Chapter Eleven

A/N: Thank you to .o, azphxbrd and Emperor Andross for reviewing the last chapter.

Time itself seemed to slow over the dozen nights they waited for news. Every moment that followed would rely on this raven scroll, the future of the Seven Kingdoms scratched onto parchment. But the relief of the bird's appearance on the horizon was short-lived. The saying held true: dark wings, dark words.

Robb stood in the council chamber, studying the map before him, while the Northern lords gathered behind him bickered. They had been at it for hours, ever since a minor lord had caught a glimpse of Lord Jaime being escorted away. Their king had reassured them that all would be well, that a plan had been put in place. Now, he had been made to look a fool.

"I've said it time and time again, never trust a Lannister!" the Greatjon roared, his voice carrying far above the others. "Lord Tywin sacked King's Landing while Ned Stark still rode from the battlefield, slaughtered children because their ancestors were dragonlords, then seated his daughter on the throne beside Robert as if he had supported them all along. Did you truly think a man could change that much in your lifetime, Robb?"

"King Robb!" the man barked in return. The room fell silent, even the Greatjon appearing cowed by his monarch's ferocity. Robb was generally an even-tempered man. When he snapped, it was more than noticeable. "It was my decision to make, and I made it. We all knew the risks, but what other choice was there?"

"You could have ignored that rabid lion cub for a start." Robb's eyes turned cold as stone, his leather gloves groaning as he clenched his fists tight beneath the table. "She's her mother's daughter through and through."

"Lady Myrcella is a decent young woman." Robb refuted, fighting to keep his voice even. "You will not speak of her in that way."

"Have you gone soft, lad?" the Greatjon pressed, the defiant fury building once again in his eyes. The remainder of the council had their heads bowed, averting their eyes from the battle that was sure to ensue. "A few nights with a pretty girl in the castle and suddenly your head's gone from your shoulders. A green boy's mistake, thinking with your britches."

The Northern lords looked up, anticipating the shout their king would return. But he was silent, his stare ice cold and withering, well concealing the fire beneath. It was a thousand times more frightening than his shout could ever be.

"If you take issue with my leadership, Lord Umber, then there is no need for you to follow it." The king's voice was low and dangerous, only just loud enough to be heard through the silent hall. The gauntlet was thrown at the Greatjon's feet. And even the proudest man among them bowed his head in retreat.

"You are my king, Lord Stark." the Greatjon replied. His once booming voice was now barely a whisper, his humiliation clear in the gritting of his teeth. "I will follow your orders, as my oaths bind me to do. But I will not stay silent if I believe they are not in the North's interests."

"And I would not ask you to." Robb reasoned. Lord Umber had given him good counsel in the past, and to his father before him. No matter how much his barbed comments might sting, the King in the North could not forget that. Loyalty was prized above all else to a Northman. "All I ask is that you do not judge Lady Myrcella by her kin. She played no part in her family's crimes and she does not stand by their actions now."

Umber paused a moment, then he nodded. "Aye, then. If she gives me no cause to believe she's like her mother, I'll not treat her that way."

"Thank you, my lord." Robb stated, though he had to bite back the anger in his veins. It was the curse of a leader, it seemed, to appease his men when he would gladly see them banished. He gave a brief nod to the guard at the door, and the heavy wooden panels were pulled open to reveal the Lady Myrcella herself, looking every inch the princess she would be further south.

Lord Umber gulped back his insults, inclining his head gently. "My lady."

"Lord Umber." Myrcella answered with a smile. Her lady mother, just like any other, had taught her to always smile a greeting, though she imagined Cersei Lannister had different reasons than most. "I hope you do not object to my being here."

"Not at all, my lady." The Greatjon's jaw was clenched tight. "I am sure you have much insight to give, knowing your grandfather so well."

"I hope I will be able to offer my help, my lord." she answered sweetly, forcing herself to rise above his taunting. Showing anger towards the Northern lords would not help her; it would only increase their animosity toward her. While it went against all her mother's teachings to allow a slight to go unpunished, it was the only way she would have a chance of surviving the Northern camp.

Robb, who had been studying the map intently enough to burn a hole in the parchment, sighed heavily. He looked up at the crowd gathered before him. "Thank you, my lords, you are dismissed. I have a great deal to think about."

The redhead did not miss the scathing look the lords sent Myrcella, still stood a little forward from the group. The same question was written in all of their eyes: Why would you allow the Lannister girl to stay?

He knew he ought to have fought his corner once more, defended Lady Myrcella to his last breath, for to defend her was to defend his strength as ruler. But there were enough battles looming on the horizon, and Robb did not have the energy to fight against his own men, not when Lord Tywin was on the march.

"Lady Myrcella, I will have my guards escort you back to your chambers." he instructed, sure to raise his voice enough that the Northmen would hear him. The moment the order was given, he turned back to the map, not wanting to see the disappointment in the young woman's eye. 'I should have fought for her.' he knew.

Robb looked up to apologise, to explain, anything to stop her thinking she had been abandoned by the only one who seemed to care for her.

But the Lady Myrcella was already gone.

A/N: I have a feeling that the Northern lords might accept Myrcella while Robb was seeking peace, but as soon as Tywin declared war, they would turn on her. And so they did! Hope you enjoyed, please review!