a wolf and a stag // r.stark 1.

1.8. Ned Stark

"Lord Stark" she called after as the man closed the door leaving them alone. He looked up at Arabella.

"Sit down, Princess" he showed her a chair. Arabella sighed still angry and sat down. "Did you know that Jon Arryn's death was..."

"He got sick" she interrupted raising her eyebrow at how quickly he went straight to the point.

"That's what Maester Pycelle says. But I know he was a strong man. I need to find out who did this to him" Ned informed her.

"I'm sorry, but I do not understand. You think I know who killed Jon Arryn?" she asked placing her hand om her chest in a manner she was tought to do.

"I am not saying anything, but deep down inside you know" he sighed trying to be careful around her.

She had thoughts about Cersei or Jaime, but they were just thoughts. "And if I knew, why would I tell you?"

"You are Robert's daughter. He trusts you more than anyone. And I want to trust you too" he informed her with a curt nod.

Arabella watched him and stood up before going to the window. "You shoudn't trust me" she answered looking at the gardens.

"Someone killed Jon Arryn, because he knew too much. Dark times are coming, Princess"

"Winter is Coming" she turned around. Ned nodded and stood up before walking over to a table.

"I found this book in your Uncle Stannis chamber. It is an old writings about noble families" he told her as she approached him. She read the title. "He and Stannis were reading this and also he went to find Robert's bastards"

"Why? My father's bastards?" she looked at him conflicted and confused.

Ned frowned knowing what was coming next. "Have you ever wondered why you look different from your siblings?"

She did look like Robert, different from her siblings. "Because I got father's features?" she questioned in denial.

Ned had a theory about one thing but he still wasn't sure. Arabella realised and gaped at him. "Are you telling me that Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen are mother's bastard kids?" she asked him in offense, hurt and denial.

"I do not know it yet--"

"You can keep your theories to yourself, Lord Stark. I don't want to be a part of it" she snapped and started to walk away, but stopped. "And, if you don't want me to marry your son, that is okay. I don't want it either" she told him harshly and left.

Minds were not letting Arabella walk as she came back to her room. The words that Ned Stark said were constantly repeating. Why did Jon Arryn die? Who killed him? Were her siblings actually half siblings? She knew that would mean she's the only real daughter and the only heir to the Iron Throne.

Ned Stark was walking through the gardens when he saw Cersei. "Lord Stark" she greeted bitterly. He stopped and nodded. "I saw my daughter walking out of your tower. She seemed rather afraid"

"I didn't say anything serious to her, Your Grace" he answered dully at her accusation.

"The bigger question would be, why was she in your tower?" Cersei pressed on with a stern look on her face.

"As Lord Stark said nothing serious" Arabella spoked from behind her. Cersei turned to look at Arabella.

Back in her chamber, the thruth hit the girl. She looked at herself and saw nothing but Robert. Joffrey looked like her mother and Uncle Jaime. She remembered the book she read. 'Lannisters-fair almost golden hair, bright eyes. Baratheons- dark thick hair, dark eyes"

She had brown eyes and long dark hair, while other three were all blondes. She knew Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen weren't Robert's. And she hated Cersei for that.

"Very well" Cersei nodded and left. Arabella watched her go with tears in her eyes.

"It was her and Jaime the whole time" Arabella spoke looking down.

Eddard glanced at her and sighed sadly. He knew how broken she had to be after finding out the thruth. "You found out yourself" he stated sadly.

A tear escaped her eye as she looked up at him. "All this time" she breathed out shocked. "All this time, they were going behind my Father's back"

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