302 A.C.

"What's Winterfell like?"

"Cold, most probably."

"Of course it's going to be cold, it has winter in its name!"

Livia laughed at the back and forth conversation between her two sons.

Cassian, already seventeen years of age. He resembled Robert so much with his muscular build, raven hair and blue eyes. He was almost like a miniature version of Robert with looks and swordsmanship. The only thing he got from her were the blunt answers and witty retorts.

Johan only a year younger, on the other hand inherited her Lannister features, the dainty nose, the green eyes, the lithe figure. But his hair was the color of darkness and he was excellent with the bow. Even better than his brother.

Livia sat at their campsite, watching the two boys spar and joke with each other when she heard the sound of girls laughing which could only mean one thing. 

Her daughters had caused trouble.

"Sabine! Tyne!" Livia called out, standing up and turning around to see the two girls smiling innocently. "What did you two do now?"

Turns out, when your childhood was full of mischief, fate gets back at you by giving you mischievous children.

"Mother, we were just walking by and minding our own business." Sabine started.

Livia levelled them with a serious look, crossing her arms. "Minding your own business?"

A few more seconds of that serious look, Tyne finally broke. "We just wanted to ride the horses! And Uncle Jaime said it was alright!"

"Of course he would." Livia scoffed, after all, they had done the same as children. Sighing, she continued. "Very well, you may ride horses but only if your Uncle Jaime is with you. Understood?" 

"Yes, mother, we understand." They both answered, chatting amongst themselves and giggling whilst walking away, their dark hair whipping around behind them due to the cold air as they were near Winterfell.

Sensing a figure behind her, a smile crept unto her lips. "They get that from you, you know."

"I'm not sure I know what you mean." Robert's voice whispered into her ear, his arms wrapping around her waist. 

Livia turned around to be faced with the man she loves. Despite the years, he still looked as handsome as the day they met. His beard had gotten a bit longer, making him look more mature intimidating but his eyes showed the giddy man underneath, still the stormy blue she loved. 

He may look more mature and more of a terrifying, muscled warrior but she knew better. Underneath all that was the sweet and charming man who would do anything for those he loves.

Smiling, she placed her hands at his nape, fingers curling at his short hair. "Are we to leave soon?"

"Yes. We are to go straight to Winterfell, we'll be there after noon." He answered, leaning to press his face on her neck.

Laughing, she pressed a kiss to his head of curls. "Do not worry so much, I'm sure he'll say yes."

"I don't know about that, Liv. He's going to have to leave Winterfell." He sighed. "Seven hells, if only Jon hadn't decided to step down from the position."

Livia cradled his cheek in her hand, making his eyes meet hers. "Everything's going to be alright, Robert. Besides, it's Ned. I don't think he could ever say no to you."

Robert chuckled. "You're right, of course. About things being alright. It has been all these years."

After the Greyjoy Rebellion, the kingdom has been at peace with no sign of trouble. 

Despite his worries, Robert has been a great king. The debt of the kingdom has been paid in full and the realm has flourished, turning out better than it was even before the war.

Robert's lips broke into a smile as he looked at Livia's necklace. "Do you remember the day I gave you this? Gods, it seems so long ago."

"It was. But I still remember every part. I was sure that I loved you then." Livia answered, smiling as he held the pendant in his hands, placing a soft kiss upon it.

Meeting her eyes, he planted his lips upon hers, cupping the back of her neck to deepen the kiss. She tangled her fingers in his raven hair, tugging at his curls.

Pulling away, he laughed softly, puffs of air emerging from his lips. "Gods, Livia. I love you more and more every day."

"And I love you more with every passing second."

Before anything else, Ser Barristan approached, bowing.

"Your Grace, it is time to leave." Ser Barristan spoke up, before bowing and departing.

Robert and Livia pulled away from each other but their hands remained clasped together.

"Shall we, Liv?"

"We shall."

°•°•°•°•°•°

Robert sat up straight on his horse, his expression stoic.

The people in the North seemed much colder than the people in the South. 

In King's Landing, whenever he or Livia would pass the streets, the people would cheer and clamber closer. Here, they just stared silently. 

Seven hells, it was odd, to say the least.

"Does the cold temperature affect your tongue?" Cassian piped up, atop his own horse.

Johan chuckled softly, riding beside his brother. "If it does, at least we will have some peace and quiet from you."

Robert laughed, his serious facade broken. "He's not wrong, you know."

"Both of you are just jealous of my beautiful voice and diction." Cassian answered, turning his face away.

"Don't worry about him, father. He's just nervous because he's seeing the love of his life today." Johan teased, his tone joyous.

Cassian replied. "Shut up."

Robert turned to Cassian to see him blushing. "Oh, is he now? Does she happen to be a certain redhead? Daughter of Ned Stark?"

Before Cassian could answer and Johan could continue with his teasing, the retinue came into view.

Robert returned to his kingly stance. His sons stood straighter but the smiles remained on their faces.

Robert couldn't help but let his eyes wander to the carriage, wondering if Livia was seeing all of these. It was her first time in Winterfell as well.

He turned his attention back to the retinue to see Ned and Catelyn, along with their children.

Within the silence, he dismounted from his horse, followed by Cassian and Johan.

However, instead of standing in front of the retinue, he moved towards the carriage.

Robert opened the door himself, smiling softly at his girls as he helped them down.

"Thank you, father." Sabine whispered whilst Tyne grinned widely at him.

Finally, Livia took his hand and he guided her out of the carriage.

She smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, love."

Gods, she still had that effect on him. The years failed to dull anything between them. Their love was still growing fiercer and more powerful by the day.

Despite her saying otherwise, she was still so beautiful. Her golden hair much longer, her eyes bright and figure still graceful. Her smile still made him smile whenever he would see it, especially when he was the reason for it.

With her hand in his, Robert came to stood in front of the retinue with Livia and his children at his side.

Everyone bowed before them, all of them going on their knees. He never got used to that at all. 

With a flick of his hand, he allowed them to stand.

Robert stood right in front of Ned, their eyes meeting, their faces void of any emotion. 

"You got fat!" Robert exclaimed, almost laughing but he kept it in.

Ned looked at him with a judgmental look before they burst into laughter.

Robert stepped forward, hugging Ned heartily. "It's good to see you, Ned!" 

"And you as well, Your Grace." Ned answered, grinning at him and Livia. "My queen."

"Ned! It's been so long!" Livia smiled, embracing him as well. "Catelyn, I believe I haven't seen you ever since our small celebration."

"Someone had to watch over the North, of course." Ned said, making all of them chortle like mere friends reuniting. After all, they were friends, it just so happens that two of them are the king and queen of the realm while the other two are lord and lady of Winterfell.

Robert ruffled the youngest Stark's head with a grin.

"This must be your son, Rickon." Livia said, greeting the young boy. 

Her eyes flickered to the young boy behind the Stark family, he seemed familiar, as if she had met him before. But that could not be. Shaking her head, she smiled.

Robert moved to the eldest of the children, almost a man, quite near Cassian's age. "You must be Robb. Am I right?"

"Yes, Your Grace." Robb answered, shaking Robert's hand.

Robert noticed the young girl beside Robb before giving Cassian a knowing look. "You're a pretty one."

Whilst Robert greeted the other Stark children, Livia turned to Sansa.

"My, you've grown haven't you? The last time I saw you, you were a mere babe." Livia smiled at Sansa Stark, seeing the beauty in her youthful face. "Have you met my son, Cassian?"

Johan snorted aloud, only to be elbowed hard by Cassian. Catelyn and Livia looked at one another, both of them hiding their smiles.

Sansa only blushed, nodding. "Hello, my prince."

"Lady Sansa." Cassian stepped forward, planting a kiss on her hand.

Robert returned to Livia's side, their hands automatically finding and holding unto each other. 

"We shall lead you to your chambers so you may rest before the feast tonight. I'm sure your travels have been exhausting." Ned announced as the crowd began to disperse. 

"Thank you, Ned." Livia expressed her gratitude, her and Robert already moving towards the keep.

Once they arrived at their designated chambers, Livia fell on the bed with a sigh. "I had almost forgotten what a true bed feels like."

Robert fell in beside her, groaning. "I think my back's going to be permanently crooked."

"Robert?"

"Hmm?"

Livia turned to look at him. "Do you think we're doing the right thing? By doing this?"

"They're ready, Liv. They've been ready for quite some time now. We have done everything to ensure that." Robert answered, cradling her cheek, the coldness of her skin nipping at his palm.

"They're ready. But are we?"

°•°•°•°•°•°

The feast was in full swing. The drinks were flowing, the food steaming, the laughter raucous.

Robert's laughter boomed from the high table as he laughed at something Livia whispered to him. It was never like him to be subtle about his feelings.

"Arya!" Sansa exclaimed as her face was struck with a piece of food. Courtesy of her younger sister.

Everyone including Robert had laughed, but Livia quickly elbowed him, making him turn stoic if it weren't for the small smile decorating his lips and the mirth in his eyes. 

As Arya Stark was sent to bed, Robert noticed how Cassian was immediately at Sansa's side, asking if she was alright.

Robert met Livia's eyes and she nodded. It was time.

Livia stood from her seat, moving towards Cassian while he went to Ned and Catelyn's side.

"Your Grace, is something the matter?" Ned asked worriedly.

"No, I-we just have to speak to the both of you. Come." Robert answered, heading outside the banquet hall and towards the cold open air.

Livia was already there, looking quite nervous, with Cassian by her side.

"What is going on, father?" Cassian questioned, quite confused.

Robert only looked towards Ned. "Do you know of a place we can speak where no one can bother us or hear us?"

Ned nodded. "Aye. We can speak in the Godswood."

Their small group immediately went on their way, stopping by to get lamps to light their way.

In the darkness of the night, one could almost see the shadows threatening to creep towards them, only kept away by the light of their flames.

Once they arrived at their destination, Ned demanded answers. "Explain what's happening, Robert."

"Calm down, Ned." Robert sighed, turning to Livia.

Livia took that as a sign to start speaking. "We brought you all here today to inform you of the decision that Robert and I have decided to step down from the throne."

"What?!" Cassian questioned, looking struck. "But you can't! You're-but it's never been done! And if you step down then that means I-I will be next in line. I'm not ready, father."

"Cassian, I understand that this is quite shocking. But we have been planning this for quite some time now and you are ready, my son. You have all the attributes that a good and wise king should have." Robert stated, clasping Cassian's shoulder. "And you will have a wise and good Hand guiding you, should he choose to accept."

At that, Livia and Robert turned to Ned and Catelyn. 

Ned fell to his knees. "My king, my queen. You honor me."

"Stand up, Ned. We are friends here." Robert commanded before continuing. "Does this mean you accept?"

Ned looked to Catelyn who only nodded, her eyes tearing up with joy.

"Yes. Yes I accept. Thank you." 

Robert embraced Ned, smiling. "Take care of my boy, alright?"

Livia smiled at Catelyn in agreement. 

On their way back, they had split into two groups. Ned and Catelyn while Cassian was with his parents.

The future king looked uneasy. "Will I have to marry a girl of your choosing?"

Robert laughed. "No. You may choose whoever you wish to marry but I have a feeling on who you will decide on. I'm sure you will get her father's blessing."

"What will happen to the two of you?" Cassian asked, trying to direct it from the topic.

Livia held his hand. "You do not need to worry about that, my darling."

"Will you be alright? Wherever you will go?"

Robert looked to Livia, smiling. "We will be alright. Do not worry, you may always write to us. We will always be there for you and your siblings."

Once they arrived in front of the keep, Cassian departed, needing some time to think.

Robert pulled Livia close once he saw the tears spilling from her eyes. 

"Have you changed your mind already?" Robert joked, making her laugh through the tears.

Livia buried her face on his shoulder. "No, it's just that-I feel as if we are saying goodbye to all we know.

He placed a finger on her chin, making her tilt her head upwards to look at him, pressing his lips to her softly.

"It's not a goodbye, my love. It will just be another beginning."

"Are you ready?"

"Always, as long as I'm with you."

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