Chapter Text
Catelyn Stark entered the hall on her husband’s arm. The Red Keep’s hall was almost thrice the size of Winterfell’s and it had been lavishly decorated to host the King’s best friend and Warden of the North. Ned had been seated on the dais next to Robert and Catelyn on his other side. As she scanned the rest of the hall, she noticed that Queen Cersei was not beside Robert but rather on a neighbouring table next to her brother and her uncle. She couldn’t really blame the woman—Catelyn had had a few run-ins with a drunk Robert Baratheon, and they weren’t exactly favourable and rather improper, bordering on raucous.
As they were seated Catelyn’s eyes met the Queen’s piercing green ones and she remembered their earlier conversation in Catelyn’s chamber.
—
“I hope you find your chambers to be to your liking Lady Catelyn.” The Queen voice was laced with a sickly false sincerity and Catelyn smiled a thin-lipped smile.
“I’m sure they will be, Your Grace. Pray, where might I find my lord husband’s rooms? I have need to speak with him.”
“Oh, they are a short walk, but I know women like you and I enjoy their solitude.” Queen Cersei cocked her head and plucked a hair from Catelyn’s shoulder.
“Whatever makes you think I don’t enjoy my lord husband’s presence… Your Grace?” She added the formality belatedly, wondering if she had missed something.
“It was not meant as an offence my lady, there is no need to get defensive. I just figured that that frozen lord of yours wouldn’t care if he were placed four or five rooms away from you, considering all the business concerning the feast and tourney, it seems we are housing half of King’s Landing at the moment!” The Queen addressed her as if she was speaking to a child which Catelyn did not particularly appreciate. She swallowed a retort and nodded in acknowledgment, ignoring the slight jape about her husband.
“Very well, Your Grace, could you ask His Grace to tell Lord Stark where my rooms are located then, I believe they are together presently and I am quite weary after the journey.”
Queen Cersei studied her with an odd expression. “But you will see each other during the feast this evening, what could be so important?”
Catelyn was finding it difficult to not sound condescending. “I merely wish to see my lord husband, Your Grace. Am I not allowed to share his affections?”
“Oh, well… yes of course you may.” Queen Cersei raised her eyebrows and gave a quick shrug. “I wasn’t aware the man had the ability to show affection.” She turned and walked to the door in a flurry of skirts. She looked over her shoulder and said: “Until the feast, Lady Catelyn, rest well.” Her eyes lingered for a moment, Catelyn could not tell if they displayed pity or amusement, perhaps a mix of both. She thinks me a sad, delusional woman. Catelyn thought. She believes that I chase after a husband who does not want me, she shall see about that.
—
She recognised that same look in the Queen’s eyes and accepted the challenge. She grabbed Ned’s thigh under the table and she could hear his conversation with Robert beside him falter slightly.
She waited patiently until he turned to face her, his eyes immediately softening when they met hers.
“Yes, my lady?” He asked with cheerful teasing in his voice.
“Oh nothing!” She said musically, hugging his arm and resting her chin on her shoulder to look at him.
He chuckled, a deep rumbling emerging from his chest which made her blood run hot. “My lady, it seems you have an agenda.” He whispered theatrically into her hair, inhaling her scent.
She purred and laid a hand on his chest, plucking off non-existent frays on his tunic.
“Her Grace does not believe you to be inclined to affection.” She mumbled.
“Well I wonder where she got that one from.” Ned laughed out loud and everyone looked towards them. Catelyn stole a glance to Cersei’s table, who was looking at Ned as if he had grown wings. Catelyn smirked with knowing pride, pleased with the fact that only she could truly break his icy façade. Only it wasn’t icy. After many years of marriage to this incredible man she had gotten to know so well, she discovered that he was merely reserved, and that’s what made these fleeting moments all the more special.
“Well I know better, and that’s all that matters.” Catelyn looked up at him through her eyelashes and the corners of his lips tugged upwards. The next thing she knew he brought her head in for a kiss, a short one to be sure, nothing bordering on impropriety, but a kiss to prove a point. Catelyn turned her head as Ned planted another kiss on her temple. In that moment she locked eyes with Cersei Lannister and couldn’t stop the smug smile that came over her lips. She shouldn’t need to prove her husband’s love to anyone, however, it felt too satisfying seeing the sour expression on Cersei Lannister’s face as she turned back to her brother. I may come to regret that. She thought, but at that moment she couldn’t force herself to care. My husband loves me! She felt like proclaiming it to all the seven kingdoms but instead leaned into Ned’s arm. That matters to no-one but me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.