Chapter 3

Robb marched out of his tent, followed by Grey Wind. He noticed that many men had gathered in front of his tent, curious to see the Lannister girl. Robb wasn't really sure what to expect as he saw riders approaching the camp. The girl was riding with Rodrik Forrester who had led the men who had captured her. Robb observed her as Rodrik dismounted and lifted her off the horse.

She was probably a little older than Sansa; she had curly chestnut hair, round face, small nose and large dark green eyes. He wouldn't have necessarily described her as stunningly beautiful, but she wasn't unpleasant to look at either. A petite little thing. Her hands were tied in front of her, but she managed to look calm. It was no doubt an act; Robb didn't think that any woman in her position could be calm.

"My king," Rodrik greeted him. "I present to you Lady Serafina Lannister."

"Well done," Robb said and turned his eyes to the girl. She looked at him coyly and curtsied.

"Your Grace."

Robb raised an eyebrow, he hadn't expected that.

"A Lannister who knows her place!" Lord Rickard Karstark announced. Some of the men laughed, others were making nasty comments. The girl held still and kept her eyes on Robb.

"My lady," he stated and gestured towards his tent. "This way."

She bowed her head and walked into the tent. He followed her after telling the guard that he didn't want to be disturbed. She was standing next to the table, keeping her eyes down.

"You were treated well, I trust?" he stated.

"Yes, Your Grace," she replied.

He noticed that her voice sounded calm, not fearful at all. He would have expected to see more fear, perhaps even tears. Surely she knew what could happen to a woman in a situation like this. Or maybe she didn't know, perhaps she had lived a very sheltered life.

"You are Tywin Lannister's daughter?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

"And your mother is…?"

"She was Lady Tressa Lannister, Your Grace."

Tressa Lannister… Suddenly Robb remembered. Tressa Baratheon, Robert Baratheon's half-sister, had been married off to Tywin Lannister after Robert had become the king. If Robb remembered correctly, the marriage hadn't lasted long and there was barely any information about Tywin's second wife. She had been mentioned very briefly in the book about House Lannister Robb had been forced to read during his studies. So this girl was actually Stannis and Renly Baratheon's niece. Robb's mother was on her way to meet Renly Baratheon now.

"Where were you heading?" he asked.

"To King's Landing, Your Grace."

"Why?"

"My father requested my presence."

"Why?"

"He did not tell me, Your Grace."

Robb couldn't deny that he was somewhat amused about the way she answered his questions. She was speaking clearly without any hesitation.

"And you are an obedient daughter?"

"I try to be, Your Grace."

"Hmm. I suppose your father would want to have you back then. What do you think?"

Now she finally looked at him.

"May I speak freely, Your Grace?"

Robb was a little surprised.

"Yes, you may."

"Thank you. I am aware that you must hate my family and I am sure you also hate me. You probably want to hurt me. Humiliate me. I don't blame you for that, but I humbly ask you to consider the form of humiliation you use. I am much more valuable to you if you return me to my father untouched."

Now Robb was really surprised, apparently she did understand what could happen to her.

"Is that a threat, my lady?" he inquired.

"No, not at all. I am simply pointing out that there are other methods you can use."

"Such as?"

She looked at him calmly.

"You can order me to kneel in front of you. Kiss your boots perhaps. Or you can make me your lowest servant."

Robb stared at her for a brief moment before replying.

"Is that what you expect me to do, my lady?"

"I don't expect anything, Your Grace. You have all the power here."

Robb walked over to her, curious to see her reaction. She stood her ground, but lowered her head.

"And what if I don't care about your value?" he stated. Obviously he wasn't going to force himself on her or let anyone else to do that either, but she didn't know that.

"That is your choice, Your Grace."

He still didn't hear any fear. It seemed that she was a very talented little actress. Well, she was a Lannister.

"Are you afraid, my lady?"

She looked up.

"Do you wish me to be?"

"Any smart woman would be," he pointed out.

She nodded.

"Yes, you are right, Your Grace. You can do anything you wish to me and there is nothing I can do to stop you."

That was true, physically and otherwise.

"Are you planning to cause me trouble?" he asked.

"No, Your Grace."

"Give me your hands then."

She obeyed, looking cautious when he picked up a knife. Yet she didn't move as he freed her hands.

"Thank you, Your Grace."

"Do you have any weapons?"

She hesitated for a very brief moment before replying.

"A dagger."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Hand it over, please."

She lifted the hem of her dress and he saw that she had the small dagger strapped to her thigh.

"Why do you have this?" he asked after she had given the dagger to him.

"For my protection," she replied.

"I see. Any more of these?"

"No, Your Grace."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Hmm. I wish I could take your word for it, but I'm afraid I have to search you," he stated.

She didn't protest as he moved behind her. Starting with her shoulders, he frisked her from the backside all the way down to her shoes. Then he turned her around. She didn't move or say anything as he quickly did the same with her front side. Touching her breasts made him uncomfortable, although it was through the fabric of her dress and he wasn't groping her or anything like that.

"Alright, good," he stated after finishing his search. "It seems that you Lannisters are sometimes capable of telling the truth."

"Yes, Your Grace," she replied calmly. "Sometimes."