Hey Everyone. Reviews are appreciated. Warning: this is the consummation chapter. There's also some music suggestions for different scenes in the A/N. Enjoy!

Chapter 25

Selene had always dreamed of being wed in the Great Sept of Baelor.

In her dreams, all the lords and ladies of a realm at peace gathered in the Great Sept to pay homage to their princess. In her dreams, she was covered in the finest ivory silks and priceless jewels. In her dreams, her husband was a maiden's fantasy and the consummation was passionate and painless. At least the husband part was right. It was too early to tell about the consummation.

She never thought she would marry at Riverrun during a war. She never thought she would be without her father to give her away. Yet here she was, being attended to by handmaidens who had been young when Catelyn and Lysa Tully still lived in Riverrun. A noble lady hadn't lived in the castle since Robert's Rebellion, so they had no need for young handmaidens who knew the latest fashions. Selene wished more than anything that Lori was here to make Selene blush with her bawdy jokes. She wished more than anything that Myrcella was by her side, dressed in gold, to gasp and fawn over Selene's wedding dress. Or that Tommen was playing with Eleni on the floor while his sisters readied themselves.

There was a knock at the door. "Come in," Selene called.

Catelyn Stark walked into her temporary chambers, holding something. She gave Selene a small smile, "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," Selene said as she stared at her own reflection. She looked older than she ever had. The dresses available on such short notice had been few. Catelyn's wedding dress had been too long, Lysa's too large, but the wedding dress of Minisa Tully, Catelyn's late mother, had fit her best. The dress was made almost entirely of delicate Myrish lace of pure ivory. The lace hugged her arms and chest and the dress cinched tight at the waist, emphasizing the curves of her hips and breasts. At her waist, the dress billowed out and cascaded to the floor. She looked like a woman grown.

The hands of the women who were helping her dress were clumsy and slow, so Selene braided her own hair. Lori would have done a far better job with a delicately intricate design, but Selene did the best she was able. Two small simple braids at her temples that met at the back of her head. The rest of her dark hair curled to her waist. The handmaids had rubbed rouge on her lips. As she stared at herself in the mirror, all she could see was her mother's slender neck, high cheekbones, and heart shaped face. Despite it being her wedding day, the face reflected back at her was serious.

Catelyn spoke, "If we could have a moment alone?"

As the serving women shuffled out of the room, Selene noticed what Catelyn was holding.

"Is that…"

Catelyn nodded, "I've had several women working day and night to have it ready in time." And with that, she placed the maiden's cloak firmly on her shoulders. It looked like spun gold, and in its center was the proud black stag of her house. Selene had accepted that she would go to her husband without her house colors, but when Catelyn placed the Baratheon cloak on her shoulders, she nearly wept.

"It's not real gold," Catelyn apologized, "My house isn't rich, but—"

"I am more grateful than you will ever know," Selene interrupted, tears in her eyes.

Catelyn looked at her worriedly, "Are you sad, my lady?"

Selene shook her head, "It must be nerves."

"It's a special day," Catelyn said, "Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. That and the day you bring a child into the world."

A child. The consummation. Selene pushed those thoughts out of her mind. One life changing moment at a time.

It seemed Catelyn did not want to abandon the subject, "Your mother taught you what you need to know? For the bedding ceremony?"

She nodded. Selene knew the basics, but it didn't feel like enough.

"Do not fear, child," Catelyn said surely as she took Selene's hand, "A bit of pain, but be patient. I am certain my son will be gentle and kind."

The more people told her not to be afraid, the more fearful she became.

There was a knock on the door.

"It is time, my queen." Ser Barristan's voice announced from the other side of the door.

Catelyn placed her hands on Selene's arms reassuringly. Selene took a deep breath, opened the door, and took her knight's arm.

Ser Barristan led her through the castle. He was the first of her Queensguard, her sworn shield, and though Selene wished for her father, she was glad for his presence.

Snow was floating gently in the air. Small flakes kissed her cheeks and reflected in the light of the torches as Ser Barristan led her through the godswood. The godswood of Riverrun was a bright and airy garden with elms, redwoods, wildflowers, nesting birds, and streams. The snow had covered everything in a thin blanket, and quieted the birds and the streams. High lords of the north and riverlands were in attendance, but Selene barely looked at them. Her eyes were on the man who was to be her husband.

Robb stood tall and proud in his rich grey velvet doublet with the direwolf of House Stark stitched on his chest. His auburn hair looked dark and rich in the dim torchlight and on top of his head was his newly forged crown. He was a vision, and he was hers. His eyes slowly began to rise from the trim of her dress, to her hips, to her chest, eventually settling on her face. When they found her own, his eyes filled with a look Selene now recognized. There was some truth in Jaime's taunts. Robb Stark was in love. Selene felt her heart beat frantically in her chest.

When Ser Barristan stopped before the heart tree, Ser Brynden stepped forward. After Robb, Hoster Tully was the highest ranking person in Riverrun. As Catelyn's father was too ill to give the ceremony, his brother the Blackfish, tall, lean, and clean shaven, had volunteered.

"Who comes before the old gods this night?" Ser Brynden asked in a hoarse, smoky voice.

"Selene of the House Baratheon comes here to be wed," Ser Barristan had learned the words for a northern ceremony, "A woman grown, trueborn, noble, and a queen in her own right. She comes to beg the blessings of the gods." Selene stared at the slender carved heart tree. The children of the forest had carved a sad face on its bark.

"Who comes to claim her?" Selmy asked.

Selene's eyes shifted to Robb. He took a step forward.

"Robb of House Stark," he announced, blue eyes blazing, "Lord of Winterfell, King in the North and of the Trident." His eyes turned to Ser Barristan, "Who gives her?"

"Ser Barristan of House Selmy, Lord Commander of her Queensguard and her sworn shield as avowed by father King Robert, the First of his Name."

"Queen Selene," Ser Brynden asked kindly, "Will you take this man?"

Snow was floating silently around Robb and was getting caught in his hair. It seemed the whole world was holding its breath, waiting for her oath. Robb gave her a small smile, and she could see how nervous he was. Strangely, that made her feel less so. She stepped forward.

Selene spoke so softly it was almost a whisper, "I take this man." A smile broke on her face, wide enough to match Robb's.

"If the bride and groom would join each other in prayer before the gods?" Ser Bryden asked.

Robb offered his arm, and Selene gave Ser Barristan a sweet kiss on the cheek before she took it. Robb led her to the weirwood, and they both fell to their knees before it in silent prayer. All Selene could hear was the sound of her own breathing. She wondered if Robb could hear it, too.

She tried to pray. Prayer had never come easy to her, especially since her father's death. But she could feel the presence of the old gods as she knelt and prayed. All the Seven have ever given me is silence. Perhaps you will listen to me, old gods of the forest. Let this war be over quickly, let justice be served, and let Robb and I find happiness in each other.

After a minute, she heard Robb rise besides her. She turned to face him, but stayed on her knees as he walked behind her and slowly removed her Baratheon cloak. As her father's colors left her shoulders, she shivered, and she wasn't sure if it was with the cold. With sure fingers, Robb replaced it with a white cloak as bright as snow emblazoned with a grey direwolf. He returned to standing before her.

She slowly lifted her eyes to meet his and saw the crown he was holding in his hands. This wasn't just their wedding. It was her coronation.

The crown was a smaller, thinner version of his own. An open circlet of hammered bronze incised with runes of the First Men, surmounted by nine black iron spikes wrought in the shape of longswords. According to Robb, the old Kings of Winter wore such crowns. Of gold and silver and gemstones it had none; bronze and iron were the metals of winter, dark and strong to fight against the cold.

"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of the north and riverlands according to their respective laws and customs." Robb asked gravely.

"I solemnly swear so to do." Selene spoke in a voice she hoped was regal.

"Will you, to your power, pose law and justice in mercy to be executed in all your judgements?"

"I will." Selene swore.

"Then by the sacred laws vested in me," Robb said as he placed the crown gently on her head, "I crown you Selene, Queen in the North and of the Trident."

He extended his hand to help her rise. Selene stood and turned to face the lords.

"Long live the Queen!" Robb called.

"Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!" chanted the lords. "Queen in the North! Queen of the Trident!"

In the name of northern tradition, Robb swept her off her feet and carried her to the Great Hall of Riverrun where the wedding feast was to take place.

Selene and Robb sat at the high table while everyone sat below them. Musicans played and the smell of roast meat floated in the hall. Lords and ladies were drinking and laughing, but there was a weight in the air. They were in the middle of a war. After the wedding, preparation would be made for Robb's host to leave Riverrun and take to the battlefield.

Eleni and Grey Wind lay sprawled on the ground in front of their table. It had taken a while for the wolf and lion to grow used to each other, but the beasts seemed to finally be at ease. Selene noticed lords glance at Eleni distrustfully, but Robb had made sure Eleni could be beside her. Robb was oddly proud that the two of them had beasts for companions. According to Robb, it proved they were a perfect match.

There was a single chair before them at their table, and in turns Robb and Selene hosted lords of the north and riverlands who would offer their congratulations to the couple. Lord Tytos Blackwood of Raventree Hall uttered kind words through his close-cropped salt and pepper beard. The immense Ser Wendel Manderly with his round moon face, loudly proclaimed his everlasting joy at their blessed union. Heavy-set Lord Jonos Bracken blustered his way through polite conversation. Lord Bolton gave them a curt nod and his best wishes through pale eyes. Young and bold Patrek Mallister spoke on behalf of his father Lord Jason Mallister of Seaguard.

After the tenth or twentieth lord, Selene looked at Robb.

"Perhaps we could be alone for a while?"

Robb smiled and kissed the top of her hand gently, "Of course, my lady.

"Your Grace!" Theon Greyjoy called from down the hall. Robb leaned forward in his chair, and then glanced at Selene.

Selene chuckled, "Go, my lord. I shall be content to wait here."

Robb placed a swift kiss on her lips and stood to speak with his close friend.

Selene sighed and took a long sip of wine. It was a mercy just to be alone for a moment.

Ser Barristan, who had been sitting with Catelyn Stark at the second-highest table, approached her.

"My queen."

"My knight," Selene said with a smile. "You wish to speak with me?"

Selmy nodded, "Your Grace, I hope it is not too forward of me to say that of all those present, I know you best."

"It is true," Selene admitted, "Speak your mind, my lord."

"I have trained you for many years," Ser Barristan continued, "I know your face and you seem…" He struggled to find the right word, "…afraid."

Selene sighed, "My whole life I have been a Baratheon, and now I'm not."

"Your mother kept her maiden name." Selmy pointed out, "She is still known as Cersei Lannister, and never goes by Cersei Baratheon."

Selene glanced at Robb, who was in deep conversation with Theon. Theon's arm was around Robb's shoulder, and the older boy was making a rude gesture with his hand. Even from this distance, Selene could see the fierce blush on her lord husband's face. It seemed the experienced kraken was giving the innocent wolf some advice.

Selene looked up at Ser Barristan, "Perhaps I'll keep my name until the war is over. Or, like Lady Catelyn, use both. I could be Selene Baratheon Stark."

"Whatever your heart desires, my queen." Ser Barristan said, "I wish I could see you smile."

"We're in the middle of a war," Selene said, "An exchange of vows, no matter how sacred, doesn't change that. This day provides some respite from the bloodshed, but never forget the war still goes on. These lords sure won't."

Selmy nodded as Robb began to make his way back to the table, "I wish you a lifetime of happiness, Your Grace." And with a bow, went back to his table.

Robb sat by her side, his crown resting firmly on his auburn curls. The shade of red in his hair matched the red in his face, and Selene felt like she knew what Theon had so desperately wanted to say to Robb. Selene's eyes found Theon's and noticed the deep smirk in his face.

"Would you care to dance, my lady?" Robb asked. "I still recall how well you danced in Winterfell."

Despite the music, no one was dancing. Selene would have loved to dance, and were they not at war, she would have. But the last thing she needed was the lords to see her as a frivolous princess. Dancing seemed like a luxury now.

"I am tired, my lord." Selene told Robb with a smile, "I hope you can forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive. Selene," Robb started carefully, "Would you like to avoid the bedding ceremony?"

Her head drew back in surprise, "Why?"

Robb's eyes were sympathetic, "I don't want you to be uncomfortable. The lords will carry you to the bedchamber and strip—"

"I know what happens." Selene finished. The lords would raise her high above their heads and whisk her away to her marriage bed. They would tear her dress apart and take liberties and shout dirty jokes. And when she and Robb were finally alone, they would yell vulgar suggestions through the door. Selene couldn't think of anything worse. But Robb had surprised her by giving her a choice.

"You are their queen," Robb reasoned, "They don't have the right to touch you." He leaned close in her ear and murmured, "Only I do."

Selene looked at Robb incredulously as he gave her a wicked grin. She tried to look insulted, but she couldn't stop the small smile and furious blush that was spreading over her face.

Robb stood and announced in the hall, "If my lords will forgive me, the queen and I are very tired and will now retire."

Lord Umber bellowed, "And the bedding ceremony?"

Selene stood, "If my lords wish to hold a naked woman, they should get themselves wives."

Laughter filled the hall, but no one laughed as loud as Robb. He took her hand gallantly and led her out of the hall.

Her heart was beating erratically and her breathing was shallow as Robb escorted her to their rooms. My corset must be too tight, Selene thought to herself as Robb gestured for her to walk in to their bedchambers.

The chambers were the largest in Riverrun, besides Lord Hoster Tully's rooms. Selene was surprised to see the room covered in candles which cast everything in dim shadows. She walked over to the giant four-poster bed and saw the flower petals that were scattered amongst the pure white sheets. Pure white so her maiden's blood would show.

She swallowed nervously. She knew what she was here for.

Slowly, she began to untie the fastenings at the back of her dress. She started at the base, and slowly, one by one, she worked on the ribbons that held her corset upright.

Robb had stayed by the door, and Selene could feel the heat of his gaze on her back. As she untied, Robb stepped forward quietly. Selene heard the sound of fabric sliding to the floor and guessed he had shrugged off his doublet. She felt his fingers on her wrists.

"Allow me." He said quietly to her back and she shivered. Selene intertwined her fingers over her stomach to stop them from twitching as Robb pushed her hair forward, out of his way. His fingers were used to handling swords, not dresses, and so it was slow going, but Selene loved that he was trying.

When he had untied the dress, he pushed it lightly out of the way, and it fell to the floor. Underneath, Selene was only wearing a thin shift, which she now noticed was nearly see through. She thought Robb would turn her around, but instead he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the side of her neck.

Selene's eyes fluttered closed involuntarily. As Robb deepened the kiss, his grip around her tightened. She turned her face to the side and kissed him. Robb pushed against her, the two of the leaning to the side as he slid his tongue in her mouth.

At that, Selene gasped and pulled away.

"Have I done something wrong?" He asked worriedly, but his eyes fell to her thin shift and stayed there. Selene instinctually covered her chest with her arms.

"No," Selene said quickly. The ache in her core unsettled her.

Robb's brows were drawn together. He took a step forward and reached for her hand. "We don't have to do anything tonight, if you don't want to."

"Do you not want me?" Selene was almost hurt.

Robb gave a sharp laugh. He composed himself rather quickly and blushed under her hard look.

"I'm sorry," He said with a cough, "But that question was ridiculous." He sat on the bed and gestured for her to sit beside him. "Selene, I've never wanted anyone more than you."

She felt the blush creep on her cheeks. It was difficult to meet Robb's gaze.

"Selene, what's wrong?"

"Have you ever," Selene struggled for a moment, "been with another?"

Robb looked away. "You want the truth?"

She nodded, "Always."

"No, I haven't."

Selene gaped, "You're just as much a maiden as I am?"

Robb laughed, "Perhaps not as much." His eyes grew serious, "I've kissed girls before. I've even been to a brothel. Nothing happened," Robb said quickly. "I couldn't do it."

Selene frowned, "Why not?"

Robb sighed. "There's only been one hindrance on my parent's happiness."

For a terrible moment, Selene thought Robb would say it was Jon.

But he didn't, "My father's infidelity." She could see the pain clear as day on Robb's face. He didn't wanted to remember Ned Stark as anything but honorable. "It was only once. One moment of weakness in fifteen years, but it's caused my mother nothing but heartache and my half-brother nothing but pain. I never wanted to do that to my future wife. So I've never been with anyone." He gave a halfhearted smile, trying to lighten the mood, "Have you ever been with anyone?" He joked.

Selene took a moment too long to answer. Robb's brows furrowed.

"I'm a maiden." Selene assured him. She didn't want to start her marriage with secrets. She wanted to be honest. "I've kissed another."

"Oh," Robb said softly, "May I ask who?"

Well, she didn't have to be completely honest.

"Some envoy's page from across the Narrow Sea. In King's Landing." She said with a wave of her hand.

Robb stared at his feet, "Did you love him?"

"I did," She said softly, "We were young, and it was forbidden, but Robb…" She forced him to look at her, "I am yours and you are mine. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever."

"Do you think, with time, you will come to love me?" Robb looked so unsure of himself.

Selene nodded fervently, "Robb, I already have great affection for you. I'm just…not sure I can call it love yet."

Robb smiled, "That's more than most women can say on their wedding night."

Selene laughed, "Yes, I suppose it is."

She kissed him. He slid his hand around her neck, pulling her closer. His other hand went around her waist. They were flush against each other. Selene's panic began to rise again and she pulled away.

"Selene, honestly," Robb said with sincerity, "We don't have to do anything tonight. I can wait until you want to."

"I do want to." Selene wanted to do her duty. This was her wedding night. Robb was handsome, kind, and her husband. She wanted to be a good wife.

"It doesn't seem like you do." Robb pointed out.

She gave a frustrated sigh, stood, and began to pace at the foot of the bed. "I've been a Baratheon my whole life, Robb, and now I'm not." She turned on her heel and walked back to where she started, "I've been a maiden my entire life, and soon I won't be…" She turned to look at him as she paced. Although she saw sympathy in his eyes, she also saw how amused he was at her outburst.

"Do you know what I have been called?" She asked ardently.

"What?" Robb asked with a lazy smile.

"The Maiden herself," Selene stressed.

"The Maiden herself?" Robb repeated, sarcastically skeptical.

Selene nodded, "The Maiden made flesh. And in a moment, I-I…." It was hard to breathe.

"Selene, Selene, Selene," Robb stood to meet her mid-pace and took both her hands in his own.

"Look at me." He said sweetly.

She did. In his eyes, all she could see was adoration and kindness. He frowned when he felt her hands shaking.

"I feel so lost," She whispered, "I've thought about this day for years. Nothing was how I imagined. I miss Myrcella and Tommen. I miss my uncle Tyrion's jokes. And my father...," tears filled her eyes, "he wasn't here to give me away. The war has hung over this entire day. I didn't even dance at my own wedding. I don't know who I am anymore, who I will be after tonight."

"Dance with me now." Robb said softly, wiping a tear that had slid down her cheek.

"There's no music," Selene said feebly. Wordlessly, Robb slid one hand around her waist, and held her right hand aloft with the other. Together they swayed back and forth, her face buried in his shoulder.

"I'm sorry this day wasn't what you wanted. I cannot bring your siblings here or wake our fathers from their graves. But you are not changing," Robb said firmly in her hair, "You are still Selene, Queen in the North, of the Trident, rightful heir to the Iron Throne." Titles titles titles, Selene shook her curls, but Robb continued, "But more than that." He held her closer, and repeated himself slowly, "More than that."

He tilted her chin up so she had no choice but to look on his face, "When we are alone, we can forget the titles. You are just a girl, and I am just a boy. We can just be Robb and Selene. We can be young and impulsive and reckless. We have our whole lives to be together. I…I love you," Robb's eyes were crystalline, "And I know you don't love me back. How could you? We still hardly know each other. But I love you. Ever since you first danced with me in Winterfell."

"Robb…" She didn't know what to say. She wanted to love him now. She wanted to tell him tonight. But the words would not come.

"It's alright," he mumbled with a smile, "It's alright."

The war had tainted the joy of her wedding day. Selene would be damned if she would let it ruin her wedding night.

She threw herself in her husband's arms. The kiss, unbearably fragile, a spike of sensation. Everything Selene thought about who she was, what she was, was irrelevant. There are no words, only sensation, smooth sensation. Robb is kissing her. She is kissing Robb. They stand in the middle of the chambers, giving and getting every kiss they've ever gotten or given. Kissing: fast, hard, deep, frantic, long, and low. They tasted the lips, the mouth, the tongue. Robb puts his hands on her face and felt her soft skin. Just a boy. Just a girl.

Robb broke the kiss for a moment, his disheveled hair made Selene smile, "Are you sure?" He asked one more time.

Selene nodded and kissed him again.

Robb was at her breast. A noise escaped Selene, an embarrassingly deep sigh-like air rushing out of something.

He kissed her belly. Selene reached for him—there's an incredible strangeness when they touched. Selene couldn't tell who is who, what was what. Phenomenal confusion.

Robb touches Selene's breast, pressing. Her legs buckled, but before she could collapse, Robb carried her to the bed.

Selene tugged at Robb's thin undershirt, revealing his chest. She noticed a few scars in the candlelight. She ran her fingers gently over them. Robb sighed. "My husband, the warrior." She said with a dazed smile.

His eyes trailed over her body in worship. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

She slid her hand behind his neck and brought his face crashing to hers. His hand trailed over the scar on her shoulder and she inhaled sharply.

He stared at the scar. "You risked your life for him. You fought for my family," he whispered.

"My family now." She stressed. He kissed her shoulder. He trailed kisses all over until she was flushed and breathless.

"Do you trust me?" He asked. Selene swallowed nervously, but nodded.

Robb's fingers curled between her legs. Selene jolted in surprise.

"What—" Selene gasped.

"This will make it hurt less, I promise." Robb explained under his breath. He didn't continue until Selene nodded. Robb was slow and careful. Selene bit her lip. It wasn't painful, necessarily, but it was uncomfortable. At first. With each stroke, it became easier and easier and Selene found herself relaxing. Her hips rose to meet him. He's was at her neck, alternating between kisses and nibbles. She nipped at his shoulders, which he seemed to enjoy.

Finally, the moment came. He ran his fingers through her hair and looked at her affectionately. She couldn't help giggling with nerves. He began to giggle as well. They were a king and a queen at war, but they were still so young.

Selene placed her fingers on his lips lightly, looking him in the eyes with a lingering smile, "Robb…I am yours."

He smile grew wide. "And I," he kissed the left corner of her lip, "am yours." He kissed the right corner of her lip.

Their foreheads met. Selene took a deep breath, trying to ready herself. She nodded. Robb was as careful as he could be. She squeezed his arms tightly, "Slower," she begged under her breath as the pain stabbed her. She turned her face to the side and Robb's face hovered above her cheek. The pain made her shudder, "Slower," she said again, "I'm sorry." She added with a sharp exhale.

"Sorry," he murmured above her.

"It's okay," she assured him as he went as deep as he was able. She gave out a cry of pain and dug her fingernails into his back. Robb waited.

The worst of it was over, she knew. Selene tried to get used to the feeling, but it was strange and foreign to her. She wiggled her hips and watched with fascination as Robb let out a moan. She grinned. Robb began to move his hips.

Her breathing was heavy as Robb kissed her again. There was nothing in the world but them and their sighs. It wasn't necessarily pain that she felt, nor was it pleasure. It was discomfort. For the first time in her life, there was something foreign in her body, and her mind didn't know how to react. Certain moments felt good, really good, but for the most part it was strange.

With a shudder and a moan from Robb, suddenly her thighs felt slick and wet. Robb laid on top of her, panting. While her heart was beating wildly, she didn't seem to share his ecstasy. He turned to lie down beside her.

"How are you?"

Selene had heard that the first time was painful. She had also heard that due to stress and inexperience, it would take time before the woman enjoyed herself as much as the man. She looked over at him as he stroked her hair.

"Sore." She answered.

Arms around her, he kissed her temple. "Wife," he muttered with a smile as his eyes fluttered closed.

She looked up at his face. Sex was such an integral part of life, and yet she felt thwarted. Despite the dull ache in her core, she didn't feel any different. Robb was right. She was still the same girl she had always been. She glanced down at her belly and wondered how long it would be until she conceived. Until she bore her first child. Their first child.

Selene placed a soft kiss on his chest, "Husband."

Author's Note

Hey everyone! Hoped you liked this chapter. This is the first intimate chapter I've ever written and my goal was to write a realistic "losing virginity" scene.

Music: use YT links.

The wedding scene in the godswood: watch?v=CNz0ZqQrcME (Until 1:39 ONLY) Second 1:04, when Robb places the crown on her head.

The consummation: watch?v=1adlEo05cMk