The agreement was brokered. Thank the gods. Lord Frey agreed to send a portion of his army to support Robb in his march against Casterly Rock though Lord Frey remained ignorant of his true aim. Instructed to send his men at once to Riverrun immediately, the Frey banners would arrive in little over a week as promised whilst Robb supposedly prepared to travel north to the Twins for the wedding of his uncle. He had promised to present himself to Lord Frey, but he had not specified when and never once did he say 'personally'. He used cleverly masked words in order to make it appear that he would go to the wedding himself, but in truth had no intention of going. He had an army to lead. The issue that would arrive afterwards would be controlling the Frey soldiers once they realised their lord had been misused once again but once more, Rhaena had thought ahead. She had suggested to Robb that Lord Frey send some of his own sons to join the fight, for gods knew he had plenty of them, but painted it in such a way which made it appear as Lord Frey's own idea and offered such images of glory, wealth, honour and even hinting at new lands and titles to those who prove themselves that the lads would no doubt be jumping over one another to beg their father leave to go. With Walder Frey's sons in their hands, the soldiers would be more easily controlled.
Then it would be a simple case of winning the sons and the commanders over to Robb's side, and this was a task for wine, good food, some hearty brotherly bonding and no small amount of charm from Rhaena and Queen Talisa who would do all they could to persuade the Frey bannermen that their place was with their king and to think of the glory they would bask in once they returned home victorious to their lord and tell him of their courage, bravery and heroics. It unfolded rather perfectly and Robb stood in admiration of Rhaena's subtle ministrations as she handled the politics as effortlessly as though she were merely arranging pieces on a chessboard. It was also slightly unnerving, though Robb trusted that Rhaena would never do anyone harm, least of all himself or his family. Her love was not a lie. Of that he was certain. Within a day of the Frey soldiers arriving they were utterly besotted with her and the Frey sons mooned over her like lovesick pups, tripping over themselves to attend to her needs whenever she would glide through the camp with Nymeria at one side and Sansa with Lady on her other. It perhaps distressed Robb more to see Sansa also playing this woman's game of manipulation, offering flattering smiles and commenting often and loudly upon the bravery of the men who fought so valiantly for her brother. Robb could see it was all a ruse, but he knew it was a necessary tactic. His head was for war. Women lead the art of subtlety.
When Robb met with the Frey commanders and Walder Frey's sons, they were already boasting of how they had persuaded Lord Frey to release them as they believed in the good and righteous cause of Robb's fight against the Lannisters, assuring him that they would slay his enemies by the hundreds in order to avenge the death of his father whom they had loved and respected so dearly. Now Robb felt sick. He doubted not one of them had ever loved or respected his father, but he swallowed the rising bile and inclined his head in gratitude, welcoming them personally before sending them on their way. Talisa came to him and softly placed her hands upon his shoulders, knowing what it cost his pride and honour to hold himself back from acting as he saw what was proper and just. However, acting rightly and justly was not always an option in war as he was swiftly discovering. Perhaps he had heard too many stories of untainted knights who fought for honour and justice as he became disillusioned with the image of knights with their stain free armour. Fighting for what was right cost blood and, as Rhaena had said to him once in private, sometimes sacrifices were required and the hardest sacrifices were those we forced to make of oneself.
Still, his army had almost doubled in size and now Casterly Rock did not seem so far away at all. It was almost within his reach. All that was required of Robb was to send representatives in his stead to the wedding of his uncle to Roslin Frey and the trick would be complete. It still made him uncomfortable even to think of it but Rhaena was adamant that it needed to be done. She continued to flatter the Frey commanders with her smiles and articulate words, goading them into joining her in drinks where she poured their wine heavily whilst maintained a clear head herself. Once the wine loosened their lips she was able to seduce any truths from them that otherwise might have remained hidden under tight seals. Men were so easily swayed, Rhaena wondered how they had ever come to be in power in the first place as it was clearly women who had more sense. Their tongues soon wagged and proved utterly useless. They knew nothing other than vague inclinations as to their lord's true intentions. She had no choice but to go and see for herself whether Lord Frey expressed the truth in his words to revive the alliance between his house and Robb's, though her instincts told her otherwise. Greedy men would remain so their entire lives and if they were to lose a grand prize then they would resent any involved with costing them their goal. Robb was Lord Frey's prize, and Robb had given himself away elsewhere.
For the sake of appearances Robb was to set off with the wedding party whilst his army marched upon Casterly Rock, though false ravens were sent out with misleading information to confuse the enemy as much as they were able in order to hide their true intentions. Hopefully it would grant them the time they needed and waylay Tywin a little longer, though this was just a fragile hope at this point. Rhaena was not accustomed to being so closely faced with war and battle, so she was secretly glad to be riding away from it. The Frey bannermen were satisfied that Robb was to keep his word, seemingly riding North to The Twins along with his mother, Lady Stark, Sansa, his uncle, Ser Brynden and Queen Talisa. They rode with an honour guard for their own protection, though Rhaena did not see how they had anything to fear when three direwolves walked beside them for they would sense danger long before it approached them, Nymeria often scouting ahead with a contented howl each time she vanished. With everything now set in motion, it was too late to undo anything. A strong sense of unease followed Rhaena like a chill she could not shake, a shadow that lingered over her shoulder. It caused her fists to clench and her body to tense until her horse would fidget in protest and Rhaena would have to force herself to relax and attempt to focus on other things.
A damp scent clung to the air from the passing rains which had fallen heavily only the day before, turning the Riverlands into a verdant land rich with dew and moisture as well as greenery. It was beautiful here, and Rhaena hoped to preserve it's loveliness by keeping the war from reaching it however she could. Though in the grand scheme of things, how significant would her role be? Now out in the world Rhaena longed to see everything she could with her own eyes but until the war was settled and Joffrey's head was on a spike where it belonged next to his mother's, Rhaena would never know absolute peace without the constant whisper of fear at the back of her mind and permanently looking over her shoulder to ensure she was not being followed by her enemies. These thoughts continually marred her admiration of her surroundings so even when attempting to see the wondrous landscape before her she could not truly relish in it. Part of her wished to be back behind the thick stone walls of the castle in Riverrun with it's surrounding moat where she felt secure enough to sleep deeply and easily each night. Now Rhaena was certain she would not sleep well again until she was somewhere just as unbreachable. Hence when camp was made and a tent raised for the use of the women, Rhaena did not rest easy. She tossed and turned all night and was exhausted come morning, dozing in the seat of her saddle whilst the rocking motion of her horse seemed to lull her with each motion.
This continued for the next few days even after Robb had turned back with a smaller guard as well as Grey Wind and Nymeria in tow to race back to join his army in its attack against Casterly Rock, leaving the protection of the women in the hands of Ser Brynden as he had far more sense than his nephew and far greater experience in keeping safe upon the road. It was noted, however, how Rhaena slept lightly at night and would doze in her saddle during the day because of it and the seasoned soldier was not fooled as to why. He saw how uneasy the girl was, her nerves hidden behind her smiles but not quite removed from her eyes. Ser Brynden knew that look well. She looked as if she herself were walking into a battle. Having a vague understanding of her history, he was not unsympathetic to her discomfort at being removed from Riverrun despite insisting that she be allowed to join the wedding party. So, when Rhaena finally succumbed to sleep and began to slide from her horse, Ser Brynden had his own mount ride up alongside her and with a single lift, settled her across his legs and held her so that she could sleep. The presence of someone solid and strong seemed to help persuade Rhaena further into rest for she did not even stir at the disturbance. Another soldier caught the reins of her horse without a single comment being passed between by the guards, simply continued marching whilst Ser Brynden rode with Rhaena.
Of course when she awoke she became mightily embarrassed and apologised to the older soldier whilst blushing handsomely, her cheeks turning as bright as apples which made him laugh and tease her lightly, assuring her that he never minded having a bonny lady sat in his lap which only made her colour further. He walked away laughing, Rhaena's mouth still hanging agape. Still it appeared she relied too heavily upon the presence of men around her, depending on their strength to feel protected and secure. Although Rhaena was not entirely opposed to it, she did find herself desiring strength of her own or at least some greater skill that would allow her to protect herself. Had she escaped with Ser Barristan when he had asked her, perhaps he would have trained her how to properly fight with sword and dagger, taking her as his pupil and letting her learn from his years of knowledge and experience. By now she might have become something of a competent swordswoman. Alas, this was all but a fantasy, for Rhaena doubted she could approach just any man and ask him to teach her how to use a blade, shoot an arrow and thrust with a lance whilst upon horseback. Not that the latter would hold any interest to her or practical use, but Rhaena fancied it might be amusing to participate in a tourney one day, unseating one knight after the other only to lift her helm and reveal herself to the crowds and mock the men for being outmatched by a woman. For that was what she was now, in truth. A woman, not a girl. Sometimes Rhaena would catch her reflection and not recognise herself in it with how much she had changed.
First because of Lord Stark and then because of Tyrion, she had eaten well these past two years and because of the proper nourishment she had grown like a sprout in rich soil. She was as tall as Sansa now, though her body was adorned with silvery marks in many places for the sudden and quick growing. Despite their jagged appearance, Rhaena rather liked them and often when bathing would trace them one by one against her thighs, her hips and her waist. She was no longer a child but a woman, and as a woman Rhaena intended to use everything at her disposal not only to secure Robb's place as King in the North but also to take revenge against those who had ever done her wrong. Robert had died at her hands, though perhaps killing him had been more of a mercy than anything, but there were still others. Most notably, the Lannisters. If it were not for them, then her House would not have fallen. Cersei and Joffrey deserved retribution for their abuse and foulness of character, and Tywin Lannister was the reason Rhaena's family had perished. Her brother's wife and children had been murdered by Tywin Lannister's own bannerman, the Mountain, so she eagerly anticipated subjecting them to the torment they deserved. In truth, she would like nothing more than to have gone with Robb and watched the great keep of Casterly Rock fall and be put to the torch. In such moments of overbearing anger and hatred, not even her love of Tyrion could stay her temper though afterwards once the rage had subsided she would remember her little friend and reconsider burning his beloved home to the ground.
She thought of him often as she did Bronn, praying that they were safe and well even in the viper's nest of King's Landing. Perhaps she would only see them again if it came to a final battle between the houses of the lion and the wolf, but it would be a miserable reunion as one side would have to lose and there would be no opportunity to drink and laugh together as they had before. How wretched the world had become, and it only grew increasingly grey the further north they went, as if all colour was gradually sapped from the land until the Riverlands were far behind them and ahead lay the monochronic effigy of a wet, dreary and lifeless land watched over by the Twins, a pair of near identical keeps situated either side of the broad river of the Green Fork, united by a single bridge. A chill ran through her as she looked upon the frigid towers and parapets. A sudden desire to turn her horse about and simply gallop away took hold and Rhaena had to physically grasp hold of her own hand to keep herself from pulling upon the reins in order to pull her horse in the other direction. A familiar yet strange heat began to rise in the base of her stomach which set her nerves further alight. She had felt that same sensation when she was certain she had felt Bran in her room and ever since leaving King's Landing, that same feeling had returned again and again with increasing intensity with each times. It now rose from the bottom of her stomach towards her chest, ticking on the inside of her flesh which made her want to scratch and claw at it just to satiate the sensation.
There was no way of knowing or understanding what the feeling was but Rhaena had come to understand that whenever this sensation took hold of her, something was either going to happen, or something was happening to her. Whether it was Bran's spirit watching over her or some kind of sorcery which had possessed her, Rhaena had not the faintest idea but strangely, it did not frighten her. If anything she welcomed it, like an old friend whose face she had long since forgotten but knew instinctively by their presence. With a tap of her heels to her horse's flank, she moved forwards along with the rest of the travelling party in order to enter into the fortress of Lord Walder Frey's seat. The Twins did not offer her the same comfort and assurance of safety as Riverrun had. If anything, she felt more alert and aware of everything than even whilst travelling the road. Perhaps it was simply her own mind playing tricks on her as she knew Lord Frey was soon to lose his temper and no one could be certain how he would respond to Robb's absence. Only time would tell, and that time was soon to be upon them. At the very least Rhaena hoped she might be able to use her charms to placate the old lord before he could truly become enraged, though there was little he could do. They were guests of his own invitation and they had guest rights. He could not hurt them.
A least that was what Rhaena hoped. Even after taking the bread and pressing it into the salt a servant held for her, Rhaena continued to feel uneasy as she partook of the tradition which offered her the supposed protection of a guest. The burning in her stomach felt as if it would create a hole directly through her. "My honoured guests, be welcome within my walls and at my table. I extend to you my hospitality and protection in the light of the Seven." Speaking the words with a voice which sounded as grating as the touch of chalk, Rheana lifted her eyes from where she stood behind Lady Catelyn with Sansa, Lady with them also, dutifully sat between Rhaena and Sansa who kept her hand to her neck for comfort beside her as Rhaena took her first look upon the old Lord Frey. There was no disappointment in what Rhaena found, for how could one be disappointed when there was no expectation to begin with? Lord Frey was merely a greasy looking old man with a tendency to drool at one corner of his mouth. Repugnant in every way. Averting her gaze from the old man Rhaena looked instead to Lord Edmure who stepped forwards in Robb's stead to greet Lord Frey with a graceful bow and smooth countenance.
"We thank you for your hospitality, Lord Frey. Your generosity is quite magnanimous." A cold sharpness hardened the sagging features of the lord as he stared at Lord Edmure even whilst taking the bread and salt from the servant who had brought it forwards, consuming it to complete the rite. He knew. He knew and he was furious. It was a wonder his voice did not rattle and break from the way he trembled with his fury. Even his unfortunate wife took a large step away from him as Lord Frey fixated his gaze upon his guests, sweeping over them in order to seek out Robb. Of course, he was not there.
"But where is the King in the North? Where is King Robb? I was promised that he would be here to attend the wedding, that he would offer his formal apologies to me and my daughters whom he shunned against his own vows." The yellowed and ragged fingernails of Lord Walder dug deeply into the armrests of his seat until they scratched and scraped at the splinters.
"His Grace was called away upon an urgent military matter, my lord. He begs pardon and will return as soon as he is able." Lord Edmure spoke smoothly and gave a rather convincing lie which impressed even Rhaena. "He asked to send his assurances that his word will be kept and intends to arrive before the wedding celebrations conclude." But then Lord Edmure faltered in his bravado a little, becoming slightly foolish and selfish as he looked to the lord with a hopeful expression which almost gave away the entire game. "If there is still to be a wedding, that is." Rhaena could have kicked the man for his stupidity. Lord Walder's eyes bulged in their sockets as his teeth clenched. He looked as if he were about to burst on the spot with his outrage, a low growl beginning at the back of his throat as if preparing to raise his voice and shout down everyone in his wake. Seeing that the situation balanced upon the rim of a coin and may yet fall one way or another, Rhaena suddenly strode forwards until she stood before Lord Edmure and presented herself to Lord Frey with a dazzling smile as she cast back her hood and dropped into one of the lowest curtseys she had ever delivered. It was far too much for a mere lord, but she supposed that a man such as Lord Walder would be pleased to receive such a respectful and reverent greeting. She was right. The sound died away almost instantly.
"My dear Lord Frey, I cannot begin to tell you how greatly this distresses me." She told him sweetly and ensured to stretch her words so that they drew the attention of every man in the room, pulling their entire focus upon her so that even as she spoke they would hear her words but not entirely listen to what was being said, merely nod and agree blindly. "His Grace spoke to me personally before duty forced him away and to see him so wretched was heart breaking. He feels miserable, my lord, but a king is bound by more than one duty and must answer each one as he can. Duty has pulled him away, but honour shall bring him back, my lord. I give you my word." Still lowered to the ground before the old man, Rhaena took a care to pull away her hair from her face and delicately slide it behind her ear to expose her neck, using every movement and word to her advantage. If politics will not succeed, then seduction would. Unfortunately, Rhaena had learned this from Cersei herself and thus felt assured that her tactics would not fail. Lord Frey was staring at her so intently that Rhaena shuddered inwardly and decided that she would have a bath as soon as she was able just to wash away the feeling of his eyes seemingly attempting to peel away at her clothing. Still, she smiled winsomely.
"And who might you be?" He Leaned himself forwards in order to see the young woman, barely more than a girl, who had knelt before his feet. Pale hair and glimmering eyes looked back at him as the girl's face came increasingly into focus. Unparalleled beauty. That was what he saw. "Are you perhaps the little chit King Robb broke his oath for? Wouldn't blame him if it were true. Were I half my age then I'd have thrown you into the hay for a tumble without a second thought to whatever damned oaths I'd given." A collection of indignant and insulted noises came from behind Rhaena even as she fought to maintain her composure, not allowing her smile to slip and even giggled with a faint pink blush to her cheeks as she dared to move a little closer and place her hand upon Lord Walder's foot, continuing the act of a young and simple-minded maiden.
"No, my lord. I am merely a ward of His Grace's generosity. My name is Rhaena, and I am completely at your service." A sickening smirk began to pull at the lord's lips as he seized hold of Rhaena's hand in order to clutch it closely, feeling the soft smoothness of her skin.
"Then it is a pleasure to meet you, my dear." Rhaena giggled once more.
"My lord, we have travelled since dawn through such torrential rain just to hasten our arrival and we ladies are especially tired. Perhaps, with your permission of course, might we be allowed to retire for now in order to take rest so that we might begin the wedding festivities as soon as we are able? I have never been to a wedding before and am eager to see the proceedings with my own eyes. What say you, my dear lord?" Withholding her contempt, Rhaena brushed her fingers against Lord Walder's as she continued to charm him, the glowing heat in her belly gradually spreading across her body until she could feel it in her throat, her hands, even at the crown of her head. It felt softening and was the only reason she was able to tolerate the touch of the nauseating man before her. Lord Walder seemed to make a show of considering for a long while before eventually giving a twisted grin. He touched at Rhaena's face and hair, speaking lowly and quietly as if only to her even as he dared to trace the line of her jaw and pull his finger down her throat and linger at the line between her breasts.
"But of course, my dear. Tents shall be raised outside for your men where they shall be given food and ale. As for you ladies, you may take rest until it is time for the ceremony to begin." All the while he spoke his eyes had remained entirely focused upon the neckline of Rhaena's dress. Eventually however Lord Walder released Rhaena who bowed her head graciously and showered him with her flattery as she retreated, Ser Brynden swiftly grasping holding of her arm in order to draw her away from the lascivious old man and into safety. He had no idea how the girl had borne his looks and touches, but he admired her gall. With just a few simple words and a smile Rhaena had ended Lord Walder's anger and secured the proceeding of the wedding to give Robb more time to march on Casterly Rock. In fact, Lord Walder seemed to have entirely forgotten about Robb and the woman he had broken his vows for, not even demanding to see her. Instead, the women were ushered away out of sight whereby Lady Catelyn promptly seized hold of Rhaena and began to fuss her, cursing under her breath once they were safely out of range of being overheard.
"That disgusting lecherous…you did well Rhaena, but you need not have suffered his advances in such a manner. I shall not have you give yourself away so freely just for our sake." She began to scold in a motherly fashion as she embraced Rhaena with a deepening sigh, stroking at her hair before then insisting that she wash herself clean. Rhaena had no argument and did not hesitate to strip naked and scrub herself raw once hot water had been provided. Talisa and Sansa complimented Rhaena for her peace-making abilities, washing themselves clean from the road so that they were dust and dirt free. Rhaena felt no pride in it. She felt hollow and could still feel his touches upon her no matter how hard she scrubbed. Still, it had been a necessary evil, and it was all for the sake of Robb and his family. Nothing was too much, not for them. She would gladly walk into a raging flame if it meant ensuring their survival and their happiness. Even though there was little that she could do at present, Rhaena remained determined to one day repay all that she owed the Stark family, not just for herself, but for all that they had suffered and endured because of her House. It was only right, and her love for them only deepened her resolve.