Chapter 17

"Robb," Arya sobbed, hugging her brother tightly. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all the times I was difficult. I'm so sorry about everything, I promise I'll never complain or disobey again."

Robb's heart ached as he held his little sister tightly. He never wanted to let go.

"Shh, Arya. You don't have to apologize for anything. You're safe now, that's all that matters."

Arya clung to him, her sobs gradually subsiding.

"I missed you so much," she whispered. "I thought I'd never see you again."

Robb's grip tightened. "I missed you too, Arya. But you're here now, and you're safe. We're together, and that's what's important." He paused and gently pulled away. "Let me look at you."

She had grown since he had last seen her. Her hair was short, and her modest clothes were dirty, but she seemed to be unharmed. At least physically. Robb's heart ached at the sight of her. The little girl who had once run through Winterfell's halls with boundless energy now stood before him, marked by the hardships she had endured.

"You've been through so much," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But you're strong, Arya. Stronger than I could have imagined."

Arya's eyes welled up with tears again. "I couldn't save Father."

"What?" Robb gasped, his breath catching in his throat.

"I saw them murdering him, and I couldn't stop it. I'm so sorry," Arya sobbed, her voice breaking.

Robb's heart shattered at her words. He pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as she cried.

"Arya, it wasn't your fault. There was nothing you could have done."

"I should have tried," she whispered, her small frame shaking with grief.

"No," Robb said firmly, pulling back to look into her eyes. "You did everything you could just by surviving and coming back to us. Father wouldn't have wanted you to risk your life. He would have wanted you safe."

Arya nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I just miss him so much."

"I know," Robb whispered, his own voice thick with emotion. "I miss him too. Every day. But we have to keep going, for him. For our family."

She nodded again, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I'll try."

"That's all we can do," Robb said, his voice softening. "One day at a time, Arya. We'll get through this together."

Robb glanced at Jon and gave him a grateful nod.

"Thank you, brother."

"I didn't do much," Jon replied. "She found me and my men, I just saved her the trouble of walking here. And believe me, she would have done that."

Robb smiled and gently touched his sister's hair. "I believe you."

Robb knew he needed to talk with Jon about his mission as soon as possible, but right now, he would focus on Arya.

"How did you escape King's Landing?" he asked.

Arya took a deep breath, steadying herself.

"After Father… after they… I ran. I knew I couldn't stay there, so I found a way to blend in with the common folk. I cut my hair and wore a boy's clothes. I became 'Arry' the orphan. It wasn't easy, but I managed to make my way out of the city."

Robb's heart ached at the thought of his little sister living in such dangerous conditions.

"You were so brave, Arya. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been."

"It was," Arya admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "But I had to survive. I knew you and the others would be fighting for us. I had to find a way to get back to you."

"And you did," Robb said, pride and relief filling his voice. "You did, Arya. You're safe now."

She nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and determination.

"I won't let them take anything else from us, Robb. I promise."

"We'll protect each other," Robb said, squeezing her shoulder gently. "And we'll avenge Father. Together."

As they stood there, surrounded by their loyal men, Robb felt a renewed sense of purpose. His family was coming back together, and despite the hardships, they were stronger for it. He would not let anything tear them apart again.

"Come," Robb said, guiding Arya toward the heart of the camp. "Let's get you some food and rest. You've been through enough for now."

The camp erupted in cheers at the sight of Arya, the men's faces lighting up with joy and relief. Robb couldn't help but smile, his heart swelling with pride and hope.

"Three cheers for Lady Arya!" someone shouted.

The camp echoed with the sound of jubilant cheers, the men raising their voices in unison. "Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray!"

Arya, though exhausted, managed a small, grateful smile. The warmth and support from the soldiers made her feel more at home than she had in a long time. Robb led her to a small table near the center of the camp, where food and drink were quickly brought over.

"Eat as much as you want," Robb said, gently guiding Arya to a seat. "You need your strength."

She nodded, reaching for a piece of bread. As she ate, Robb sat beside her, keeping a watchful eye on his sister. The camp buzzed with excitement, the men eager to share stories and news with their newly returned lady.

As the evening wore on, Robb found a moment to pull Jon aside. "Thank you for bringing her back," he said earnestly.

Jon shook his head. "I did what I had to. Arya's strong, Robb. She would have made it on her own if she had to."

Robb sighed, glancing back at Arya, who was now chatting with a few of the soldiers.

"I know. But having her here, safe, means everything to me. To all of us."

Jon nodded, understanding the weight of Robb's words.

"We'll need to keep her safe. And we need to plan our next moves carefully."

"What did you find out?" Robb asked.

Jon leaned closer, lowering his voice.

"I heard rumors about the growing disturbance in King's Landing. Unsurprisingly, Joffrey isn't well liked. According to my source, he has a charming habit of mutilating his subjects for his own amusement."

Robb's face darkened at Jon's words. "I wish I could say I was surprised," he murmured. "But what does that mean for us?"

Jon glanced around, making sure they weren't overheard.

"It means the people of King's Landing are growing restless. They might be more willing to support a change in leadership, especially if we can offer them protection and justice."

Robb nodded thoughtfully.

"That could work in our favor. But it also means we need to be careful. If Joffrey feels threatened, he might lash out even more."

"There's more," Jon continued. "There are whispers of dissent within the Lannister ranks. Not everyone is happy with how Tywin and Joffrey are handling the war. If we can exploit those cracks, it could weaken their hold. Not to mention, they've spread their army too far."

Robb's mind raced with the possibilities.

"We'll need to tread carefully. This could be our chance to turn the tide, but it could also be a trap."

Jon agreed. "I also heard that Sansa is still being held in the Red Keep."

Robb's expression hardened. "We need to find a way to get her out of there. Arya's return has given us hope, but Sansa deserves to be safe too."

"We'll find a way," Jon assured him. "But we need to play this smart. Gather more intelligence, build alliances, and strike when the time is right."

Robb nodded, feeling the weight of leadership settle back onto his shoulders.

"Yes."

Suddenly, he remembered Serafina. She had known all along that Arya had escaped. The realization hit Robb hard. He felt betrayed, he couldn't help it. For a moment, he had allowed himself to forget what their relationship really was. She was a Lannister. An enemy. His captive. Obviously, the reasonable part of him understood why she hadn't told him. Her life depended on his willingness to keep her safe. Yet, he needed to find out if there was some other crucial information she was hiding from him.

"I captured Tywin Lannister's daughter," he stated.

Jon's eyes widened.

"The Queen?"

"No, his younger daughter. She's in my tent."

"I see," Jon replied, keeping his voice neutral.

Robb sighed and looked at his brother.

"Arya and I have a lot to talk about, so I want her to stay in my tent until I can arrange her a suitable accommodation. Meanwhile, I'm asking you to keep Serafina Lannister in your tent."

Jon's eyes widened.

"What?"

"I know I'm asking a lot," Robb sighed. "But to be perfectly honest, you're the only man in this camp I trust completely to keep her safe."

"Safe?" Jon repeated.

"Yes. I know she's a Lannister, but she's also a young woman. I promised her my protection and despite everything, I intend to keep that promise."

"What am I supposed to say to her?" Jon asked.

"You don't have to say anything, just make sure she gets something to eat and a comfortable place to sleep."

Jon was quiet for a moment, observing Robb's face.

"She's been staying in your tent the whole time?"

"Yes, for her safety," Robb replied sharply, uncomfortable by his brother's silent insinuation.

Jon nodded, accepting Robb's explanation. "Alright, Robb. I'll take care of her."

"Thank you," Robb said, his tone softening. "I know this is a complicated situation. I appreciate your understanding." He paused and took a deep breath. "I need to speak to her first."

"Sure. I'll stay here with Arya."

Robb nodded.

"I'll send a guard to fetch you when I'm done."

Robb pressed his lips together as he marched to his tent. He wasn't comfortable with the idea of intimidating Serafina, but he needed to know if she was still hiding something from him. She looked up as he marched in. He couldn't help but to think that she looked like someone who had already given up. The strength in her eyes had been replaced by a tired surrender. The sight ached his heart, but he needed to do this.

"My lady," he stated as coldly as he could. "I believe we need to talk."

Serafina's eyes met his, and she nodded slowly. "Yes, Your Grace."

"You knew Arya had escaped King's Landing," he began, his tone measured. "Did you not?"

She looked down at her hands, her fingers nervously twisting together. "I did, Your Grace."

"And yet, you said nothing."

She was quiet for a moment before replying.

"Would you have said something in my position, Your Grace?"

No, he wouldn't have.

"You thought I would break my promise to protect you if I knew?" he asked sharply.

"I am less valuable to you now," she stated simply.

"Hmm. I thought you considered me as a man of honor," he snorted.

"I do. But I am neither naïve nor a fool. I am well aware of the realities of my situation."

Her voice sounded calm, almost apathetic. Robb felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside.

"Is there something you wish to tell me now?" he asked harshly. "I would consider my answer carefully if I were you."

Serafina shook her head and looked up.

"No, Your Grace. I don't know anything that could help you with the war."

He studied her face, searching for any sign of deception, but all he saw was exhaustion.

"Fine," he stated after a moment of silence. "My sister will stay here with me, until I can arrange her a tent. I have arranged you another place to sleep."

"I see," she murmured. "May I ask what that place is?"

"You'll stay in my brother's tent."

She flinched at his words and lowered her gaze.

"I understand, Your Grace."

Her very visible fear was too much for Robb.

"My brother is a good man," he assured, his tone softening. "I trust him completely. He won't harm you."

She nodded, keeping her eyes down.

"I understand. Thank you for your kindness."