Chapter 16

5 days later

Robb lay on his bed, a satisfied smile on his face. Today had been a good day indeed. He had finally received some good news.

The candlelight flickered, casting shadows on the tent walls. He felt a rare sense of peace, a momentary reprieve from the constant pressure of leadership and battle. Robb had been carrying the weight of his responsibilities for so long that any positive news felt like a significant victory.

Serafina sighed in her sleep beside him, drawing his attention to her. She looked very peaceful now without the chains. He had felt that he had crossed the line by holding her, so he had offered her a chance to sleep on her cot, but she had politely refused. She had assured him that she trusted him.

Her trust in him was unexpected, and it weighed on him heavily. He knew the complexities of their situation and the fragile line they walked. Yet, her presence brought him a strange sense of comfort.

Over the past few days, he had observed her quietly. She had spent most of her time writing and reading the materials he had provided. There was something about her that continued intriguing him. Despite her captivity, she maintained a dignified composure, and there was an undeniable strength in her eyes.

His satisfaction was tempered with a sense of unease. The war had made him wary of trusting too easily, but he couldn't deny the growing respect he had for Serafina. She wasn't just a bargaining chip; she was a person with her own fears, hopes, and strengths.

What would happen if and when the war finally ended? That depended on the outcome, but Robb already knew he wanted to protect Serafina. Things didn't look good for her family right now, but he would make sure she was safe. She had shown him a side of vulnerability and strength that he hadn't expected, and it moved him deeply.

He wanted her, there was no point denying that. She was on his mind when he wasn't with her, and he even dreamed of her. Sometimes it all felt unbearable. Yet, there was nothing he could do, not when she was in this vulnerable position.

Robb sighed and closed his eyes, trying to banish his conflicting emotions. He had to remain focused on the war and his responsibilities as a leader. Allowing himself to be distracted by his feelings for Serafina could be dangerous for both of them.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a weak whimper from Serafina. Her body twitched as she murmured something that sounded like "please stop." Robb's eyes snapped open at the sound of her distress.

"My lady?" he called cautiously.

"No, no.." she murmured.

He leaned over, gently shaking her shoulder. "My lady, wake up. It's just a dream."

Serafina's eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, she looked disoriented. Then, recognition dawned, and she visibly relaxed. "Your Grace..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

He sat back, giving her some space but staying close enough to offer comfort.

"You were having a nightmare. Are you alright?"

She nodded slowly, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to disturb you."

"You don't have to apologize," Robb said softly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Serafina hesitated, then shook her head.

"No, it's just... memories. They come back sometimes."

Robb felt a pang of empathy. "You're safe here," he reassured her. "No one can hurt you."

She managed a small, grateful smile.

"Thank you, Your Grace. You've been very kind to me."

He returned her smile, his heart swelling with a mix of protectiveness and admiration.

"You should try to get some rest. If you need anything, I'm here."

Serafina nodded and lay back down, closing her eyes. Robb watched her for a moment, ensuring she was settling back into sleep. Once her breathing evened out, he lay down beside her, his mind racing with thoughts.

He couldn't deny the growing connection between them. She was more than just a prisoner or a political pawn. She was someone he cared about deeply, and he would do everything in his power to protect her. With that resolve, he finally allowed himself to drift into a fitful sleep, determined to face whatever challenges tomorrow would bring.

Serafina took a bite out of a beautiful red apple. The sweet taste made her close her eyes and let out a satisfied hum. Robb observed her from across the table, an amused look on his face.

"My lady, if I would have known how you react, I would have arranged apples for you a long time ago."

Serafina blushed, realizing how much she had been enjoying the simple pleasure.

"It's just that... it's been so long since I've had something fresh and sweet," she admitted, placing the apple down and wiping her mouth delicately.

Robb's amusement softened into a warm smile.

"I'm glad to see you enjoying it. We don't have many luxuries these days, but I can make sure you have more apples."

"Thank you," she replied, her voice sincere. "You have been very generous, Your Grace."

He shrugged, trying to downplay it.

"It's the least I can do. You're a guest here."

Serafina looked down at her hands, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. She was well aware of how everyone in the camp thought she had earned their King's protection, but she just couldn't bring herself to care anymore. As wrong as it was to admit it, she had enjoyed Robb Stark's kindness. After the constant fear and uncertainty, she had welcomed it. It didn't matter if he had alternative motives, she just wanted to feel safe. Even for a brief moment.

She had noticed that he smiled at her more often and she had caught him staring at her a few times. Whether that was a good thing or not, she wasn't sure yet. Based on everything she had learned about him, she didn't think he would force her into anything, but could she refuse his advances? Would he still show her the same consideration if she refused him? Probably not.

Well, she would cross that bridge when she got there. Right now, she was going to enjoy her apple. The moment was very peaceful until she heard Theon's voice from outside.

"Robb!" he shouted. "Your Grace! It's Arya! She's here!"

Serafina froze. Robb's expression transformed from relaxed to alert in an instant. He stood up quickly, nearly knocking over his chair in his haste. Serafina watched him as he rushed to the tent entrance.

"Theon, where is she?" Robb demanded urgently.

"This way!"

After their voices faded, Serafina sat at the table, unable to move. To her, Arya's arrival meant only one thing. Her value as a bargaining chip had just plummeted. Robb Stark knew now that her family only had one of his sisters. They would never trade Serafina for Sansa. There was still the gold, but she had no idea would that be enough for him.

She placed the apple down, her appetite gone. The sense of safety she had been clinging to seemed to slip away with each passing second. What would Robb Stark do now? Would he see her as a burden, a reminder of the leverage he no longer needed?

The minutes dragged on; each one filled with growing anxiety. The sounds of celebration outside only heightened her sense of isolation. She couldn't shake the feeling that her fate had just taken a turn for the worse.

She stood up at some point and picked up her book. The words on the paper seemed incomprehensible to her, so she gave up and settled for just waiting. Strangely, she wasn't really afraid. She had known all along that things could end up bad for her. It was kind of like waiting for an ax to drop.

As moments passed, she felt some strange serenity. At least there would be no more waiting or fear. She had no idea how much time had passed when Robb Stark finally returned. She looked up as he entered the tent. He certainly wasn't smiling at her anymore. The look in his eyes was cold and harsh.

"My lady," he said, his voice devoid of warmth. "I believe we need to talk."