Chapter 7

No rest for the wicked

Jon stared at the ceiling in the dim light of the fireplace. He had no idea how long he had stared at it. His chamber was quiet, all he heard was Lady Elyse's calm breathing. She was finally asleep.

She thought that he had forced her to wed him. Undressed her against her will. Touched her without her consent. Of course she hated him. How was he supposed to make her believe him? He had no idea. And what about his father then? Lord Stark had always treated him the same way he treated his other children, and this was how Jon had repaid him. By upsetting Lady Stark.

All of this was like a bad dream. And yet… Slowly, Jon got up, trying not to make a sound. Lady Elyse looked calm. Peaceful. And beautiful. So very beautiful. Jon felt guilty for looking at her when she was asleep, but he couldn't help himself. She was no doubt the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. A woman who someone like him should have never been allowed to even look at. And now she was his wife. He still couldn't believe it.

Jon quietly moved back to his makeshift bed on the floor, trying to reconcile the impossible situation he found himself in. How could he convince Lady Elyse that he was not her enemy? How could he win her trust when everything pointed to him being part of a cruel plot against her? These thoughts plagued him, swirling around his mind like a relentless storm.

He lay back down, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his chest. His father's words echoed in his head, urging him to do his duty, to protect and care for Lady Elyse. Yet, every action he took seemed to drive her further away. She was right to be wary, right to question his motives. In her position, Jon knew he would feel the same.

As he lay there, staring at the ceiling once more, he thought about how his life had changed in an instant. He had gone from being Jon Snow, the bastard of Winterfell, to Jon Stark, a legitimized son with a noble wife. A wife who despised him. He had never sought power or titles, only a place where he belonged. And now, the very thing he had yearned for felt like a curse.

Despite the turmoil, Jon couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility towards Elyse. She had been thrust into this nightmare just as he had, and she deserved his protection and respect, even if she doubted his intentions. He had to find a way to prove himself to her, to show her that he was not her enemy.

Jon closed his eyes, a resolve forming within him. He would find out who was behind this scheme. He would prove his innocence and earn her trust, no matter how long it took. And perhaps, in time, he could find a way to ease the bitterness that had taken root between them.

Jaime emptied another goblet of wine and gloomily glanced at the King. Of course, the old goat was drunk and merry as usual. He chuckled while joking about his sister and the boy. He suspected that the boy would be drained and unconscious by now, Robert doubted that he had half as much stamina as the King himself.

Obviously, Jaime understood that Robert was trying to convince everyone that Lady Elyse's marriage had been completely the King's decision all along. There was no scandal. The King had given his sister to this boy because he had wanted to. End of story. Jaime felt that he needed more wine. Absentmindedly he picked up his goblet and glanced at a servant who hurried to fill it.

He needed to get rid of his guilt. There was no reason for him to feel guilty. He had done what was necessary. For Cersei and their children. It wasn't like he would have arranged Elyse to marry someone like Robert.

The boy had seemed tolerable enough. Surely, he would treat her well. Of course he would. She would be fine. Jaime pressed his lips together. Damn it. He couldn't just leave things like this, not without making sure that the boy wasn't some beast. Jaime downed another gulp of wine, steeling himself. His thoughts were a tumultuous mix of guilt and determination. He had to do something to make sure Elyse was safe, to ensure that the boy was not a danger to her.

He scanned the room, his gaze locking onto Robb Stark. With Cersei retired for the night, Jaime saw this as the perfect moment. He stood, straightened his tunic, and approached Robb, who was conversing with a few bannermen. Robb looked up as Jaime neared, his expression curious but cautious. Jaime knew the young Stark would be wary of him, given the circumstances, but he had to take the chance.

"Lord Robb," Jaime greeted, his voice steady despite the wine coursing through his veins.

"Ser Jaime," Robb replied, a touch of suspicion in his tone. "What brings you over here?"

"Well… I was just thinking that you surely know how to throw a feast here," Jaime started cautiously.

"Aye."

"Is this a typical northern wedding feast?"

"Aye, we like to celebrate a marriage properly."

"I see." Jaime paused, choosing his next words carefully. "This wedding was quite a surprise."

The Stark boy looked somewhat cautious as he nodded.

"I suppose so."

Jaime doubted the boy could know about his and Elyse's engagement, it hadn't yet been a public knowledge.

"So… Your brother seems like a fine young man, your father must be proud of him."

Robb nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to gauge Jaime's intentions.

"Aye, Jon is a good man. My father has always been proud of him, even before the King legitimized him."

Jaime gave a thoughtful nod, attempting to tread carefully.

"It's clear that Lord Stark raises his children well. Jon's sudden elevation must have come as a shock to your family."

Robb shrugged slightly, his expression neutral.

"We've always considered Jon our brother, with or without a title. His new status doesn't change that."

"Of course," Jaime agreed, his tone measured. "Family is what matters most. I just wanted to make sure that Lady Elyse is in good hands. This marriage... it was quite sudden, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for her."

Robb's eyes softened slightly, his suspicion giving way to understanding.

"Jon would never hurt her. He's as honorable as they come."

Jaime nodded. "That's good to hear. I hope she finds some comfort in that. It's important that she feels safe and respected in this new chapter of her life."

Robb seemed to relax a bit. "I'll make sure of it, Ser Jaime. Jon is a good man, and he'll do right by her."

"Thank you, Lord Robb," Jaime replied. "I know my whole family appreciates it."

"It's the least we can do. Lady Elyse deserves to be treated well."

"Yes, she does. Enjoy your evening."

Jaime sighed while returning to his own seat. He truly hoped that the Stark boy had told him the truth about his brother. As much as Jaime hated to admit it, his guilt was weighting him down. He shouldn't have given in so easily; he should have insisted arranging Elyse to Robb Stark. At least then she would have had a comfortable life as the future Lady of Winterfell.

Now she was the property of the bastard son. Legitimized bastard son, bit still. Jaime needed to make sure that she was alright before he would return to King's Landing. He had caused her harm, there was nothing he could do to change that anymore, but he wasn't a monster. At least he hoped that he wasn't.