Disclaimer: All characters and locations featured in this text are properties of George R.R. Martin.

What if Robert Baratheon had died in his rebellion and Eddard Stark had ascended to the throne? This aims to follow a multitude of characters from around King's Landing during the time of Eddard's rule. Catelyn Tully will be disregarded in this fanfiction. Rated M for Sexual Content and Gore in later chapters. This is my very first Fan-Fiction. Enjoy!

King Eddard I of House Stark, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men and Protector of the Realm sat proudly atop the Iron Throne.

'This will be the only court I attend as a Lady and not a Queen.'

Cersei Lannister sat in a well-furnished gallery to the left of the Iron Throne, trying to edge around a tall Lord in front of her to catch a glimpse of her future husband. Eddard had insisted on holding court just two days after the bloodshed had ended.

Heralds announced the hundreds of decrees that the new King had dictated, stripping former loyalists of lands and installing new lords and noblemen to positions of power. Cersei was born to play politics and attend courts, but even she was slowly becoming bored. By what right should a Lioness listen to the bleating of insignificant sheep? Why should she care who the new lord of Duskendale was?

Eventually the court was declared ended, and well-dressed nobles from across the Seven Kingdoms began pouring out of the hall in great swarms.

'Soon I shall rule over all of them.'

Cersei joined the human tide and had started down a massive marble staircase when she was confronted by King Eddard.

"My Lady. You look most beautiful today."

Eddard smiled and lightly kissed Cersei's fingers. She curtsied and nodded slightly in courteous return.

"It is a pleasure to see you, Your Highness."

"Would you walk with me? I would wish to speak with you on regarding some matters of import."

"I would gladly walk with you, Your Highness."

Dismissing his guards, the King took her by the hand gently and escorted her out into one of the many lush gardens that thrived within the Red Keep's high walls.

'He is so gallant and polite. He will make a fine husband.'

"I want you to be frank and honest with me, Cersei, how do you feel about our marriage?"

"Marrying you will be the greatest honour I will ever receive, I know that you will be both a great ruler and husband, Your Highness."

"I hope that I can bring both you and the realm many great happinesses, fair Cersei, and you may call me Ned."

Ned gave her another warm smile. It was ironic that this chilly, grim man of the North could smile so warmly and amiably. Cersei replied with her own sweet yet dangerous smile.

"I am glad that we both feel passionate towards each other. I look forward to our wedding on the morrow."

"May the Seven look down upon our partnership and bless us eternally."

King Eddard slowed and gave Cersei a puzzled look. She was such a fool. Ned hailed from the North and worshipped the Old Gods. How could she forget that?

"I, I apologise, Your Highness. I didn't mean to offend your faith."

Cersei stared at the ground nervously, cursing herself internally. As the King led her through a serene orchard of apple trees, he turned to comfort her.

"Sweet Cersei, you need not be ashamed of your faith."

Cersei's face slowly regained it's usual innocent expression at Ned's kind words.

The strong wind flapped and whistled through Cersei's golden curls, flailing them about. Ned certainly gave her an overwhelmingly good first impression of him. Gazing absent-mindedly at a rose, she imagined sitting by Eddard's side, as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.