Prologue
Robb crossed his arms and looked at the man sitting opposite him at the table. Stannis Baratheon. His new ally. He still didn't think that he could completely trust Stannis, but they did have something in common. Neither of them could stand the Lannisters. Together they had a much better chance to win this war. But…
"About the marriage…" Robb started.
"That part is not negotiable," Stannis stated firmly.
Robb tried to choose his words carefully; he didn't want to offend Stannis. He hadn't actually met Stannis' daughter, but he had heard about her. As unpleasant as it was for him to admit it, Shireen Baratheon wasn't the kind of girl he was hoping to marry.
"My lord… Lady Shireen is still quite young, so perhaps…"
"As I said, that part is not negotiable," Stannis cut in. "I have already sent for my daughter, I want the wedding to take place here in your camp."
Robb's eyes widened.
"Here?"
"Yes. As you said, Shireen is still young, so I trust you agree to postpone the bedding."
"Yes, of course, but surely we can also postpone the wedding."
Stannis looked at him calmly.
"I'm afraid I can't agree to that."
Robb frowned.
"Why is that?"
There was no expression on Stannis' face.
"I prefer not to wait."
"Are you suggesting that I would break my vow?"
"Well… According to my experience, young men can make foolish decisions sometimes."
Robb pressed his lips together; he didn't appreciate Stannis' words. Yet he couldn't deny that he was hoping to somehow avoid the whole marriage. Unfortunately Stannis had made it clear that there would be no alliance without the marriage. Robb had to admit that Stannis' other terms had been more than reasonable.
Stannis would have the Iron Throne, Robb would have the North. Together they would have the greatest army in Westeros, they would very likely beat the Lannisters. Marrying Stannis' daughter should be a small price to pay, but… What if she was absolutely hideous? How would Robb be able to bed a girl like that? What about their children then?
No, he couldn't just think about himself, not in a situation like this. He needed to think what was best for his family and his people. If the girl was hideous, then he would just have to deal with that. Besides, she was 14 now, so he wouldn't have to bed her right away.
"Alright," Robb stated. "Agreed, I will wed Lady Shireen."
Stannis nodded briefly.
"Very good. She will be here soon."