Jeyne was so sweet it was sickening, and that was coming from Eddmina who had already thrown up multiple times that day.

She had beamed when Eddmina entered the solar, practically jumping to her feet and embracing her the moment she got close enough. Eddmina had to fight not to tense up the moment the younger woman wrapped her arms around her, and she forced all the necessary smiles and courtesies. It was difficult, and took her back to being a child in Winterfell, when all the other girls seemed more perfect than her. They had all known the right songs to sing and how to dance without tripping, and they laughed and blushed whenever the younger handsome guards looked their way. Yet there she was, awkward and uncomfortable, knowing what she had to do but so often feeling incapable of doing it.

Jeyne Westerling reminded her of Jeyne Poole, Sansa's childhood best friend. She had always been polite to Eddmina, unlike Arya who she had nicknamed Horseface, but she knew secretly Jeyne Poole had thought her strange and odd. Jeyne Westerling took Eddmina back to that time, back to when she had no real friends save her siblings, the household staff, and Theon. Jeyne's sweet nature made her feel irregular once more, a feeling she hadn't endured for what felt like a lifetime. She was surprised that deep inside, she was still the insecure eldest girl of Winterfell, constantly putting on a front of confidence and self-assuredness, desperate to impress and be dutiful, anything to avoid feeling like a disapointment. She had to keep telling herself that it was not Jeyne's problem, that it was a problem she had to face within herself, but even so, her brother's cheery wife couldn't help but put her on edge.

That made her feel like a failure too. She was Robb's wife, his Queen, someone that Eddmina should embrace and accept. Margaery had done that for her, so had Leonette. They had welcomed her into the Tyrell family as another sister, and as much as Eddmina wanted to follow their example and accept Jeyne as a Stark, something deep inside felt quite unsettled by that idea.

That was what lunch was for though, even if Eddmina could think of a thousand other things she wanted to do. She would have rather tracked Willas down and talked to him about Highgarden. She would have rather been with Uther, who only the day before had attempted a few shaky steps. She would have rather danced with Sansa, even if that meant trodding on her toes until the younger girl scolded her and they ended up in fits of laughter. She would have rather practiced sparring with Dacey. She would have rather locked herself away in her study and gotten on with some real work.

Even so, she took a seat at the table filled with breads, cheeses, cold slices of meat, and what few fruits they had to spare. They were in the beginning days of autumn, and Riverrun wasn't particularly affluent even when it wasn't catering for thousands. To Eddmina it just looked like a normal lunch, but she wondered what Jeyne thought, if their simple lunch was the first sign that her marriage was an introduction to a life very different from her upbringing. Jaime Lannister had told her the Westerlings were not particularly rich, but Jeyne's gown was a shimmering gold, and her necklace pendant alone would have been enough to feed a Riverlands village for at least half a year. Then again, the same could be said for Eddmina's own silver locket, and her wedding ring, and so she tried not to judge.

She did, however, judge when she realised Jeyne had brought her own tea. The tea pot itself must have been from the Westerlands, as well as the matching cups. Eddmina felt a burning ache in her gut when she noticed the golden lion emblem on the handle, surrounded by Westerling seashells.

"I hope you do not mind," Jeyne said, the moment that she noticed Eddmina's eyes lingering on the pot. "I thought since you were kind enough to invite me to lunch, I should at least bring something to contribute."

Jeyne took the opportunity to pour it out into the two cups, offering Eddmina one. She took it, noting how much it steamed, and how it immediately smelt of herbs. There was an instant odour of mint, as well as honey and a few other plants that she couldn't name though was sure Willas with all his botany knowledge would be able to decipher. There was something familiar about the combination of ingredients, though Eddmina couldn't place them. All she knew was that the smell was instantly unappealing. When she had been pregnant the first time there had been plenty of smells that disagreed with her, and from experience knew it would be best not to keep it near her. She placed the cup down just out of her reach, instead sipping on her goblet of water as she tore into a chunk of bread, immediately reaching for the cheese next.

As much as she knew she needed to focus, suddenly the food was a distraction. Given her previous visits to the privy she knew that eating a great deal wouldn't be sensible, but she had barely realised how hungry she was. It reminded her of the first time, with Uther, when she had eaten breakfast with the Tyrell brothers, Leonette and Jon every morning until they all parted ways. It reminded her of all her trips down to the kitchens, knowing whatever craving she was enduring would be catered to happily, especially by Gage the cook who had known her for her whole life. She had eaten bread and cheese most mornings then too, and though the memory stung with burning bittersweet grief, she couldn't help the faint trickle of sentimental happiness. Uther had been born in Winterfell, and despite everything, she had the memories of getting to have him in her childhood home and seeing the people she had grown up with meet him. If she truly was pregnant again, if she was going to go back to Highgarden as soon as she felt safe to leave Robb, then she would get to experience everything as if for the first time again.

"My mother has been brewing it for me," Jeyne told her, unknowing of the revelations Eddmina was having, completely oblivious to Eddmina's distaste for the tea. As she spread the cheese onto her bread, Eddmina glanced up to see Jeyne's blush, and the faint flustered smile she was trying to contain. "It's a special tea she recomended to me after the wedding. She said it is meant to help me..."

Jeyne let out a laugh that rang like bells, a bashful little giggle that yet again made Eddmina feel as though she was in Septa Mordane's lesson room, surrounded by young ladies. Young ladies only laughed like that for a handful of reasons, all of them revolving around topics they were not meant to discuss. Eddmina put her half-eaten bread down onto the plate in front of her and raised her eyebrow. She immediately understood what Jeyne was implying with her pink cheeks and reluctance to speak, and Eddmina didn't feel embarrassed at all. Suddenly she felt very old, and very mature.

"To help you get pregnant?" She finished for her, and though Jeyne's eyes widened in surprise that she would speak so bluntly, she eventually nodded with another smile.

Eddmina tried not to let the idea bother her. It was Robb's duty to have children, as his children would be the ones to keep the Stark line going. It hadn't been ideal to think of him marrying a Frey girl, but Eddmina felt even more wary about his children coming from a Westerner. She realised it was biased and hypocritical, considering she was married to a southerner too, and it was nothing against Jeyne, but everything against her family; her mother in particular. Jaime Lannister's description of the Westerlings ran around her mind, especially the warning that Jeyne might just be the same as her mother. The thought of a new generation of Starks inheriting those traits had her on edge, but Eddmina tried not to let it show, forcing yet another smile.

Eddmina glanced down at the tea cup in front of her, hoping Jeyne didn't notice her grimace. The thought of her own mother suggesting such things to her felt unomfortable, and it was unimaginable that Lady Stark would have even talked to her about getting pregnant. Maybe that was just her mother, maybe it was a fault of their relationship, yet another problem down to their previously fractured bond. Maybe Jeyne was much closer to her own mother for such conversations to feel natural, though the idea of the two of them sharing a close relationship didn't sit right with Eddmina either.

"Did you..." Jeyne began, trailing off out of embarrassment, a sentiment Eddmina found tiring yet relatable. "Did you drink such things, for you and Lord Tyrell?"

"Willas isn't Lord Tyrell yet, hopefully not for a long time," Eddmina found that pat easier to address first, as the current topic made her insides swirl with nerves once more. All she wanted to do was eat her cheese in peace, but it had been her to invite Jeyne to lunch, and it was her who wanted to know the truth of the girl; it was her own fault. "I don't know if I believe in that sort of thing, teas and potions. There is only one real way of becoming with child."

'I should know,' Eddmina couldn't help but think, and recalling all of the times that would have gotten her in her current situation made her feel warm, and the memory of Willas' lips on her body made a sheepish smile threaten to break. 'So much for maturity.'

To say she had spoken so plainly with Sansa about love, Eddmina didn't know what else to say to Jeyne. Perhaps that was because Sansa was her sister by blood and she knew the girl was owed the truth and there was no one better to give it to her. Sansa had been taught as a proper lady, as had Eddmina, but the conversation that they had both been taught to never have felt far more natural than it did with Jeyne. Maybe it was the cultural difference of being from vastly different kingdoms, maybe it was the fact that Eddmina knew who Jeyne was trying to get pregnant with, and deep down Eddmina couldn't quite bring herself to think about her brother like that.

Eddmina had always known she was different to Margaery, but the memory of how she responded to her brother getting married and being intimate with a woman felt vastly different to to how Eddmina felt around Robb's wife. Margaery had given Eddmina a nightgown for her honeymoon, knowing what sort of use it would be put to, and yet Eddmina sat in front of Jeyne and didn't know what to do for the best. Eddmina had often wished she was a little bit more like Margaery, she wished she had her grace and her bold confidence, and that ocassion was no exception.

"It will happen when it happens, I wouldn't worry yourself," Eddmina said finally, trying another smile. Thinking of Margaery, and forcing away her reservations, she added, "Forget the tea. Just enjoy the process."

Margaery would have winked, but Eddmina couldn't bring herself to go that far. Jeyne flushed a deeper shade of pink, and Eddmina didn't really blame her. She went back to her bread and cheese, and was glad for the distraction.

"You have a little boy, don't you?" Jeyne asked, clearly desperate to not talk anymore about intimacy, except the topic she chose instantly had Eddmina back on guard. She set her food back down on her plate, swallowing as she placed her hands together on top of the table. "Robb talks about him all the time. He told me you are an excellent mother, and that little Luther is a delight."

"Uther," Eddmina corrected before she could stop herself, though Jeyne instantly looked mortified to have made such a mistake. "It's alright. It's not a particularly common name. His grace is very kind to compliment the both of us, though."

"Of course," Jeyne nodded enthusiastically, smiling again at the mention of Robb. "He always speaks very highly of you. You are his heir, after all. Until we have children of our own, and without your brothers, you and Uther are the King's heirs."

It took all of her strength to stay seated at the table, and somehow she didn't clench her hands into fists. She did, however, feel her chest tighten, and her skin began to itch the way it always did when she knew her mind was getting the better of her. She didn't know if it was anger or fear, or both. She didn't know if it was because Jeyne had presumed to tell her of her own position, or if it was because she had brought up Bran and Rickon, or if it was due to her assuming Uther would take up a role in Robb's court that he wasn't destined for. She took a sip of her water again, hoping it would calm her nerves, but it didn't, not as Jeyne kept staring at her as if nothing was amiss.

Clearly she didn't know the Starks very well. Clearly she was still so oblivious about the family she had married into.

"We are not without brothers," she said, deciding that Jeyne's education on the Starks must be fufilled by her. Jeyne, however, looked at her blankly, blinking cluelessly. "We lost our two little brothers, yes, but there is still Jon."

"Oh," Jeyne breathed out in surprise, her smile gone as she instead creased her eyebrows together. "Oh, forgive me, I always thought that he was a bast-"

"Jon is our half brother," Eddmina cut in, protective as always. "But our brother all the same. Ned Stark fathered four sons, not three."

Robb's will should reflect that sentiment, Eddmina decided. As his Hand, she would make sure of it, even if it was the last thing she did, even if it was now purely to spite the Westerlings. Sansa would come first, of course, but Eddmina would make sure Jon would follow her. It was only fair, and if it was what it took to get people to stop looking at Uther as an heir to the north, if that was what kept her son safe, then she would see to it.

Jeyne didn't know what to say, obviously not agreeing but not having the confidence to say so. Instead she sipped at her tea, and Eddmina was happy to let her thoughts brew in silence while Robb's wife decided what she wanted to say next. She had gone into the lunch intending to subtly interrogate her, yet Eddmina decided it was much easier to sit there and let Jeyne unravel herself.

"I want us to be friends," Jeyne said eventually, setting her tea cup back down. Eddmina noticed it was empty, but she was soon distracted as Jeyne leant across the table and took hold of her hand. "You are Robb's sister, and I am his Queen. I know it would mean a great deal to him if we were friends. He has not said, but I know he wants me to have your approval. If the two of us were friends, it would be best for everyone, but it is something I really, truly want."

"Is it?" Eddmina frowned, genuinely surprised; very few people had said such things to her. "Why?"

"From what I have heard, you are a very kind and admirable person, you clearly love your family a great deal," Jeyne began, her smile much shyer than it had been before. "And... I believe I will need your help if I am to survive this."

"And why do you need my help?" Eddmina frowned, knowing she was getting what she wanted as Jeyne was speaking so truthfully, opening herself up and baring her true soul. "You are the wife of the King in the North. You are his Queen."

"Exactly," Jeyne said, and for the first time since meeting her, she looked serious, almost afraid. "I might be the Queen, but I know that very few people like me, save Robb. I know what marrying me cost him. I know what you all must think of me. I didn't want for any of this, I just... You cannot help who you fall in love with."

Talisa had said something similar when trying to justify her affair with Robb. It struck her then just how different the two women were. Talisa had been bold, and worldly, and Eddmina had placed her life in her hands after only knowing her for mere hours. She had been trustworthy and kind, yet she had an edge to her that only tending to wounded soldiers and working to save lives could provide. Jeyne, however, was completely different. She was beautiful, and kind, but that was where the similarities ended.

Would the Northerners accepted Talisa as a queen better than they accepted Jeyne? At least most of them had known Talisa, considering she had tended to them and stitched up their wounds. Jeyne was a stranger. A kind, meek, mild, southern stranger. Eddmina wanted to hate her. She wanted to send her away, just as she had done to Talisa. The smart decision would have been to have the Westerlings thrown into the cells while she rode to the Twins to renegotiate.

For once, Eddmina did not go for the smart decision, not as she looked at Jeyne and saw how brave she was trying to be, how she was desperately trying to hold eye contact with her husband's sister. That was how Eddmina knew that hating Jeyne was impossible. She looked her, and knew instantly that there was no malice. She was incapable of such feelings, and when she studied her, Eddmina felt like she was looking at Sansa, or, the girl Sansa had been before King's Landing.

Jeyne was just a girl who had fallen in love, Eddmina realised. It didn't make the situation right, nor did it make her forgive Robb for breaking his vow. It did, however, make Eddmina realise how much she wanted and needed to help her. For the first time, when she smiled at Jeyne, it felt genuine, and she placed her hand on top of hers.

Relief was instant, as Jeyne sighed, the noise sounding a little like a sob, and her eyes immediately became watery. She squeezed Eddmina's hands tightly, as if their lives depended on it, as if their lives depended on each other.

"The north is very different to where you are from, I'm sure," Eddmina told her. "I had a similar culture shock the first time I went south. My mother and father were married for eighteen years and she still feels like an outsider among the northerners. Ser Willas has been tolerated by the northmen, mostly because they know what I would do if they didn't accept him."

"Are you saying that I have no chance, then?" Jeyne laughed, though it wasn't the happy sound she had made before. It sounded bitter, and a little scared.

"I am saying that you will have to work hard, and respect is earnt," Eddmina assured her. "Do you know how to use a sword? Or shoot a bow?"

"Oh, goodness, no!" she exclaimed, wide-eyed. "My mother would never allow such things."

"Married women do not have to obey their mothers, especially when those married women are Queens," Eddmina told her firmly, remembering everything Jaime Lannister had told her of Lady Westerling. "I will teach you how to shoot, and we can start from there."

"But... such activities are not ladylike!" Jeyne opposed in concern, shaking her head. "What will my husband think?"

"Your husband grew up in a castle in which the greatest archer was a female," Eddmina pointed out. "Speaking from experience, husbands quite like watching their wives shoot."

She felt a heat rise in her cheeks once more as she remembered just how much Willas loved to watch her shoot, and all the love marks he had left on her over their years together every time she hit the bullseye. The man who was so passionate yet gentle with her was the same one who had punched Jeyne's husband in the face, but Eddmina decided not to linger on that thought.

It helped that it was in that moment a knock came at the door. The guard entered, the one who was always keeping watch outside of Eddmina's door, the one who wore Stark armour. She had known him briefly back in Winterfell, known his name was Daryn, known he was three years younger than her and had been taught how to fight by Jory, back when the world still felt normal.

"Princess," he said, addressing Eddmina directly, rather than the woman he was meant to call Queen. "It is Ser Garlan to see you. Shall I send him away?"

Eddmina could not think of a single occasion in her life where she would ever consider sending Garlan away. Even hearing his name made her smile, and it hardly mattered that the last time she had seen him was that morning when he was chasing after his brother after he hit Robb.

"Of course not, send him in!" Eddmina encouraged, withdrawing her hands from Jeyne's as she got up from the table, sparing Jeyne a glance to see she was suddenly nervous. "You've met Garlan before, I'm sure."

Jeyne nodded, but if she had any opposition to Garlan joining then she had little chance to speak as the second Tyrell entered the room, the door shutting behind him. He was smiling, as always, but the expression didn't reach his tired eyes, and when he looked at Eddmina he gave her a knowing sigh. She wanted to hug him, but not in front of Jeyne. She wanted to ask him a thousand questions, but not in front of Jeyne.

"The horses have never looked as pristine," Garlan announced to her, and though it took her a moment to realise what he was implying, the two of them exchanged sad smiles. He had tracked his brother down in the place he was usually most at home, and he had set himself to work to distract himself in the most Willas way either of them could think.

"And how is my favourite stable hand?" She asked, following his vibe. He snorted out a laugh against his will, severely amused by his brother's new nickname.

"Regretful, concerned about the state of things, especially the King's stallion," Garlan told her vaguely, though she understood and it made bitter sadness twist inside of her. It made her long to flee to the stables and kiss her husband until they forgot all their troubles. "Concerned that if he doesn't get the shoe fixed on Flint's hoof you may be rather cross with him."

"What's wrong with Robb's horse?" Jeyne asked in alarm, interrupting the coded conversation. Eddmina grimaced, while Garlan bit back another laugh.

"Nothing serious, your grace, most likely just exhaustion," Garlan lied smoothly, forcing a smile so wide it made his eyes narrow. "I trust Edda is making you feel welcome enough? Though, if I'd have known you were having such a fine selection of cheeses I would have interrupted sooner."

"Help yourself," Eddmina shrugged, gesturing to the table, and even Jeyne nodded encouragingly.

There was so much he and Eddmina needed to talk about, but none of the topics were suitable for Jeyne. Eddmina might have tentatively decided to trust her brother's wife, but she didn't trust her with Tyrell family conversations. Those could wait until after she was gone, but she had no intention of sending her away, not when there was still plenty she wanted to know. Even if Garlan had sought her out to talk, he did not seem truly bothered, not as he headed to the table, looking down at the food eagerly.

"Did you eat well enough these last few months?" Eddmina asked, sitting back down as she watched her husband's brother examine the spread eagerly.

"You sound like my mother," he rolled his eyes. He leant down to pick up a piece of bread, but stopped. He froze, his face loosing its usual amusement as he sniffed, and immediately frowned. "Gods, what is that smell?"

Neither woman answered him, mostly because neither knew what he was talking about. Jeyne carried on eating, as if Garlan hadn't said anything, but Eddmina knew him well enough to see how his frown deepened, as if he was wracking his brain, trying to figure out what it was that he'd smelt and why it had hit a nerve enough to point it out. He stared down at the spread of food, looking a little clueless, and he almost looked like he was about to shrug it off in favour of piling a plate high with meats and cheeses. That was when his gaze fell down to the teapot, and the tension of thought was replaced with cold realisation, freezing as he stared at it. He took another sniff, then grimaced, straightening himself and stepping back as if to distance himself. He blinked a few times, and though it looked like the last thing he wanted to do, he smiled at Eddmina, as if he was forcing himself to make peace with his realisation. It took a moment, but he laughed and winked at her, as if he had just figured out a joke, one that he didn't notice she wasn't in on, not as she was staring at him with narrowed eyes, her arms folded.

"No need to tell me what you and my brother have been getting up to lately," he elaborated, gesturing down to the tea pot. Eddmina was still lost, but instead stared at the pot silently. "The tea."

"What about it?" Eddmina asked. Jeyne was frowning too, but she didn't have the courage to voice her own confusion.

"Well it's... Edda, it's alright you don't have to be ashamed," Garlan scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks growing pink. Neither woman had a clue what they were meant to be ashamed of, and when Garlan realised that, he paled and the embarrassment was replaced with horror. "It's moon tea, isn't it?"

Eddmina felt her stomach turn. Garlan had told her a story once, of him and his wife, their experience with moon tea, and the sacrifices they made by Leonette drinking it. It had been their constant for years, so long that he recognised the smell, and she thought back to the way he had described it, back in her tent when they were still travelling. Glancing down at the tea cup closest to her, she watched as the steam still rolled up into the air, and with a tentative sniff, suddenly realised why the ingredients smelt to familiar. They were the exact ones Garlan had described to her not long ago, and they were the exact ones known to excuse women from unwanted situations.

She had no problem with the tea. She respected that some women drank it to help their circumstances. Yet, it had been placed in front of her, unknowing of what it was, and despite it being unconfirmed and unplanned, her suspected circumstances were very much wanted. It took everything in her to not show her horror, or her fury, and instead it manifested in disbelief, looking at Garlan and silently begging him to admit to joking. Garlan remained serious.

Jeyne, however, was oblivious.

"It's a tea my mother has been making for me," she explained innocently, a smile on her face as she failed to notice how everyone else's smiles had died. "She said it was meant to help me get pregnant."

Garlan said nothing. He instead picked up the cup closest to Eddmina with a newfound determination, and while he grimaced at the initial smell that hit him, he took a swig. It was barely in his mouth a moment before he spat it back out into the cup. He marched over to the fire place and tossed the contents of the cup into the empty hearth, and with a cold look of anger, turned back to the women.

"Leo let me try it once," he told Eddmina in a hushed voice that rang with the ghosts of the past. "Have you ever-"

"No," she said, her voice harsh.

"What is it?" Jeyne asked, sensing that all was clearly not well. Eddmina felt as if she was watching the girl's innocence get shattered away.

"You say your mother has been giving you that tea?" Garlan asked gently, and Jeyne nodded, her eyes tearing up in confused fear. "Trust me, your grace, you will not get pregnant drinking that, nor would you stay pregnant."

Eddmina barely let his words register, and she barely noticed the way Jeyne crumpled, her smile disappearing in favour of a look of heartbroken disbelief. Eddmina didn't notice what either one of them was doing, not as she rose from her own seat, took the tea pot into her grip and stormed over to the window. The shutters were open already, and she flicked the latch open and flung the teapot out of the window, the crashing shatter of the porcelain merely fuelling her anger. Since her room was on the ground floor, she had a perfect view of the fragmented shards spread out across the flagstone path below, and she could see the puddled pool of the tea leaking out from it. She wanted to scream, especially as she found herself unable to fight instinct anymore and, with her back to Garlan and Jeyne, placed her hands against her stomach.

With her first pregnancy it had been an armed killer and a knife to her throat that had threatened her baby. This time, a tea pot containing brewed herbs. It didn't even matter if it was an accident, it didn't matter if Jeyne truly didn't know what her tea could have done. All Eddmina could think was that she had yet again endangered her family, and that was enough to make her want to scream and sob.

Desperate not to show weakness, she steeled herself as well as she could, but nothing could hide her shakes. She at least held back the tears, and she dropped her hands from her belly as she turned back to the two others. Garlan was watching her closely and with concern, as if trying to figure out what she was thinking and what he could do to help, while Jeyne was sat dumbfounded, her hands still wrapped around her own teacup in shock.

"I don't understand," Jeyne said, shaken and baffled, blinking quickly as she looked between the two. "My mother said-"

"Your mother has been lying," Eddmina stated bluntly, surprised how cold she sounded while her whole body felt like it was on fire.

"She wouldn't, she..." Jeyne trailed off, her eyes beginning to glisten. Eddmina could see the cogs turning in her head, and she let out a gasp, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. The tea cup she had been holding fell to the ground and smashed. "Why would she tell me it would help?"

"I don't know," Garlan said kindly, offering her a sad smile. "But I promise you, that tea won't help you, unless you were wanting to not have children, in which case it is particularly helpful."

"But I do, I do want children, I want to be a mother more than anything, Robb needs heirs and wants to be a father," Jeyne explained hurriedly, standing up. Both of them could see how badly her hands were shaking. Despite everything, Eddmina felt sorry for her. "My mother knew that, I told her everything, and she said... She said she could help me. Why would she give me a tea that would stop me getting pregnant?"

"Perhaps you should ask her," Eddmina suggested, not trusting herself to say anything more than a few words at a time in case she either screamed and swore or burst into tears.

Without another word, Jeyne fled, though the door had not shut in time and both Eddmina and Garlan heard her sobs as she ran. When the door clicked shut, Eddmina paced back over to the window, unsure if it offered a view of the stables, knowing that was where she wanted to run to. There was so much she had to face, knowing she had to deal with Robb and the Westerlings and having to now face up to this new revelation of deception, but all she wanted was her husband and the safe embrace of his arms. In his hold, she wouldn't have think about how she had come so close to losing what they had not planned but wanted so badly, and how she had to face almost being an accidental casualty in some newly-uncovered scheme. In Willas' arms she wouldn't have to think about this newfound deception, or how Robb's wife had been betrayed by her own mother, or how Jaime and her own instincts of not trusting Lady Westerling had been right.

How evil it was, to lie to one's own daughter, to use them for a political game and deceive  them. It suddenly became very obvious that there was far more to the situation than Robb falling in love. The situation had been shaped and manipulated, and whoever had done it was playing them all like pieces of a game board. Whoever was doing it was residing in their halls, and was clearly answering to someone else, someone who wanted to see the downfall of the north and the Starks. Jeyne was kind, naive, and trusting, while Robb was dutiful and caring, it would have been easy to manipulate their union without letting either of them or anyone else realise manipulation was taking place. She didn't know the full story, but she knew enough.

"Edd...are you alright?" Garlan asked, pulling her from her thoughts as he dared to reach out and put his hand on her shoulder, gently turning her around to face him.

"I am fine," she lied, nodding, but no lie could hide her shivers, or how her voice shook.

"You are not," he pointed out, squeezing her shoulder. He paused, not knowing what to say for the best but eventually settling on, "That was a very unique way to get rid of that tea."

"I didn't want it anywhere near me," she confessed, finding it too hard to cover the truth when speaking to him. His face turned from concern to confusion, and she watched as the truth dawned on him slowly, as his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. "I... I think if I had drank any of that tea something very bad would have happened."

"Oh," he said dazedly, before snapping into focus. He did not smile, too shocked to be joyous, but he was not as stern as before, which helped her sudden strike of nerves. "Oh. Oh, gods. Edd, are you... Are you sure? Are you alright? Have you spoken to anyone? How far... Gods, damn, I didn't expect this."

"Neither did I, neither did Will and he doesn't know yet so please do not say anything," she sighed, closing her eyes. "We were not trying, but then, we weren't last time either, it just happened. I don't even know for sure yet, it's just a gut feeling. I feel like I did the last time."

Telling Garlan had been unexpected, but then, Jeyne almost accidentally giving her Moon tea was also unexpected, and Eddmina found herself not caring at all. He had figured out Uther's existence before anyone else, after all, so somehow it felt like a strange tradition that he would be let into the secret of her potential second babe first. While he had smiled and celebrated the first time, the war haunted over them, and their close call with the tea had him on edge, and so he instead looked as if he was going to battle. He snapped to attention, and while he initially looked as though he wanted to hug her tight, protective command took over.

"Well then, I am going to find Willas, and you are going to find the Maester, and we are going to get this confirmed," Garlan said. "It will do no good simply speculating, and we need to know how serious that tea could have been for you."

The way he held himself, the cold stare she had seen him wear so many times before battle, she knew exactly where his mind had gone. She had thought the tea an accident on Jeyne's behalf, but Garlan had decided it was a personal attack against her. His defensive instincts had kicked in, and she was desperate to not go down that trail of thought, desperate to not end up feeling as furious as he was pretending not to be.

"It could not have been a plot against me, no one knows, I only realised myself this morning," she sighed, folding her arms.

"I'd say inviting any happily married woman to drink moon tea unknowingly is a plot of some sort," Garlan seethed, though calmed himself down quickly, knowing she didn't need anymore anger. "Jeyne might not have known what the tea really did, but her mother was the one brewing it for her, and so who do you think sent her along to your lunch with a fresh pot, enough brewed for two?"

"Do you think Lady Westerling had Jeyne bring that tea here for our meeting because she thought it might bring me some harm?" Eddmina asked, surprisingly calm, wanting Garlan to spell out exactly what it was that he thought was happening. Only when he nodded did she allow herself to feel angry and scared again. "I need to tell Robb, he needs to know what is happening. I need to-"

"What you need is to go to your chambers, lie down, and have your maids bring the maester to you," Garlan cut her off, squeezing both of her shoulders, looking her direct in the eye with serious desperation. "Please, Eddmina. Think of yourself, for once. I will find Willas and bring him to you. This is far more important than any Westerling scheme that can be revealed later in the day."

"But-" she began, and had no chance to finish as she felt Garlan wrap his arms around her, sweeping her off her feet and carrying her bridal style. Alarmed, she yelped, hitting his chest in an attempt to get him to put her down. "What in seven hells are you doing?"

"I grew up with Margaery, do you think I don't know how to deal with a stubborn sister?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, and he had to bite back his laughter when she let out an exasperated groan.

"As Princess of the North and Hand of the King I demand you unhand me, you fiend!" she snapped. "Put me down!"

He paid her no mind, and was unresponsive save his chuckles that he was trying to hide. He carried her across the room, to the door that joined the solar to her bedchamber, and once he was in her room, he made his way to her bed, gently plonking her down onto the mattress. It was only when he set her down that she allowed herself to laugh, though she still scowled at him.

"Stay there," he told her, and gave her no time to respond as he left the bedchamber, shutting the door behind him.

In truth Eddmina was too surprised by the turn of events to even consider moving, and it only took a moment to realise how nice it actually was to lie down. She let her eyes close, and before she knew it she had given into the exhaustion she had barely allowed herself to feel. A knock at the door woke her, and she was thankful for it, because no matter how tired she was, she had felt herself slipping into a dream, and she wasn't ready to see any horrors. Calling for them to enter, she was greeted by Maester Vyman, who stood in the doorway, and despite their differences, for a brief moment he reminded her of Maester Luwin. That was simply wishful thinking, a childish desire to have the maester of her home and her youth attending to her once more.

Winterfell wasn't home anymore, though, and Luwin was most likely dead, as were all the others. Sometimes she had to be blunt with herself to stop feeling the ache for the easy life her childhood had provided her with, and facing Vyman then was no different. He was a different man, and she could not let her grief distract her from what was important.

"Princess, Ser Garlan told me you wished to see me," he greeted her, hesitating in the doorway, clearly thinking of the first time he visited her in those chambers, recalling the nervous, drunken wreck she had been. As if to seem more together, she sat up, and forced a smile. "Are you well?"

"I..." she began, the words dying when she realised it would be the first time she said them aloud. Everything she had dealt with in the war, every hurdle and obstacle she had faced, they all seemed like nothing compared with talking to him about her suspicions. "I would like you to examine me. I think I may be with child."

"I see," he said, nodding slowly. She noticed how he paled slightly. "Would you like to wait for Ser Willas before we begin?"

Beautiful, loving, dutiful Willas. Willas, who she loved more than she had ever wanted to allow herself to. Willas, who had become the greatest father, who had been there for her throughout her first pregnancy without complaint, putting his own reputation and status in his family at risk for her. Willas, who had already faced a ridiculous amount of emotions that day, and who was about to face a whole load more. Eddmina surprised herself when she shook her head, bidding for Vyman to proceed.

It felt oddly familiar, to strip down to her underdress and lie flat on the bed for examination, to answer all of the Maesters invasive questions as he felt the curves of her body for any changes or swellings. It had not been as uncomfortable the first time, even if she had been examined with her mother as a spectator, but perhaps that was because it had been Luwin doing it, and she had known him her whole life. When Vyman asked about her bloods and her nightlife, she tried not to cringe, though felt her cheeks grow hot. When she let out an involuntary, uncomfortable hiss when he touched her chest, she ignored the way he seemed to nod to himself. Eddmina gritted her teeth and knew not to cause a fuss, though she fixed her gaze on the canopy above the bed, not wanting to make eye contact.

She didn't know what she wanted the outcome to be. She had already settled her mind on the idea of her suspicions being true, and she knew that despite it being so much easier if she was wrong, deep down, she wanted to be right. If she was right, she wasn't sure on what her life would look like, but if she was wrong, she knew her life would still be nothing more than the war.

When Vyman stepped away and allowed her to sit up, she felt her head spin a little, and it took a moment to realise he was smiling at her.

"It is very early, Princess, but the signs are there," Maester Vyman spoke calmly. "I would say based on what you have told me you are at least two months along. Congratulations, your grace."

"Oh," she breathed out, simply because she had no clue what else to do or say.

"I understand that yourself and Ser Willas intend to return to Highgarden?" he asked, and though she wondered how he had heard that when the two of them still had not discussed it, she nodded. "If I might make a suggestion? It is of my opinion that you should stay here for at least another month. I know the Maester in Winterfell advised you to stay there for your full term, and caution is always recommended when it comes to one's first child, but I do not think it necessary to go to such extremes this time, as long as other precautions are observed. They say that past the third month is the safest point, so if you and Ser Willas do wish to return to the Reach in time for this babe to be born in Highgarden, I would advise you to wait another month, at least."

"Right," she nodded, letting his words sink in, feeling numb, as if she was in a dream. "I will discuss it with Ser Willas."

"What are we discussing?" the man in question's voice called from the doorway.

He sounded surprisingly light despite the frown he was wearing, and when she looked up at her husband and saw how messed his hair was, how reddened his eyes were, how he seemed to lean on his cane the way he only did when he was tired and trying to hide his aches, and the dark circles of exhaustion under his eyes, her insides ached. He noticed how she was sat, and the way that the Maester was looking at her, and it didn't take him long to make his way to her side, instantly knowing that something was not right. While he stood at her bedside, instantly reaching for her hand and squeezing it three times as he kissed her knuckles, Eddmina glanced over to the door, noticing Garlan lingering, watching them with a small, wistful smile. She offered him a smile and a nod, watching as a grin broke out on his face, before she looked up at Willas.

"What's the matter?" Willas asked, his frown darkening in worry. "Are you ill? Is it stress? Is it your nerves again? Was it me? Gods, I'm sorry, what can I do?"

"It was you," she nodded, feeling a smirk grow that quickly deepened into a wide grin, squeezing his hand, while her other hand moved to rest against her belly for only the second time. She watched as everything drained from his face, his colour, his fear, everything. "It seems you have gotten me pregnant again, Ser."

He said nothing, frozen. He didn't react at all, until the Maester quietly dismissed himself and shut the door behind himself. Willas remained stuck there, expressionless, until the latch of their door clicked, and he crumbled. It was only the second time she had ever seen him cry, though she did not see his tears for long, not as he fell onto the bed at her side, burying his face in the crook of her neck. It was strange, considering it was a gesture she had done to him so many times to hide her own emotions, but she quickly wrapped her arms around him, holding him close, pushing a kiss to the top of his head.

For a brief moment, she worried that he was unhappy. She had feared that the first time, thinking he would be annoyed to become a father so soon into their marriage. Yet, just like the first time, there had been no need to worry, not as she felt his hand move to hers, the one on her stomach, and she felt him run his thumb over her belly with a loving stroke. She flinched, desperate not to cry too, but it was hard to fight it, especially when he moved his face to hers, their noses touching, their foreheads pressed together, and he kissed her lips as if he had never kissed her before.

"Are you..." she breathed out when her lips separated from his, but she did not get the chance to finish when he kissed her again.

"Eddmina, I love you," he promised after what felt like a thousand kisses. "Thank you. I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for?" she asked, moving her hand to cup his face. He took the opportunity to touch her stomach properly, his fingers stroking small circles on the fabric of her underdress. "And what are you thanking me for?"

"Because I am a damned, hot-headed fool, and you are stuck with me," he sighed, his forehead touching hers once more. She closed her eyes, still exhausted, knowing she was never as safe as she was when she was with him. "I have made a mess of things with your family, while you continue on, strong as ever. You have been so good to me, given me so much, yet I dishonour you by hurting your family."

"Everyday I spend as your wife you honour me," she told him firmly. "My family is you, and Uther, and this child now. You are the ones that matter."

"But-" he began. She cut him off with a quick kiss. "Eddmina-"

"Listen to me, Willas Tyrell," she spoke sternly, holding his face with both hands, her thumbs stroking his cheeks as she stared into his green eyes. She hoped their next child would inherit those eyes. "You struck a king to defend my honour. You fought your own family to protect me time and time again. You allowed me to help lead a war when most men would demand me return home and not get involved. You have sacrificed so much for me. It should be me apologising for derailing your life so dramatically, but I will not apologise, because it was what I had to do, and now I intend to make it right. In a month's time, when the Maester says I am well enough to travel, we will go to the Reach, the two of us and our boy, and we will get back to the life we should have been living this past year. We will make Highgarden the home it should already be. We will raise our children away from war. We will have many more sons and daughters, and we will all be happy. I swear it to you. Swear it to me?"

"I swear," he nodded, his hand moving from her stomach to her waist, holding her tight as if scared she would disappear. "We will go home, and the moment we get there, I will take you to a godswood and marry you again in front of your own gods. We will start fresh, start living again."

She nodded, letting out a joyous laugh as tears spilt down her cheeks. She would have been embarrassed, had he not been crying too. She felt a sting of fear, worrying that she was abandonning the north, leaving behind her family when they needed her. She felt her chest tighten for a brief moment as she considered what he father would think, what her brother would say, but then she realised she didn't care. Robb was a husband now himself, he should understand what it meant to protect one's spouse, and as for her father, he was not with them anymore. He was gone, while she was still alive, and she had things she had to do. The north needed her, but so did Willas, and Uther, and their new child, and for once, Eddmina knew she had to put herself first.

"If it is a boy, Eddard," Willas told her, his voice still firm even as he kissed her cheek.

"And if it is a girl?" she asked, cracking another smile.

"I don't know," he admitted with a laugh. "We will work on that one."

***

After supper Eddmina called for a meeting. She sent messages to her brother, her mother, both Tully uncles, and all of the Westerlings. Willas had told her it was a bad idea, he had wanted her to stay in their chambers and rest, but her days in Riverrun were numbered and there was a lot to do and a lot of plans to set in motion before she could leave in good conscience.

It had been her who planned the meeting, her who had arranged the venue, time, and guests, and it was her who was late and last to arrive. Still, Eddmina used it to her advantage, because when she turned up to the small hall that Robb had used for council meetings before he had gone West, they had left the door slightly agape, the voices of those inside trailing out into the corridor. There were two Stark guards keeping watch outside, and when she approached with Honour and Greywind either side of her, the men nodded, trying to hide their smirks.

"Would you like us to announce you, Princess?" One of them offered, a familiar face from Winterfell, Alyn. His voice was hushed, as if he already suspected her plan.

"No, thank you, I think I will keep you both company out here for a moment," she told them quietly.

She made her way to the guard's side, her back pushed to the wall, completely out of view of the door. The wolves joined her, and when she noticed Greywind sniff the air and his heckles involuntarily raised and he bared his teeth she placed her hand on his head, scratching at his ears. Honour sat down neatly at her brother's side, her head tilted as she listened.

"It is unreasonably cold in our rooms," she heard a southern voice complain, recognising it as Lady Westerling. Her words were followed by the sound of a familiar laugh, Brynden clearly unable to hide his bitter amusement at her dislike of the Riverlands, and by extension, the people surrounding her. "I do not think this place is suitable for a King and Queen."

"This place once hosted Aegon the Conquerer," Edmure calmly pointed out, and Eddmina bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. "He quite enjoyed his visit, from what the history books say."

"I like to think standards of living have improved since the conquest," she remarked smugly with a scoff. "And speaking of standards, it is remarkably rude to be late to one's own meeting. Where is she? Where is your Princess?"

"'She' is an incredibly busy woman," Brynden said dryly, sounding as if he was witholding a variety of emotions and none of them positive. She heard a murmur of agreement from Edmure too. "We will wait for her, for as long as it takes."

"Well, I have several matters I want to discuss before she arrives anyway," Lady Westerling continued as if the Blackfish had never spoken. "I think the Princess' crown should be handed over to Jeyne. She is Queen now, there is no need for your sister to withhold such accessories. "

Lady Sybell's suggestion sounded more like instruction, and she sounded more like she was talking to a child than a king. Eddmina involuntarily lifted her hand to toy with the circlet that rested upon her head. It was not particularly heavy, not like Robb's, and while his had pointed blades to mimic the old King in the Norths crown, hers was more delicate, more suiting of her position. She hadn't liked it at first, hadn't wanted it. She would have much rather had her father back and had peace in Westeros than be given a fancy crown, but over time she had seen it as an honour. The thought of giving it away stung, and both wolves sensed it, Greywind letting out a low growl once more while Honour whined and nudged her snout into Eddmina's side.

"I never asked for Eddmina to have a crown, nor did she," Robb explained diplomatically. "That is why the northmen made it for her. She will keep it, and a new one will be forged for my wife. I have designed it myself, and the silversmiths will start work on it in the morning."

"A crown I can just about forgive, but her position in your court should be adjusted at the very least," she continued to push, and Eddmina's hand dropped from her crown to her side, clenching into a fist. "It is unseemly for a woman to have such a role. My lord husband would be far more suitable, and more experienced."

"Princess Eddmina is doing just fine," Lady Stark replied firmly.

Eddmina felt as though she was about to burst into tears. It was such a simple statement, such simple words, yet her mother had said them with such conviction, such passion, and her voice had carried the fierce dedication it usually did whenever she spoke about Robb. Eddmina was sure her mother had never defended her like that, and so despite it being such a simple statement, it felt like the greatest, most meaningful compliment she had ever received.

"Hand is not a role for a woman," Lady Westerling persisted.

"She's not just a woman, she's my last full sibling, she is my heir, and she is the greatest support I could ever need," Robb defended calmly, and Eddmina hated how surprised she was that both her mother and brother were on her side. "She will not be sent away or demoted, not for anyone or any cause other than her own wishes."

"Well then we must hope an heir comes soon," Lady Westerling muttered, and Eddmina felt her blood boil as she recalled how Jeyne had wept as she ran out the room after finding out what her mother's teas had been doing to her. "I would not like to think of my daughters thinking it acceptable to hold such political positions."

"Edda isn't your daughter, she's mine," Lady Stark spoke, surprisingly calm, but Eddmina could tell her temper was brewing; she had been on the wrong side of it enough to know. "I would ask you to withhold your judgement, as there has not been a single day of her life where she has not made me remarkably proud."

Eddmina didn't realise she had begun to cry until she felt a nudge in her arm, and when she looked up, Alyn the guard was offering her a handkerchief. Offering him a quick smile of gratitude, she wiped her eyes before she could let the tears redden her cheeks, not wanting the humiliation of her emotions.

"Perhaps you have different standards in the north-" she began with a sneer.

Eddmina did not let her finish, deciding she had heard enough. The opportunity for tears were short-lived, as she handed the handkerchief back to Alyn before she barged her way into the room. She made sure she walked with perfect posture, forcing herself to be as tall as possible and walk as if she was in complete control. It was the way her mother and Septa Mordane had made her walk for most of her youth, persistently insisting on her being the perfect lady. She doubted either of them expected their lessons to be used in the time of war, but for the first time, Eddmina felt grateful for their strict guidance.

Her arrival made every head in the room turn and stare, and though she didn't look around to stop herself from seeming nervous, she took a quick glance to see them all stood around the table. Robb was at the head, his mother to the left of him, their uncles at her side. They all looked relieved to see her, while Brynden offered her a quick, knowing smile, knowing she was about to ruin Lady Westerling's evening. The Westerlings were all in the other side of the table, Lord Gawen looking indifferent, both sons looking nervously between their new king and their mother, while Lady Sybell stared at her, as if desperate to hide how alarmed she was at Eddmina's arrival.

It was only when the Westerlings began to look fearful that Eddmina realised both wolves had followed her into the room, and while Honour stayed at her side, Greywind abandoned her in favour of Robb, nudging his head into his hand, his eyes never leaving the Westerners, his lips peeled away from his teeth silently. Even so, Robb looked at his wolf proudly, a small smile growing, and he scratched his head lovingly.

She should have acknowledged Robb, greeted him with a nod at least, but instead she headed straight to Lady Westerling. Grateful for the extra height she had, she looked down at Robb's new goodmother and studied how she steeled herself, and how she immediately scowled.

"You sound unhappy here, my lady," Eddmina spoke coldly. "The accommodations are not to your standards, and our customs seem to disgust you. I believe I have the solution for you. Go home. Pack your things, and leave."

"And who are you to suggest sending me away?" She questioned, disgustedly baffled at Eddmina's blunt order.

"The hand of the King, whether you like it or not," Eddmina told her, clenching her jaw. "It was not a suggestion, either. Gather your belongings, you and your husband. I will have a selection of men ready to escort you back to the Crag, and they can remain there to keep watch, just to make sure the living standards remain to your liking. Your boys may go with you too, if they wish, but Jeyne stays here with us Northerners, where she belongs."

Lady Westerling scoffed, and turned to Robb, wordlessly demanding that he interviene. He did not even spare her a glance though, not as his eyes met Eddmina's, and it was suddenly like they were back in time, back to how they always used to be. It was like they were the only people in the room, communicating with each other wordlessly. Robb looked at Eddmina, saw how serious she was, recognised the burning cold fury she was managing to keep a tight grip on, and knew that she would not be acting so firmly had she not got good reason to. Eddmina narrowed her eyes at him, asking how he wanted her to proceed, and when he gave her nothing but a small nod, she knew he was happy for her to continue how she saw fit. That was all the permission she needed.

"I am the mother of the Queen, I will not be ordered about," Lady Westerling stated when no one spoke up in her defence, looking Eddmina up and down. "Least of all by someone like you."

"Go on," Eddmina smiled, keeping her gaze fixed with Jeyne's mother the whole time. "Someone like me. Explain."

"Edda," Lady Stark called, sensing her daughter's rising temper despite the cold facade she had perfected. "Let us leave this matter and discuss more important things."

"I personally think there is nothing more important than the King's safety, and the best way to ensure that is to keep his inner circle reserved to those we know we can trust," Eddmina told her mother, before her gaze went to her brother. "Did you know that your wife's hand had previously been offered to multiple Lannisters before you wed, including the Lannister who killed our father?"

"King Joffrey is a Baratheon," Lord Westerling spoke up, sounding as bored as he looked. Everyone looked at him with surprise, even his own sons. Brynden barked out another laugh.

"Oh, you can speak," Eddmina remarked dryly. She heard hushed laughter from around the room, while Lord Westerling merely shrugged.

"Don't presume to insult my husband when yours can barely even stand," Lady Westerling seethed. "My husband is seasoned in war as an experienced commander. He has fought alongside great men. Yours, what has he done? Fallen off a horse and allowed himself to be manipulated by a wildling?"

Eddmina did not speak. She did not need to, as Honour let out a low grumble, loud enough that everyone in the room heard it. She edged closer to Lady Westerling, sniffing at her the way she so often did with prey. Eddmina was always glad to have Honour, but in that moment when she so desperately wanted to scream and curse and defend Willas with every fibre of her being, when she had to instead remain composed and stoic, Honour could step in for her anger. She placed her hand on the wolf's neck, burying her fingers in the thick brown fur, hoping Honour could tell just how much she loved her.

"Get your beast away from me," Lady Westerling snapped, though her anger couldn't hide her fear. Eddmina didn't respond, continuing to look at her wolf with pride. "I am the Queen's mother, you cannot threaten me."

"Every time you remind us of your status, you remind me how little importance you truly have," Eddmina spoke calmly. "And if I were you, I wouldn't rely on Jeyne to protect you. Not after what you have been doing to her."

"What have you been doing to her?" Robb repeated, leaning on the table with his fists to get closer, a frown deepening on his face. He had been fine to let Eddmina take the lead, but at the mention of his wife, he knew he had to step in. Greywind began to growl again. "Is Jeyne alright?"

"What is she talking about, mother?" The eldest Westerling boy asked. Eddmina assumed he was Reynald, and he looked between his parents anxiously, while his younger brother stared at the floor as if wishing to be anywhere but that room.

"Lies, she is lying, I have done nothing," she excused herself desperately, but when she turned back to Eddmina there was a cruel smile in place. "Your remark about status, I have only ever heard one man make such a comment before. It is true then, what men say. The King in the North's sister styles herself after the very man who wants them both dead. 'Tywin with Tits', they call you, though I will be sure to tell everyone that you are nothing more then a cheap, weakened striver that will surely never amount to half his successes-"

"Enough," Robb called, and the room echoed with silence.

When Eddmina looked at him, she saw his cold fury, and she saw the Wolf's blood coursing through him. When she looked at him, she saw her brother.

When she looked at her mother, she saw how badly she was trying to hide her anger, and her upset. The remark about Lord Tywin had stung and been a real slap in the face for her mother, who was reminded of how Eddmina had wept at the comparison. She looked as though she wanted to hit Lady Westerling, either that or grab Eddmina and take her far from the scene of the insult. The Tully uncles looked the same, both of them holding their fists around the hilt of their swords, looking between the Stark twins as if waiting to see who would give the order for them to act. It was flattering that they all cared so much, but Eddmina didn't. Other than the initial burn, it barely fazed her, and she couldn't help but smile, knowing she would still win in this battle of words.

"Your good mother has been giving your wife Moontea under the pretence that it will help give you an heir," Eddmina told Robb bluntly, enjoying the cold shock that settled on Lady Westerling's face, and the surprised disgust that her sons suddenly wore. Lord Westerling still looked indifferent. "Your wife is beside herself with grief. The daily use of the tea could have not only harmed Queen Jeyne's health, but has made sure that you will not have any heirs any time soon for the next few months. Such actions are a threat to the Queen, and a threat to the whole of the North."

Things seemed to happen in a blur then.

There were cries of outrage from the Westerling boys, the younger yelling about the horror of their mother poisoning their sister, while the elder kept questioning why. Lord Westerling's head fell into his hands. Lady Stark and both Tullys were shouting at Robb, all of them saying different things, all offering different suggestions as to what should be done. Robb was glaring down at the floor with a disgusted, agonised fury Eddmina had never seen in him before; It was the sort of look Willas wore if anyone ever insulted her. The shouts that exhoed the room were nothing compared to the snarl that came from both direwolves the moment Lady Westerling raised her hand and slapped Eddmina sharply across the cheek.

She spun on impact, but barely had chance to focus on the stinging pain as she quickly knelt by Honour's side, wrapping her arms around the wolf to stop her lunging. Honour pulled against her hold, growling and spitting, desperate to tear into the hateful woman that stood over them with a cruel glare. Greywind had leapt onto the table, and he too was snarling, inches away from Lady Westerling's spiteful face. At the sight of that wolf, she backed down, screaming as she flew backwards as if to escape.

"Down, good boy," Eddmina told Greywind, though still struggled to hold Honour. "Calm down, my girl, I'm alright."

She hated Lady Westerling, but she did not want to see her get mauled. She was an evil woman, but she was Jeyne's mother, and she would not let Jeyne foster any more fear of wolves by knowing two had torn her mother apart. That was why she was glad when Robb moved to stand at her side, whistling for Greywind to get down. He huffed, but snuck off under the table anyway. Honour calmed a little, but still grumbled furiously.

"My sister is an excellent judge of character, and I believe her more than anyone," Robb said coldly. "You are lucky that you are still alive after an act of treason. Multiple acts of treason, actually."

"Your grace-" Lord Westerling spoke up once more, though no one looked at him, not even his ashamed-looking sons.

"You will leave by first light tomorrow morning," Robb commanded. "If I see either of you even go near Jeyne before the morning, I will not be as forgiving. If you ever come near my wife or my sister again, you will regret it. Now go, before I remind the wolves of what you have done."

Eddmina stood up, releasing her hold on Honour just in time to see both Lord and Lady Westerling leave, their heads hung low, muttering between the two of them. They stopped at the door, both of them calling their sons' names, but neither Reynald or Rollam wanted to look at them. With a sigh of frustration and disgust, they left, and Robb immediately turned his focus on the boys, though his arm wrapped around Eddmina's shoulder in a gesture that was far from protocol. It was a gesture that brought her great comfort though, knowing that it was not the king she stood with, but her twin. That was the man she wanted, the man she needed.

"You have been good, loyal brothers to me since I wed your sister," Robb told them both. "I had thought your mother good too. Do you both intend to betray me like that as well?"

"No, your grace," Rollam answered quickly, sparing a fearful glance at the two wolves that watched him closely. "We knew nothing, we plot nothing, I swear it on the Seven." 

Eddmina felt like pointing out that the Starks did not follow the Seven, but the terror in the boy's gaze was enough and she knew not to torment him anymore. Plus it would have been an insult to her mother, who looked upset enough as she leant on the table with her fists, grimacing as she considered all the insults that had been dealt to her children that night.

"Whatever our mother has schemed, we were not a part of it, neither was Jeyne," Reynald cut in, wary of the wolves but more confident than his little brother. "On behalf of the house I will one day inherit, I can only apologise for the insults served here tonight, and for what has been done to my sister. I assure you, we will continue to stand with you, as I promised to you the day of the wedding."

Eddmina thought such a statement was overkill and she had to fight against rolling her eyes. Then she remembered what Jaime had told her, how the Westerling boys still believed in honour and white knights. Perhaps Jeyne's brothers were just as naive and innocent as her. Perhaps they too would wake up and harden over time. With that, she nodded at them both.

"I'm sure your sister would appreciate your company tonight," Eddmina said, gesturing to the door.

She said nothing else to them, as they thankfully understood. The boys both bowed to their new king, nodded at her, then left in a much more dignified manner than their parents had, though not without shooting both Greywind and Honour another wary look. Eddmina didn't like them, she wasn't even sure if she trusted them, but they posed no immediate problems, and so she decided to let the matter go, and the moment the door shut behind them she quickly found a chair to slump into, her head spinning dizzily, leaning down onto the table with her head in her hands.

She hadn't realised how much she had been controlling herself to be stoic until she felt the adrenaline of the situation drain from her, and not only did she feel all the tell-tale signs of her nerves betraying her, but she felt shaky, and sick too. All she wanted to do was focus on her breathing and steady her racing heart, but her mind made that and any rational thought difficult as the dark clouds crept in. She felt the familiar tightness in her chest as her mind raced with a thousand different scenarios, all of them miserable and terrifying, all of them being the downfall of her family. When she shut her eyes, she saw Lady Westerling's spiteful smile, and she smelt the spilt blood of her loved ones. The image of a bloodstained Stark banner was repeated over and over, and she saw the Winterfell crypts yet again. In the cavern reserved for her brother's decendants, she saw her two little brothers, her sisters stood either side of them. Their eyes were closed, and their throats cut. There was a bloodstained Tyrell banner on the floor too, and it took a moment to realise that particular flag was being used to cover two small bodies. Eddmina didn't need to see the faces to know they were the bodies of her own children.

Somehow, even in her absolute terror, even as panic gripped her like a vice, she knew it was not her imagination running wild. Just like in the godswood on the morning of Uther's nameday, just like her countless nightmares, there was something more to those images. Perhaps it was a vision, perhaps she had the greensight just like Old Nan and Willas thought, but that barely mattered. All that mattered was breaking free of it, and telling herself over and over that it wasn't real.

It could have been, though. Bran and Rickon were already gone, so was Arya most likely, and Winterfell was lost and burnt too. What could have happened if Lady Westerling's treachery hadn't have been caught so early? Could she have been the end of the Starks? Could she have been the end of Eddmina and her own little family?

Honour hopped up at her, her front paws in the arm of the chair as she sniffed at her face, licking her cheek. For a moment, her mind cleared enough to recognise the wolf was at her side, and Eddmina leant over and wrapped her arm around her, drawing her closer. Her chest felt as if someone had gripped her lungs and was refusing to release her, and she felt herself trembling violently as she forced herself to fight and breathe. Honour nudged her wet nose into Eddmina's cheek, letting out a whine. It was not long before she felt hands on her shoulder, and someone was stroking her hair.

"Sweet girl," Lady Stark whispered to her, kneeling at her side as she stroked her back. "Just breathe, Edda."

"Mother," Eddmina managed to choke out, her throat feeling as if it had closed. Her head was still spinning, and it took everything to not cry. "Mother, I don't want to die. I don't want my family to-"

"You will not, we will not," Lady Stark was quick to reassure her.

"But, what about Uther, and-" she began to cry then, mostly because the thought of telling her mother she was pregnant was suddenly terrifying.

"He's safe, Edda, nothing will happen to him," Lady Stark wiped away Eddmina's tears before anyone else could see them, and spoke before she had chance to tell her the news. "You're safe, we are all safe. You have just acted remarkably."

"Are you truly proud of me?" Eddmina felt like a small child, but she couldn't help it, the question escaping before she could stop it.

Lady Stark did not answer in words. Instead she chuckled, her hand moving to the back of Eddmina's head, drawing her closer to push a kiss to her forehead. Honour licked at her cheek again, and she began to feel the fear subside a little. Her mind cleared like dark clouds departing after a storm, and she finally allowed herself to take a breath.

That was when she realised how everyone was staring at her. Her cheeks burnt in embarrassment, and she wanted to bury her head in her hands again, if not for Robb moving to kneel next to her mother, his hand immediately reaching to grip her shoulder. He smiled at her, one of their secret twin smiles, one that spoke a lifetime of love and gratitude. Stood just behind him were both uncles, looking at her with a mix of worry and pride. She felt an absolute fool, but they most likely knew that, because no one seemed to want to bring up the sudden nervous attack, looking as if they were trying to hide their concern.

"You did very well with all of that," Edmure remarked, offering her a nod and a smile. She couldn't help but return the gesture, even if she felt exhausted. "How did you know about the previous attempts of Lannister betrothals?"

"You need more guards in the prison cells," she shrugged simply. It took a moment, but when they caught her meaning the room was filled with quiet, surprised laughter from the men and her mother's unsurprised sigh.

"How did you know it was Moon Tea?" Lady Stark asked her gently, squeezing her arm. It took Eddmina a moment to realise her mother was looking at her sympathetically, and then she realised why, thinking she knew from personal experience.

"Because I'm a married woman," she stated bluntly, knowing it was better to lie to her last living parent than bring Garlan into it, knowing it would expose him.

"What did I ever do without you?" Robb noted in amazement, squeezing her shoulder again.

That was what broke her out of her post-nerves haze.

"You broke your vows to Walder Frey, that's what you did," she reminded him sternly, allowing herself to sit up straight, fighting the urge to touch her stomach. Robb avoided looking at her then, until she reached out and gripped his chin, forcing him to meet her gaze. "You bloody fool."

"Perhaps we should go, leave you to it," Brynden suggested, grabbing Edmure by the arm.

He looked at Lady Stark, who clearly didn't want to leave, but when both of her children nodded, she let out a sigh. She closed her eyes for a moment, as if hiding herself from their reality. When she'd steeled herself, she leant across and pushed a kiss to Robb's temple, before standing and leaning down to kiss Eddmina's forehead again. Only then did she begrudgingly follow her Uncle out of the room, and only once they'd all left did Robb manage to look at her.

"I was, I am, I'm sorry," Robb sighed, genuinely regretful. "I... I wasn't thinking. My head wasn't right, not after the injury, and then all the poppy's milk they dosed me up on to cope with the pain, and then when we got news of Winterfell, what Theon did to our brothers..."

"Do you know what I did? When we had the news?" Eddmina asked, folding her arms, ignoring the sharp wave of grief that hit her. "I cried. I wept. I damn near went mad. I did not go and break my vows."

"Jeyne had been there to care for me after my injury," Robb began to explain again, but Eddmina's laughter cut him off.

"Another healer?" She raised her eyebrow. "Oh, you do have a type, brother! When you left here you were heartbroken, you hated me for sending Talisa away, then you replaced her without second thought?"

"Please, Edda, please let me finish," he practically begged, and she fell quiet when she saw how his eyes seemed to shine, as if he was about to cry. "I felt lost, and alone, and I needed someone. Jeyne was there, and I got the news. I wasn't thinking straight, neither was she. She offered to stay with me, to comfort me, and... Well, you're married, you know. I woke up the next morning next to her, and knew I had stolen that poor girl's virtue and left her in a compromising position. I liked her, she was sweet, she was kind, and I could have ruined her life. She was there, Walder Frey's daughters were not. I married her to save her honour, mine and my vows be damned. I knew it was stupid, but... Edda, I wasn't thinking straight."

"No, you weren't," she stated bluntly, but couldn't help and reach out, taking hold of his shoulder. "The Frey's will not take this slight lightly. You have left us in an uncomfortable situation with what should be a close ally. You have put us all in a dishonourable and dangerous position. I have spent months working for this war, as well as working to make sure this deal got upheld. I put my family and my future on the line for you, and you repaid me with this."

"Are you going to hit me too?" He asked, swallowing nervously. He looked like he thought he deserved it.

"No, but know that I will never forgive you for it," she said firmly. "Jeyne, however, is a different matter. She is scared and out of her depth, and I am willing to help her. That will be my last job as your Hand. Ser Willas and I have come to the mutual agreement that while leaving tonight is not beneficial for anyone, we cannot continue to stay here, for Uther's sake. I will give you one last month as your Hand, I will help you find a replacement, I will help you plan your next few movements but then Willas and I are going home to Highgarden."

Robb stared at her, as if trying to figure out how best to convince or beg her to stay. Eventually though, he let out a long sigh, moving his hand down from her shoulder to take her hand, offering her a smile that showed nothing but absolute devastation. He squeezed her hand, and she couldn't help but squeeze back. Even then, he looked as if he was deciding what to say, how to make her want to stay, how to tell her how badly he needed her, but eventually he looked down at the floor, and knew it would all be for nothing.

"Alright," he nodded, deciding not to fight. "Alright. Whatever you decide. If it is what you think best for your family, you can go. Just know that I love you, and I am sorry."

Eddmina shut her eyes, not wanting to look at him, not wanting to see his unshed tears that would only force hers. Contemplating leaving him was agonising, even with the betrayal and broken vows. Leaving him was like leaving a part of herself.

Yet, there was another part of herself waiting in Highgarden. There was the part of herself that she never knew she wanted to be, the part of herself that was future Lady of Highgarden, Willas' wife, mother to his children. She had never realised how much she wanted such a nice, peaceful life, to just live with her husband and raise a family. She had always thought she wanted adventure, and travel, and to see the great wonders of the world. It had taken the war and countless losses to make her see that there were plenty of great wonders to be found in a simple life.

Eddmina intended to find those wonders and treasure them, and so when she looked at Robb and nodded at him, she smiled.

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