Chapter 6

About last night

"I can't believe this," Theon huffed, shaking his head. "How did Snow do this?"

Robb had to admit that he was wondering the same thing. Jon had just wedded the King's sister. The King's stunningly beautiful sister. How had that happened? There had been all kinds of rumors when Robb had woken up this morning. Apparently, something had happened between Jon and Lady Elyse last night. Robb still couldn't believe it.

He hadn't had a chance to speak with Jon, and their father hadn't said much. Only that the King had legitimized Jon. Robb had nothing against that; he was happy for his brother. His mother, on the other hand... Robb hoped that she would eventually get over this. No, Robb didn't mind his brother's legitimation, but he couldn't deny that he envied Jon's marriage. What man wouldn't want a woman like Lady Elyse in his bed? Jon truly was a lucky man.

He didn't look happy, though, more like distressed. And the bruise on Lady Elyse's face... According to Theon, the King had done that. Yet she smiled as she sat at the table beside Jon. Many people had already congratulated them, and the King was once again drunk. The Queen, on the other hand, seemed to be in a good mood; she had a wide smile on her face.

Robb glanced at his mother; she looked anything but pleased. His father seemed tense as well, but he had played his part as a host.

"I just don't understand," Theon continued and glanced at Robb. "Do you know something?"

Robb shook his head.

"No, I haven't spoken with Jon today. Speaking of which..."

Robb stood up and headed to the newlywed couple.

"Jon, Lady Elyse," he greeted them.

"My lord," she replied, keeping the smile on her face. Robb noticed that it didn't reach her eyes, though. The bruise was nasty, and he suspected that she was hurting. A king or not, Robb couldn't understand what kind of a man would hit a woman, especially his own sister. Why had he done it? What had happened last night?

"Robb," Jon said, his voice strained. "How are you?"

"I'm well, thank you. I wanted to congratulate you both," Robb said, forcing a smile. "Though I must admit, this was quite a surprise."

"It was a surprise to us all," Jon muttered, glancing at Elyse, who remained silent.

"Lady Elyse, I'm sorry for what you've been through," Robb said sincerely. "If there's anything you need, please let me know."

"Thank you, my lord," she replied, her voice soft. "Your kindness is appreciated."

Robb nodded, feeling a mix of sympathy and frustration. He wished he could do more, but he was bound by the King's will, just like everyone else. As he looked at Jon and Elyse, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this story than anyone knew.

He decided to press Jon later for answers. For now, all he could do was offer his support and hope that his brother would find a way to make the best of this impossible situation.

"Congratulations, Sno... my apologies, Stark," Theon joined the conversation. "And the lovely Lady Stark."

"Thank you," Lady Elyse replied.

"Jon is a very lucky man for having a wife like you, my lady," Theon continued.

"You are too kind, my lord," she responded.

"No, no, I bet any man here would kill to take Jon's place tonight..."

Jon stiffened visibly, and Robb shot Theon a warning look.

"Enough, Theon," Robb said, his tone firm. "Tonight is about Jon and Lady Elyse. Let's not forget that."

Theon raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just speaking the truth," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "But I'll behave."

Robb turned his attention back to the newlyweds.

"If you need anything, Jon, you know where to find me," he said, giving his brother a reassuring nod.

"Thank you, Robb," Jon murmured, clearly grateful for the support.

Robb smiled at Elyse. "And Lady Elyse, welcome to Winterfell. I hope you find some comfort here despite... everything."

She nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and sadness.

"Thank you, my lord. Your kindness means more than you know."

Robb nodded and stepped back, giving them some space. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong, but he knew that now was not the time to delve deeper. For the moment, all he could do was be there for Jon and hope that things would somehow improve.

As he walked away, he caught sight of his mother, her face a mask of fury and frustration. This was not how things were supposed to be. Robb had a very bad feeling about the whole thing.

Good evening," Lord Tyrion said. "And congratulations."

Elyse met his gaze and saw pity in his eyes. He had never wronged her in any way, on the contrary, but right now she didn't know who to trust. As far as Elyse knew, Tyrion didn't really get along with Cersei. She wanted to believe that he hadn't been a part of this, but could she really know for sure? Well, he was one of the very few men who had always treated her like a person with thoughts and feelings. He didn't deserve to be judged right away.

"Thank you, my lord," she replied.

Her new husband had excused himself a moment ago, Elyse didn't know where he was. Tyrion leaned closer before continuing.

"Dear girl," he sighed. "I'm really sorry."

"Did you know?" she asked sharply.

He shook his head.

"I didn't. If I would have, I would have stopped it. I hope you can believe me."

Elyse searched Tyrion's face, seeking any sign of deceit. His eyes, full of genuine regret and concern, seemed sincere. She wanted to believe him, to find an ally in this unfamiliar and hostile environment.

"I believe you," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

Tyrion nodded, relief evident on his face.

"Thank you, my lady. I wish I could offer more than words. If there's anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask."

Elyse gave him a small, grateful smile.

"Your support means a great deal, my lord. I feel very... alone right now."

"You are not alone," Tyrion assured her. "There are those of us who do not approve of the methods used to bring about this union."

She nodded. It was a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.

"I appreciate that, Lord Tyrion. Truly."

Tyrion raised his goblet in a silent toast.

"To new beginnings, then. May they be better than the circumstances that brought them about."

Elyse raised her own goblet, clinking it gently against his.

Tyrion opened his mouth, but he didn't have time to say anything when Robert stood up.

"Alright!" he announced. "Time for the bedding!"

Elyse tensed, although she wasn't really surprised. Clearly, her brother wanted to humiliate her.

"Your Grace, the groom isn't here..." Tyrion started.

"There he is!" Robert chuckled, pointing at the entrance. "Ladies!"

Elyse didn't have time to even look at her husband as she was being picked up by several men. Their hands were eagerly groping her while they were tearing off the layers of her clothing.

Elyse fought to keep her composure, but the hands grabbing at her, ripping away her clothing, were too much. Panic surged through her as she struggled against the men, their laughter and jeers filling her ears. She felt utterly powerless, her dignity stripped away with every torn piece of fabric.

"Enough!" Tyrion's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. "This is disgraceful. Stop this at once!"

Robert laughed, clearly amused by Tyrion's outburst.

"It's tradition. Let the young couple enjoy it."

"Please," Elyse managed to gasp, her voice cracking. "Stop..."

Her plea seemed to fall on deaf ears, but then another voice joined Tyrion's.

"Hey!" Robb Stark's voice called out, stepping forward. "That's enough!"

Robb followed the men as they carried her out of the hall, ensuring she got to keep what was left of her clothes. His interference provided a small but significant comfort in that humiliating moment. As much as she despised all men at that time, she was grateful for his help.

Finally, they reached the relative privacy of the chambers. The men released her, and Elyse immediately wrapped her torn clothing tightly around herself. She took a shaky breath, trying to steady her nerves.

"Are you alright?" Robb asked, his tone genuinely concerned.

Elyse nodded, though she knew her face must have shown the mix of anger, shame, and relief she felt. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Robb gave a small nod. "I'm sorry for what happened. This shouldn't have been forced upon you."

Before Elyse could respond, Jon was carried in by a group of giggling women. Unlike her, they had let him keep most of his clothes.

"Enough," Robb said sternly, and the women reluctantly let Jon go, still snickering as they left the room.

Jon adjusted his clothes and looked at Elyse. She didn't say anything, bracing herself for what was coming next.

"Well… I'll leave you to it," Robb said, before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

Elyse walked over to a small table and poured herself a cup of wine. Not that it would really help. All she wanted was to be completely numb.

She emptied the whole goblet with a one gulp before turning to look at her husband. He wasn't looking at her and if she wouldn't have known better, she would have thought that he was nervous.

"Shall we get started then," she stated icily.

"What?" he murmured.

"My apologies, were you hoping that I would fight you? Is that how you like it?"

"No, I... I don't want... anything."

Elyse looked at him, she couldn't understand what game he was playing.

"You played well, my lord," she stated. "Why wouldn't you want to claim your reward?"

Finally, her husband looked up.

"I know you have no reason to believe me, but I have no idea what happened last night," he murmured.

"I see," Elyse replied, struggling to hide her anger. "You didn't bring me here when I was unconscious?"

"No, no, I swear. I would never do something like that."

"Not even for wealth and tittle?"

"No. The last thing I remember is leaving the feast, I don't know what happened after that."

Did he really expect her to believe that?

"Alright, sure, you had nothing to do with that. Is this the part where I should express my gratitude by spreading my legs?"

"No," he replied quietly. "Please, take the bed, I will sleep on the floor."

Elyse frowned.

"What?"

He walked over to the bed, picked up a blanket and handed it to Elyse.

"I won't touch you; I give you my word."

For a brief moment she wanted to believe him, but her trust in men had been shattered a long time ago. She knew what they were capable of, especially when they wouldn't be punished or even judged for it. She was this man's property now and they both knew it. What little independence she had gained after the death of her first husband, was gone.

"Please," he murmured and gestured the bed. "You're safe here, my lady."

She didn't believe that, but she climbed into the bed, wrapping the blankets tightly around her. He took a fur from the bed and settled on the floor, using his cloak as a makeshift pillow. As she lay there, staring at the ceiling, she wondered what his plan was. She would no doubt find that out soon enough. As silence settled in the room, Elyse found herself drifting toward sleep. Despite the turmoil of the day, her husband's presence on the floor, rather than forcing himself on her, brought a small measure of unexpected comfort.