Prologue

In the heart of winter, the boy had grown. More ice than fire, than Ned ever could known. Beneath the stark features, hidden in the snow and kept safe from the dangerous game of thrones. Slim, tall and dark, yet not a fully fledged man. And now… what of the boy now? The king was coming together with a full set of lion guards and one look at the boy could be the end to all. Rage would the sword of the king against the light upon the kid's face. May the old gods protect us all, Ned thought as he paced front and back at his chamber. His hands were tied. He had made a promise though and he would not fail Lyanna. Wind blew softly making the cold air of night enter through the window, it pleased Lord Stark and made him calmer. Maybe he could send Jon away for a while to Howland Reed, the lord of the Greywatch would certainly be pleased and he too was sworn to keep the boy safe. There was a cringing noise at his back, a wooden door being opened, so he turns toward the door. There stands Catelyn Tully, his dear wife, with auburn hair filling his heart with warmth. If she only knew the burden he carried, what he would not give for her opinion. However, she could not share his responsibility and more so she did not love the boy. Eddard's heart feels heavy in his chest, it saddens him that the woman he came to love did not welcome a child he took for his own. He turns his back to her and walks towards the window. As he gazes winterfell from above, he hears Cat say: -'My lord, what troubles you?' Round and round his mind flows, what does not trouble him would be a better question. He crushes the letter in his hand and responds: -'King Robert is coming to visit… And Jon Arryn is dead.' His wife lays her small hands on his shoulder as to comfort him, but Ned feels no comfort in them. He pulls away and watches as the flames flicker in the fireplace, would Jon become mad like Aerys. He hoped not, sighing he says: -'My lady should go and prepare for the reception of the King. I too have matters to attend.' The warden of the North, Ned thought as he strode off the room. If he could protect the whole North, he could protect his sister kid. In determination Eddard walked through the halls and stairs of Winterfell, until he reached Jon's door. He turned the knob slowly and silently entered the room. At the bed the prince slept innocently unaware, his angelic face lighted by the moon. Gods have mercy, he looks even more like Lyanna when he is sleeping. Lord Stark approached the child's bed and knelt by it. Only ten-four years the boy had, the same age as his own Robb he thought, as he reached to push a strand of hair out of the boy's face. Jon had become a son for him too and he was proud of both. With much pain, he rested his hand heavily on the top of the young man's head and said: -'Awake, Jon.' Sluggishly, the kid opened his lids and Lyanna's grey eyes stared back at Ned, for that it took all his strength to say the following words: -'The king is coming on the morrow. You are not to leave your room this week, Jon'. The kid raised himself in his elbows and looked sour as he demanded: -'Why father?' Eddard shook his head, he knew it would hurt Jon, but he had no choice, so he responded: -'Robert will not suffer the presence of bastards. You must stay inside this room. I will have Nan bring you food and water. Maybe some wine if you like?' The kid does not answer him and buries his face on the bed. It hurts them both, but the Lord of Winterfell knows he did well, one look at the kid and Robert would know he came from Lyanna.