Chapter 13

Strangers in the night

"Lord Jon!" Robert called cheerfully. "How is the married life treating you?"

Cersei smiled when she saw how startled the boy was by the King's sudden question. They were having dinner and of course Robert was more or less drunk already.

"Fine, Your Grace," the boy murmured.

"Hmm. Have my sister treated you well?"

The boy seemed uncomfortable.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Good. You should be careful though, you do know what happened to her previous men, don't you?"

Cersei took a sip from her wine goblet while observing the boy and Elyse curiously. This should be entertaining.

"Your Grace…" Tyrion tried to cut in, but Robert silenced him with the wave of his hand. His eyes were on the boy and the look in his eyes told Cersei that this wouldn't be pretty.

"Well, Lord Jon?" Robert stated when the boy didn't reply. "Have you heard what happened to her previous men?"

"I have, Your Grace," the boy murmured, keeping his eyes on the table.

"Then you are a brave man," Robert hummed. "Hopefully, she will reward you with sons, although she wasn't able to do that for her previous husband."

Elyse's face tightened at Robert's cruel words, her fingers clenching around her fork. The tension at the table was palpable, and the boy's discomfort was painfully obvious.

"Your Grace," Tyrion interjected more forcefully this time, "Perhaps this is a conversation better suited for a more private setting."

Robert laughed heartily, waving a dismissive hand. "Nonsense, Tyrion! We're all family here, aren't we? Just having a bit of fun."

Elyse forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "My lord husband has been very kind to me, Your Grace. I am fortunate to have such a noble and honorable man by my side."

Robert raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Noble and honorable, eh? Well, let's hope that's enough to keep you happy and out of trouble."

Cersei watched the exchange with a gleam of satisfaction. She enjoyed seeing Elyse squirm under Robert's scrutiny. The tension, the discomfort, it was all very entertaining to her.

"Your Grace," Lord Stark stated tensely. "Perhaps we should…"

"My apologies, Ned," Robert cut in smiling. "I certainly didn't wish to ruin the dinner. Or your son's life."

"There is no need to apologize, Your Grace," the boy suddenly said. "Any man would be honored to wed your sister."

Elyse glanced at the boy but didn't say anything.

"That's true, Your Grace," Lord Robb stated before Robert managed to say anything. "We are happy to have Lady Elyse in our household."

"Of course," Lord Stark added.

Robert was quiet for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Well done, Ned. You have raised your sons well." He paused and glanced at Elyse. "I am sure my sister will do anything to be worthy of your household."

Elyse's grip on her fork tightened further at Robert's words, but she forced herself to maintain her composure.

Cersei continued to watch the exchange with thinly veiled delight, savoring the discomfort of the little whore.

Tyrion, sensing the growing tension, attempted to steer the conversation once more. "Your Grace, perhaps a toast to the newlyweds would be more appropriate. After all, it is a time for celebration."

Robert, still chuckling, raised his goblet. "Aye, a toast!" He lifted his wine, his expression turning somewhat softer. "To my sister and her new husband. May their union bring prosperity and many sons to Winterfell."

Jon stood in the corridor and looked at the door to his chamber. He wanted to give Lady Elyse time to get ready for bed. Her maid was still inside, and he had no intention of bothering the two women. Lady Elyse hadn't spoken much after dinner.

How could her own brother treat her like that? Jon couldn't even imagine ever hurting Arya or Sansa. But what was he supposed to say to his wife? He had no idea. He couldn't even imagine what she had been through with her previous husband. And now she was tied to a stranger. She was likely afraid of him. Feared that he was like Lord Arryn. He needed to proceed with caution. Treat her as gently as he could. Then maybe, in time, she would see that he was nothing like Lord Arryn.

The door to his chamber creaked open, and Nellie, Elyse's maid, stepped out, curtseying when she saw him.

"My lord," she greeted him softly.

"Good night, Nellie," Jon murmured as he approached the door.

He entered his chamber cautiously and closed the door behind him. Lady Elyse was sitting on the bed, staring at the flames in the fireplace.

"My lady," Jon greeted her. "I'll just take the furs and…"

"Please, take a seat, my lord," she said, turning to look at him. "Please," she added, gesturing to the bed when Jon didn't move.

Jon had no idea what to expect, but he walked over to the bed and took a seat. Lady Elyse turned her eyes back to the fireplace and crossed her arms.

"I am not sure what to think right now," she stated after a moment of silence.

"About what, my lady?"

"About you, my lord," she replied and looked at him.

Jon's eyes widened. "About me?"

"Yes. I… I heard something today and I'm not sure if I can believe it."

"Alright," Jon replied cautiously. "What did you hear?"

She looked at him for a moment before replying. "You said that you didn't have anything to do with… what happened. Was that true?"

"Yes," Jon replied immediately. "I swear on my life."

She was quiet again before replying. "I would really like to believe that."

Jon looked at Lady Elyse, his heart pounding. Her words were a glimmer of hope, and he wanted to grasp it tightly. He leaned slightly forward, trying to convey his sincerity.

"I understand why you would doubt me. Everything must seem so confusing and threatening. But I promise you, my lady, I had nothing to do with it. I was just as shocked and horrified by what happened as you were."

She looked at him and blinked a few times, insecurity clear in her eyes.

"I… Trusting people isn't easy for me," she said quietly.

"I understand," Jon assured. "And I certainly don't blame you for thinking that I…" He paused, unwilling to finish his sentence. "I could never do something like that. I hope you can believe me, my lady."

Slowly, she moved closer to him and looked into his eyes. She looked stunning in the dim candlelight, her long hair plaited and wearing a white nightgown.

"I want to believe you," she said after a long silence.

"You can," he assured. "I would never hurt you."

She blinked a few times before continuing.

"I need some time to think, but if you were indeed forced into this marriage, I owe you an apology, my lord."

"No, no, you don't have to apologize, my lady. I… I only hope to show you that I wish you no harm."

She hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Perhaps we should start by getting to know each other."

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

She pressed her lips together and looked at him.

"Why haven't you claimed your marital rights? Even if you were forced into this marriage, you could have claimed them whenever you wanted."

Her question surprised Jon completely.

"You didn't want that, my lady. I would never force myself on a woman."

She looked at him, clearly confused.

"It was your right, my lord."

Jon shook his head.

"No. Only a monster would have forced you after… everything. I wouldn't force you into anything."

She looked even more confused and cautious.

"You're saying you would wait… indefinitely?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.

Jon nodded, his expression earnest.

"Yes, my lady. I would wait as long as necessary. I want you to feel safe and comfortable with me. That is more important than any so-called rights."

He saw the confusion in her eyes as she tried to comprehend his words. It was truly sad that the thought of someone treating her with basic human decency was so foreign to her.

"I must admit, your patience surprises me, my lord," she said softly. "I am not used to men considering my feelings in such matters."

Jon's heart ached at her words. He could only imagine the horrors she had endured.

"I'm sorry for whatever you've been through, my lady. I can't change the past, but I promise I will do my best to make your future better."

She hesitated, her conflicted feeling showing clearly on her face.

"I… I appreciate your kindness, my lord. What do you wish to have from me in return?"

Jon shook his head gently. "Nothing, my lady. Your safety and comfort are all I desire. I want us to build trust and understanding. That's more valuable to me than anything else."

She was quiet for a moment, her thoughts clearly racing. He waited patiently, wanting to give her all the time she needed.

"As I said, trusting people isn't easy for me," she finally stated quietly. "But… I will try to trust you, my lord. I understand if that isn't enough…"

"It is," Jon assured quickly. "Thank you, my lady. I won't let you down."

She gave him a cautious nod before meeting his gaze.

"Since I am your wife, you may call me Elyse, if you wish."

Jon's expression softened, and a small, genuine smile spread across his face.

"Thank you, Elyse. And you may call me Jon."

She returned his smile, albeit hesitantly, and nodded. "Alright, Jon."

The simple exchange felt like a significant step forward, a crack in the wall between them. Jon wanted to seize the moment, to build on the fragile trust Elyse was offering.

They sat in silence for a moment, the fire crackling softly in the background.

"So, what do you like to do, Jon?" she asked, breaking the silence. "What are your interests?"

Jon's expression lightened at the change in topic. "I enjoy training and spending time with my family. I also have a fondness for reading, particularly about history."

"History?"

"Yes, I've always been fascinated by the stories of those who came before us. There's so much to learn from the past."

She nodded thoughtfully. "I used to enjoy reading too. It was one of the few escapes I had."

"What kind of books did you read?" Jon asked, genuinely curious.

"Mostly fiction," she replied. "Stories about far-off lands and brave heroes. It was a way to imagine a different life, even if just for a little while."

Jon nodded compassionately.

"I see. We do have a library here; you are more than welcome to use it."

"Thank you, I appreciate that."

Jon could see a glimmer of interest in Elyse's eyes at the mention of the library. "I could show you around sometime, if you'd like," he offered.

"I would like that," she replied softly.

"Then it's a plan," Jon said with a smile. "The library has a decent collection. I think you'll find something you enjoy."

Elyse nodded. "Thank you, Jon. It's nice to have something to look forward to."

Jon felt a warm sense of accomplishment. This was progress, small but meaningful.

"Do you have any other interests?" he asked, eager to keep the conversation going.

She thought for a moment before answering. "I used to enjoy riding horses."

Jon nodded. "We do have plenty of horses here. Perhaps we could go riding together sometime."

Elyse's eyes brightened at the suggestion.

"I would like that very much. It's been too long since I've been able to ride."

"Then it's settled," Jon said. "We'll make time for it."

She nodded, giving him a small but genuine smile.

"Thank you, Jon."

"You're welcome, Elyse." He paused, noticing how tired she looked. "Perhaps we should get some rest."

She blinked, hesitantly looking at him and the bed. He could see the exhaustion in her eyes and the weight of her past experiences pressing down on her. He wanted to reassure her, to make her feel safe, but he knew words alone would not be enough.

"You don't need to worry, Elyse," Jon said gently. "I will not touch you without your consent. You have my word."

She studied him, still wary but slightly less guarded. She nodded slowly.

"Thank you, Jon."

Jon took the furs and a pillow from the bed and set up a makeshift bed on the floor.

"I will sleep here, where you can see me."

Elyse watched him, still uncertain but somewhat relieved by his gesture.

"Thank you."

Jon settled onto the floor, making himself as comfortable as he could. He glanced up at Elyse and offered her a small, reassuring smile.

"Good night, Elyse."

"Good night, Jon," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.