Chapter 28

"I'm sorry, Jon," Robb sighed after snapping at his brother for a ridiculous reason. "I am feeling a bit… tense."

"It's fine," Jon replied and hesitated before continuing. "Is everything alright?"

Jon had noticed that Robb had been in a dreadful mood since yesterday and he seemed very tense.

"Yes," Robb murmured. "Everything is fine."

Clearly, that wasn't true, but Jon didn't want to push it. He guessed that Robb's mood had something to do with Serafina. Robb had practically run from her earlier this morning. Serafina had seemed distressed by that. Perhaps they had some sort of argument.

Jon decided to approach the matter delicately. "You know, if there's anything you need to talk about, I'm here."

Robb ran a hand through his hair, looking conflicted. "It's just… it's complicated, Jon."

Jon nodded, waiting for Robb to continue.

"I've waited for a long time, and I should be able to wait a couple of days more, but… I'm struggling to control myself. I'm afraid that I might do something I'll regret."

Jon looked at him, utterly confused. "You lost me."

"I know," Robb sighed. "This is a very… private matter."

"You know you can trust me."

Robb was quiet for a moment before continuing. "Serafina and I haven't… consummated our marriage yet."

Jon wasn't really surprised by that; he had suspected that Robb wanted to give her time to adjust. "There's nothing wrong with that," Jon assured. "She was clearly struggling before the wedding, and I think giving her some time was an admirable thing to do."

Robb shook his head. "That's not the problem here. Sure, I've wanted her for a long time, but I was prepared to wait. Then last night, she approached me willingly for the first time."

"And that is not a good thing?" Jon asked cautiously.

"It would be if…"

"What?" Jon asked when Robb didn't continue.

"Her red flower," he murmured.

"Oh."

Jon really wasn't sure what else to say.

"I'm afraid I'll do something to scare her," Robb murmured. "I'm struggling with my self-control."

Jon took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "I can't imagine you would do anything to hurt her."

"I certainly don't want to, but… I want her. More than I've ever wanted anyone in my life. Right now, it feels physically painful. I don't know how long I'll be able to control myself."

Jon frowned, trying to find the right words. "Robb, it's clear you care deeply for her. That's why you're so worried. But remember, she's your wife, and she came to you willingly. She trusts you."

Robb nodded, though he still seemed troubled. "I know you're right, Jon. It's just… I've never felt this way before. I don't want to make her feel pressured or uncomfortable."

"I'm sure you won't," Jon reassured him.

Robb sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I hope so. I think I better focus on something else now." He paused and glanced at Jon. "Could you inform Serafina that I'll probably be back late tonight? There is no need for her to wait for me."

Jon nodded, although he would have preferred not to be any part of this. "Yes, sure."

"Thank you, brother."

With that, Robb turned and walked away, heading back to his duties. Jon watched him go, hoping that things would smooth out for his brother and Serafina. Then he took a deep breath and made his way towards Robb's tent to deliver the message.

As Jon approached, he could hear the low murmur of Serafina's maids inside. He hesitated for a moment, then steeled himself and knocked on the wooden post outside the tent's entrance.

"Come in," came Serafina's voice, calm and composed.

Jon stepped inside, finding Serafina seated on a cushioned chair, her maids attending to her hair. She looked up, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"Jon," she greeted him with a warm smile. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Jon replied, offering a polite nod to the maids. "Robb asked me to let you know that he'll be back late tonight. There's no need to wait for him."

Serafina's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "I see. Thank you for letting me know, Jon."

"Of course," Jon said, feeling a bit awkward. "I… Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I would actually like to take a walk," Serafina replied, her tone gracious but distant. "Perhaps you could be so kind and escort me, if you have time?"

"Yes, of course," Jon assured, although a bit cautiously.

Serafina gave him a polite smile as she stood up. "Thank you. I would love for Ghost or Grey Wind to join us if they are somewhere near."

Jon nodded. "I'll find Ghost. Grey Wind is probably with Robb, but Ghost will be happy to accompany us."

A few moments later, Jon returned with Ghost by his side. The direwolf's presence brought a sense of comfort to Serafina, and she smiled genuinely for the first time since Jon arrived.

"Shall we?" Jon asked, offering his arm.

Serafina took it, and together they stepped out into the cool, crisp air. The camp was bustling with activity, soldiers and servants going about their tasks, but Jon and Serafina found a quieter path leading towards the edge of the camp.

As they walked, Jon glanced at Serafina. She was clearly distressed, although she tried to hide it.

"So, what's on your mind?" he asked after an awkward silence.

She let out a weary sigh before replying.

"First of all, I apologize for putting you in this situation, but… The truth is that I don't have anyone else to talk to about this."

"Alright," Jon stated, trying to keep his tone neutral. "Go on."

She sighed again, her body tensing.

"I… Could you tell me is Robb upset with me?"

Jon cleared his throat. "Upset with you? No, I don't think so. Why would you think that?"

Serafina bit her lip, hesitating before she spoke. "I… I think I did something foolish last night, but it was never my intention to upset him."

"I see," Jon murmured. "Robb's been under a lot of stress lately, so I wouldn't worry about that too much. He's just… dealing with a lot. I'm sure he is not upset with you."

Serafina was quiet for a moment before replying.

"I am sorry, I shouldn't have said anything…"

"No, no, it's fine. I'm flattered you felt comfortable talking to me."

"Well, I didn't really have many options."

He frowned.

"Now I feel less flattered."

"My apologies," she replied, smiling.

Jon chuckled, shaking his head. "No need to apologize. But I'm afraid I'm not the best person to give advice about intimacy…"

He realized his mistake as soon as Serafina froze before stepping away from him.

"Robb… told you?" she murmured, clearly mortified.

"No, no," he assured quickly. "I mean, he didn't tell me any details…"

She turned away, her face bright red.

Jon felt a pang of regret seeing her distress. He took a step closer, his tone gentle and reassuring. "Serafina, please don't be embarrassed. Robb only mentioned it because he's concerned and cares about you. He didn't mean to betray your trust."

Serafina remained silent for a moment, taking deep breaths to compose herself. Finally, she turned back to Jon, her expression a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "I just… I wanted to be a good wife to him. I wanted to make him happy."

Jon nodded, his expression sincere. "And he knows that."

She looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just… so difficult. I feel like I'm failing him."

"You're not failing him," Jon said firmly. "These things are complicated. I'm sure you just need some time."

Serafina was quiet for a long while before continuing.

"Since you already know everything, what do you think I should do?" she asked, her tone calm. "Should I talk to Robb or just let him avoid me?"

"Well, as I said, I'm really not the best person to give advice about these things, but I suppose talking wouldn't be a bad thing."

Serafina nodded, considering his words. "I just don't want to make things worse."

"I'm sure you won't. Based on what I've seen, you are quite smart."

Serafina managed a small smile at Jon's compliment. "Thank you, Jon."

He gave her a reassuring nod. "Just be honest with him. Robb values that."

"I hope so," she murmured, more to herself than to Jon.

They walked in silence for a while, the bustling camp around them. Ghost padded alongside them, his presence a silent reassurance. Finally, they reached Robb's tent.

"Thank you for the walk, Jon," she said, stopping at the entrance.

"Anytime," he replied. "Good luck with… everything."

She nodded, appreciating his support. "Thank you. I won't forget your kindness."

He waved his hand, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "No need to thank me. Really."

She smiled at him and touched his shoulder.

"You are a good brother, Jon. And a good friend."

When Robb finally returned to his tent, he expected Serafina to be asleep already. Instead, she was sitting on the bed, reading in candlelight. She looked up as he entered the tent.

"Oh," Robb murmured. "Didn't Jon tell you I would be back late?"

"He did," Serafina replied calmly and stood up. "Are you hungry?"

He shook his head.

"No, I already ate."

She poured a cup of wine and handed it to him.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"You are welcome. Please, sit and relax."

Robb sat down, taking a sip of the wine. He watched Serafina as she moved around the tent, putting away her book and tidying up. There was a quiet tension between them, an unspoken acknowledgment that something needed to be addressed.

"Serafina," Robb began, his voice gentle but firm, "we need to talk."

She paused, then nodded and sat beside him. "Yes, we do."

Robb set his cup down and took her hand in his. "I… I'm sorry about the way I acted this morning. You did nothing to deserve it."

"She shook her head. "No, I'm sorry for causing you frustration. I admit that the male body is not very familiar to me, but I should have known better…"

"Serafina, I'm not going to let you apologize for kissing your husband," he said firmly. "Whatever feelings I might have, they are my problem, not yours. You did nothing wrong."

Serafina lowered her gaze and blinked rapidly a few times.

"I don't want them to be your…problem," she murmured.

"What?"

She took a deep breath and looked at him.

"I… I have some knowledge about the male body and… I would like to… make you feel better."

Robb's eyes widened slightly, taken aback by Serafina's words. He felt a rush of emotions; surprise, desire, and a deep affection for the woman before him.

"Serafina," he said softly, his voice filled with tenderness. "You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with."

She met his gaze, determination in her eyes. "I want to. I want to be close to you, to understand you better. And I want you to feel… less frustrated."

He took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of relief and warmth. "If you're sure, then we can take things slowly. There's no rush."

She nodded, her expression resolute. "I'm sure."

Robb leaned in and kissed her gently, his lips brushing against hers. As they kissed, he felt her relax into his embrace.

Pulling back slightly, he looked into her eyes. "We'll take this slow, alright?"

She nodded. "Yes, thank you. I… I am going to need you to guide me."

He smiled at her adoringly and nodded.

"Of course."

She hesitated for a brief moment before continuing.

"And… I would like to ask you not to touch me… down there. I am not comfortable because… because of my red flower."

"Of course," he assured quickly. "I won't do anything you don't want me to do, I promise."

She nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Robb."

He shook his head.

"You really don't need to thank me for that, Serafina. It's the bare minimum."

"All women are not that lucky, I'm afraid," she murmured. "That is why I am so grateful for your patience and understanding."

Robb felt a nasty sting of guilt.

"Are you sure you want to do this? You know you don't have to…"

"I am sure," she assured and took his hand. "Show me how to touch you."

He stood up and kissed her again, this time with more passion, and she responded, her hands sliding up to his shoulders. His hands carefully explored her body, but he made sure he wasn't too intrusive. The last thing he wanted was to scare her away now. He backed her gently towards the bed, his lips still devouring hers. She made no protest as he carefully pushed her on the bed and started removing the outer layer of his clothing. She watched his every move attentively and smiled as he settled beside her on the bed. His mouth found hers again and his body reacted immediately as she pressed herself against him.

"Oh," she murmured as she pulled away enough to see his face. "Does… Does this…reaction usually come so quickly?"

He couldn't help but smile at her question.

"Not always," he hummed. "It's you, Serafina. You make me react like this."

She blushed and looked away.

"I… I… Would… Would you like me to…touch you?"

His eyes darkened as he tried desperately to control the lust he was feeling.

"I would like that very much. If you're comfortable doing that."

She nodded.

"I am. May I… May I see it first?"

He didn't trust his voice enough to reply, so he merely nodded before lowering his pants. Her eyes widened as she stared at his erection.

"What's wrong?" he managed to ask after a moment of silence.

"Nothing," she murmured. "I just… I can't see how that would ever fit in me…"

"It will," he assured calmingly. "We just need to prepare your body carefully first."

"But not tonight," she murmured.

"Not tonight," he confirmed.

She nodded and took a deep breath.

"May I touch it?"

"Please do," he murmured.

She reached down and carefully passed her hand over the entire length.

"Did I hurt you?" she asked quickly as he let out a sharp gasp.

"No," he panted.

She looked at him insecurely.

"Will you teach me how to do this?"

"Of course," he managed to say.

He covered her hand with his own and showed her how he liked to be touched. She was a fast learner and soon he could lean back and enjoy her touch. Sooner than he expected, his climax was upon him, and he stopped her hand as his seed poured out. Serafina stared at him in wonder.

"Did… Did that feel alright?" she asked a bit timidly.

He smiled at her warmly. "More than alright. Thank you, Serafina."

She stood up and dipped a cloth into the water bowl, wringing it out gently.

"And… that is what will happen inside of me?" she asked uncertainly as she helped him to clean himself.

He drew her into his arms and kissed her hungrily.

"Yes, my sweet wife. It will feel good for you as well, I promise. I'll make sure of it."

She nodded and leaned her head on his chest.

"Are you sure you don't want me to do anything for you tonight?" he asked gently, his fingers playing with her hair.

"Yes," she replied quietly. "I… I am not comfortable…"

"I understand," he assured and gently kissed the top of her head. "You are an amazing woman, Serafina. I can't believe how lucky I am."