Chapter 15

"Lady Lannister!" Theon Greyjoy's voice called.

Serafina tensed; she really didn't want to talk to him. All she wanted was to get back to Robb Stark's tent and spend a moment alone before he arrived. Meeting Jaime had made her emotional, and she needed to calm herself. Unfortunately, she had no choice but to face Theon, who had stepped in front of her.

"My lord," she greeted him reluctantly. She still managed to sound polite enough.

"Where have you been?" he asked curiously, glancing at her chained hands.

"His Grace was kind enough to allow me to meet my brother."

Theon raised his eyebrows before his lips curved into a grin. "Really? You must have served him well then."

Serafina felt a surge of anger but kept her composure. "His Grace is a man of honor. He understands the value of family, even for a captive."

Theon's grin widened, and he took a step closer.

"Is that so? I suppose being a lady has its advantages."

She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her calm.

"If you'll excuse me, my lord, I must return to His Grace's tent."

Theon didn't move, his grin turning into a smirk.

"You know, Lady Lannister, it's quite something to see you like this. So... vulnerable."

Serafina's eyes narrowed, but she forced a small smile. "And yet, here I am, still standing. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Theon turned his gaze to the guard. "I'll escort the lady back to the King's tent."

"My apologies, Lord Greyjoy, but I have my orders..."

"And I am a close friend of the king's," Theon cut in firmly. "I'm sure you're aware of that."

The guard hesitated. "I shouldn't..."

"No need to worry, I take full responsibility," Theon assured. "The lady will be perfectly safe under my care."

Serafina watched the two men tensely, hoping that the guard would refuse. He didn't.

"Very well, Lord Greyjoy," the guard finally said, stepping back.

Theon grinned triumphantly, wrapping his arm around Serafina's.

"Shall we, my lady?"

She pressed her lips together, feeling the eyes of the guard on her as they walked away. Theon's grip was firm, almost possessive, as he led her through the camp.

"I must say, Lady Lannister, you've become quite the talk of the camp," Theon said, his tone casual but with an undercurrent of something she couldn't quite place.

Serafina kept her gaze ahead, refusing to engage. "Is that so?"

"Indeed. A noblewoman in captivity, treated with such... consideration by the King in the North. It's quite the tale."

She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to remain calm. "I'm sure it is."

Theon's grip tightened slightly. "You know, you could find worse company than me, Lady Lannister. I could be... very useful to you."

"Useful?" she repeated, glancing at him. "And how would that be?"

"I have influence here. I could make your stay more comfortable. Ensure you're treated well."

"Like escorting me against my will?" she retorted, unable to keep the edge out of her voice.

Theon's expression darkened for a moment before he forced a smile.

"Just trying to help, my lady."

"I am sure you are, my lord."

Theon huffed. "You still have the Lannister arrogance left in you, I see. I can't imagine why, considering your circumstances."

Serafina didn't reply, hoping he would just leave her alone.

"The war isn't going so well for your family, you know," he stated smoothly. "I am sure you know what could happen to you after you are no longer useful. Or after Robb loses his interest."

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

"I am well aware of the risks, Lord Greyjoy. But I also know that I have no control over the outcome of this war. I can only do my best to survive each day."

Theon's grin widened, as if he enjoyed her discomfort.

"A wise attitude. But remember, alliances can change. You might find it advantageous to have a friend like me."

Before Serafina could respond, they reached Robb Stark's tent. Theon stopped, releasing her arm.

"Think about what I said," he murmured, his eyes locking onto hers. "You never know when you might need an ally."

Serafina didn't respond, stepping into the tent quickly. As the flap closed behind her, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She hoped Robb would return soon. She needed his presence to dispel the unsettling encounter with Theon.

She moved to the center of the tent, her mind racing. Theon's words echoed in her ears, a reminder of her precarious position. Despite his attempts to unsettle her, she knew she had to stay strong. She couldn't afford to show any more weakness.

Moments later, the tent flap rustled, and Robb entered. His eyes immediately found hers, and he frowned slightly.

"Lady Serafina, are you alright?"

She forced a smile, trying to push away the anxiety Theon had stirred within her.

"Yes, Your Grace, thank you."

Robb's eyebrows furrowed when he noticed that her hands were still chained behind her back.

"Why didn't the guard remove your chains?"

"I... I am not sure, Your Grace."

His eyes darkened with anger, and he turned towards the entrance of the tent. "Guard!" he called out sharply.

The guard entered the tent, looking apprehensive. "Yes, Your Grace?"

"Why are her hands still chained?" Robb demanded, his voice cold and commanding.

The guard stammered, "I... Lord Greyjoy insisted on escorting her, and he didn't give the order to remove them."

Robb's expression hardened. "From now on, when I give an order, I expect it to be followed. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Grace," the guard replied, bowing his head.

"Now, remove her chains."

The guard quickly stepped forward, fumbling with the keys as he unlocked the chains around Serafina's wrists. Once they were free, Robb dismissed the guard with a curt nod.

"Leave us."

The guard exited the tent, leaving Robb and Serafina alone. Robb turned back to her, his expression softening as he reached out to gently rub her wrists where the chains had left marks.

"I'm sorry about that. It won't happen again," he said quietly.

"Thank you, Your Grace."

He nodded and cleared his throat.

"How was your meeting with your brother?"

She looked up and smiled.

"It was more than I could have asked. I am grateful for your kindness."

She wasn't sure why he had allowed her to meet Jaime. The look in his eyes when he had woken up holding her had been quite strange. Guilt, maybe? Embarrassment? She wasn't sure, but she was grateful either way.

"Yes... I hope Theon didn't act inappropriately?" Robb's voice carried a hint of concern.

Serafina hesitated, unsure of how to answer. As Theon had said, he was the king's close friend.

"He seems like the kind of man who enjoys listening to the sound of his own voice," she stated as diplomatically as she could.

Robb was clearly amused by her reply. "That he does, but he is also a loyal friend. You have nothing to fear from him."

She wasn't so sure about that, but she kept her thoughts to herself. As much as she hated to admit it, some of the things he had said disturbed her. Theon's insinuations about her future, her usefulness, and Robb's potential loss of interest had struck a nerve.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she said, forcing a smile. "I will keep that in mind."

Robb's expression grew serious.

"If he does bother you again, tell me. I won't tolerate any disrespect towards you."

Serafina nodded, appreciating his reassurance but still feeling a lingering unease.

"I will. Thank you."

Robb seemed to sense her discomfort and stepped closer, his voice softening.

"My lady, I want you to feel safe here. I know it's difficult, given the circumstances, but I promise you, no harm will come to you as long as you are under my protection."

She looked up at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes.

"Thank you, Your Grace."

He nodded, the tension in his posture easing slightly.

"By the way, I meant to ask this morning, is there something you would like to make you more comfortable? Embroidery work, perhaps?"

She was surprised, but she hid it quickly.

"If I may, I would appreciate some writing materials. Perhaps a book? I enjoy reading and writing; it helps pass the time."

Robb nodded thoughtfully.

"Of course. I'll have some brought to you."

Serafina felt a flicker of gratitude. "Thank you, Your Grace. That would mean a lot to me."

Robb offered her a small, reassuring smile. "If there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to ask."

She returned his smile, feeling a strange warmth despite everything.

"You've been very kind, Your Grace. I won't forget it."

Robb inclined his head slightly.

"Rest now, my lady. We'll talk more later."

As he left the tent, Serafina felt a mix of emotions. Robb's kindness was unexpected, and it confused her. Why was he so kind to her? Would he ask something in return? Probably. Nothing was free; she had learned that a long time ago. Did he know something she didn't? Something about the war? About her family?

The uncertainty gnawed at her. She wondered if Robb was simply trying to gain her trust for some strategic advantage. The thought made her uneasy. She knew that in times of war, alliances could shift, and kindness could be a weapon just as much as a sword.

She settled onto the cot, trying to quiet her racing thoughts. The guard outside seemed vigilant, but she knew Theon could appear at any moment, and she didn't want to see him again. His words had been unsettling, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching her closely, waiting for her to make a mistake.