The thunder of hooves echoed through the crisp northern air as King Robert Baratheon''s retinue approached Winterfell. The banners of the crowned stag fluttered proudly in the wind, a stark contrast to the grey and white of the direwolf sigil that adorned the ancient walls of the Stark stronghold. Ned Stark stood at the gates, his face a mask of stoic composure, though his mind raced with thoughts of Jon and Mary, safely away from the prying eyes of the king and his court.


    Robert dismounted with a grunt, his broad frame clad in rich velvet and fur. He clapped Ned on the shoulder with a force that would have staggered a lesser man. "Ned! By the gods, it''s good to see you again. Too many years have passed since we last shared a drink."


    Ned managed a small smile, though his eyes remained guarded. "Your Grace. Winterfell is yours."


    The king laughed heartily, his booming voice carrying across the courtyard. "None of that ''Your Grace'' nonsense, Ned. We''re brothers, you and I. Now, where''s that brood of yours? I want to meet the little wolves!"


    Catelyn stepped forward, her smile polite but strained. She presented Robb, Sansa, Bran, and Arya in turn. Robert ruffled Bran''s hair and complimented Sansa on her manners, though his gaze lingered on Arya, who stood with her arms crossed and a defiant glint in her eye. "This one''s got the wolf blood, eh?" Robert chuckled. "Reminds me of Lyanna."


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    At the mention of his sister, Ned''s expression darkened, but he said nothing. Robert, oblivious to the tension, scanned the courtyard. "Wait a moment. Where are the other two? The bastards? I heard you had a pair of twins."


    Ned''s jaw tightened, but his voice remained steady. "Jon and Mary are not here, Your Grace. They''ve gone to oversee matters with the wildlings. The alliance requires careful attention."


    Robert raised an eyebrow, his jovial demeanor faltering for a moment. "Wildlings? Ned, you''re too trusting. Those savages would slit your throat as soon as look at you. But if you think it''s worth the risk, who am I to argue? You''ve always had a knack for handling the North."


    Ned nodded, his relief hidden beneath a mask of solemnity. "They are my responsibility, Your Grace. I trust them to do what is right."


    Robert clapped him on the back again, his good humor restored. "Well, let''s not waste time standing out here in the cold. I could use a drink, and I want to hear all about what''s been happening in this frozen wasteland of yours."


    As the king and his entourage moved into the castle, Ned cast a fleeting glance toward the horizon, where Jon and Mary were far from the reach of Robert''s curiosity. He prayed to the old gods that they would remain safe, and that the secrets they carried would stay buried.