Chapter 11
Reputation
Elyse kept her arm tightly wrapped around her husband's all the way back to his chamber. She couldn't believe how foolish she had been for not realizing how drastically her position had changed. She wasn't the respectable widow and the King's sister anymore. No, she was the harlot who had slept with a man she barely knew and humiliated the King.
That was likely how people in Winterfell saw her. That was likely how Robb Stark saw her. Who knew what kind of rumors he had heard. There was no need for him to treat her like he had when she had arrived, he could just do what he wanted with her, knowing that she couldn't tell anyone. No one would believe her or defend her. It would only ruin what was left of her reputation. He could simply claim that she had wanted it, just like with his brother. She was basically fair game. The realization shook her to her core.
"My lady?" her husband murmured as he felt her shaking. "Are you... Are you alright?"
"Yes," she replied, forcing herself to calm down. "Thank you."
She needed to think. She needed to somehow protect herself. First, she needed to make sure that no man could corner her again when she was by herself. She couldn't be by herself anymore, she needed to make sure that someone was always accompanying her. Then there was her husband. Could she expect him to offer her at least some kind of protection? She didn't know. She would at least have to offer him something in return. Nothing was free, she knew that. He headed to the fireplace as soon as they reached his chamber and added wood.
"I can ask Lady Stark to send her seamstress here," he stated. "If you need warmer clothes."
Elyse placed a polite smile on her face.
"Thank you, my lord, you are very kind."
"No need to thank me," he murmured.
"And modest too," she hummed softly as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Could you please join me for a moment, my lord?"
He turned to look at her, clearly surprised.
"What? I mean..."
She kept the smile on her face and held out her hand.
"Please."
It wasn't difficult to tell that he was confused by her sudden compliance, but she was still surprised when he actually hesitated for a moment before walking over to the bed and sitting beside her. The defiant part of her hated that she had to basically crawl in front of this man who had trapped her, but the smarter part reminded her what was at stake here. She needed his protection, whether she wanted to admit it or not.
"I was hoping that we could talk," she started.
He was still confused, but he nodded.
"Of course."
"Thank you. I owe you an apology, my lord."
His eyes widened.
"What?"
She smiled as sweetly as she could and took his hand between hers.
"I apologize for acting so improperly. Everything happened so fast and I was quite emotional. I hope you can forgive me."
He stared at her for a moment before replying.
"Forgive you?"
She suppressed a glare, hating him for making this even more humiliating.
"Yes. I should have believed you right away when you said that you had nothing to do with... what happened."
"Oh... No, no, you don't have to apologize, you had every right to be upset."
How very kind of him.
"Thank you, my lord. I hope things are better now between us and you can see me as your wife."
"Yes, of course."
"And perhaps you could show that to everyone else?" she hummed, still smiling.
Once again, he seemed confused.
"Forgive me, I don't understand..."
She silenced him by cupping his face.
"Would you defend me if someone would mistreat me?"
"Of course, absolutely," he assured quickly.
She leaned closer and touched his lips softly with hers.
"I would like to make sure that everyone knows that," she hummed. "Could you do that for me, my lord?"
He was breathing faster, trying to regain his self-control. It wasn't difficult to see how much he wanted her. She was about to pull away when she remembered what could have happened at the stable earlier if he wouldn't have arrived. It was better to give her body to a one man than live in constant fear.
"Could you do that for me?" she repeated, pressing her body against him.
"Yes," he panted. "Yes. Just tell me what you want me to do."
She ran her fingers over his cheek and leaned closer.
"I want all the men here to know that my husband will make them pay if they touch me."
His eyes widened.
"What? Have someone... Have someone hurt you?"
"No, but one can never be too careful, my lord," she hummed. "I am sure you agree."
He was quiet for a moment before pulling away.
"Could you please tell me what this is about," he asked.
Her smile vanished; she didn't want to continue the charade any longer.
"Fine. Do you know what a reputation means to a woman?"
"I... I believe so."
"I doubt that you really do, my lord," she replied coolly. "You see, when a woman loses her reputation, there are men who think that she no longer deserves any kind of respect. If she acts like a harlot, then she should be treated as one."
He bowed his head and stayed quiet as she continued.
"If she gives herself to a stranger, then surely, she won't mind giving herself to others as well. And so what if she minds, who cares about her protests? No, she would get exactly what she deserves."
She paused and straightened her back.
"I ask your protection and in return I offer you my compliance. Whenever you feel like claiming your marital rights, you won't hear any protest from me."
She forced her voice to stay calm, holding on what was left of her dignity. Her husband was quiet for a long while and he wasn't looking at her.
"I..." he finally started before clearing his throat. "I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to... I'm sorry."
"I see," she stated icily. "I apologize for bothering you..."
"No!" He paused and finally looked up. "No, I... You have my protection, I give you my word. I won't let anyone harm you, my lady."
"Thank you," she replied rigidly. "I am grateful for your kindness."
"No, it's... I... Excuse me," he mumbled as he headed to the door.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath after he had left. She felt exhausted, but she had a lot of planning to do. Hopefully her husband would keep his promise.