Chapter 11

Bad reputation

Elyse kept her arm tightly wrapped around her husband's, as if her life would depend on it. Right now, she felt that it did. Right now, he was her only source of safety. She could only blame herself for that after letting her guard down with Robb Stark. And why? Because he had said a few kind words during the awful breakfast with Cersei? Because he was the son of the noble Lord Stark? No, she should have known better. She should have seen his true intentions right away.

She had been through all that already with Darius' friend. He had managed to corner her, knowing that she could never tell anyone. It would have ruined her. Darius would have killed her. Robb Stark had almost managed to do the same. That would have been her own fault She should have realized how drastically her position had changed. She wasn't the respectable widow and the King's sister anymore. No, she was the harlot who had slept with a man she barely knew and humiliated the King.

That was likely how people in Winterfell saw her. That was likely how Robb Stark saw her. Who knew what kind of rumors he had heard. There was no need for him to treat her like he had when she had arrived, he could just do what he wanted with her, knowing that she couldn't tell anyone. No one would believe her or defend her. It would only ruin what was left of her reputation. He could simply claim that she had wanted it, just like with his brother. She was basically fair game. The realization shook her to her core.

"My lady?" her husband murmured as he felt her shaking. "Are you... Are you alright?"

"Yes," she replied, forcing herself to calm down. "Thank you."

She needed to think. She needed to somehow protect herself. First, she needed to make sure that no man could corner her again when she was by herself. She couldn't be by herself anymore, she needed to make sure that someone was always accompanying her. Then there was her husband. Could she expect him to offer her at least some kind of protection? She didn't know. She would at least have to offer him something in return. Nothing was free, she knew that.

As they reached her husband's chamber, he helped her to sit down on the edge of the bed, her grip still firm on his arm as he picked up a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders. Lord Robb had followed them here and she needed to make sure that her husband wouldn't leave her alone with him.

Thankfully, he turned to his brother. "Thank you for your help, Robb. I'll take it from here."

Lord Robb gave a small nod. "If you need anything, just let me know." With that, he left the room, closing the door behind him. Elyse let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

Her husband turned his full attention back to her. "How are you feeling, my lady?" he asked. "Would you like me to fetch the Maester?"

She looked at him, forcing a smile.

"No, thank you, my lord. I apologize for all the trouble I caused."

"No, no, there is no need to apologize. Is there anything I can do for you?"

She hesitated, feeling that she needed a moment to gather herself.

"I am a little cold, my lord," she murmured. "Perhaps you could be so kind as to add some food to the fireplace?"

"Yes, yes, of course."

He moved quickly to the fireplace, adding more wood and stoking the embers until a warm, comforting fire began to crackle and grow. The room started to fill with the gentle heat, easing the chill that had settled over Elyse. He then turned back to her.

"Is that better, my lady?" he asked.

She nodded, her grip on the blanket around her shoulders loosening slightly. "Yes, thank you, my lord. That is much better."

"I can ask Lady Stark to send her seamstress here," he offered. "If you need warmer clothes."

"Thank you, my lord. Later perhaps?"

"Yes, of course. You should rest."

She couldn't do that, not before finding out could she expect any protection from him. The defiant part of her hated that she had to basically crawl in front of this man who had trapped her, but the smarter part reminded her what was at stake here. She needed his protection, whether she wanted to admit it or not. Especially after Robert and the others would return to King's Landing. She took a deep breath and placed a sweet smile on her face.

"Perhaps you could join me, my lord?" she hummed softly and patted the bed. "I was hoping that we could talk."

He hesitated for a moment, clearly taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor, but he nodded and joined her on the bed, maintaining a small distance.

"Of course, my lady. What would you like to talk about?"

Elyse kept her smile, though it felt strained. "I wanted to thank you, my lord, for your kindness. You have been very considerate, and it means a lot to me."

Jon nodded, his expression serious. "You don't need to thank me for that. It's the least I can do."

"No, I do need to thank you. And I owe you an apology, my lord."

His eyes widened.

"What?"

She smiled as sweetly as she could and took his hand in hers.

"I apologize for acting so improperly on our wedding night. Everything happened so fast and I was quite emotional. I hope you can forgive me."

He stared at her for a moment before replying.

"Forgive you?"

She suppressed a glare, hating him for making this even more humiliating.

"Yes. I should have believed you right away when you said that you had nothing to do with... what happened."

"Oh... No, no, you don't have to apologize, you had every right to be upset."

How very kind of him.

"Thank you, my lord. I hope things are better now between us and you can see me as your wife."

"Yes, of course."

"And perhaps you could show that to everyone else?" she hummed, still smiling.

Once again, he seemed confused.

"Forgive me, I don't understand..."

She silenced him by cupping his face.

"Would you defend me if someone would mistreat me?"

"Of course, absolutely," he assured quickly.

She leaned closer and touched his lips softly with hers.

"I would like to make sure that everyone knows that," she hummed. "Could you do that for me, my lord?"

He was breathing faster, trying to regain his self-control. It wasn't difficult to see how much he wanted her. She was about to pull away when she remembered what could have happened in the woods earlier if he wouldn't have arrived. It was better to give her body to a one man than live in constant fear.

"Could you do that for me?" she repeated, pressing her body against him.

"Yes," he panted. "Yes. Just tell me what you want me to do."

She ran her fingers over his cheek and leaned closer.

"I want all the men here to know that my husband will make them pay if they touch me."

His eyes widened.

"What? Have someone... Have someone hurt you?"

"No, but one can never be too careful, my lord," she hummed. "I am sure you agree."

He was quiet for a moment before pulling away.

"Could you please tell me what this is about," he asked.

Elyse's heart sank as Jon pulled away, his eyes filled with confusion. She took a deep breath, knowing she had to choose her words carefully.

"My lord, it's just... I've seen how quickly rumors can spread and how easily people can misinterpret situations. I want to make sure that everyone understands that I am your wife and that you will not tolerate any disrespect towards me."

Jon's expression softened, though he still seemed troubled.

"I understand your concern, my lady, but I need to know if something specific has happened. If someone has already mistreated you, I must know."

Elyse hesitated, her mind racing with memories she would rather forget. "No one has hurt me," she lied, hoping to avoid further questions. "I just want to make sure that no one ever does. I need to feel safe, and I believe that making your position clear will help with that." She paused and straightened her back. "I will repay you, of course."

"Repay?" he repeated.

"Yes," she stated, trying to hold on the shreds of her dignity. "I ask your protection and in return I offer you my compliance. Whenever you feel like claiming your marital rights, you won't hear any protest from me."

Jon's expression shifted from concern to a mix of surprise and discomfort. He stepped back slightly, shaking his head.

"My lady… you don't need to... You are my wife, and it is my duty to protect you."

"I appreciate you saying that, my lord, but I understand the realities of our situation. I am not naive. You have your rights, and I am willing to fulfill my duties as your wife."

"No, I… You have my protection, I give you my word. I will make it known that anyone who dares to harm you will face severe consequences."

She nodded, relieved by his promise.

"Thank you, my lord."

"There's no need to thank me," he murmured. "I… There is something I need to take care of. I'll send your maid here, if that's alright?"

Elyse nodded. "Yes, my lord, that would be most appreciated."

"Good…. Good. Please, get some rest, my lady."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath after he had left. She felt exhausted, but she had a lot of planning to do. Hopefully, her husband would keep his promise.