Chapter 1

Nobody's wife

Elyse sat calmly in the carriage, keeping her hands folded in her lap. She was traveling with the maids, who were babbling cheerfully. Elyse wasn't much of a babbler, but she did listen and made some comments occasionally. She certainly wasn't complaining about the company, although she should have been traveling in the Queen's carriage. Cersei had politely informed her that there wasn't enough room. Well, that was one way to show Elyse her place.

Thankfully, Cersei didn't know that she had only done Elyse a favor. The journey was certainly long enough without unpleasant company. Of course, Elyse had gotten used to all kinds of unpleasant company, and she could keep the polite smile on her face no matter how she was feeling. That was one of the first things she had learned while growing up in King's Landing.

According to her septa, a lady was supposed to always be dignified, discreet, and controlled. Showing feelings equaled showing weakness, and weakness was something that could be used against her. She knew that some people considered her cold, but she didn't really care. Better cold than weak.

She had never purposely aggravated her brother's wife; she wasn't a fool. But Cersei had made it clear that she didn't like Elyse. The feeling was mutual, but unlike Cersei, Elyse kept her feelings hidden. Things had gotten much worse after Robert's ridiculous decision to marry Elyse off to Jaime Lannister. Elyse pressed her lips together as she thought about Darius, her deceased husband. He had been nothing like his brother Jon Arryn, and it would have been a lie to say that she had mourned for him.

A part of her would probably always hate Robert for giving her to a man like that. Not that she would ever show it. Now she was supposed to marry a man who didn't want a wife at all. Well, she didn't want another husband either, so they would both have to simply endure. Didn't that sound like a happy life? Perhaps they would at least learn to tolerate each other. Jaime knew how to be obnoxiously arrogant, but Elyse didn't think that he would physically hurt her. Unlike Darius. No, she most certainly didn't mourn for him.

"Look, my lady," one of the maids said. "Is that Winterfell?"

Elyse moved the curtain and glanced outside.

"Yes, I believe it is."

The journey had been very long, and she was looking forward to a warm bath. But first things first. The maids looked outside and babbled eagerly as the royal convoy approached the gates. Elyse sat still and waited patiently until the carriage stopped and someone opened the door. She got out of the carriage and saw Robert talking with Lord Stark. Cersei was just getting out of her carriage; Tommen and Myrcella were already standing next to it, looking around in wonder. The whole courtyard was full of people.

"Who have we here?" Robert said as he stepped in front of the young man who was standing next to Lord Stark. "You must be Robb."

The young man nodded and shook Robert's hand.

"My, you're a pretty one," Robert said to a young redhead, who had to be Sansa, Lord Stark's daughter. She smiled and bowed her head shyly. Next in the line was a younger girl, a child.

"Your name is?" Robert asked.

"Arya," the girl replied.

Robert nodded and moved on.

"Oh, show us your muscles," he said to a young boy who was standing next to Arya.

The boy smiled and flexed his arm.

"You'll be a soldier," Robert chuckled.

Elyse noticed Jaime removing his helmet; he was standing next to his horse. It seemed that many other women in the courtyard noticed that as well and, as always, Jaime didn't seem to mind the attention. He glanced at Elyse and greeted her with a brief nod. She mimicked his gesture. They hadn't actually talked after Robert had informed them both about his decision, but obviously, they would have to talk sooner or later.

Elyse wanted to believe that Jaime had enough manners to keep things civilized between them. She had known him ever since she had been a child, but she didn't really know much about him. Not that it mattered. As long as he wouldn't be violent toward her, he could do whatever he wanted, with whoever he wanted. She didn't expect much from him.

"Oh my," Lord Stark suddenly said. "Is that little Elyse?"

Elyse smiled and walked over to him, much to Cersei's annoyance. She was standing in front of Lord Stark, who had just kissed her hand.

"My lord," Elyse said and curtsied.

Lord Stark smiled.

"My, you have grown," he said. "What a beautiful young woman you have become."

"Thank you, my lord."

He hesitated for a brief moment before continuing.

"I am sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, my lord."

"Take me to your crypt," Robert said to Lord Stark. "I want to pay my respects."

"We've been riding for a month, my love," Cersei spoke up. "Surely the dead can wait."

As usual, Robert ignored her.

"Ned," he stated and turned to march away. Lord Stark glanced at Cersei apologetically before following Robert. The whole situation was humiliating for Cersei and, despite what Cersei probably thought, it gave Elyse no pleasure. Perhaps she didn't like Cersei much, but it wasn't difficult to see what had made Robert's wife the malevolent woman she was.

"Where's the Imp?" the younger Stark girl asked.

Cersei gave the girl a glare before marching to Jaime, who was standing next to Joffrey and Sandor.

"My lady," Lady Stark greeted Elyse.

"Lady Stark," Elyse replied and curtsied.

"My lady," Robb Stark said and bowed.

Elyse smiled and offered him her hand to kiss.

"Welcome to Winterfell."

"Thank you, my lord."

"My lady," another young man said as he appeared next to Robb Stark. "Theon Greyjoy," he introduced himself and bowed. "Honor to meet you."

"My lord," Elyse replied and offered him her hand.

She noticed a third young man standing behind Robb Stark and smiled at him as well, although he didn't introduce himself. Lady Stark was leading Cersei and her party inside, and Elyse knew better than to join them. She could tell that Cersei was very tense because of the public humiliation, and Elyse was smart enough to stay out of her sight. She walked back to the carriage, planning to pick up the book she had been reading earlier. It was still on the seat, but she managed to drop it on the ground. She glanced at Sandor, who was standing nearby.

"I just dropped my book," she stated innocently.

"Why you're telling me?" he grunted.

She smiled at him sweetly.

"A gentleman would pick it up for me."

"Then I suggest you go and find yourself one."

She suppressed a giggle. Sandor was one of the few people she considered her friend. He had been her friend ever since rescuing her kitten from drowning when she had been a little girl. He was one of the few people who understood her peculiar sense of humor.

"Here, my lady," Robb Stark said as he picked up her book.

"Thank you, my lord." She paused and glanced at Sandor. "I am glad someone here has manners."

Sandor rolled his eyes and grunted something before following Joffrey inside.

"May I escort you inside?" Robb asked.

"Of course, my lord," she replied, smiling.

She was more than aware of why he wanted her company. Men had noticed her ever since her body had started to become that of a woman. Unlike Jaime, she didn't enjoy all the attention she was getting. Sure, it was useful sometimes, but most of the time she hated it. She hated the lustful looks and the groping hands. Darius' hands. Just the thought made her sick to her stomach. She didn't want to be anyone's wife again, but her opinion made no difference. It never had.