Don't Make Me Laugh

Arabella had her hair wrapped up in a scarf to hide its silvery color, Amelia's idea. This would be a temporary fix to the issue, they knew that she could not keep this up come summer. After Arabella was dressed and ready to go out she and Amelia left the tent and went in search of Catelynn. Arabella passed many tents on her way, many of them smaller tents. She had a feeling that Catelynn would be with Rob in the main tent. Her suspicions were confirmed when she came to the biggest tent in the camp and heard Catelynn's voice. Before she could enter the tent a large lady blocked her path, glaring down at the young girls.

"State your business," She said. Arabella started at the lady. She was tall, had short blonde hair, and crystal blue eyes.

"I wish to speak with Lady Catelynn and Lord Stark. They are expecting me after all," Arabella said, staring at the bigger lady.

"It's alright, Brienne. Let her pass, she's my daughter," Arabella heard from behind the lady. Catelynn was opening the tent flap and looking out at Arabella.

"Yes my lady. You may pass," Lady Brienne said moving to the side.

"Bella," a voice called out from deeper in the tent. Robb!

Arabella looked behind Catelynn and saw him standing there. He looked older now even though it had only been a year since last seeing him. He looked tired and worn out, but strong and steady. Arabella looked at Catelynn who nodded to her in confirmation. Arabella could feel tears in her eyes coming from relief and happiness. She ran towards Robb and wrapped her arms around his waist as he wrapped his around her shoulders. She didn't dare to release her hold on him yet, in fear that he would vanish from her grasp.

"You're here. You're really here aren't you Arabella," he asked her his face in her neck breathing her in.

"I am Robb, I'm right here. I am not leaving again unless it is to get our siblings back," she tells him, gripping him harder around the waist.

"So no hugs for me then," another voice calls out. Robb lifts his head from Arabella's neck and turns it to face the voice. His arms not leaving Arabella's body.

"She's my sister, I outrank you," Robb replies.

"She might not biologically be my sister, but I was raised with her just as much as you were," the voice calls back closer this time. Suddenly another body wraps around Arabella and she can now see the auburn hair of Theon.

"Just like old times. All we need is Jon and it will really feel complete," Arabella said with a sad smile. She really wished her twin could be there with her. She couldn't help but wonder how he was and if he was thinking of her as well.

Theon lets go of Arabella and backs away allowing for Arabella to release her hold on Robb. She stepped back and took a closer look at the man before her. Despite the hard and stressful time of war wearing down Robb he still looked the same to Arabella.

"How is Rickon and Bran," Arabella asked, quickly realizing that they were not there.

"They are safe, back in Winterfell. Where you will be returning as well once I know I can get you back there safely," Robb tells her.

"Ha! Don't make me laugh! I am probably safer here then I will be back home," she tells him, "After all I am married to the Lannisters. I will be considered a traitor to my own home".

"She's right Robb, she is safer here. She can also help you with battles, she was a better swordsman than most of the men in the castle anyway," Catelynn said with a knowing look.

"I am not letting my sister risk her life again for the sake of our family. She risked so much coming here, I can not ask her to risk more," Robb said.

"You are not asking if I offer," Arabella tells Robb.

"I am not accepting, but I will get you some armor made, in case something happens and you need to be able to fight. Only IF you need to fight, Arabella. Do not go sneaking off to battle," Robb tells her, pointing in her face as if scolding a child.

Arabella rolled her eyes at him and crossed her arms around her chest.

"Yes Lord, pain in the butt," Arabella says with a mock salute before turning around and walking out of the tent and back to her own.

"Your brother is trying to look out for you," Amelia called out from behind.

"I know, but I am already a pawn in this game. I became one when I married Jaime. I just need to figure out my worth and get to the end of the board and change who I am. I will end up being the Queen on the board. I will protect the king at all costs," Arabella explained walking into her tent.

"Why not be the king," Amelia questions walking into the tent.

"Because I have no desire to rule," Arabella stated, turning back to look at Amelia her eyes furrowed.

"Those are the people who make the best rulers, and you are technically the person who is supposed to be on the throne," Amelia states getting closer.

"You read the letter," Arabella asked her eyes wide.

"No, but I remember the stories of the Targaryen. My mother used to tell me stories of the prince and his kindness. How his hair looked so sliver it almost looked white as snow at times. How he would walk around King's Landing singing and passing out food and silver to families. The people of King's Landing were sad when he passed and they had hoped that his children would be as kind and noble as he was. Sadly they too had been murdered and then Robert Baratheon was made King. We the people wished we could be ruled by someone who was like our Silver Prince. I had heard rumors that his siblings had escaped and they're across the Narrow Sea trying to get back home. But I believe that they are not the rightful heirs and judging by your reaction to when I mentioned being Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms you know that you are," Amelia explained.

"No, I am not. If anything Jon is. He is my older brother, and to be honest he probably wants the throne as much as I do. I guess my hair is a dead giveaway. We will need to make it back dark in color. Hopefully there is black tea around here we can use," Arabella says.

"You know, you finding that egg makes more sense now," Amelia says.

"What do you mean," Arabella questions.

"Many people have been down there searching for eggs, bones, and even teeth to sell, and no one has ever found the eggs like you have," Amelia explains.

"I'm sure others have seen it and hadn't realized what it was," Arabella replies.

"No my lady, no one has ever found something like that. You seemed to have found it with ease, which makes me wonder how,"

"I don't know. I just found it. I wasn't looking for it," Arabella explained.

"No, but it found you anyway,"

"Look, it's a fossil if anything. It's never going to hatch, and I am never going to be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. I will never be anything more than Arabella Stark or Lady Lannister," Arabella sighed.

"But you could be so much more,"

"I could lose so much more. Like my head or my family. It is not worth it,"

"Yes my lady. I will begin looking for the Black Tea and seeing about the armor for you," Amelia said, looking defeated.

"Thank you Ami. I am sorry that I do not wish to be the person who you wished I could be," Arabella said with a sad look.

"Don't be, because I believe you will be so much more," Amelia said walking out of the tent.

It was hours later when Amelia came back with chainmail, a breastplate, leather gloves, and metal wrist bracers. All metal in a silvery grey. It was mostly to protect her upper body as that is where most of the people arm for when in a fight. Arabella with the help of Amelia placed on her armor and took in the sight. Arabella's silver and her silver armor almost made her seem angelic. Her eyes looked more purple bringing out the truth of her heritage. Arabella wished her had not had to learn about her true parentage. She wished she could stay the same naïve Arabella Stark, not Alys Targaryen, Rightful Princess to the Seven Kingdoms.

She then wondered what Jaime would do knowing this information. Would he sell her out to his sister and lover, or would he keep it hidden and protect her? She couldn't also help but think back to what Catelynn had said. Your child. If Arabella was indeed pregnant with Jaime's child, what would do. Would he keep her alive until she gave birth or kill her and their child in one swing. Or would he do anything in his power to protect his wife and child. Arabella would like to believe that Jaime truly did care for her and even start to love her.

Sadly the signs currently pointed to her that he didn't. He had left her alone with his sister knowing that Cersei did not like her. He knew that the moment she could Cersei would do everything in her power to rid Arabella from the castle and out of Jaime's life. Even if Arabella was pregnant, Cersei would still place her neck on the chopping block before Jaime could do a thing about it.

"My lady, you seem to have a troubled look on your face. Is the armor not to your liking," Amelia asked.

"Oh, no. It's perfect. I was just thinking about everything going on. We are in the middle of a war right now, and I'm beginning to wonder where my place is throughout it. Was I to stay in King's Landing and face Cersei and her judgement? Was I to try harder and convince Jaime to take me with him? Or am I right where I am supposed to be," Arabella stated.

"I think Jaime did what he thought was right. He's an idiot, but he did know that there were people there who would look after you. Like Varys, myself, your father, the king, and Ser Barristan Selmy. He should have known better that Cersei was going to get rid of the people she knew was going to protect you. She was not aware that Varys is for the people, which means that he will protect anyone who will treat the common people like normal people. He always had a watchful eye on you, and truly respected you and your kindness to others. Ser Selmy was going to protect you for the same reason, he saw in you what he once saw in your father. It was a reminder of how he failed the prince and how he vowed to repay his debt. Jaime did care for you, Arabella. I heard and saw how he was with you. I am sure right now, he is trying to figure out where you are and will make sure you are safe where you are. He wants to protect you, that is all he ever wanted to do since you met him," Amelia says, placing her hand on Arabella's shoulder.

"Thank you Amelia," Arabella says, looking to her friend, "I needed to hear that more than you can imagine".

"I thought so. You know I can see if there is a physician here to look you over. I heard Lady Catelynn earlier about you possibly being with child," Amelia stated, "If I am not overstepping that is".

"Amelia, we have been through more than most together. You are not a servant to me, you are my friend. I want to hear your thoughts and hear your wisdom. You do not have to serve me anymore, just be there for me as a good friend would. You saved my life more than you should have had to, and for that I am deeply indebted to you. Please do not ever think you are overstepping, because without you.... I would not be here today," Arabella said, placing hand against Amelia's shoulder making a strengthened bridge between the two.

"Of course Bella," Amelia said with a big smile.

"Yes you can call the physician, but make sure you can trust him. Or we can wait until we get the tea together and finish hiding my hair," Arabella said with a chuckle.

"I will wrap it for you again," Amelia said.

"I can check you out Arabella," a voice called out from outside the tent, "May I come in".

"Yes, mother. Please enter," Arabella said, turning around to the opening of the tent. She begins losing the straps of her armor as Amelia helps to remove it.

"She is right Amelia. This family is indebted to you for saving Arabella's life. When you are done I will have you sit on the edge of the bed. I have helped deliver many children back home, and learned a thing or two from each of my children being born," Catelynn said.

Arabella undressed into her slip and sat at the edge of the bed. Catelynn did her examination and nodded her head with her assessment. Amelia looked excited, and Arabella knew the answer.

"I am with child, aren't I," Arabella questioned.

"You are, my dear. I would say you are about 4 or so months, but not with just one. Twins do seem to run with your child's family," Catelynn stated. She was right, Arabella and Jaime were both twins. Which only seemed likely that Arabella would have twins as well.

"What do I do," Arabella asked sitting up. Her face pale and eyes wide.

"Well for one, you do not panic. It will cause harm to more than just you. We will figure something out. We can not send a letter because then Robb would think that you have betrayed him. I can not send you away because that would do more damage and cause you more stress," Catelynn said.

"What if it wasn't a place here in the kingdom," Arabella questioned.

"I am not sending you to Dorn," Catelynn said with fire in her eyes.

"No, not Dorn. What about Bravos or Madreen," Arabella questions.

"No, I am not sending you away to Madreen, I will think about Bravos. But not tonight, it is getting late and you need to rest. Your brother is going to fight tomorrow and you will need to be on guard for yourself as he will not be here to keep everyone in line," Catelynn stated.

"Yes mother, of course. Good night," Arabella said getting up to let her mother out of the tent before going into her bed and going to sleep. She dreamed of a better place, where she was safe and there was not a war going on between her family. 

Author's note: Sorry for the delay, I had planned on publishing this on Christmas, but I wanted more pages to the story. When I got to 11 pages I decided I was happy with this. Merry Late Christmas!! I hope you all enjoy.  Shout out to @Wildtiger17 who wished me a Merry Christmas!

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