Chapter 30
"This truly is an amazing carriage, Your Grace," Ylara said, respect clear in her voice. "Your lord father is most generous."
"Yes," Serafina replied, trying her best to smile. She was glad her maids were traveling with her. Lady Stark and Sansa were in a different carriage, as Lady Stark had mentioned they had much to discuss. Serafina understood, of course, but it still stung. She reminded herself that Sansa had just been reunited with her family and naturally needed time with her mother. Arya, on the other hand, had insisted on riding her own horse. Serafina couldn't help but admire Robb's younger sister; she had such spirit.
"Are all your lord father's carriages like this one?" Kyra asked curiously.
"No, they're not," Serafina replied, a small smile lingering on her lips.
According to her father's letter, he had sent this carriage to make the journey more comfortable for Serafina and the other ladies. Serafina doubted Lady Stark or her daughters would want to travel in this carriage, but she was grateful for her father's gesture. Serafina wasn't much of a rider herself and had never spent long periods of time on a horse.
As the carriage rolled along the uneven road, Serafina leaned back against the cushioned seat, letting her gaze wander out the window. The landscape of the Riverlands stretched out before her, fields of green giving way to dense forests in the distance. Despite her attempts to focus on the scenery, her mind kept drifting back to the Starks.
She couldn't shake the feeling of isolation that had settled in her chest since they left the camp. Robb had been attentive and kind, but it was clear where his thoughts were, reunited with his sisters after so much uncertainty. Serafina didn't begrudge him that, but it did make her feel even more like a guest among his family. The distance between her and the Stark women felt wider than ever.
"Are you looking forward to seeing Winterfell, my lady?" Kyra asked, breaking the silence.
Serafina blinked, pulling herself from her thoughts. "Yes, I am," she replied, though the words felt somewhat hollow. "I've heard it's a magnificent castle, rich in history."
"It's said to be the heart of the North," Ylara added with a hint of excitement. "I've always wanted to see the godswood there."
Serafina nodded politely, but she felt a pang of unease at the mention of the godswood. The old gods were foreign to her, and she worried that she would struggle to fit into a world where their influence was so deeply rooted. She had been raised among Lannisters and Tyrells, surrounded by the Faith of the Seven. How would the people of Winterfell view a lady with southern blood, who still prayed to the gods of her father?
"I'm sure it's as grand as they say," Serafina murmured, more to herself than to her maids.
The conversation faded after that, leaving Serafina alone with her thoughts once more. She clutched the small pendant at her neck, a lion's head, the sigil of her house. A gift from her father, meant to remind her of where she came from. Yet now, it felt like a reminder of the distance that lay between her and the Starks.
Time passed slowly as the carriage creaked along. Eventually, the rhythmic sway began to lull her into a light doze. Just as her eyes started to drift shut, the carriage hit a bump, jolting her awake. Outside, the sky had grown darker, the first hints of dusk coloring the horizon.
"We'll need to stop soon, Your Grace," Ylara remarked, peering out the window. "It looks like we're nearing the village where we're to camp for the night."
Serafina nodded absently, her thoughts returning to Robb. She wondered if he'd be worried about her. Perhaps he would come to check on her once they made camp. The thought brought a faint smile to her lips, but it quickly faded. She wished she could talk to him, really talk to him, about everything weighing on her heart. But how could she, when even now she felt like an outsider in his world?
As the carriage began to slow, signaling that they had arrived at their resting place for the night, Serafina took a deep breath and straightened her back. She would put on a brave face, as she always did.
"Thank you," she said as one of the guards Robb had assigned to her helped her out of the carriage.
It seemed they had stopped in front of a modest tavern.
"The innkeeper has a room, and a meal prepared for you, Your Grace," the guard informed her.
"Thank you," Serafina repeated, offering the young soldier a small smile.
He responded with a respectful bow.
"Will His Grace or his lady mother be joining me?" she asked.
"Forgive me, Your Grace, I'm not certain. Would you like me to find out?"
"No, that's alright," Serafina replied, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you."
Adjusting her cloak, Serafina glanced at the dimly lit inn, its weathered stone walls and flickering lanterns casting long shadows across the cobblestone yard. She had hoped that Robb or Lady Stark might join her, but they were probably busy. They likely had more pressing matters with Sansa and the others. Still, their absence left her feeling lonelier than she cared to admit.
She turned to the guards who were about to escort her inside. "Please, take some rest yourselves. You've been riding all day."
"Thank you, Your Grace, but we're ordered not to leave your side," said a slightly older soldier with a long scar on his face.
Serafina hesitated, wishing she could somehow ensure these men would get some rest as well. "Very well, but you must eat and rest after escorting me to my room."
The scarred guard hesitated briefly before nodding. "As you wish, Your Grace. But we must keep watch by your door. Our orders were clear."
Serafina nodded, understanding the situation. "Thank you."
Four guards stayed behind to tend to the horses, while the remaining eight escorted Serafina and her maids as she headed toward the entrance of the tavern. She knew some of the soldiers had already inspected her room; they were thorough in their duties. She could hear the low murmur of voices inside, mingled with the clatter of mugs and the occasional burst of laughter. For a moment, she hesitated on the threshold, taking in the warmth and light spilling out from the doorway. Then, with a deep breath, she stepped inside.
The interior was cozy, if a bit rustic. The smell of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the scent of burning wood from the large hearth in the center of the room. A few patrons looked up as she entered, their curious gazes lingering on her fine clothes and the unmistakable air of nobility that clung to her. Serafina felt their stares but ignored them, focusing instead on finding the innkeeper.
"Your Grace," a plump woman with a kind face and flour-dusted apron greeted her with a curtsy. "We've prepared a private room for you, just as requested. Please follow me."
"Thank you," Serafina replied, relieved to have a moment of quiet away from prying eyes.
The innkeeper led her up a narrow staircase to a small but comfortable room. It was simply furnished with a wooden bed, a sturdy table, and a basin of water for washing. A tray with three modest meals had already been laid out, the aroma of stew wafting toward her. Serafina's stomach rumbled, reminding her of how little she'd eaten all day. She was also relieved to see the bath that had been prepared for her.
"Is there anything else I can bring you, Your Grace?" the innkeeper asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.
Serafina turned to her and offered a polite smile. "Please, ensure my guards get enough to eat."
"Of course, Your Grace."
The innkeeper's eyes widened in surprise when Serafina placed a gold dragon in her palm. "No, no, I've already been paid…"
Serafina shook her head and offered a warm smile. "For your trouble."
The innkeeper's eyes glistened with surprise and gratitude as she glanced down at the coin in her hand, her fingers curling around it protectively. "Thank you, Your Grace," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "You're most kind."
Serafina's smile remained soft but genuine. She knew how hard life could be for common folk, especially in these uncertain times, and if a small gesture like this could ease someone's burden, it was well worth it. "It's nothing, truly," she replied. "You've been more than accommodating."
The woman dipped into a deep curtsy, clearly touched by the kindness. "If you need anything else, anything at all, just call for me."
"Thank you."
The warmth of the room was inviting, but it did little to ease the chill of loneliness that crept up on Serafina as she took in her surroundings. The flickering fire in the hearth danced across the stone walls, casting shadows that stretched and swayed like phantoms. Ylara and Kyra entered quietly behind her, their footsteps barely making a sound on the worn wooden floor.
"Please make yourselves comfortable," Serafina said softly, offering them a small, tired smile. She didn't want them to feel as out of place as she did, especially after such a long day.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Ylara replied, already moving to unpack Serafina's belongings. Kyra busied herself preparing the bath, pouring in steaming water from a large jug.
Serafina watched them for a moment, grateful for their presence but also longing for the comfort of someone she could truly confide in. The thought of Robb crossed her mind again. She wondered where he was, if he'd had a chance to rest, or if he was still caught up in the weight of leadership and family duties. A pang of guilt tugged at her, she knew he had so many responsibilities, and yet she couldn't help but wish he would check on her, even for just a moment.
"Your bath is ready, Your Grace," Kyra announced, her voice gentle and unobtrusive.
"Thank you." Serafina paused and glanced at the tray. "Shall we eat first? You must be just as hungry as I am."
The maids exchanged a quick glance.
"You… want us to eat with you, Your Grace?" Kyra asked cautiously.
Serafina nodded, her smile warm but tinged with a hint of sadness. "I do. We've all had a long day, and it would be nice to share a meal together."
The hesitation in Ylara and Kyra's eyes was clear. They were used to serving, not sharing a table with their lady. But they could also see that Serafina wasn't offering out of formality, she genuinely wanted their company. Slowly, they each took a seat at the small table.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Ylara murmured, her voice laced with both respect and surprise. She glanced at Kyra, who offered a small, encouraging nod before reaching for a slice of bread.
Serafina picked up her spoon, dipping it into the bowl of steaming stew. The rich aroma filled the air as she took a small bite. "It's simple, but it's comforting," she said softly, hoping to ease some of the tension hanging between them.
The maids seemed to relax a little as they began eating, the warmth of the food gradually easing their unease. The room fell into a comfortable quiet, punctuated only by the occasional clatter of cutlery or the crackle of the fire in the hearth. It wasn't exactly the lively atmosphere of a grand feast, but there was a quiet intimacy in the shared meal that brought Serafina some much-needed comfort.
After a few moments, Kyra glanced at Serafina, clearly searching for the right words. "It's very kind of you to have us eat with you, Your Grace. We know it's not… usual."
Serafina met her gaze and offered a gentle smile. "I grew up surrounded by so much formality and distance. It's nice to break away from that every once in a while. Besides, I could use the company." Her voice softened as she added, "Loneliness has a way of creeping up when you least expect it."
The maids exchanged another glance, this one filled with a deeper understanding. They had seen the burdens Serafina carried, the weight of her name and the struggles of adjusting to a new life far from everything she had known. In a way, they realized they were all outsiders here, each trying to find their place in a world that was often unforgiving.
"We're here for you, Your Grace, however we can be," Ylara said, her voice earnest.
Serafina felt a swell of gratitude and something close to relief. "Thank you, truly."
The meal continued, and slowly, the conversation turned lighter, small talk about the journey, thoughts about the North, and even a few lighthearted stories from Kyra and Ylara's pasts. For a short while, the worries that usually plagued Serafina's mind seemed to fade, replaced by the warmth of shared laughter and the simple joy of being in good company.
When the meal was done, and the plates cleared away, Serafina finally allowed herself to sink into the bath Kyra had prepared. The water was soothing, the heat soaking into her weary muscles. As she leaned back and closed her eyes, she could still hear the distant murmur of voices from the inn below, but it felt less oppressive now, less like a reminder of her isolation.
Her eyes flew open, and she tensed immediately as a sudden knock echoed through the room.
"Don't enter!" Kyra cried out. "The Queen is taking a bath!"
Both maids stepped protectively in front of the tub as the door creaked open anyway. Serafina's heart raced, her eyes darting around for anything that could serve as a weapon. Relief washed over her when she saw Robb enter the room. The maids quickly curtsied.
"Your Grace," they murmured in unison.
Robb raised a hand, signaling for them to relax. "At ease, please. I didn't mean to startle anyone," he said calmly.
Serafina felt her racing heart begin to settle as she leaned back into the tub, though her initial tension still lingered. She hadn't expected him to visit, especially not at this hour. "Robb, what are you doing here?" she asked, keeping her voice calm despite her surprise.
"I'm sorry for intruding," he said, meeting her gaze with a mixture of warmth and concern. "I wanted to check on you." He paused and looked at the maids. "Leave us, please."
Serafina gave him a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You've had so much on your shoulders, Robb. You didn't need to worry about me," she stated after the maids had left the room and closed the door behind them.
"I'll always worry about you," he replied without hesitation. There was a sincerity in his voice that made her chest tighten. "You're my wife, Serafina. I've been caught up in so much, family matters, strategy, Sansa's return, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about you."
Serafina felt a wave of self-consciousness, the warm bathwater suddenly feeling too revealing. She sunk a little deeper into the water, holding onto a touch of modesty. Even though he was her husband, and they had shared an intimate moment together when she had touched his manhood, her nakedness still made her feel vulnerable.
"You really didn't have to come all this way just to check on me," she murmured, her eyes dropping to the surface of the water.
Robb moved closer, taking a seat near the tub, though he kept his distance out of respect. "Maybe not, but I wanted to. I know how hard it is for you, being away from your family, from everything familiar. And with your brother leaving, I can't imagine how you must feel."
Serafina's eyes glistened for a brief moment before she quickly blinked away any hint of tears. "It's not easy," she admitted in a low voice. "I've been trying to fit in, but there are moments when I feel so… out of place."
Robb's expression softened, and he leaned in just slightly, his voice tender. "You don't have to prove anything to me, Serafina. You've already shown more loyalty and strength than most could manage. I know this marriage wasn't your choice, but I want you to know that I'm grateful for everything you've done."
She met his gaze then, searching his eyes for any trace of doubt, but all she found was sincerity. "It's hard sometimes," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to be a good wife, a good queen. But I feel like I'm constantly walking a line, trying to figure out where I belong."
Robb reached out, his fingers brushing against the side of her hand, warm and reassuring. "You belong with me. We're all finding our way through this, none of us have all the answers. But I promise you, Serafina, I won't let you go through it alone."
The vulnerability in his words touched her deeply, and for a moment, the distance she had felt earlier seemed to fade. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
They stayed like that for a moment, the room filled with the quiet crackle of the fire and the gentle rhythm of their breathing.
Finally, Serafina offered him a small but genuine smile. "Perhaps you should let me finish my bath, Your Grace."
Robb chuckled softly, a hint of warmth returning to his eyes. "Of course." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "May I assist you?"
His question caught her completely off guard, and for a moment, she wasn't sure how to respond. She knew she had promised they would consummate their marriage once she stopped bleeding, but…
"I'm not going to force you into anything, Serafina," he reassured her gently. "I'd only like to wash your back, if you'll let me."
She hesitated, uncertainty swirling in her chest. It felt wrong to deny him, especially after all his patience, but she couldn't shake the fear of disappointing him, of making him frustrated again.
"I… I know I promised we would consummate our marriage after my red flower," she began, her voice soft and measured, trying to convey both her sincerity and her hesitation. "I really don't want to disappoint you, but… could you give me a little more time? I'll be ready soon, I promise."
Robb's expression softened as he listened to her, clearly sensing her anxiety. He stepped back slightly, giving her more space, and shook his head gently.
"Serafina, you don't need to apologize," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "This isn't about promises or obligations. I told you I'd never push you into something you're not ready for, and I meant it."
Serafina felt a wave of relief wash over her, but she could still sense the underlying tension between them, a reminder of the expectations hanging over both of their heads. She had seen glimpses of Robb's frustration in the past, though he'd never once let it turn into anger toward her. It only made her feel more guilty, even though she knew he wasn't trying to make her feel pressured.
Robb took a slow breath and continued, his voice softening even more. "When I said I wanted to wash your back, that's all I meant. I thought it might help you relax, and maybe we could just… be together, even if it's not in the way everyone expects us to be right now."
Serafina swallowed, her mind racing as she tried to decide how to respond. Robb had always been patient with her, more than she'd expected from a man in his position. His offer felt sincere, not like some hidden test or an attempt to pressure her. Maybe it was time for her to trust him a bit more, to take a step forward, even if it was small.
"I… I think I'd like that," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her words were tentative, but there was a hint of determination in them. "If you really don't mind."
Robb's smile widened, relief and warmth shining in his eyes. "Of course I don't mind," he said, his tone gentle.
He moved closer again, but this time his approach was slow and deliberate, giving her every chance to stop him if she wanted to. When she didn't, he knelt beside the tub, carefully rolling up his sleeves. Serafina watched him, her heart beating a little faster but not with fear, more with a nervous anticipation she couldn't quite name.
Robb dipped his hand into the water, testing its warmth, and then gently lifted the washcloth. His movements were careful, respectful, as he began to wash her back with slow, soothing strokes. The touch of the cloth was gentle, almost reverent, and for the first time in a long while, Serafina felt herself beginning to relax. The tension in her shoulders gradually melted away as Robb's quiet presence surrounded her like a protective cocoon.
The room was quiet except for the soft crackle of the fire and the gentle sound of water rippling in the tub. They didn't speak, but the silence between them wasn't uncomfortable. It was peaceful, filled with a quiet understanding that words weren't needed at this moment.
When he finished, Robb set the washcloth aside and let his hand rest on the edge of the tub, making no move to touch her any further. "I should probably let you finish your bath in peace now," he said quietly, though there was a hint of reluctance in his voice.
Serafina turned slightly, meeting his gaze over her shoulder. "Thank you, Robb," she said, her voice steady and sincere. "For being patient with me. I know it's not easy."
"It's worth it," he replied simply, his eyes full of warmth and affection. "You're worth it."
The words touched something deep within her, stirring an unfamiliar sense of hope. Maybe, with time, they could build something real between them, something based on more than just duty and obligation.
"May I sleep here with you?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, of course."
As Robb stood and prepared to leave, he gave her one last reassuring smile. "Take your time. I'll be waiting downstairs."
With that, he quietly left the room, closing the door gently behind him.