"You understand what I ask of you?" Robb said to Brienne as the two sat on their horses a little ways off from the main column of soldiers that marched on the Kingsroad for the capital. Robb and Brienne were facing the road to the Westerlands.

"I do, Your Grace. I promise to serve you as honorable as I served King Renly. And in turn, I hope that you will consider my service as your sworn shield upon my return."

"It would be my honor, Brienne of Tarth. Now ride with all haste, I beg of you." Robb declared, sending the warrior charging off with a respectful bow of her head. Robb turned his own mount to gallop towards the fore of his host.

Lords Tarly, Caron, Glover and Ser Loras were in the midst of a fierce debate when Robb joined them. They silenced quickly, leaving a tense and awkward silence.

"Someone had better tell me what is going on, before I name some the footmen as my new generals. Speak." Robb commanded, causing the nobles to all begin speaking at once

"-Your small council requires noble lords of-."

"-It would be in your best interest to appoint an experienced man of-."

"-Your Grace, I would serve you loyally-."

"-I have supported your cause long before-."

"-Your KIngsguard requires a man who will take your protection seriously-."

"My lords, MY LORDS! ENOUGH!" Robb called, his commander's voice carrying across the field and silencing the men many years his senior. And Ser Loras.

"We must first capture King's Landing, and when Winterfell is free, I will think on my small council and the rewards you deserve. Prove to me now that you deserve them by focusing on the battles ahead. Lord Mallister, report on the fleet." Robb said with the true air of the King he would be.

"They set sail when we marched out, Your Grace. By my estimates, and if the wind is on our side, King's Landing should be besieged by sea only a few hours before we arrive by land."

"Aye. I expect the Lannisters will have something waiting for us. Lord Oakheart has been instructed to send Stannis' ships in first has he not?"

"He has, Your Grace. They will land at the Mudgate per the information extorted from Petyr Baelish."

"I do not like the idea of sending them in as sheep, but I will not sacrifice my own loyal men. This war…the sooner it is over, the better." Robb declared with a growl, before urging his horse onward, leaving behind his new vassals to seem oddly impressed by the young King they now served. Ser Loras merely shrugged and rode after him.

"I see you and Margaery are quite pleased with the new arrangement." Loras commented as they marched relentlessly for King's Landing. Robb turned to glance at Loras who offered a sad half-chuckle.

"Renly saw it a few days ago. So did I. We-we found it quite-…uh-…cute, I suppose you'd say. Renly felt sorry for the both of you. But here we are…" Loras sighed, glancing down.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Loras. He was a good man." Robb said again, causing the Knight of Flowers to sniff and nod before looking up with a steely look in golden brown eyes.

"You were right to send Stannis to the Wall. Renly would have wanted that more. A long death. Stannis hates the cold." Loras laughed bitterly.

"I hope to give you cause to serve me as loyally as you served Renly."

"Name me to your Kingsguard, and we shall see."

"I need to have a throne before I can do that." Robb countered yet again, forcing Loras to turn and look at him.

"A wary man you are, Robb Stark. But you are undefeated in battle, and have just won the greatest army in the Seven Kingdoms. You will sit on the Iron Throne. I know it." Loras said solemnly, causing Robb to sigh and nod.

"I should get used to the idea. Do you really wish to serve in the Kingsguard?" Robb asked curiously of the man who would be his brother by law.

"Aye. I do not wish to marry. I do not want lands. I wish to be by Margaery and to gain my fame as your stalwart shield. Allow me to do this." Loras said, looking to Robb with only a touch of desperation in his tone.

"When we take King's Landing, you'll need a white cloak, Ser Loras of the Kingsguard." Robb said with a nod before urging his horse onwards and leaving Loras to process the news.