40. Dinner at the Stark family

Privately, Steward Bernard, Ser Roderick, and even the servants of Winterfell often criticized this situation.

Jon has lived safely in Winterfell for over ten years now and has had a decent life, which shows just how kind Lady Catelyn really is. Although, in truth, she's never treated him kindly in all that time.

Despite never giving Jon a kind word, the fact that Lady Catelyn tolerated him living near her for so long, constantly reminded of her husband's supposed betrayal, is remarkable. She endured that pain daily, and that alone shows her strength.

Ned felt guilty about this. Many times he wanted to tell Catelyn the truth—that Jon wasn't his son and that he'd never been unfaithful to her. But he couldn't.

The fewer people who know a secret, the safer it remains. If Catelyn suddenly changed her attitude toward Jon, it would raise suspicion. And there were people who would notice—important officials in King's Landing and, of course, Robert Baratheon.

Robert would kill anyone with Targaryen blood. If he ever found out Jon was the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, he'd bring his warhammer to the North and smash Jon to pieces without hesitation. Ned knew Robert well enough to be sure of that, even though they hadn't seen each other much since the Greyjoy Rebellion eight years ago.

This is why Ned couldn't risk telling his wife the truth. He had to bear this burden alone. Thankfully, Catelyn hadn't taken her anger out on Jon in a fatal way. If Jon had mysteriously died like many illegitimate children of noble families, Ned wouldn't have known how to handle it.

After all, he had promised his sister, Lyanna, to take care of her son.

For that, Ned silently thanked the old gods. The situation, though painful, hadn't spiraled into something worse.

Everyone sat at the dinner table, and the mood was relaxed. Ned appreciated moments like these. He was known as one of the few honorable and just nobles in Westeros. He hated the scheming and cruelty among the other lords, having been raised as the second son with values of loyalty, honesty, and honor.

Ned's older brother, Brandon, had been the one trained to rule Winterfell. Their father, Rickard Stark, had prepared Brandon to inherit the title while focusing on building noble qualities in his other sons to prevent them from competing for power. But when Rickard and Brandon were burned alive by the Mad King, Ned was thrust into leadership unexpectedly.

While Ned embodied knightly virtues, he wasn't trained in the political maneuvering required to rule.

But for now, Ned wasn't thinking about that. He was simply enjoying the company of his family and advisors at the dinner table.

To his right, Sansa nudged Arya, signaling her that it was time to speak. Arya quickly swallowed her apple pie and wiped her mouth before addressing her father.

"Father! I have a request. Will you promise me something?"

Sansa raised her head and looked anxiously at her father, hoping Arya wouldn't cause trouble.

"Arya…" Catelyn said sharply, sensing potential mischief. Her stern look warned Arya to behave.

Ned paused his conversation with Maester Luwin and turned to Arya. She bravely met his gaze. Despite her wild streak, Arya reminded him of his sister, Lyanna, and his serious expression softened slightly.

"It depends," Ned said gently. "But if you're asking to stop your lessons with Septa Mordane, I can tell you right now, that won't happen. Your mother and I both agree on that."

Robb looked at Arya curiously, wondering what strange request she might make this time. Bran set down his fork, eager to hear what Arya had to say, while Rickon, the youngest, watched her with wide eyes as he ate his food.

Jon, sitting quietly at the far end of the table, tried to remain unnoticed, knowing how much Lady Catelyn disliked him. But Arya's sudden request caught his attention, and he looked up, curious to hear what she wanted.

Maester Luwin, Steward Bernard, Ser Roderick, and Jory Cassel all smiled, watching Arya with fondness. She was popular in Winterfell, known for her bravery and kind heart, much like her aunt Lyanna.

Everyone waited to hear what Arya would ask for.

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