Got One-Shots Book 2

Alliance -pt. 3 (Eddard "Ned" Stark x fem!reader)

You made your way through the corridors of Winterfell with a smile on your face. Robb had asked you to come and watch him and the other boys practice their archery. Ned was already there. You slowed down as you watched his face. There was always such a look a pure adoration on his face when he looked at his children. It was a lovely sight to see.

"There you are," Ned said suddenly, turning to look at you. His smile never fell. "Here I am. Forgive my lateness. Sansa required my assistance." He took your hand in his and brought it up to his lips. Ever since Lysa's visit, Ned had become much more open and loving with you. You couldn't deny that you loved it. It warmed your heart and you felt like part of the family.

Ned was feeling the same way. Like he had told you, he would always love Catelyn, but he had grown to love you as well. You had brought happiness and light back to Winterfell when Ned had not thought it possible. He was determined to treat you with love and respect all the time and not give anyone a reason to treat you the way Lysa had...the way he had before.

It was really awkward at first, but the two of you had soon grown into your own routine. You were at Ned's side when he needed you and he was always willing to listen to your counsel. "Mother! Father!" You chuckled and glanced down. Robb had the bow in his hands. He let loose and missed the target by a fraction of an inch. He looked deflated. "Chin up, Robb. Keep practicing," you encouraged and Ned smiled at you. He loved how you handled the children and that you had become a very hands-on sort of mother. You didn't smother the children, but you were always willing to help when needed.

Robb knocked another arrow and Ned spoke. "Thank you, Y/N." Your brows furrowed. "Whatever for, Ned?" you asked. Ned slightly turned his head to look at you. "For everything you've done here since we married. I know it wasn't the best arrangement to start with but you have taken everything thrown at you with the grace of a true lady. You have become a mother to children that are not your own and have never shown one ounce of bitterness."

You reached over and took his hand in yours. "Ned, I told you when I entered this marriage that I would do anything and everything expected of me as your wife. It has been my honor to be your wife and a mother to your six, soon to be seven, children." Ned froze for a second as if he were unsure of what you just said.

He turned to face you fully. "Are you...?" he trailed off. You bit your lip and nodded sheepishly. You weren't sure if he was going to be excited or not. After all, you hadn't really been sharing a bed intimately for very long. You'd had a bedding when you married, but you didn't often sleep together after that. It was only in the past six moons, since Lysa's visit, that your husband started bedding you somewhat regularly.

"You're with child?" Again, you nodded. "You're with child!" he cried softly, pulling you to him. You were shocked, but immediately hugged back as your eyes filled with tears. "Y-You're happy?" you asked quietly and Ned pulled back. "Of course!" He kissed your cheek. "We shall tell the children tonight over supper." You nodded happily and glanced back down in the courtyard in time to see Robb hit the target. You cheered for him and he grinned up at you.

Later that day, you were looking for Ned, but couldn't find him. Slightly worried, you wandered down to the crypt. You knew he would sometimes go there to talk to Catelyn. Sure enough, that was where you found him. He was speaking quietly, but the words echoed through the quiet corridors.

"A year ago, I felt like I was betraying your memory by loving Y/N. But the Catelyn I knew would want our family to be happy. She makes us all happy. All the children, even Sansa who was so against her at first. She makes me happy, Cat. And now she is to have my child. Another Stark child," you heard him say, your heart swelling. His voice was soft, but powerful like always, and full of devotion and love. "I love her, Cat. I still love you, of course. I always will and she knows that, but I love her with everything left in me to love."

You were fighting back tears now. You had no idea that he held you in such high regard, but it warmed your heart. Ned stood up from his spot and turned around. He didn't give any indication of surprise as his gaze landed on you. He smiled at you and came over to you. He stopped and kissed your forehead before leaving you alone. You walked over to Catelyn's crypt. "Thank you, Lady Stark. Thank you for showing Ned how to love. Thank you for raising such lovely children. I only hope I can be as wonderful a wife and mother as you were." You turned and left the crypts, feeling truly blessed.

If anyone was more excited than you and Ned about the announcement of baby Stark, it was the children. Sansa, Robb, and Jon all hoped for another sister, while the others all wanted another brother. They all surrounded you and took turns hugging you. Your gaze kept meeting Ned's over the heads and shoulders of the children. His eyes never left you and the small smile never left his face.