Sorry for the long wait, but the real culprit here is whoever made my exam schedule haha

I hope you still remember what has happened so far!

Without further ado, please enjoy!

PS: I proofread this twice, I swear, but it seems my braincells aren't cooperating tonight.

"Where have you been?" Robb inquired as soon as she entered their bedroom, lifting his gaze from the pile of papers spread out on the desk. He had woken up quite early, and yet she had already been gone.

Then, he noticed the large pile of books she was carrying, trying to balance them between her hands and her chin. In a trice, he was standing in front of her, grabbing the books from her arms. Robb had told her numerous times she shouldn't exert herself but Narcissa never seemed to listen.

"First, I met with seamstress to order a few new dresses," she said, or rather almost sang as happy as she was, before skipping to the largest window and opening it wide. Riverrun was beautiful, it almost reminded her of Florence. "Then, I went to the kitchens to get some berries before getting lost around the keep trying to find the library." Narcissa explained before throwing herself on the chaise longue with a smile on her face.

Robb couldn't help chuckling at seeing her happy like this. He wondered if the glow was due to the pregnancy or to her being in a castle, or maybe even both, but in any case, she was shining bright. "For someone who didn't grow up in a castle, you got used to the castle-life rather quickly," he teased, setting the books down by her side of the bed before joining her on the chaise longue.

"The only reason my house wasn't called a castle is because my father is not a lord," she replied lightheartedly. "The villa looks very austere from the outside, but on the inside, it's the most beautiful home. There is a garden within the walls, in the center and I always went there to read."

"You do read quite a lot," he commented, lazily resting his head on her chest as his hand caressed her stomach. "But I don't know how you'll manage to go through all those books while we're here," Robb said, gesturing at the pile of books he had just set down.

He had perceived it as soon as they arrived at Riverrun. The way she had changed into her finer dresses before happily strolling through the large corridors, admiring the scenery through the windows or the few paintings that decorated the walls. She even took her time to help Edmure with some bookkeeping he was getting behind on since Hoster's death.

Here, she was in her element, not in a war camp surrounded by mud and blood. These thoughts had crossed his mind often since their arrival only three days ago. Maybe she should stay in Riverrun when he went back to war. It would be safer for her and the baby, with a Maester present, and in any case, Narcissa looked happy inside these walls.

"Don't worry," she sighed contentedly, absentmindedly brushing his curls with her fingers. "I read faster than anyone I know."

"Can I ask you something?" Robb murmured after a while, slowly becoming sleepy under her caresses and Narcissa hummed as a reply, not bothering to open her eyes. "Are you going to make me freeze to death until the baby is born?" He asked somewhat seriously.

"What?"

"Each time I close the windows, you reopen them again." Robb explained, as Narcissa chuckled against him.

"It's not my fault you always insist on lighting a fire," she teased. For someone from Winterfell, he was really used to warm chambers. Perhaps it was due to the hot springs Catelyn had told her about.

Robb heard her yawn contently before she adjusted herself to find a better position, ready to sleep some more. He realized that she hadn't lied to him all those months ago when he had asked her what she liked doing for fun and she had replied napping and drinking. In the end, they dozed off like that after Robb covered themselves with a blanket.

"Your Grace!" A man shouted, barging inside the chambers without a warning. Both Narcissa and Robb woke with a start, feeling slightly disoriented.

"What is it?" He groaned with annoyance, getting back up on his feet to go talk with his soldier. Maybe she would be able to go back to sleep if they kept their voices down.

"Willem and Martyn Lannister were killed, your Grace," the soldier informed, speaking quietly but Narcissa heard him all the same, standing up at once, startled by the news.

"How?!" Robb growled so loud, she was certain the walls had shook.

Within minutes, Catelyn, Brynden and Edmure had joined them in their chambers, just as the corpses were brought in. Narcissa stared at the dead Lannisters with horror when she noticed they were just boys. She hadn't even been aware Robb kept prisoners this young.

"Bring them in," her husband ordered the Blackfish.

Brynden opened the doors and Karstark was dragged inside in chains by soldiers, as well as four other of Kartsark's men. Narcissa immediately fell relief washing over her when she saw neither Clive, nor Travis.

"Is that all of them?" Robb asked, but was only answered with silence. "It took five of you to murder two unharmed squires!"

"Not murder, your Grace. Vengeance!" Lord Karstark spat defiantly, not even bothering to look at the boys he had killed. Each time she had been with him, Narcissa had thought Rickard looked rather kind, with his long beard and white hair, but now she could see no kindness in his face.

"Vengeance? Those boys didn't murder your sons. I saw Harrion die on the battlefield, and Torrhen…"

"Was strangled by the Kingslayer!" Rickard Karstark shouted, glaring at Catelyn next to Narcissa. "They were his kin."

"They were boys! Look at them." Robb shouted and she saw his whole frame shake with anger. Without a thought, she made her way over to him, hoping that her presence would help him remain calm.

"Tell your mother to look at them. She killed them as much as I."

"My mother had nothing to do with this. This was your treason."

"It's treason to free your enemies. In war, you kill your enemies. Did your father not teach you that, boy!" Karstark yelled before being kicked to his knees.

"Leave him." Robb ordered without needing to raise his voice.

"Aye, leave me to the king. He wants to give me a scold before he sets me free." Lord Karstark said tauntingly, his voice heavy with sarcasm as he rose to his feet again. "That's how he deals with treason, our King in the North or should I call him the King who lost the North."

"Escort Lord Karstark to the dungeon. Hang the rest of them." Robb instructed his men with a curt nod.

"Mercy, sire! I didn't kill anyone, I only watched for the guards." One of the Karstark soldiers begged as he was being dragged out of the room.

"This one was only the watcher. Hang him last so he can watch the others die." Her husband said with a bitter smirk before taking his seat at the head of the table. Under different circumstances, she would have been proud her attitude was rubbing off on him and would have congratulated him for the punchline.

"Word of this can't leave Riverrun." Edmure said as soon as the men had left. "They were Tywin Lannister's nephews . The Lannisters pay their debts. They never stop talking about that."

Robb retorted coldly that he refused to be a liar as well as a murderer. Narcissa wasn't surprised by this, she knew how much he hated lies.

"I'm not fighting for justice, if I don't serve justice to murderers in my ranks, no matter how high born. He has to die." He said, his words surprising Narcissa. Karstark needed to be punished, no doubt about that, but executing him?

"The Karstaks are Northmen they won't forgive the killing of their Lord." Catelyn objected softly and Narcissa wholeheartedly agreed.

"Your mother is right." She said, speaking for the first since she had seen the Lannister corpses. "If you do this, the Karstarks will abandon you."

Robb turned to look at her with attention but everyone started speaking at the same time before he could say anything. Catelyn was pleading for Karstark to be kept as a hostage, the Blackfish was going on about the Wall and she couldn't even make out what nonsense Edmure was saying.

"You are all excused." Narcissa announcedly calmly yet loudly enough to be heard over the cacophony as the Tullys finally shut their mouths, but none of them made their way to the exit. "I said, you are all excused," Narcissa repeated through gritted teeth.

She stood still, listening as their footsteps became fainter until she couldn't hear them no more and the door was closed behind her.

"You cannot execute Lord Karstark," Narcissa breathed out before sitting down at the opposite end of the table. She dared a look at her husband and noticed without surprise that he looked beyond furious.

"If I don't do it, if I don't punish him, what's stopping other men from crossing me as well," Robb snarled, focusing his gaze on the table. One of his bannermen had gone behind his back and killed two of his prisoners, children no less. What would be next if he did nothing?

"Respect," Narcissa said calmly, leaning back on her chair. "Respect for you, for their king is what keeps them loyal. You kill Karstark, you'll lose his men's respect and loyalty."

"Respect?" Robb blurted out as he stood up abruptly, making the table tremble and some wooden figurines fall over. "Karstark disrespected me the moment he killed those boys. Fear is what keeps them in line!" He shouted, making Narcissa flinch at his tone even though she knew his anger wasn't directed at her. In reality, he was starting to sound too much like a Lannister for her taste.

"Your mother disrespected you the moment she set the Kingslayer free." Narcissa stated flatly, observing him as he paced in front of her with his right hand on the hilt of his sword. "Last time I saw her, her head was still attached to her shoulders." She pointed out in a sharp tone, making Robb turn to look at her with disbelief in his cold blue eyes.

"She is my mother!" He hollered.

"And a traitor all the same." She added more quietly, fearing that the situation might escalate but into what she did not know.

"If I don't execute him, they'll think me weak." He sighed, feeling guilty after having noticed her change in tone and realizing that he had been yelling at his wife.

"And if you do, they'll think you an hypocrite." The truth was, there was no right answer. Whatever he decided to do now would set a precedent and no option was perfect. "Keep him as a prisoner, allow him to take the Black or give him a trial, Robb, your choice. I know you can't appear weak, but you don't need to be ruthless either."

"Lord Karstark showed no mercy when he killed the boys, why should I?" He asked almost rhetorically, leaning forward over the table and casting a large shadow over it. "I'll sentence him to die and carry it out myself." He decided then, his tone final before heading to the double doors.

"Robb!" Narcissa protested, feeling somewhat scared as she scrambled to her feet to join him and hope to calm him down, make him change his mind.

"Are you going to cross me as well, Narcissa?" Robb said, looking at her intensely, his voice somewhere between mockery and provocation as he stared into his wife's large brown eyes.

"You are my husband and my king, Robb. I would never openly challenge your decision, but…" She said, intending to finish her sentence with 'but I disapprove of this' when he interrupted her.

"Good." Robb barked before storming out of the room.

-/-/-/-

Rain was falling down heavily as they stood gathered in the courtyard to witness Lord Rickard Karstark's execution. Narcissa stood under the canopy next to Robb as they watched the man be dragged in front of them by two soldiers. She wanted to grab his hand and hold him back but she knew it was his decision to make and he had made it.

Narcissa didn't take her eyes off Robb as he marched over to Lord Karstark in the rain. Even from where she stood, all she could hear were the raindrops hit the steel of his armor and it was deafening. Robb's strides were confident, and even as he spoke to the Northern Lord, his voice was cold and clear, with no hint of hesitation or remorse. And then Karstark fell to his knees next to Robb, his head on the executioner's block.

"Rickard Karstark, Lord of Karhold, here in sight of Gods and men, I sentence you to die," Robb stated solemnly with his sword held tightly between his hands. "Would you speak a last word?"

"Kill me and be cursed! You are no king of mine," Karstark bemoaned loudly, looking at him defiantly.

And then, without warning, Robb's blade cut clean through the man's neck. Instinctively, Narcissa closed her eyes as the lifeless head fell to the ground. The sound of it made her stomach turn. The only time she had watched a man die before was when she had tried to escape and the Lannister spy was shot down by an arrow. And maybe it was the adrenaline she had felt then, but this was different.

Perhaps she had been sheltered, even after all this time in war, but she had never seen Robb kill a man before. She knew he had, everyone praised his exploits in battle but she had never seen him do it. Especially, like this, in cold blood. When she heard about his killings in battle, it sounded like something far away, almost like it was someone else. And now, she had watched him kill someone without hesitation right in front of her.

She couldn't take her eyes off her husband as he threw his bloodied sword and marched off, only pausing to toss his gloves in the fire. Slowly, everyone deserted the courtyard and Karstark's corpse was removed, and yet, Narcissa stood there watching the blood stained grass that even the rain couldn't wash off. Watching where Robb had just stood with a bloodied sword. Staring at the spot where the traitor's head had rolled off.

Ned Stark had been executed in the same fashion, but she hadn't been there to witness it, to hear the noise and see the blood. It made her feel dizzy for some reason and she held herself upright to a metal pole supporting the canopy, trying to erase what she had just witnessed from her memory and failing at every attempt. And then, suddenly, a servant girl appeared in front of her, holding an open umbrella.

Her steps were too loud as she walked out on the cold stone back to her chambers. She cringed every time her heels hit the floor, biting her tongue to keep herself from screaming until she tasted blood in her mouth. A head had rolled off in front of her and yet no one else had even blinked.

Narcissa threw open the double doors to her room only to spot Robb with a cup in his hand, staring out of the windows to the grounds where he had just killed someone. "I sent her l to bring you back," he said and his voice sounded raspy. "I hope you are alright."

She remained frozen for a second, before slowly exhaling and stepping inside. "Thank you," she whispered, avoiding walking to close to him as she made her way to the screen in order to change into some fresh, dry clothes, somehow feeling dirty by what she had just seen. Her hands were shaking as she fumbled with the fastenings of her cloak, her fingers sliding over the metal clasps over and over again until she was finally able to remove the furs and throw them on the floor, as far away from her as she could.

"Are you alright?" Robb asked, softly grabbing her arm to pull her up to him until he noticed her growing stiff under his touch. She didn't pull away, and yet her reaction, was one of rejection all the same. "Are you afraid of me?" He inquired urgently, pulling her up by her shoulders until he was able to look at her face. He didn't need her to reply, he could see the fear in her eyes.

"Narcissa, I would never do anything to hurt you." Robb promised, cradling her against his chest. Somehow, her fear hurt him more than any anger she could have expressed. "I'm sorry you were there to watch it, but it needed to be done."

"Don't call it 'it'," she blurted out weakly. "What you just did has a name. It's murder."

"Aye," Robb nodded slowly, his grip instinctively tightening around her. "I murdered him and I would do it again. It is not pleasant, but it is what needs to be done and I'll do whatever needs to be done to win this war and keep the North safe, keep my family safe." He explained, hoping she wouldn't look at him differently now, cursing himself for have allowed her to watch in the first place. Killing had almost become routine for him since he first left Winterfell, but he kept reminding himself whom he was doing it for. He had no desire to reign over the Seven Kingdoms and wear a heavy crown on his head, he wanted to go home with his family and feel safe.

She desperately tried to hate him for what he had just done, and yet his words made sense. Her father always said the end justified all means. Granted, Cosimo had uttered those words in the context of blackmail and bribery, but Narcissa found them just as fitting. Was killing truly always wrong? Karstark killed two innocent boys and paid for his crimes with his life. Wasn't that fair, rendering justice? Or did it make them just as bad as the Lannisters they were fighting?

"Say something, Narcissa," Robb whispered, almost begging, his fingers still brushing through her brown hair. The longer she remained silent, the more he regretted her having witnessed the execution. Up to now, they might have talked about the war together but it was always in vague terms, keeping the gore outside their tent. Narcissa was strong, he would never dare doubt her strength but he should have preserved her innocence, the way he did when he led her back to her tent after a battle so she wouldn't see the injured and the dead.

"You are right," Narcissa finally muttered against his chest, after an eternity had passed. "You did the right thing."

Crossing a Stark had to come at a high price or else more traitors would arise, she reasoned. Florence had been at peace for ages and yet it had been built on the ashes of those who had fought for it. First, there had to be blood and war so that later there could be peace and prosperity – the end that justified all means. And if fear and blood was the way to reach that, then it was a price she was willing to pay. The Lannisters might have been bad, but they weren't wrong.

-/-/-/-

Unsurprisingly, Karstark's men deserted Robb's army once they got told about their lord's execution. Only a dozen of them remained, Clive included. Even Travis had deserted but Narcissa wasn't taken aback by that. Ever since that night in her tent, they hadn't really spoken to each other. At first she had sought him in order to talk things out, but she had given up eventually.

However, with the Karstark men gone, Robb had lost almost half of his forces. Narcissa had seen it coming, but Robb had believed more would have stayed with him, understanding why he had done it. He was their king after all, but the soldiers had left all the same. Silently, she vowed she would someday make them pay for their treason.

Now largely outnumbered by their enemies, Robb grew restless. Some nights, Narcissa went to bed and woke up the following morning only to notice he had spent all night sat by a candle trying to figure out a plan, something, anything to get them out of this mess. But with a restless husband, soon came a restless wife.

"Just come to bed, Robb," she groaned late one night, drawing the covers over her face. How a single candle could produce so much light, she'd never understand but it did drive her mad. "If you haven't found a miracle solution so far, you won't find one in the dead of the night." Maybe her words weren't exactly the nicest, but she didn't truly care. Sleep was sacred.

"I'm sorry for keeping you up," Robb murmured apologetically and Narcissa managed to open her enough to see that he was pouring himself some ale. He pushed his chair back as quietly as he could and stood up, stretching his body. His joints cracked, making him realize that he had been sitting in the same position for ages. Robb walked to the door, deciding to go brood in the library instead so she could sleep. Narcissa couldn't help but rolling her eyes, this wasn't what she had meant. "Have you received word from Oberyn Martell?" He asked, stopping in his tracks with his hand on the door handle.

"I already told you," Narcissa sighed, pulling back the covers on his side of the bed and tapping on the mattress so he'd get the message and get some sleep. He found himself smiling at her insistence, and perhaps having her next to him was what he truly needed. "He is still unsuccessfully trying to convince his brother to join the war but I've noticed a change in his writing, he seems more and more determined to avenge his sister."

"You think he could be planning a coup, seize the power from his brother?" Robb wondered, almost hopefully as he discarded his clothes and blew off the candle before joining his wife in bed. She was lying on her side, her head propelled on her arm to look at him and it was obvious she fighting to stay awake.

"Even if he is, it would take too long and unlike Tywin, we do have the luxury of time," she yawned before letting herself fall on her back. First, Oberyn would need to find internal allies, overthrow his brother and then secure his position before he could send an army. That would take months. "Take the mercenaries my father rented and send them here instead of Winterfell," she suggested for the first time, almost embarrassed she hadn't come up with it sooner.

"Winterfell is Winterfell," Robb objected at once, staring at the ceiling with one arm bent behind his head. "It's our ancestral home. I need it to be under Stark administration, I cannot call myself a King if I don't control my own home." Narcissa shut her eyes tightly to keep herself from saying anything. Whenever Winterfell was involved, Robb became categorical. For all she knew, it could very well be a ruin in the middle of a frozen wasteland but she was smart enough not to voice that opinion in his presence.

They lied in a silence for a few minutes and Narcissa decided it was no longer impolite to fall asleep until she felt his hands on her shoulders and opened her eyes only to find him hovering over her. "Casterly Rock is the Lannisters home," he stated seriously, his blue eyes shining with determination.

In her tired state, it took her a few seconds to get what he meant but as soon she did, Narcissa pushed him away from her and sat up straight with new energy. Maybe this could work, she realized. Robb was willing to go through some crazy lengths for Winterfell and Tywin would most likely do the same for Casterly Rock. He'd be forced to send his armies and Robb could face them in battle. "That would have been a brilliant idea if you still had the Karstarks," she said with sadness but Robb's smug smile didn't falter.

"I do not need the Karstarks if I have the Freys," he pointed out and this time she couldn't help but frown at his idea. She'd strangle her grandfather if ever laid eyes on him again, and she wasn't sure the feeling wasn't mutual.

"Walder Frey only serves one person and that person is Walder Frey," she said warily.

"His great-grandchild will be king after me," Robb grinned as if he was suddenly reminded he would be a father soon. "I'm certain he'll make an exception."

Narcissa wasn't entirely convinced that he would but conceded that it could be worth a try. What did they have to lose in trying? Robb sent a raven out to the Twins the very same night and Walder Frey agreed to send two of his sons to negotiate a deal.

-/-/-/-

"Thank you for riding here so quickly. I know travel isn't easy in these times." Robb said to Lothar and Black Walder who were sitting opposite him, on the other side of the table. Narcissa was at his right, eating grapes and eyeing her uncles suspiciously. Walder had so many sons who all looked the same, she wasn't even sure she had talked to either of these two during her short stay at the Twins.

"When the King of the North summons us, we come." Lothar said in a tone that didn't convey much respect but she seemed to be the only one to notice that.

"Our father instructed us to tell you that his alliance with the North can continue if his terms are met," Black Walder said and Narcissa turned her head to look at Catelyn.

They knew Walder would ask for something in return. They had talked about it the previous night. The brunette had bet he would want Harrenhal while the red-head expected he'd ask for some other marriage, most likely of Robb's unborn child to some of his many grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Narcissa had almost pointed out that would border on incest, but was then reminded of the Targaryen dynasty.

Robb would agree to give up Harrenhal if it meant they could get the entire Frey army and truly, a ruin in exchange for thousands of soldiers wasn't a bad deal. But she was sure he'd never agree to an arranged marriage on their child's behalf. Worst case scenario, she'd hit his head with a brick but she knew Robb well enough to be sure he would refuse to do that.

"Lord Frey demands Harrenhal and all its attendant lands," Lothar said and Narcissa couldn't help but grinning at her mother-by-law. She owed her five Gold Dragons now.

"It is his once the war is over and we have no further strategic need for it," Robb agreed and gestured for one of the servants to bring some parchment and ink. It had gone much more smoothly than expected.

"And there is something else," Black Walder added out of the blue. Narcissa cocked her brow at her uncle as Robb grew stiff next to her.

"What?" Robb inquired, patience slowly leaving his voice.

"Not what, whom." Black Walder said, pointing his head at Edmure who looked confused for a second until he realized what the man meant and immediately proceeded to loudly voice his refusal.

"Our father requires Lord Edmure to wed one of his daughters, Roslin."

"You've got to be kidding me!" Narcissa blurted out, ready to jump at their throats but Robb stopped her in time, pushing her back into her chair with his arm even though he was just as angry as she was.

"The original terms were that Lord Stark marry one of his daughters, which he did. This new demand is simply preposterous," she argued with fury, barely noticing Edmure who was nodding at her words right next to her. Truth be told, she couldn't care less whether Edmure wanted this marriage or not, but Walder deserved a finger, had been given a hand, and now expected the whole arm. She'd be damned if she allowed that to happen!

"Lord Walder Frey is of the belief that Narcissa has always been more of a Medici than a true Frey," Black Walder replied calmly, looking at Robb and ignoring her completely. She could feel her blood boil inside her veins, but next to her, Robb seemed completely unfazed which in her eyes could only mean he had gone mad.

"Please excuse us while we discuss his terms," Robb commanded flatly.

Narcissa's stare bore into the Freys' backs as they exited the room. If looks could kill, she'd need a new black gown for their funeral.

"You see what they're doing," Narcissa hissed angrily into his ear as soon as the Freys were gone. "You did what he asked, you married me and now he's asking for more." She objected quietly so that no one else would hear. It was one thing when they did it in private, but she knew better than to openly question his authority in the presence of others, especially Edmure and the Blackfish.

"Walder Frey didn't ask me to marry you." Robb whispered , grabbing her hand. "He asked me to marry one of his daughters, and when I chose you, he tried to convince me to pick Roslin or another one instead, but I insisted. He was never pleased with my choice." Robb said and Narcissa then remembered how disgruntled Walder looked on her wedding day when he came to her chambers to bring her to the Godswood.

"Lord Brynden," she said out of the blue, standing up from her chair. "I see that neither you nor I are enjoying the Frey's company, so would you accompany on a walk instead?" She asked, barely noticing the curious look Robb was addressing her.

The Blackfish seemed rather uncomfortable with the offer but extended her his arm nonetheless. "As you wish, your Grace," he muttered halfheartedly before leading her out of the room, into the large corridors facing the Red Fork. Narcissa enjoyed the fresh wind, but that wasn't the reason she had asked him on a walk.

"I hear you are a shrewd man, Blackfish," she said, finding amusement in his nickname. "So tell me, what do you think of my grandfather, Walder Frey?"

"He might be the least pleasant man I've ever met. I've seen wet shits I like better than Walder Frey." The Blackfish spat with no regard for politeness or propriety, until he remembered whom he was talking to. "My apologies, your Grace, I shouldn't-"

"I agree." Narcissa replied with a chuckle, cutting him off. "That is why I wished to speak with you, Lord Brynden," she confessed, leading the tall man into a dark corner where they could speak freely.

Narcissa scanned their surroundings quickly, making sure they were alone. "Walder Frey requires Harrenhal and Edmure's hand in marriage in exchange for his soldiers," she whispered. "Do you think that's wise?"

"Robb, I mean the King, has decided to agree to his terms." Brynden replied carefully. "We need his men."

"Indeed, we do," Narcissa agreed. "But I'm willing to bet we could go to the Twins, agree to kiss wrinkled arse, and Walder Frey would still refuse us his men at the last moment."

The Blackfish looked down at her with caution and curiosity. "You think your grandfather is making us lose time?" He inquired.

"I can't say, but I do know that he is unreliable and capricious, wouldn't you agree?" Narcissa asked pointedly, cocking her eyebrow. "Now, Lord Brynden, would you do me a favor?" She asked, waiting for him to nod. "As we speak, the sellswords my father hired are marching to Winterfell. I want half of them to head to the Twins instead, just in case Walder Frey goes back on his word."

"You should be discussing this with the King, with your husband," the Blackfish argued, though his tone suggested that he did in fact agree with her.

"Winterfell is the Starks ancestral home, Robb would never agree to what I'm suggesting which is why I am talking to you, Lord Brynden," Narcissa stated quietly. She had tried talking to Robb and Catelyn about it, but neither of them seemed to listen to reason when Winterfell was involved. "Do you have a trustworthy man to carry the message?"

The Blackfish sighed, not entirely pleased to go behind his King's back, but she had convinced him. He had met Walder Frey often enough to know he didn't hold himself to high moral standards. Maybe if they got to the Twins with more men, Walder would feel pressured to obey in fear of being quashed. "I do. I'll send him off today."

-/-/-/-

Black Walder and Lothar Frey had departed almost three days ago, and ever since then, Robb had been organizing their travel north. It didn't please him to ride north only to come back to south again, but it needed to be done.

Narcissa heard him enter their room just as she was buckling up her overflowing trunk with difficulty. "I've received the new gowns I ordered today," she said without bothering to turn around. "I think the seamstress got the measurements wrong because I can't imagine ever being large enough for them to fit me properly." Narcissa laughed, though just a little horrified by the idea of it, before spinning on her feet.

"Is something the matter?" She asked with concern, noticing his deep frown. Instinctively, she made her way over to him until she was close enough to pull him down for a kiss. "You know you can share your concerns with me, Robb," Narcissa smiled timidly but he didn't mimic the action.

Instead, he took her hand and led her to the table. "Come sit with me." He said before pulling her into his lap. At once, his left hand went to rest on her belly, using his right one to pour them two cups of wine. Narcissa took only a small sip, having recently noticed that wine now made her grow tired and the night was still young.

"We depart for the Twins tomorrow morning," Robb informed, drowning his whole cup in one take, preparing himself for what was to come.

"I know," she nodded, popping a grape into her mouth. Gods, she would miss these luxuries while travelling. "I'm already fully packed and I've started packing your belongings." If anyone had told her two years ago that one day she'd be packing her husband's luggage, she would have laughed at their face. However, Robb was rather messy – that was putting it kindly – and Narcissa couldn't help but cringe every time she looked into his trunk.

The words felt heavy on his tongue, it's not that he doubted his decision but he had to brace himself for the outburst of anger that would follow on her end. "You're staying at Riverrun, Narcissa."

Robb had expected her to start yelling or even to slap him, but she found herself laughing out loud instead, eating another grape. "The hell I am."

"I knew you would argue with me, but hear me out," Robb pleaded before leaning forward to grab the bowl of grapes so she didn't have lean over the table and pick them one by one. Ever since they had arrived at Riverrun, she was either eating grapes or berries all the time.

"I'm not arguing with you, Robb," Narcissa said calmly, taking a handful of red grapes from the bowl in his hands. "I am going to the Twins and that is final." She had no patience to have this kind of conversation on their last evening at Riverrun, but it seemed Robb was intent on ruining the mood.

"It's not your decision to make, Narcissa," he groaned softly, rubbing her stomach. The bump mas becoming more pronounced now and she couldn't hide it any longer, especially not while sitting down.

"Whose decision is it then? Yours?" She scoffed, moving her head to face him properly, a smirk on her lips. "Both you and I know very well that is not how our relationship works." Narcissa teased before leaning down to place a quick kiss on his lips.

Her confidence both unnerved and aroused him. She was right, that was not how things usually worked between them, but this was something different, something he couldn't compromise on. "You said yourself that it's beautiful here, that you like Riverrun," Robb coaxed, knowing very well that he'd lose if he forced the decision on her instead of convincing her of it.

"I also like grapes and you don't see me wanting to stay in a vineyard," she argued, cocking her eyebrow before turning her attention to bowl of fruit again. "Again, you and I both know how this discussion will end, so let's drop it and enjoy our evening."

"Narcissa, listen," Robb groaned, trying to grab her arm but she had already walked away, out of his reach. "You're with child and there's a Maester in Riverrun. You'll be more comfortable here, safer here." He explained as calmly as he possibly could at this point, eyeing her intensely as she stood in front of the window, observing the Red Fork. The truth was he had made a promise to keep her safe the day he put his cloak around her shoulders by the heart tree, and that one promise he couldn't break.

Narcissa felt her jaw clench so strongly at his words that she might have damaged her teeth then as her fingers dug into the stone window sill. She loved Robb but he became insufferable when he was being overly protective like this. "I won't require a Maester for many moons still, Robb." She groaned, "I am not an invalid."

"An invalid you are not," he acknowledged readily, drinking more wine. Never had he expected that marriage meant so many arguments. Ned had always valued his mother's insight and opinion, but Robb couldn't remember a single instance where she had questioned his authority so fiercely. Hell, he couldn't imagine any other woman in Westeros doing that. "But you are my wife and it's my child you carry. The decision is mine." He asserted, showing dominance.

Robb expected her to shout but was rather pleasantly surprised when she didn't until he noticed her uncharacteristic, almost eerie stillness. Had he gone too far, he wondered worriedly, immediately moving towards her until her voice stopped him in his tracks.

"If you wish to ride out without me tomorrow morning, that's your right and your decision," Narcissa conceded calmly, staring at the river's melodic flowing beneath even though she was aware of his presence right behind her. "But I can tell you now that I will leave Riverrun the very next day, and I am not sure whether I'll follow you to the Twins or sail to Essos instead." She warned, trying to suppress her guilt of having resolved to blackmail against him but she wouldn't be locked in a gilded cage, not matter how beautiful.

Most Westerosi men would strike their wives for less, but he wasn't most Westerosi men and she wasn't the archetypal wife. His first instinct was to call her bluff and ignore her warning, but this was Narcissa and empty threats weren't her habit. "You are a guileful woman," he spat, closing in on her in one quick stride. "Why have the Gods made me love a guileful woman?" Robb asked bitterly, forcefully fisting her hair to pull her to him and make her look at him.

She didn't look into his eyes with fear, there was only audacity in the way she cocked her head despite the pressure and stared at him with defiance. "Don't fault the Gods for your own weakness, Robb." Narcissa taunted, still sporting the same smug smile but all he could focus on was the provocative way in which she had uttered his name, popping her lips at the end. She might have won the argument but he'd make her pay for her manipulation.

Her back was hustled against the cold stone wall under the violence of their kiss, but the harshness of it was satisfying. He ripped through the fabric of her skirts as if it were a mere obstacle to his goal. His lips grated on the skin of her neck firmly enough to leave a mark and yet she moaned, the raspy sound driving him wild. Why indeed had the Gods made him love her? Why did he have to enjoy the feel of her body beneath his hands so much that it nearly drove him mad when she squirmed against him? Why did her provocation and defiance thrill him to the point where he couldn't help but look past her disobedient nature?

Maybe it was the way in she let her head fall back and collide against the wall, mouth half open when he locked her nipple between his teeth. Maybe it was the way her nails dug into his shoulders when he carried her to bed before covering her body with his. Maybe it were the heavy eyelids and the surprised gasp that escaped her lips when he entered her, joining their bodies as one.

"You're mine," he panted next to her ear, bracing himself on the wooden headboard as he thrust inside her. After all this time still thrown of balance by the uncanny way their bodies fit together so perfectly. "Say it." Robb ordered in a groan.

"I am yours," she heaved just as the fire burning low in her abdomen became too much to bear and the flames took over all her body by surprise when she reached her peak. "I am yours, just like you are mine." Narcissa added in a shallow breath when she contracted around him without a warning, inducing his own release and a low grow deepl in his throat.

Mindful not to crush her with his weight in her condition, Robb eventually rolled over to his back. Both were trying to catch their breaths as their skins glimmered with perspiration under the moon light shining through the open windows. "Why did you have to be guileful?" He groaned softly.

"Would you have it any other way?" She asked rhetorically, still panting but already smiling.

Tomorrow, they'd set out for the Twins together.

Did you guys recognize the Cersei/Jamie parallel here? I like to think that Robb and Narcissa's relationship is healthier than the one Cersei has with her brother, but I just loved that piece of dialogue at Joffrey's funeral!

I have five more exams until April 29th, so until May, updates will be sporadic. After that I'll be on holidays and will have more time to write.

Please comment and let me know what you think! It never fails to make me smile when you do :)