Chapter 19

"Jon!" Theon called; excitement clear in his voice as he hurried beside Jon.

"Theon," Jon greeted, continuing walking.

"So, I'm dying to know, how was she?" Theon asked grinning.

Jon frowned.

"Who?"

"Oh please, you know who! The Lannister girl!"

"What?"

"I know she's in your tent. Robb's been keeping her for himself so far and I must admit I'm a little insulted he gave her to you first, but no matter, I still want to hear all the details."

Jon stopped in his tracks, his frown deepening as he turned to face Theon. "Theon, that's enough."

Theon looked taken aback, his grin faltering. "What's with the attitude? I'm just asking…"

"She's not some tavern wench for you to gossip about," Jon interrupted, his voice low and firm. "She's a prisoner, a lady, and she deserves respect. Robb asked me to look after her, not to indulge your crude fantasies."

Theon's expression shifted to one of confusion mixed with irritation.

"Respect? She's a Lannister! Since when do we respect Lannisters?"

Jon took a step closer, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Since when did we stoop to their level? If we start treating prisoners like objects, we're no better than the people we're fighting against."

Theon opened his mouth to retort but seemed to think better of it, closing it with a scowl instead. Jon turned and continued toward Robb's tent, leaving Theon standing there, his face flushed with embarrassment. Perhaps Jon wasn't too fond of the Lannisters himself and he didn't trust Robb's captive, but Theon had certainly crossed the line.

Jon headed straight to Robb's tent and greeted the two guards with a nod.

"Is the King in this tent?"

"Yes, my lord," one of them replied.

Jon nodded in acknowledgment and pushed aside the flap of the tent. Inside, he found Robb standing over a table covered with maps and documents, his brow furrowed in concentration. The tension in the air was palpable as Robb looked up, his expression softening slightly when he saw his brother.

"Jon," Robb greeted, though his tone held a note of weariness. "What's on your mind?"

Jon closed the flap behind him and stepped closer.

"I would like to have a word with you about your captive."

"No need to worry, she will return to my tent today…"

"That's not what I want to talk about," Jon stated, keeping his voice steady. "It's Theon. He was making crude remarks about her. Implied that you handed her over to me as some sort of reward. We can't let that kind of talk continue."

Robb's eyes flashed with anger. "Theon said that?"

"Yes," Jon confirmed, his voice steady. "I made it clear to him that such talk is unacceptable, but it's a sign that others might be thinking the same thing. We can't let this kind of talk spread. That would lower her value as a hostage."

Robb tensed, pressing his lips together.

"What is it?" Jon asked when he didn't say anything.

"I… I'm afraid you can blame me for that," he murmured.

Jon raised his eyebrows.

"What?"

Robb sighed before replying.

"When she was captured, I acted less than…honorably toward her. My hatred blinded me and all I could see was her name."

Jon's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and concern crossing his face. "What did you do, Robb?"

Robb looked away, the weight of his actions evident in his expression.

"I treated her harshly, interrogated her without cause, and kept her under conditions unbefitting a noblewoman. I let my anger at the Lannisters cloud my judgment. I didn't care how my actions affected her reputation."

Jon frowned, his disappointment clear. "Robb, that's not like you. We need to be better than our enemies, not stoop to their level."

"I know," Robb admitted, his voice heavy with regret. "I've tried to make amends since then, to show her that she is safe and will be treated with respect. But it seems the damage has been done."

Jon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We need to address this, and quickly. Not just for her sake, but for the sake of our men and our cause. If they see you acting with integrity, they'll follow suit."

Robb nodded, determination replacing the guilt in his eyes.

"You're right, Jon. I'll speak to Theon and the rest of the men. I'll make it clear that Lady Serafina is to be treated with the utmost respect and that any behavior to the contrary will not be tolerated."

Jon gave a small, approving nod. "Good." After a moment of hesitation, he decided to continue. "I couldn't help but notice that you seemed quite…attached to her."

Robb's expression tightened, but he met Jon's gaze steadily. "I understand why you might think that. I've shown her kindness because it's the right thing to do. I owe her that much after my initial treatment of her."

Jon nodded, his expression contemplative. "I understand. Just be careful, Robb. Attachment to a captive, especially a Lannister, can complicate things."

Robb sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I know, Jon. I'm aware of the risks. But I can't treat her as less than human, not when she's done nothing to deserve it. We must be better than our enemies, as you said."

Jon gave a small, approving nod. "I trust your judgment, Robb. Just keep in mind the bigger picture. We need to stay focused on our goals and not let personal feelings cloud our decisions."

Robb smiled faintly, grateful for Jon's support and counsel.

"Thank you, Jon. I appreciate your honesty and advice. I'll handle this situation with care."

Jon placed a reassuring hand on Robb's shoulder. "We're in this together, Robb. We'll face whatever comes our way as a united front."

3 days later

"Lady Serafina Lannister, my mother, Lady Catelyn Stark," Robb introduced.

"Lady Stark," Serafina stated calmly and curtsied.

Robb could tell how displeased his mother was as she observed Serafina coldly.

"Lady Serafina." She paused and turned her attention back to Robb. "May I speak with you in private?"

"Of course," Robb murmured. "Perhaps we should go to your tent…"

"No," Catelyn cut in firmly. "I think Lady Serafina would enjoy a walk outside. I am sure your brother can escort her."

Robb tensed, but he nodded in agreement. "Of course, mother. Jon, could you please escort Lady Serafina for a walk?"

Jon, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward. "Of course," he said, offering his arm to Serafina. "Shall we, my lady?"

Serafina glanced at Robb, then took Jon's arm with a calm expression. "Thank you, my lord."

As they left the tent, Catelyn turned to Robb, her expression stern.

"What were you thinking, Robb? You are keeping Tywin Lannister's daughter in your tent."

"Yes, for her safety," Robb replied tensely. "As you can see, she has her own bed and nothing inappropriate has happened between us."

"That doesn't matter," Catelyn snapped. "They have your sister, Robb. What do you think they'll do to her if they suspect you've violated the girl?"

Robb pressed his lips together, wanting to say that the Lannisters, especially Joffrey, didn't need a reason to harm Sansa. As much as Robb hated to even think about it, he was pretty sure that they had already harmed her one way or another. That wasn't something he wanted to say to his mother though.

"We are at war, mother," he replied calmly. "She is a prisoner of war, but she hasn't been harmed. Her cousin confirmed that with his own eyes."

Catelyn's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and concern.

"War or not, Robb, perception matters. The men need to see that we uphold our honor in every way. And more importantly, we cannot give the Lannisters any reason to escalate their cruelty towards Sansa."

Robb nodded, understanding his mother's point. "I know, mother. That's why I've taken measures to ensure Lady Serafina's safety and dignity. We must show that we are different from our enemies, that we respect even those we capture."

Catelyn sighed deeply, the weight of the war and its consequences clear on her face.

"I just hope you're right, Robb. We cannot afford any mistakes."

Robb reached out and took his mother's hands in his. "I promise you, mother, I will do everything in my power to bring Sansa back safely. And I will not let our enemies use our honor against us."

Catelyn sighed and nodded.

"I trust you, Robb. Just be careful. The Lannisters are cunning and ruthless. We must always be one step ahead."

Robb nodded, releasing her hands. "I will, mother. I promise. And I am glad you got back safely."

"You can thank Brienne for that," Catelyn replied.

"I will. She is more than welcome here."

Catelyn smiled and kissed Robb's cheek.

"I'm afraid I must leave you now, Arya is waiting for me."

Robb returned his mother's smile, the weight of their conversation still heavy on his mind.

"Of course, mother. Give Arya my love."

"I will," Catelyn replied warmly before turning to leave.

Robb closed his eyes and took a deep breath after his mother had left. Renly's death had been unexpected and he needed to discuss the possible consequences with Jon as soon as possible.

He glanced at the bed that had been brought for Serafina after she had returned to his tent. He had tried his best to keep things as formal as possible between them ever since. It hadn't been easy, but he knew he didn't have a choice. At least not before the war would be over. After that… He wasn't sure. He doubted that he would ever get what he really wanted.

Tywin stood on the balcony and looked at the city below him. He couldn't hear the screams, but he could see the smoke. It all still felt somewhat unreal to him. The riots had escalated quickly and spread like wildfire. He hadn't been able to stop them.

"Father?" Tyrion's voice called.

Tywin didn't turn around. He already knew what Tyrion was about to say.

"Our men found Joffrey's body," Tyrion stated, his tone somewhat indifferent. "Or what was left of it anyway."

"And Cersei?" Tywin asked, his voice free from emotion.

Tyrion was quiet for a brief moment before replying.

"Hers too. I'll spare you from details."

"Hmm. I warned Joffrey not to leave the Red Keep."

"Yes well… Too bad that boy never learned to listen." Tyrion paused for a moment before continuing. "The situation is under control now. More or less. As you ordered, our soldiers are smothering the riots with brutal force."

"Good," Tywin stated.

"They're slaughtering unarmed women and children. It's a bloodbath out there."

Tywin's expression remained cold and unyielding as he turned to face his son.

"War is a bloody affair, Tyrion. The city must understand the consequences of defying the Crown."

Tyrion's face tightened with a mix of anger and resignation. "There's a difference between order and butchery, Father. We're not just putting down a rebellion; we're sowing the seeds of hatred."

Tywin's eyes narrowed. "Hatred can be controlled. Fear is a more immediate tool. The people must fear us now if we are to maintain our hold."

Tyrion shook his head slightly. "Fear alone won't sustain us forever. This kind of brutality will leave scars that will fester."

Tywin stepped closer, his presence imposing. "You speak as if you have a better solution."

Tyrion held his father's gaze. "We need to win their loyalty, not just their fear. Open the granaries, show them we care for their well-being. It's a start. We'll tell them it's a gift from their new king."

A tense silence stretched between them before Tywin finally spoke. "Very well. Distribute food to the people. But make it clear that any further unrest will be met with even greater force."

Tyrion nodded, a flicker of relief in his eyes. "I'll see to it. How is Tommen holding up?"

"He will be crowned before the sunset," Tywin replied. "And I'll make sure he still has a kingdom to rule."

"I would say you have a challenge there," Tyrion stated dryly. "Until we can stabilize the city, we're vulnerable. Not to mention, we don't have enough men to stabilize Tommen's rule if our enemies would decide to challenge it."

"I'm well aware of our situation," Tywin replied coldly. "And I've already sent ravens to the major houses. We'll secure our position through a mix of diplomacy and force."

"Then perhaps I could offer you a piece of advice," Tyrion stated. "I would say that we have too many enemies at the moment. Too many pawns on the board. We could remove at least one of them. The only one who has no interest in the Iron Throne."

"Robb Stark," Tywin stated.

"Yes. He only wants his sister back and independence for the North."

"Are you suggesting that I should simply give away one of Tommen's kingdoms?" Tywin asked sharply.

Tyrion shrugged.

"Well, I would say it's better for Tommen to have six kingdoms than none. And we could seal the deal with marriage. A Lannister heir for the King in the North."

Tywin's eyes narrowed. "If you think that I would give my daughter to that brute…"

"It doesn't have to be Serafina," Tyrion cut in. "You do have a granddaughter."

"Myrcella?" Tywin asked, his voice cold and calculating.

Tyrion nodded. "Yes. Myrcella is young, but she is also a Lannister. Marrying her to Robb Stark would secure our alliance with the North and ensure peace on that front. Not to mention we would have Jaime and Serafina back."

Tywin's jaw tightened. "Myrcella is in Dorne. It would take time to bring her back and arrange the marriage."

"True," Tyrion conceded. "But it's a viable solution that could stabilize Tommen's reign and remove one of our most formidable opponents. Robb Stark has no interest in the Iron Throne. He wants his family and the North's independence. We can use that to our advantage."

Tywin's expression remained hard as he considered Tyrion's suggestion. He would never give Serafina to Robb Stark, but Myrcella… He would then arrange Serafina's marriage to Trystane Martell, solidifying their alliance with Dorne. She would be treated well in Dorne. In the North on the other hand… No, he would never send his daughter there.

"I will consider your advice," he stated after a moment of silence.

Tyrion nodded.

"Very well, father." Tyrion turned to leave. "Oh, I almost forgot. Do you know what Joffrey's last words were? 'You'll all die screaming'. It was somehow… fitting."

Tywin's face remained impassive, though his eyes hardened at Tyrion's parting words.

"Joffrey was a fool," he said coldly. "His death, while tragic, might give us the chance to correct his mistakes."

Tyrion paused, glancing back at his father. "Let's hope so," he said, a hint of irony in his voice. "For Tommen's sake, and for the realm's."

As Tyrion exited, Tywin returned his gaze to the distant smoke. He weighed the potential alliance with the North, the safety of Myrcella, and the future of House Lannister. His mind raced through the possibilities and the dangers, formulating plans and contingencies. Tyrion's suggestion held merit, but Tywin knew he had to tread carefully.

He called for a scribe, ready to draft the proposal to Robb Stark. If this marriage could bring stability and secure Tommen's throne, it was a gamble worth taking. But Tywin would ensure that every detail was meticulously planned, every outcome anticipated. He would not allow any weakness to undermine the Lannisters' power.