Chapter 20

Jory stood still as possible. It would do no good for Nysa if he would show his anger now. In front of him stood Robb Stark - a young man he had seen grown up to become the King in the North - informing Jory that he was to wed Nysa.

They had spoken about this - more than once. She was supposed to stay away from him, not bed to him. He swallowed a deep breath and looked over to window to watch the sky turn dark. It was as though a shadow had been cast upon Harrenhal. And he couldn't help but feel that the cloud would disappear if he made a decision.

"Either way, I would wed your sister," Robb spoke up, denying Jory's previous thoughts.

So the King didn't come here to ask for his permission, Jory shook his head. "Then why did you ask, your Grace?" Robb went to open his mouth but Jory took a step forward. "She is not a simple maiden for you to have your way with and then cast aside in the morning."

"I'm not casting her aside. I am going to do the right thing and wed her, protecting her honor."

"You shouldn't have taken her honor in the first place," Jory shouted before retracting. "Forgive me, my King," he paused, trying to stomp down his temper again.

"You are right. I shouldn't have," Robb admitted. "But it is done and I want to make it right."

"What did my sister say?"

"She cursed me," Robb looked away. "She shouted, claiming that you would aid her in running away before allowing her to wed me."

"Truth be told, I have it in mind to saddle a horse for her," he confessed. "Your Grace, if I may. No one yet knows of this. It is simple thing to correct this, other than marriage. Perhaps you could wed her to one of your Lords' sons, maybe even Harrion Karstark. She was promised already to Torrhen. Maybe if..."

"Out of the question," Robb shook his head.

"The relationship with Lord Karstark needs to be repaired, so I've heard," Jory stated. "And if I'm allowed to speak my mind, your Grace, Lord Karstark has lost two sons. Perhaps allowing Harrion to wed Nysa in Torrhen's place might give him some..."

"What will happen to her when they discover there was no maiden's blood? Not to mention that Harrion is his only son and heir. Having her wed Torrhen - his third-born son - is one thing. Harrion is another matter."

Jory couldn't answer that. He knew that Lord Karstark had granted Torrhen permission to pursue a betrothal with Nysa. But if he was aware of her indiscretion there may not be a place for Nysa in Lord Karstark's good graces.

"She'd hardly go to anyone else."

"Have you thought of nothing else," Jory asked.

"I cannot pass her off to another that easily. This is the only way."

Jory sighed and looked away. He didn't want this and he was damn sure that Nysa was now regretting her actions. But what else could he do, other than to saddle a horse and help her escape to Winterfell? What the King spoke of is true, there was no way to hide that her lack of innocence. They would know in the morning when there was no blood on the sheets. Lord Karstark would think that he was tricked. Any one of Robb's Lords would think they were tricked. That wouldn't repair anything.

Gods, Jory cursed internally. He told her. Seven hells, he told her this would happen.

Jon had never met Alysane Mormont before. Unlike Nysa, he did not have the privilege of being sent to Bear Island for a moon or two. Granted Nysa was sent there because his father wanted her to create friends with House Mormont. Despite his lack of travel to Bear Island, he did meet Maege Mormont and three of her daughters, Dacey, Lyra and Jorelle however. They had attended a feast that was held at Winterfell a couple years back. Lyra and Nysa were close friends by then. And on more than one occasion Lyra was pushed to dance with Jon during that feast. He danced with her because she was pretty and smiled at him but mostly because her mother had looked impressive - like she could cut down any man she wanted to.

Now, Jon couldn't help but think that if he had met Alysane, she'd force Jon to do more than dance and he wouldn't be able to stop it. Alysane Mormont held the same charm that he had seen on Dacey and Lyra. Beyond that charm, there was also a fierce determination set upon her brow as she lifted it at him.

"House Mormont isn't a grand House, is it," asked Sansa one night at sup.

"Sansa," Lady Catelyn chided her.

"I think they're a grand House," Robb added.

"What makes them grand," Sansa looked over to their father.

"It's their loyalty."

All of their heads turned to Nysa who sat at the end of the table with Ser Rodrik. She shied away from the attention and looked down, an apology on her lips at interrupting their conversation but his father didn't correct her. Instead he gestured for her to continue. Nysa played with a piece of bread before shifting in her chair to face them.

"House Mormont has been loyal to House Stark before there were Kings of the North. When House Stark ruled as the Kings of Winter, House Mormont has pledged their fealty." She paused and looked up to his father who nodded.

Lord Eddard Stark glanced about the room, drawing the attention of all his children, including the young Bran who sat curled upon Lady Catelyn's lap. Robb and Jon had heard this now and then but their father was going to repeat it again. Ensuring he had Sansa, Arya and even young Bran's eyes on him, he cleared his throat. "Their lands may be cold but their hearts are not. That is what makes House Mormont rich," his father firmly stated, "their fierce pride and their unwavering loyalty."

Jon had heard that Alysane Mormont flew Mormont as well Stark banners on the acquired Ironborn ships, declaring them for his brother. But would she accept his command to defend the North? He looked to Osric who glanced at Jon and shook his head. He'd receive no help there to face this fierce woman-warrior.

Alysane dismounted from her horse and nodded to Harmund Umber. "Deepwood Motte stands free of Ironborn, I hear."

"And the North has gained a couple ships from what I hear," Harmund laughed before gesturing towards Osric. "It's been a long time, Alysane. This is my nephew, Osric, Jon's second son."

"It seems that second sons are here to protect their homes these days," Alysane smiled, glancing quickly at Jon before looking at Osric. "What are your plans, Osric Umber?"

Osric made a face and then turned to Jon expectantly. "It was Jon's decision to come here to Deepwood Motte. It is Jon's decision to defend the shores of the North from the Ironborn. And once we secure that, it will be..."

"Let me guess," Alysane interjected, "it will be Jon's decision." Jon winced a little at the tone of her voice but couldn't help but smile a bit at remembering his father's words about House Momont's determined pride. "There is no need to pretend that I like this situation of you being in command. Granted," she stepped forward, "it has nothing to do with you being a Snow but everything to do with you breaking your vow. My cousin was considered a traitor and your father..."

"I am no traitor," Jon spoke up, silence falling on the small gathering. "And neither is my father," he added. "The men at the Wall served there under the ruling order of the King of the Seven Kingdoms. The moment King Joffrey murdered my father, he no longer became my King. My allegiance is not to a boy King who would execute loyal and honorable men such as my father. I made a vow to protect the people of the Seven Kingdoms, but that was when there was no King in the North. I broke a vow, yes. Like my father before me, I will stand before the ruling King and receive my judgement. If my brother wants my head then so be it. Until then, I will do all I can to continue to protect the North and the people in it."

Alysane continued her approach to meet Jon. He glanced nervously at Osric who side-stepped out of her way. His heart hammering in his chest, waiting as she came to a stop and slowly grinned.

"Well said, Jon Snow."

Nysa threw the doors open, marched up to Robb and slapped him across his face. She had never been so angry in her life. "How dare you tell everyone!"

"I would not want to dishonor you," Robb shouted back at her.

"Perhaps we should give his Grace some privacy," Lord Umber made to stand but the other Lords looked intently at their King and his soon to be wife.

"I think you dishonored me enough by informing my brother that you bed me last night," Nysa yelled at Robb with little disregard for how many of his Lords were still present. "Then I hear from your mother," she snarled, "that you were about to inform your council of your plans to wed me now! You and I spoke about this earlier! You are to wed Lord Frey's daughter!"

"And if you are with child, my child," he questioned.

"I would have gone to drink moon tea!"

Robb's anger began to grow. "You'd kill my child?" Nysa opened her mouth to answer but he continued on. "You'd do it gladly too, wouldn't you? All because it would be my child that you carry instead of Torrhen's," he snarled.

Lord Karstark was still in the room as well. And as bitter as he had felt when they heard Robb had bedded her, he had a small smile of satisfaction at seeing that she was attempting to persuade him away from wedding her. It seemed as though to him, she still belonged to Torrhen.

"This has nothing to do with Torrhen," Nysa replied. "What happened last night was between you and me. You did not need to tell everyone!"

"I'm glad that I did because now I hope they stop you from murdering my child!"

Nysa shook her head. "It was merely suggested so that you would not need to wed me."

"And have you walk throughout camp with the men believing you to be my whore," he shouted.

"No one would have known that you bedded me if you had just kept your mouth shut!"

"I am trying to do what is right by you!"

"The right thing would have been to send me away from your bed!"

"Odd," he smiled then as he stepped closer towards her. "I heard no objection from you last night."

"Why you arrogant fool! You took my honor gladly knowing that that was the only way to wed me," Nysa shouted. "You know Torrhen would never have done such a thing!"

"You compare me to that oaf? You must not know of the women he had back in Karhold," Robb shouted at her.

"I did know, believe me I saw them!"

Harrion Karstark stood next to his father. Harrion had known about the incident that happened in Torrhen's room. He thought Nysa's departure was a bit abrupt as seeing that she did not wait for Torrhen to return from his hunt. She usually always made sure to bid him farewell. And of course, he would not be an older brother unless he had asked Torrhen what happened. Eddard had said that he should have just taken her maidenhead, kept her at Karhold and wed her. But Torrhen had insisted that she deserved more than that. He knew what Nysa said was correct, Torrhen would have sent her away from his bed.

"And yet you still wish that it was him who you would wed?"

"I never said that," she sounded exasperated.

"You do not need to voice your feelings when it is written all over your face that you had rather have him than me!" Nysa again tried to argue but he marched past her. "You still love him. You said so yourself yesterday. But that does not erase the fact that we lay together and now I am the one who will make it right! I will wed Lady Nysa this afternoon," he announced one more time to all the Lords present. "And I would appreciate it if everyone was there to witness it!"

"You're making a mistake, your Grace," Nysa turned around to face him. "Lord Frey," she voiced her concern. "He will not take kindly to you upon hearing that the betrothal to his daughter has been broken."

"Everyone has been telling me about that," Robb growled. "I will deal with Lord Frey later. I am still your King," he looked about the room. "You chose me, fight for me, support me," he reminded them. "You will also support my decisions and this is final."

"Robb," Nysa took another step forward, pleading desperately.

"You and I will wed before the evening and that will be the end of it!"

He left the room. Nysa wanted to march up to him and continue their arguing. Jory had been the one to stop her. She may have physically been unable to leave the room but Nysa allowed her voice to depart. She shouted and screamed at how infuriated she was at Robb. She cursed him and vowed that she'd find moon tea somewhere in Harrenhal. She said things about him wanting Torrhen dead so that she could belong to him. She accused Robb of many a thing - even not loving her at all.

It did not help that all his Lords had seen their argument. A few of them could also see that their King's marriage was not going to be starting out as a pleasant one and were not the least bit upset about that. It served the young Wolf right to have such a wife.

And what a wife she was proving she'd make.

She showed up at the Sept, scowling in contempt that he had not chose to wed her in the Godswood. Nysa had ripped the cloak from Robb's hands and put it on herself. He had been so angry by her display that he kissed her harshly before the Septon could utter a word at her actions. It was not like their usual kisses. This was aggressive and full of bitterness. She finally pushed back causing Robb to stumble. He lifted his hand to his lip. She had bit him and drawn blood. There were mutters through the crowd as she turned away and faced the Septon.

"Well, go on," she barked at him.

The Septon looked shocked for a moment. Then he cleared his throat and nodded towards the two of them. "My Lords and Ladies, we stand here in the sight of Gods and men to witness the union of man and wife. One flesh, one heart, one soul now and forever," he began as Nysa scoffed.

"Forever is a very long time, your Grace," she said softly to Robb.

"It has already been decided," Robb growled, taking a hold of her hand as the Septon took a step towards them with the ribbon.

Nysa shook her head. "There is still time to get out..."

"No, there is not," he squeezed her hand.

As if to emphasize his words, the Septon began to talk, tying both hers and Robb's hands together. Robb looked over at her and she turned to him as well. "Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder," the Septon continued. "In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls binding them as one for eternity. Look upon each other and say the words," he encouraged as Robb pulled her to turn her body towards his.

Nysa closed her eyes once they both had finished talking. From this day until the end of days, she thought as she felt Robb lean in and kiss her cheek. "I pledge my love," he whispered as she felt a tear roll down her cheek.

She didn't look up when they turned to face the Lords who were present. She could have done more to have prevented it. But now it was done.

"If I did not hold you in such high regard, I would have bedded you and wed in a simple, secret ceremony. That simply would not do because you are worth more than that, you are worth it to me."

Torrhen's words echoed in her mind as she took in the hall around her. Harrenhal, she snorted. Her wedding feast was in Harrenhal. And from what it looked like it could have passed for a simple wedding. A few courses were prepared - the maids in the kitchen had made sure of it. It was a King's wedding after all. They even had a cake where Nysa smiled softly and lifted up a piece for Robb to eat.

She was quiet throughout the entire evening. Robb didn't like it. The more time passed though, the more it sunk in that they were wed. A part of her - the girl who had sneaked off to sleep in his bed or kissed him out in the woods - was happy. But that was only so small and the rest of her felt frustrated with herself and with Robb.

"I did not want to treat you as though you were a serving maid or a bastard girl. You are so much more than that to me, Nysa. I wanted to bed you as my wife."

He could have sent her away as Torrhen had. Robb had pleaded that she stay with him, talk with him. It was his confounded idea that they hide under the table and talk. She felt alone, he was alone. But that didn't mean they were ready to jump into bed with one another. Why couldn't she listen to Jory? Why did she stop outside the door? As upset as she was at Robb, she had no one to blame but herself.

"To the King and Queen," the Greatjon shouted.

More than half the room cheered, even the few Freys who were present. She dared not to look up at the Karstark table. Feeling some of the guards of House Karstark narrow their eyes at her was unsettling. She was certain that this was not the wedding they had in mind. Nysa silently agreed. Because Torrhen had described her wedding - their wedding.

"You should have your brother walk you to the Godswood, place your hand in mine while we stood in front of the heart tree. We would have grand wedding and a lavish feast where my brothers and the other men would fight to dance with you, my beautiful bride."

Furiously wiping a tear away from her eyes, she realized that this wedding couldn't have been more wrong. No one had fought to dance with her. The only acknowledgement from House Karstark - other than the stares - was when Harrion had nodded to her as Jory led her down to Robb. She didn't need to guess at Lord Karstark's thoughts either. It was obvious that he was not the least bit pleased. She had professed her love for Torrhen when they first came to Harrenhal and now she was wedding another - all because her beloved was dead.

She knew exactly what they were all thinking of her and it was not encouraging her the least bit. Some Queen she was turning out to be, she snorted as she sipped her wine. Nysa almost felt like Cersei Lannister.

"I know what your thoughts are," Lady Stark said from beside her. "The men love you. They may not agree with what is happening but in time..."

"In time we will see the damage of our actions," Nysa replied. "I should have made Jory saddle a horse and run away."

"I will go with you," Arya replied.

"No, you will not," Lady Stark turned to her.

"I want to stay and help. Instead I'm being sent back to Winterfell, like some child," she stabbed the table with a knife. "And it is all because of Robb."

"I want the two of you to behave," Catelyn said in a stern tone. "One of you is the King's sister and the other is now his wife," she looked at Nysa. "He needs the support of his kin."

"I didn't want this," Nysa muttered.

"One should have thought about the consequences of such an action beforehand," Catelyn admonished her.

Nysa looked up guiltily at her. "Robb was upset. I wanted to comfort him, be there for him. We were only supposed to talk and then..."

"I know I raised you better than that. You gave into the charms of a man, Nysa. You were supposed to guard yourself, protect yourself against such a thing. I taught you that. Lady Mariah and Lady Sarra taught you that." She leaned forward to drink her wine. "I'm sure that my husband taught you that as well."

Nysa closed her eyes, feeling properly reprimanded and nodded. "You did. You all did."

"Last night was foolish but it had to be corrected. And now there's nothing to be done."

"Did you at least try to talk him out of it," Nysa turned back to her.

"Don't you think I've tried that," she questioned, her voice growing louder and impatient. Nysa swallowed a breath and turned away. "Robb has made his love for you obvious from the start, ever since the betrothal to Lord Frey's daughter. I knew he'd act with his heart instead of his head. But you," she shook her head at Nysa. "I always thought you had more sense."

"I'm sorry."

"You need to stop apologizing. Speaking about remorse for your actions won't erase it. Last night is done and over with. This afternoon is done and over with. You are his wife and you will behave as such. Do you understand, Nysa?"

"Yes, Lady Catelyn," Nysa mumbled.

Catelyn softened a bit at Nysa's depressing tone and reached out to touch the young woman's shoulder. "I have always thought of you as a daughter, if you hadn't known it by now. You were such a joy to have in Winterfell, to see you grow and learn and thrive," she smiled slowly. "I was so proud of how you helped my daughters, so appreciative of everything. But now," she removed her hand. "I am disappointed by your actions, both of you. But that doesn't mean that you can't make it right."

She shook her head and tried to blink away the tears. "How can I right a wrong when we are already wed? I know no way to annul this. And we were wed in a Sept! What do I do to make this right?"

"By being a Queen," was the reply.

"I don't understand."

"Some of the Lords, the guards, the soldiers - they respect you. Ned made sure of that. You and Jon weren't mistreated in anyway. He wanted you to," she paused and took a deep breath. "You owe it to my husband, to me, to House Stark and to the rest of the North to be a strong, merciful, loving and fearless Queen. You know the people, Nysa. Rule over them, now. And you know Robb. Care for him, protect him, guide him," Lady Catelyn advised. "You both will need it."

Nysa nodded.

"I want no more mistakes, do you hear me," Lady Catelyn asked her. "No more foolishness," she demanded as Nysa nodded again. "Starting tomorrow you will go to every meeting Robb has with his Lords, you will ensure that every one of them is heard. You will not show them weakness or tolerate insults of any kind. But you will do that in a gentle manner, befitting a Queen. I've raised you with all the courtesies of a Lady, you need to use them."

"Robb will want to send me back to Winterfell once it is safe. How can I..."

"Convince him you need to stay here with him. He needs an heir."

"I could very well be carrying his child now. Last night..."

"There aren't many ladies who are fortunate enough to conceive in one night. Though," she paused and took another sip of her wine, "Robb was conceived in one night. It could be possible that the two of you are able to do the same as Ned and I. Until you are certain, you will stay by his side." Nysa nodded. "Another thing that you will need to do is choose a Lord or two that will be your main supporters, someone who you can look to for advice and someone who will be able to take your advice to council meetings when you are gone."

"Lord Karstark," she said quickly.

"Good choice," Lady Catelyn nodded. "Let him know that he is not forgotten. He," she paused and looked towards the table, "he was angry with me the most when the Kingslayer was released. I'm sure that the two of you can find some common ground." Nysa opened her mouth to reply but Lady Catelyn shook her head. "Moving on, you will then choose a lady or two to serve as your female companions."

"Jayne Bracken," Nysa named the young woman who she had met while they were under the Lannister's care.

"Of House Bracken," she looked surprised at this.

"She will know the concerns of the Riverlords. That is what you desire for me to understand, isn't it," Nysa looked expectantly at Lady Catelyn who nodded. "I'm also choosing her because she has a strong spirit and is rather stubborn," Nysa bit back a laugh. "When we first met, she was suspicious of me but I believe that after what we've been through, Jayne will help me."

"Excellent," Lady Catelyn responded. "There's still much work to do in gaining the people's respect and admiration. Robb does that on the battlefield, you need to do that everywhere else, understand?"

"Forgive me for asking Lady Catelyn," she turned towards her, "but it appears as though you were ready for this sort of thing, about becoming a Queen."

A flustered look appeared on Catelyn's face as the young woman narrowed her eyes at her.

"Of course they already made demands about her marriage."

Catelyn looked at the bed then back at her husband. "They have arranged a marriage for her so soon? Now who is using her as a pawn," she huffed in annoyance.

"I understand their feelings on the matter. They love their sister. I know the lengths a brother will go through to save what they have left of that sister," Ned commented, thinking of Lyanna. Catelyn lifted her hand to his face and he smiled. "I have assured them of how their sister's daughter will be safe."

"There is more to this than just keeping her safe though," Catelyn moved her hand. "What I told Jory still stands," she nodded, "Nysa must be raised to be a Lady. She will learn to read and write, dance, sew. She will need to take lessons with the Septa I brought from the Riverlands. And Nysa should be educated about the noble Houses, everything that is proper."

"I do not know of such things. You'll be in charge of that."

But how much could she tell this young woman about that? Catelyn reached out for another sip of her wine and tried to think of how to proceed, before turning towards Nysa with a small smile. "I had hoped to be there for Sansa when she became Queen, so I studied and read, had Maester Luwin show me examples of previous Queens." Nysa's face relaxed at the mention of Sansa.

"Forgive me, my Lady. I'm sorry about what Sansa's betrothal coming to an end. It must be..."

Lady Catelyn patted her arm reassuringly. "Can you keep a secret," she smiled and Nysa nodded. "I never wanted her to wed Joffrey. I thought her just a little bit too young and he just," she waved her hand, "well he is just a little bit of every bad word isn't he?" The two of them shared a laugh and it was nice for Catelyn to see that their bond was growing once more. "We'll need to work on getting Sansa back. That will always be at the forefront," she reminded Nysa.

"Robb wants to take Casterly Rock. He thinks Tywin will bargain that for Sansa. And of course if," Nysa paused and looked towards the tables full of Robb's Lords and men before inching closer to Lady Catelyn. "If Lord Tyrion allows Sansa to return in exchange for the Kingslayer then this will be over quicker than we anticipated."

Catelyn's heart constricted at the though of Nysa acknowledging her actions. She smiled before turning away and looked out at the men. If they had heard Nysa's comment, Catelyn was certain that all respect Nysa had gained previously would be wasted. She took her good-daughter's hand and squeezed it under the table. There was a small moment of silence before Nysa turned back towards her.

"What else is there to do?"

"You will also need to think about making amends with House..."

"I'd like to make a toast to Queen Nysa Stark!"

The two of them turned to see Ser Stevron Frey standing with his cup held out in the air.

From both of their expressions, including Robb's and a few northmen - it was obvious that no one expected House Frey to speak up and offer their congratulations. Nysa felt Jory slide in behind her chair, a hand on his sword. Despite the tension that radiated in the atmosphere, Ser Stevron still smiled lightly. The older knight looked around at the table where he stood - at his brothers, sons and nephews. It was clear that he didn't speak for all of them at the moment. Regardless, Robb nodded in his direction.

"I know you are not the Stark Queen we want sitting there," he chuckled nervously. A few of the other Lords began to mutter, causing Nysa to look down in shame. Robb's hand reached over and took a hold of her other hand. "I also know there is no one else I would trust with my life."

Nysa and Robb looked back towards Ser Stevron in shock yet again.

"When we met, you were only a maiden who risked her life to feed us while we were imprisoned. You brought extra furs, tended to our injuries and eased our suffering for just a while. I do not know what I or any of us would have done if we didn't have that second fur to keep us warm, bread to put in our bellies or herbs to clean our wounds. I saw a brave young woman care for men who served her King."

Ser Stevron nodded towards another table on the far side.

"I heard about the way this young woman protected Lord Bracken's daughters and kept young Lord Lyman Darry safe. She was threatened and subjected to physical harm in order to do so. She was loyal to our King, protecting his sister, obtaining Harrenhal and killing the Mountain."

"Aye!"

"Queen Stark," a chorus of shouts and cheers sounded through the hall.

"You displayed a strength and tenderness that is needed," Ser Stevron looked at her. "You were self-sacrificing, patient and kind - everything a Queen should be. I pray to the gods that these actions that spoke loudly to your character as a maiden resonates well now that you are a Queen. You have my appreciation and my loyalty," he stated firmly. "To the Queen!"

"To the Queen," Danwell Frey added as he stood.

"Aye," Hosteen Frey did as well, "to the Queen!"

Someone had shouted about the bedding and Lord Roose Bolton had scoffed at the entire tradition, saying that there was no need to have one.

"She's already been bedded," Lord Bolton slammed his cup down.

"Aye, I have bedded her," Robb stood. "But remember now that she is my wife, making her your Queen. There will be no more talk on that matter. Now," he held his hand for her. "My wife and I will be retiring for the night. Enjoy the festivities, my Lords."

A few of them cheered - no doubt because of their drunkedness, Nysa thought - while others simply nodded or grunted in apprehension. She glanced over at Lady Catelyn and saw her simply nod - the subtle hint that Robb would need an heir. She could do this. Then again, it's not like the process of child-making was a burden to bear. Robb had made it enjoyable for her. Her hand rested on his arm as he led her back to the room. In that moment she realized that she couldn't bring herself to love Robb tonight. All the thoughts of Torrhen were striking her as though they were arrows aimed at her heart.

She turned to him once they entered the room - desiring to talk. Instead she found him undressing himself.

"What do you think you are doing," Nysa's voice sounded furious.

Robb pulled back a bit. Was she going to deny him on his wedding night?

"You have already bedded me! You let everyone know about it, too," she gestured to the door. "No one is going to question whether our marriage has been consumated or not. So, I suggest we do as you stated, your grace. We are retiring for the night," she jabbed a finger at his shoulder before turning away from him.

Nysa had no idea why she was suddenly angry. Did he expect her to lay there every night and allow him to have his way with her? She was his wife and that was her duty. He did need an heir. But tonight, right now, she wanted to talk about their marriage. There had to be some sort of communication that was peaceable - especially on this day. They had been yelling at one another since she woke up in his arms - in his bed.

Robb stepped forward, attempting to wrap his arms around her. "Nysa, are you truly going to deny..."

"Yes," she pushed him back.

For a moment they stared at one another, neither one of them willing to back. Robb looked at her, frustration in her eyes and a tension in her body he wanted to erase. "You asked me last night to make you feel loved. I can do that every night, just let me," he said softly. The power of his words resonated in her. Robb took a tentative step forward again and leaned down to capture her lips - gently this time as they had the night before.

His hands slid down her waist and slowly began to untie her dress. He pressed kisses from her face, down her neck, between the valley of her breasts until he knelt and reached her waist. He lifted the hem of her gown up her legs and dragged his tongue and lips from her knee, onto her thigh and towards her center. Nysa gasped at the sensation and reached out to grab Robb's shoulders in order to steady herself.

"Just this night," she whispered.

Lord Karstark slammed his cup down and got up from the hall, leaving his son looking on. His son, he thought bitterly. Nysa had been betrothed to his son and she had thrown him away for a night with the King. He walked down the empty halls, away from the raucous of the wedding feast.

"Your son is barely cold in his grave and she beds another."

Lord Karstark wiped a hand across his face at the voice inside his head. Although, it wasn't someone speaking from within his mind. Steps behind him, alerted him to another's presence. He was not alone. He looked back to see if his son had come after him.

There stood Lord Roose Bolton, a solemn expression on his face.

Osric's horse came to settle in next to Jon's as they rode away from Stony shore. Many of the villages were raided, women were raped and their men were either beaten or dead. They were heading back through the wolfswood to march onto Winterfell. Jon knew the wolfswood - he grew up playing in them. This was the better route for them to take. After witnessing the raids of Stony shore, he was all the more determined to head to Winterfell. Who knew what awaited him there?

Lady Glover had allowed men from House Forrester, Branch and Woods to accompany Jon along the coast and back in to Winterfell. With the additional men, Jon knew they would find Theon and hang him from the castle's walls. Perhaps he would allow Ghost to dine on his body.

"I understand your anger," Osirc told him as another horse came to ride alongside them.

"He was like a brother. The raids on the villages are one thing. To know that the people in Winterfell might have suffered the same," Jon shook his head.

Ronnel Woods - Lord Woods second-born son - twirled his ax in his hand and looked up at the trees. "Do you see that bird there, Jon Snow," he asked. "She will hear the cries of other young birds, birds without their mothers and she takes them in. Shelters them, keeps them warm. But when the storm comes and her chicks need food. They're the first to go."

"What is the point of your story," Osric asked.

Ronnel looked to them as their horses came to a halt. "The lost chick might eat her own. That is why she gets rid of them. Once in a while, the lost chick does take over her nest. I've seen it when we would hunt."

"Are you saying we should have kicked Theon out of Winterfell before any of this happened?"

"No," Ronnel shook his head. "I'm saying that whether Lord Stark took him in or not, he still was not family. He never was. And when the storm came, he knew who to get rid of."

Nothing prepared Nysa for Robb's assault on her senses. They both lay naked on the bed. She felt wonderfully alive, every nerve on her skin tingling as heat swept through her toes and up to her head. Robb's tongue traced the curves of her breast before teasing a nipple. Her breath was ragged and her vision becoming disoriented. This was so much more than last night. And when Robb bit down gently she pushed him away from.

"There's nothing wrong with what we're doing here, Nysa," he assured her.

"Why can't you just..."

Robb silenced her with a searing kiss. There was no way this was going to be like the night before. He's make sure that she felt every thrill that could be had from sharing his bed. "There's nothing to be ashamed of by enjoying your husband and receiving pleasure," his breath was hot against her skin.

Nysa slid her palms down his chest over his flat abdomen, tearing a groan from his lips and making her smile. Their kisses become light again as she let her fingers explore the muscles of her husband, her King. A surge of power ran through her, turning up her arousal. Robb moved from her lips and began to nuzzle at her breasts again. He whispered pretty compliments against her skin. His tone was soft, causing her to become greedy. She didn't want all this sparkling pleasure to stop. With a determination she didn't know she had she slid her hands down to Robb's manhood, taking his cock in her hand.

"Nysa," Robb growled.

He seemed to swell in her hand. She tilted her head to lick at his shoulder just as he had done earlier. Nysa moved her hand up and down his cock as she continued to bite and lick at his skin that was within her reach. Robb cursed and pushed her further into the bed. He couldn't take much more. He was so aroused that it was painful. Arousal was already bubbling through her veins at the look of pure passion on Robb's face. The heat from their bodies sending jolts from one to the other.

This time when he entered her she spread her legs in readiness. He pressed forward slowly and gently. She lifted her hips, letting them sway with his. Shivers of pleasure ran straight to her core with each motion, drawing a moan from both of them. Soon his pace grew faster and rougher, encouraged on by her sighs and moans. He was now her husband. Robb, her King. She had become his wife. Nysa, Robb's Queen.

Mine, Robb thought as he thrust deeply into Nysa. Not Torrhen's, he shouted in his head as her nails dug into his shoulder. Nysa is mine, another rough push into her sent her screaming his name. He grunted and buried his head in the crook of her neck, his teeth nibbling the flesh there as everything tightened around him.