The Red Emissary

"Sire, a visitor, this... Red Woman claims to speak for Stannis Baratheon."

Eddard was sitting the throne as she came before him. The Northerner was enraptured by her, despite himself. The priestess was a striking woman, flame-haired, wearing a tight red gown that seemed to flatter and flaunt her figure as she strode closer.

Visions of him taking her aside and fucking her burst unbidden into his brain. He tried to dispel them with his usual thoughts of Catelyn and his vows, but those didn't quite hold the same power now he spent most nights with Cersei Lannister screaming his name.

"Greetings Lord Stark, I am Melisandre, priestess of Rh'llor, servant of the Lord of Light. I come bearing a message from Stannis Baratheon, the rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms." Her voice was even and melodic, every word making him want to listen more.

"Let's hear it." Ned said, breathlessly.

"My lord knows you murdered Robert Baratheon, his brother, your king, and usurped his throne. Perhaps Cersei Lannister influenced you, but you are culpable nonetheless. My lord will see you punished."

"And yet, Stannis is also capable of mercy. He offers you a choice, attempt to hold on to your stolen throne, he and his brother Renly's armies will march across Westeros, unceasing, until you are dead."

"And the alternative."

"Renounce your actions, surrender King's Landing to Stannis, as well as his rightful throne, and you will be spared. Stannis offers you another choice, banishment for your entire house, or you and all your sons taking the Black."

What lovely options, Ned thought grimly. He cursed inwardly. He had known this day was coming, in his bones, the only part that had truly taken him by surprise was Stannis playing his hand so forcefully, and so soon.

Eddard scarcely knew which option to pick. Refusal would allow him to retain the throne, if he and the Lannister armies could keep the Baratheons at bay. Keep bedding Cersei of a night. But the war would **** most of Westeros through a metaphorical meat grinder.

To cede to Stannis would be safer for the Kingdom. A war could be averted, Stannis taking power without a single drop of blood. Despite what he'd done, Ned's honour told him Stannis' claim was just. And after his betrayal of Catelyn, perhaps he deserved the Wall. To spend the rest of his days among cold and Ice, far from either Catelyn or Cersei's beds. As for exile, perhaps the **** closeness with Catelyn would give him the chance to repair their relationship.

"I shall give you time to make your decision, Lord Stark." Melisandre curtsied. "Though perhaps you would wish to discuss this... in private? There are additional conditions you would have to satisfy."

Ned groaned inwardly. As he cast an eye up and down the Red Woman's body, some privacy suddenly seemed rather desirable.