Chapter 76

Cersei was delighted her children were home. Robb and Tommen were happy to be home. Cersei's heart thumped wildly when she saw Tommen and Jorah. She kissed her boy and had the maids ready his room. "I will have them make the strawberry cakes you like so much and the goat stew." She said brightly.

Tommen smiled and hugged her some more. "Mother, where would you get strawberries?"

"Your mother has her ways." She kissed him and made sure that her son rested and ate his favorites foods. These little things were not enough.

She could do very little to dissuade Tommen from setting off the Riverlands. Her son rested for a day before leaving Winterfell. "I barely remember my daughter's face. I have to leave mother." He said and kissed her cheek. Cersei could do nothing but kiss him goodbye and ask him to write as often as he could. She was tempted to ask him to send for Cassana and Myrcella. She didn't; Cersei understood that her son was not entirely hers anymore. He had a wife and a child waiting for him. Tommen had not been hers in a long time, not since he married that Baratheon girl. She waved goodbye and hoped he had a safe trip.

Rickon grew restless as did Sansa and even Margaery. "Tommen said that Robb and lord Lannister were to be here in a fortnight lady Stark. My husband is not here yet." Margaery's words worried Lady Stark.

"Go fetch your child and do not speak of what you do not know of." She said annoyed at the little snake. There was something about that woman that bothered her to no end.

Sansa, bless her heart was too busy and exhausted. Jon was beginning to be weaned while Tyrek was a fussy little boy. She visited Sansa and baby Tyrek every evening. Rickon and little Eddard played in the yards or read with the maesters at that time. Margaery did whatever she did in the afternoons.

It was at least a week after the anticipated arrival when one of the stable boys announced the Lannister and Stark's banners. Cersei lined the family to welcome Robb and her brother. Robb kissed her, greeted his wife and then hoisted Eddard. "I am so happy to see you my little wolf." Cersei had tears in her eyes. Rickon ran around the yard and was delighted to have her brother and his uncle Tyrion at home. Prince Aegon greeted them briefly and retired to his quarters.

Tyrion descended from the litter. He looked tired. Sansa smiled openly. Little Jon clung to Sansa's skirts and peeked at his father from there. Tyrion looked at Sansa and the little bundle she carried with her.

"I have come back to you Sansa." He said. Sansa crouched a little and showed him Tyrek. "He looks just like you." She said sweetly. The girl showed him little Tyrek. Cersei remembered the night the little Lannister came into the world. Sansa had pushed her child into the world easily. Tyrek would have green eyes like his aunt and uncle. Motherhood suited the redhead. She poured her love to those children and seemed to genuinely pine for Tyrion.

"You have made me the happiest man once more." Jon came closer and smiled at his father.

"You probably do not remember your old father." Tyrion said good humoredly.

Jon gave him a toothy smile. Cersei was reminded of the gift his brother had when her own children were boys. Tyrion would play dragon and horse to their knights. Jon would be playing with his father in no time.

"Welcome back little brother." She said and hugged him.

Cersei saw very little of her baby brother for about two days. Sansa and her children stayed with Tyrion. Robb and Prince Aegon trained and ordered the troops. Jorah sent the Unsullied back to Kings Landing. He gave orders to one of the envoys to let Lord Tommen Stark send the occupying forces in the Riverlands.

Robb decided to leave Winterfell with the royal party. Prince Aegon seemed to be interested in visiting the Vale and learning about the Bloody Gate and the trek to the Vale of Arryn.

Cersei observed that her second eldest and the prince seemed to have formed more than an alliance. Robb and Aegon were fast friends. The Targaryen joked with her son and seemed to hold the Stark in high regard. Robb seemed to have developed the same affinity for the golden haired prince. They were seen in each other's company most of the time. There was gossip that they shared women. Robb had introduced the Targaryen to the brothels in the few days after their arrival to Winterfell.

Lady Stark ordered Winterfell to be stripped and cleaned. Ned and Jon were not far. Robb had explained that it would take a couple of weeks, a month the most. Cersei was excited to have her oldest son and husband in her company once more. She missed them terribly. It was one thing to cry and mourn Joanna, Arya and Bran's absence but she knew her daughters were not hers anymore either. Bran, her beautiful boy was destined for bigger things or so Eddard reminded her every time they spoke of him. She felt easier about Bran because she dreamed of him. He spoke to her in dreams; she told him to never worry and that he was fine. He repeated that he could not walk properly but that he could fly. Her boy reminded her that he loved her.

Cersei did not have that assurance for Jon and Ned. They were hers; her first real loves, her first family. She missed Ned dreadfully. She wanted to have him by her side. It was too long. She longed to be near him. Cersei missed the time before the war; when the children were little. It was as if the Gods were giving her another opportunity with Rickon but Ned was missing the important moments. Their son was growing so quickly.

It was easy for Tyrion to get the grips of Winterfell along with Cersei. They worked well together. Robb had no intentions to run Winterfell. He proclaimed he had enough with the Vale and was in need of some rest before he faced his duties as Warden of the East once more.

Cersei began to take special care of her chambers and the halls for when Jon and Ned arrived. It was easier now that there were not as many people to feed in the castle. The men were going to their keeps. Winterfell only hosted some women and children who waited for their men to arrive and go back to their keeps.

She woke up early one morning and had breakfast with Tyrion. "You look well rested." Cersei informed her baby brother.

"I am. All I needed was to come back to my wife and children." He proclaimed.

Cersei acquired a serious tone. "An heir and a spare. You have done your duty well Tyrion Lannister." She tried to sound like father.

Tyrion smirked, "You are enjoying your thoughts a little too much. What goes on in that pretty but twisted head?"

Cersei took a seat in front of her brother, "life is so very ironic. Do you not think so?"

Tyrion grabbed some parchment and a quill. "What has sparked this realization?"

The woman smiled, "only that you have achieved what Jaime and I could not do."

Tyrion frowned, "do go on"

Cersei poured wine for them, "you are the Lord Warden of the West. You made an advantageous marriage to the heir of the Eyrie and produced two healthy and might I add very blond Lannister boys. Father could not be prouder of you."

Tyrion frowned, "Father should congratulate you. Your sons hold the Eyrie, the Riverlands and the North. Not to mention that your grandson will probably inherit the Reach as well. Eddard is Mace Tyrell's heir apparent."

Cersei smirked, "He could still have another child." Tyrion shook his head at her sister.

"Such a conniving creature." He whispered and drank his wine.

Lady Stark read over the books and consulted with her brother, "what have we heard of Joanna and Father?" Her brother asked.

"Joanna is well as are her children and father. Osha is with child." Cersei said carefully.

"I assume it is father's." Tyrion stated.

"It is. Joanna tells me he is not thrilled but he takes care of Osha. Brienne has decided to return to Westeros with Jaime." Cersei finished.

Tyrion looked troubled. "I would not worry too much about the boy. Father can no longer reach Westeros. The queen would have him killed as soon as he set foot in her lands." Cersei reasoned logically.

"What of Brienne and our nephew?" Tyrion asked.

"Joanna secured their safe passage to Tarth. Brienne is the heir apparent and so is her child." The woman stated easily.

"I want Jaime with me." Tyrion replied.

Cersei frowned, "that will not be possible and you know it. Joanna has tried everything in her power to get Brienne to stay put. She couldn't do anything. Lord Tarth is sick, so very sick that he wants to see his daughter one last time before he meets the Gods. Brienne and Jaime are on their way to Tarth."

"So, Jaime's son will be a bastard then? I will not have that. That boy is a Lannister. He is our family." Tyrion said angrily. "He will grow up with his cousins. I will raise him as my own."

Cersei frowned once more, "What of Brienne? Her son is the last piece she has of Jaime. You will not rob her of that. Besides, what makes you believe that the queen will agree to have Jaime named a Lannister? It is best if Brienne stays in Tarth with her son. Let her be with her father and the child. Do not overwhelm her. She can take care of herself and her son without you adding trouble. Jaime is a bastard but he is a noble bastard. What we can do is have the queen recognize him as Brienne's heir. He will be of Tarth. Let him be a Storm for a few years."

Tyrion grumbled but remained silent. "I miss him so much. I loved him so much." She knew he thought of Jaime now.

Cersei nodded, "and you will love Jaime Storm, Tarth, or Lannister just the same." She held his hand.

Tyrion kissed her hand, "sweet sister."

"Tell me of your sons now." She said with a smile.

"They are very handsome like my Sansa." He said and launched on an explanation of his children's exploits.

"Tyrek is our last. I thank whatever divinity that they were not born like me. I could not put myself or Sansa through that ordeal once more." He said darkly.

Cersei wanted to tell him that it would not be an ordeal. That any child of his would be welcome. That he would not be like father. She stayed quiet because of the guilt and remorse she felt. Her actions toward Tyrion had been despicable. She nodded and left it alone.

The household was quiet. Robb and Prince Aegon sparred or hunted nearby. Sansa and Tyrion remained in their quarters with their children. Rickon and little Ned learned their lessons and played with Lan. Cersei waited patiently for the Bannermen to arrive. More men arrived and left for their keeps with every passing day but neither Jon nor Ned came home.

She bathed Rickon and readied him for bed. "When will my father come home?" He asked once more. He asked very night and it was harder to tell him to be patient.

"Uncle Tyrion came back. Robb is back and even Tommen went to his home. Why does my father not come back to me yet?" The boy asked seriously.

Cersei kissed his head, "Your father is the Lord Warden of the North. He has to stay with all his men. He has to make sure that everyone goes home before coming to his home."

Rickon sulked. "What if your mother took you to her quarters tonight." She said to make him happy. Ned would accuse her of coddling him later. Rickon nodded and walked with her to her rooms. She sang to him and slept by his side. She slept easy that night. Rickon burrowed close to her.

She slept easy that night. Rickon's excited voice woke her. "Mama, soldiers are coming." He said jumped to get to the window.

Cersei quickly stood up and looked out the window. She could see the three headed dragon sigil.

"Let's draw you a bath. Your father shall not see you dirty." Cersei grinned and washed a rather jumpy Rickon.

The maids knocked and entered the quarters, "M'lady."

"Have Rickon dressed and ready to meet Lord Stark." Cersei dismissed the maid.

Cersei had breakfast in her rooms. Rickon was off with little Ned. Luwin came in and announced that the soldiers were trickling in and settling in the nearby keeps. "Lord Stark and his party will be here late afternoon or in the morrow."

"He will be here today." Cersei assured the maester. Ned would not waste any minute. He would be here with her very soon.

Lady Stark washed and had Jeyne style her hair differently that day. She had the woman do a Southern style braid. Cersei wanted to look pretty for Ned. She noticed more lines in her face as of late. She felt a bit heavier and her breasts were saggy. Her children made their mark in her body. Cersei instructed Jeyne on how to style her hair. She would at least wear her hair like she did when she first arrived North. The maid braided two strands of her hair and united them at the back. Jeyne then brushed her hair until it looked like spun gold. Cersei was happy that there were no greys yet. Could it still be here? Could she still have that dress she wore for Robert's first feast in the North? Would it be too much? She did not care. She had two other maids help her in the dress. It was Lannister red and had golden lions embroidered at the hem. The sleeves were sown in gold as well. It was a very fine dress indeed. She felt silly for a second when Jeyne tried to fit her in. Her breasts looked squashed. She was about to give up on the dress when another maid entered with the jewels for the day. She chose simple gold earrings and a necklace Ned gave her after Bran was born. It was an emerald pendant. Ned had said it was not the same shade of her green eyes but close. "My Lady Stark looks lovely." The young girl said awed. She was new, another wildling.

"Thank you Shera." Cersei moved to the side and looked at herself in the mirror once more. She decided it would do. She was a Lioness after all.

Cersei descended from her chambers to eat lunch with her son and brother. She decided the dress was an excellent idea. The Prince and the rest of the men stood up as soon as she stepped inside the room. Robb offered the head of the table. "Mother, you look beautiful. Is this a new dress?"

Lady Stark laughed and kissed his cheek. "It is a very old dress; older than you."

Prince Aegon complimented her. "You look radiant lady Stark."

Tyrion kissed her hand, "the Light of the West they used to call her."

Prince Aegon smiled. "Lady Stark with your permission. I have to say that you are the Light in the North and the West." The prince could be a charmer when he wanted.

"Your grace honors me with his kind words." Cersei replied.

Margaery and Sansa nodded, "I love the detail in the dress." Sansa offered and smiled prettily. Both girls wore fine dresses as well but they paled in comparison to her. Cersei knew that and so did everyone else. They ate peacefully.

Ser Jorah offered his hand when they retired to one of the hearths. They were all waiting for the party to arrive. Jorah nodded at her. "You look breathtaking my lady. I seem to remember fairer times when I see you as such."

Cersei smiled. "Old bear, if only we could go back to those times. They were simpler, easier and much more enjoyable."

Jorah smiled briefly. "Ned and your son will be here soon."

"As will our queen." Cersei replied and made more conversation. Rickon and little Eddard joined them. Her son was restless and intent on waiting in the yard. Sansa retired midafternoon to tend to her young sons.

Margaery offered some feeble excuses and took little Eddard to his chambers. Robb and the prince remained as did Tyrion and Jorah. They waited hours, and well into the late afternoon when maester Luwin gave them news. "The dragons are here."

Cersei's heart beat faster. She took Rickon's hand and walked out to the yard. The Dragons flew past the castle and into the Godswoods. Cersei looked to the gates and saw more men and the horses.

Rickon grinned maniacally when he saw his father and brother. Ned looked tired; he was at the gates and kicked his horse. He saw her. Cersei could not control her face. She felt as if she would split from happiness. Cersei saw Jon as well. Rickon ran to his father.

"PAPA" He yelled and met him halfway. Ned hoisted him up the air. She smiled happily. Cersei did not notice Jon until he hugged her. A few tears escaped her eyes. She had not seen them in so long. Lady Stark squeezed her first born child and kissed his bearded cheek. He tied his hair back. He looked so much like Ned.

"My pup." She said slowly and kissed his forehead.

"Mother." He said and kissed her cheek. Her boy hugged her once more.

"My lady." Ned said and Jon went to hug her uncle and brother.

Cersei grabbed his hands. "My lord Stark."

Her husband put Rickon on the ground. He brought her hands up and kissed them. "I shall not leave your side again my love. This is vow." He said and then kissed her in front of their family, royalty and common folk.

Cersei kissed him back and then hugged him. "I will hold you to your vows and promises. For I shall not leave your side either." She smiled and nuzzled his bearded face.

They stayed close to each other as the queen dismounted her litter. Cersei curtsied and saw that the girl looked unkempt.

"My queen. I have prepared your chambers." She said with Ned close to her side.

"Thank you lady Stark." She said and then greeted her nephew and most trusted advisor.

"Nephew." She said as the prince bowed and kissed her hand.

"Dearest aunt. I have missed you horribly." The young man said and kissed both hands once more. The queen smiled. "As have I."

"Khaleesi." Ser Jorah said in a most wonderful voice.

"Ser Jorah." The queen offered a true smile.

Cersei was delighted when the queen decided to not hold court and retire.

Rickon was clingy and overexcited to be near his father. He went with them to their quarters. "You and I need to wait for a bit. Let papa wash and then we three will be together and you can tell him all that's happened."

Rickon tried to stay put but he slipped into the bath chambers and spoke to his father. The little boy did not stop talking until he was exhausted and fell asleep.

Her Ned picked up the boy. "He is much bigger than I expected."

"You were gone for quite a while Ned." Cersei reminded as he carried their son into his quarters. Rickon no longer slept in the nursery but in Tommen's old room which was a bit down the hallway.

"He will be knocking down the door to our chambers in a few hours." Ned said and tucked Rickon. Lan jumped on the bed and slept by the boy's side.

Cersei and him went back to their quarters. Lady Stark had done this too many times it seemed. She saw her husband come back from wars, trips away to settle the Northern houses, revolts and more war. She was used to the elation, the relief to have him near her once more. Cersei began the automatic ritual. She unbuttoned his shirt until he stopped her hands. "Not yet."

She was confused. He smiled and touched her face softly. "I want to remember you like this." He touched her hair and the sleeve of her dress.

Cersei gave him a smile and kissed the palm of his hand. "Your hair looks as golden as when I first met you." Her husband whispered.

"Have I ever told you my first impression of you?" Her husband asked her. Cersei giggled and led him to their hearth. "Of course you have. You thought I was beautiful and a nightmare. You also said that you wanted me to punish you. My lord husband believed I would make life unbearable."

Ned laughed, "yes but I have not told you everything my love." He pushed her hair back. Cersei smiled, she felt flutters in her belly. Ned was not a liar, never had been. He was quiet and reserved.

"Tell me." She asked as he played with a tendril of her hair.

"Your hair shone against the sun's weak light. It was as if you had been kissed by the sun. I had resolved that I would not touch you during our first night as man and wife. I wanted to give you a few weeks to settle and grow used to the North." Ned kissed her gently.

"I couldn't resist; not after I saw you. Robert had told me about your beauty. He said I would end up with the most beautiful woman in the realm. He almost withdrew his proposal to Catelyn because of how beautiful you were said to be. I thought surely my friend exaggerated. Robert was known for his penchant for women. I also thought that I had already met the fairest woman in the land." Ned said.

Cersei arched an eyebrow, "Who was the fairest woman in the realm my lord?"

Ned smiled softly. "I thought it was Ashara Dayne but then I laid eyes on you. She paled in comparison to you."

Cersei smiled happily. She kissed her husband once again. "I am surprised you have not ripped my dress off yet."

Ned's eyes darkened. He undid the tie that held the strands of her hair together. "I remember ripping this same dress more than twenty years ago." He kissed her collarbone. Cersei ran her fingers through his hair.

"Are you going to rip my dress off once more my lord?" Cersei asked when he tugged at the bodice of her dress.

"No, this dress is important." He said while looking at her pendant, "as is this necklace. I gave it to you after Bran was born. A silly trinket, but it made you so very happy when I presented it to you." He said lightly. Cersei laughed; she was vain and liked jewels. Her lord husband presented her with more jewels as the years went by.

Cersei helped him find the laces. They undressed her gently. Ned undressed too. "Lock the door. I don't want Rickon to come in the morrow and find us undressed." He said as he grabbed a fistful of her hair. Cersei closed the door and locked it. Ned waited for her in bed. He was as naked and waiting for her. Ned wore his hair back and shaved the beard. "Come to bed Lioness."

Cersei slipped out of her shift and joined her husband. She sat on her husband's lap and caressed his hardness. Lady Stark could not wait for him to be inside of her. Ned touched her breasts and rolled her nipples. She ground against him and trembled when he moaned next to her ear. She licked his earlobe and grew wetter when he thrust up to her and pushed her back to the bed. She smiled when he kissed each breast and then her belly. It had been too long without him. Cersei moaned and arched her back when she felt his mouth on her. "You are as sweet as when I first tasted you." He rasped and licked her little button. Cersei moaned and rolled her nipples. She felt her legs shake as Ned licked and kissed her. Her husband lapped and played with her until she came. Ned licked her and then entered her. Cersei let out a long moan. She was ready but having that pressure back was strange yet welcome.

Ned sighed, "forgive me my love. This will be over faster than it ought to be." He moved gently. Cersei moved with him. She raised her hips and met him thrust by thrust. She held him to her. She felt the pleasure building. Ned was soft with her and it was delightful to have him this close to her. She let out a long moan when he peaked. He spilled inside of her. He was breathless and crushed her. Cersei kissed his lips and mounted him. He was not as young as before and would not respond, not yet. She had not peaked but wanted to peak once more. Ned knew because he used his fingers at the same time that she rubbed against him. Cersei was possessed it seemed Ned found her left tit and sucked while his finger plucked and rubbed her center. Cersei peaked and Ned kissed her brutally. She trembled and did not if to move away from his fingers and mouth or to grab at his hair encourage him on.

She saw stars and held him close to her. "Never again. You are not leaving me ever again. Swear Ned, swear by your Old Gods and my New Gods."

"I swear my love. We will ride into battles together my Lioness. I shall not leave your side." Cersei thought him silly and kissed his chest. "No more wars." She whispered gently. Her husband was fast asleep next to her.