A/N Thank you to CalliopeGalaxy for the beta! Thank you for continuing to read! Please review because writers thrive on feedback!

I'm so sorry for the delay. Robb was in mourning and went silent. I had to bribe him a little bit.

Chapter 3

Deirdre woke up the following morning to find Robb asleep with his head resting on her swollen belly. Smiling softly, she ran her fingers through his hair and he stirred a bit. She carefully extracted herself from him and got out of the bed to go to the privy. Having the luxuries of a castle again was strange, but felt marvelous. She washed her face and wished she had thought to bring another gown. But in her hurry to reach Robb, she hadn't taken the time to bring clothing. Jeyne had given her a sleeping gown and had her gown washed the night before last, at least.

When she returned, Robb was sitting up in the bed, rubbing sleep from his eyes. He looked up at her and simply watched her in silence for a few moments.

"I want to name our son Brandon," he said softly. "Bran the Builder was a great King in the North and built the Wall and Winterfell. My uncle's name was Brandon as well. In fact, nearly every other generation of Starks has had a Brandon, and since my brother Bran is…" He swallowed hard and looked pained. "Since he's gone, I want another Brandon Stark in the North. Hopefully, my mother will find comfort from the first son of her first child being named Bran."

Deirdre nodded. "I think our son would be honored to be named Brandon. But do you not wish to name him Eddard as planned?"

"No." Robb shook his head. "It should be Brandon. Perhaps Sansa will want to name her child Eddard in honor of Father, but I think Father would be more pleased if we named our child a noble Stark name shared with his brother and his son. He wasn't one for expecting to be honored anyway."

"If that is what you wish, then I want that as well," she said, walking to him. She kissed him gently, and then began trying to make herself presentable. "I'm going to find the maester to check your wound and will send food to break your fast. You haven't eaten much and since you lost so much blood, you need to regain your strength." Deirdre's attempt to braid her hair was somewhat messy, but without a brush her hair was tangled. She made do though; she didn't care enough to worry if her hair or gown weren't perfect.

"Please send Smalljon and the Greatjon here if they are no longer abed. I have been immobile for far too long."

Deirdre nodded with a sigh. She wondered if he'd handle his grief as he had with his father, putting all his energy into his duties, forgetting about his own well-being. This time she wouldn't allow him to do that.

Stepping into the hall, she almost ran into Adair. She saw Grey Wind and the direwolf rose, walking towards the door. The ripple of fear she felt passed quickly when the he nosed at her hand. She closed her eyes. He is still the same. It was Robb that had changed last night, not Grey Wind, so there was no reason to fear him. She let him pass her and walk into the chambers with Robb. She imagined that Robb needed to see him and re-establish a sense of comfort as well.

"Is Smalljon or the Greatjon about?" she asked Robert.

"Smalljon was breaking his fast and asked me to remain here until he returned," he said.

"Adair, I need to find him. I must also find the maester. Perhaps we should begin in the Great Hall. Hopefully, I will also find Jeyne Westerling," Deirdre commanded.

As two of them walked through the halls, Northmen would pause and bow their heads to her, a mixture of sympathy and respect on their faces. She knew word of Bran's and Rickon's deaths would spread quickly though the castle. The amount of grief written on their faces showed her which ones knew the boys and which men merely felt sympathy for their king's family. Deirdre was always so touched by the sheer love for the Starks that the Northmen felt. Even the men from the Riverlands looked profoundly sympathetic toward the situation.

They are fierce men but they are also brothers, fathers, and sons. They know loss; they all do. To her it seemed that the Northmen who oft times appeared cold to outsiders, loved more deeply and were more loyal than southerners. Her thoughts drifted to Lord Karstark. He was still vengeful and angry and it seemed to consume him more than grief. Losing Torrhen had pushed him too far and the anger was all that remained. She hoped Robb never became so bitter that he suppressed his grief for rage and revenge.

After what seemed like an endless amount of time, they found their way to the great hall. The Crag was a maze of short halls that twisted onto each other, sometimes seeming to go nowhere, and between the people who lived there and Robb's men, it was way too crowded. Seeing Smalljon at a table near the front, Deirdre made her way to him after stopping a servant to send food up for Robb. He rose quickly and said, "Your Grace, my lord father just went to see the king. How is he?"

"His wounds are healing nicely I think," she said, noting the other men at the table rising as well. "The grief…well, it will take time but he wishes to meet with you and gather updates."

"Your Grace, Prince Bran and Prince Rickon will be avenged," an Umber man swore. "Lord Eddard's youngest sons, merely children…it's a travesty."

Deirdre nodded, afraid if she spoke that tears would begin again. "Please sit. Finish breaking your fast. I'm certain you'll pardon us."

Smalljon held her elbow as they moved through the crowded room. They had just entered into the anti-chamber outside the room when a servant rushed up. "Your Grace, my lord, if it pleases you, Lady Westerling needs to speak with you at once."

"It does not please me," Deirdre said sharply and the girl flinched. Taking a deep breath, she toned her annoyance down. "I spoke with Lady Westerling yesterday and explained to her that I was here for the king and did not have time to listen to her complaints. Now I must find the maester. Where is he?"

"He's with Lady Westerling, Your Grace. She said it was of the utmost importance or she wouldn't trouble you during your time of grief."

"Fine," Deirdre relented with a sigh. "Smalljon come with us. I've told her to address her complaints to you. Perhaps she'll understand I meant it this time." He followed her and Adair silently.

The girl led them to the same room where she'd met the lady and her brother the day before. This time the maester, Jeyne, a younger girl and an even younger boy were there with them. Jeyne's eyes were red from crying and Deirdre noticed she had some bruises on her face and neck.

"What is this?" she asked quickly. "Jeyne?"

"One of your men did this to her!" Lady Westerling practically screeched at Deirdre. "You said my family would be safe and…look at her. I fear for my younger daughter now as well."

Deirdre was taken aback, horrified that this had happened to the person who had cared for Robb so much. "Lady Westerling, calm down and let your daughter tell me what happened." Sitting down in front of Jeyne, she noticed that the girl avoided her eyes and seemed too scared to say anything. Glancing around the full room, she said, "Please, everyone wait outside the room. I wish to speak to Jeyne alone."

For a long moment everyone hesitated, especially Lady Westerling, but Deirdre nodded. When Adair remained, she said, "Please, Adair. I'll be safe with you outside the door." After a moment, he nodded and left the two women alone.

Once alone, Deirdre looked back at Jeyne taking in her split lip, bruises on her neck and blackened eye. She took Jeyne's hands gently and said, "I need you to speak true, Jeyne. I would not ever harm you. What happened and who did this?"

Jeyne had silent tears running down her face and she said, "I don't know his name. He had a sigil of the Twins on his doublet though, so I assume he was a Frey. He had black hair and beard. I was coming from my sister's room and he followed me. I asked him if he needed something. He said he needed company. Then he pushed me into my father's bedchamber. I tried to scream and he hit me across the mouth. Then he…" The tears flowed more freely and she sobbed. Deirdre didn't need to hear the details.

"Have you seen this man before? Was he older or younger?"

"He was older than me by many years. He was one of the men that scaled our walls during the battle. And he said if the king didn't want me, then he'd happily take me," Jeyne sobbed and quickly said, "I only cared for the king's health, Your Grace. I did nothing more than that."

"I know you've done nothing wrong, Jeyne. I appreciate all that you have done for the king. It grieves me that you were hurt in any way." Deirdre sat back for a moment. It had to be Black Walder. The description fit him and no one else would be so bold. But she wasn't certain who scaled the walls of the Crag. "Jeyne, I must ask Smalljon to come back in here. I'm certain your mother will want to as well."

"Yes, Your Grace," Jeyne said, wiping her eyes with her hand. She attempted to straighten her gown and Deirdre noticed a few tears in it. Obviously this was the gown she'd been wearing when she was raped.

As soon as Smalljon came into the room, Deirdre asked him quietly who scaled the walls. "Black Walder and myself," he answered, glancing at Jeyne. Fury filled his eyes as he asked, "Did he…"

"Yes, it must have been him. It was a Frey at least and her description of him and what he did during the battle fits."

"My daughter is ruined now," Lady Westerling said angrily. "The maester gave her moon tea, but she is no longer innocent. I expect His Grace to make this right."

"Lady Westerling, there is nothing we can do to make this right," Deirdre said calmly. "We can attempt to see that Lady Jeyne has justice, but we cannot restore to her what was taken. I wish I could undo the harm done to your daughter. That is simply not possible. I will see to it that this man is punished. Unfortunately, Jeyne, I will need you to come with us. I suspect I know who has done this but I need to make certain it is the right man, before I accuse him."

Jeyne's eyes widened and she shook her head at first in terror. Deirdre felt horrible causing Jeyne more pain by forcing her to face her rapist, but Deirdre couldn't accuse the wrong man.

"My lady," Smalljon stepped forward and spoke gently. "I will personally make certain no harm comes to you."

"And can either of you assure my daughter will still be able to find a suitable marriage now that she's been…" Lady Westerling trailed off looking at her daughter. Deirdre realized with disgust that she was more concerned about Jeyne's ability to find a rich and powerful husband now that she was 'ruined'.

"I'm certain His Grace can…" she began but was cut off by Smalljon.

"If it pleases my lady, I would be honored to take her as my bride."

Jeyne's gaze flew to his and Deirdre was stunned speechless for a few moments, staring at Smalljon. Unfortunately, Lady Westerling was not.

"My daughter deserves a lord or a landed knight. Not one of the King's guards."

"Jon is heir to House Umber and Last Hearth," Deirdre replied sharply. "He's more than a landed knight. One day he will be a Lord."

Lady Westerling considered that a moment before her next protest. "But that's nearly Wildling territory! It's not suitable for my…"

"It pleases me," Jeyne said quietly and Deirdre noticed that her eyes hadn't left Smalljon's.

Deirdre couldn't resist a smile. Apparently despite what had happened to her, Jeyne saw through Smalljon's huge and terrifying exterior and knew he was a good-hearted gentle giant. She realized that while Robb was injured, his guards, including Smalljon, must have spent time with Jeyne. Deirdre's first night at the Crag, Smalljon and Jeyne had been with her for awhile and seemed friendly with each other. But the way he looked at Jeyne now was more than just friendly. He seemed genuinely taken with her and upset that she'd been hurt. Jeyne's mother still looked horrified, which only made Deirdre happier.

"First, we need to make certain that we know who has done this," Deirdre said. "Jeyne, you will come with us to see the king. Lady Westerling, you may wait for your daughter here. I will see that she is returned to you as soon as possible."

Not giving the woman time to argue, Deirdre swept out of the room followed by Smalljon and Jeyne. Jeyne took Smalljon's offered arm causing Adair to glance at them in surprise before turning to Deirdre with his mouth agape. Deirdre shook her head gently and he said nothing. By the time they reached the hall where Robb was, Deirdre could hear the yelling and curses flying. She wondered what could possibly have happened now.

"How dare you accuse me of treason based on the word of a Lannister man?" Black Walder yelled at Robb, who was being held back by Dacey and Robert. The Greatjon held onto the collar of Black Walder's doublet.

"You plotted to kill my wife and heir so I would marry one of your blood. What is that if not treason?" Robb yelled back, his sword drawn. Deirdre had never seen him so angry. "Lord Umber, I want this man put in shackles in the deepest, darkest hole until I've recovered my strength to have off his head!"

"Your Grace, my son would never do such a thing," Ser Ryman protested strongly. "This Lord Brax lies in order to secure his release."

Deirdre's heart was in her throat as she watched the scene before her. Suddenly remembered why she'd brought Jeyne here, she turned to her and observed her fear in her eyes. "Is that the man?" She asked and Jeyne nodded quickly, tears in her eyes. Deirdre shifted her gaze back to the Freys. "Your Grace." Robb turned to look at her. "I have just learned Black Walder Frey also raped Lady Jeyne Westerling last night."

Black Walder looked at her in shock that soon turned to rage before he spat, "That whore lies! I did not touch her. Your Grace, surely you do not believe the word of these Lannister loyalists over your own men. Even the queen is a Lannister by blood."

"Are you my man, Black Walder?" Robb asked, deathly calm. "It seems of late that you've done more to cause my doubt in your loyalty. Lord Brax has had no contact with Lady Jeyne, so how would they both know to accuse the same man? Greatjon, do as I ordered…"

"Your Grace," Ser Ryman interjected. "I know you are grieving and, as you once told me, each man handles grief differently. Do not give a command that you cannot repeal."

"Is that a threat?" Robb asked taking a step toward the man. Deirdre saw how pale he was and knew he was still in pain. She worried that he'd be forced to fight one of the Freys.

Ser Ryman stiffened and glanced around the hall. Turning his gaze back to Robb, he warned, "I will not stand by and watch you put my son in chains or behead him. Not while I draw breath. There are more men loyal to House Frey than your Northmen in this castle now. Do you wish to risk a battle within your ranks?"

Smalljon lunged forward, grabbing Ser Ryman by the neck and slamming him against the wall. Ser Brynden had arrived by then and was attempting to calm the situation. Adair began to take Deirdre and Jeyne away from the men, pulling them down the hall and forcing them into another room. When he shut the door, Deirdre protested but he refused to move out of the way so she could open it again.

"Your Grace, my duty is to keep you safe. You will remain here until things have settled."

Seeing she had no choice, she began to pace. She heard noises outside and walked over to look out the window. Some of the men were breaking camp and preparing to leave. She watched in surprise as Ser Ryman and Black Walder both came out of the castle together. Their squires rushed forward with their mounts. Some of the men were leading Olyvar out of the castle as well, as if he had no choice. With a look back over his shoulder towards the castle, Ser Ryman grabbed a Stark banner and threw it on the ground.

"They're leaving," she said quietly to Adair. "All of the Freys are leaving, including Black Walder. I promised Jeyne justice."

"Ser Ryman wouldn't have left without Black Walder. The Freys outnumber the other houses here right now. The king wouldn't want fighting amongst his men," he explained. "I'm certain His Grace chose the safety of the remaining men and the Westerlings over punishing Black Walder. Surely Jeyne will understand that."

Deirdre turned back and watched for a moment, surprised by the number of men from the Twins there were. "I must speak with my husband," she said as she walked toward the door. "Jeyne, please come with us and I will find someone to escort you back to your mother."

The hall outside Robb's door was still crowded but everyone allowed her to pass. She didn't see Smalljon so she sent Adair with Jeyne as she entered the bedchambers. Smalljon, Lord Umber, Dacey, Ser Brynden, and Ned were all inside with Robb. The Maester was checking his wound as Robb sat tense and still. As soon as the man was done, Robb excused him.

"Your Grace, we must leave as soon as possible. The Freys know how many men you have and could turn around and catch us unaware," Ser Brynden insisted. "They think we mean to stay a few days more. I also think we should take a different route than we had originally planned"

"We will leave by midday," Robb said, standing. His gaze rose to Deirdre and he said, "Is Lady Jeyne all right? I couldn't punish Black Walder without putting everyone, including her, in further danger."

"I understand." Deirdre nodded and glanced over at Smalljon for a moment. "Jeyne's wounds will heal but I'm certain the fear will be less now that Black Walder is no long here. Her mother insisted we make this right since her daughter would be unlikely to find a proper husband. It appears Smalljon had an easy answer to that." Everyone turned to look at Smalljon and Deirdre almost smiled, despite the somber circumstances. She'd never seen such a fierce man look so embarrassed. "I do hope we'll have time for a small wedding before we go."

"You're to marry her?" the Greatjon burst out in surprise. "That slip of a girl? She's to live at Last Hearth? She'll blow away with the first winter wind!"

"She's beautiful as well as being kind and clever, Father," Smalljon began but his father only laughed and clapped his arm around him. Smalljon admitted, "I'm surprised she was willing to agree though."

"Despite the circumstances, she's lucky to marry someone so kind and brave," Deirdre said with a smile.

"Once she marries an Umber, her family will be in jeopardy from the Lannisters. Tywin will suffer no disloyalty amongst his own bannermen," Robb pointed out. "We will need to take them with us. I believe Lord Westerling is being held at Seagard. Have him brought to Riverrun. I doubt they have a Godswood here, Smalljon."

"Perhaps it's best we postpone this wedding a few days. Certainly, Lady Westerling can wait that long since it was not Smalljon who took her daughter's innocence," Ser Brynden pointed out. "There is a Godswood in Riverrun suitable for a Northern wedding."

"Your Grace, I would prefer to marry Lady Jeyne here in her home with only my lord father and her family present," Smalljon said. "Considering all that has happened with the Freys and your brothers, not to mention what Lady Jeyne has suffered at Black Walder's hands, while I am quite pleased with the turn of events, this is not a joyous occasion for most. I do not feel comfortable having a wedding with a feast. It will only take a short time to do it here and it would be less disruptive to all if no one else knew beforehand. If we marry in Riverrun, others will insist on a feast. House Umber will use any excuse to feast and drink. I do not think that your lady mother would wish that now."

Robb was silent for a moment before nodding. "If that is what you want, do as you must. But let the Westerlings know we must be ready to depart before midday. Lord Umber, please put some of your men in charge of breaking their camp while you and Smalljon attend to the wedding and the Westerlings."

"Since I will be little help with the breaking of camp, I can help Smalljon," Deirdre suggested. "I think, under the circumstances, it would be best if one of us was at the wedding."

Robb agreed and the plans were put into motion. Deirdre found some servants to help make her more presentable and they even had a clean gown that fit her. She was surprised but pleased when Robb insisted on attending the wedding as well but she knew he felt strong affection for the Umbers. Smalljon stumbled through the vows a little as he had no experience in the Faith of the Seven, but Deirdre caught Jeyne mouthing the words to him when he did.

"She loves him," she whispered to Robb in surprise. "I thought at first she might at least see that he was a good man and, perhaps realize he was kind, but it's beyond that. You can see in her eyes. She loves him."

Robb smiled and kissed her cheek. "And he loves her or we wouldn't be here. Smalljon isn't a chivalrous knight saving a damsel in distress. Lord Umber would not allow his son to marry a woman that another had disgraced if he thought that was the only reason."

When the couple was nearly finished with their vows, Robb took Deirdre's hand and brought it to his lips. The loving look he gave her made her heart ache with the intensity of her feelings. She wished they were alone. She wanted nothing more than to kiss her husband and feel the warmth of his embrace. She thought back to their wedding. She had thought she loved Jon but even then, Robb gazed at her adoringly.

"Robb Stark, I love you," she whispered, her eyes growing misty with emotions. "I never knew love like ours truly existed."

He put his arm around her waist and rested his other hand on her belly before turning to watch the final moments of the wedding. Deirdre could almost swear she saw tears in Lord Umber's eyes but after the couple kissed, he just marched over and embraced Jeyne with such exuberance he picked the poor girl up off her feet. Lady Westerling looked properly scandalized.

"I must finish preparing for our departure. Let us congratulate the couple as well as Lady Westerling. She looks overjoyed," Robb smirked at the sight of the woman preventing the Greatjon from embracing her. After a few moments, she did allow him to kiss her hand.

"Are you certain this journey will not be too taxing? You're barely healed." She rested her hand on his cheek to see if he was still feverish.

"The journey won't be as taxing as an attack from the Freys would be."

x-x-x

Their arrival at Riverrun was a strange, uncomfortable affair for Deirdre. They were cheered by small folk and the Stark host as they rode up to the castle where they were met by Edmure and some of his knights. But some people, mostly Northmen, were aware of the loss of the king's brothers and were somber. The people of the Riverlands were more proper than the Northmen and quick to bow or curtsey to her and Robb, holding in the same position with their heads down, waiting for them to wave them up. Deirdre held Robb's hand and let him lead the way.

His uncle Edmure bowed to them and Robb waved him up with a smile. "Greetings uncle. It has been too long. May I present my wife, Deirdre."

"I have heard much and more about your queen but no one did her beauty and grace justice," Edmure said, taking Deirdre's hand and kissing it.

"And I have been warned much and more about your flattery." Deirdre laughed.

She was surprised that Lady Stark didn't meet them then realized she must still be confined to her quarters due to releasing Jaime. Grey Wind's presence startled many who had never seen a direwolf so Robb asked that he be taken to the kennels. Then he suggested that he and Deirdre be allowed to go to their quarters where they could refresh themselves before seeing his mother and grandfather. Edmure insisted on walking with them.

"How is my mother?" Robb asked.

Edmure glanced at him with sadness in his eyes and said, "Cat is not the same woman that I last saw. She's lost too much I fear."

"She's stronger than she seems," Robb answered but Deirdre saw concern for his mother. "I'll spend time with her tonight."

"There's a feast in an hour," Edmure replied. "Forgive me. I should have realized you would prefer time in peace tonight. But if you wish, I can make excuses…"

Robb shook his head. "No. It's been quite some time since I've dined with my men and some of the Riverlords I haven't met at all. Mother will understand and we'll make time tomorrow. Will Grandfather be joining us? I haven't seen him in many years."

"I'm sad to say he likely wouldn't know you now. He's confused most of the time," Edmure said quietly, a shadow of grief on his face.

"One more loss," Robb said under his breath and Deirdre squeezed his hand, watching him attempting to retain a look of unconcern. His 'lord face' as Bran once called it, this mask of cold indifference. Now it was a king face but it was no less foreign to see on her kind, clever, and passionate husband's face.

Edmure took them to beautiful well appointed bedchambers that already contained all of their belongings. "Catelyn had a couple of gowns made for you, Your Grace. She thought you might enjoy some new, larg…I mean…" His voice trailed off as he blushed.

Deirdre laughed and said, "It's all right, Edmure. I am aware that I am growing larger, more so than anyone else I assure you. It's hard not to notice when I can no longer see my feet." She picked up a gown and ran her fingers over the detail. They were nicer, more extravagant than the few she'd had made while they traveled. Cat had also taken care of having some new things made for Robb as well: rich, elegant fabrics more suitable for feasts than battle.

Edmure excused him so they could prepare for the feast and handmaids bought in hot water for a rather large tub. Once they were alone, Deirdre helped Robb remove his tunic without disturbing his bandages. The wound hadn't started bleeding again, she noted with relief. They bathed before handmaids came in and helped her dress for the feast. One of the girls was from Riverrun and swept her hair up in one of the complex designs that reminded her of her days in King's Landing. She noted Robb's frown of disapproval. She knew he preferred her looking more like a Northerner.

Her gown had rich reds in it which disturbed her. She hadn't worn red since her marriage, hoping to distance herself from anything related to the Lannisters. But Catelyn had this gown made with Tully colors, red and blue. On her, it reminded her too much of her family. "I want to change into the blue gown," she commanded. The handmaiden looked surprised but began unlacing her gown.

"No," Robb said quietly, studying her in the looking glass. "I know why you wish to change it but it would be an honor to the Riverlords." The handmaiden stopped what she was doing and looked back and forth between them.

Despite her feeling of how wrong it seemed, Deirdre nodded. She asked the girl to retrieve the white fur cloak with the direwolves from her wedding. At least that would hide the majority of the red panels on the sides of the gown. She also wore the crown that had been a gift from the Riverlords. After they were alone, Robb kissed her. "You truly are a queen."

"I look like Cersei," she whispered with a frown. "These people will see a lion in the midst once again."

"I once thought you looked like her. You have the same color eyes and hair. But now I realize Cersei's eyes have never been kind, her smiles never been genuine. There is softness to your face that shows more humanity and kindness in you. Cersei may have once looked like you but all that goodness has died and left behind a hard cruelty of which you're incapable of having." Robb smiled trailing his fingers softly down the sides of her face. "You were always perfection to me but I stopped seeing you through merely my eyes long ago. Now my heart sees you and there is no beauty greater than yours."

Tears filled her eyes as she leaned into him and returned his smile. His words always gave her comfort, soothed her doubts. "You are my strength," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.

"And you are mine."