A Wolf and A Lion || Jaime Lannister Love Story

Chapter 34 - One Lion and a pack of Wolves

Ned walked out of the council meeting with heavy heart despite knowing that he had done what was right. He would not have a hand on any schemes relating to the murder of Daenerys Targaryen and her unborn child; Ned could never condone such a thing. The throne has certainly changed; with Robert who was more of a stranger than a close friend to Ned now that they have reunited nine years after the Greyjoy Rebellion. Ned understandably accepted that he had to rule in his stead, despite knowing how difficult the task can be. He chose to become Hand to investigate Jon Arryn's death, find justice for Bran who has been crippled, and he did it all to better the realm and help his friend. Ned would follow Robert anywhere without question, but this was one immoral act he could not be in accordance with.

He had renounce his duty and title as Hand of the King to Robert Baratheon, removing his badge to place it in front of an astounded Robert, and wished good luck for the next Hand. Ned has had enough, and would leave Winterfell in an instant, taking his daughters with him to return home. Robert has angrily shouted for him to leave the capital before threatening him to put his head on a spike and name him a traitor, but it did not frail Ned. This was the right thing to do, and he had to do it.

Ned hastily packed his belongings in his chambers when Jory opened the door. Ned turned aside for a second seeing his most trusted guard.

"I'll go ahead with my daughters. Get them ready. Do it yourself. Don't ask anyone for help. Including, Aurelia. You will tell her yourself that we are leaving for Winterfell, and do not leave her side until she is done. Then you will take her to the Hand's Tower." Ned instructed Jory, whose voice was laced with distress and seriousness.

Jory was slightly taken aback that Aurelia will be returning as well, since she is now married to Jaime Lannister. Ned understood better than anyone that her place was beside Jaime now that she is his wife however, he would never be able to forgive himself for leaving Aurelia on her own in the capital with the Kingslayer, who may very well knew of the person whom orchestrated Bran's assassination attempt. Aurelia needed to come with him and he would do it by force if Jaime was unwilling to comply, and Ned was certain he would.

"Perhaps this was what Arya meant when the wolves and lions were fighting." Ned thought to himself, as he returned to his packing.

"Right away, My Lord." Jory obeyed, "Lord Baelish is here for you."

"His Grace went on about you at some length after you took your leave. The word "treason" was mentioned." Littlefinger informed as he entered the room, and Ned stopped what he was doing to focus on the man standing before him. He looked rather happy at the prospect of Ned leaving the capital, and his title as Hand along with it.

"What can I do for you?" Ned asked of him,

"When do you return to Winterfell?" Littlefinger replied with a question of his own.

"Why? What do you care?"

"If you're still here come nightfall, I'll take you to see the last person Jon Arryn spoke with before falling ill. If that sort of thing still interests you." Baelish offered him with full certainty that Ned would be too tempted to reject.

"I don't have the time." Ned declined the chance, knowing that the longer they spend another second here in Winterfell, the more chance he was risking his daughters and men's life.

"It won't take more than an hour. But, as you please." Baelish continued to persuade him, before taking his leave.

Ned let out a sigh before he turned his back around to follow Littlefinger, and grabbed his sword.

"Round up all the men we have and station them outside the girls chambers, including mine because that is where you'll take Aurelia to wait before you come and find me." Ned gave Jory a few last orders. "Who are your two best swords?" He asked,