Jacqueline managed to count twelve riders before she lost track of them. A few were carrying a direwolf banner that was the same color as the cloudy sky. As the northmen rode towards them, all Jacqueline wanted was to turn her horse around and run. But she couldn't run away. Not today. She spotted more riders moving to the sides of her own group looking for any threat yet unseen despite the fact that a peace banner was flown next to the one bearing Joffrey's newly created sigil. She stopped the borrowed palfrey and let the northmen come to her.
Her black riding cloak, which Jacqueline wore over her thin dress of gold, blew in the wind as the riders got closer. "What do you want?" A large man wearing a suit of armor all but yelled at Jacqueline when he slowed his horse to a stop in front of her.
Her stomach twisted with anxiety. "I am Jacqueline Baratheon and I have been sent by King Joffrey as an envoy to Lord Stark to discuss the release and exchange of prisoners." Well, just one prisoner.
"He's the King in the North now." A faceless northman said from the back of the group before being silenced with a wave of the leader's large hand.
The man stared at her for a moment, his dark eyes scanning for any possible signs of danger. "Alright, you can come with us but this lot says here." He motioned towards the ten Lannister guards behind her.
She nodded her head in agreement. The Lannister guards made her just as weary as the northmen did, perhaps more so. She was certain they had been ordered to keep an eye on her, and not just for her safety but for any signs of treason. She wanted rid of them, if only for a short time. "My lady," the leader of the Lannister guard spoke up with mock concern. "I insist on escorting you. For your safety." There it was again. For your safety.
Jacqueline shook her head, not willing to waste this excuse to get rid of the guards, even it that meant leaving behind Ser Antario as well. "The Starks hold no ill will towards me. I'll be fine." The northman mumbled a half-hearted approval before turning his horse around and ordering her to follow.
It was a little past midday when Jacqueline entered the Stark camp. Soldiers milled about, remaining Jacqueline of the Lannister camp, only now the soldiers were dressed in the grey of House Stark or one of their subordinate houses. After a few minutes of following the large man on horseback, they stopped at a small stable and Jacqueline was forced to dismount. Some soldiers stopped to stare at her at as they walked through the camp, though she doubted anyone knew who she was despite her golden dress. After a short walk, the large man stopped in front of an even larger tent. Two armed guards were posted outside the entrance.
"The King has been made aware of your presence. He waits for you inside." The northman said before nudging her into the tent.
Jacqueline had expected a one-on-one negotiation with Robb. Or perhaps Lady Stark and a small number of advisers would be present at the very most. But instead, she was pushed into a crowded tent. Two long tables had been pushed together and three out of the four sides were filled by the lords of the North and the ones present from the Riverlands. The fourth side was empty except for a lonely chair, which Jacqueline took to be meant for her. Further back into the tent, she spotted more guards, and among them was Theon Greyjoy, who giving her a very sinister look. The same look was mirrored in nearly every face in the tent.
She didn't spot Robb Stark until he spoke. He was seated directly opposite her, in the middle of the table on the far side. Next to him sat his stern looking mother. He looked the same as he had when Jacqueline left Winterfell. His face was a bit more serious and his clothing was less heavy due to the warmer climate. But he was still the same Robb. Or so she hoped. "Please, have a seat, Lady Baratheon."
Trying to hide her nervousness, Jacqueline quietly took a seat in the lone chair and placed her hands in her lap. She looked at the strange faces in front of her, unsure of how to begin. Fortunately, Lady Catelyn started for her. "Why are you here?" Her voice was polite but there was a hint of anger in it.
"Lord Tyrion has sent me to negotiate for the Kingslayer's release." Jacqueline kept going, not wanting to answer any unnecessary questions. "A simple trade. Ser Jaime in exchange for your sisters." Jacqueline still had not seen young Ayra but when she asked Tyrion about the girl, the Imp insisted that they knew where she was and that she was safe.
Robb didn't take much time to think. "No," he said quickly after Jacqueline had spoken her part. She noticed Catelyn frown but her and everyone else in the room appeared to have been expecting this answer. They had already known what the Lannisters were willing to trade for Jaime and Robb had already reached a decision. Jacqueline knew the offer would be expected but she at least thought that a discussion would take place before it was turned down.
Frustrated and angry at her uselessness, Jacqueline stood. "Well, then there's no reason for me to be here, your grace." She declared before turning to leave.
"Sit down, Jacqueline." Robb's voice was loud but not unfriendly as he broke with formality. "I wish to speak with you."
Uncertain, Jacqueline returned to her seat with her jaw set, resisting the urge to yell. Stannis was known for grinding his teeth, but Jacqueline felt she would soon become known for biting her tongue.
Robb, now a king, did not suffer from the same affliction. "Why are you helping Joffrey and the Lannisters?"
Jacqueline had to laugh, a sound that caught the room off guard. "Joffrey has threatened to send my head to Renly as a wedding present. I'm not here out of some personal devotion to my so-called nephew, your grace. I'm here because if I declined the request I fear I would be dead."
And awkward silence filled the tent but Jacqueline continued. "You don't trust me. I understand why. No matter my motivations, I'm still working for the other side. So, please, say whatever you need to say and let me be on my way."
"It's about your brothers, my lady." A large, bear-like man to Robb's right said.
Jacqueline looked from him to Robb, confused. Until the realization hit her. Robb has declared himself king, not over the realm but of the North. They were seeking secession. That's what the war was about, not just the death of Ned Stark. And in a war, one needed allies. And that was where Jacqueline's brothers entered into the picture. "You want to know which Baratheon you should align with?"
Robb nodded. Jacqueline leaned back in her chair, tapping a finger against the top of the wooden table. "If it is an alliance with a Baratheon you want, than Renly is your only option. Stannis believes himself to be the rightful King of Westeros, which he is, and he will not suffer anymore kings."
"And Renly will?" The large man asked.
"He won't like that you're trying to steal half his kingdom, but he'll be more reasonable than Stannis." Her oldest brother's inability to compromise would be the death of him. The thought turned Jacqueline sour. "I hope you aren't planning on taking up arms against Stannis. The Lannisters are the real enemy and I'll never forgive you if tragedy befell my brother at the hands of a Stark. Not after the history our families have together."
The North's quest for secession complicated things. Jacqueline had hoped that Renly would eventually come to his senses, unite with Stannis and together the strength from the Stormlands, the Reach, the Riverlands and the North would be able to defeat the Lannisters and remove Joffrey from the throne. But now the North and the Riverlands had their own agenda, one that Stannis would never agree too. And alliance between Renly and Robb would give Renly more validation to continue his quest for the Iron Throne, despite not being the proper heir.
Theon decided to make this thoughts known then. "This is war. Your forgiveness is no concern of ours."
Robb opened his mouth to speak but Jacqueline cut him off. "Robert's rebellion was a success. Tell me, Theon Greyjoy, how successful was your father's rebellion? Or perhaps we should ask your brothers?"
Her words silenced Theon but caused large man to laugh. "Is there anything else, your grace?" Jacqueline asked after the man's laugh faded away.
"Yes," Robb said raising to his feet. "The day is late. I ask that you spend the night here. The riverlands aren't as safe as they use to be."
Jacqueline thought about it. More time away from her bothersome guards was welcome. And she was tired of sleeping on the ground. "I accept, but only if you allow me one thing. I wish to see Jaime Lannister."