Vivian clenched her fists around her horse's reins as they approached Robb Stark's camp. The banners were barely visible, but she was scared. She and Arya rode alone, but armed with their swords Ashes and Needle. She had dismissed her men when they were close enough to Robb's camp. She didn't want them to be viewed as traitors. They had wanted to protest, but she was a noble, and no soldier protested a noble.
A group of Robb's men quickly made their way toward them. Vivian and Arya squinted, trying to make out who was riding toward them. Neither recognized the soldiers, which meant that Robb had no idea that they were there.
It had been almost a week since Vivian had left King's Landing with Arya Stark. Their journey had been uneventful. When Vivian had reached the halfway point, she had sent a messenger with her mother's ashes to her grandfather. She wasn't sure what would happen to her, but she knew that her life was different now. She knew that once she reached the camp then people would know; Cersei would know. And more than likely she would be branded a traitor. But she was careful how she worded her letter.
She had told her grandfather that she had found Arya Stark, and in an act to help save the kingdom from war, had gone to give that girl to her family. She was careful with her letter for two reasons. One, she didn't want her grandfather to get in trouble. And two, if for any reason Robb didn't want her around then she would hopefully not be branded a traitor. It was a risk that Vivian had to take. She could not, in good conscious, allow Arya to travel in the company of such vicious men, those who were heading to the Wall.
"State your business," the lead soldier snarled at her as soon as he stopped his horse.
"I am here to see my brother!" Arya said from her horse. She still didn't look like a noble girl. Vivian had no clothes that could fit the little girl. Her cropped hair and dirty face made her look more like a boy than ever. Needle did not help matters either.
The soldiers looked at her and snorted.
"Your brother?" the leader asked.
"I am Arya Stark and my brother is Lord Robb Stark. Take us to see him right now!" Arya commanded.
The soldiers looked at her confused as she sat up straighter. Vivian nodded her head. The soldier's quickly placed themselves at either side of the two girls and escorted them into camp.
"We'll see about that," the leader huffed. It was clear he didn't want to take them to Robb, but he didn't want to get in trouble if she really was Arya Stark.
Butterflies filled Vivian's stomach. It had been three almost four years since she had seen Robb. She couldn't help but wonder if her memory was correct in his looks. It seemed to take them hours to ride down the little road toward the camp. Vivian kept on imagining her reunion with Robb.
During the beginning of her journey, her dreams were joyous as she imagined herself running to Robb and him being happy to see her. But now she was filled with fear and dread. She had nothing to offer Robb: no army, no money, and no great alliances only herself. Even if she gave him Ashes it was just a sword. No, now she feared that he would be unhappy to see her. Worse, she feared that he would believe she was there for Jaime. She had heard that the Kingslayer had been captured by Robb's army.
Vivian let out a gasp when she spotted Robb, her mind returning her to the present. He was far more handsome than she remembered. She used to think that he looked like a man, but seeing him now… there was no doubt that now he was a man.
He stood outside of a tent, talking with a couple of his men and his mother. He gave her a quick glance before he froze. Slowly, he moved his head and stared at her. She fought the urge to let a huge smile cross her face, as she assessed his look. Was he happy or upset?
"Mother!" Arya shouted as she jumped off her horse, not even letting it come to a complete halt.
"Arya!" Catelyn yelled as she ran to her daughter. The two met halfway and hugged furiously. Robb ran over to them and placed his arms around them as Vivian dismounted.
"Arya," Catelyn said again as she pushed her daughter back and inspected her with her hands. Catelyn couldn't believe that Arya was there before her.
"They killed father," Arya cried as she hugged her mother.
Robb stood up and walked over to Vivian. She couldn't believe he was so close to her. Hesitantly, he reached a hand out and touched her cheek. "You're here," he whispered.
"Yes," she said.
Suddenly, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a hug.
"Not here," Catelyn whispered as Robb released Vivian. "Let's go inside."
They all nodded as they followed her into Robb's tent.
"Thank you, Lady Vivian, for returning my daughter," Catelyn said as soon as they entered.
Vivian nodded her head. "It was the least I could do," she replied.
"What is your betrothed going to say about this?" Theon teased.
Robb, Catelyn, Vivian and Arya glared at him.
"Out!" Robb commanded.
Theon opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it after seeing Robb's face. He bowed then left.
Robb looked at Vivian and there was a clear conflict of emotions in his face. He was happy to see her, but at the same time he looked upset. "What do you plan on doing now?" He couldn't help but ask.
Vivian looked at him then at Catelyn. "I hadn't thought that far," she admitted.
Robb looked at Vivian then at his mother. "Then you will stay here," he replied. "By my mother's side. It will be safer for you there."
Catelyn looked concerned, but nodded her head. Arya ran over to Robb and hugged him.
"I'm sure that you're hungry," Robb said after a few minutes. She nodded her head. "Mother?" he asked.
Catelyn opened her mouth to protest, but then nodded. "Come," she told her daughter.
Robb waited until the two left the tent before he turned his attention to Vivian. "Thank you for bringing my sister back, but…"
Vivian rushed forward and kissed him. Her hands went into his hair as she pulled him close. One of his hand wrapped around her back while the other tried to untie his cloak. She faintly heard his cloak dropping as their tongues danced. Then his hands explored her back; one found its way down and cupped her butt. Their breathing intensified as she placed one hand on his chest and tried to find an opening to feel his skin.
Part of her mind screamed at her to stop. It was going too fast. She pushed back and covered her lips with her hands. Both took in deep breaths as they thought.
"Forgive me," Robb said, clearly ashamed at his actions.
Vivian shook her head. She wasn't going to let him feel guilty about this. It was all on her. "I was the one who kissed you," she stated, not daring to go near him. She couldn't trust her body while they were alone. "I'm sorry. I… I love you, Robb. It's how I ended my letter to you. I had to do so much to make sure that you didn't read that. I didn't want you to read something that may have probably…"
He grabbed her and pulled her close to him, interrupting her by giving her a short soft kiss. He smiled and let out a soft chuckle as he placed his forehead on hers. "I'm glad you're here," he whispered. "You can't go anywhere. With you, I can't lose now."
Vivian looked up at him and smiled. Her stomach growled and he laughed.
"Let's get some food for you as well," he said.
She placed her hand onto his arm and allowed him to escort her out. For the first time in a long time, she felt light as air.
Catelyn tucked Arya into bed and smiled gratefully at her daughter. The little girl barely hit the bed before she was sleeping. She had been very brave, and now that she was safe she allowed her body to relax.
Catelyn kissed her daughter's forehead before she left her tent. She nodded to one of the guards who stood at attention. Then Catelyn made her way to her son's tent. She had to speak to Vivian. The young noblewoman was in Robb's tent. Despite Catelyn's protest at having Vivian in Robb's tent alone, Robb had made it quite clear he didn't care about the camp's gossip. He had Eddard's stubborn look that Catelyn knew far too well.
Even though Robb trusted his mother, he didn't quite trust his men with Vivian yet. Catelyn couldn't blame the men for wanting to be cautious. All they knew about Vivian was that she was Jaime's betrothed. She could be there to try to rescue him. Or spy on them. Possibly even kill Robb. It did not escape them the looks that Robb gave her over dinner. To them, Robb was a love sick puppy falling for potentially lethal feminine wiles.
But Catelyn knew Vivian enough. There was no way Edith would raise Vivian to be a trickster. And Arya had told her that Vivian had happened upon her by chance. The young noblewoman had risked everything to return Arya to her family. Catelyn had to thank her for that, but she had another reason to talk to Vivian.
Robb's tent flap was closed, but there was no indication that he was occupied. Catelyn cleared her throat as she entered.
Vivian knelt on the floor petting Grey Wind. The direwolf sat happily and wagged his tail at the attention. Robb was nowhere in sight.
"Lady Stark," Vivian stammered as she stood up.
Catelyn gave her a soft smile before beaconing. "My son?" she asked.
"Theon took him. They are discussing the upcoming battle with Lord Lannister," Vivian asked.
"My son had Grey Wind stay behind?" Catelyn asked.
Vivian nodded her head.
"Go back to your spot by my son's side," Catelyn commanded the direwolf. It cocked its head as if trying to comprehend her, before turning and leaving.
"Thank you for bringing my daughter," Catelyn began. "But you cannot be with Robb!"
Vivian's body went cold by from the firmness in Catelyn's voice. "Why?" she instinctively asked. After all she had done?
"I'm sorry I must be blunt. For Robb to have been able to come as far as he did," Catelyn paused, letting out a deep sigh before continuing. "We promised Lord Frey that Robb would marry one of his daughters. Robb gets to choose, but he must marry the girl. We cannot afford to lose Lord Frey's loyalty"
Vivian blinked and slowly sat down onto one of the cushions.
"I'm sorry, Vivian," Catelyn said, truly sounding sorry. She had loved Edith, and Vivian reminded her so much of her deceased friend. Not to mention that being related to practically anyone else was better than Lord Frey, save the Lannisters.
"I understand," Vivian said, nodding her head.
Catelyn opened her mouth to argue with Vivian then stopped. She had expected the young woman to try to convince Catelyn otherwise, but she hadn't. "I'm sorry, my dear," Catelyn finally managed to say.
Vivian gave her a small smile as she chuckled and shrugged her shoulders. "After everything, Lady Stark, I should not be surprised," she muttered bitterly.
Catelyn wanted to press the young woman and ask why, but she recognized the stubborn expression that Edith used to have. "I…" Catelyn caught herself from finishing her sentence. She almost told Vivian that she wished she could be her daughter-in-law instead. But she knew that would only hurt the girl more. "Thank you for understanding," she said instead. "You are welcome among us and I will help find a suitable husband for you."
Vivian nodded, but didn't look at Catelyn. "Do you mind if I tell him?" Vivian finally asked after a brief moment of silence.
Catelyn opened her mouth to protest, but then sighed and nodded her head. She knew that a mother telling a son what to do would produce the exact opposite of what was intended. "Can you handle it?" she asked.
Vivian nodded her head. "Don't worry, Lady Stark," Vivian said with a forced smile. "I know what to say."
Catelyn felt sorry for the girl. The two seemed as if they were in love. This would hurt her son, but it had to be done. If they survived the war, then she would personally make sure that Vivian married a nobleman. And, she could only hope that Robb learned to love Frey's daughter as Catelyn had learned to love Eddard.
Vivian didn't move from her spot on the ground as she thought about what Lady Stark had said. Of course Lord Frey would ask that Robb wed one of his daughters. That alliance was good for Robb. He needed Lord Frey on his side in order for him to be able to get more troops.
Vivian had nothing but herself to offer Robb and his cause. Vivian looked into the corner of Robb's tent where his armor and weapons were at. Ashes hung next to his sword. If only it possessed the magic that legends said it did, if only it could be the sole reason why battles were won. Then she could have told Lady Stark that they didn't need Lord Frey's alliance. But those stories were just fairytales, and her wishes never came true.
"Vivian," Robb's voice said happily.
She looked up at him and forced herself to smile. He looked so happy. She didn't want him be sad.
Robb rushed over to her and kissed her. Her body reacted automatically to his touch. She leaned her head back and eagerly kissed him back. He planted his hands on her hips. She placed one of her hands on his, and wrapped the other around the back of his neck. He let her go as he undid his clothing.
"Robb," Vivian said, taking in deep breaths. She kept her hand on his chest, forcing him back. "You mother has told me about Lord Frey."
Robb let out an exasperated sigh as he leaned back.
"I can't be that woman," she said. "I can't be the mistress, nor can I in good conscious allow us to do this. You might as well be married to the girl."
Robb reached out and tenderly touched her cheek. "I have already taken care of it," he whispered.
She blinked in surprise. "What?" she asked.
"I wrote a letter and sent it to Lord Frey. I changed the terms of our arrangement. My cousin will marry his daughter in my stead."
"But what if he…"
Robb interrupted her with a kiss before he continued. "I strongly suggested that he would not want to disobey his king," he said. His body went slightly tensed at the words.
Vivian grabbed his hand and kissed it. "King," she told him.
"And you will be my queen," he told her as he picked her up.
She let out a small yelp and giggled as he set her on the bed. "We're not married yet, Robb," she said as she tried to get up.
He leaned in close and kissed her again. "We might as well be," he told her. "You have always been and will always be the only woman for me. When I saw you riding into camp I realized that you would be in my life forever. Nothing will keep us apart now."
Her body tensed when his hands started to undo the laces on her back. "Wait," she whispered. She could see the impatience in his face, but he obeyed her. "I have nothing to offer you alliance wise. I might as well be a commoner. Do you really want me?"
Robb knelt and took out a small knife. He used it to cut the lace from his shirt and looked at her. "My father said that in the old days, before the Seven, the marriage was simple. The man and the woman would go to a weirwood tree and bind themselves. There was no need for ceremony except for," he paused and blushed slightly, but tied the string around his right wrist. "The consummation," he continued. "There is no weirwood tree and we don't have a clergy of the Seven here to marry us. I will have no other but you. You will always be my one, Vivian Cynious. I want to bind myself to you. If I'm to die on the battlefield then I'll die happy knowing I was with you." He held the string up to her.
Vivian licked her lips then placed her fingers between his. "I will be yours, Robb Stark."
Robb smiled as he tied the string around her right wrist. "We will have a proper wedding in a few days," he whispered, before kissing her.
Vivian couldn't hold her body back anymore. She wrapped her left arm around his neck, kissing him deeply. She let him guide her further into the bed. She held onto his right hand tightly. Her mind refused to think of any consequences, only of the here and now. And here she was with her Robb and soon she would be his wife in every sense of the word.