Chapter 27

"Are you alright, Your Grace?" Ylara asked as she gently rubbed Serafina's back with a washcloth. Kyra had just poured more warm water into the bathtub as the old water was getting cold. Serafina didn't really care about that; she enjoyed sinking her whole body in the water.

"Yes, everything is fine, thank you," she murmured.

The truth was that the last couple of days had been exhausting. She had met several northern lords as well as some soldiers, trying her best to address any questions or concerns they might have. She was determined to prove to them that she was loyal to their king and her new home. That was the least she could do for Robb. He had been more than considerate after the attack, and she had tried her best not to think about the whole incident. The truth was that it had affected her more than she cared to admit.

She had begun to wonder how many men here would do the same if they dared. Yet, she didn't regret asking Robb to spare her attacker. That had been the least Lannister-like thing she could have possibly done. Her father would have never done anything like it. He wouldn't have only killed the man, but he would have made his family pay as well. He would have made an example out of them. A Lannister always paid his debts. That wasn't who Serafina was, no matter how the people around her saw her.

If Robb hadn't spared Borros' life, then Serafina would have made sure that his wife and daughter were taken care of. She would have arranged a proper dowry for the daughter. That would have been the right thing to do. A moral thing to do.

It was strange, really. Despite what anyone thought, she wanted to believe that she understood what morality was. She wanted to believe that she was a decent person. None of that knowledge came from her father, but she had some kind people around her while growing up.

Those people, though few, had shown her glimpses of kindness and integrity. She had clung to those lessons, cherishing them as precious gems amidst the harshness of her upbringing. It was those moments that shaped her into the person she was now, someone striving to be better, to be different from the ruthless reputation of her family.

Yet, she loved her family. Jaime, her dear Jaime, had always been her protector. She respected Tyrion's intelligence and was grateful for the life her father had offered her. She knew that in his own way, he cared about her. The condition in the marriage agreement was a prime example of that. Sure, it was mostly meant to ensure the Lannister blood in the North, but it was also meant to secure Serafina's future. She knew her father well enough to understand how his mind worked.

Then there were Tommen and Myrcella. They were wonderful children. As much as Serafina wanted to be a good wife and a good queen for her husband, she wasn't going to pretend that she despised her whole family. She would be loyal to her husband and do everything she could to support him, but she refused to be ashamed of who she was.

She hadn't started any wars or made any decisions during battles. She hadn't killed anyone or ordered others to do so. And yet, some people thought that she should be held responsible simply because of her name. It made her feel bitterness and frustration, but she was willing to endure all that. What choice did she have? Serafina sighed, letting the warmth of the bath embrace her. She closed her eyes, hoping that her efforts to prove herself would eventually be recognized.

"Your Grace," Kyra's voice suddenly gasped. "You are bleeding."

Serafina opened her eyes and saw the blood mixing with water.

"My red flower," she sighed and stood up. Both maids helped her out of the bathtub and quickly wrapped a bathrobe around her.

"That's good, Your Grace," Kyra said. "I was concerned that… I mean…"

"No need to worry, Your Grace," Ylara assured when Kyra was too embarrassed to continue. "I'm sure you will be with child soon."

Serafina forced a smile, although she felt tense.

"It is as it should be," Serafina replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "Thank you both for your help."

As the maids assisted her in drying off and getting dressed, Serafina tried to relax. She felt the weight of her responsibilities, especially her failure to consummate her marriage. It was a nagging concern that loomed over her, a constant reminder of the expectations placed upon her.

"Your Grace, would you like us to fetch you anything?" Ylara asked as she plaited her hair for the night.

"No, thank you. I think I would like to rest for a bit," Serafina replied. "That will be all for now."

The maids curtsied and left the tent, leaving Serafina alone with her thoughts. She sat down on the edge of the bed, the weight of her conflicting emotions pressing down on her. As she lay back on the bed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about her "red flower." The pressure to produce an heir weighed heavily on her. She knew it was important for securing her place in the North and solidifying her marriage to Robb. But it was one more expectation added to the already daunting list she was trying to fulfill.

She closed her eyes, hoping to forget everything for a moment.

"Serafina?" Robb's voice called as he entered the tent.

She opened her eyes and smiled at him.

"Hi."

He returned her smile and walked over to the bed.

"You look beautiful," he hummed as he lay beside her and kissed her.

"Robb," she murmured when he drew her close. "I… I am having my red flower."

Robb paused, concern flickering in his eyes. "Oh," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Are you in pain? Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, thank you, I just… I understand if you don't want to be near me right now."

He frowned.

"Why wouldn't I?"

She looked away, feeling uneasy.

"You know… It is not pleasant. But truly, I am not offended if you want to keep your distance."

Robb's frown deepened, and he gently lifted her chin so she would look at him.

"Serafina, there is nothing about you that would make me want to keep my distance. This is a natural part of life, and it doesn't change how I feel about you."

She felt a surge of gratitude and relief at his words, but also a lingering hesitation. "It's just… I've been told that men find it unpleasant."

"Well, I'm not most men," Robb said with a small smile, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her cheek. "You're my wife, and I want to be here for you, no matter what."

She searched his eyes, finding only sincerity and warmth. "Thank you, Robb. It means a lot to me."

He kissed her forehead, pulling her closer. "Do you need anything?"

Serafina shook her head, feeling more at ease in his embrace. "Just having you here is enough."

"That's good. And I can promise you, I'm not afraid of a little blood."

She couldn't help but giggle at that.

"I must admit I have often wondered about that," she hummed. "Going to a battle is no problem, but this… Horrible."

He chuckled and kissed the top of her head.

"You must find me very brave then."

She nodded and pulled away enough to see his face.

"I do." She paused and gently caressed his cheek with her fingers. "You are a good man, Robb and I… I think I would like to kiss you, if you don't mind."

Robb's smile widened, his eyes lighting up with warmth. "I don't mind at all," he murmured.

Serafina leaned in, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and anticipation. Carefully, she took his mouth with her own, brushing his lips softly with hers. It felt pleasant and his lips tasted like wine. She cupped his face and continued experimenting, softening his lips to better fit hers. He was clearly surprised, but not unpleasantly. At least, she didn't think so. He let out a groan as she deepened the kiss, teasing the outline of his lips with the tip of her tongue.

"Serafina," he murmured, grabbing her by the waist and gently pushing her on her back.

"Robb," she gasped as she felt his arousal. "My red flower…"

"I don't care."

"Robb," she repeated, cupping his face. "I want this, and we shall do this as soon as I stop bleeding."

He stared at her, struggling to control himself.

"You are killing me," he panted.

"I am sorry, I shouldn't have…"

"No, no," he cut in firmly. "Never apologize for kissing me."

Serafina's cheeks flushed. "I just didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Robb shook his head, his expression softening. "I can wait for a couple of days more." He paused and looked at her. "This won't last longer than a couple of days, will it?"

"It shouldn't," she replied smiling.

"Good," he murmured. "Good. I can wait for a couple of days."

It sounded like he was talking more to himself than to her, but she still took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently.

"I think we both can."