Chapter 12

"Father," Cersei stated as she entered Tywin's study. "I heard you sent Cousin Alton to negotiate with Robb Stark."

"I did," Tywin replied without raising his eyes from his papers.

"Why weren't Joffrey and I informed?"

Tywin looked up and frowned.

"Informed? This is about my daughter."

Cersei pressed her lips together.

"What about your son? Shouldn't you negotiate for his safe return?"

"I am," Tywin replied coolly.

Cersei crossed her arms.

"Surely you agree that freeing Jaime is much more important than freeing Serafina."

Tywin looked at his older daughter coldly. He was well aware of Cersei's petty nature and he was reluctant to let her know that he actually was fond of his younger daughter.

"I believe the negotiations for Serafina's release will be easier than Jaime's," he stated. "He is much more valuable to Robb Stark."

"What exactly did you offer the Stark boy?" Cersei asked sharply.

"Gold," Tywin replied simply.

"We are in war," Cersei snapped. "You can't…"

She didn't finish her sentence as Tywin stood up.

"Excuse me?"

Cersei swallowed before continuing.

"Of course, I want Serafina to be safe, but her release shouldn't be our priority right now. I'm sure Robb Stark won't be foolish enough to harm her."

"I suggest you leave that to me," Tywin replied coldly. "Anything else? I have work to do."

"No," Cersei murmured. "Good night, father."

Tywin sat down after Cersei had left, but he couldn't concentrate. Things weren't going well at all. Rumors about Joffrey's true heritage were spreading across the land, thanks to Stannis Baratheon. It was true that Joffrey was an incompetent ruler and the commoners in King's Landing were starting to express their dissatisfaction.

Not to mention the war was spreading. Tywin didn't have enough soldiers to protect the King's Landing and fight with several enemy armies. Yet his main concern right now was Serafina. There hadn't been any demands from Robb Stark yet, but hopefully he would settle for gold. And what if he wouldn't?

What if he would demand things Tywin couldn't give? What would happen to Serafina? Then she would be on her own. His daughter. The thought was painful, no matter how hard Tywin tried to deny that. In that moment he cursed his own foolishness. Why had he ever allowed himself to care about her.

"More wine, Your Grace?" Serafina asked.

Robb Stark shook his head.

"No, thank you."

He had been absentminded ever since a messenger had brought him a letter earlier. She had no idea who the letter was from and what it had said, but obviously it was important. They were having dinner, but he had barely touched his food.

"You're not hungry?" she asked a bit cautiously.

"What?" he murmured.

"Oh, I was just wondering if I can do something for you, Your Grace."

"No, thank you."

She decided to leave him alone with his thoughts and concentrate on her dinner. The last few days had went pretty well and she hoped things would continue like that. He had been busy with his men and she had tried her best to be useful and not to bother him. They had their strange routine and she had somewhat gotten used to it. Even the chains and sleeping beside him.

He hadn't touched her or wanted her to touch him. At first, she had thought that she had done something wrong, but now it seemed that he simply wanted to keep some distance between them. Thankfully he had still let her stay in his tent. Sharing his bed, even though he didn't touch her, would have destroyed her reputation under any other circumstances, but right now she only cared about her safety.

She certainly didn't trust his guards enough for wanting her own tent. Perhaps Robb Stark hadn't had any bad intentions when he had offered her a tent, but she doubted that he had truly understood the risks.

If and when she would be wedded, a Maester could confirm that she was still a maiden. At least so she hoped.

She cleared the table after they were finished and prepared the bed while he was taking care of some things, as he did every night before going to bed. Grey Wind usually followed him outside, but now the wolf had stayed in the tent. Serafina couldn't help but to smile at the animal.

"Hello, friend. I am glad you're here."

The wolf came closer and licked her hand. After making sure that Robb Stark wasn't coming, she knelt and petted the animal. She never dared to touch him when his master was present. The way he had reacted the last time when he had caught her petting his wolf had been strange, but she had learned her lesson.

Or she should have learned her lesson. Petting the wolf offered her a brief escape from her cage. A brief moment to remove her mask. It made her feel relaxed, as foolish as that was. It also reminded her how much she missed her Naeva.

"You know," she hummed. "You remind me of my sand cat. Don't be offended, that is a compliment."

She smiled as the wolf licked her cheek.

"She is not nearly as big as you are though. No, she is small and delicate, but also very fierce when she wants to be."

"Are you talking about yourself, my lady?" Robb Stark's voice suddenly asked.

Serafina got up as quickly as she could and bowed her head.

"Forgive me, Your Grace. The bed is ready…"

"No need to apologize," he stated. "Clearly he likes you."

She hesitated for a moment before replying.

"I like him too, Your Grace."

He walked over to the wolf and petted his head.

"So, you have a sand cat?"

Serafina tensed, but she didn't pick up any threat in his voice.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Hmm. What's her name?"

"Naeva."

"That's a nice name."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

"Where is she now?"

She hesitated for a brief moment before replying. The word home was too risky, so she chose a more neutral one.

"In Casterly Rock, Your Grace."

He didn't reply to that, he simply kept petting the wolf.

"I was just told that your cousin Alton Lannister is on his way here," he stated after a moment of silence. "Your father sent him to negotiate on his behalf."

Serafina's heart skipped a beat.

"Oh."

Robb Stark finally looked at her.

"I must say that I'm curious. What do you think your father will offer for your release?"

"Probably gold," she replied cautiously. "Perhaps jewelry."

"Hmm. Not my sisters?"

No. It was obvious that her family wouldn't offer that.

"I don't know, Your Grace," she replied quietly.

He crossed his arms and observed her for a moment before replying.

"Does he care about you? Your father, I mean."

This was a dangerous question and she tried her best to choose her words carefully.

"I am sure he does, Your Grace."

"But not enough," he stated sharply. "What a pity."

She swallowed.

"I…"

"Go to sleep, my lady," he cut in. "Tomorrow should be an interesting day."