Joanna enjoyed being a sister.

She spent so much of her life taking care of Tommen and Marcylla that sometimes it felt like she was their mother. She never complained though. It helped ease her mind at the thought that they would never end up like Joffrey. She always dreamt of teaching Marcylla to use a bow - even hoped she could gift her sister with her dagger seeing that Tommens interest were far away from a sword. Marcylla was free spirited and adventurous like her while Tommen was timid and shy but she nurtured both of them equally with love.

In many ways Arya reminded her of Marcylla. Confident young girls who spoke their mind and had the hearts of victors. Arya herself didnt expect to like Joanna as much as she did. In all honesty she expected a prim and proper lady who spent hours of her day in silk gowns.

An arrow travelled through the heart and crotch of a hanging dummy as the two practised their archery. Robb had mentioned that Arya would sneak around their castle swiping Bran and Rickons weapons and practise themselves.

Their father was thrilled by her interest but made it clear that she had to follow their mothers instructions and be a proper lady. From what Joanna could tell Arya had no reason to sit beside a fire knitting blankets

"Shae was right, you're good." She walked closer to Arya and spoke behind her ear "But take it from me, you can still use some work." She explained. Arya turned to her with a slightly offended look on her face

"I hit them where I wanted." She confidently replied

"Yes, but did you notice you took too much time firing your arrow? You have to remember that you wont be fighting lifeless straws. You'll be fighting trained and fast men who wont hesitate to attack you." She explained, cant help feeling nostalgic as she remembered the many lessons Jaime would teach her at sundown by the shores of Kings Landing." Robb mentioned that he helped Bran with his stance – let me see yours."

Arya nodded her head as she took her position but Joanna shook her head noticing too many mistakes already. She eased her hand under Aryas elbow raising it "You need to keep your elbow high. The arrow needs to glide through your arm like it weighs a grain of salt. Meaning you put most of the work in your back."

The young girl listened as she corrected her stance but Joanna shook her head in disagreement again, discouraging her

"You're holding? You should never hold."

"Joanna, youre not making sense." Said Arya

"You'll hurt yourself because your muscles are tensing up if you hold. Pull the string back to the middle of your chin and release but avoid holding."

"But I have to aim." Joanna chuckled as she was reminded of herself far too much in Arya. At least she had patience where as she easily stormed off from Jaime if she didnt get anything right within the first three attempts

"But don't aim."

"What?"

"Sweetheart, you're eye already knows where it has to go. You need to start rely on instinct. So look at the target and shoot but without holding and no aiming. Glide." Arya huffed as she raised the bow. The arrow flying through the air without her doubting herself making a straight bulls eye. Arya gasped realising that Joannas advice worked. She looked to her very proudly as Joannas hands applauded her.

"See! Much easier, isnt it?" Joanna beamed. Aryas grin softened as she looked to back to her target. Picking at the handle of the bow. Arya stool still before sullenly admitting

"He would've loved you, y'know. My father. Always joked around about how smitten Robb was when you arrived. If he were still here-"  Arya spoke looking down to the ground. Joanna didn't even hesitate as she brought the young girl closer to her. At first Arya was taken aback but soon melted into her arms

Joannas mind would play a sick game with her. Every time she convinced herself that maybe Joffrey was just troubled or misunderstood shed be reminded of how he wasnt. Now every time she thought of her demented brother all she could imagine is the heart crushing pain Sansa and Arya had to witness as their father was beheaded.

"Hes lucky to have you. I'm glad Robb found you." Arya spoke as they released from their embrace. Joanna felt her heart swell at the fact that for once their marriage was approved instead of looked down upon.

"Although, my ears could go without you two screaming the night through." Arya smirked bashfully as Joanna hid the redness of her cheeks

"Please tell me you didnt hear-"

"Oh, I heard. Poor Greywind came to my room the other night hoping to get some peace and quiet. Why do you think he sleeps during the day?" The two sharing a laugh when they turned to see the direwolf sleeping on top of the boulder behind them.

Joanna calmly rested in the bathtub. The steam against her damp skin as she felt Isabella comb through her blonde locks. This was their ritual even though Joanna made it abundantly clear to Isabella that she was not a handmaiden and that needed to do her bidding and serve. Bayla didn't mind because she did it out of genuine care for the woman she'd grown to care for a sister.

"Tell me about her please. Margery Tyrell." Isabella seemed surprised that Joanna had any interest in what concerned Joffrey's personal life but then again even if she didn't admit it her mind did sometimes wander to the brother she'd always hate.

"I've been told she's very popular in Flea Bottom. The public shower her with love while your mother -"

"My mother despises her. That doesn't come as a surprise. She hates anyone that isn't family." Joanna spoke as she titled her head back for Isabella to unknot her tangled hair that was thrown into a braid for the last several months.

"Yes, but I've heard your mother hates her because she actually reminds her of you. She seems kind and open hearted but Clara, one of your mothers handmaidens tell me that Margery will do anything to sit on the throne."

"Makes sense, she was with Renly and now Joffrey. She has the tolerance to deal with the men in my family and even I can respect that." Joanna noted as she relaxed herself in water.

Her hand covering her stomach as she still felt ill and weak from her stomach. She tried so hard to avoid any meats and desserts and yet still she felt horrid. And gods forbid Robb would find out, he'd have Maesters surround her all day practically forcing herself into bed.

"Wait- Bayla, if this Margaery is to marry Joffrey, what about Sansa? Shouldn't she be sent North?" Joanna sat up as the though reoccurred her mind.

Joanna wondered how much suffering Sansa only had to endure. Joffrey was demented ever since they were children. He was not strong willed and confident and seeked out his glory by abusing and traumatizing others around him - especially the women in his life.

Joanna still the scar on her thigh the day he stabbed her when she found him by the window of the Red Keep dangling Tommen's cat. Tommen screamed and cried for his brother to stop , Joanna throwing him across the room to ensure neither of them would fall to their deaths and even as she saved his life, he returned a thank you with a piercing dagger cutting through her flesh. If Joffrey was able to torment them that much , who was to say Sansa didn't suffer the same fate?

Joanna looked to her friend and informant. Bayla's expression shifted so sullenness as her shoulders slacked. Her arms dropped as she walked towards the candles, fingers twiddling around the fire before turning to Joanna.

"I- Joanna, I don't think she's coming back."

"What? Why?" Joanna was puzzled by her statement.

"There are rumours that your grandfather plans to have her wed another..." Joanna's could feel her skin irk. If Tywin was in any way involved it meant one thing only : chaos. He's been a step ahead of them ever since she's escaped his clutches but if he managed to get control over Sansa's life then their army would there would be more anger and violence than there already is.

"Who?" For the first time Bayla didn't want to speak. She'd yet to receive word on whether the rumours were true or not but if they were - gods help them it's not

"Tyrion Lannister."

"No - we- we have to get her out now. I don't care how but I will not have that poor girl be kept prisoner in the city she lost her father..."

"Joanna."

"No." She protested "Bayla, she will forever be victim to my brother and mother. I don't know how but we will have Sansa in the North no matter what it takes. Whatever it takes." Joanna affirmed.

She hissed as she jumped out of the tub, body still soaked with water as she grabbed a nearby empty pale and vomited. She hurled and curled from pain as Bayla immediately sought to get her help. In the back of her mind hoping that it was nerves because anything that else that could be the cause of her nausea would not benefit this war.

Just as suspected Joanna was confinded between four walls in a mattress now damp from her sweat. Her throat felt horse and her lips dry. Bayla refusing to listen to her called for a Maester as soon as possible. It wasn't long before Robb stormed into the room demanding that she stay in bed.

She remembered how over-protective Jaime was over Cersei whenever she fell ill - always hoping that someday she'd meet someone who loved her that much but experiencing it first hand was something else. She felt like a caged animal in the room. Forbidden to leave. Robb limited visitors in order to ensure his wife got enough rest as possible. Her only company being Greywind who'd fallen asleep next to her bed as the direwolf himself became worried over her.

Three knocks on the door - she turned her stiff body over to see Shae and Arya in the door. Both very concerned as the approached her. She could see the displease and grimace in their faces as she slowly rose to sit up. Arya sitting next to her as she helped swipe the sweat covered strands out of her eye.
"God, I always thought Joffrey was the ugly one." she teased as Joanna playfully hit her in the arm

"Oh please, even stinking of pig shit I'm still the most beautiful woman in all of the kingdoms." she teased before groaning as she felt her stomach rumble from pain

"What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you and the king have already worn out the bed." Shae mocked as she petted the sleeping direwolf's head.

"The Maester thinks I've caught a cold and now my loving husband has forsaken me to the Kings Chambers where I am forced to either sleep or stare at these boring walls." She rolled her eyes holding the sheet up to her chest.

"Well, it's no surprise that you hate these walls. It's the first time you're looking at them not screaming from arousal." Shae laughed aques Joanna's pale face grew flushed from embarrassment

"You told her?!" She asked Arya

"I didn't have to. You're a screamer love. But if there's any way for me to send you off I suppose it's this way." Shae winked as Joanna felt like the mattress could sink her into the floor.

"What? Do you mean to leave?"

"Yes, but I'm not deserting you. Bayla has information about Jaime's location. He's traveling with a former soldier to Kings Landing. Bolton plans to go after him and he invited me to join." Both Arya and Joanna seemed stunned by Shae's words. Especially since she'd made it abundantly clear that she hated the man.

Hated

"What? Last time if I'm not mistaken you couldn't stand the man. Why the change of heart?"

"I don't but right now he has more information than any of us combined. Tywin's forces are moving and between the slaughtering by the Mountain and Edmure's stupidity with that fucking mill we're grabbing at loose ends and losing focus. If I manage to get the Kingslayer this will not only put faith back into the soldiers but also keep the Karstarks at bay."

"I understand. Just please be careful with that man and don't die." Shae stepped closer as she wrapped both Arya and Joanna in her arms. She felt the corner of her eyes tear up as she blinked them away before stating

"I'll miss you three - though I won't complain to falling asleep to Joanna begging Robb to let her finish."

The two laughed in Joanna's dismay as the door creaked open again, expecting to see her husband she was rather met with Catelyn's blue eyes. Joanna looked to her lap as she had no energy for any of Catelyn's remarks regarding their marriage. The last they spoke was after Robb made the nature of their relationship public and Catelyn had more than just fury to share with the newly wedded pair.

'Arya, my lady, could I have a word with Joanna. Privately." Catelyn requested. Arya and Shae respectfully nodded their heads before leaving the two alone.

Joanna felt the atmosphere in the chambers change. Suddenly it was tense and uncomfortable and in a manner she felt intimidated by Catelyn's presence. In her heart she believed Catelyn did not approve of her. Even saving Bran's life was not enough her loyalty.

Catelyn approached her but her face was not stern and stoic as it usually was but rather calm yet tired. Every day away from her children the exhaust was starting to show on Catelyn's face.

"May I?" she requested as she seated herself next to Joanna. Joann knowing well enough that whatever their current situation handed - she was in no position to refuse.

"How are you feeling? I heard the Maester mention you've been terribly ill." Catelyn recalled as Joanna raised her head

"Truthfully? I am exhausted. It feels like my body is weighing me down and all I want is to sleep in my bed with Robb by my side. I've been so stressed that I can't keep any food down anymore. Not even a simple beverage." she confessed as she felt her lower back ache from discomfort and pain.

"I can't imagine how difficult all of this must be for you. This war, the people who treat you so miserably and - Joanna, I would like to apologize for the way I treated you. You on more than one occation have proven you are as much a part of this house as my children." Catelyn spoke with a small smile welcomed her

"Why the change of heart?" she countered defensively

"Robb. He told me that if it weren't for you I'd probably be sleeping in the cells instead of a bed." Joanna remembered fiercely how she argued at Richard Karstark's request to have his mother share a cell with the rats in the dungeon.

"It was nothing - " she excused

"No, it was an act of kindness. One that I should return to you. Now let me help you. How long have you been feeling this way? This ill?" Catelyn questioned the dazed girl

"It's difficult to say. Maybe since the funeral I think , so a couple of weeks give or take." Catelyn couldn't help but smile at Joanna's innocence. In such rare occasions she was reminded at how young Robb and Joanna actually were to have gone through everything that they have.

"Do you know when I was pregnant with Sansa and Robb I demanded Ned to have the kitchen stacked with my favourite desserts. I'd hanker over sweet delicacies for hours on end and by the time I ate them I grew so ill that the mere thought of food made my stomach turn. Nedd, found it humorous but I found it infuriating - how could I be starved and ill at the same time?" she laughed as she reminisced at the early stages of her marriage

"That's so sweet. It makes sense to why Robb requested that they leave me my favourite berry tarts - wait -" Joanna interrupted herself as she noticed the sweet way Catelyn looked at her

"Wait, you don't think that I'm..."

"Joanna, when was the last time you bleed?" Joanna thought long and hard before gasping out her stupidity. Her palm impacting with her forehead

"I recon you're smart enough to come to the conclusion." Catelyn laughed but Joanna's swelled with tears. She shook her head refusing to accept the fact that she could be

"Joanna, what's wrong? Aren't you glad? You are with child. This is joyous news."

"I can't be a mother Catelyn. This world - this sick and twisted world if filled with hate and lust and jealousy and I - I'm so scared to bring an innocent life into this- " she stammered over her words as she felt the lump in her throat form. Catelyn looked to her with deep concern as she took hold of her shaking hand

"Joanna - "

"No, I can't. I don't ever want this child to be hurt. We're at war and my life - all our lives are at stake. Catelyn, Robb and I are not ready. I love him with all my heart but it's not time for us to start a family. Not yet - " She choked on her words as her hand covered her mouth. By this time Greywind heard her faint sobs and woke up. He nuzzled himself against Joanna as fear stricken tears left the corners of her eyes.

"Calm down little one. I know you are scared but you are not alone in this. You are so loved Joanna, so very loved. I promise you that Robb will protect you and should you want it so - I guide you through the next chapter." She took the words to heart as she embraced the woman as the silent cry left her body.

All Joanna could feel was fear. What if she ended up being a mother like Cersei or a father like Jaime. Two people that would murder a boy for the sake of family name or worse

what if she failed as a mother and ended up with a child as demented as Joffrey.

Author's note:
yes, I am well aware that the Red Wedding exists and has to be canon but I simply refuse. At this point I will only write fluff because I can't bear to put Joanna and Robb through that chapter like I physically don't even want to imagine it-

anyways ,
here's an accurate representation of what's to come in the next few chapters

ALSO
stan Joanna and Robb (they don't have a ship name so drop some suggestions)

yes, I'm also avoiding writting by making edits of my babies. let me know if I should post some them in the next chapter because it's a lot.