"I want ale."
Lady Catelyn sat up as well, reached for her nightgown, and casually draped it over herself.
At the wine cabinet, Lord Eddard briefly inspected several jugs and even gave them a sniff before pouring with a glug glug into an empty cup.
"Arya is a little upset. I can feel it." As he spoke, Lord Eddard sat on the edge of the bed and offered the cup in his hand to his wife.
Having expended quite a bit of energy earlier, Lady Catelyn could not help but take a large gulp of ale. "Family, duty, honor. Ned, each of our children has their own responsibilities. They are learning to grow up."
After a pause, Lord Eddard nodded slightly. "I hope she recovers soon—"
Taking another sip of ale, Lady Catelyn set her cup aside. "Ned, Riverrun needs an heir more like a southern noble, and Arya's age is unsuitable as well. Though I pray to the Gods every day that my uncle lives a long life, that is merely my wishful thinking. I know that very well."
Feeling his wife's sorrow, Eddard gently patted her with his large hand. "You and Brynden will decide this matter. I will support you."
"Ned—"
Lady Catelyn's voice caught slightly as she rested her head against her husband's shoulder. "I know. King Gryn, like you, prefers Arya, but I must be rational—for House Tully."
Eddard nodded and patted his wife again. "The lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. I will make arrangements for Arya. I will not let this matter create a rift between them."
"Thank you, Ned."
After holding each other quietly for a while, Lady Catelyn suddenly asked, "Will the king be dissatisfied with the choice my uncle and I make?"
She knew very well that House Tully,