The idea is good, but the problem is, how does Kray leave? Although he's a noble, Kray won't suffer the hardships of prison, especially under the protection of House Stark, but this also makes it very difficult for him to leave the dungeon.
The logic inside is complicated and simple at the same time; ultimately, it's a matter of reputation. For example, if Kray were imprisoned in the Eyrie, if he killed the jailer, knocked out the Lannister guards, and escaped back to the North, he would not only escape punishment under the kingdom's laws but would be welcomed as a hero. But unfortunately, Lord Eddard is his liege, and if Kray escapes from his dungeon, it means he cuts himself off from the Northern noble system, which is a very serious matter. In the language of the North, this is called dishonoring oneself, and it will never be forgiven.
The next morning, a frosty-faced Ser Rodrik hurriedly entered Kray's cell. Early in the morning, he heard reports that the jailer had been knocked out, and this seasoned old knight immediately realized it was aimed at Kray because apart from him, there was no valuable target in Winterfell's dungeons.
As he walked, the knight's mind was racing. He feared seeing Kray's murdered body because it would mean a complete rupture between Lord Eddard and the Queen. Although he knew that his lord would never clash with the queen while the king was present, from now on, the wolf and lion, who had never seen eye to eye, were beginning to bare their fangs at each other.
Muttering to himself, Ser Rodrik hurried into the dungeon. Passing one candle after another, he arrived at the quietest and best-conditioned cell in the deepest part of the dungeon.
Kray, dressed in plain clothes, was leaning against the wall, engrossed in reading "Old Gods Tales," borrowed from the Winterfell library.
"Lord Kray, are you injured? Did you see who the assassin was?"
Ser Rodrik asked as he stepped inside, holding the keys handed over by the guard who followed him.
Kray's confused and innocent expression puzzled Ser Rodrik even more. Kray hadn't seen the assassin; this completely caught him off guard.
This is really weird. Someone specifically sneaked into the dungeon, knocked out the jailer, and wasn't even targeting Kray for assassination. So what was their purpose? Just coming here to play? The assassin, let's call him that for now, must surely exist. Ser Rodrik, who had trained in martial arts for years, could tell at a glance that the bruises on the jailer's neck were definitely not something he could have caused.
"Are you sure you didn't see anyone last night?" Ser Rodrik asked again, his mind in turmoil, unwilling to let it go.
Kray shook his head, puzzled and innocent. This really threw Ser Rodrik off. In his subconscious, Kray would never lie, and why would he lie if someone wanted to kill him? After circling in place for a while, Ser Rodrik couldn't make heads or tails of this seemingly strange situation, so he did what good subordinates do: find the leader! When he described the whole thing to Lord Eddard Stark in detail, the middle-aged ruler of the North showed a clear pensive expression on his otherwise expressionless face.
When Ser Rodrik finished, Lord Eddard Stark fell into deep thought. After waiting for a long time, with Ser Rodrik still standing there, not daring to leave, he had to muster the courage to ask, "My lord?"
"What?" Lord Eddard Stark looked up, then quickly realized. He furrowed his thick brows and ordered, "Go and bring Kray to me, remember, dress him properly, don't let the queen's people see him."
Perplexed, Ser Rodrik went to fulfill the order. Half an hour later, Kray, dressed in a Stark coat, stood once again in the great hall of Winterfell.
Lord Eddard Stark dismissed Ser Rodrik, and the vast hall was left with just the two of them.
His gray eyes scanned Kray back and forth, as if trying to reacquaint himself with him. After a long pause, he asked, "Kray, is this your first time killing someone?"
As he asked this question, Lord Eddard Stark carefully watched Kray's eyes.
Kray didn't think too much and nodded.
"Yes, my lord."
"How did it feel?"
"Um...didn't think much about it."
Lord Eddard Stark only nodded, seemingly dissatisfied with Kray's answer. He sighed slightly and gestured to a nearby chair.
Kray didn't make a fuss and just sat down.
"As your liege, your elder, I can only tell you, those who wield swords lightly will ultimately die by the sword. Human life carries weight."
Eddard Stark stirred the blazing fire and looked at Kray, who seemed lost in thought. Suddenly, he smiled and said softly, "I understand. You're right, honor must not be tarnished, and that's also why you're able to stand here now."
He stopped Kray from speaking and paused before continuing, "I know the assassin must exist, but you don't want him to exist, do you?" Glancing at Kray's suddenly stiffened expression, Lord Eddard approached and patted Kray's somewhat rigid shoulder.
"You don't need to explain. The fact that the assassin didn't threaten you is good enough. You did the right thing, even though it's unpleasant. Currently, the Stark family should avoid conflict with the queen, but you must remember..." He looked into Kray's eyes, emphasizing each word, "Wolves should never fear lions. Courage is the foundation of survival for us Northerners."
"I'm glad you possess more wisdom than your father did. Use this wisdom to assist Robb in the future." With that, Eddard Stark strode out of the hall, leaving Kray still in a daze. Kray was taken aback; he hadn't expected Eddard Stark to see through him so easily. He thought he could fool everyone, but his dream was shattered instantly.
The wise look in the old wolf's eyes as he spoke left a deep impression on Kray. He was undoubtedly a clever man, so why did his performance in King's Landing turn out to be so dismal? Kray felt that what was about to happen in the southern capital, the Seven Kingdoms, was going to be much more complicated than he had imagined...