Chapter 25 – King and Queen in the North

Myrcella

Myrcella and Catelyn arrived at Riverrun one hour after the battle had ended. The whole area was shining. The sun was shining, the rivers were shining and the armours of the dead Lannister soldiers were shining. It was a terrifying sight. The battlefield was full of fallen soldiers. Red and gold everywhere and a bit of grey and silver. The battle must have been a slaughter, Myrcella thought. Her father's army had been horribly beaten. Less than 3000 Lannisters of the original force of 15000 had been able to escape. The rest was dead or captured, including her father himself. Jaime, what have you done, Myrcella thought a bit sadly. She still hadn't visited him, but she would soon. After she had seen Robb. Again she had been deeply afraid during his absence and she was really happy and greatly relieved that he was alive and well.

"My ladies, here we are", a soldier's voice interrupted her ruminations.

Myrcella halted her horse and looked forward. Riverrun. There it was. Proudly and defiantly the castle stood on the island in the rivers. The ancient seat of House Tully and childhood home of Lady Catelyn, completely surrounded by water. Myrcella glanced at her mother-in-law. Lady Catelyn seemed to be happy to see it again. Myrcella shortly thought about the Red Keep, her childhood home. She wouldn't be happy if she saw her childhood home again. The Red Keep was Cersei, it was the fat drunk king and it was Joffrey. Myrcella didn't want to be reunited with them, she thought and dismounted her horse.

"Myrcella, my love", Robb suddenly called her.

Surprised she looked around. He was at the landing stage, together with a few soldiers with silver fishes on their armours and cloaks.

"Robb, have you been waiting here all the time?", Myrcella answered and started running.

"Of course I have been waiting, my love", Robb responded and grinned.

Laughing Myrcella threw herself into his arms and fiercely kissed him. Softly Robb returned the kiss and hugged her.

"I'm so happy to have you back", Myrcella said.

"And I'm happy to have you back", Robb answered.

Then Lady Catelyn approached Robb as well.

"My son. You have won again. You have defeated them again and you have saved House Tully. I'm so proud", Lady Catelyn said.

"Mother", Robb answered and hugged her.

"We should go now. The Riverlords are waiting inside, including your brother Edmure. He was a captive in the Lannister camp, but we freed him during battle. The Lannisters had absolutely no chance. As soon as we arrived, the remaining defenders of Riverrun sallied out of the castle. The Lannisters were attacked from everywhere. It was an easy and quick victory", Robb informed her.

"You have done so well, my son. Let's go now. I want to see my brother and my father", Lady Catelyn said.

"A boat, please", Robb told the Tully soldiers.

"Of course, my lord", the guards answered and a few seconds later they were on the water.

The heavily swinging boat made her feel uncomfortable and a bit frightened Myrcella looked at the grey, whirling water. She was afraid of rivers, lakes, ponds and the sea and she couldn't swim. The only kind of water she liked was her warm bathing water. The reason was an event in her early childhood. It had happened so many years ago, but she could still remember everything. They had been playing at the beach at Blackwater Bay. It had been a sunny and hot summer day. Together with Joffrey and Tommen she had been climbing on the rocks on the riverbank. It had been funny.

It had been funny until Joffrey had pushed her into the water. The water had been icy, despite the warm weather and she was almost drowned. Joffrey had been watching laughing and Tommen had been watching screaming, while the cold water was dragging her down, filling her mouth and darkening her eyes. Both of her brothers had done nothing, while their sister was drowning. Jaime had saved her. He had heard the noises. Fully dressed her true father had jumped into the water and had pulled her out. Then he had pressed his hands against her chest again and again until she had puked out the whole river. After that Jaime had hit Joffrey. It had been the first and only time Jaime had done something like this.

But her mother, well...her mother had done nothing. Like always. She hadn't comforted her and she hadn't punished Joffrey. Her mother hadn't believed anything and she had simply told her not to cry. Then Cersei had kissed and hugged her beloved and blighted mad firstborn.

Slightly shivering Myrcella tried to think about something else, pressed herself closer against Robb's warm body and closed her eyes.

It worked and the dark memory slowly faded away. Myrcella noticed how tired she was and she almost fell asleep with her head at Robb's shoulder. After a few more minutes the boat entered the castle through the water gate. Myrcella shortly looked back at the mighty, deep and whirling river and then Robb lifted her up and left the boat with her in his arms. Curious Myrcella looked around and examined the castle. Riverrun was smaller than Winterfell or the Red Keep, but it was definitely much easier to defend, thanks to its location on an island in the rivers. The whole castle was triangular and made of sandstone. The atmosphere was bright and joyful. Myrcella promptly decided to like this place. The seat of House Tully made her feel safe and comfortable.

A man with a red beard, red hair and blue eyes walked downstairs from the walls to greet them. He looked like a male version of Catelyn. He had joyful eyes and a laughing mouth, but his neck was bandaged and he was apparently tired from the battle. Edmure Tully, Lady Catelyn's younger brother and Robb's uncle.

"Welcome at Riverrun, my lords and ladies. Sweet sister", he greeted them.

"I'm morning with you, Cat. After we heard about Eddard...The Lannisters will pay for this, I swear it, you will get your revenge", Edmure Tully continued and gave Myrcella an unfriendly look.

She ignored it, she knew far worse things from Joffrey. Evil looks weren't able to frighten her.

"Does it bring back Ned?", Lady Catelyn responded sharply.

Myrcella wasn't surprised. She had heard many stories from Lady Catelyn about her foolish and hot-blooded younger brother. Myrcella was a bit worried about the future of House Tully, should the old Lord Hoster eventually die.

"This can wait. I have to speak with father", her mother-in-law said.

"He is waiting for you in his solar", Edmure replied.

"Lord Hoster is bedridden, my lady. He instructed me to immediately take you to him after you have arrived", an old steward explained.

"I will do this", Edmure said

"Tell the lords to gather in the great hall at midday, but first I want to visit the godswood", Robb said.

"Of course, my lord", the steward answered.

Edmure and Catelyn left to visit Lord Hoster.

"Do you want to rest or will you join me in the godswood?", Robb asked her.

"I'm sorry, but I have to look after Jaime. I want to see him", Myrcella answered.

"I think so as well", Robb said and kissed her forehead before he left with the remaining people.

"I will take you to the dungeons, my lady", a soldier told her.

"Thank you", Myrcella answered and followed him across the courtyard.

They entered the main keep and went through a wide corridor.

The building was triangular, like the whole castle itself. Inside it was vivid and breezy, but warm. Riverrun was completely different from Winterfell, Myrcella noticed. Winterfell was grim, grey and menacing, an old bulwark rising in the snow. Riverrun was bright, friendly and much younger. Of course it was a strong fortress too. Countless of enemies had vainly tried to conquer it, now including her own father. They walked through a long hallway with high windows and with fish tapestries on the walls, then they went downstairs and passed some more corridors and walked downstairs again and again until they stopped.

"Here we are, my lady", the soldier said and opened a heavy iron door.

"Thank you. You are allowed to leave", Myrcella answered.

Her heart was hammering in her chest and she felt uneasy. Jaime was here. She would see him again. So many things had changed. Jaime wasn't her uncle any more, he was her father and now she knew it. She knew it, because Eddard Stark had sent a raven to Winterfell, not because Jaime had told her. Myrcella was angry about that. She understood it had been difficult and dangerous for Jaime, but he should have told her at some point. She was old enough and she could keep a secret. But Jaime never told her. No one ever told her. She had been forced to live a lie for so many years. That made her angry.

But it also made her feel sorry for Jaime. He had never been allowed to be a father to his children. He had been forced to helplessly watch her and Tommen suffer from Joffrey's cruelty, Robert's drunken foolishness and mother's carelessness. Jaime had been forced to live a lie too. But it was partially his own fault.

And thanks to Joffrey's madness and stupidity Jaime was now fighting against the husband of his own daughter in a war he had never wanted. Formally Jaime was her enemy now, Myrcella noticed shocked. Her own father had been fighting against her new family and now he was a prisoner. Robb's prisoner. And her prisoner. This was madness, everything of this was madness, Myrcella told herself. She took a deep breath, took a torch and then she entered the dungeons. Inside it was very dark, only illuminated by a few torches and the air was damp. Most likely the dungeon was under the water. The Young Lion of Casterly Rock in the company of fish in a castle with fish banners. It could have been a really, really bad joke, a joke Joffrey would enjoy, Myrcella thought and continued walking.

Jaime

Jaime felt terrible. And bored. Horribly bored. He had been beaten in battle by a boy, his army had been scattered by a boy and now he was held captive by a boy. A cruel joke of fate. All of his and his father's early victories were worthless now. The already conquered Riverlands were lost, a strong Northern army, bolstered by the Riverlords, was holding them now. Renly and his Tyrell masters were waiting in the south with a colossal army of 100000 men. Stannis was lurking at Dragonstone, dangerously close to King's Landing and his father was stuck at Harrenhal with only half of the original Lannister forces left. It was his fault. Everything was his fault. He had been tasked to take Riverrun and he had failed. If he had managed to take Riverrun, the war would be almost won now. House Lannisters was in great danger now, surrounded by enemies, thanks to him.

Of course Jaime knew his father would find a way, a solution, but it would be very, very difficult. And Jaime wasn't there to help his father, to repair his mistakes. Most likely Lord Tywin was extremely angry and surprised about the crushing defeat of his praised, golden son. At least this was good. It was funny. Jaime never liked his father's exaggerating speeches about his perfect firstborn. Jaime would have loved to see his father's face after learning about the failure of his beloved golden son.

Yawningly he laid down on the straw and tried to find some sleep. Losing battles was exhausting. But then he heard footsteps and he saw the light of a torch. Maybe it was a guard with something to eat. Jaime hadn't been able to eat something since he had been captured in the Whispering Wood. Maybe it was the wolf boyto taunt him about his defeat. Maybe it was Lady Catelyn to interrogate him about a certain accident at a certain tower at Winterfell. Jaime didn't care. Any distraction would be welcome. Being a prisoner was extremely boring.

Curious he got up again and looked. Then his heart stopped beating for a second. It was her, his precious little girl. She was slowly walking through the dungeon. Her golden hair was shining in the light of the torches. Myrcella was taller now, he noticed. She exactly looked like Cersei. Hopefully she would be a bit more forgiving than Cersei, Jaime thought. Jaime had feared this moment. He was totally aware she would visit him, but he wasn't prepared to see her now. Most likely she had a lot of questions, but he didn't have the answers. Trembling he leaned against the wall and tried to calm down. His heart was hammering in his chest now. He was convinced she could hear it. Jaime took a deep breath of cold, damp air and waited until she arrived at his cell.

"Myrcella", he said.

"Jaime", she said out of breath, "I'm very glad you survived your foolishness on the battlefield."

"Niece...I'm happy to see you", he said, anxiously looking around for guards.

"Don't call me your niece. Never again", she answered angrily.

"But someone could listen", he said worried.

"No one will listen. I told every guard to leave. We are alone", Myrcella said.

"I suspect you have questions", Jaime said.

"I suspect you have answers", she said.

Jaime examined his daughter. She was indeed taller and her face was less roundish now. She didn't look like a female version of Tommen any more. Every baby fat was gone. Myrcella was still slender and graceful, but she looked more womanly. Her golden hair and her emerald eyes hadn't changed. Myrcella was the striking image of her mother. A younger version of Cersei. Luckily she only had her mother's appearance, not her nature. Hopefully. Jaime also noticed that she was extremely exhausted and tired. Her face was pale and she had dark circles around her slightly reddened eyes. And she was breathing heavily. Too heavily after such a short walk. She wasn't fine, he thought.

"My daughter, I'm sorry", he said.

"Sorry for what?", Myrcella said, "But thank you for calling me daughter. I have been waiting for this for a long time and it makes me happy."

Jaime noticed a tiny smile on her weary face. A tiny, but honest smile. No, she wasn't Cersei, he told himself. Cersei couldn't smile like this.

"Sorry for never telling you anything", he said.

"You should have told me. You should have told me at some point. But you never did and I had to hear it from Eddard Stark", Myrcella told him. Her smile was gone again.

"Myrcella, it would have been too dangerous. Do you understand that?", Jaime tried to defend himself.

"I could have kept the secret. I'm not a mad fool like Joffrey and I'm not a kind fool like Tommen. I could have endured the shocking truth, because I endure it now. You knew that. You have always known that. But you still never told me", Myrcella said sadly.

"Now I wish I had", Jaime said.

"Now it is too late", Myrcella responded, her voice icy.

"I'm sorry. It was wrong not to tell you about your true origin", Jaime said.

"It was. But you kept telling me a lie. And thanks to this lie I never had a family. No one ever cared for me. No one ever loved me. My false father Robert never cared for me, he only cared for hunting, whoring and drinking. My wicked mother Cersei never cared for me, she only cares for Joffrey. A lunatic, vicious, insane monster. Worse than the Mad King. Aerys was at least mentally healthy in his youth.

No one ever loved me until I met Robb, do you understand that, father?! The only thing I ever wanted was a family. And love. A family and love for me and Tommen. My little brother is still stuck in that pit of shit they call the Red Keep, together with a second Mad King and his mad mother. Do you understand my anger?", she said with tears in her eyes.

It was heartbreaking. Truly heartbreaking, Jaime thought.

"You are right about Robert, Cersei and Joffrey. You are right about me. Robert was a drunk fool, Joffrey is a monster and Cersei...Cersei is Cersei. You didn't deserve them and they didn't deserve you. You are too good for them, my daughter. Your words make me sad, but they are true. Except one thing: Saying no one loved you is wrong. I love you, my daughter. I have always loved you. And your mother loves you too. I know she only dotes on Joffrey, but she still loves you and Tommen as well. It is strange...I know and maybe you can't see it, but Cersei loves all of her children. She would burn cities for you", Jaime told her shivering.

"You may love me, father, but you rarely showed me your love. Mother never showed me her love", Myrcella answered.

Her voice was shaking and she had more tears in her eyes.

"I know and I apologise, Myrcella. I apologise for not spending more time with you", Jaime said.

"The past is already written. We can't shape it. But we can shape the future. As I said, I always wanted a family and love. I have a family now and I have Robb's love. But I still don't have parents. Can I have at least a father. Will you be my father, Jaime?", Myrcella said.

"I'm your father. I've always been. But I haven't been a good father, I know that", Jaime answered her.

"Will you promise to be a better father in the future?", she said.

"I will. I promise. You deserve it", Jaime responded firmly.

"The realm will only see the lie, but we know the truth and we accept the truth", Myrcella said and stepped closer.

"We accept the truth", Jaime said and took Myrcella's hand through the grille.

"I am your daughter. Say it", Myrcella spoke.

"You are my daughter", Jaime answered.

"And your are my father", Myrcella said.

Now she was smiling happily. But then she suddenly stumbled and fell on her knees. Shocked Jaime looked at her.

"Are you all right?", he asked her worried.

"It's nothing. I'm fine", she said stammering.

"No. You are not. You almost blacked out", Jaime said.

"It was a long and harsh ride", Myrcella replied reluctantly.

"You are my daughter and I am your father. A daughter shouldn't lie to her father. This wasn't just tiredness. You are ill, Myrcella", Jaime said and stroked her hair.

"It's...not an illness. It's a situation every woman knows", Myrcella said with a tired smile.

Now Jaime finally realised it. He was a bit horrified. She was so young. Still so young. Barely a woman fully grown.

"You...you...you are...", Jaime tried to say.

"I'm pregnant. I'm pregnant with Robb's child", Myrcella said.

"Myrcella, this is...this is...this is great. I'm looking forward to see my grandchild. It will be a wonderful child", Jaime said.

In truth he was deeply worried now. It was too early, he thought. Far too early.

"Don't be afraid, Jaime. I have Robb and I have Lady Catelyn. Everything will be fine, I promise", Myrcella said and stood up again.

"You are a strong woman. You will make it. I believe in you, my daughter", Jaime said and tried to hide his fear from her.

Luckily she didn't notice how afraid he was.

"Thank you, thank you for saying this. But unfortunately I have to go now. Robb will be holding a war council", she said.

"You take part in the war councils? Together with the men?", Jaime asked her with surprise.

"Robb sees me as an equal. He is wise to do so. Otherwise I couldn't love him. Men aren't superior to women. Strong women know that and wise men realise that", Myrcella said.

This was very similar to Cersei, Jaime thought amused.

"And one more thing, father. You are not a good prisoner. You don't belong here. I will never turn against Robb, but I will do everything else I can to get you out of here. That's a promise", Myrcella said before she left.

She has more balls than both of her brothers combined, Jaime thought. Myrcella was the only true Lannister among his children. Joffrey was a mad dog and Tommen was a kitten, but Myrcella had the lion's blood. She was a born ruler. A queen without a crown. Women should be allowed to inherit the Iron Throne, Jaime thought. Myrcella should have it, not Joffrey. It would be much better for Westeros

Robb

The godswood of Riverrun was very different from the godswood of Winterfell. The latter was gloomy, solemn, old and completely silent. The godswood of Riverrun was bright and full of sunshine, with birds singing in the much younger trees. Robb was kneeling in front of the heart tree, a slender weirwood tree with a sad face. Most of his lords were with him, silently thanking the Old Gods for their victories and morning their beloved liege lord Eddard Stark. Robb closed his eyes and enjoyed the quiet and peace of this place. He listened to the wind in the trees, the calm murmuring of the leafs, the silent prayers of the others and the chirping birds. Old Nan always told him the Old Gods were in the nature, in the trees, in the water, in the flowers, in the wind and in the animals. Perhaps she was right, Robb thought.

But they must be cruel gods to take his father from him. Or careless gods. Robb didn't know it and he didn't want to think about such matters. He didn't want to destroy the peace of this place. It was good to be here, to rest here, after the two exhausting battles. Peace was slowly returning to him after the fury of battle. Together with his lords he stayed here for a long time until his mother entered the godswood as well. Most likely she was there to take him to her father. With new energy Robb stood up and the others followed him.

"Mother", Robb told her, "We must hold a council meeting, as I said earlier today. There are many decisions to make."

"Your grandfather would like to see you", his mother answered, "Robb, he is very ill."

"Ser Edmure told me. I'm sorry, mother...for Lord Hoster and for you. But me must discuss some news from the south. The Blackfish has battled Tywin Lannister and Renly Baratheon has made new moves", he said.

"As you wish, my son", his mother responded.

Together they left the godswood and the lords gathered in the great hall of Riverrun. Robb wanted to take a seat, but Rickard Karstark interrupted him.

"Lord Stark, I wish to speak to you. In private, please", Lord Rickard said.

"Of course, Lord Karstark. Please follow me", Robb replied.

They left the great hall and entered a small back room, decorated with a artificial fish mosaic on the floor.

"What is it, my lord?", Robb politely asked him.

"It's...it's a difficult and important matter", Lord Karstark spoke.

"Say it, Lord Rickard. You have never been shy", Robb said.

"Lord Stark, I ruminated for a long time about this and I'm not the only one who thinks like this. Many of the other Northern lords are with me. Joffrey murdered your father, our liege lord. Our beloved Ned. But you, my lord, you are married to Joffrey's sister. No one questions Lady Myrcella's loyalty, but she is still a Lannister. Some of us believe she is not a suitable wife for the ruler of the North. And there are those rumours. Rumours about her origin", Rickard Karstark said.

Robb couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was a monstrous insult. Lord Karstark was insulting his liege lord and the wife of his liege lord. How could he dare?! Robb strongly wanted to bash his bearded head against the wall, but he somehow managed to restrain his anger.

"You have expressed your opinion, my lord. Do you have any suggestions?", Robb said coldly.

"A divorce would be a good suggestion. Get divorced from that lion girl and put her into a cell. Maybe you can allow her to share a cell with her...uncle. Then you should marry a true and honourable Northern maid. My daughter Alys seems to be a good choice", Lord Karstark spoke

"ENOUGH! Have you lost your mind, Lord Rickard", Robb furiously interrupted him.

"My lord, just want to say...", Lord Karstark tried to say.

"I married Myrcella in front of the Old Gods. I promised to protect her and to love her. A divorce would be dishonourable. No one follows a dishonourable man. And I love this woman", Robb said.

"But my lord...", Rickard Karstark again tried to say.

"I will hear no more. You have always been a loyal vassal of House Stark, Lord Karstark and I admire your many qualities, but if you insult me again, you will regret it", Robb spoke.

"As you say, my lord. You are my liege lord and I obey you", Lord Karstark replied grudgingly.

"Very good, my lord. Then we should forget that unfortunate conversation. Please follow me into the great hall again. The others are waiting", Robb said.

"Of course, my lord", Lord Rickard said and together they entered the great hall again.

Almost everyone was there now. Lord Hoster was too ill and Edmure was sitting in his name on the throne of House Tully. Almost every vassal of House Tully was there too. The message of their victory had quickly reached every corner of the Riverlands. Robb recognised the colours of House Vanke, House Piper, House Darry, House Bracken and House Blackwood. Ser Stevron Frey was there as well, together with some of his weasel brothers. And the Northern Lords were sitting on the tables as well. The Greatjon, Maege Mormont, Galbart Glover and Roose Bolton, together with his mother. Robb sat down to the right of his mother.

"My lords, we still have to wait. We are not complete", he told the waiting crowd.

"Robb, everyone is there. We should begin", his mother whispered.

"No, Myrcella is still missing. She wanted to visit Jaime, but I think she will join us soon", Robb replied.

"Robb...", his mother said.

"We are not starting without her", Robb answered and leaned back.

"You truly love this girl", his mother said smiling.

After a few minutes his golden wife entered and sat down to his right. Robb kissed her warm lips.

"How are you? How is Jaime?", he whispered into her ear.

"We had an interesting conversation. But we'll be fine. Don't worry about it", she responded and kissed his cheek.

In response Robb softly took her hand.

"Now we are complete, my lords", Robb said and pointed at Myrcella.

A loud murmuring was the reaction and Robb noticed the hateful glances Lord Karstark was giving her. He would have to keep an eye on him, Robb told himself.

"My lords, silence please. We have important news from the south. I received a raven from Ser Brynden Tully. He fought a battle against Tywin Lannister at the Green Fork and after he lost about 3000 men, Ser Brynden was forced to retreat. The Lannisters won this battle, but we expected that. Ser Brynden did his part. He distracted the Lannisters, allowing us to surprise Ser Jaime", Robb informed them and got up.

"Long live the Blackfish!", Marq Piper cheered.

"We will never forget the dead!", Ser Edmure said.

"Long live the Blackfish. Without his coolness and his bravery, our victory wouldn't have been possible", Robb said, "But I have some more news. The Blackfish was still able to retreat north in good order. Currently he is camping at the King's Road, close to the Twins. He was able to replace his casualties with men from the now freed Riverlands. His army is blocking the road north, preventing the Lannisters from moving into this direction..."

"We should reunite our forces with him", Lord Glover said, interrupting Robb.

"No, if our forces are split, we are able to act more flexible", Lord Blackwood said.

"Don't listen to that Blackwood fool. Join forces with the Blackfish", Lord Bracken shouted.

"My lords, my lords, silence, please. Allow Lord Stark to speak. He wasn't finished", Ser Edmure said, forcing the crowd to calm down again.

"Thank you, Ser Edmure. I have news for you, Lord Karstark. Your third son, Harrion Karstark, is alive and well. He is a prisoner of Lord Tywin at Harrenhal, but he is alive and well", Robb continued.

"That aren't really good news"; Lord Rickard said, but he looked obviously eased.

"I promise you to ransom him as soon as possible. Maybe we can trade one of the captured lords from the Westerlands for your son, Lord Karstark", Robb said.

"Thank you, Lord Stark", Rickard Karstark said with a grim smile.

Then Robb sat down again and allowed his lords to discuss freely. Every lord had the right to speak and Robb wouldn't violate that right. He just enjoyed his meal and Myrcella's company. He said nothing until Lord Bracken suggested to support "King Renly's claim".

"Renly is not the King", Robb said.

"You cannot mean to hold to Joffrey, my lord. He put your father to death", Galbart Glover said.

"That doesn't make Renly King", Robb responded coldly.

"Renly is crowned. High Garden and Storm's End are backing him and maybe the Dornish will join him as well. If Winterfell and Riverrun join forces with them, Renly will have five Great Houses supporting him. Six if the Arryns don't remain inactive. Six against Casterly Rock. The war would be over within a fortnight and we would have the heads of the Lannisters on spikes. Renly will win", Marq Piper shouted.

"He is Robert's youngest brother. If Bran can't be Lord of Winterfell before me, Renly can't be King before Stannis, Tommen and Joffrey", Robb spoke.

"Do you mean to declare us for Stannis? He is questioning the noble birth of your wife", Edmure Tully said.

"Stannis has a very small army and no one will back him. We can't declare for Stannis. It would be foolishness. But we also can't declare for Renly or Joffrey. Renly is not rightful and Joffrey is mad", Myrcella said.

"Renly is not right", Maege Mormont said.

A furious uproar was arising. The confusion was perfect. Renly was highly popular in the Riverlands and he had the biggest army, many Riverlords would support him, but his claim was justified in absolutely no way. Stannis had the better claim, but no one loved him.

"Perhaps we should make peace with the Lannisters. Let us use the Kingslayer to negotiate with Lord Tywin. Then we can simply wait and watch the fighting. At the end we can join the winner", Ser Stevron suggested.

"Coward!", Lord Umber shouted.

"If we seek for peace now, we will look weak", Maege Mormont said.

It was true, peace with the Lannisters was impossible at the moment, Robb thought.

"Why not peace?", his mother said.

"Mother, they have murdered my father, your husband", Robb said and got up.

"We can't make peace with Joffrey. He is mad and evil. I know this better than anyone. I want my brother's death", Myrcella said.

"This is the only peace I will give the Lannisters", Robb spoke and threw his longsword on the table.

He heard an agreeing murmuring and he sat down again. He shortly looked at Myrcella, but she didn't seem to disapprove. She gave him a smile.

"But why not ally with Renly?", Lord Bracken asked.

Then the Greatjon got up and his roaring voice quickly silenced everyone.

"My lords! MY LORDS! Here is what I say to these two Kings", the Greatjon said and spat on the ground.

Lord Umber got a roaring laughter from the crowd in response, only Roose Bolton remained silent.

"Renly Baratheon is nothing to me, nor Stannis neither. Why should they rule over me and mine from some flowery seat in the south?", the Greatjon asked the crowed.

Curious Robb listened. Lord Umber was up to something.

"What do they know of the Wall or the Wolfswood? Even their Gods are wrong!", the Greatjon continued and everyone agreed laughing.

"Why shouldn't we rule ourselves again? It was the Dragons we bowed to and now the Dragons are dead", the Greatjon spoke and drew his colossal claymore.

"There sits the only King I mean to bend my knee to...", the Greatjon said and pointed with his sword at Robb.

"THE KING IN THE NORTH!", the Greatjon roared with his thundering voice and knelt.

Together with Myrcella Robb got up and took her hand. He would accept this honour. He would accept it for his father, for Myrcella, for Catelyn, for his siblings, for the baby in Myrcella and for the North. He would gladly accept it. He would accept it with Myrcella, he thought and kissed her forehead. Smiling she returned the kiss.

"I'll have peace on those terms! They can keep their Red Castle and their Iron Chair too! THE KING IN THE NORTH!", Lord Rickard said and knelt as well.

"Am I your brother, now and always?", Theon Greyjoy said.

"Now and always", Robb replied.

"My sword is yours, in victory and defeat from this day until my last day", Theon said and knelt.

"The King of Winter and the Queen of Winter. She may be born of lion and stag, but it is wolf's blood and winter's frost that now runs through her veins. Let her spoiled uncles, her cruel mother and her insane brother keep the Iron Throne. THE KING IN THE NORTH AND THE QUEEN IN THE NORTH!", Maege Mormont shouted and knelt.

And now everyone got up and knelt, Rivermen and Northmen alike. Mallisters, Blackwoods, Brackens, Tullys, Freys and many more.

"THE KING IN THE NORTH!", the Northerners roared.

"THE KING OF THE TRIDENT!", the Rivermen answered.

"THE KING IN THE NORTH!"

"THE KING IN THE NORTH!"

And The Queen in the North, Robb secretly added in his mind and wrapped an arm around Myrcella's shoulders. They would rule together, as equals. He would need her brilliant and sharp mind.