suit of armor befitting your place in our family."

His eyes widened in awe as he examined the intricate details of the armor. He couldn't believe that such a magnificent piece had been created specifically for him. The weirwood tree reminded him of his mother, a copy of the letter to Brandon. It said she was the knight of the laughing tree. That would mean his uncle also knew that his mother was the knight of the laughing tree.

"Lord Stark, this is incredible," He said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything, Jon," His uncle smiled. "I have always believed in you and want to give you the tools you need to succeed. This armor represents more than just protection; it symbolizes your strength, resilience, and family legacy."

He felt a swell of pride in his chest. He knew that his uncle's words held meaning, and for the first time, he felt pride for himself and not the self-loathing he was used to of being the sole stain on Lord Stark's honor.

"Thank you, Father," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I will wear this armor with honor and do everything I can to uphold our family's legacy."

Lord Stark nodded approvingly. "I do not doubt that, Jon. You have already shown great potential, and I believe you will continue to make our family proud." He hugged him.

"Well, Jon, you deserve it, the white wolf with the red eyes. It suits you. Father, did you or Mikken choose the color?" Robb asked curiously.

"I chose it," his uncle replied with a smile. "I thought it would be a nice blend, symbolizing the weirwood tree's red leaves and the wolf's red eyes, with the white bark representing the wolf's white fur."

"Well, I would like to wear it tomorrow during our spare time, Stark," he said with a grin directed at Robb.

"Sure, Snow. Now come, we are going riding with Theon in the Wolfswood," Robb said.

The rest of the afternoon, he proceeded as usual. The ride through the Wolfswood provided a refreshing escape for Jon, allowing him to clear his head. During the ride, he enjoyed the banter and playful jabs between him, Robb, and Theon. The simple joy of being in the wilderness and riding alongside his friends helped him momentarily forget the weight of the day's events.

The dinner that evening brought more surprises. He was served the finest food, including a succulent lamb's leg prepared with exotic spices from the East. It was a departure from the usual fare he received, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude towards his uncle. Lady Catelyn, who always made it a point to remind Jon of his differences, seemed to have been kept at bay. The guilt in his uncle's eyes was apparent; he was trying to make up for his mistakes.

As He walked into Lord Stark's solar, he couldn't shake the sense of anticipation.

Eddard Stark

'This was a mouthful, to say the least,' He thought as he walked into his solar. The conversation with Jon, the apprehended betrayal of his foster father and brother, and the realization of what his wife had been doing behind his back weighed heavily on his mind. The things she had done to Jon were horrid, and he couldn't accept his wife not being open to his son or caring for him. But the level of abuse she had subjected him to shattered his view of the women he had come to care for. He never loved her in the way he had loved Ashara, the woman who had died because of his choices. She had jumped from the highest tower in Starfall after being betrayed by him and losing her best friend and her family.

Only Arthur had told him all of this in a letter after he had arrived at Greywater Watch. Arthur had demanded that he go to Ashara and put things in motion. He wept after he read that letter, mourning the woman he loved. All his happiness came from his children and nephew, whom he saw as a son.

The door creaked open, and Jon entered, "Jon," He greeted Jon, gesturing for him to take a seat. "I hope you had a good nameday feast, and the food was to your liking."

Jon settled into the chair, his eyes meeting his. "It was refreshing and fun, Uncle. The food tasted good. I don't remember when I last ate this well, perhaps when I shot that deer two months ago and roasted it in the woods."

He nodded, his gaze softening. "I'm glad to hear that, Aenar. I'm still so sorry about everything that happened over the last twelve years, even before that. I'm sorry I didn't listen to Prince Rhaegar when he wanted a parlay. I wonder much about that today and over the years, what would have happened if I did."

"Well, so do I. I wonder what would have happened if the letters to Uncle Brandon and Grandfather Rickard had arrived. Where would we be then? The rebellion might still have occurred without their deaths, or it could have been resolved. Robert would have raged, but there wasn't much he could do. If the North consented, Rhaegar would have the support of the Riverlands, North, Reach, Dorne, and the houses in the Crownlands. Perhaps after all was settled, he could have removed the Mad King from power as he planned," Aenar said, sighing.

"True, but we can only learn from the past. But Aenar, what do you want to do now? I will support any decision you make. I will stand with you," He said, looking at Aenar.

"I think I want to set the record straight, Uncle, to let the realm know the truth. I also want to save the realm from Robert's rule and do my duty, whatever that may be. I already know that plans are being set up by someone or something that talks to me in my dreams. But I need to make a name for myself and learn more. I can't do it in Winterfell; it would raise too many questions," Aenar said as he rubbed his chin, pondering the question.

He interrupted him, "Aenar, you have to go to Greywater Watch. It is remote, and an old friend of your father is waiting for you to come there on your sixteenth nameday."

"Well, you are right. Greywater Watch is a good location. I also have to go to the Iron Bank and gain access to the Targaryen line of credit there or send someone to collect part of the credit," Aenar said, his mind racing with thoughts. "Aenar, how is it that there is still money in the iron bank? Wouldn't it begone like the treasury in Kingslanding?" He asked, intrigued.

" There are two vaults my family still owns one in the Iron Bank and the other on Dragonstone. Only the true heir or king can open these vaults as they have bloodlocks that open them. It's something the Targaryens set up before they conquered Westeros to deposit their wealth and protect their valuables on Dragonstone. Valyrian magic was infused in them before their secrets were lost with the doom. It was all explained in one of the instructions my birth father left in one of the scrolls." He smiled a little when Aenar said, 'birth father.' Perhaps there was still hope for him, to be seen like a father in his eyes.

Aenar paused for a moment before continuing. "So at this moment, both I and the child of my other grandmother, Rhaella, gave birth to can open them until I have heirs of my own. My father wrote a will removing Viserys from the line of succession, seeing too many of Aerys traits in him. So only when I die and my uncle or aunt, then only Robert can claim the gold and whatever is on Dragonstone. As they will be the nearest blood relation."

He paused momentarily, his thoughts heavy with the weight of his words. "Aenar, you have an aunt a couple of months younger than you. Her name is Daenerys Targaryen. She and her uncle were last seen in Braavos six years ago. I heard that from Robert during the Greyjoy Rebellion."

Aenar smiled and asked, "Ah, that's good to hear. Any idea where they are?"

"No, unfortunately, I don't know. Robert sent me a letter saying that they escaped his murder attempt six years ago in Braavos, killing their guardian, William Darry. But there hasn't been any news about them since. But I suppose no news is maybe as good as any," He said, his tone filled with sadness as he told his son of his family's peril.

Aenar sighed and spoke up. "Well, I hope they are safe. Even my uncle was only a child during the rebellion and grew up with Aerys increasing madness, and most likely was heavily influenced by his father."

"True, we can't do much for them now. If we were to do something, we would not be in a good position for war or anything that may happen. As for preparing for that, I think it would be wise to have a place where you can build up your strength, learn to rule, and maybe travel the realm when you are older. I suggest Moat Cailin. So when you travel to Greywater Watch, let me know what you think, or we will have to look for somewhere else for a keep," he suggested, looking at Aenar.

"True, that would be the best. I also think it's time to start looking for a match for Robb. We can't look to the South, especially after what happened with me. Sorry, but building a sept in the heart of the North was a mistake. Perhaps one of the Manderly girls or Alys Karstark. Inform the lords, and maybe you will find a good match for Robb. Send messages to have them fostered so they can form bonds with Robb," Aenar said, surprising him with his political acumen. But then again, bastards grow up quicker, and Jon, or Aenar, was always observant.

He agreed, realizing that the Southern influences his wife was brought into the North weren't great, and his fostering didn't help either. Having his children under a northern woman for tutelage, and to take over the household for a while until Catelyn changed her ways would be the best course of action. "Very true. I have been thinking about sending for Maege Mormont or another northern lady to teach my children, especially my daughters. They can also oversee the household. I will arrange for it and for your siblings-cousins as well."

Aenar's voice growled with determination. "I'm sorry, Uncle, but I don't think your wife will be able to change. She is too rooted in her Southern ways. But time will tell. I agree with sending for a northern governess to see over your household and my siblings-cousins."

"Yes, I will send a raven to Howland in the morning and Maege. I will arrange for a guard to travel with you, and you will leave in two weeks. It takes around six to seven weeks to travel from here to the Moat, and I will ask Howland to meet you there," He said, finalizing the plans they had made.

"Father, you mentioned an old friend of my birth father at Greywater Watch. Who is it?" Aenar asked, his mind still processing everything that had been discussed. He couldn't help but hope that there was still a chance that his father saw him as his own.

He paused for a moment, contemplating his answer. "Well, that is something I will leave as a surprise. I greatly respect him, and you can learn a lot from him."

Aenar sighed but nodded in understanding. "Well, I will be surprised then, Uncle. I wish you a good night and will see you tomorrow at breakfast."

He embraced him, feeling a mix of pride and worry. As Aenar left the room, He began to write letters before he would speak with his wife in the morning. It was a conversation he wasn't looking forward to.

Catelyn Stark Tully

As Catelyn sat in her room, her thoughts were consumed by anger. She couldn't believe what had just happened at the dinner table. How could her children and husband turn against her? Robb, siding with Jon Snow, the bastard who was trying to steal her trueborn children's birthright? It was preposterous. Her husband had hit her in defense of the bastard, and her cheek still stung from where he had struck her.

That thought sent a shudder through her, but her anger grew. How could they not see that the bastard was a threat to their family's legacy? How could they not know that he was nothing more than a bastard trying to usurp their rightful place?

But as she sat there, her thoughts became more irrational. She began to imagine all sorts of scenarios in which the bastard was trying to harm her family. She pictured him sneaking into their chambers at night to hurt or poison their food to weaken them.

Her anger continued to build until it felt like wildfire inside of her. She wanted to lash out, to scream and yell until her family saw reason and cast Jon out. But deep down, she knew that wouldn't work. She had to find a way to convince them, to make them see that Jon was a danger to their family.

But how? As she sat there, her mind racing, she knew she needed to devise a plan. Something that would make them see the truth about the bastard. And until she did, she would remain in her room, alone with her irrational thoughts and burning anger.

She fell into an uneasy sleep, hungry as her husband had given her little to eat. Then, a dream came, tormenting her with the events of the dinner. She tossed and turned in her bed, the images of the bastard haunting her. As the night wore on, her dreams grew darker and more vivid.

In her nightmare, a black dragon breathed flames over Winterfell, and she could feel the heat of the fire on her skin. She saw the bastard riding on the dragon's back, and his face twisted in a cruel smile as he surveyed the destruction he had caused. She screamed and tried to run, but her legs felt heavy as if they were made of stone.

The dragon swooped down towards her, and she could feel its hot breath on her face. She closed her eyes, waiting for the flames to engulf her. But instead, a loud crack of thunder from the sky, and all went dark.

Next Morning

She opened her eyes, gasping for air. It took a few moments for her to realize that it was just a dream, that the dragon was not real. She looked up to see her maidservant standing by her bedside, and concern etched on her face.

She woke up with a startled, her heart racing from the nightmare she had just had. She lay in bed momentarily, trying to calm down and steady her breathing. As she came to her senses, she realized someone was knocking at her door.

She exited the bed, threw on a robe, and went to the door. She knew it was early, but who could it be at this hour? As she opened the door, she saw that it was Ned, her husband. However, at this moment, she was still angry with him.

"Good morning, wife," Ned said coldly as he walked in without asking permission. "So, have you had time to cool off?" he asked, skipping any pleasantries. He looked at Catelyn with a cold expression.

"Well, I don't see why I should," Catelyn replied.

"I acted in the interest of my children, making sure the bastard knew his place," she answered coldly. How could he not see what the bastard was doing? "He's trying to make Robb look bad so he can rise against him with other lords." She tried to explain herself, but Ned stopped her by holding his hand up.

Ned took a deep breath and looked at her with anger. "How could you think of sending a child, my blood, to bed without food or slapping him, for that matter? What do you think you're doing? It's good that Robb has competition, so he strives to be better. Otherwise, he'll think he's good at everything, making him arrogant. Jon is his brother, and he would never betray Robb. Perhaps this happens in the South, but here in the North, especially with the Starks, we protect our pack," Ned raged at her.

"Do you know what I tell our children about the pack? Or don't you listen because it's all too Northern for you?" he asked, frustrated.

Catelyn didn't know how to answer the question. She didn't care. "No, I don't know what you tell them," she said, and Ned sighed.

"Of course, you don't. It's all too Northern for you. Well, I'll tell you. When the white wind blows, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. That's what we are supposed to be. But it seems you don't understand the North. One thing matters here: winter is coming because it will come, and you have to survive in the North. Not alone, but together. So, from now on, you will no longer have control over the household. You will not punish Jon in any way. The girls will have no more time with the septa because of what they've taught you. It isn't proper for Northerners, and that's what they are: Northerners," Ned ended, and she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Well, I'm Southern, a Tully of Riverrun. Those are my children, and as I said before, the bastard will take our children's birthright. It doesn't matter what you say. The treacherous are, by nature, look at what happened with the Blackfyres and how many wars the Iron Throne has fought because of them," she said, trying to argue her point. But how could she think anything else? The scriptures and the septons and septas had told her so, as did her father, who had raised her to her duty to her family.

"Catelyn, as I said before, Jon will never do that. So I want no more of that. I will give you a chance to change your behavior. If not, I will send you away," Ned said before she could say anything. He continued, "I suppose you will be happy to hear Jon will leave in the next two weeks." Ned said with annoyance. She smiled brightly at that, "Well, that is wonderful news."

"I suppose you are sending him to the Wall?" She asked hopefully. She thought happily that if he went there and swore his vows, he would never be a threat to my children.

"No, Catelyn," Ned said, annoyed at her presumption. "He is going to Lord Howland Reed to be forster in Greywater Watch, where he will stay for the foreseeable future. So, for now, be happy he isn't around. But I won't tolerate him being bad-mouthed by you or anyone else. Is that clear?" He asked in a tone that brooked no argument. Fine, he wasn't going to the Wall. At least he is gone.

"Yes, my lord husband. I will do as you command. I will do my best to change my behavior. As for the girls, I have to disagree. Proper education and teaching them to be proper ladies are of the utmost importance," she said.

"Well, I disagree. They need some Northern influences. That's why I have asked for Maege Mormont to come. If she accepts, she will also take over the household until I see that you have changed and appreciated our Northern values and our whole pack. Alys Karstark and the Manderley girls are invited to Winterfell for a possible betrothal between her and Robb to see if they are a good match. As for the others, they are too young," Ned ended. He had replaced her with an improper lady from Bear Island and betrothed Robb to a Northern house, or at least was going to if all worked out. Well, if asked, he could even gain Princess Myrcella.

Okay, she had to stay calm. Any words of outrage about these decisions would push him further away. So she couldn't send him in the direction of the princess for a possible wife for Robb. She took a deep breath and spoke. "Well, you are my lord husband. I respect your decision and will try my best to return in a good light in your eyes. So if they come, I will welcome them as a proper lady should, my lord husband," she said.

"Well, then, I wish you a good day, and you are allowed to leave your room again," Ned said before leaving.

Well, this is terrible. My son is most likely betrothed to an unworthy Northern woman, Alys Karstark or Manderley girl. The chance for a royal marriage is slipping away. Some Northern wench is coming to take over my duties and will ruin my daughters. What will become of Arya? She will likely become even more of a tomboy. Also, she will bring my children closer to those heathen tree gods.

I better write to Petyr. He is in the South and has always been a friend. He may know what to do. Yes, I will ask if he has some advice. He always cares for me. After finishing, she ordered a bath and started writing the letter.

Eddard Stark

'Oh, that conversation with Catelyn was very frustrating. Of course, she assumes he's going to the Wall or will rebel like Blackfyre. She doesn't see Jon. She never has. She hasn't looked beyond the shame of him and the shame I brought her with my infidelity. She is too proud to see the truth. I also don't really trust the words she just spoke,' he thought to himself as he walked through the hallway towards the Great Hall to break his fast.

"Good morning, children. I suppose you've all been thinking about what happened yesterday. I have spoken with your mother and explained how things will be for the moment," he said, looking around the table at his children. Robb and Arya looked angry, Sansa looked conflicted, and Bran looked confused as he was still too young to understand what had happened fully. Anear looked around as if he was indifferent but satisfied that he wouldn't be abused any longer.

"I have, father, and what my mother did is horrible. I can't understand why she did what she did," Robb said, and Arya quickly responded. "Yes, I can't believe she did that to Jon. He is our brother," she thundered, crossing her arms in response.

"Well, he is our half-brother, but I disagree with what mother said. He hasn't done anything yet from what Mother has told me about bastards," Sansa chimed in. He couldn't believe what he heard. Sigh, oh Catelyn, why? How could you set Sansa up like this? Sansa couldn't really be blamed. She only wants her mother to be proud of her for being a proper lady.

"Good, at least you are learning," Arya shouted at her sister and tried to pull Robb back, preventing her from jumping on Sansa and giving her punishment for being mean to her brother.

"Sansa, whatever your mother has told you is far from the truth. Jon would never do anything like what you've heard about bastards, and sometimes trueborn children can be just as bad," he said, looking at Sansa and Aenar, who just shook his head. "Well, I have some announcements because of what happened. So all of you be quiet until I say you can speak your mind," he said, looking around the table. They all nodded, though Arya still glared at her sister.

"Well, I have sent a message to Maege Mormont, asking her to come here and take over the household duties for some time. Until Lady Stark comes around, I see fit to reinstate her. Maege will also take charge of the girls' lessons if she comes. So you will not only have lessons, but both of you will start lessons with the maester when you turn twelve years old," he said, pausing for a moment before continuing.

"As for Jon, I want all of you," he looked at Sansa, "to treat him as a part of the family. No more, no less. And as for Jon, he will be going on a fostering to Greywater Watch. He will travel there in the next two weeks' time, accompanied by Alyn. He isn't being sent away; it's just an opportunity for him to learn some new things. He will always be welcome to visit, and you can write to each other as much as you want," he said, raising his hand to prevent them from interrupting. He continued to speak.

"Also, I'm hoping that Lady Alys Karstark and the two Manderly girls will join us for some time," he said, looking at Robb, and continued. "They are coming here for a possible betrothal for you, Robb. I expect you to be gracious hosts and treat the Lady respectfully. If you two are compatible, then there is a chance for a future marriage," he finished, Robb looking surprised but a bit flushed in his face.

"Now, you can all speak and ask questions, but one at a time," he said, waiting for their multiple questions. "Father, I will do my best to be a gracious host to the coming noble ladies. I will make you proud, and I hope we can get along," Robb said dutifully, and he nodded in approval. "What about mother? Will she still be around or no longer in charge of the household and our lessons?" Sansa asked with a concerned look on her face.

"No, Sansa, your mother will still be around and be there for you. She won't be in charge of your lessons and the household duties for some time, as I have said," he answered, and Sansa sighed in relief, realizing her mother wouldn't be completely taken away from them.

"Father, can I come with Jon? I also want to see the swamps and lizard lions," Bran, the five-year-old, asked with a chuckle. "Well, little brother, perhaps in the future, when you are older, you can do your warding," Aenar replied with a laugh as he ruffled Bran's hair. 'Oh, with that laugh, he reminds me so much of Rhaegar. I haven't seen much of him, but that laugh is so unmistakably Rhaegar's,' Ned thought sadly as he looked at his son.

"Well, okay, but you have to promise to write to us often," Bran said, trying to sound authoritative to Aenar as much as a four-year-old could muster, and Jon smiled back. "Of course, I will write to all of you and visit whenever I can," Jon said, hugging Bran, who smiled brightly at that answer.

"Father, does that mean I can train like the Mormont ladies do?" Arya asked excitedly, although she seemed sad that her favorite brother was leaving. 'Perhaps she can. She will never be a lady like Sansa, and if I'm not careful, I will make the same mistake my father made with my sister. I can't let that happen again,' he thought to himself.

"Perhaps you can, Arya. I will think about it, little wolf," he said, and Arya smiled brightly. "Now, let's eat and let what happened last night be in the past. But remember, ill-treatment of Jon or any of your siblings will not be tolerated," he said, and they all nodded.

"Father, this doesn't mean I have forgiven Mother for her treatment of my brother. It will take some time for that and for her to change," Robb said, looking over at Jon, who smiled at his brother, grateful for the care he showed him.

"I understand that Robb, but I hope that in time, there will be a change in your mother. For now, lest eat and let what happened yesterday be behind us." He ended, and all of them nodded.