Part 7

"This is for you," Robb said when he and Jon were finally alone in his tent. They had stopped to rest for few hours after riding the whole day.

Jon glanced at the small wooden chest and raised an eyebrow.

"What's this?"

"Shirei's dowry."

"What?"

Robb smiled.

"Her father may be Walder Frey, but she is still a noble girl. Most of them have dowry."

"Lord Frey didn't mention anything about dowry," Jon murmured.

"He gave this to me before we left," Robb replied. "I promised to deliver this to you."

Jon looked at the chest suspiciously; he really didn't want anything from the old man.

"I can wait outside if you want to open it in private," Robb offered.

"No, you don't have to do that," Jon stated and took a deep breath. "I'm just not sure if I want to open this."

"Are you expecting poisonous snakes?" Robb joked.

"I wouldn't be surprised," Jon huffed. "That man… I don't think I've ever met anyone I would despise more."

"I know what you mean," Robb sighed. "But if it makes you feel any better, I will also have to wed one of his daughters."

"Do you already know which one?"

Robb bit his bottom lip.

"Well… I did meet all the daughters and I believe I made my choice."

"Ah. Did you tell Lord Frey?"

"Aye and he assured me that he will keep her "pure" for me." Robb paused and sighed.

"Why didn't you wed her right away?" Jon asked.

"I'm on my way to war, Lord Frey understood that."

"Good," Jon muttered, trying to hide his annoyance. Of course he was glad that Robb hadn't been forced to get married right away, but that didn't change what Lord Frey had done to Jon and Shirei."Which daughter did you choose?"

"Lady Roslin."

Jon remembered her well, a very pretty young woman.

"Oh. I'm sure she will be a good wife."

Robb gave Jon a sympathetic look.

"Listen… I'm sorry. I'll never forget what you did for Arya."

"She's my sister," Jon murmured. "No one has to thank me for looking after her."

"Well, I still thank you," Robb replied and touched Jon's shoulder. "And Lady Shirei is lucky to have you as her husband."

Jon didn't reply, he doubted that Shirei would agree.

"I know she's not the kind of wife you would have chosen, but she's a sweet girl," Robb continued. "I'm sure after couple of years she will be a sweet woman."

"She deserves better," Jon murmured. "What do I have to offer her?"

"You are my brother," Robb replied firmly. "I don't know what tomorrow brings, but nothing will ever change that. We're family; we'll always look after each other."

Jon wasn't sure how to reply, but he appreciated Robb's words.

"So," Robb continued after a moment of silence. "Are you planning to look inside the chest?"

"I suppose I have to," Jon sighed. His eyebrows furrowed as he opened the chest. The first thing he spotted was a doll.

"Good old Walder Frey," Robb snorted when Jon picked the doll up.

The chest also entailed silver, few gold coins, the bloody bed sheet and a short letter.

Lord Jon

I hope my daughter will offer you many more nights of pleasure. Welcome to the family.

Lord Walder Frey

"Charming," Robb huffed when Jon showed him the letter. "Poor girl."

"Aye," Jon murmured. "Do you think Lady Catelyn could share a tent with Shirei?"

"Yes, I believe so. Mother seemed worried about her earlier."

Jon bit his bottom lip.

"Does she know that I didn't…?"

"Aye, I told her."

"Good," Jon murmured.

Lady Catelyn already disliked him enough; Jon didn't want her to think that he would have bedded Shirei.

"I don't want her to be by herself," Jon added. He knew that he had a long night ahead of him with Robb and the war council.


Shirei tried her best to eat, but she didn't have much appetite. She hadn't seen Jon after they had camped for a night and she was concerned that she had somehow angered him. Why else would he want her to share a tent with Lady Stark instead of him and Ghost? How could she show him that she was a good wife if she didn't even share his tent?

"This has been a long day," Lady Stark said. "You must be tired."

Shirei shook her head.

"I should wait for my husband."

"He and Robb still have many things to do. You should rest, dear."

Shirei didn't want to offend Lady Stark; she had been very nice to her, but she would have still wanted to wait for Jon.

"I know all of this is new to you," Lady Stark continued. "A young girl certainly shouldn't be here, but you don't have to worry, we will arrange you a safe place to stay."

"A safe place?" Shirei repeated cautiously.

"Yes. A battlefield is no place for a young lady."

"But… I want to stay with Jon."

"I'm sure he also wants you to be safe. You can't stay here, dear."

Shirei swallowed, she was terrified. What had she done wrong? Why did Jon want to send her away? Where would she go? Her thoughts kept her awake long after Lady Stark was asleep. Finally she couldn't stay in the tent anymore, she needed to go to Jon and ask him not to send her away. Thankfully there were only few tents since they had only camped here for few hours. Jon's tent was easy to find, Ghost was sleeping in front of the entrance.

"Hi," Shirei greeted the wolf who recognized her immediately and followed her inside. Jon wasn't there. Shirei felt bad for him; did he have any time to sleep? She decided to wait for him and lied down on his bed. Ghost joined her, curling up on her feet. She was grateful for the warmth and tried to stay awake. She had to wait for Jon. Unfortunately she was very tired and the bed was comfortable. It didn't take long before she drifted into sleep.