Rated M Violence, language, sexual references.

Mr. George R.R Martin owns all rights.

One

Ned Stark Sat in his Solar in the Tower of the Hand. A year has gone by since he first arrived in Kings Landing. Since the day King Robert of the House Baratheon, proclaimed him Hand of the King. Ned had hated every minute of it. He missed waking up every morning and walking through the quiet of the godswood, listening to the leaves whisper to each other through the wind. He missed walking through the grounds of Winterfell. He missed his wife Catelyn and her red Tully hair, he missed his children laughing, playing, and fighting.

He longed for those days now instead of riding through the woods and the feel of the cold air filling his senses. He must deal with beggars, and schemers, plotters, and backstabbers. Ned Stark is a soldier, a man of honor, he despises the Game of Thrones and hates all the players. But he loves his friend the King Robert Baratheon, and will not abandon him alone to the Lions and other animals that prey on the people that he cares about.

As Ned continued writing his letter to his wife there was a knock at the door.

"Who is it" Ned said not breaking his attention away from the parchment in front of him.

"Lord Varys my lord" replied Jory Cassel Ned's trusted Captain.

Ned sighed in slight agitation and put his pen in the ink jar. "Send him in"

The plump bald man dressed in fine silks bowed his head in gratuity, as he entered the room. "My Lord Hand thank you for seeing me" Varys said as Ned gestured for him to sit down in the chair in front of his desk.

Ned put his hands together on his desk, and gave him an agitated yet respectful look. "What is it Lord Varys?"

"I came to inform you, that the King wishes to hold another tourney next month. In honor of the anniversary of your victory at the Trident."

Ned leaned forward and put his head in his hands and sighed. "We can't afford another tourney. We just had one last year."

"I understand, the crown is still in debt. Yet you have done a good job of bringing us out of the hole we are currently in. The King has also attended more council meetings this past year then he has since taking the crown." Varys stated approvingly.

Ned rubbed his eyes in frustration "He only attends meetings when there is news of the Targaryen girl"

"Yes well you have cut the debt in half nonetheless. The country is now only three million in debt."

Ned groaned in agitation and moved uncomfortably in his chair preparing himself for more news about Daenerys Targaryen. Which meant another shouting match with the King, his boyhood friend. Ned probably the only man in the Seven Kingdoms who could get away with yelling at King Robert Baratheon, and not have his head put on a spike.

Varys waved his hand. "While your reluctance to kill Daenerys Targaryen is an honorable one. One I admire I might add. The King is set in his ways. Even though all our attempts of having the girl killed have been unsuccessful. However that is not why I have come to see you this morning."

Ned eyed him suspiciously. "Speak plainly then for once."

Varys smiled "It's about your children."

Robb Stark heir to Winterfell was out in the training yard practicing his sword work. Robb a handsome boy of seventeen, with blue eyes and dark red-brown hair with his mother's features. He was being instructed with his sword by Sir Rodrick Cassel Winterfell's master-of-arms. Sir Rodrick an older stout and large man with grey-white hair who has served the Starks loyally for many years.

Robb was sparring with his friend and ward Theon Greyjoy. Theon was a lean handsome lad of twenty years with dark brown hair.

"Good, now move your feet." Sir Roderick Cassel said as Robb parried one of Theon's lunges.

Robb was a skilled swordsman quick and powerful at the same time. He did as instructed, and came in close to Theon as he hacked at Robb trying to keep him from advancing. Robb parried quickly and hard, causing Theon to slightly stumble and stagger just for a moment. Just long enough for Robb to move in with a hard forehand slash that caught Theon across the chest, making him land on the ground hard.

"Dammit!" Theon groaned loudly. Even though they were using practice swords Robb's swings still hit like logs. That last hit was sure to leave a bruise across his chest.

"Sorry Greyjoy just not quick enough." Robb said as he put his hand out for Theon to take.

Theon Begrudgingly accepted Robb's hand as he pulled himself up. "You got lucky Stark"

Robb raised his eyebrows and lightly laughed at Theon "I would call it skill" he replied and patted Theon hard on the chest causing Theon to wince in pain.

"Dammit" Theon cried out again, as he bent over slightly grabbing his chest. Robb laughed playfully as he gave Sir Rodrick his practice sword.

"I'm still the better archer" Theon replied trying to save some of his pride.

Before Robb could respond Maester Luwin came out onto the training yard. Maester Luwin was a kind and wise old man who was extremely loyal to the Starks.

"My lord a raven came this morn from your father, your mother wishes to speak to you in the Great Hall."

Robb nodded to Sir Rodrick and followed Maester Luwin into the castle to find his mother.

When Robb arrived in the Great Hall, he found his Mother eating dinner with his two younger brothers Bran and Rickon. The boys were similar in appearance with the bright blue eyes and red-brown hair taking after their mother. Robb sat down next to the five year old Rickon and rubbed his head in a show of affection. Causing Rickon to giggle with laughter.

"Maester Luwin said a raven came today from father." Robb said as continued to play with his younger brother, but paying more attention to his mother.

Lady Catelyn smiled sadly at her eldest boy. "The King is holding a tourney in Kings Landing, and your father wants you and Bran to go to the capital.

Brans' eyes lit up immediately at the news, "We're going to see father!" The eleven year old said enthusiastically.

Catelyn smiled at Bran with tears in her eyes and reached out and cupped his faced. "Yes you're going to see your father."

Robb had a big smile on his face as well, but then noticed the solemn look his mother was failing to keep concealed.

"What about you and Rickon?" Robb asked

"Yea, I want to see father too!" Rickon yelled out.

Robb put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

"Your too young Rickon, and there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. I will stay here with you. We will go to Kings Landing next time I promise."

Rickon pouted and got up from the table and ran to his room with his direwolf Shaggydog bounding after him.

"Rickon!" Robb shouted

"Let him go, I will talk with him later after he calms down a bit." Catelyn said to Robb who was now standing up about to chase after him.

"When do we leave for Kings Landing?" Bran asked

"Tomorrow, it's a long road from Winterfell to the capital. You will take a company of forty men with you." Catelyn stated.

"Can I bring Summer?" the boy said hopefully.

Catelyn nodded her head "He is your Direwolf you're responsible for him."

"May I be excused mother? I wish to pack immediately." Bran said failing to contain his excitement.

Catelyn nodded her head and Bran ran off to his room with Summer wagging his tail behind him.

Robb turned his attention back to his mother after Bran left the Great Hall. "Seems a bit much doesn't it mother? That many men will just slow us down."

"I do not like this not one bit. Your brother is too young for this journey. But your father insists and I will not take any chances with either of you." Catelyn said

Robb sighed reluctantly "Fine, but I would take Theon with us."

Catelyn gave her son an agitated look. "Alright, but no brothels, Bran doesn't need to be in the company of those types."

"Of course mother that goes without question." Robb answered and began to get up and go pack himself.

"There was more in the letter." She said which caused Robb to stop dead in his tracks. He slowly turned around and faced his mother.

"Your father… has also arranged for you to be married." Catelyn said causing all of the color in Robb's face to drain.

Authors Notes

I know the ages of some of the characters are different from the books, but hey it's called fiction for a reason right :-)

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