I did a lot of editing on the previous chapters and added some new sections. I hope you like them :)

Chapter 14

Serafina sighed softly, still half asleep. Her sleep had been peaceful, and she felt warm and comfortable. Her maid hadn't opened the curtains yet, so it must still be very early morning. Sleepily, she reached for Naeve, wanting to feel her silky fur. The cat always slept beside her, but she couldn't feel her now. Instead, she felt the weight of a massive arm wrapped around her.

The realization made her panic until she remembered where she was. In Robb Stark's tent. In his bed. In his embrace. Why? She blinked a few times, trying to clear her thoughts. Cousin Alton. The negotiations. Robb Stark's demand. She remembered everything now. The despair she had felt upon realizing that she wouldn't be released.

Her family only had one of Robb Stark's sisters. And even if they had both, they wouldn't agree to his terms. She should have known that, and a big part of her had, but she had still held on to some foolish hope. Useless hope. She wasn't going home, not any time soon. Maybe never.

She remained still, unwilling to disturb the man beside her. His arm around her was a stark reminder of her captivity, yet it also offered a strange sense of security. How could she feel any comfort in his embrace? Well, he was the only one keeping her safe here. She wouldn't last a day in this camp without his protection.

The thought was nothing but depressing. She would have no choice but to continue playing the part of his servant. That was, of course, until her father's response would arrive. After that… There was no way of telling what Robb Stark would do to her. Would he be willing to accept the gold? She didn't know. Surely, it would be useful for his war efforts.

Or then, he would simply take what he so clearly wanted. Why else would he be holding her now? He had shown her kindness last night, but she suspected it was only because he had seen her tears. Her father would have been disgusted if he had seen her like that. She had been weak, and she felt nothing but shame for it. Any sign of weakness could be exploited, and she had cried in front of the man who was holding her hostage.

He stirred beside her, his grip tightening momentarily before he relaxed again. His arm around her felt both protective and possessive. It was a strange duality that she couldn't fully comprehend. She didn't want to believe that he would harm her, but the weight of his position and the intensity of the war made everything uncertain.

Serafina sighed, careful not to wake him. She had to be cautious, to navigate this delicate situation with as much grace and intelligence as she could muster. For now, she would continue to play her part, hoping that a resolution would come soon and that she would find a way to survive this ordeal with her dignity intact.

Jaime sat by the bars, waiting impatiently. His hands were tied tightly behind his back, but he didn't care about the discomfort. He only cared about the opportunity to see Serafina. It didn't really matter to him why the Stark boy had suddenly allowed him to speak to his sister. Or maybe it should matter. What had Stark asked of her in return?

No, Jaime couldn't think about that right now. He needed to focus on his sister. His heart dropped as he saw her walking towards the cage, accompanied by a guard. She was smiling warmly at Jaime. He smiled too, until he noticed that her hands were chained behind her back. The realization enraged him.

"Are you really so scared of a delicate woman that you have to chain her?" Jaime mocked the guard.

"Just following orders," the guard replied, grinning. "Though I've heard she's quite a little wildcat."

"Watch it," Jaime snarled.

"Or what?" the guard mocked. "You'll glare at me?"

The guard chuckled while Serafina took a seat on the ground in front of Jaime. The bars between them made Jaime's helplessness painfully clear.

"No touching the bars, or she'll go right back to the King's tent," the guard huffed.

"I understand," Serafina stated calmly before Jaime could speak. "Thank you."

Jaime struggled to pull himself together; he was enraged. The Stark boy was still abusing Serafina.

"Are you alright?" she asked softly.

"Yes, I'm fine," he managed to reply before taking a deep breath. "Robb Stark... He is still keeping you in his tent?"

Serafina glanced at the guard who was a few steps away before replying.

"Only because I asked him to," she replied quietly, making sure that only Jaime could hear her.

Jaime's eyes widened.

"What? Why?"

She lowered her gaze, ashamed. That cut Jaime like a knife, she most certainly had no reason be ashamed of anything.

"I wouldn't be safe anywhere else."

Her words were more than enough to break Jaime's heart. She didn't deserve this. Any of this.

"Serafina, listen to me," he pleaded gently. "You haven't done anything wrong. You have no reason to be ashamed. The only shame is Robb Stark's."

She looked up, shaking her head.

"He has not hurt me."

Jaime sighed, trying to choose his words carefully.

"I am your older brother; you don't have to protect me. I am the one who should be protecting you."

"No, that is the truth," Serafina argued. "He has not hurt me. At least not yet."

Jaime's eyes narrowed.

"What do you mean not yet?"

She hesitated for a moment before replying.

"Cousin Alton was here yesterday to negotiate on father's behalf."

Jaime nodded.

"Yes, I know, I met him briefly."

Serafina looked at him insecurely.

"Did he tell you about the negotiations?"

"No, we didn't have much time to talk."

Serafina glanced at the guard again before continuing.

"Robb Stark wants to trade me for one of his sisters. That is the only agreement he is willing to accept."

The meaning of her words was immediately clear to Jaime. There would be no agreement.

"Did father offer enough gold…"

"He did. That is not what Robb Stark wants."

Jaime's heart ached as he saw the distress in his sister's eyes. She tried bravely to smile, but it was clear she was scared.

"It's alright," she assured. "I am sure there will be more negotiations."

"Yes," he murmured. "Has… has the Stark boy treated you well?"

She nodded, trying to appear confident. "Yes. He is not a cruel man."

Jaime studied her face, searching for any signs of deceit or pain she might be hiding.

"If he ever does anything to hurt you, anything at all, you must tell me."

"I will," she promised, her voice soft but steady. "But truly, Jaime, he has not harmed me. He even shows me kindness at times."

Jaime frowned. "Kindness can be a weapon, Serafina. Be cautious."

She sighed, the weight of their situation settling heavily on her shoulders.

"I know, Jaime. But for now, I must play the part. For both our sakes."

Jaime hated seeing her like this, trapped and vulnerable, yet still trying to protect him.

"I'll find a way to help you, sister. And if Robb Stark harms a hair on your head, I'll find a way to make him regret it, even from here."

Serafina's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she met Jaime's gaze.

"Thank you, Jaime," she whispered, her voice wavering. "I just... I hate feeling this powerless."

Jaime's expression softened, his anger momentarily replaced by a fierce protectiveness.

"You're not powerless, Serafina. You're stronger than any of them know. And you have me. Always."

She nodded, taking strength from his words.

"I know. I just have to endure this a little longer."

Jaime's jaw tightened.

"I wish I could do more than just talk to you through these bars. I promise you, Serafina, when I get out of here, things will change."

The guard shifted, clearly impatient with their conversation. Jaime shot him a glare before focusing back on Serafina.

"Is there anything you need? Anything I can do?"

She shook her head.

"There is no need to worry about me, I will be alright. I just wish I could do something for you."

Jaime smiled at her fondly.

"I'm a big boy, Serafina, I can take care of myself. I want you to focus solely on your own safety. Promise me."

She smiled and shook her head.

"Forgive me, brother, but I can't promise something like that. You are my family; I will always look after you when I can."

She certainly knew how to melt his heart. Sweet little Serafina. Jaime sighed, feeling both pride and sadness. He hated seeing her in such a vulnerable position, but her strength and loyalty were undeniable.

"Alright, but be careful. I can't bear the thought of something happening to you."

"I promise to be careful," she said softly. "And you, Jaime, stay strong. We'll get through this."

The guard cleared his throat again, impatiently tapping his foot.

"Time's up," he announced gruffly.

Jaime watched as Serafina stood up, her chains clinking softly with each movement. She gave him one last reassuring smile before turning to follow the guard.

"Stay safe, Serafina," Jaime whispered, his heart heavy.

As she was led away, Jaime's resolve hardened. He would find a way to protect his sister and ensure they both survived this nightmare. No matter what it took, he would see her safe again.