A few days later, Petyr came as well.
"Lord Stark." Littlefinger stood outside the cell, sympathy written across his face. "It pains me to see you like this."
"Spare me your tricks, Baelish," Eddard said coldly.
Petyr sighed. "I'm not here to put on a show. I'm here to help. Lord Renly has returned to Storm's End and crowned himself king. Lord Stannis is also gathering an army on Dragonstone. Both claim that Joffrey, sitting on the Iron Throne, is nothing but a bastard born of incest. War is about to break out, my lord, and you? All you can do is wait here to die."
"What are you getting at?"
"Confess." Petyr lowered his voice. "Publicly admit to treason and swear fealty to Joffrey. In exchange, you will be allowed to join the Night's Watch. It's your only chance to live. Besides, the Seven Kingdoms should avoid conflict now. Don't forget that our true enemy is House Targaryen, watching hungrily from across the Narrow Sea."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then you will be executed. War will break out, and your daughters..." Petyr did not finish, but his meaning was clear.
Eddard fell silent. Honor told him to stand by the truth, even at the cost of his life. But his responsibilities told him to listen to Petyr, to avert war and protect his children.
That night, he dreamed of Robert, Lyanna, his father, and his brother. They were all in the crypts of Winterfell, watching him in silence. By the time he woke, he had made his decision.
Three days later, Eddard was brought to the square before the Red Keep. A raised platform had been built there, and a crowd of onlookers packed the space below. Joffrey, Cersei, and the members of the Small Council sat in the