Chapter 10

Into the woods

"Moat Cailin?" Jaime repeated.

"Yes, a suitable place for her, isn't it?" Cersei hummed smiling.

She was more than pleased with herself for getting rid of the arrogant little whore. If the girl would have kept her mouth shut this morning, then perhaps Cersei wouldn't have planted the idea of Moat Cailin in Robert's head. The place was absolutely perfect. Like a tomb. She would stay there for the rest of her miserable life and Cersei would never have to hear from her again.

"No one has lived there for ages," Jaime stated.

"Yes, well, at least she won't be bored. There will be plenty of work for her to do."

Jaime didn't reply, but his look told Cersei that he wasn't pleased.

"What is wrong?" she asked softly.

"She doesn't deserve this," he murmured. "I didn't want to ruin her whole life."

Cersei's eyes narrowed, her smile fading as she scrutinized her brother.

"You care about her, don't you?" she asked, her voice cold.

Jaime sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not that. I just don't think it's fair to punish her for something she had no control over."

"Fair?" Cersei scoffed. "Since when do we live in a fair world, Jaime? She is a threat to us, to our children. Do you think I would sit by and let her disrupt everything we've built?"

"She's not a threat, Cersei," Jaime argued. "She's just a pawn in all of this, like the rest of us."

"Perhaps," Cersei replied icily. "But she's a pawn that could ruin everything if we're not careful. Robert's decisions can be unpredictable. This way, she's out of the way, where she belongs."

Jaime shook his head, frustration mounting. "This isn't right. You know it isn't."

Cersei stepped closer, her eyes locking onto his.

"Listen to me, Jaime. Everything I do, I do for our family. For us. You need to remember where your loyalties lie."

Jaime clenched his jaw, conflicted.

"I remember," he said quietly. "But it doesn't mean I have to like it."

Cersei's expression softened slightly, but the resolve in her eyes remained.

"Just trust me, Jaime. This is for the best. She is a grown woman, perfectly capable of taking care of herself. You mustn't think about her anymore."

Jaime's heart had always been too soft for his own good. Cersei's wasn't. She had learned quickly what it took to survive in King's Landing. She had learned that mercy was nothing but weakness and she wasn't weak. Jaime belonged to her and only to her. He loved her unlike any other man. Unlike Robert. Cersei didn't know how she would have survived all those years married to Robert without Jaime. He was hers and no little whore would ever take him from her.

"You know, I never thought that I would envy Snow," Theon hummed as he and Robb watched Lady Elyse walking towards the Godswood. "Getting to fuck her every night..."

"Hey!" Robb snapped. "Watch your tongue."

"I know, I know, but just look at her! What man wouldn't want to fuck her?"

"You should listen to your friend," Ser Jaime's cold voice stated. "Watch your tongue when you speak of a lady."

Both Robb and Theon turned to look at him.

"Good morning, Ser Jaime," Robb stated while Theon gave the Lannister a careless look.

"My apologies," he huffed.

Jaime's eyes narrowed.

"If I ever hear you speaking about Lady Elyse like that, I won't settle for an apology. Is that clear?"

"Yes, but with all due respect, how is this any of your concern, Ser Jaime? You are not her husband or brother."

"She is my family," Jaime replied icily. "And the King's sister. You will show her proper respect."

"Of course," Robb cut in. "She is my family as well now."

"Good," Jaime stated. "Then I trust you will make sure she won't be disrespected."

"What is his problem?" Theon huffed after Jaime had left. "You heard how the King himself spoke of her, there was nothing respectful about that."

"That doesn't matter," Robb replied firmly. "She is my brother's wife and I expect you to remember that."

"Fine," Theon snorted. "I'll be nice."

Robb sighed after Theon had left. There was so much about the whole thing he just couldn't understand. The whole marriage for starters. He had tried to ask Jon about it yesterday, but his brother had been unwilling to give him many answers. He had heard all kinds of rumors, but none of them made any sense. He knew his brother and Jon would never bed a woman, especially a noblewoman, he barely knew.

Then there was Moat Cailin. How could anyone think that was a proper place for Lady Elyse? Then there was Jaime Lannister. There was something very strange about the whole thing. After a moment of hesitation, Robb decided to have a word with Lady Elyse. Perhaps she could give him some answers. This seemed like the perfect time since she was by herself. He followed her to the Godswood and caught her up quickly. She didn't hear him coming and jumped as he called her.

She turned quickly, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of alarm. When she saw it was Robb, she relaxed slightly, though her guard was still up.

"My lord," she greeted him, her voice steady. "You startled me."

"I apologize, my lady," Robb replied. "I didn't mean to. May I join you?"

"Of course," she replied, though she looked wary.

They walked together in silence for a few moments, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Robb could sense her unease and chose his words carefully.

"So, where is Jon?"

"I am afraid I don't know; he had already left when I woke up."

"Hmm. Do you have everything you need in his chamber?"

"Yes, I do, thank you."

She kept smiling, but it wasn't difficult to see that her smile was somewhat forced.

"I must say that I was quite surprised about your marriage," he started cautiously.

She didn't reply, but he noticed her body tensing.

"It happened quite fast."

"Yes," she stated tensely. "I was honored to wed your brother, my lord."

"Was it the King's decision?"

"Yes, but of course I wanted it as well."

Robb nodded, sensing the underlying tension in her words. He decided to press gently, hoping to understand more about her situation and feelings.

"Forgive me for asking, but did you know my brother well before this marriage was arranged?" Robb asked, his voice soft and curious.

Elyse's smile faltered slightly.

"I…" She paused, taking a quick look around her. "I think we should go back, my lord."

Robb looked at her in confusion.

"Are you cold, my lady?"

"No, no," she assured, her smile clearly forced. "I should go. Excuse me, my lord."

"Wait, please…" he started, but she was already heading back. She walked so fast that she tripped and fell on the ground.

"My lady!"

He hurried to help her, hoping that she hadn't hurt herself. She was breathing fast, and she was shaking. He knelt beside her, worried that she really was hurt.

"My lady? Did you hurt yourself?" he asked, concerned.

She didn't reply, but she was shaking even more violently.

"My lady," he repeated, now alarmed as he gently touched her shoulder. She flinched at his touch.

"Please, don't…" she murmured.

"What?"

"Robb?" Jon's confused voice suddenly said. "What…"

"She tripped," Robb replied, unable to hide his concern. "I think she is hurt."

Jon knelt quickly on her other side.

"My lady?"

She looked at Jon, breathing out a sigh of relief.

"My husband..."

Jon gently took her hands in his, concern clear in his eyes.

"I'm here, my lady," he said softly. "Are you hurt? Can you tell me where it hurts?"

Elyse shook her head, her breathing still unsteady.

"I... I'm not hurt. Just... cold," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I tripped, and..."

Jon exchanged a worried glance with Robb before turning his attention back to Elyse.

"It's alright. You're safe now," he reassured her. "Let's get you back to the castle. You need to rest."

"Could you please escort me to your chamber, my lord?" she murmured.

"Of course, I am right here," Jon assured.

With Jon's help, Elyse managed to stand, though she still seemed shaken. Robb stayed close, ready to assist if needed. As they walked back, Jon spoke in a calm, soothing tone. "Just focus on breathing and staying calm, my lady."

Elyse nodded, her grip tightening on Jon's arm. "Thank you," she murmured. "I just... I need to lie down."

"We'll make sure you get there," Jon promised. He glanced at Robb, who gave him an understanding nod.

"Please, stay with me, my lord," she murmured. "Don't leave me alone."

Jon nodded, his expression resolute.

"I won't, I promise,"

Robb's heart ached at the sight of Elyse's distress. Something was terribly wrong, and he knew he needed to find out what it was.