Good news! I had some people PM me about being a beta! Hopefully my writing won't suck as much now. Here's the new chapter, enjoy it. Oh, and I should probably mention this is one of those 'M' rated chapters... Just warning you ahead of time! However, if any of you have previous read/watched GOT, the chances are you're probably used to this type of content and you're probably cool with it.. If you're not cool with it, then maybe you should stop reading from this point on. Anyway, enjoy! And please review, follow, and favorite! If you do it will make me want to update sooner!
Chapter 8
Iseis sat quietly, her hands in her lap. She felt so utterly out of place. She gnawed on her bottom lip nervously as she looked at her surroundings . She should not be there, that much was obvious. Lady Stark had requested her presence for the feast, but it did not make her feel any more welcome.
They would strike tonight; they would strike against her uncle or grandfather and they would go to battle. The northerners would lock her in a tent or in a cage of course, the idea killed her. She hated being confined and told what to do.
Her family could be butchered; and The Lannister's soldiers could share the same fate. She didn't want to think about that though. Lady Cat was across the table from her, she smiled sweetly in confirmation. Over the course of the past few days, Lady Catelyn had been more than Iseis could have ever hoped for. She was the companionship she needed and she made sure she was never bored or lonely.
She had taken quiet well to Lady Stark and realized that she was what she needed in this rocky stage of her life. She made her feel safe, as though she had nothing to worry about. Yet while Iseis sat there Catelyn could not take away the discomfort she was feeling. She felt naked even though she wore another beautiful dress Gwen had given her.
This dress was a sleeveless chiffon as well, only it was a deep burgundy color and the silk straps that held it from falling down tied together on her shoulders. It was low cut; far more than she was used to, exposing the valley of her breasts. Her hair was up in a southern style, the waves piled in a loose bun, pieces of hair fell perfectly from it. Yet still, Iseis did not feel comfortable in her own body.
She had joined the feast; which she now realized was a mistake. A young girl of Baratheon blood, the enemy, was surrounded in a room full of northern men preparing to fight her family.
Yet, there was something more that caused her discomfort. Although she was worried about her uncle and grandfather, what disturbed her was she was far more worried about Robb's safety more than her own family's.
When she saw him sitting at the head of the table her heart beat rapidly and her stomach flipped. He had noticed when she walked in with his mother, everyone had noticed. Iseis had felt his eyes upon her and the feeling returned to her; the feeling she had when their bodies had been so close the other day. The feeling she had when his lips were on her skin...It burnt right through her and she could feel her pulse quicken and her hands grew numb.
Was that a good sign? Maybe it wasn't a good sign? Iseis didn't care though, she liked the feeling he inflicted upon her.
When Iseis would look up she would see Robb looking at her, he would then suddenly direct his gaze somewhere else. He did it as though he was slightly embarrassed Iseis had caught him staring.
However, she was just as drawn to him as he was to her. She could feel it, as well as see it. She saw it in his eyes when ever he looked towards her. Iseis had seen it since the second day of her imprisonment, when he had caught her in the bath. She felt it when his skin accidentally brushed against hers; a shoulder lightly touching, or like the other day when his hand was on her own.
She did not have much of an appetite that night, she barely touched her food. All she could think of was that this might be the last time she saw him. Surely, Robb could not stand a chance against her uncle or grandfather. He had never been in a battle before; this was his first time. Her chest clenched when she thought about it and she swallowed the feeling developing in her throat.
She turned her head to look down the table at him. He was talking to one of his Bannermen, Greatjon Umber. Robb wore his armor and a fur cloak over his shoulders, he ran a hand over his jaw casually and that just about did it for Iseis. She had to stop thinking such desirous thoughts, she realized. If she didn't she would go mad.
Iseis was seventeen years old. The thought depressed her. She knew girls who had wed as early as twelve, and yet here she was... still unattached and she would be twenty in a few short years. At this rate, her womanly parts would first stop working before she had children. She would hate to be like Lady Nolene, who would attend court occasionally. She was in her fifties and still had no husband, most likely because she was past the child bearing age; and therefore, no one wanted to marry her. Gods, Iseis did not want to be like that…
Robb ran his hand along his jaw again and she quickly grabbed her cup and took a couple big swigs of wine. The feeling of need between her legs was back, and she hated herself for it.
But why? Why should she fight it? She set her cup down as she thought. She was old enough to do as she pleases; to make her own choices.
But lusting after the man who held her prisoner was not the choice she meant. Iseis was almost ashamed of her feelings and thoughts. But why was she? Only a few days ago she had been willing to do the exact same thing she was thinking; only of course she planned to stab him in his sleep. This made her feel conflicted though. She didn't want to ruin him, not completely anyway. She drank more wine and decided she could no longer just pretend.
He had to feel the same thing. How could he not? She would try, and if he didn't return her feelings... Well, then if he died in battle what would she have to lose?
She had made her choice. She chose him.
Robb listened to Lord Greatjon Umber propose new ideas and he took a drink of his ale, setting it down after he had a few swallows.
"No, we'll stick to the plan." Robb insisted
"Are you sure—,"
"I have never been so sure about anything, Lord Umber." He said seriously.
"Very well," The man nodded, looking somewhat grim.
Robb looked up and his eyes met with Iseis. He couldn't stop looking at her, she was just too beautiful. She turned her head away as soon as he caught her looking at him and he chuckled while smiling. He was glad so many people were dining with them. Had it only been the two of them he would have attacked her viciously with his mouth right on the very table they sat at.
His thoughts had melted away when he realized the seriousness and the penalty he would have to pay for crossing the Twins. He would marry one of Lord Frey's daughters; but that did not change the fact he still had immense feelings for Iseis. He had feelings for her since the first time he saw her smile, and the feelings only grew after his father told him of the plans King Robert had for them to wed.
"Are you nervous?" Umber asked him.
"Should I be?" Robb turned to him, taking his gaze from Iseis. He didn't want to take his eyes off of her though. She was so damn beautiful in this light. In the dark and eerie light, the flames of the candles cast shadows that flickered off of her skin. She was breathtaking, and all he wanted to was drink the sight of her in.
"You'd be stupid not to." He laughed
Robb only smiled and took another drink. His expression fell when he saw Iseis deep in thought, looking like she was conflicted or worried. It must be hard for her, he realized. He was going to attack her uncle's camp as soon as it was dark enough for them to be concealed and travel safely.
Grey Wind lay at his feet, pawing at his leg and seeking attention.
"You look like you need a woman, Robb." Greatjon laughed and Robb looked up at him. "Nothing like fucking a woman before you ride off into battle. I have one in mind that might be to your liking." He chuckled
"I have no interest in whores," Robb told him. His father had always warned him about whores; he said it wasn't honorable and his wife would one day appreciate him waiting for her. However, the main reason Robb stayed away from them was because he was scared that he would get one with child and have a bastard. However, the idea of a bastard and his father's words still didn't stop him in the past. He was no virgin, but ever since meeting Iseis for the first time a year prior he didn't take interest in anyone else.
"I'm not talking about a whore," Greatjon's eyes sparkled when he spoke. Robb frowned and was about to protest when Greatjon yelled loudly, "Lady Iseis!"
Iseis looked up and frowned. Robb went to protest but Greatjon smirked at him. "You've been making eyes at that girl for days. Bed her and be done with it."
She stood up and began to walk over just as Greatjon began to chuckle.
"Yes, Lord Umber?" She asked
"I believe Lord Robb wants a word," Greatjon chuckled and stood up, "Here my lady, take my seat," The man got up and allowed Iseis to sit down. Robb was about the stab Umber, and the man took no note of the murderous look Robb was giving him. He then adverted his attention to Iseis as Umber walked away. Robb realized he was staring at Iseis and he snapped out of it.
"How are you this evening?" He asked her.
"I could be better," She told him "And you? How are you?"
"I'm nervous," He told her. His hands were shaking, and not just from the upcoming battle.
Iseis smiled at him "My uncle always told me that if a man was not nervous before battle he was a fool...So clearly you are no fool, Robb Stark."
But he was. If only she knew how he much longed to have her.
"You look beautiful," Robb told her and Iseis's eyes widened.
"Thank-you." She said and felt a weight lift up her shoulders. She smiled as the words ran through her head.
He thought she was beautiful, the thought rang in her head over and over. Iseis had to bite her cheek to keep from smiling "I wasn't sure if the gown was appropriate or not," She admitted
He shook his head and answered too quickly "No, it looks gorgeous." He liked the gown. He could only imagine if that's how good it looked on, how much better it would look off.
She smiled and looked down at her hands. There was silence as they looked around the tent where the long table was set. He only looked at her and tried to memorize every feature in her face. The flickers of blue in her green eyes and the light color of her cheeks, the couple freckles that also adorned it. Finally, he studied the curves of her red lips. "You're quiet," He told her as there was a longer silence.
"I feel out of place. I shouldn't be here. I'm your prisoner, not your guest."
"And what do you think Theon is?" He smiled and she smiled back and laughed. Robb knew Iseis had no great love for Theon.
"I suppose he was a prisoner a long time ago, before you befriended him."
"And you still think you're a prisoner then?" He asked her. He had befriended her as well, just as he did Theon.
"I have guards stationed outside my tent; you cannot tell me I'm not a prisoner."
"The guards are for your own protection," He smirked, though they both knew they really weren't.
"Oh?" Iseis laughed "Well then I thank you for your concern, Lord Stark."
She felt something cold and wet against her ankle and she yelped in shock and gripped Robb's arm tightly and jumped closer to him.
"What in Seven Hells?!" She exclaimed while her heart beat erratically as she still clutched onto him for her dear life.
Robb laughed "Grey Wind!" The wolf only peaked his head out between the table and the bench, resting his head on Robb's knee.
"Oh, thank gods!" She put her hand on her chest in relief, "He scared me half to death."
Robb only laughed more "I'm sorry he frightened you,"
They realized the closeness of their bodies. She had her hand still gripping his arm and she was so close to him she was practically sitting on his lap. She felt heat and electricity course through her body, she felt an ache for even more closeness. She had too much wine and had become far bolder than she ever had been before.
"It's alright," She shook her head and Robb looked down at her lips. His eyes flashed back to hers and he felt her hand slide down his arm slowly. "I can feel you trembling," She whispered in his ear, her hot breath on his skin. "Are you that worried about the battle?" Robb looked down at her again, this time at her cleavage. She noticed, "Robb, you're making me blush."
"I'm sorry, princess." He cleared his throat awkwardly, he felt a blush rise in his cheeks as well and he began to move away from her.
"No," Iseis protested while stopping him from moving away,her hand kept traveling down Robb's arm. "I-I don't mind."
He was in shock, wondering if he had heard her correctly "What?"
Gods, he was going to make her spell it out. The male species was utterly and completely hopeless when it came to women. Iseis almost rolled her eyes. "I mean that you're going off to battle, and I'm worried I might... not ever see you again." Iseis said hesitantly, trying to find the right words. Her hand now rested on his thigh.
"And you're scared for that?" He asked and grabbed her hand, his thumb brushing over it.
"Yes," She admitted
"But if I was killed you would be given back to your family. You would have your freedom."
"I don't want to have to pay that price for it." Iseis said quietly
This made him happier to hear than he expected. In fact, it was the last thing Robb thought to hear Iseis say tonight. His heart raced and he looked into her eyes. "I didn't know you liked your captivity so much." He chuckled while he teased her.
"I thought you said I was no longer a prisoner." Iseis's mouth twitched into a smile.
"I may have lied," He shrugged, smirking.
"Robb Stark lying to the princess? What has the world come to?" She laughed
"Madness and ruin."
She stopped smiling and only looked in his eyes. "Yes, I suppose." Iseis pursed her lips. She then frowned, "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course." He nodded
"What was your thoughts the first time you saw me?"
He was still painfully aware of her hand on his thigh; he could almost brush his arm against her breast if he twisted towards her.
"I thought you were the most beautiful sight I had ever laid eyes on." He swallowed and he saw her corners of her mouth, the mouth he wanted to kiss, turn up in a small grin.
"Well, when I saw you I—, no never mind." Iseis shook her head while blushing "It's silly,"
"No, tell me." He asked her. He had to know, not knowing would be the death of him.
"I don't know. I thought you would be the same as every other man I had met. You proved me wrong. I felt something though, that first moment I saw you..."She said embarrassed "And when I saw you for the second time just the other day, I felt it again. And I see you now and that feeling is still there. I don't know what it is exactly, but I know that I have never...," She trailed off and her eyes were glossy in the light. Her hand moved, slowly raking at him until it reached his crotch "I've never wanted anyone as badly as I want you."
His stomach was doing somersaults, his palms were sweaty and she made him feel like he had never experienced a woman before, like she was the first time. She added pressure on his crotch and he knew she could feel him growing hard with want. "Iseis—" Robb said in a tone that suggested he was back to being serious.
"Don't speak to me like I'm a child," She told him "Because I'm not one. And I know you want me, I can see it." She gripped him harder and he had to stifle a groan; he wanted her so badly and what she was doing with her hands felt so good. The blood rushed through him and it was becoming painful because of how badly he wanted her. " I can see how much you want me. I can feel your desire," Iseis said quietly.
"It wouldn't be honorable," He took her hand and placed it in her lap, holding it there. Rejection stung Iseis's eyes and Robb felt emptiness when he moved his hand away from hers.
She hadn't anticipated this. She hadn't anticipated he would refuse her. He had looked at her with the same eyes she looked at him with. Iseis was dumbfounded... She was so sure he felt the same way.
"Who cares about honor?" She asked him harshly. "Who cares? What if..." Iseis trailed off, looking away. "What if you die during battle? Do you even think anyone will care? Do you think it will matter? Honor shouldn't control you, Robb. Stop thinking about it, and start think about what you want instead. What do you want?" She asked him, searching for an answer while her stomach flipped.
You. Robb thought, but he couldn't bring himself to say the words.
"Iseis…" Robb began in the same reprimanding tone, as though she were a child. She just turned away from him, moving so she put space between them.
He didn't need to say anything more. Not only that, but he didn't think he could have even if he wanted to. If any words came out of Robb's mouth he was sure it would be him begging Iseis for her for forgiveness and telling her the truth. The truth that he really did want her; that he wanted her so badly.
Iseis grabbed the wine glass in front of her; it wasn't her glass originally and she had no idea who it used to belong to, but she didn't care. She drank it in big gulps and threw her head back to get every last drop.
How her mother would be disappointed. She was nothing like her mother; Iseis couldn't seduce a man even if she really tried. Yes, she had looks. But did she have anything else? Obviously not. And not the mention, the man she was trying to seduce was her enemy. Had she gone mad?
She put the goblet down and looked at him and stood "Well, after disgracing and making a total fool myself I see no more reason to stick around. Good luck with your battle, Lord Stark." She curtly nodded to him and walked away before he could say anything more.
"Iseis!" He was about to stop her, but it was pointless. He should have just told her that he was to marry the Frey girl. It would only make everything worse, by telling her the truth. If it wasn't for his betrothal he would already have Iseis. By the gods, he had wanted Iseis so badly. Robb didn't care about who her family was and if they were enemies. He had half a mind to run out and grab her, then kiss her red lips until they were bruised. Instead he sat right there and drank the rest of his ale.
Iseis wrapped her arms around herself as she tried to hold the tears in. Never before had she felt so broken; and over a boy, no less! It was pathetic, she was pathetic!
She hated herself for it; she hated herself for all of it. She had fallen for Robb Stark. It wasn't love, but it was still something. And she was a damn idiot! What had gone through her mind? Of course he didn't want her! He probably had some other girl waiting in his bed back at Winterfell.
The thought stung her as she thought of it. She could feel her heart break inside of her chest.
'Men are nothing but trouble'; her mother warned her 'They treat you as you are nothing more than an object; a plaything they can use until they get bored. They cast you away like you're nothing more than a waste of space. Do not trust men, Iseis. You'll only have your heart broken'.
Her mother was right, as usual. She had experienced her first heartbreak. There was no point trying to be strong. She had no more dignity left so she let her tears fall down her face without shame. Who would care if she cried anyway?
They ran down her cheeks, her eyes were blood-shot and red. She sniffed as she tried to hold in the quiet sobs.
The guards did not ask if she was alright when she walked past them and into her tent. She entered and ripped the pins out of her hair desperately. If she was only a girl and not a woman, why should she bother to look the part? The way Robb had spoken to her and looked at her, it made her feel like she was only a child trying to be a grown up. Iseis let out a quiet sob and she wanted to smack herself for being so foolish.
She would have given him everything, she realized. And for what? She didn't love him, why would she even consider giving him anything at all? She didn't know the answer. All she knew is that when he looked at her a spark ignited inside of her.
She never felt that way before; she didn't feel shocks pulse through her skin when someone else looked at her. When she was around him she felt her stomach clench and her chest tighten and for some reason she loved that feeling. She loved the feeling he gave her and it had felt so right.
But yet she knew it wasn't right. She was betraying her family. But she knew Robb was the one person she would give everything up for. Even her family, she would go against her family for him...
Iseis had originally set out with the intentions of ruining Robb. Yet she could not anticipate it would be the opposite, and he instead would begin to ruin her.
This one was actually really challenging to write, but I think I nailed it. Hopefully you guys think so too! I'll try to update within the week.
Hint for next chapter: More interaction with the main characters... There might be a kiss or two, as well as some other rated 'M' stuff thrown in... Or maybe not. You'll just have to wait and see.
-Amelia
Review, follow, and favorite! It inspires me to write more, and therefore causes me to update faster. :)
