Chapter 22

Robb looked at the food on his plate, trying his hardest to concentrate on eating. The atmosphere in his tent was tense, although he had hoped for a pleasant dinner with his family. He should have known better. Arya was glaring at him, and his mother barely managed to hide her resentment toward Serafina. Jon just seemed uncomfortable, probably hoping that he was somewhere else. The only one who looked perfectly composed was Serafina.

"Robb," Arya broke the silence. "You promised me that we would avenge father."

"Joffrey is dead, Arya," Robb replied as calmly as he could.

"What about Cersei?"

Robb hesitated, glancing at Serafina. Had her cousin told her about Cersei?

"Arya…"

"Cersei is dead as well," Catelyn stated.

Serafina froze at her words. Clearly, she hadn't known. Her composure faltered for a moment, her eyes widening in shock. She quickly regained her poise, but the tension in the tent seemed to heighten.

Arya, however, was relentless. "Good," she said with a fierce satisfaction. "But what about the rest of them? Tywin? The Mountain? All the ones who hurt our family?"

"Arya," Catelyn interjected softly, her voice heavy with a mix of sorrow and reproach. "Enough. We have suffered losses, but we must think of the future now."

Robb took a deep breath, trying to regain control of the conversation. "We are working towards peace, Arya. The Lannisters have agreed to terms that will ensure our independence and bring Sansa back to us."

Arya's glare didn't soften. "And we're supposed to trust them? After everything they've done?"

Robb met her gaze steadily. "No, we don't trust them. But we also can't continue to fight forever. We have to make decisions that are best for our people."

Catelyn nodded in agreement, her gaze shifting to Serafina.

"Lady Serafina, I am sorry for the way you've found out about your sister. This war has cost us all dearly."

Serafina managed a small, tight smile. "Thank you, Lady Stark. I understand the necessity of peace, even if it comes at a great personal cost."

"What about this marriage arrangement then?" Arya asked challengingly, her eyes locked onto Robb. "You must wed a Lannister and if she can't give you an heir, Jon is supposed to take her?" She paused and turned her gaze to Jon. "That can't be what you want."

Jon looked uncomfortable but met Arya's gaze with determination. "Things are not that simple, Arya. This isn't about what any of us want. It's about securing peace and the future of the North."

Arya's expression didn't soften. "It's still not fair. You deserve someone better and so does Robb."

Jon sighed, his discomfort evident, but he maintained his steady gaze on Arya. "I understand your frustration, Arya, but sometimes, we have to make difficult choices for the greater good…"

"I believe I lost my appetite," Arya cut in coldly and stood up.

"Arya…" Robb tried, but she was already marching out.

Catelyn sighed and stood up as well.

"I will talk to her."

"Thank you, mother," Robb sighed and turned to Serafina after Catelyn had left the tent. "I apologize for my sister. She is still young and… She has been through a lot."

"I understand, Your Grace," she replied softly. "There is no need to apologize."

"You can call me Robb in Jon's presence. He won't mind. And… I am sorry for your loss."

Serafina gave a small nod, her expression calm.

"Thank you, Robb. I appreciate your understanding." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Does my brother know?"

Robb nodded.

"Yes. Your cousin told him."

Serafina's expression remained calm.

"I see. May I speak to him?"

"Of course," Robb assured. "I will arrange that first thing in the morning."

She nodded and gave him a small smile.

"Thank you."

The three of them ate in silence for a while and Robb pondered whether he should address the issue Arya had mentioned. He had talked about Tywin's condition with Jon, but he had no idea what Serafina thought about it. After a moment of hesitation, he decided it was best to clear things right away.

"I think the three of us should perhaps talk about the condition in the marriage agreement," he started cautiously.

Serafina looked up, her expression calm but attentive. "Of course. It's important that we all understand what is expected."

Jon nodded, his discomfort from earlier still present but overshadowed by a sense of duty.

"Agreed. We need to be clear on all aspects of this arrangement."

Robb took a deep breath. "You are both familiar with the agreement. If something happens to me before Serafina and I have a son, you, Jon, would become the King and you would be expected to marry Serafina."

Serafina's gaze flicked to Jon briefly before returning to Robb. "I understand and I will do what is expected of me."

Jon nodded, his voice steady. "Yes. You can trust me to fulfill my duty."

Robb looked at Serafina, his expression sincere. "I want you to know that neither of us wants to put you in an uncomfortable position. This condition… Your father insisted on it."

Serafina nodded. "I understand, no need to worry."

Robb hesitated, noticing her fingers clenching around her fork.

"Serafina… Please, speak freely. I know this must be difficult for you."

Serafina was quiet for a moment, her fingers relaxing slightly around her fork.

"I appreciate your concern, Robb, but I am fine. I have always been aware that these decisions will be made for me. I do not expect anything else."

Robb sighed softly, feeling a pang of sympathy. "I understand. It's still not easy, though, and I want to make sure you know that I'm here to support you. You can also trust my brother; he is a good man."

Serafina gave a small, tight smile. "Thank you, Robb. And you too, my lord. I will do my duty and honor our families' agreement."

Jon nodded; his expression serious. "We all have roles to play in this, my lady. I will make sure from my part that you will be treated with respect. My brother's wife deserves nothing less."

"Thank you, my lord. I appreciate your kind words."

Robb nodded in agreement, trying to offer some reassurance. "Jon is right. You will be treated with respect."

"Thank you, Robb."

The three of them continued their meal, the atmosphere still tinged with tension but also a sense of mutual understanding. At least so Robb hoped. He wanted Serafina to feel safe with him. He wanted to see her genuine smile. Taste her lips. Feel her soft fingers touching him. Not because she didn't have a choice, but because she wanted to.

He wanted to remove this mask she hid behind. He knew he couldn't force it though. That would only make her shut down more. Robb forced himself to focus on his food, pushing aside the longing thoughts that had crept into his mind. He knew it would take time for Serafina to feel comfortable and genuinely trust him. For now, he needed to be patient and supportive.

Serafina was genuinely shocked when she saw her brother. The look in his eyes was so…empty. He had been moved into a small tent and given a cot, but he was still chained to a pole by the ankle. According to Robb, he had been given a chance to wash himself and shave, but he had refused.

"Oh Jaime," she said quietly, her voice filled with empathy. "I am so sorry."

Jaime looked up at her, his eyes dull and weary. For a moment, the old Jaime seemed to flicker behind the emptiness, but it quickly faded.

"Serafina," he said, his voice hoarse. "I heard the news from Alton. Cersei and Joffrey… It's all gone to ashes."

Serafina stepped closer, feeling a surge of pity and sorrow for her brother.

"I can't imagine what you're going through. I wish I could do something to ease your pain."

Jaime gave a bitter laugh. "There's nothing anyone can do now. This war has taken everything from us."

She quickly glanced at the guard who was standing at the tent's entrance.

"I will touch him now," she announced firmly. "His Grace agreed to that."

"Yes, my lady," the guard murmured, keeping his gaze down. "I was informed."

She sat on the cot beside Jaime and gently wrapped her arms around him. He was tense for a moment before she felt his body relaxing as he buried his face in her hair and hugged her tightly. They stayed like that for a long while. Serafina knew that there was nothing she could say to ease her brother's pain, but at least she could be there for him. He was reluctant to let go when she finally pulled away enough to see his face.

"You must eat, brother," she said gently but firmly.

Jaime shook his head.

"I am not hungry."

"I know, but you must still eat a little." She paused and picked up the tray placed beside the cot. It seemed that Jaime hadn't been trusted with a fork or a knife, but at least there was a spoon. She picked it up determinedly and scooped a spoonful of stew. "Open up."

He stared at her disbelievingly.

"You are going to feed me?"

"If I must. I won't let you starve yourself."

"And why not?" he snorted. "I have nothing left to live for."

"What about Tommen and Myrcella?" she asked gently. "They need you now more than ever."

Jaime's eyes flickered with a hint of life at the mention of his children, though it quickly faded back into the depths of his despair. He sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging. "Tommen and Myrcella," he murmured. "They are the only ones left."

"Exactly," Serafina said, her tone firm but compassionate. "You must stay strong for them. They need you, Jaime."

Jaime closed his eyes, a pained expression crossing his face. "You're right," he whispered. "But it's hard, Serafina. So damn hard."

"I know it is," she replied softly. "But you are strong, Jaime. You have always been strong. You can get through this. For them."

He opened his eyes, meeting her gaze with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. Slowly, he nodded.

"Alright, Serafina. I will try. For Tommen and Myrcella."

"Good," she said, relief washing over her. She scooped another spoonful of stew and held it up to his lips. "Now, eat. You need your strength."

Jaime hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth and taking the spoonful of stew. He chewed slowly, as if every bite was causing him pain.

"That's it," Serafina encouraged him gently. "One step at a time."

He managed to eat four spoonfuls before shaking his head.

"I can't…"

"It's alright," she assured. "You did well." She paused and walked over to the guard. "May I have some water and a cloth?"

The guard hesitated only for a brief moment before nodding.

"Yes, my lady."

As the guard left to fetch the water and cloth, Serafina turned back to Jaime, her expression one of gentle determination.

"I'll help you clean up a bit. You might feel a little better."

Jaime managed a weak smile. "I doubt it, but I appreciate the effort."

Moments later, the guard returned with a basin of water and a clean cloth. Serafina thanked him and then dipped the cloth into the water, wringing it out before sitting beside Jaime once more. She began to gently wipe the grime and sweat from his face, her movements tender and precise.

"Thank you, Serafina," Jaime murmured, his voice softer now. "You've always been the strong one, haven't you?"

She smiled at him. "I've had my moments. But now, it's your turn to be strong. For Tommen and Myrcella."

He closed his eyes, allowing her to clean his face, the cool water soothing his skin. "I will try," he said quietly. "For Tommen and Myrcella."

They sat in silence for a while, Serafina continuing to clean him with a calm, steady hand. As she worked, she couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination. They had all been through so much, but they still had each other. And as long as they held on to that, there was hope.

When she finished, Jaime looked a little more like himself, the grime and despair no longer masking his features as heavily. She smiled at him, squeezing his hand gently. "You'll get through this, Jaime. One step at a time."

He nodded, gripping her hand in return. "Thank you, Serafina."

She smiled at him warmly, her heart aching at the thought of losing him. She wondered if she would ever see him again after he would return to King's Landing, and she would travel to the North.

"You will go home soon, Jaime. I am sure Cousin Alton told you."

Jaime's expression hardened.

"He told me about your engagement to Robb Stark. Is that true?"

She nodded. "Yes, it's true. It's part of the peace agreement. I will marry Robb Stark."

Jaime pressed his lips together.

"Typical Tywin Lannister strategy. Always thinking ten steps ahead, even if it means sacrificing his own children."

Serafina sighed, her smile fading. "Yes, it is. But sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. I've come to terms with it, Jaime. It's what we have to do to ensure peace."

Jaime looked at her with a mix of sadness and admiration. "You're stronger than I am, Serafina. Always have been."

She squeezed his hand again, offering what comfort she could.

"You are strong too, Jaime. My brave brother. You know I have always looked up to you."

Jaime's eyes softened, and he gave a small, bittersweet smile. "Thank you, Serafina. I wish I could have protected you from all of this."

She shook her head gently. "You've done more for me than you realize. And now, we have to play the parts we've been given. We can still protect each other, in our own ways."

He nodded, his grip on her hand tightening momentarily. "As long as you won't ask me to give you away."

She smiled and shook her head.

"No, Cousin Alton will do that."

Jaime's expression tensed.

"When?"

Serafina hesitated before replying.

"After three days. It seems that father wants that done before exchanging hostages."

Jaime's expression hardened further. "Of course he does. Always maneuvering for the best advantage."

Serafina gave him a small, sad smile. "It's the way things are, Jaime. But I'll manage. And you must take care of yourself."

He nodded, his jaw clenched. "I will. And you stay strong, Serafina."

She squeezed his hand one last time. "I will. We will get through this, Jaime. One step at a time."

He gave a slight nod, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "One step at a time."

With that, she stood up, letting go of his hand. "I'll see you again before the wedding."

She turned to the guard before leaving the tent. "Please ensure that my brother receives regular meals. He is still a nobleman of House Lannister, your ally. He is also your King's future good-brother."

The guard nodded, his expression respectful. "Yes, my lady."

At least there were some advantages of being Robb Stark's bride. The soldiers didn't dare to be disrespectful to her anymore. Serafina stepped out of the tent, feeling the weight of her new reality settling on her shoulders. The camp was bustling with activity, but she felt a sense of isolation amidst the chaos. She had hoped that she would have more time before the wedding. Just a few days more. Not that it really mattered. The sooner she would accept her fate, the better.

Jon struggled to maintain his composure. He didn't think that he had ever in his life been more uncomfortable. He was standing beside Serafina's bed, ready to witness her "examination". He would have rather been anywhere else at the moment. The whole thing sounded nothing but barbaric to him.

Serafina lay on the bed, her face a mask of calm despite the tension in the tent. She had removed her outer clothing and was covered by a thin sheet, waiting for the Maesters to begin. Jon could see the tightness in her jaw and the way her fingers clutched the fabric, but she maintained her composure admirably.

Robb stood beside Jon, his expression a mixture of discomfort and tension. Tywin's witnesses, Ser Alton and an elderly nobleman, both looked just uncomfortable as Jon.

The two Maesters, older men with somber expressions, approached the bed. They carried their instruments with the careful precision of professionals, but their presence did little to ease the tension in the tent. Jon felt a surge of anger at the necessity of this examination, but he knew that it was part of the agreement that had been made.

One of the Maesters cleared his throat, signaling the beginning of the examination. "Lady Serafina, we will begin now. Please try to relax."

Serafina nodded slightly; her eyes focused up. After a moment, she yelped in pain and pressed her eyes shut. Jon could see tears coursing down her cheeks.

"That's enough," Robb's tense voice said. "Stop this."

"Robb," Jon said quietly, shaking his head slightly. "We need to see this through."

Robb clenched his jaw, clearly struggling with the situation. The examination proceeded with a clinical detachment that made Jon's skin crawl. He forced himself to stay still, to witness what was necessary for the sake of the alliance. The Maesters worked fast, their movements precise and clinical, but the distress on Serafina's face was palpable. Another yelp from her made Robb move beside her and take her hand in his.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured.

She didn't reply, but she squeezed his hand. Jon stood by, feeling an overwhelming sense of helplessness and disgust. The whole situation felt deeply wrong to him, a barbaric necessity for the sake of politics.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the Maesters stepped back, their expressions neutral. "The examination is complete," one of them announced. "Lady Serafina is as she should be. The agreement can proceed without question."

Robb's face softened with relief as he helped Serafina sit up. "It's over now," he said gently. "You're incredibly brave."

Serafina nodded, though she looked exhausted. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"You were strong, my lady. We'll make sure this wasn't in vain," Jon stated, avoiding looking at her. She had certainly been stared at enough for a one day.

Robb looked at the Maesters and the witnesses, his eyes hard. "You have what you need. Leave us."

The Maesters and the elderly nobleman nodded and quietly left the tent. Jon turned to follow them when he noticed that Ser Alton had stayed behind.

"Forgive me, Your Grace, but I can't leave you alone with Lady Serafina before the wedding." He paused, clearly uncomfortable. "I'm afraid my uncle was very clear about that."

Robb's expression hardened, but he nodded.

"Very well. My brother will stay here as well. Would that be acceptable to your uncle, Ser Alton?" Robb's voice was firm but composed.

Ser Alton nodded, though he still looked uneasy. "Yes, Your Grace, that would be acceptable."

Jon glanced at Serafina, who was now sitting up, trying to regain her composure. He doubted that she wanted him here, but apparently, he needed to stay as a chaperone.

Robb turned to Ser Alton, his expression serious. "I will ensure Lady Serafina is comfortable."

Ser Alton inclined his head. "Thank you, Your Grace. I will inform my uncle that everything proceeded as agreed."

As Ser Alton stepped outside the tent, Robb sat down beside Serafina, his hand still holding hers.

"Is there anything you need?" Robb asked gently.

She hesitated, avoiding looking at him.

"I… I would like to wash myself."

Robb nodded, his grip on her hand gentle but firm. "Of course, Serafina. I'll arrange for some warm water and privacy."

Jon moved to the tent's entrance, gesturing to a nearby guard. "Fetch warm water and some cloths for Lady Serafina," he instructed.

The guard nodded and quickly left to fulfill the request. Jon then turned back to Robb and Serafina. "I'll wait outside to give you some privacy."

Robb looked at Jon with gratitude. "Thank you, Jon."

Jon nodded and stepped outside, standing just beyond the entrance to ensure he could keep watch without intruding on Serafina's privacy. Once the guard returned with the water and cloths, Robb helped Serafina to a more comfortable position.

"Here, let me help you," he said softly, his eyes filled with concern.

She nodded, allowing him to assist her. "Thank you, Robb. I appreciate your kindness."

As Serafina began to wash herself, Robb turned his gaze away, giving her as much privacy as possible while still being present to offer support.

"Take your time. There's no rush."

After a while, Serafina finished and sat back, looking more composed. "Thank you," she repeated, her voice steadier now.

Robb smiled gently. "You're welcome. If there's anything else you need, just let me know."

Serafina shook her head. "No, that's all for now. I'm feeling better."

Robb nodded and kissed her hand.

"I'm glad to hear that."

Jon looked away, feeling that he was intruding a private moment. It was clear that Robb had truly fallen for Lady Serafina. Not that Jon could blame him, she seemed like a lovely girl. A Lannister or not. Surely, she would be a dutiful wife. Yet, Jon was concerned. He truly hoped that everything would go well for his brother.