Chapter 35
Robb was just about to knock on the door of the chamber arranged for Serafina when he heard giggling from inside. Serafina was with her maids. The sound of her laughter warmed Robb's heart; he was glad she was settling in. She had only been in Winterfell for two days, and he understood she needed time to adjust to her new life.
"Come in," her cheerful voice called after he knocked.
As he opened the door, he found her and the maids unpacking one of the three chests her father had sent with the carriage. Although Robb understood Tywin's gesture, it had still irked him somewhat. None of the items or clothes in the chests were Serafina's from Casterly Rock; Tywin had had the clothes made for her in King's Landing. He had also sent Serafina some gold for her "personal expenses," which annoyed Robb even more, though Serafina had openly told him about the gold and even offered it to him.
"Your Grace," the maids greeted him with a curtsy.
Robb responded with a nod and turned his warm smile toward Serafina. "It looks like you've been busy," he observed, glancing around the chamber. The desk she had requested was already in place, along with a bed and a few chairs. Her personal touches were becoming evident, the walls now adorned with a couple of her tapestries, her writing materials and books neatly arranged on the desk. She had also requested a large fur rug beside the hearth, adding a touch of warmth to the space.
"Yes, I'm hoping to have the chamber ready before Alina and Naeva arrive," Serafina replied with a bright smile. It was clear she was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her trusted handmaiden and her sand cat.
"I'm sure they will arrive soon," Robb replied, understanding how much she had missed them.
She nodded eagerly. "Cousin Alton said they are traveling with the convoy delivering my dowry, along with some of my belongings from Casterly Rock." She paused and hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Would it be alright if I place some of them in our chamber?"
Robb's expression softened as he noticed the hint of hesitation in Serafina's voice. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. "Of course, Serafina. Our chamber is as much your space as it is mine. I don't expect you to keep all your belongings here."
Relief washed over her features, and she returned his smile, her eyes bright with gratitude. "Thank you, Robb. It means a lot. I know things are different here, but having a few familiar things will help."
Robb nodded, understanding how much Serafina had left behind. "I want you to be comfortable, and I know the transition hasn't been easy. But Winterfell is your home now, and I'll do everything I can to make you feel that way." He paused and glanced at the maids. "Could you give us a moment, please?"
The maids left the room and closed the door quietly behind them.
"Is everything alright?" Robb asked gently. "Is this chamber what you were hoping for?"
"Yes, thank you," Serafina assured, smiling warmly. "I know separate chambers aren't customary in the North, but I'm not planning to sleep here often. I intend to use this chamber for my studies and as a comfortable place for Naeva." She paused, her smile turning more playful. "I'm sure you're relieved now that you promised me my own chamber after seeing all the things my father sent."
Robb tried to smile, but he couldn't fully hide his tension at the mention of Tywin's "gifts."
"Yes, your father was very… generous."
Serafina looked concerned, immediately noticing the change in Robb's mood. "I can give you the gold my father sent if you'd prefer to keep it safe."
Robb's expression softened at Serafina's offer, but he shook his head gently. "You don't need to do that," he said, his voice calm but firm. "What's yours is yours, Serafina. I don't want you to feel like you have to hand over everything just because it came from your family. You should have your own things, your own sense of independence here. That's important."
Serafina looked relieved but still studied Robb's face, searching for any lingering unease. "I just don't want you to feel like I'm bringing too much of the Lannisters into Winterfell. I want to be part of your world, not impose mine."
Robb gave her a reassuring smile, stepping closer and taking her hands in his. "You're part of my world simply by being here. You don't need to change who you are or give up everything that makes you comfortable. I want you to feel secure and at peace, and if that means having some reminders of home, then that's more than fine with me."
She squeezed his hands, feeling the sincerity in his words. "I'll make sure to balance it," she promised softly. "I want to be respectful of your family and their traditions, while also keeping a few things that remind me of where I came from."
"That sounds more than fair," Robb said, his tension easing as he saw that she understood. "I know your father wanted to make sure you have everything you need, but I don't want you to feel like you still rely on him to take care of you."
"I don't," she assured quickly. "You're my husband, and everything I have is yours."
Robb's expression softened further, touched by her sincerity. He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "And you're my wife. I want you to feel secure, not because of anything your father sent, but because you know you can rely on me."
Serafina nodded. "That's all I want too. I know the North is different from what I'm used to, but I'm ready to be part of it. And I'll do everything I can to support you, Robb."
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm lucky to have you by my side, Serafina. We'll make this work."
She smiled. "I believe that too."
Robb stepped back slightly but kept hold of her hands. "Good. Now, why don't we start by settling in properly? I want to see how those Casterly Rock touches look in our chamber. You might have to teach me a bit about Southern style."
Serafina laughed lightly. "I think you'll find it's not all that different, just a bit more gold and silk."
Robb chuckled, his mood lightened. "As long as there's still room for a few wolf banners, I think we'll be fine."
"There's always room for wolf banners," Serafina assured with a smile and a kiss to Robb's cheek. "Thank you for being so understanding. This chamber means a lot to me. Not because I want to get away from you," she added quickly, "but because I've always valued having my own space, a place to gather my thoughts."
"I understand," Robb said softly, his thumb gently stroking her cheek. "And I want you to be comfortable here." He paused, remembering why he had come look for her. "I wanted to talk to you about our second wedding ceremony."
"Oh. Yes, of course. Can I help with the preparations?" Serafina asked.
Robb shook his head. "No, it's not about that. I just... I know neither your father nor I asked for your wishes regarding the wedding ceremony. Your father insisted on a ceremony in the Faith of the Seven, and I would have been fine with that single ceremony. But... the old gods are important here, and I think it's important that we also have the northern ceremony."
"Of course, I understand," Serafina said, her expression warm and receptive.
Robb was relieved at her easy acceptance, though he was still a bit concerned. "I just want to make sure you're comfortable with it. The ceremony in front of the heart tree is different, much simpler, and more about tradition than spectacle. I know it might not be what you're used to."
Serafina smiled softly. "It doesn't matter how grand or simple the ceremony is. What matters is what it means for you. I want to embrace the northern traditions because they're a part of you, and I'm marrying into that. Besides, I'm curious to see what it's like."
Robb's tension eased as he pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. "I knew you'd understand. I'll make sure everything is done right, but just know that this ceremony is about us, not about pleasing anyone else."
"That's how it should be," Serafina agreed, her voice warm. "We're starting our life together, and I want it to be rooted in both our worlds."
Robb gave her a grateful smile, his voice tender as he replied, "You're making this feel easier than I expected. I've been worried about how to blend our lives, but you've already made such an effort to meet me halfway."
Serafina's eyes softened. "We're both making an effort, and that's what matters. I want this to work as much as you do, Robb."
He kissed her gently, wrapping his arms around her. She kissed him back, her body relaxing against him. She tasted so sweet that he didn't want to stop, but he forced himself to pull away. Gaining her trust had taken a lot of time and care, and he wasn't going to rush anything now. Serafina looked at him, clearly seeing what he was thinking.
"You have been incredibly patient with me," she said quietly. "And I… I was thinking that after the ceremony…"
He cupped her face, holding her gaze with a reassuring warmth. "When you're ready. Not a moment sooner."
The sincere gratitude in her eyes made his heart ache.
"You're a good man, Robb," she said warmly, touching his cheek. "I can… If you want… touch you again tonight."
Her shy offer made him pull her into a tight embrace. He loved this woman more than he ever thought possible.
"Only if you're comfortable doing that," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
She nodded. "I am."
"Would you be comfortable letting me touch you as well?" he asked softly.
She hesitated for a moment before nodding again.
"I think so. Just…"
"What is it?" he asked when she trailed off.
"Will it hurt?"
"No," he said quickly, pulling back enough to look into her eyes. "I won't hurt you; I promise. What I want is to make you feel good."
She blinked a few times before nodding again.
"Alright. I trust you."
Robb's heart swelled with both affection and protectiveness as he gazed into her trusting eyes. He leaned in to press a soft kiss to her forehead, letting it linger. "We'll take it slow," he murmured against her skin. "And you only need to tell me if something feels wrong or if you're unsure. There's no rush."
Serafina nodded and rested her head against his chest. "I'm just… still trying to figure all of this out. But I want to get closer to you. I really do."
His arms tightened around her in response, offering her the warmth of his embrace. "We have all the time we need," he whispered.
They stayed like that for a few quiet moments, simply holding each other. When he finally pulled away, his smile was tender.
"I'm afraid I have some things to take care of, but I will see you at dinner."
She nodded and touched his cheek.
"I have this… nicer nightdress. It's made of silk. I can wear it tonight, if you like?"
Robb's expression softened as he looked down at her, his heart swelling with affection. He gently took her hand, brushing his lips against her knuckles. "I'd love that," he murmured, his voice warm and sincere. "But only if it makes you feel comfortable."
Serafina's cheeks flushed, but there was a light in her eyes as she smiled. "It does," she assured him. "I want to start… showing you how much I care."
Robb felt a deep surge of emotion at her words. He knew how much it meant for her to take these steps, and he wouldn't take any of it for granted. "I'm looking forward to tonight, then," he said, his tone gentle but laced with anticipation.
She nodded. "Thank you for always being so patient with me."
Robb smiled and leaned in to give her one last kiss, this time on the forehead, lingering in the moment. "It's worth it, every second." He pulled back reluctantly, his thumb grazing her cheek. "I'll see you at dinner."