"My lord, Lord Stannis requests an audience."
The guard Jory's hushed voice came from outside the door.
Eddard froze, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.
Stannis had come to see him of his own accord?
He considered for a moment. "Show him in."
The door opened, and "Stannis Baratheon" walked in.
His expression was gloomy, his brow tightly furrowed, and his steps carried a deliberate heaviness.
Before Eddard could offer a greeting, he lowered his voice, his tone as grave as an approaching storm. "Lord Eddard, I have come so late because there is something I wish to discuss with you in depth."
Eddard nodded. "Speak freely, my lord."
"Stannis" wore a somber expression. "It concerns my younger brother, Renly."
Eddard frowned. "What has happened to Lord Renly?"
"Stannis" looked Eddard straight in the eye. "Lord Eddard, I have received secret intelligence that Renly is actively plotting something that will endanger the kingdom's stability. He intends to have Robert set aside the Lannister Queen and put a woman from House Tyrell on the throne as Queen."
Eddard sucked in a breath and sprang to his feet. "This... this is... how reliable is this information?"
"Stannis" spoke with absolute conviction. "Entirely reliable. They will act very soon. Once I return, I will inform the Lord Hand and see how he handles it."
Duke Eddard's expression grew grave. "Should His Grace be told?"
"Stannis" immediately replied, "No. His Grace is a rash man. If he learns of this, he will certainly punish Renly.
"More importantly, it will provoke a confrontation between the Lannisters and Renly and the Tyrells. Lord Eddard, surely you do not wish to see unrest in the kingdom? Especially at a time like this."
Eddard remained silent for a long time, a heavy sense of responsibility weighing on