Chapter 13
"Your Grace," Alton Lannister greeted Robb and bowed.
"Ser Alton," Robb replied, observing the young man closely. He was glad that Tywin had sent this particular Lannister to negotiate on his behalf. Robb could tolerate Ser Alton.
"I humbly thank you for granting me an audience, Your Grace."
"Of course." Robb paused and smiled. "I'm curious to hear what your uncle has to say."
The young Lannister hesitated, clearly trying to choose his words carefully. "If it please you, Your Grace, may I see Lady Serafina before we get started?"
Robb raised an eyebrow. "Are you implying that I have mistreated her?"
Some of his bannermen, especially Lord Karstark, chuckled. Theon gave Robb a grin. They all thought that he had bedded Serafina. That was a disturbing thought, no matter how hard Robb tried to deny it. He had practically ruined her reputation. And why? Out of anger, revenge, and pettiness? He certainly wasn't proud of that.
Ser Alton quickly realized his mistake, and he hastily sought to clarify.
"Forgive me, Your Grace," he began, bowing his head slightly. "I meant no offense. My uncle merely wishes to ensure Lady Serafina's well-being. He holds her in high regard and is concerned for her safety."
Robb nodded, though his expression remained stoic. He couldn't ignore the fact that Tywin Lannister's concern for his daughter's well-being might also be a strategic ploy, a means to gauge Robb's intentions and possibly gather intelligence.
"Hmm. I suppose I understand." He paused and glanced at one of his guards. "Bring Lady Serafina here."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Ser Alton stated and bowed again.
As they waited for Serafina to arrive, Robb observed Ser Alton. The young Lannister seemed genuine, but Robb knew better than to trust anyone bearing that name completely. Robb leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms.
"How are my sisters?" he asked harshly.
The young Lannister was slightly startled by the question, but he replied quickly. "They are well, Your Grace."
"Are they? Well, unfortunately, I have no choice but to take your word for it."
Ser Alton shifted uncomfortably under Robb's piercing gaze.
"I understand your concern, Your Grace. I assure you, they are being treated with respect."
Robb's expression hardened, but before he had time to continue, the tent flap opened, and Serafina entered, escorted by a guard. She was wearing a simple gown, but Robb had removed her chains.
"Lady Serafina," Robb greeted her with a nod. "Your cousin wished to see you."
Serafina curtsied, her eyes briefly meeting Robb's before shifting to Alton. The smile she gave the young Lannister brightened her face.
"Cousin Alton, it is good to see you."
"And you, my lady," Alton replied warmly. "I am glad to see you are well."
That was what he said, but his eyes still observed her attentively, looking for injuries.
"Thank you," she said softly. "I am being treated fairly."
Robb noted the sincerity in her words and felt a strange mix of relief and guilt.
"I trust your journey here was uneventful?" she continued.
"Indeed, my lady," Ser Alton confirmed with a slight smile. "And I am relieved to find you safe under the protection of His Grace."
Robb observed the exchange between Serafina and Ser Alton with a carefully neutral expression. He noted her genuine joy upon seeing her cousin. It was a stark contrast to the way she acted in his presence.
"As you can see, the lady is unharmed," Robb stated. "Shall we begin the negotiations?"
"Your Grace?" Serafina's quiet voice said. "May I be present?"
"My lady, I do not think…" Ser Alton started.
"You may," Robb cut in. He wasn't sure if he thought she should be here, but he wanted to show the young Lannister who was in charge. "Come, sit by me."
Serafina obeyed quickly, walking over and taking a seat next to Robb.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she said, keeping her voice quiet and delicate.
He replied with a brief nod. He liked having her there, sitting so close to him. That certainly wasn't something he should think about right now.
Ser Alton watched her, clearly concerned, but he remained silent.
"So, what does Lord Tywin offer for Lady Serafina's release?" Robb asked.
"Gold, Your Grace," Ser Alton replied.
"Interesting. And how much gold is his daughter worth to him?"
Ser Alton glanced at Serafina and hesitated for a brief moment before replying.
"Five thousand gold dragons, Your Grace," Ser Alton replied, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his anxiety.
Robb raised his eyebrows.
"Five thousand? For his daughter?"
Again, Ser Alton glanced at Serafina before replying.
"Yes, Your Grace."
"I find that insulting," Robb snorted. "Is that his final offer?"
"I… I can offer you additional five thousand if we reach an agreement now, Your Grace."
"Well, it looks like we won't reach an agreement then," Robb stated coolly. "Unless you can offer me my sisters in addition to the ten thousand gold dragons?"
Ser Alton bowed his head. "I am afraid I can't, but I can offer you more gold."
"How much more?"
"The lady's weight in gold."
Robb raised his eyebrows.
"Her weight in gold? That's quite the offer. Too bad the lady does not weigh much." Robb paused, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps I should keep her here and see what I can do about that."
Ser Alton's face paled slightly at the implication, but he quickly composed himself.
"Your Grace, I assure you, my uncle is sincere in his offer. The gold will be delivered upon her release."
Robb's smile faded as he leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Alton's.
"Here is my final offer. A daughter for a daughter. If Tywin Lannister wants his daughter back, he will send back one of my mother's daughters. Tell that to your uncle and make it clear that these are not requests, but demands."
Ser Alton bowed deeply. "Understood, Your Grace. I will relay your terms to my uncle."
Robb dismissed the young Lannister with a nod, and Serafina stepped closer to her cousin.
"Be careful, Alton," she said softly. "And thank you."
"I will, my lady," Ser Alton replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll do everything I can."
As Ser Alton left the tent, Robb turned to Serafina.
"You've shown remarkable composure throughout this, my lady."
"Thank you, Your Grace," she replied, her voice steady though her eyes were filled with a complex mix of emotions.
Robb sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "We'll see how your father responds. Until then, you remain under my protection."
Serafina nodded. "I understand, Your Grace. And I am grateful."
That had certainly been a short negotiation. When Robb approached his tent later that night, he wondered if he had made a mistake. He had known from the beginning that the Lannisters wouldn't free both of his sisters, but perhaps they would agree to release one of them. Just the thought of choosing between them was devastating, but right now he didn't have a choice.
He would find a way to get them both back, even if he had to kill every single Lannister. Except the one waiting for him in his tent. No, he wouldn't kill her. She was a woman. He didn't kill women. That wasn't the only reason, though. No, he most definitely couldn't go there. He had already harmed her more than enough.
He stopped before entering his tent, wondering if Serafina was petting Grey Wind again. For some very strange reason, he enjoyed watching that. He liked to see her showing some genuine feelings. Silently, he looked inside, only to see her sitting by the bed, her knees pressed against her chest. She was crying. The sight startled him so badly that he needed a couple of seconds before he managed to enter the tent.
"My lady?" he gasped. "Are you alright? Has someone hurt you?"
She froze for a brief moment before getting up as fast as she could.
"No, no, Your Grace, everything is fine," she murmured without looking at him. "Please forgive me, your supper is ready…"
"My lady," he cut in firmly and walked over to her. She didn't move, but she kept her eyes down. "Look at me, please."
She swallowed before obeying. There were still tears in her eyes, although she dried them quickly and smiled at him.
"Please forgive me…"
"Why are you crying?" he asked, concerned. "Are you hurt?"
"No, Your Grace, everything is fine. I am just… a little tired. I apologize for all the inconvenience…"
"Please, stop," he sighed. "I need you to tell me the truth. Did someone hurt you?"
"No," she replied quietly. "I am just… tired."
She did look tired. Exhausted even. And very fragile, especially since the guard had put her chains back on. That wasn't right. None of this was right. A captive or not, she was a woman under his care. He owed her his care.
"Let's take these off," he murmured as he touched the chains. "Unless you are planning to run?"
She shook her head. "I am not."
Robb's fingers brushed over the chains around Serafina's wrists, feeling the cold metal beneath his touch. With gentle and deliberate movements, he unclasped the chains, carefully removing them from her wrists.
"There," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Serafina looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude. She flexed her wrists, as if testing their newfound freedom, before giving him a faint, appreciative smile.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she murmured.
Robb nodded. "You're welcome," he replied quietly.
Serafina sighed tiredly, her gaze dropping to the ground. Robb felt a sting of guilt and helplessness. He knew she was in a vulnerable position, caught between loyalty to her family and her own survival. He had responsibilities as a leader, but in that moment, he also felt a personal responsibility toward her well-being.
"Is there anything else you need?" he asked gently.
She shook her head slowly. "No, Your Grace. Thank you."
Robb nodded again, his thoughts racing with the weight of their situation. He wanted to offer her comfort, reassurance, anything.
"Please, eat," he urged finally, gesturing towards the table where their meal awaited them. "You need your strength."
Serafina nodded again, and they both sat down quietly to eat. He didn't allow her to clear the table; she needed to rest. Instead, he took it upon himself to clear the dishes, feeling a strange sense of purpose in the simple act. As he worked, he glanced over at her, seeing how her eyes were already closing.
He went outside, wanting to give her some privacy while she washed her face and put on a nightgown. Thankfully, she had stopped apologizing; she simply did as she was told. When he returned to the tent, he noticed that she was standing beside the bed.
"Please, lay down," he said. "Rest, my lady."
She obeyed and raised her arms while he undressed.
"Perhaps we won't need those tonight," he murmured while joining her in the bed. "I trust you can behave."
"I can, Your Grace."
Her voice was barely audible; she was almost asleep already. He should make sure that she wouldn't be cold. That was his responsibility. Before he could talk himself out of it, he wrapped his arms around her and drew her close. Only to make sure that she wouldn't be cold, of course. She sighed in her sleep and curled up against him. What was he doing? This was wrong. Yet he lay beside her in the dimly lit tent, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. She had cried before him, vulnerable and tired, and now here they were, in this moment of closeness that blurred lines he knew he shouldn't cross.
Yet, there was a part of him that couldn't deny the simple desire to offer her comfort. He hadn't expected to find himself in this position, tangled in emotions that were both unfamiliar and unsettling.
As Serafina shifted slightly in her sleep, Robb's resolve wavered. He closed his eyes, battling with his conscience. Should he move away? Should he push her gently to her side of the bed and maintain the distance that their circumstances demanded? Or should he allow himself this moment of closeness with her?
In the end, he chose to stay where he was, his arms around her in a protective embrace. He couldn't deny the warmth and comfort it brought. As wrong as it was, he wanted to keep her right there.