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Sequel to Lady of Winterfell.
Chapter Three: The Next Step.
"How are you feeling?" Catelyn asked sitting down beside the bed, she warily eyed the two Frey girls that remained not sure whether she could trust them despite all that they had done for her and her family. Walder Frey's betrayal was something that would never be forgotten even once he had been executed for his betrayal; it would haunt them all and Catelyn disagreed with Sanira's decision to keep the Frey girls around.
"I've been better," Sanira replied quietly, she could not wrap her head around the last couple of days and she wished that she could be more useful than she was right now. Her injuries kept her from leaving the bed and she did not know if she was grateful for that especially since it allowed her to think about what she had lost; her baby was gone and nothing would bring them back.
Talisa Maegyr had managed to save her life but had been unable to save the life of her unborn child; it had been far too late to save the baby and Talisa had apologised wishing that she had been able to do more for her. She had done her best to assure Sanira that while it may take time for her to recover, she held hope that she would be able to have another child in time despite what the Maester thought.
"I am sure you'll recover in no time," Catelyn encouraged, she had never lost a child herself even if two of them were currently hostages in the capital; she had hoped they would be returned to her by now. There was no telling when she would see the girls again but she was most hopeful that Jamie Lannister would remember his promise to her that he would return her daughters to her.
But with each passing day, Catelyn began to doubt that she would see them again before this war was over; she had lost Robb's trust to get them back. Sanira did not reply, she was tired of speaking with Catelyn and she was not sure what Catelyn expected her to say; her baby was gone and no one could tell her for sure if she would have another.
With one heir to the throne, she knew this put Robb in an awkward position; she would step aside if needed so that he could remarry if the Lords thought more heirs were needed for the Northern throne. Robb had been nothing more than supportive, he was just relieved that she was okay especially after nearly losing her; he was just thankful that her and Karlon were both safe.
"Sansa has been married to the imp," Catelyn muttered shaking her head, she had been shocked to hear news from the capital especially in relation to her daughters; she had hoped that her freeing Jaime would mean that he would send them back to her. Sansa had been married into the Lannister family and there was no news on what was happening with Arya; Catelyn prayed that they were looking out for one another.
Sanira nodded her head, Robb had told her and they both knew what Tywin Lannister was doing by marrying Sansa to Tyrion; it was his way of gaining control of the North while he thought that Robb was dead. They had to plan their next move carefully and Robb was sure that if they planned this right then the Lannisters would have no idea just what was coming for them.
"Rather it be Tyrion than another loyal to the Lannisters," Sanira replied there was no doubt that Tyrion would be kind to Sansa and protect her; he was not as cruel nor would he force himself on her. It was a lucky match considering the North was meant to be the losing side, it could have been much worse and at least they knew what to expect now.
Catelyn frowned at her words, she would much rather her daughters be home now than married off by the enemy; she did not care if the men were good or not. Especially Sansa, she had been married to the imp of all things and Catelyn could only imagine how the little monster was treating her daughter especially since Joffrey was to marry the Tyrell girl now.
It had come as a surprise that Joffrey would marry the widow of Renly, the Tyrells had played their hand and decided to side with the Lannisters in an attempt to gain a throne. There was no point in them throwing their weight behind Stannis or Robb since both of them were married; a fact that meant that the alliance with Stannis was even more important.
The two were silent both knowing that the next couple of weeks would determine how the rest of this war would play out for them all.
"We are most pleased to hear of the Queen's recovery," Lord Karstark said from his seat, he had to admit that even he had worried for Sanira's life after what had happened; there had been a moment that they had been convinced she would not make it. The idea of finding a new Queen was much less appealing right now especially with everything that was happening; their plans were changing and their new alliance meant that they finally stood a chance.
Stannis had no desires for the Northern throne, which was a bonus for them, they would rather stick someone that respected their independence on the throne than anyone who would try to control them and did not know anything about them and their lands. If the Lannisters were happy enough to try and murder their King and Queen while they were attending a wedding, then the Northern lords could only imagine what they would do to the heir to the throne.
"Lady Mormont. I am charging you with the retaking of Winterfell from Ramsey Snow," Robb announced looking towards the woman, he had no doubts that she and her men would have no problems with the bastard of Bolton. They could not allow Ramsey to remain, especially once they had beheaded his father; he would likely alert the Lannisters to the fact that the wedding had not ended like they had planned.
"Once we have secured Winterfell. My mother and Prince Karlon shall be returned there," Robb continued knowing that it was for his best, there must always be a Stark at Winterfell and he didn't like leaving the place as it was. His men nodded in agreement, the young prince might very well be the only child that Robb and Sanira had after what had happened; they needed to keep him safe and him remaining at Beckton was not an option.
Lady Sylvina Tremaine had done them a service in speaking with Stannis and making him see that an alliance with the North was truly in his best interest. Now they had to think of how they would move against the Lannisters, they had to be smart about this and how they were going to make sure that they were not caught off guard again. Robb looked around the table knowing that when he had started all of this, he had been trying to get his father and sisters back; things had changed so much since then, they were fighting for justice now and for Northern independence.
"What of Her Grace?" Lord Umber asked sure that Sanira would want to retreat and recover given the chance especially after what had happened; she would want to be with her only child after what had happened. No man would ever understand how a woman felt losing a child, the fact that it had happened while someone had been attempting to murder her and those loyal to her and her husband.
Robb stared at the man, he was silent knowing that Sanira was something that he had not considered much of especially with her injuries; she would have to remain at the Twins until she was well enough to travel. He would not rush her and in time, she too would be expected to do her part for the war effort; the people would need their Queen and he would need his wife.
"She will recover here for the time being… decisions will be made later for where she shall go," Robb stated before staring down at the map, there was much to be discussed about the war and how they would proceed. There was no way in telling just how this would play out but they had to do this right, the alliance with Stannis was a benefit but Robb was not about to do something that would endanger them all again.
Stannis had lost quite a few of his men in his attack on King's Landing, they needed to ensure that no more were lost no matter what they did next and many had been lost during the Frey-Bolton attack.
"Where do we go from here Your Grace?" Lord Karstark asked, he wanted to know how long it would be before he would have his revenge; he had waited long enough and he wanted the Kingslayer's head. He had lost two of his sons and he would never forget the fact that he had sacrificed so much and they were no closer to truly ending the war.
Staring the map, Robb leant forward his eyes staring at a part of the map; he had nearly forgotten his plan but now it seemed more possible than ever.
"We're going to take Casterly Rock," Robb announced, they would take Casterly Rock from the Lannisters; show them how it felt to lose their home and then they would march on King's Landing.
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