That same night, after all the noise had died down, Jon was summoned to his father's manor. He had been inside his room when his uncle Benjen had knocked. He had nothing important to do besides gaze nostalgically at that room, and even if he did have something important to do, it would have to wait. The topics of conversation would definitely be things to be handled with care.
When Jon entered the manor, he found his father sitting behind his table. Lady Stark sat opposite him, across the table, and beside her was Sansa. Robb stood with his arms crossed, slightly to one side.
"Jon, it's good to see you. Though it seems we have important things to do," Robb smiled wearily. His expression indicated he had been recently awakened. Sansa wore a similar expression as she rubbed her eyes to stay awake.
"Father," Jon bowed respectfully. "Greetings to you as well, Lady Stark."
"There's no need for such things, Jon," Ned smiled for a moment, but his face immediately turned serious.
"May I ask the reason for summoning me? I was hoping to greet everyone in the morning, when things were quieter."
"Mm... Benjen told me so. But I also wanted you here to discuss the King's requests to House Stark," Ned replied, interlacing his fingers, then looked at his son Robb.
"Robb, what do you think of all this?"
Robb sighed before running a hand over his forehead for a few seconds.
"Either option has its pros and cons. We also have to consider the Houses that have sworn allegiance to us. I'm sure some won't be too happy after so much past friction with the South."
"There's a slight problem, too, since I'd be leading the North when you leave. That is, if you accept. You know the Houses would try to stir up trouble, just to see if I'm up to the job."
Ned nodded and looked at his wife.
"I'm worried," Catelyn Stark said when she met her husband's gaze. "While there are things I miss about the South, I also know there are people who will seek to harm us. It's not safe."
"Sansa..." Ned ushered his daughter into the doorway after listening to his wife. "Daughter, this concerns you as well. If I decide to accept Robert's proposal, then you would have to marry Joffrey."
Jon, who stood with his arms crossed beside the closed door, listened intently. When Sansa was given the floor, he carefully observed her expression. Benjen, standing near one of the windows of the courtyard, also watched with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"I..." Sansa looked down at her hands, which she held in her lap, pondering what to say.
"I don't know, Father. Years ago, I would have been happy to accept, but after starting my studies with Maester Luwin, I've learned quite a lot. I also don't know Prince Joffrey."
Ned looked at his daughter with a touch of relief. Since he'd begun having visions of a possible future, he'd become much more concerned for his children. He knew the south wasn't a good place for his daughters, especially considering the things one could see and hear in the capital. Now, after listening to Sansa, he felt that the decision to let his daughters train in combat or learn other things was the best he'd made in a while.
"Jon, what do you think about all this?"
"Can I speak honestly, Father?" Jon asked, closing his eyes for a few moments.
"You can," Ned said earnestly.
"So I'll put it simply: both proposals are nonsense."
"What do you mean?" Ned frowned slightly at Jon's bluntness. While he had given him permission to be honest, the way those words were delivered sounded a bit condescending. Perhaps Jon knew this, and that's why he said it.
And it was true. Jon wanted his father to wake up and understand that both proposals would ultimately harm House Stark, which is why he was blunt and used a certain tone of voice.
"Father, how many people desire the position of Hand of the King? How many would be willing to kill and cause chaos just for that place at the King's side? If I remember correctly, Tywin Lannister is someone who would accept that position without much discussion. No, I'm almost certain the man expected to be offered the position."
"That person has provided several loans to the Crown so the King could spend it on his extravagances and everything else. He was probably offended when he heard the King was traveling North to offer you the position."
"The capital is surrounded by venomous snakes, greedy rats, and small animals watching from all sides. I apologize for the harsh and disrespectful words, Father. But if you accept to be the Hand of the King, you'd better start digging your own grave."
"The same can be said of the marriage proposal. The southern houses practically throw their daughters to the throne to become Queens and gain more power within and beyond the borders." "capital"
"I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Sansa is attacked after some time in the capital. And if either of them is harmed, the North won't stand idly by. I know Robb very well."
"Of course," Robb frowned. "We're talking about the safety of the family, Jon. Let's not even talk about me; any of the lords of the North would raise their banners if Father were killed."
Jon nodded and looked at his father, whose face was furrowed. It was clear the man had overlooked some things and only now realized the true gravity of the situation.
"Father, while I am neither your maester nor your heir, I advise you to decline the offer to be Hand of the King. And if you truly wish to unite your old friend's House with House Stark, there are other options."
"Other options?" Lady Stark asked curiously.
"Robb and Myrcella Baratheon," Jon said.
Robb's eyes widened; all traces of sleep had vanished.
"Jon, wait a moment, I..."
"That's not actually a bad idea," Ned commented, interrupting whatever Robb was about to say.
"Though it's still not something I can decide on my own."
"Father..." Robb looked at Ned with a slightly pleading expression.
"Don't exaggerate, Robb. We don't even know if it's still possible. Although it's certainly a good idea, we still need to talk to Robert. Besides, it's not like you're going to get married right away."
"Everyone here knows the princess isn't old enough to marry yet. At least not for a girl who's a princess."
"Why the princess?" Sansa asked curiously. "Couldn't it be Tommen and Arya, too?"
Ned nodded, giving his daughter a small smile.
"Actually, either one is a good idea. If they can get engaged, the chances of them living in the North are higher. That's why Jon proposed Robb, right?"
Jon nodded.
"Since Robb is the heir to House Stark, it will be more complicated for him to travel south. Whether it's Prince Tommen or Princess Myrcella, they could both stay behind as Father's wards, using the excuse of allowing the couples to get to know each other better."
"At the same time, if Father decides to accept the position of Hand of the King, there would be a certain guarantee of security. If House Lannister doesn't want anyone held hostage for harming the Lord of House Stark, then they won't make things too difficult in the south."
"I'll have to think about this more, but I appreciate your opinions. This will help me come up with some ideas," Ned said seriously.
Everyone nodded, looking at the Lord of House Stark with seriousness. They knew that whatever decision was made, it would be a very important one. It wasn't just about an engagement and a job, but about the future of House Stark.
________________________