Chapter 9

A place called home

"Good morning," Tyrion greeted Elyse.

She looked just as dignified as always, but she also looked somehow lost walking across the long cold corridors of Winterfell.

"I am afraid the morning is long gone," she replied smiling.

"Well, I just woke up, so this is morning to me," he stated and paused for a moment before continuing. "How are you, my dear girl?"

"Fine, thank you."

Her voice was calm as usual, but he picked up her fatigue.

"Are you sure?" he asked carefully.

She sighed tiredly.

"Everything is as fine as it can be I suppose."

"Have you seen the King?"

She nodded.

"I have, but he made it clear that he has no intention to speak to me. Not today anyway."

"Yes, he can be... stubborn," Tyrion stated, although that wasn't the word he would have liked to use. "And your husband?"

"I have not seen him today," she replied a bit tensely.

Tyrion nodded thoughtfully, observing the tension in Elyse's posture and the weariness in her eyes.

"I understand," he said gently. "Adjustments can be... challenging."

Elyse offered a faint, appreciative smile. "That's one way to put it."

They walked in silence for a moment, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the stone corridors. Tyrion considered his next words carefully, aware of the delicate balance required in their conversation. He had always liked little Elyse and he had known that her marriage with Darius Arryn had been everything but happy. She didn't deserve another miserable marriage, especially since Cersei was responsible for the poor girl's unfortunate situation.

"Everything went well last night, I trust?"

"Yes," she replied simply. "And I had a lovely chat with your sister this morning. She seems to be enjoying her victory."

"Unfortunately, I'm not surprised," he sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Why should you be, you have not done anything."

"I know, but she is my sister."

"And Robert is my brother. Such lovely families we have."

"Indeed," Tyrion replied dryly. "I truly hope that you can find happiness in this new marriage. Just think about how much that would infuriate Cersei."

Elyse's lips twitched into a brief smile at Tyrion's comment.

"Yes, I suppose that would be a small victory, wouldn't it?"

Tyrion nodded, his expression softening with empathy. "Sometimes the smallest victories are the sweetest."

They continued walking, the air between them filled with a comfortable silence. After a moment, Elyse spoke again, her voice quieter, more contemplative.

"I never imagined my life would lead me here. To Winterfell. To this... situation."

"It's a harsh world," Tyrion agreed, "full of unexpected turns and unforgiving paths. But you are stronger than you know, Elyse. And strength is often born from adversity."

Elyse looked at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "I hope you're right."

Jon looked at his father disbelievingly. He was sure that he had somehow misunderstood Lord Stark's words.

"What?"

"It belongs to you now," Lord Stark confirmed.

Jon still couldn't believe it. Moat Cailin belonged to him...

"I am truly grateful, father, but... Forgive me, but is it a proper place for a lady?"

Jon recalled the degraded castle, cold and almost barren land, constant mist, darkness... No, he certainly couldn't imagine taking Lady Elyse to a place like that.

"That was the King's decision," Lord Stark sighed.

That sounded nothing but cruel to Jon.

"Father..."

"Your concern is valid, Jon," Lord Stark replied. "Moat Cailin may not be the most hospitable place, but it is a place of great importance. It serves as the gateway to the North and has a long history of defending our lands."

Jon nodded, still uncertain. If he would have been by himself, he would have rejoiced for such an opportunity, but now he also needed to think about his wife.

"I understand its significance, father. But I worry about Lady Elyse. She has already faced so many hardships, and I'm not sure she would find any comfort there."

Lord Stark sighed, placing a reassuring hand on Jon's shoulder.

"You have a kind heart, Jon. Your concern for your wife is commendable. Moat Cailin is in need of repair and revitalization, and with the right effort, it can be transformed into a more suitable home. Of course, the reparations will take time and you and Lady Elyse are more than welcome to stay here for now."

"Thank you, father, but I am concerned that she won't have much company there," Jon stated.

"Yes, of course she needs maids and a handmaiden or two. I assume you will let her make those choices herself?"

For a moment Jon couldn't understand what his father was talking about. Let her? Then he remembered. Her property was now his property. Jon nodded slowly, grappling with the weight of his new responsibilities.

"Yes, of course. She should have the right to choose those who serve her. It's the least I can do."

Lord Stark gave a small, approving nod.

"Good. Ensuring that she has familiar faces around her will help her adjust to her new life. And remember, Jon, making her feel valued and heard will go a long way in building a strong foundation for your marriage."

Jon felt a surge of gratitude for his father's guidance. "Thank you, father. I will do my best to make her feel at home."

Lord Stark placed a reassuring hand on Jon's shoulder.

"I know you will, Jon. You have the makings of a good lord and husband."

Jon wasn't so sure about that. He had woken early this morning and fled his chamber like a coward before Lady Elyse had woken. After that, he had wandered in the Godswood for a long while, hoping to clear his thoughts. He needed to find the right words to say to her. Unfortunately, he had never been very good with words. How was he supposed to tell her about Moat Cailin?

Jon's heart weighed heavy with the burden of responsibility as he left his father's chambers. The task of transforming Moat Cailin into a home for himself and Elyse seemed daunting, but his father's words echoed in his mind: making her feel valued and heard would be crucial.

Elyse struggled to look calm, but she couldn't stop her hands from shaking. Moat Cailin... She would have to live in Moat Cailin.

"I truly am sorry," her husband murmured, keeping his eyes on the floor. "My father tried to speak to the King, but he wasn't willing to change his mind."

Of course he wasn't. Clearly Robert felt that he hadn't punished Elyse enough. If her husband also wanted to punish her for her hostility last night, he didn't show it. He didn't sound spiteful or triumphant at all, probably because he had expected something better.

"I am sorry," he repeated. "You deserve so much better, but I will do everything I can to make the castle as comfortable as possible, I give you my word."

"Thank you, my lord," Elyse replied, managing to regain her self-control. "I appreciate that."

"Of course," he murmured and bowed. "I bid you good night, my lady."

"Where are you going?" she asked.

He seemed uncomfortable and he still wasn't looking at her.

"I... I do not wish to bother you, so I'll find myself some other place to sleep."

She observed him cautiously, trying to see the true meaning behind his words.

"I see," she stated coolly. "May I ask you to be discreet with your...companion. Or do you wish to humiliate me?"

His eyes widened as he stared at her.

"What?"

"I know how these things work, my lord, no need to worry. Of course, you are entitled to have your special companions, but I ask you not to humiliate me."

"No... No, no, no, I would never be unfaithful to you, my lady. I gave you my vows before the gods."

He seemed so sincere that for a moment she hesitated.

"My lord, I appreciate your words, but..."

"I mean it, my lady," he cut in. "I respect my vows."

Again, she hesitated. A part of her wanted to believe him, but she had seen too much to have any foolish hopes. Why would he want to be faithful to her when he hadn't even claimed his rights?

"I was only planning to sleep in my brother's chambers so I wouldn't bother you," he continued.

Maybe he was telling the truth, but she could already imagine all the rumors. Cersei would have a feast.

"I would appreciate if you could sleep here, my lord," she stated. "I would like to avoid any more unpleasant rumors."

"Oh..." he murmured. "I didn't think of that. Of course, I can sleep here if you wish, my lady."

She nodded.

"This is your chamber, my lord."

She was already wearing a nightgown and Nellie had plaited her long hair for the night. She was tired and she had hoped that she could just go to sleep, but obviously that wouldn't happen now. She had asked her husband to stay and of course he wanted something in return. Not that it mattered, at least she wouldn't have to endure another public humiliation. She walked over to the bed, lifted the covers and laid down on her back, expecting her husband to join her. He didn't, he picked up a couple of furs and placed them on the floor.

"Good night, my lady," he murmured and turned his back on her before removing his shirt and boots.

She had to admit that she was surprised. He had every right to take her body, why didn't he? What did he hope to achieve? Someone less cynical could have thought that he was actually a decent human being, but Elyse didn't dare to even hope something like that. She was so tired that she fell asleep only a moment after closing her eyes.

In her dream she was in Moat Cailin. It was cold and dark. She was running. Screaming for help. No one could hear her. She was all alone with him. No matter how fast she ran, he always caught her. Threw her against the wall. On the cold stone floor. Hit her. Kicked her. Tried to force himself on her but couldn't get it up.

"You barren whore! You did this to me!"

Pain. She wanted to scream but she couldn't make a sound. They were all there, watching and laughing. Robert. Cersei. Jaime. Why didn't they help her? Why didn't they stop Darius?

"Please, stop..." she pleaded and looked at Darius. It wasn't Darius, it was Jon Stark. He looked down at her and smiled.

"Scream as much as you want," he hummed. "No one can hear you..."

Her eyes flew open, and she gasped for air. A dream. It had been just a bad dream. Yet she was shaking as she got into a sitting position. Her husband was sleeping on the floor. A dream. Just a dream. What if it wasn't just a dream? She would be trapped in Moat Cailin. What if... No. She refused to think about that right now.

Elyse tried to steady her breathing, her heart pounding from the nightmare. She glanced at Jon, who was still sleeping soundly on the floor, his back turned to her. The contrast between the Jon in her dream and the one in reality was stark, yet she couldn't shake the lingering fear. Her past haunted her, and the uncertainty of her future loomed like a dark shadow.

She lay back down, clutching the blanket tightly around her, and focused on the sounds of the room. The soft rustling of the furs, Jon's steady breathing, and the faint creaking of the wooden beams above her. She forced herself to find some comfort in these mundane noises, reminding herself that she was safe, at least for now.