Chapter 25

Robb startled out of his sleep as he felt his arm being gently lifted. Serafina was carefully trying to move away from him.

"Good morning, wife," he hummed, managing to startle her. "You're not trying to run from me already, are you?"

She turned her head enough to face him. "What if I am? What would Your Grace do about that?"

Robb grinned, pulling her back gently.

"I would have to convince you to stay, of course."

"And how would you do that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"With charm and persuasion," he replied, his voice playful. "And maybe breakfast in bed."

She laughed softly, the sound warming his heart. "I suppose I could be convinced to stay for breakfast."

"Good," he hummed and kissed her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded.

"I did. How about you?"

He smiled and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb.

"I don't think I have ever slept better."

She bit her bottom lip, her mind clearly processing something.

Robb noticed her hesitation and softly asked, "What's on your mind, Serafina?"

She looked up at him, searching for the right words.

"I was just thinking about last night. I… We didn't consummate our marriage and… I feel like we should have."

Robb's expression softened as he listened to her. He reached out, taking her hand gently in his.

"Serafina, there's no need to rush. Our marriage is more than just a physical bond. It's about trust and respect."

She nodded, still looking a bit uncertain. "I know, but I worry about what others might think or say."

He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "No one apart from you and me will know. What happens in our marriage bed is no one else's concern. If you need more time, then we'll take it. There's no shame in that."

Serafina's eyes met his, gratitude shining through. "Thank you, Robb. I just want to do right by you and our marriage."

"You already are," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Let's focus on us, on building something strong and true. The rest will come in time."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"And you are still fine with honesty?"

Robb nodded, his expression earnest.

"Yes, Serafina. I want us to be honest with each other, always. It's the only way we can truly build something strong and lasting."

She took a deep breath, feeling a bit more at ease. "Alright. Then, honestly, I am still scared. This whole situation, our marriage, it's overwhelming. But I want to make it work."

Robb squeezed her hand again, his grip firm yet gentle. "It's alright to be scared. This is new for both of us. But we're in this together, and we'll face whatever comes our way, together."

Serafina smiled, feeling a bit of the tension ease from her shoulders. "Thank you, Robb. I appreciate your patience and understanding."

"We have a lifetime to get this right," Robb said softly, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "There's no need to rush. Let's just take it one day at a time."

She nodded. "One day at a time."

Robb smiled, pulling her closer. "Exactly."

She nodded and kissed his cheek before burying her face in his chest.

"I liked this," she murmured. "To be held. I liked feeling your warmth."

Robb's smile widened, and he gently stroked her back. "I liked it too. We can do this as often as you want."

Serafina nodded, still nestled against him. "I would like that very much."

After a few moments of comfortable silence, she lifted her head to look at him.

"Shall we get up, then? I am starting to get hungry."

"Yes, I suppose we must," he sighed, smiling. "I would rather stay here with you though."

"You have plenty of time for that," she replied. "Enough for you to get bored with me."

"Why would you say that?"

Serafina shrugged slightly, her eyes looking away.

"Serafina? Honesty, remember?" he remined gently.

She sighed before turning her head to face him.

"I have been good at being what other people want me to be ever since I was a child. Without that… I am not very interesting."

Robb frowned slightly, his grip on her hand tightening reassuringly. "Serafina, that's not true. You are interesting just as you are. You don't need to be anything other than yourself for me."

"I know you might think that now," she sighed. "But people do not like disappointments or inconvenience. Believe me, I know."

Robb's frown deepened with concern as he squeezed her hand gently.

"Serafina, I understand why you might feel that way, but you are neither a disappointment nor an inconvenience to me. You deserve to be yourself, without fear or pretense."

She didn't reply, but he wasn't going to give up on this.

"Tell me, what do you think I want you to be?"

Serafina took a deep breath, trying to collect her thoughts. She looked down at their joined hands, then back up at him.

"If you want an honest answer, I think you want the girl you captured. The obedient and submissive girl. The girl who sees you as her savior and shows you endless gratitude for every act of kindness. I think that is the girl you were truly attracted to."

Robb's frown deepened as he listened to her words.

"Serafina, I don't want you to feel that way," he murmured. "Yes, you were captured and brought here, and yes, I treated you the way I am deeply ashamed of, but… I don't want a girl who feels she has to be obedient and submissive out of fear or gratitude. I want a wife, someone who can challenge me, support me, and be herself."

She looked down, her emotions swirling. "It's hard to believe that, Robb. I've spent so long trying to be what others wanted me to be."

"I know," he said softly. "But you don't have to do that with me. I want to know you, the real you. The girl who has her own thoughts, her own feelings, her own desires. That's who I'm attracted to. That's who I want to spend my life with."

Serafina's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I don't know who that girl is anymore," she admitted.

"Then we'll find her together," Robb replied, his voice filled with determination. "We'll take it one step at a time. No expectations, no pressure. Just you and me, figuring things out. Would that be alright?"

She nodded slowly.

"Yes."

He smiled and gently kissed her forehead.

"Good. Now, let's get you something to eat before you decide to run away for real."

Serafina smiled too.

"That sounds good."

Serafina wandered around the camp, lost in her thoughts. She had just met Jaime, who seemed at least a little better. He had eaten and washed himself. For Tommen and Myrcella. They were the only reason for him to keep fighting. He had been reluctant to ask anything about the wedding, but he had asked if Robb had hurt Serafina last night. She had answered truthfully that he hadn't.

"If he does, I'll kill him," Jaime had stated. "Ally or not."

She had tried to assure him that Robb wasn't like that, but Jaime's fierce protectiveness only reinforced the seriousness of her situation. She was caught between two worlds: her family's expectations and her new life with Robb.

As she wandered, Serafina found herself by the edge of the camp, where the woods began. The sounds of the camp grew faint, replaced by the rustling leaves and the distant call of birds. She took a deep breath, letting the tranquility wash over her. This small pocket of nature felt like a refuge from the chaos and uncertainty of her life.

Her thoughts were cut off by the sound of leaves rustling. She smiled as she saw the direwolf approaching her, until she realized it wasn't Grey Wind. This direwolf was white.

"Hello," she greeted the large animal. "You must be Ghost."

The direwolf kept approaching her, revealing his teeth. She raised her hands, keeping her movements slow and composed.

"It's alright," she said softly, trying to project calm.

Ghost stopped a few paces away, his red eyes watching her intently. She took a deep breath and slowly crouched down, keeping her hands visible.

"You're a magnificent creature," she murmured. "I'm Serafina."

For a moment, Ghost seemed to consider her, his ears twitching. Then, he took a cautious step closer, sniffing the air. Serafina remained still, her heart pounding. She knew direwolves were fiercely protective of their families, and she hoped Ghost would recognize her as a friend. Just as Ghost took another step closer, she heard a familiar voice.

"Ghost, come."

Jon emerged from the trees, his hand outstretched toward the direwolf. Ghost immediately turned and trotted over to his master, though he kept his eyes on Serafina.

"I'm sorry if he startled you," Jon said, giving her a small smile. "He's very protective."

Serafina stood up slowly, dusting off her skirts. "It's alright. He is quite impressive."

Jon nodded, scratching Ghost behind the ears. "He is. It seems that you have a way with animals."

She laughed softly. "I don't know about that, but I do enjoy their company."

Jon nodded. "Me too. They are often more reliable than people."

"Sadly, that is true," she admitted. "So, what are you doing here? If you don't mind me asking."

Jon smiled faintly, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "I needed some time to think. The camp can be... overwhelming at times."

She nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean. It's nice to find a quiet place to clear your head."

Jon glanced at her, curiosity in his eyes. "What about you? Is everything alright?"

Serafina hesitated before replying, "I was thinking about my brother."

Jon nodded, his expression neutral. "Is he unwell?"

Serafina appreciated his politeness, considering that he likely wasn't very fond of Jaime.

"No, I suppose he is as well as he can be right now. I just… He will return to King's Landing soon and… I am going to miss him."

Jon's gaze softened with understanding. "I can't imagine it's easy, being separated from your family like this."

She nodded, her eyes distant. "It isn't. Jaime and I have always been close, and he's one of the few people I've always felt I could rely on."

Jon glanced down at Ghost, who had settled at his feet, then back at Serafina. "It must be hard to trust people here."

"It is," she admitted. "But I am trying. Robb has been kind and understanding, much more than most men ever would have been, but it's still difficult."

Jon nodded. "You're doing better than you think. It takes time to build trust."

Serafina managed a small smile. "Thank you, Jon. I appreciate your support. And I hope to be able to earn your trust. I know how important you are to Robb, and I would like to eventually be your sister. I am not trying to rush or pressure you; I just hope you can give me a chance."

Jon's expression softened, and he nodded. "You don't need to worry about that, Serafina. Trust takes time, but you've shown a lot of courage. Robb thinks very highly of you and that means something to me."

She looked at him, relieved. "Thank you, Jon."

He was about to say something when his eyes suddenly widened.

"Serafina, run!"

She didn't have time to comprehend his words when someone grabbed her from behind and she felt something sharp pressed against her throat.

"Let her go," Jon demanded. "How dare you threaten your Queen?"

"This Lannister whore is not my queen!" a male voice snarled. "Both of my sons are dead because of her!"

"Did she kill your sons?" Jon asked coldly.

"Her family did. And I will send this whore back to her father in pieces!"

Serafina felt a surge of fear as the blade pressed harder against her throat. She could barely breathe, let alone think of a way to escape. Her heart pounded in her chest as Jon's eyes met hers, filled with determination and anger. Ghost growled menacingly, baring his teeth.

"Let her go," Jon repeated, his voice steady but filled with underlying menace. "We can discuss your grievances, but harming her will only make things worse for you."

"Discuss?" the man spat, tightening his grip on her. "There is nothing to discuss! Justice must be served for my sons!"

Serafina winced as the blade nicked her skin, feeling a trickle of warm blood. "Please," she managed to whisper, "this won't bring your sons back."

The man's grip faltered for a moment, but his resolve remained. "Shut up! You know nothing of my pain!"

Jon took a step forward, his hand inching towards the sword at his side. "I understand your pain," he said softly. "I've lost loved ones too. But killing her won't bring them back. It will only bring more suffering."

The man's grip loosened slightly, and Serafina seized the opportunity. With a swift, desperate movement, she stomped on his foot and elbowed him in the ribs. He yelped in pain, and the blade slipped from her throat. In that moment, Grey Wind appeared from the woods and launched at the man. He screamed as the direwolf attacked him, teeth sinking into his arm.

"Serafina, get behind me," Jon commanded firmly, his eyes scanning the surroundings for more attackers.

She quickly moved behind Jon, her heart racing. Jon stepped forward, his sword drawn and ready. Grey Wind's growls mixed with the man's cries of pain as the direwolf held him down.

"Grey Wind, hold!" Jon shouted, and the direwolf paused, teeth still bared and ready to strike again.

The man's eyes were wide with fear and pain as he struggled beneath the direwolf's weight. "Please, call him off!" he begged.

"You should have thought of that before you attacked your Queen," Jon replied coldly. "Now, you will answer for your actions." He paused and quickly glanced at Serafina over his shoulder before returning his attention to the attacker. "Are you hurt?"

"I… I don't think so," she murmured, deeply shaken. The wound on her throat wasn't deep. She felt Ghost's nose touching her leg, and the presence of the direwolf brought her a small measure of comfort.

Jon nodded, satisfied that she was unharmed. "Stay close to Ghost. He'll protect you."

Robb arrived on the scene moments later, his face a mask of fury and concern. "What happened here?"

"This man tried to kill Serafina," Jon explained, not taking his eyes off the attacker. "Grey Wind stopped him."

Robb's expression darkened as he looked at the man on the ground. "Take him out of my sight," he ordered two nearby guards who had rushed over. "I'll decide his fate later."

The guards moved quickly, dragging the man away as Grey Wind released him. Robb turned to Serafina, his anger melting into concern. "Are you alright?"

She nodded, still trembling slightly. "Yes, thanks to Jon and Grey Wind."

Robb pulled her into a protective embrace. "I'm so sorry this happened. I promise, you will be safe here."

Jon sheathed his sword and patted Grey Wind and Ghost. "She was brave, Robb. She'll be alright."

Robb nodded, still holding Serafina close. "Thank you, Jon. And thank you, Grey Wind."

Grey Wind gave a low, approving growl before disappearing back into the woods.

"Let's get you cleaned up," Robb said gently, guiding Serafina back towards their tent. "You're safe now."