Chapter 10

Bad dreams

Elyse struggled to look calm, but she couldn't stop her hands from shaking. Moat Cailin... She would have to live in Moat Cailin.

"I truly am sorry," her husband murmured, keeping his eyes on the floor. "My father tried to speak to the King, but he wasn't willing to change his mind."

Of course he wasn't. Clearly Robert felt that he hadn't punished Elyse enough. If her husband also wanted to punish her for her hostility last night, he didn't show it. He didn't sound spiteful or triumphant at all, probably because he had expected something better.

"I am sorry," he repeated. "You deserve so much better, but I will do everything I can to make the castle as comfortable as possible, I give you my word."

"Thank you, my lord," Elyse replied, managing to regain her self-control. "I appreciate that."

"Of course," he murmured and bowed. "I bid you good night, my lady."

"Where are you going?" she asked.

He seemed uncomfortable and he still wasn't looking at her.

"I... I do not wish to bother you, so I'll find myself some other place to sleep."

She observed him cautiously, trying to see the true meaning behind his words.

"I see," she stated coolly. "May I ask you to be discreet with your...companion. Or do you wish to humiliate me?"

His eyes widened as he stared at her.

"What?"

"I know how these things work, my lord, no need to worry. Of course, you are entitled to have your special companions, but I ask you not to humiliate me."

"No... No, no, no, I would never be unfaithful to you, my lady. I gave you my vows before the gods."

He seemed so sincere that for a moment she hesitated.

"My lord, I appreciate your words, but..."

"I mean it, my lady," he cut in. "I respect my vows."

Again, she hesitated. A part of her wanted to believe him, but she had seen too much to have any foolish hopes. Why would he want to be faithful to her when he hadn't even claimed his rights?

"I was only planning to sleep in my brother's chambers so I wouldn't bother you," he continued.

Maybe he was telling the truth, but she could already imagine all the rumors. Cersei would have a feast.

"I would appreciate if you could sleep here, my lord," she stated. "I would like to avoid any more unpleasant rumors."

"Oh..." he murmured. "I didn't think of that. Of course, I can sleep here if you wish, my lady."

She nodded.

"This is your chamber, my lord."

She was already wearing a nightgown and Nellie had plaited her long hair for the night. She was tired and she had hoped that she could just go to sleep, but obviously that wouldn't happen now. She had asked her husband to stay and of course he wanted something in return. Not that it mattered, at least she wouldn't have to endure another public humiliation. She walked over to the bed, lifted the covers and laid down on her back, expecting her husband to join her. He didn't, he picked up couple of furs and placed them on the floor.

"Good night, my lady," he murmured and turned his back on her before removing his shirt and boots.

She had to admit that she was surprised. He had every right to take her body, why didn't he? What did he hope to achieve? Someone less cynical could have thought that he was actually a decent human being, but Elyse didn't dare to even hope something like that. She was so tired that she fell asleep only a moment after closing her eyes.

In her dream she was in Moat Cailin. It was cold and dark. She was running. Screaming for help. No one could hear her. She was all alone with him. No matter how fast she ran, he always caught her. Threw her against the wall. On the cold stone floor. Hit her. Kicked her. Tried to force himself on her but couldn't get it up.

"You barren whore! You did this to me!"

Pain. She wanted to scream, but didn't make a sound. They were all there, watching and laughing. Robert. Cersei. Jaime. Why didn't they help her? Why didn't they stop Darius?

"Please, stop..." she pleaded and looked at Darius. It wasn't Darius, it was Jon Stark. He looked down on her and smiled.

"Scream as much as you want," he hummed. "No one can hear you..."

Her eyes flew open and she gasped for air. A dream. It had been just a bad dream. Yet she was shaking as she got into a sitting position. Her husband was sleeping on the floor. A dream. Just a dream. She laid back down and tried to calm herself. What if it wasn't just a dream? She would be trapped in Moat Cailin. What if... No. She refused to think about that right now. One problem at a time.

"You know, I never thought that I would envy Snow," Theon hummed as he and Robb looked at Lady Elyse walking towards the stables. "Getting to fuck her every night..."

"Hey!" Robb snapped. "Watch your tongue."

"I know, I know, but just look at her! What man wouldn't want to fuck her?"

"You should listen to your friend," Ser Jaime's cold voice stated. "Watch your tongue when you speak of a lady."

Both Robb and Theon turned to look at him.

"Good morning, Ser Jaime," Robb stated while Theon gave the Lannister a careless look.

"My apologies," he huffed.

Jaime's eyes narrowed.

"If I ever hear you speaking about Lady Elyse like that, I won't settle for an apology. Is that clear?"

"Yes, but with all due respect, how is this any of your business? You are not her husband or brother, are you not?"

"She is my family," Jaime replied icily. "And the King's sister. You will show her proper respect."

"Of course," Robb cut in. "She is my family as well now."

"Good," Jaime stated. "Then I trust you will make sure she won't be disrespected."

"What is his problem?" Theon huffed after Jaime had left. "You heard how the King himself spoke of her, there was nothing respectful about that."

"That doesn't matter," Robb replied firmly. "She is my brother's wife and I expect you to remember that."

"Fine," Theon snorted. "I'll be nice."

Robb sighed after Theon had left. There was so much about the whole thing he just couldn't understand. The whole marriage for starters. He had tried to ask Jon about it yesterday, but his brother had been unwilling to give him much answers. He had heard all kinds of rumors, but none of them made any sense. He knew his brother and Jon would never bed a woman, especially a noblewoman, he barely knew.

Then there was Moat Cailin. How could anyone think that was a proper place for Lady Elyse? Then there was Jaime Lannister. There was something very strange about the whole thing. After a moment of hesitation, Robb decided to have a word with Lady Elyse. Perhaps she could give him some answers. He headed to the stables and spotted Lady Elyse grooming a horse. Her back was turned and she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear Robb coming.

"My Lady?" he called, making her jump. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to scare you."

She turned to look at him, placing a smile on her face.

"No, no, I apologize, my lord, I didn't hear you."

"What brings you here?" he asked.

"Oh, I... I enjoy spending time with horses. Their presence calms me."

"I see. Where is Jon?"

"I am afraid I do not know; he had already left when I woke up."

"Hmm. Do you have everything you need in his chamber?"

"Yes, I do, thank you."

She kept smiling, but it wasn't difficult to see that her smile wasn't genuine. What was going on?

"I must say that I was quite surprised about your marriage," he started cautiously.

She didn't reply, but he noticed her body tensing.

"It happened quite fast."

"Yes," she stated tensely. "I was honored to wed your brother, my lord."

"Was it the King's decision?"

"Yes, but of course I wanted it as well."

Robb bit his bottom lip.

"My lady, I don't wish to upset you, but I would like to know the truth. What happened?"

"You know the truth, my lord," she replied. "Excuse me."

He was just about to block her way when Jon arrived.

"My lord," Lady Elyse greeted him and quickly moved beside him. It wasn't difficult to see that she was relieved.

"My lady," he replied. "Robb."

"Could you escort me back to your chamber, my lord?" she asked, wrapping her arm around Jon's. "I am cold."

"Yes, of course," Jon replied. He was clearly surprised.

"Excuse us, my lord," lady Elyse said to Robb.

"Of course," Robb murmured.

None of this made any sense to him. He had a bad feeling about the whole thing.