Chapter Text
Cersei stirred in her sleep, she slowly opened her eyes to see Eddard sleeping deeply, his arm draped over hers. She tried to wiggle out of his hold as she glanced at the window to see the sun not rising yet. Her body ached and her legs were sore. Sitting up she recalled how only a few moments earlier, she was loud enough and she wondered if people walking through the halls could hear her. She could feel her cheeks flare up.
“Cersei,” Eddard called out for her. She turned to him to see him also sitting up. “Are you alright?” he asked her, leaning his head on her shoulders and encircling his arms around hers.
“More than alright,” she responded softly. “Now that we have more privacy, can you tell me more of your stories?”
Hearing her enthusiasm, he chuckled and kissed her cheek. “What do you want to hear?”
She moved from his hold and laid down on the bed, “Everything from the day you left here.”
He returned to his position and brushed her cheeks with his thumb, “I have so much to tell you.”
Cersei looked at him, still processing that she was his wife now. And she carries the Stark household name. Lady of Winterfell. It may be cold in the North but she believed people were warm, just like how Eddard and Lyanna were to her. She thought of her friend again. Her changed expression went unnoticed as Eddard softly asked, “What is the matter?”
She gave him a tight smile, moving closer to his face and brushing their noses. Closing her eyes, she whispered, “I only wished Lyanna was here to see us wed, she would have been so happy.”
He sighed lightly and kissed her, “I will find her, do not worry yourself.”
She nodded and pulled back her head. “Now, tell me everything. Including the war, from how it began.” She was so particular that while he was telling her every detail of his exertion on the battlefield, she had to ask him all of their names. “Yes, I have to know. I need to know who you negotiated with and who you harmed,” she told him. “And also what happened to you after you left here, I have not heard from you since. Tyrion says you sent a few letters to him.’
“Even with how I returned back to the North?” at her with furrowed brows. He would not want to recall the gruesome details of how he reached Winterfell. But she was so eager to learn a lot of it.
“Everything.” Cersei was always so defiant. Eddard flickered his eyes at the window to see dawn was almost approaching, he then looked at his new wife and he remembered how he always longed for her presence when times were difficult. “But if it is still difficult for you to recall them, I would not pry,” she assured him, almost regretting how she demanded answers.
He gave her a small smile and said, “Let’s start on the day when I left you here with a promise.”
—
Cersei had gathered seashells from the seaside to add more to her collection. She was carrying varieties of it when she stepped into her room to have them packed. The servants were coming in and out of her room as they had all of Cersei's belongings packed. Out of everyone, she was the most excited.
“There is no rush, Lord Stark says we have to leave by a fortnight.” Cersei assured her servants who were moving quickly.
In Tywin's study, he summoned Eddard and Tyrion. Eddard was still tired as seen in his heavy eyes while Tyrion was still suffering a hangover. Tywin sitting across his desk observed the two.
“You dare present yourself to your father in a drunken state,” Tywin said.
Tyrion cleared his throat, “Cersei's wedding feast was just last night and you expect me to be sober by morning?” He was sleeping soundly in his chambers when one of the servants called him and now he found himself in his father's study. Standing beside his tall brother-in-law who was also confused.
“You summoned us, Lord Lannister?” Eddard asked, trying to break the tension. ‘Shouldn't they be served breakfast?’ He thought to himself.
Tywin heavily sighed and responded, “Lord Stark, I want to know your plans regarding Cersei.”
“Then why am I here?” Tyrion retorted as he tried to walk away.
“Stay here, Tyrion” he grinded his teeth. The dwarf paused and pressed his lips in a thin line.
“I plan to have Cersei be sent to Winterfell with my most trusted men and I shall move forward in the war, only I am waiting for the words from our different allies,” Eddard replied to Tywin, who only squinted at him.
“You will send her alone without you?” Tywin asked him.
Eddard nodded, “It is safer for her, I could not bring her with me.”
“Hmm,” Tywin only responded. He rested his chin on his knuckles and his eyes fixed on Tyrion. His dwarf son sensed something that made him tense. His eyes widened and as he was about to speak, Tywin immediately told them both, “Tyrion will be with her.”
“Father!” Tyrion complained. This made him recall when he instructed him to be with his sister in Harrenhal.
“I will need someone to watch over her. You will return once she is installed in Winterfell,” He pressed.
Tyrion glanced up at Eddard, “My lord, how long is the journey to Winterfell from here?”
“More than a moon, my lord.” He answered to the dwarf. Tyrion could only look back at his father, “That it was quite too long father. Lord Stark just said he will send her with his most trusted men.”
“Lord Lannister, I assure you Cersei will be safe. However, if it gives your mind the solitude over her security, she could stay here until the war is concluded.”
“You leave your wife here in Casterly Rock when she is already the Lady of the North?” Tywin raised his brows at Eddard.
“Only if you consider it as an option, my lord. It is for her wellbeing, especially, if she might… if we…” Eddard carefully chose his words, “...if we conceive a child.”
“If she does carry the heir of Winterfell, then she must give birth and raise the babe in Winterfell. You shall no longer stay here for more than a fortnight,” Tywin told him. His eyes then landed on Tyrion, “You heard Lord Stark, that is more reason for you to be with your sister.”
Tyrion bit his tongue from making him sneer at his father. He nodded and said, “I’ll have my stuff packed.”
Eddard inclined his head to Tyrion as the dwarf left the room.
—
Nights and days passed, and Cersei could not even stay out of their chamber long unless she needed to. But her hours were occupied by Eddard. She most certainly thought that the bed was about to be replaced once they left.
She once reprimanded Eddard when he kept biting kiss marks on her neck, “You must stop. Do you know how my maid struggled to find me dresses that cover up my neck?” And he did not care.
The night before they had to leave, he was still doing it and Cersei had given up with her protests. His face was buried in the crook of her neck and her legs wrapped around his. “Ned,” she called out softly. He only managed to respond with a soft, “Hmm?”
“Where is your next march?” She asked. He paused and lifted his head to look closely at her.
Tilting his head, he asked her back, “What made you bring up this question?”
Grazing her palm on his face, she answered softly. “Just curious. I want to know all of it.”
“I already have received word, we are to march up North but I will have to make a stop to meet with Lord Arryn, Lord Tully, and Robert a few miles from the Trident,” he answered her. She was quiet until she received a deep kiss from him.
She moaned through his kisses as she called for his name, “Ned.” She paused and looked him in the eye, “I want to be with you wherever you go. I won’t go further without you.”
Eddard was taken aback. He raised his body to focus on Cersei's face if she was serious. And she was indeed serious. “No, you can not. It is not safe,” he told her.
She frowned. She wanted to be with him. There were some ladies present throughout the war sometimes. They nursed, attended to the wounded, cooked, assisted, anything they could to maintain the prowess of the soldiers. Wives could come to accompany their husbands until the end of the war. And Cersei wanted to, her husband was the Lord Commander of House Stark.
“I do not want to part from you,” she insisted.
He was not moved, “Nor do I. But Cersei, you are much safer when you are in the North. You would not be alone.”
She was not convinced. To soothe her, he kissed her on her forehead. He embraced her as he spoke softly against the top of her head, “You will not like the war. The state of it. There will be blood everywhere. Noise. Deaths. You will live uncomfortably.”
Contemplating hard, she was almost convinced. She would hate being in the days of the war and she’d rather queen her way in the North. But what of it when her husband would not be there with her? “Then who'll tend to you?” She looked up at him.
He ran his fingers through her hair and answered, “I do not need it.”
Her mouth twisted. What kind of man in war did not need tending? He was not some sort of god to have the immunity. “Oh, nonsense!” She pushed his chest off her, wanting to get up.
He lay down on the bed as she sat up. “Do you want me to become a widow?” She glared at him.
“You're thinking about it too much, of course not. I will be fine.” He assured her. “Come back here,” he held out his arm on his side, gesturing to her to lay down with him.
She breathed through her nose and pursed her lips. Eventually, she slowly returned to his arms.
He looked at her and told her, “The journey alone is already risky but your father insists you be installed in Winterfell. You will still be with me on the way there. Given that the travel is arduous, having you in the war itself is dangerous.”
She nodded, “How many moons until we reach your stop?”
“Not a moon but I expect a little more than a fortnight since I brought lots of men with us. Then perhaps another moon for you to reach Winterfell.” Eddard kissed her temple and added, “We will have plenty of time together, especially after this war.”
Cersei looked at him, “I am not certain how I could adjust to your home. Especially without you.”
Shaking his head, he replied softly, “They will serve you well. Do anything you want there and make several changes needed for your comfort.”
She furrowed her brows, “Would they even allow that?”
He moved his head back, “Of course, you are the Lady of Winterfell. They could not defy you.”
She smiled at his reassurance. She did not know how to act when she realized that she was the Lady of the North. But she liked it. She did not stop being ambitious anyway. Many lords and ladies would address her as such. She could be in Winterfell’s court, and she would make it happen. Even if it was small or none.
“I will learn to adapt there,” she whispered.
“You will also love it there,” he grinned at her. “But now we have another duty to do.” Eddard had never given her a break at all. And she was never protesting, she loved it. It was his attention and his being all over her that made her content. Whenever she felt pleasure from him, the more she wanted him—if that was even possible now that she thought she had liked him fully.
She laughs, “We will end up being fatigued tomorrow.” Fatigued or not, she still wanted to do it anyway. So she allowed him to kiss her.
“Do you like children?” He asked her. She got annoyed that he broke the kiss just to ask a question. Especially a question that was easy to answer.
“I do,” she said breathlessly and held his face to kiss him. He didn't respond anymore except to part her lips and deepen the kiss. He threw the blanket off her and grasped her exposed breasts. A gasp escaped from her mouth and she instinctively spread out her legs as he settled between her.
The kiss became aggressive as they were softly biting each other's lips. He allowed her to grab his hair as she pushed him closer. As if they could get even closer.
She felt his hand touch her cunt, he slid inside her still gently but she heard him groan when he was fully inside her. The sound of it aroused her more, she bent her knees and he raised one of her legs making her ankle rest on his shoulder. She moaned louder now as his cock would hit and fuck her in the right spot.
Eddard looked at her flushed face and her hair was messy. And he liked it when he heard his name out from Cersei's swollen lips. Hearing her plead only progressed his pace inside her.
“Ned right there. Do not stop. Yes yes yes,” she moaned breathlessly. Her hands paled after gripping so tight on the sheets. She loved it. She felt so close to her climax as she arched her back.
The two never broke eye contact, their grunts and moans until they reached their peak. He slowly brought down her leg. He collapsed on her and their foreheads touched. Their heavy pants and breaths could only be heard in the room. She circled her arms around him and whispered, “Let's sleep.”
—
“Why were you even sent by father?” Cersei scowled at Tyrion who joined them in the journey. She was annoyed when she saw his brother loading his final belongings into the cart.
“Do not even start, I am also not pleased by the idea,” he walked to her. He studied her and tilted his head.
Cersei frowned, “Say it.”
“You look different today. But you still look gorgeous, I just have to say that before you cut my head off,” Tyrion commented. He was careful because even though Cersei was happy at her wedding, she was still his sister who was harsh and strict to him.
Cersei's frown was replaced by a grin, “I know. I suit it well. Both houses.” She was not wearing her signature clothes that carried any hint of the Lannister house. Today, she was wearing the colors of House Stark. It felt new for her to wear grays, whites, or even a tint of green and blue in the future. She thought it was dull until she saw herself wearing it. The dark gray suited her like she felt she was truly the Lady of Winterfell. She still wore her lion head necklace and she planned to have one made but of a direwolf.
Tyrion replied, “You will make a good lady in there.” He was relieved to have his sister marry one of the kingdoms. The North may be far but he knew she could handle it. And maybe she could make North better than it already was.
“I know,” Cersei replied curtly.
When they all had bid their farewells, the march of House Stark began. Cersei was very much comfortable traveling as she only slept most of the time while her husband led.
—
After more than a fortnight, the North had arrived close to the Trident. The camp was made and Eddard was with the other lords. Eddard had caught up with the houses Tully, Baratheon, and Arryn.
Cersei was in her own tent with Tyrion. She was embroidering the old linen that she started at Harrenhal. There was a lioness and a dire wolf. She was completing the remaining details of the wolf until she felt that something was still lacking.
Clearing his throat Tyrion said, “Did you know how father rejected Prince Rhaegar's request for help?”
She was focused still on her needlework as she replied, “Yes, and nor do I care. The Targaryens had offended us enough and now they had to ask for more men. He can't even give his men to Ned.”
“Well, Lord Stark did not ask for men. He asked for your hand.” Tyrion replied.
“And that is good enough, father remains neutral until now but two of the Lannister children are with the rebels. He'll never side with them,” she said, her eyes not leaving her work. “Are you hungry, brother?”
“Well, yes. Slightly. But the lords are still-”
“Ah! Let them discuss the war, we can eat earlier than them. I am famished,” she set down her linen and told the servant to prepare food for her and Tyrion.
The meals were set out and Cersei ate more than twice what she usually did. Tyrion was surprised, more than a year ago his sister would not even eat or touch her spoon. And now her appetite has doubled to the point he even gave his own food to hers.
“You must be very tired of traveling,” he said as he poured his food on Cersei's plate. She did not complain but continued to eat gracefully.
“Hmm, yes. The servants cook good food. Do you not like it?” She asked when she noticed he was giving his food to hers.
“I actually like it but I am quite full and I think you need it more,” he answered. But he thought his sister must be eating for two already. He did not say anything or it would sour Cersei's mood. So he just watched his sister enjoy the meal.
That night, Cersei woke up from a nap and Eddard was in their tent as he was reading. She sat up and suddenly felt dizzy and nauseated. Eddard noticed his wife struggling so he walked across the tent to her
“Cersei, what is the matter?” He asked her, wrapping his arm around her and holding her hand.
She felt something was coming up her throat, her visions blurred, and her head spun. “Ned, I need to-”
Eddard sensed it and he immediately assisted Cersei to walk faster leading outside the tent. They reached behind it where no one else could see as Cersei emptied her gut. Eddard was already calling out for the servants as they rushed towards them. He held Cersei's long hair and rubbed her back as she spewed out all of what she had eaten that day.
Cersei was cleaned up by the servants and Eddard. He assisted her back to the tent, laying her down on the makeshift bed. Tyrion went inside to see the little commotion that had happened.
Eddard turned to him and requested, “Tyrion, can you please ask for a maester from Lord Baratheon's camp?”
Tyrion nodded and said, “Yes, my lord.” He was certain his sister was carrying, she looked pale and a little tired.
“Ned, I am fine. It is the fatigue from traveling,” she held his hand. However, she did feel more off than usual. It was sudden and she felt nervous there was something more to this.
Eddard shook his head, “No, I can not be assured to let you travel tomorrow when we do not have someone assess you.”
One maester arrived together with Tyrion. He greeted them, “Lord Stark. Lady Stark.”
The maester asked Cersei some questions but the one that made her tense was about her moon blood. She did remember how her moon blood regularly occurs every twenty to twenty-third of a moon. And her wedding occurred days after her moon blood was done. She and Eddard stayed in the West for a fortnight and they reached their current location for more than a fortnight. She counted mentally and confirmed she did skip her moon blood.
She noticed how she was currently eating more than what she usually did. Instinctively holding her belly, it was still flat. The maester read her pulse and said the possibility of her carrying a child was high.
“It is still early to confirm, it is best to wait for the quickening,” the maester told Eddard.
Cersei thanked the maester before he left. Everyone also dispersed from the tent and the two were left alone.
Eddard sat beside Cersei on the bed and kissed her forehead, “Now, I worry. You are with child.”
She smiled. “Our child,” she said as she held his cheek. “It is still early but I know something is growing inside me,” she said softly to him.
“I will have to double-check everything before you leave tomorrow,” he said to her.
“I only wish you could be with me,” Cersei told him with worry.
He pressed his forehead on hers, “Forgive me. The timing was off.”
Cersei pouted and struck her palm on his arms lightly, “Do not say that! The child's timing is not off.”
He immediately apologized and grabbed her hand to kiss it, “I am sorry. I meant with the war.”
She beamed at him and held his face, “I am so happy.”
“I am too,” he looked at her and smiled. “If it is a girl, what would you name her?”
She tilted her head and grinned while her eyes darted to think, “I would like to name her from my mother.”
Eddard could only look at his wife with affection as she looked so happy. And this was the only thing he wanted to see every day. During the past moons before they wed, he remembered how he always longed to see her face. The last time they met, she was on the verge of tears when her father rejected his proposal. Now, she was completely delighted and overjoyed. Much happier than he saw her at their wedding.
“And if it is a boy?” he asked her. She bit her lower lip slightly and only asked him, “You will name him.”
He thought of a good name for their child if it were born as their son. He wanted to name him after his father but now at the height of the war, he thought of his great friend, Robert. “How about Robb?”
Cersei looked at him amused, “From Lord Baratheon?”
He nodded, thinking she would be angry at his suggestion. But she laughed softly, “Then the babe will be named Robb if it is indeed a boy.”
Eddard chuckled and cupped Cersei's cheeks to kiss her.
—
It was a misty morning, Cersei was heavily cloaked as a few of Eddard's men and the other servants were about to leave. Eddard held both of Cersei's hands tight.
“Be careful. Both of you,” he reminded her gently as he glanced at her flat belly.
Cersei was filled with worry. “We will see you back in our home. Safe.”
He nodded and kissed her fervently. They held each other tight and it took them long enough before they broke the kiss. Their foreheads and nose touched, while the soft wind tousled their hair.
“Come back to me,” Cersei said softly.
Eddard nodded, “I will.” And he kissed her one last time again.
Cersei then let go and entered her carriage not looking back or she would cry parting from her husband again.”
Eddard looked at Cersei's back as she joined the troop. His worries added now that Cersei was carrying and during the most sensitive time. From Lyanna's whereabouts to Cersei's safety, and now their growing child inside her, he could not help but pray for this nightmare to end.
—
Tyrion only became Cersei's sponge when she was annoyed by anything or anyone. He was used to it. More likely, he was relieved that the reason was because his sister was carrying. The travel had been too long and Cersei's symptoms had grown worse. She also got annoyed once when she noticed her dresses went tighter. Tyrion told her that it should be a relief to her since it only confirmed that a babe was growing inside her. She smiled at the thought but she did not want to tell him that he was correct.
After days and days of discomfort, they reached Winterfell, and Cersei almost cried out of relief. She observed the castle from the distance, it sprawled massively. It was indeed the capital of the North, she thought. She stuck her face on the carriage glass just too much of a better view of Winterfell. The walls were tall but there were taller walls inside. Too much of her excitement was also matched by her uneasiness. She would be lost inside it if she were to wander alone.
Cersei always thought that no castle would top Casterly Rock. It was close to the ocean, and it was warm and sunny. However, despite its cold, Winterfell was quiet and majestic.
She was welcomed by the Household members, including Maester Luwin and The rest. They all addressed her as Lady Stark and told her how Lord Stark ensured her installment in the North.
Cersei felt their warmth when they had led her to the Great Keep where she would be settling in. And while she was toured by the household members, she had requested one room to turn into a nursery. However, she did not explicitly tell them that she was carrying. They were delighted to hear of the lady's request. Cersei then asked if she could have her own drawing room, just close by Eddard's solar. Maester Luwin told her if it were to Cersei's comfort, he'd have it done right away. She was told of how this maester replaced the old Maester Walys. And yet she noticed how this new one was knowledgeable already of the North.
She settled in her own chamber, she was told Eddard's chamber and hers were separate but she knew either way the two would sleep together. Her maids that she brought from Casterly Rock were slowly moving in her belongings while she lay down on the bed until she drifted to her sleep.
A knock on the door woke her up when her maid told Cersei her meal in the Grand Hall was ready. “Is it late?” she asked.
The maid nodded and answered, “Yes, my lady. Your brother and the rest of the household are waiting for you.”
Cersei pursed her lips and said, “Grab me my coat, and lead me there.”
Cersei still felt dizzy when she walked through the halls of the castle. She just woke up from her long nap and she wanted to collapse on her bed. But she was hungry, the babe inside her was hungry as well. When she reached the Hall, she smiled as everyone smiled at her warmly. She sat on the head of the table, already missing her husband who should have been with her.
The feast was only intimate as she had liked it. It only annoyed her if there were more people to acknowledge. She was introduced and toured to lots of people and places that spun her head. Much more than her brother was drinking again and eyeing some maids. After the hearty meal, she reprimanded Tyrion while they walked out of the halls.
“It is your first night here and you start drinking,” she said through gritted teeth.
Tyrion waved her off, “Oh, relax. I needed this after a long journey. You do not have to worry.”
“I will worry. I do not want you to ruin things here for me. Especially when they welcomed us warmly,” she hissed.
Tyrion only rolled his eyes. He told her, “I am to write to father that we arrived here well and warm. I will also tell him how Winterfell has already installed you as their lady.”
“Tell him to update us, most especially me, with all of his movements in the war. He still remained neutral. I need to know his plans,” she told Tyrion.
“How about the confirmation you are with child?” he asked.
She shook his head, “No. Do not let him know just yet. He'll use that again for his gain.”
“Alright,” he nodded.
“Stay here until the birth of the child. Then you can leave if you want,” Cersei told him. Only that she wanted him here because she was skeptical of her father letting her know about the war. And with Tyrion here, she knew she would have the information being sent to her brother.
“And be your child's babysitter too?” Tyrion retorted.
“Don't talk to your future nephew or niece that way! What's wrong with staying anyway? Fine! Leave tomorrow, I will have Eddard's men accompany you right back to the West,” she angrily said.
Tyrion raised his hands and scowled, “I did not mean it. I will wait for the birth if that assures you.”
She said curtly, “Good.”
During her first days, Cersei tried to navigate the castle and be familiar with it. She only walked with some of the servants and sometimes her brother. She still struggled with the symptoms, and as it got worse she could also feel her belly growing too.
She attempted to enter court as she insisted. “Ned’s court is quite small, I am certain there's room for more. Especially a seat for his wife.” Since Eddard warred in the south with most of his trusted soldiers and his master-at-arms, the castle was left with the steward and the maester.
Though new, her presence was always known. She would often find herself in the Glass Gardens, in there it was warm and earthy and she found beauty in the varieties of flowers and vegetables and fruits. Most especially flowers, she would pick some of them and then bring it in her drawing room to arrange them. The flowers were displayed along with her seashells from Casterly Rock.
Cersei has found warmth in the coldness of the North. It was not as harsh as people used to say or maybe it's only because Winter has not arrived. But she liked it, her cheeks and lips turned rosier than they were.
—
Cersei went to her drawing room to embroider again, this time it was her old work of Lyanna and the wolf. Lyanna's room was left untouched as she instructed the maids to never change anything. She still believed Eddard would bring her home soon and they'll be together again like how they did back in Harrenhal.
Tyrion rushed into Cersei's drawing room to let her know about their father's plan. “Sister. Father has finally moved.”
Dropping her work on the chaise, she replied, “Tell me.”
“His raven only just arrived and father has decided to move to King's Landing with his thousands of men,” Tyrion said. “And it is quite bad. Not quite. Brutally bad.”
“Tell me more? What has happened?” She looked at him with concern.
“Maybe more than a fortnight after the Trident Battle, father had decided to sack King's Landing,” he said. “The king was slain by Jaime.”
She was surprised, “Oh…” She was out of words, “I mean, he was a mad king but what Jaime did is…”
Someone knocked on her door, “My lady.” It was Maester Luwin.
“Enter.”
The maester entered and handed her a letter, “It was written for you, my lady. From Lord Stark.” He then left the room.
Cersei looked at Tyrion, “I will have to read this later, just go on with what father has sent you.”
“Sister, he harmed, mercilessly, Prince Rhaegar's family. A child and a newborn. And the princess was violated. Just to show his loyalty to Lord Baratheon,” he said carefully. “King Robert Baratheon,” he corrected himself.
Cersei's teeth gritted “Is it not enough for them that I am married to Ned? Or your presence here to show how we are their allies” She clenched her fist, “I understand killing the enemy, they could have just done that to the King but the wife and children.”
Cersei has softened every time a topic of a child and mother was brought up in her head. If for instance, the possibility of the Loyalists sack them in Winterfell and she and the child she carried were harmed together with everyone, how would even her father react with that? The thought of the innocent mother and children being killed brutally brought shame to her.
“I know how capable our father is, he has done so many times,” Cersei told Tyrion.
“You need not worry, King Robert has acknowledged the House Lannister as one of his allies. But you are even more secure because you are Lord Stark’s wife carrying the future of Winterfell,” he assured his sister.
She sighed and nodded, opening the letter from Eddard. She read the content, mostly it was the same information as what Tyrion had told her but at the end of the letter, Eddard sent his regards to her and the child.
Looking up at Tyrion she said, “Well, our new king and Eddard are in a rough patch as they argued about our father's ‘gift’ of loyalty.”
Tyrion only said a silent, “Oh dear.”
“Lyanna can not marry that vicious evil man,” Cersei said as her voice trembled.
Tyrion replied to his sister, “Eddard will handle that, for now, you focus on your well-being.”
—
Cersei had told Maester Luwin to always report to her everything. But the old man only expressed his concern over her, “My lady, amidst the war and Lord Stark’s absence, you carry the heir. It is vital you take more rest.”
She felt useless and bored when she just laid on her bed during most days when she could be productive and assist or do her duty, “Do not worry Maester Luwin, I am still capable.”
The quickening came around after a long stretch of days. Cersei felt something move inside her and she had the maester check on her well-being and the child.
“My lady, it is good that you are feeling the child move. I am surprised the quickening happened a little late. It has been a little over 4 moons since you wed. Usually, it happens on the 3rd moon,” the maester assured her.
Cersei sighed with relief and smiled, “The child must have been patient. But that is wonderful, will we ever know the gender of the child?”
Old Nan held Cersei's hand and asked her what type of food she was craving. Cersei was confused as her brows furrowed. She thought how even the food could determine the gender of the child. That was nonsense and just old beliefs. But then again, Nan had more experiences here and she had known many of the Starks before even Eddard was born.
“I notice the past few days you always ask the cook for very sour foods. You do not like anything particularly spicy?” Old Nan insisted. Cersei thought of it and it was true, she was only eating sour food. Anything a little bit of spice hurt her stomach.
“They hurt my stomach, the smell of it already made me dizzy,” Cersei explained.
Maester Luwin laughed, “We would meet the heir of Winterfell very soon.”
Cersei realized then that these people believed eating more sour food was to indicate she carried a boy whereas spicy food was for a girl. She only laughed at the belief because no matter the gender, she would love them equally.
—
Several moons had passed and Cersei was struggling now to walk, she was often in her chambers or Eddard's even though she was alone or in her drawing room. One night, she felt the most excruciating pain she felt since she got pregnant. Her labor pains doubled quickly, she screamed for her maids and they rushed to spread the news. Tyrion was with his sister as he watched the midwives and Maester Luwin handle the childbirth. Tyrion who had no experience to such almost fainted but he slapped his own face to pull himself together. His father was not there. Her sister's husband was not there. No one else was there to support his sister.
He only stood a distance because he could not take sight of the blood loss from Cersei. Cersei held onto the sheets shouting, she called for the gods, cursed her brother, and called for Eddard.
“I need Ned. Please! I need Ned!” She cried as she pushed. One of the maids held Cersei's hand, the poor girl felt the strength of her lioness lady. The other maid wiped Cersei's swear. The midwives and Maester Luwin encouraged Cersei to push more.
Tyrion rushed to his sister's side, “Sister, just push more.”
“You give birth then!” She hissed at him. Tyrion only frowned not out of annoyance but out of worry about how painful it must be for his sister to give birth.
Her short gasps filled the room and she was crying out of pain, “I could not do it! I need Ned in here!” The midwives only assured Cersei to push more.
Maester Luwin had gently encouraged her, “My lady, you're making good progress.” He told the midwife to guide Cersei in pushing rhythmically to prevent her from passing out.
Cersei was feeling the pain double or tripled. Why was the child so defiant, she thought. It has been hours and she has not given birth. She almost fainted but she gave her one final push to hear the piercing and loud cry of a babe finally.
“Congratulations, my lady. It is indeed a boy,” Maester Luwin smiled at Cersei. She could only cry out of happiness. She held out her arms and received the babe from the midwife.
Her tears flowed and Tyrion looked closer to the babe. She cradled the child, “Oh, my son. You are so loud, aren't you? And quite defiant.”
“What a beautiful child, my lady.” Maester Luwin said in relief. This was the first child he birthed and it was the heir of Lord Stark.
Cersei looked adoringly at her son, “Your father named you Robb before we parted. Robb Stark.” The babe had her father's face she was certain. The hair was as dark as her husband's and his eyes were gray—none of Cersei's green and golden hair. But the child had Cersei's nose.
Cersei's green and golden hair. But the child had Cersei's nose.
“Oh, your father would adore you,” Cersei said closely to the boy as she kissed his forehead. Only then Cersei had realized the love she was always finding. It was already inside her from the beginning and all she had to do was show them to the people that matter the most. For now, while her husband was away, it is for her firstborn Robb. The pain of bringing her son out of the world was worth it. The absence of her husband would be soon over and they'll raise their son together.
“My little wolf,” she whispered.
The room almost felt sentimental along with Cersei, as they looked at the Lady of the North holding their future.