"I can't do this" Robb groaned. Gods, was he frustrated right now. Marry a Frey girl? He knew it was his duty. After all, he had already been allowed access to the land around the Twins, plus Frey men fighting at his side would be massively useful to him in battle. Even as strong as the Stark army was, with extra help they could cut through the Lannister army like soft cheese.

"It's not for you, Robb, your /kingdom/ needs you to do this. You need to save your sister, avenge your father—my husband. Please, move on from that healer girl…" Catelyn remarked. It pained her to see her son like this.

"I know, mother I just…" He sighed. "I can't believe she just…ran off with someone else"

He sighed and sat down, running a hand through his auburn hair.

"If you want my opinion, you shouldn't have bedded her in the first place. Your father would be so ashamed" She shook her head. "Dishonoring a woman like that, do we really need another Stark bastard? I was sure Jon was enough"

"You don't understand" He uttered. "I loved her"

"As if that's a valid excuse?" She wanted to backhand her son right now. "Robb Stark, you are nineteen. You're an adult, king in the North. Act like one"

Robb was one who, despite his upbringing being centered on honor, was a firm believer in true love. He felt like the night he slept with Talisa, he was in love with her. Maybe that wasn't the case, maybe she was just another woman who wanted to sleep with the King in The North. It tore his heart apart that he had been used like this. Maybe he wasn't fit to be a king after all.

"I know it's hard Robb, when I was a girl I wanted to marry for love and live happily ever after. Your father was not my ideal choice when I was a girl, but I married him still. It was my duty to my house and his," Catelyn began to explain, trying to seem calmer now. She already regretted snapping at him.

"I know, I just—" He was interrupted by a finger to his lips.

"I'm not finished. I loved a man before your father, Robb, his brother, but things did not work out for the two of us. I hold my regrets too, trust me" She sighed and wrapped an arm around him. "Focus on your duty, and love will come after. Just like it did with me and father"

Robb simply nodded, standing up. She was right. He couldn't just impair himself and his family by not marrying a Frey girl.

"You're right, mother" He spoke. "The North's fate is more important than some girl from Volantis"

"My brother had already chosen a Frey girl to wed, so naturally I believe you'll be next. The girls are waiting" Catelyn told him, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before she exited.

For a moment Robb sat alone, staring into space. He needed to collect himself a moment before he went to the great hall of the Twins. He took a deep breath and stood, before finally following his mother inside.

Inside, Walder Frey sat on the throne, his daughters standing in a line like soldiers standing at attention. Most of them were nothing special; homely little things who seemed more than discontent. They had an assortment of hair colors and facial structures—clearly their mothers were different. The old Frey lord went through wives like a spoiled child would go through toys.

Only one thing was similar about these Frey girls; they all looked absolutely miserable.

"I see you finally agreed to marry one of my girls" He grunted. "Hurry up and choose, they won't be gettin' any prettier"

Robb was uncomfortable with how uncouth the old man was. Speaking of his own daughters in such a disrespectful manner—not even Robert Baratheon would have referred to his children like this.

The Young Wolf observed his selection. Some of the girls were as young as twelve—too young to have even flowered. He couldn't imagine why Lord Frey would wish to marry a girl so young. Others were as old as his mother—the least attractive of the lot, to be certain. One had a large infection on her lip, and another's eyes bulged and crossed. He pitied them, the poor dears would likely never escape the castle.

Suddenly, he laid eyes upon one particular girl. She was absolutely stunning; her mahogany locks braided back halfway like women in the North do. Her skin was as white as the snow in Winterfell. The prettiest thing about this young maiden was here eyes—oh, those emerald green eyes. They shimmered with intelligence and kindness. Robb didn't even know this young woman's name, but he was enchanted.

Slowly, he approached her, taking her dainty hand in his. She seemed so shy, so fragile. He couldn't imagine her life up until this point, but he wanted to give her a better future.

"And what might your name be, my lady?" He inquired, using a softer voice as to not intimidate her.

The girl spoke in a quiet voice, one that seemed scared to speak in fear of punishment for doing so.

"Corlisse is my name, your grace" She said.

"Well, my dear Corlisse, I would be more than honored to make you my queen in the North…" He spoke, bringing her out of the line of girls.

"Made your choice, eh boy?" Walder began. "A fine queen you've chosen. She's got a tight fit I can guarantee—still got 'er maidenhead. If you got any issues with her down the road, just smack 'er hard and she'll shut up"

Robb was interally appalled by this. How could a man hate his own children enough to advise their spouse to strike them? It baffled the Young Wolf more than anything.

Corlisse seemed eager to depart, and taking Robb's arm she tried to get him out of the room.

"Now, now. Where are you headed then, girl?" Walder began, crooking his finger. "You oughta help your sister prepare for her wedding"

Corlisse crooked a brow.

"Wedding? Lord Frey, wasn't she engaged to Edumure…today?" Robb asked, confused.

"No time like the present, my boy!" The grumpy old man spoke. "Now Corlisse, go be a good child and help your damn sister"

Corlisse sighed, pecking Robb on the cheek.

"Come see me tonight" She whispered. "I'll be at your tent—I want to get to know my King personally!"

It was completely innocent, but as the girl walked away, Robb couldn't help but blush. Still, he shook off his attraction to turn back to his mother, who was departing.

"Mother, tonight? What's his rush?" He asked, befuddled.

"He likes to marry his girls as fast as possible, I've known him since I was a child" She replied. "He's a bit of a dirty old git to be certain, but he certainly is hasty about marriages…"

"You'd think he'd want to marry Corlisse first, considering y'know…I'm a king" Robb spoke, trying not to sound too cocky.

"I suppose first come, first served…" Even Catelyn could admit that this was a strange move. She would most certainly be on her guard tonight.