Chapter 26

Robb observed his men, his face blank and his feelings in check. He was well aware of the seriousness of the situation. Jon, Catelyn, Serafina, and Arya were standing behind him. Catelyn had been genuinely concerned when she had heard about the attack and even Arya had agreed to support Robb without a fight.

"As you all know, my wife was attacked today by one of our own soldiers," Robb started sternly. "This man wanted her dead. If he had succeeded, there would be no peace or independence for the North. No safe return for my sister, Lady Sansa. Instead, there would have been more bloodshed and death. More dead sons, husbands, fathers, and brothers. None of us would be going home."

Robb paused, allowing his words to sink in. The assembled men shifted uneasily, the gravity of the situation clear in their expressions. He took a deep breath and continued.

"You have all fought alongside me and you have all seen the brutality of war. This agreement, this marriage, ended the bloodshed and gave us our independence. It assured that our sacrifices were not in vain. Who among you wants more death? More pain and suffering?"

"The Lannisters killed your father," Lord Karstark announced.

"Joffrey did, and he paid for all his crimes," Robb replied firmly. "He was shredded to pieces by the people he had wronged."

"She's a Lannister too," Lord Karstark continued, pointing at Serafina. "You expect us to trust her, Your Grace?"

"May I speak, my King?" Serafina stated calmly before Robb managed to reply.

Robb glanced at her, surprised, but he nodded. "Yes, you may."

She gave a brief nod and stepped beside him.

"Thank you, Your Grace." She paused and turned her attention to the men. "My lords, brave soldiers, I wish you all to know that I do not demand respect or loyalty from you. I am only asking for a chance to earn them."

"And where does your loyalty lie, Lady Lannister?" Lord Karstark snorted. "Would you not turn on us the moment your father demands it?"

"Lord Karstark…" Robb started warningly, but Serafina stopped him.

"I would like to answer him if I may, Your Grace," Serafina said, her voice steady.

Robb hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Go ahead."

Serafina turned to face Lord Karstark directly. "My loyalty lies with my husband and with the North, my new home and people. I cannot change the blood in my veins, but I chose to give my vows to your king. It is my wish to serve him and the North as well as I am able."

Lord Karstark scoffed. "Words are easy, my lady. Proving them is another matter."

She nodded in agreement. "You are right, my lord. Words are easy. Actions are what matter. I intend to prove my loyalty through my actions, through my dedication to the people of the North and to my husband."

She took a deep breath, addressing all the men. "I understand your distrust. My family name carries a heavy burden, and I do not expect to shed it overnight. But I ask for the opportunity to prove myself to you. To show you that I am more than just my name."

There was a murmur among the men, but it didn't sound disapproving.

Robb stepped forward, standing by her side.

"We must remember why we fight and what we have achieved. We must protect what we have gained. Betrayal from within threatens everything we have built. It dishonors the memory of those we have lost and endangers the lives of those we hold dear." He paused and glanced at Serafina. "My wife has proven herself to me, and I believe she will prove herself to you as well. The path to unity is not easy, but it is the only way forward."

Lord Karstark remained silent, his eyes observing Serafina.

Robb looked around at his men. "We have faced many challenges together, and we have overcome them by standing united. Let us continue to do so. For the North, and for the future we are building."

The men began to nod in agreement.

Robb's gaze hardened as he continued. "As you all know, the punishment for treason is death. It is a harsh reality, but a necessary one. This man's actions have endangered us all and threatened the stability we've worked so hard to achieve. The laws of the North are clear on this."

He turned to the guards holding the attacker. "Bring him forward."

The guards dragged the soldier to the front, forcing him to his knees. Robb looked down at him, his eyes cold.

"Borros, son of Byron, you were a sworn brother in this fight. You chose to betray that trust and endanger everything we stand for. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

The soldier glared defiantly. "My sons are dead because of her family, and I wanted justice."

Robb's expression hardened. "What you sought was vengeance, not justice. And in seeking it, you have betrayed us all."

"Your Grace, may I speak to this man?" Serafina asked.

Robb hesitated, but the determined look in her eyes made him give a nod. "Go ahead."

The guards, as well as Robb, were immediately on alert as Serafina moved in front of Borros and knelt. The soldier glared at her.

"I am not a mother yet, but I have been told that losing a child is the worst pain one can ever feel," Serafina began softly. "I am truly sorry for your pain, Borros, son of Byron. Could you be so kind as to tell me the names of your sons?"

"Barden and Beric," the soldier murmured, still glaring at her.

She nodded.

"They will not be forgotten; I swear to you. I was told that you have a wife and a daughter back home," Serafina continued, her eyes never leaving the soldier's.

Borros hesitated, his glare faltering for a moment. "Aye, I do," he muttered.

Serafina took a deep breath. "I know that my name, my family, brings you nothing but pain and hatred. But please understand, I am here to bring an end to that pain, not to cause more of it. Your wife and daughter need you. Barden and Beric's memory deserves to be honored by building a future they would be proud of."

Borros' eyes wavered, tears forming as he fought to maintain his composure. "It's hard to see past the loss," he admitted quietly.

"I understand," Serafina replied gently. "I cannot bring them back, but I can promise you that their sacrifice will not be in vain. We are all trying to build a better future, one where such losses are not necessary. And I promise you, I will do everything in my power to ensure that future."

She paused, looking at Robb.

"Your Grace, I ask mercy for this man."

The murmuring among the men started immediately.

"My Queen," Greatjon spoke up before Robb managed to reply. "You have a gentle heart, but the northern laws are clear. This man is a traitor and the punishment for treachery is death."

Serafina stood her ground, facing the murmuring crowd. "I understand the laws, Lord Umber," she replied calmly. "But mercy is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and wisdom. This man acted out of grief and pain. Killing him will only bring more suffering to his family."

Greatjon frowned but remained silent. Serafina turned back to Robb, her eyes pleading. "Your Grace, I beg you to show mercy. Let his sons' memory be honored by his redemption, not his death."

Robb looked at her, then at the gathered lords. The weight of his decision was heavy. He stepped forward, his voice firm. "My wife speaks the truth. Mercy does not undermine justice. Borros, son of Byron, you have committed a grave offense, but in light of your grief and the plea of my queen, I will spare your life."

The murmurs grew louder, but Robb raised his hand for silence. "However, mercy does not mean you are free of consequences. You will be sent back to your family, but you will serve them and this realm to honor the memory of your sons. Fail in this, and there will be no second chance."

Borros, tears streaming down his face, bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Grace. I will not fail."

Robb turned to his men. "Let this be a lesson to all. We are building a future based on trust, respect, and honor. Those who betray these values will be judged, but there is room for redemption."

The men nodded, the tension easing.

Robb addressed the crowd once more. "Now, let us return to our duties. We have much work ahead of us."

As the men began to disperse, Robb turned to Serafina and gently took her hand. "You did well, Serafina. I couldn't be prouder."

"Thank you, Robb," she murmured. "I think I would like to rest for a moment, if you don't mind."

"No, no, of course not." He paused and kissed her forehead. "The guards will escort you to our tent, I will join you as soon as I can."

She nodded and gave him a small smile. Jon smiled at Serafina and Catelyn touched her shoulder.

"Well done," Catelyn stated.

"Thank you, Lady Stark."

Arya didn't say anything, but she wasn't glaring at Serafina as she usually did.

"I hope that was the right decision," Jon murmured to Robb when they were alone. "I must admit that I would have executed him."

Robb nodded, his gaze distant as he watched Serafina being escorted away. "It was a difficult decision, Jon. But Serafina is right. Mercy can be a powerful tool."

Jon's brow furrowed, but he didn't argue. "I understand the reasoning. I just hope the men see it that way too."

"I believe they will," Robb replied. "We need to lead by example, and I think her softer approach will balance the hard decisions I will have to make."

Jon nodded, still looking pensive. "Yes, you are probably right." He paused and glanced at Robb. "How is Serafina handling everything?"

"Better than I expected," Robb admitted. "She is strong."

Jon gave a small smile. "That's good to hear."

Robb nodded, his expression softening. "Yes. And thank you for saving her."

Jon shook his head. "No need to thank me. She is family; of course I'll protect her. Besides, Grey Wind did most of the work."

They stood in silence for a moment before Jon spoke again. "I'll keep an eye on things here. Go be with her."

Robb nodded, grateful for his brother's support. "Thank you, Jon."