章節 77: Chapter 77

She woke up in the early hours of the morning. Ned rested by her side quite deep in sleep. "My love you must be so tired." She stood up and used the chamber pot. Cersei put on her robe and went to check on Rickon. Her young son slept easily, guarded by Lan. Cersei kissed his forehead and walked down to the kitchens. She saw the cooks. "Have food ready for the Lord and myself. We will break fast in our quarters."

Lady Stark made her way to her quarters and found Ned in the same position. She decided to wake him up. Cersei lowered the furs and sheets. She caressed her husband's cock and then placed kisses on him. She felt her husband rise. Lady Stark licked and touched her husband until he grabbed her hair and came into her.

"Good morning Lioness." He rasped as she kissed up to his neck. "The maids will have food for us soon." He sighed and spooned her. He massaged her breasts and kissed the side of her neck. He slept some more and then woke to receive the food.

They ate and waited for Rickon to come into their quarters. The boy did not disappoint. He clung to his father for the whole morning and afternoon. Little boys grow tired of their parents and he was off to play with little Ned by late afternoon.

"Shall we make an appearance tonight?" Cersei asked the second night after he was back.

Ned kissed her hard. "Have you grown tired of me so soon?"

Cersei laughed carefreely. "My love, I will never grow tired of you." She kissed him again and again until they were both in bed. Cersei burned in need for her husband when he commanded her to stand against the wall. He took her standing up. He was rough on her. He bit her arse cheek and then had her once more in bed. Ned marked her body. She moved her hair to the side and bared her neck for him. He loved to mark her neck with his teeth and then came with a howl.

They were spent and sweaty. "This winter will be brutal." Ned said.

Cersei had survived a short winter in the North. It had always been cold to her but she had experienced real cold after Arya was born. "The storms have not come yet. How long do you think we have before that?"

"Two months, three at most; the royal party and Robb have to leave before the real winter starts." Ned said.

Cersei did not want to think of Robb leaving Winterfell yet. "Come." She said and dressed quickly. Ned followed her and dressed quickly too. "It is too cold Cersei." Ned said once she led him to the castle doors. Her husband followed her nonetheless. Cersei carried a torch and shivered but briskly walked to the springs. Ned set a fire near the pool and then joined her. It was dark but the pools were not frozen yet. The water was hot. Ned held her against him and they kissed and touched each other like when they were younger.

Ned kissed her back when they heard the footsteps. Cersei turned to her husband. "Who could be coming to the springs at this hour?" Ned did not look surprised to see their oldest son and the queen.

Cersei moved behind her husband quickly. "Mother. Father." Jon yelled and turned his back on them.

The queen turned as well. Eddard stepped out of the pool and helped Cersei out of the water. She put on her shift, robe and shoes. Ned did the same. Lady Stark was surprised. She thought it was Robb and was sure that the affair was over since her second eldest came back with Tyrion. Ned looked angry but not surprised. He was quiet. He knew about the affair. He knew it was Jon and not Robb. Cersei walked past the queen and her son. Ned offered his arm and she took it.

"Your grace." She said with as much dignity as she could muster. Jon did not meet her eyes.

They walked to the castle and up to their quarters. "Since when?" Cersei asked as soon as they were behind doors and safe from prying eyes and ears.

Ned sighed, "I did not want to tell you tonight." He moved to the chairs by the hearth. Cersei sat in front of him.

"Since when Eddard?" Cersei asked once more.

"I have no way to know when the affair started. Jon did not disclose but I suspect it started before you came to me with the suspicion of Robb and her." Ned confessed.

"I discovered it quite by accident. I found our son in her tent before the great battle with the white walkers and the Night King." Ned pointed out.

"Jon is different than Robb." Cersei pondered. "Jon is not prone to affairs and sleeping with women just for fancy." She continued. The woman understood Ned's silence then. This was no torrid affair that would end when the queen left their lands.

"He fancies himself in love with her." Ned told her.

Cersei felt a ball of steel in her stomach. "He's been in love before. He had that wildling girl. He swore he loved her but married that simpleton Frey because it was his duty. Our Jon knows better."

Ned looked at her and frowned. "I have tried to reason with him for months. I have appealed to his duty to his lands. I have explained that Starks do not do well in the South. My love, I reminded him that the queen is promised to the prince."

Cersei shook her head. "She is not. The queen is beholden to no one. The prince is her heir."

Her husband frowned at her. "Are you implying that you condone this madness?"

Lady Stark did not hesitate. "No, of course not. We have to dissuade him. Starks perish in King's Landing."

Ned nodded, "He's told me that he will wage war for her."

Suddenly, his words made sense. They would ride into battle together. She knelt by him and kissed him. "There will be no war. No son of mine will make such stupid mistakes. She is just a woman. We are his parents. I will find a way to disabuse him of these notions."

Ned looked doubtful. "I hope you can change his mind my lioness but there is more that you should know."

"What is it?" Cersei asked and sat by him.

"She lost his child. Ever since then they no longer care that they are seen together. They may as well be yelling that they're fucking."

Cersei gasped. "She may have lost another child before she left for the Wall." Ned looked puzzled.

"She did not go with Ser Jorah because she bled heavily. I thought it was her moon blood but now that I think of it. The girl fainted and lost as much blood as I did with the last babe before Robb." Lady Stark offered.

Ned sighed. "Jon seems more determined since they lost the babe. He does not leave her side or go away from her for long."

Cersei grabbed his hand. "I gave her moontea. She should not have gotten with child at all."

Ned shook his head. "I buried the remains of the child. They named him Aenys."

Cersei felt highly uncomfortable. Their second babe did not have a name. She had not had the heart to name it. It had been too young. "We didn't name our baby girl, before Robb."

"I did. Lyarra after my mother." Ned said quietly. Cersei hugged him. She kissed his neck. "I wish I could give you another girl. Name her after your sister or your mamma, maybe even Old Nan."

Ned chuckled, "we'll have granddaughters. I am sure you will put your whispers to use and named them."

Cersei still felt a bit sad. "Oh my love. I don't know. That Tyrell girl will not heed my suggestions when the time comes. They would probably be away in the Eyrie as is Tommen with his Tully wife."

"Baratheon." Ned corrected.

Cersei rolled her eyes. "Tully, or would you prefer that I call her Waters or better yet Baelish."

Ned sighed. "Tommen loves her."

Cersei frowned, "our son deserved better." Her husband did not speak.

"Joanna is away and unlikely to carry more children. We do not know where Arya is. I am more likely to bear children than our youngest daughter." Cersei said. "And our Brandon..."

"Is well. He is safe and doing his duty. I see him in my dreams." Ned replied.

Cersei stood up and undressed. Ned came to the bed too. They embraced and she spoke. "I see him too. He tells me he's well. He says that he's the Three Eyed Raven now."

Ned held her and kissed her forehead, "he will not hold lands or father any children. Our son is destined for bigger things. He knows everything that happened and is guardian of all that will happen." Cersei shivered. Ned explained a few weeks after their son went beyond the Wall. She did not completely understand. She had wanted her son back but now he was forever gone. "So you see my love there may not be any granddaughters to name."

"We have Rickon and his children." Ned pointed out.

Cersei pulled a leg over him. "Rickon is our babe. He won't marry until many years."

Ned kissed her. "What are you thinking?"

She smiled. He knew her far too well. "Jon and this liaison with the queen. It could end horribly wrong but..."

Her husband frowned and moved away a bit. "We have had two wars in the last five years. I have fought in both of them. Our family was torn apart; Cersei, I gave up the North to her."

"We are loyal subjects. I will speak to Jon my love. It would be far easier for him and the queen to see reason but you have to hear this." She said firmly.

He was agitated. "You said that you would speak to him not ten minutes ago." Cersei sat on him. "I will do the impossible to dissuade our son from continuing with this inane affair. I would choose to have him ruling Winterfell over having him in King's Landing but we have to explore other options."

"Explain yourself." He hissed.

"In the event that our son continues to be bewitched by the queen we have to support him." Lady Stark said plainly.

"I have offered my reluctant support in that matter. Jon believes it will not come to war." Her husband said more calmly.

"He is correct. The men support Daenerys. Aegon has a few loyal men that will back his claim. The dragon queen has the North, the unsullied and the dothraki horde.

"It would be suicide to attack her." Cersei concluded and felt better. She kissed him again. Ned looked troubled still.

"My love" She said and caressed his face. Cersei could not bear to see him so downcast. "I swear that I will talk to him. He will see reason. Jon always comes around and listens. Our son could never disappoint us. You raised him to follow his duty.

Ned kissed her face, "lioness, I am counting on his love for you, for these lands and for his siblings." Cersei caressed and comforted him until they were both naked and tangled. He was spent as was she. Ned caressed her hair and spoke faintly. "I have to tell you more." She did not hear the rest as she slept peacefully.

Cersei washed Ned's hair one last time. She killed all the lice and "perfumed him" as he put it. "No more of that horrible pest." She said and chose to dress herself. "Time to face them all. I have feasts to prepare and you have armies to send off." She said once they were ready to start the day.

Ned kissed her lips, "I will have Rickon with me today."

"Ned, he's not old enough." She tried.

"He's older than Robb and Jon were when I took them for lessons. He will start training as well." Ned smiled and offered his arm.

They descended to the great hall. Only Jon and The prince were missing.

"Your grace." Cersei curtsied and sat by her husband. He greeted the queen as well. Little Eddard and Rickon laughed when little Jon threw food to Grey Wind and the beast caught the pieces on his nose.

Cersei glanced at the queen who ate and made small conversation with Margaery.

Ned ate some of his food and then addressed Robb. "Have the knights of the Vale leave as soon as possible."

"I have sent most of them. Prince Aegon sent his forces South too. We are waiting for our Queen to send the last of her men as well."

The dragon queen nodded. "Aegon is seeing to the task as we break our fast." Ned thanked her and gave instructions to Tyrion and Robb

"Where is Jon?" Ned asked.

"He is in the Dreadfort. Your son is settling the Free Folk in the smallholds and the castle." Jorah replied.

"Lord Stark. You may choose to change its name after you appoint fitting rulers for those lands." The queen said graciously.

"Jon will hold the lands." Ned replied immediately.

The queen's small frown was barely perceptible. "I thought your firstborn was to hold Winterfell. The custom is for the firstborn to inherit his father's titles and lands."

Cersei could tell her husband was annoyed and that the girl merely understood the situation perfectly.

"You are correct my queen, however my Ned is quite healthy and strong. He will have many days and nights with us. Our Jon is an apt ruler. It would be a waste to have him in Winterfell when his talents are needed in the Dreadfort. He will have Winterfell many years from now and hold the Dreadfort for Rickon until he becomes of age." Cersei finished.

"Lord Stark will come to Winterfell soon enough dearest aunt. I am sure Rhaegal is already looking for him." The prince joined the table.

Cersei was confused but remained silent lest the rest of their party know of her confusion. Margaery asked the burning question. "Why would the dragon look for Jon?"

Robb smiled, "you don't know." He said and kissed her hand. "I must have forgotten to tell you. The soldiers speak true. I am sure the maids have carried the gossip to the castle. Jon rides Rhaegal."

Cersei masked her shock by drinking some juice. She looked at Ned for a second and found him nodding imperceptibly. She then looked at Tyrion who looked apologetic.

Ned stood up, "Robb, you and I will oversee the last of the men and ride out to make sure our keeps holdfasts are ready to withstand the winter. Rickon is coming with us." Cersei watched Rickon grin from ear to ear.

"Yes father." Robb stood up and left the rooms.

"I would like to come with you for a bit. My men have been dismissed." The prince pointed out.

"Of course my prince." Ned conceded. Cersei saw as the prince followed her son. Ned squeezed her hand and left the rooms. They would speak later.

"Lady Stark, should we begin the arrangements for the feast?" Sansa asked politely.

"Of course little dove. Margaery, you may join us if you wish." Cersei stated.

"Yes lady Stark." The little rose said and left the quarters. "I will leave little Eddard with his nurse." She said as an excuse to retire.

"I will join you as well." The queen took Sansa's arm as they left for Cersei's parlor.

"I will join you shortly." Cersei finished,

"Walk with me brother." She waited for him to take her arm.

They were a fair distance away from the great hall when Tyrion spoke, "it was not my place to tell you. Ned agreed to speak to you as soon as he came."

"Clearly my husband opted to omit information. Be true baby brother." Cersei would have words with Ned later that night.

"Jon rides Rhaegal. The soldiers, the maids, all the gossip in not exaggerated. Your son and the Targaryens exterminated the army of the dead with those dragons." Tyrion spoke clearly.

Lady Stark understood why Ned was so afraid. She understood but like her husband did not accept that small doubt. Ned kept silent because he feared she would add to his growing doubts. Well, lady Stark would squash them. She remembered years ago when Ned fist spoke of this possibility. Her son was a Stark. He was bred like one. She would be dammed if she let anyone say or think otherwise.

Tyrion waited for an answer. "So my son proved he is valiant, resourceful and fearless in the battlefield." Cersei said airily.

"Sister, I love that boy. He is my nephew by all the rights of the realm but he did not come from your loins. Only Targaryens ride dragons." Her brother said carefully.

Cersei grabbed his hand and squeezed. "I did not carry him or birth him you are correct. Jon came from Dorne. A Dornish whore birthed him. My lord husband made a mistake but we fixed it. Jon Stark is the true born son of Eddard Stark."

"What do the common folk say?" She asked.

"They see Jon as a brave Northerner. The Free Folk call him the Fearless Wolf and the moniker is popular among the Westerosi and the Unsullied who fought alongside him." Tyrion answered.

"What about the lords and the royals?" Cersei feared the old northern houses the most.

"Not much. No one ever thought Dragons would fly again and our queen has three. It helps that there have been a few brace or foolish men who have dared to touch the beasts."

"Let us not speak of this once more baby brother." Cersei felt a headache coming.

He nodded and they kept walking. Cersei realized they were near her parlor, "thank you for escorting me baby brother." She finished. It was time to rouse the hens and look at the dragon.

Cersei found Sansa and the queen talking amiably. "I would love for Missandei to be with me."

Lady Stark entered and smiled, "Missandei?"

The queen smiled back, "my trusted advisor. She is in King's Landing with Ser Barristan."

Cersei nodded, "What news of the Capital?" She was intrigued as to know how the South fared without an acting regent.

"Ser Barristan is an excellent commander and Missandei reports no strife. I have to say it was most fortunate that Missandei is as smart and capable as she is." The queen said with another smile.

Cersei continued the pleasantries and began the arduous tasks of the feasts. She decided to put her mind into the task. The dragon queen did not breach the subject of Jon. Cersei preferred to speak to her son before exchanging words with the Targaryen. Sansa, always pretty and nice Sansa took notes and offered to start the preparations.

"Your grace, this task is beneath you. We would never ask you to trouble yourself with such menial endeavors." Cersei stated. She wanted to focus on her work and take her mind off of Jon and the fact that he rode dragons now.

The queen smiled politely. "It is not trouble at all Lady Stark. I must confess I need to be industrious. There is not a war anymore. My lands are prosperous and I need to do some honest work. I do not know whether I will of much use but there is no other place I rather be at the moment."

The three women set out to work on the feasts. It was decided that there would be three feasts. Two for the commonfolk and one for the lords of Westeros. The queen disliked the idea and asked if they could hold a feast where everyone mingled.

"Your grace, Winterfell is not big enough. The castle will not be able to hold that many people." Sansa replied smartly.

"We should have more feasts then; what about five?" The queen proposed.

"My queen, your heart is most absolutely in the right place. Your idea could work but we do not have the time or resources to test it. Your troops have to be dismissed. We await winter. My husband believes this winter will be harsh. The Nothernmen need to travel and reach their castles as do your men. Two feasts are more feasible." Cersei pointed out delicately.

The queen tried to argue and propose her idea but Cersei won the argument. "The men would be confused as to why they were invited to the first feast and not the second once and vice versa. It would create great discord amongst the people your grace. There is also the fact that men need to return to their homes before the roads are too heavy with snow and the storms begin."

The queen nodded reluctantly. "As you advise lady Stark." Daenerys Stormborn asked questions about food courses, protocol and the invite lists. The women were engrossed in the task when Margaery joined them.

Cersei arched an eyebrow, "Nice of you to join us." She said.

"I apologize Lady Stark. Eddard was feeling a bit under the weather." The woman said and sat by Sansa.

"Did you inform maester Luwin?" Cersei inquired for the welfare of her grandchild.

"There was no need. It was just a low fever, nothing a mother's love and caresses could not cure." She said with a small smile.

Sansa patted Margaery's hand. "Jon is just as fussy sometimes. He is a bit jealous of Tyrek at times. He does not understand that his little brother needs me more now."

"I would love to give Eddard a baby sister or brother." Margaery said lively. "I don't want for Eddard to be all alone."

Sansa smiled, "I want a little girl but Tyrion does not want any more children." She sounded disappointed.

The queen looked at Margaery, "You are young as is your husband. I am sure you will have another babe in no time." Cersei watched the queen. The girl looked sad.

Lady Stark smiled at her daughter in law. "I am sure Robb and you will have many children."

"Thank you. It is my duty to give my husband sons and daughters." The little rose said with a perfect smile.

The queen looked down at her feet. Cersei decided that it was enough of babe talk and switched the subject to the feasts arrangements.

The women worked tirelessly until it was time for Sansa to feed Tyrek. The nursemaid brought him, Jon and little Ned to the parlor.

"There are my darling boys." Cersei lit up when she saw the boys. Little Ned ran to her.

"Nana. I had not seen you days and nights I had not seen you." He said as he sat on her lap. His speech did not have that trace of baby babble. Cersei kissed his forehead.

"Say hello to your mama." Margaery said and kissed his hands. Little Ned went with his mother. Cersei smiled tightly. The little boy would prefer his own mama over her any time. It was as it was supposed to be.

The queen played with little Jon by the side. The blonde babe giggled and babbled. Cersei joined in. "He is rather beautiful." She said

The queen grinned. "He is. Little Jon Lannister." She said while the boy played with some toys the maid brought.

Cersei touched his cheek. "He looks like Tyrion."

"Yes," the queen laughed when Jon smashed some blocks and rag toys. Cersei did not engage her in more conversation. She watched as the dragon queen played with the boys and cooed at the babe in Sansa's tit. There was longing in that stare. Margaery left the parlor with little Eddard. "It is time for his nap."

Cersei said goodbye to her grandson. The Tyrell girl left. The queen and Jon played until the boy grew fussy. Sansa still nursed Tyrek who drank his milk greedily. The queen tried to soothe Jon but he cried out and made grabby hands at his mama.

Sansa made an attempt to have both her children in her lap but Jon was determined to be by himself and cried out.

"Here, little dove. Give me him." Cersei said and grabbed the older boy.

Sansa looked at her gratefully. "He's weaned off but wants to be fed at the teat whenever he sees Tyrek at it." The redhead stated. She looked tired.

Cersei rocked and sang to the young boy. His sobs stopped and he rubbed his eyes more and more. "He is just like my Jon." Cersei replied and smiled at the babe in her bosom. The little baby scrambled to get his hands on her breasts.

The queen laughed. "Please do tell." She said.

Cersei smiled at baby Jon. "My son was older than this little lion when Robb arrived. Jon loved Robb from the moment he met him."

The queen nodded. "They seem inseparable." Daenerys continued.

"They always have been." Cersei replied while a sleepy Jon nuzzled her chest.

Sansa finished feeding Tyrek. "Lady Stark, would you mind if I left you with Jon for a few minutes? I will change Tyrek and come back for him." The red headed girl rushed out.

"Of course. There is no need for you to come back. Jon can take his nap with me. I will pass through your quarters when he asks for you. Sleep while Tyrek sleeps. It will do you well. We will continue the feast arrangements when you are refreshed dear." Cersei replied kindly.

"Thank you lady Stark." The girl said and curtsied with her babe in arms.

Cersei shushed Jon who seemed to know his mama left the rooms. "You were saying that lord Jon was like your nephew." The queen attempted at conversation.

"Yes, although my Jon was older. He had been weaned off for at least a year before Robb was born. I gave birth to Robb during the early morning. I was exhausted following the birth. Maester Luwin brought me an alive babe. I was so happy. There he was, a strong Stark boy. I had done by duty. I was afraid of Jon's reaction to the babe. My Jon was all I had in these lands. I did not love Ned then not even a speck of what I love him now." Cersei considered the queen's face. She was entranced with the tale it seemed. It was good, the dragon queen needed to be an ally. Cersei had her regard but now she needed trust.

"I sent for him. He came and looked at Robb." Cersei laughed happily. "He said "He red mamma"

The queen laughed. "He must have been precious." She said with a faraway look.

Cersei nodded, "he was. I explained to Jon that he now had a baby brother and it was his duty to protect him. I told him Robb was a pup. Jon looked at me seriously and said "I pup."

The queen laughed once more. Cersei smiled too. "Jon was always a good big brother. He took care of Robb and the rest of the litter but it was hard for him sometimes. You see, Jon was the center of my world one upon a time. He is my firstborn, my pup and the reason why I woke up every morning. Suddenly I had another boy. My heart expanded with love. You will understand once you and Prince Aegon have children." Cersei could not help but tell her."

Daenerys' frown was not pronounced but it was there. "The Prince is my heir and will not be my husband." She said clearly.

Cersei looked at the queen, "I did not mean to upset you." She said politely.

"You have not." The woman replied. "Please tell me more about Jon." The queen asked.

Cersei smiled. "He would get jealous at times. Robb as Tyrek demanded much of me. I was a lot like Sansa. My mother was a high born lady and had an army of nurses and maids to care for me and Jaime. I had the same resources if not more here in Winterfell. Like Sansa, however, I felt the need to take an active role in my children's lives from early on." Lady Stark continued with safe conversation topics.

"None of my children beside Jon had wet-nurses. I fed them all. I put them to bed. I cured fevers, changed them and took care of them. Robb was a healthy and demanding babe. Jon would be jealous. He loved Robb but he needed time from me too. Old Nan, a wet nurse of old used to help me so that I could have an hour or two with Jon." Cersei stated.

The queen nodded and asked for more details about Jon. Cersei should have seen it sooner. She kicked herself for thinking the Targaryen was interested in Robb. The queen's eyes lit up when she spoke of Jon. Cersei asked no questions about the affair and the dragon queen did not broach the subject either. Before Cersei knew little Jon stirred and asked for his mamma.

"My queen must forgive me." Cersei stood up and curtsied before leaving the parlor.

Lady Stark walked with a sleepy lion. They made their way to Sansa's quarters. Jon was ecstatic to see his mamma and went to her immediately. "I will see you later little dove." Cersei addressed Sansa. Her sister in law curtsied and thanked her for the help.

Lady Stark reviewed the courses for lunch and dinner and then visited the training yards. Robb guided the men to leave. Ned nor Rickon were in sight. Cersei decided to continue the feasts' preparation. She worked with the cooks and maester Luwin the whole afternoon.

She did not have dinner and stayed in her quarters. Rickon surprised her later that evening. He was very excited and told her all about his day with papa. Her youngest was exhausted by the end of his narrative and kissed her good night. Cersei walked with him to his quarters. Lan licked her hand before joining Rickon in bed.

Cersei waited for Ned patiently. She felt some of the anger come back as her husband entered their quarters.

"It would have been nice to know that our son could ride dragons before I almost made a fool of myself." Cersei hissed at her husband of more than twenty-five years.