Eddard Stark was surprised. King Robert had actually appointed him as the Hand of the King and was personally coming to Winterfell to invite him. Such an honor was truly unexpected.
"My lord, this isn't difficult to understand," Maester Luwin said, his hands folded in the wide sleeves of his robe. His expression was calm, and the light from the candles reflected off his bald head. "Compared to others, like Lord Tywin, the Duke of the West, whom His Majesty does not trust, or Lord Stannis, whose rigid character does not suit the King's favor, you are a far more suitable choice."
"You and King Robert grew up together in the Eyrie under Lord Arryn's care. You fought by his side in the rebellion and helped him claim the Iron Throne. You are also the closest friend of the Stark family and a strong ally of House Baratheon. It is only natural that His Majesty would turn to you."
"Considering all this, it is no surprise that the King would travel all the way to the North himself to ask for your service," Maester Luwin continued, his eyes shining with excitement. "If you accept this position, the North will gain greater influence in the politics of the Seven Kingdoms. Your family's prestige will grow, and it will benefit your children as well—particularly your heir, Robb, who is of marriageable age."
"Had Princess Myrcella been older, a marriage between her and Robb could have strengthened your bond with the King. However, even if that is not possible, you could still arrange for Robb to marry a highborn lady from a great Southern house, which would be beneficial for House Stark."
Maester Luwin spoke earnestly, thinking ahead for Eddard Stark's future.
Though Eddard did not particularly like the idea of arranging marriages for political gain, he knew it was his duty as Lord of Winterfell. His son, Robb, would have to accept it as well.
In Westeros, noble houses relied on strategic marriages to secure alliances and strengthen their rule. Just as House Stark, House Baratheon, and House Arryn had joined forces against the Mad King years ago, these alliances were often forged through marriage.
When the rebellion began, Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun would not have joined them without a marriage alliance. His eldest daughter, Catelyn, had originally been promised to Brandon Stark, but after Brandon's tragic death, she married Eddard instead. Similarly, to solidify ties with House Arryn, Hoster Tully gave his younger daughter, Lysa, in marriage to Jon Arryn, though she was much younger than her new husband.
These marriages were not just about uniting families—they were about maintaining power and ensuring peace in the realm. If handled poorly, a failed alliance could plunge the entire kingdom into chaos.
Eddard thought of his sister, Lyanna. She had been betrothed to Robert Baratheon, but her love for Prince Rhaegar Targaryen had led to her abduction and the war that followed. The consequences had been devastating, resulting in the deaths of his father and brother, and ultimately leading to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty.
Marriage among the nobility was more than just personal—it shaped the future of the Seven Kingdoms.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Without waiting for permission, Lady Catelyn entered, her face filled with urgency. "A letter from King's Landing?" she asked.
Eddard nodded and handed her the letter. Catelyn quickly scanned its contents, her expression shifting from confusion to shock. "King Robert is personally coming to invite you to be Hand of the King?"
Eddard sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin with a weary expression. "I just learned of this myself. I don't think I am suited for such a responsibility. Managing the affairs of the North alone is already difficult. Governing the entire Seven Kingdoms? That is beyond me."
He let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temple as if trying to ease his growing headache. "I am trying to think of a way to refuse Robert's offer without offending him or harming our relationship. Though we were once like brothers, he is now a king, and I am merely the Warden of the North. Things are not as they used to be."
Maester Luwin nodded solemnly. "Your concerns are valid, my lord. No matter how close your friendship once was, Robert is now your king, and you have sworn fealty to him. If you reject his offer outright, it could be seen as an insult to his authority."
Eddard looked at Maester Luwin, listening carefully as the old man continued. "This is a delicate matter, and any misstep could have unforeseen consequences. You must tread carefully before making your decision."
Lady Catelyn, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. "Ed, you cannot refuse!" Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Eddard frowned. "Catelyn—"
"No, listen to me," she interrupted. "Robert is not just your old friend anymore—he is your king. Refusing his request is not just a personal slight, it is a challenge to his authority. Even if he loves you as a brother, the court and his advisors will see it differently. A rejection could turn him against us."
She took a step closer, her blue eyes filled with determination. "You say you are worried about our family, but think of our children. If you go to King's Landing, we can secure stronger alliances for them."
A spark of excitement entered her voice as she added, "Robb and Princess Myrcella may not be a match in age, but Sansa and Prince Joffrey are only a year apart. They could be betrothed! Think of it, Ed—if Joffrey becomes king one day, our daughter would be queen! Their children would rule the Seven Kingdoms!"
Eddard sighed heavily, shaking his head. "Catelyn, we are discussing Robert's offer to make me Hand of the King, not arranging Sansa's marriage."
Catelyn frowned, but before she could say more, Eddard turned his attention back to Maester Luwin. "If I refuse, Robert may take it as an insult. If I accept, I will be leaving the North vulnerable. There is no easy choice."
The room fell silent for a moment as they considered the weight of the decision before them.
Eddard knew his answer would change the course of his family's future—and perhaps the fate of the entire realm.
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