Chapter 7
2 weeks later
"Thank you, my lady," a redheaded man said as Shirei handed him his supper.
"You're welcome," Shirei replied. She still felt shy talking to men, although the soldiers had treated her kindly. She had tried her best to be useful, washing and mending clothes, helping prepare meals, and serving them to the men. Jon had assured her that she didn't have to do any of that, but she wanted to. She didn't want to be a useless burden. The next man in line smiled at her.
"Good evening, little lady," he said. "The food smells delicious."
"It's stew," Shirei replied. "I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I will. You have a nice evening."
"You too."
The next man Shirei recognized; she had seen him practicing earlier. He was a big, tall man with a loud voice.
"Hello there!" he greeted her cheerfully. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes after watching those ugly faces the whole day…"
"You're the one to talk, Galk," the man behind him snorted. "Just look at your own face."
The tall man turned around and crossed his arms.
"Are you calling me ugly?"
"No," the shorter man huffed. "I'm calling you hideous."
Shirei swallowed as she looked at the tall man. He growled like an angry bear until he suddenly burst into laughter.
"You have a big mouth for such a tiny fellow, Durran," he chuckled and turned to look at Shirei. "My apologies, little lady, my brother lacks manners."
"Oh… He is your brother?"
"Sadly, yes," the tall man chuckled. "Thank you for the food."
"You're welcome."
Shirei had heard all kinds of things in the camp, and she didn't blush so easily anymore. They had camped here for a few days, and she had heard that some men hoped to arrange themselves some company. She had wondered if Jon was one of those men.
He and Lady Stark had allowed Shirei to stay in Jon's tent, but she had her own bed. She hadn't seen him much; he had been very busy. At least she had Ghost. The direwolf was sitting on the ground beside her, observing her working. After she was finally finished handing out food, she headed to Jon's tent. Once again, she hoped that he would be there before she fell asleep.
When she entered the tent, Ghost followed her inside, settling down at his usual spot near her bed. Shirei sighed, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation. She missed Jon and wanted to spend more time with him, even if it was just talking for a little while.
Shirei washed herself and brushed her hair, hoping to make herself presentable for Jon. The septa who had taught her and her sisters had said that a woman should always try to look nice for her husband. She had washed and mended some of his clothes that morning and picked flowers, placing them on the small table to make the tent a little cozier. She also weaved a few flowers in her hair, hoping Jon would like that.
His supper was ready for him, as it had been every night. Usually, he came so late that he had already eaten, but she still wanted to be prepared. She wanted him to be pleased with her. So far, he hadn't said anything about sending her away, and she hoped to keep things that way. She sat on the bed and petted Ghost. Her life had changed so much after leaving the Twins that she still couldn't believe it. Right now, this tent was her home, and she liked it here. She felt safe. Ghost wagged his tail as she rubbed him behind his ears.
"Good boy," she hummed. "My friend."
She startled as she suddenly heard female voices from outside. They were giggling. Cautiously, she opened the tent's flap slightly and looked outside. Two men just disappeared behind the corner with a group of women.
"Should we offer one for Lord Stark?" she heard one of the men saying.
"Maybe. Greyjoy wanted two."
"What about Lord Stark's brother? Or is he satisfied with the Frey girl?"
Both men laughed. Shirei couldn't hear any more; the men were too far away. She returned to the bed and continued petting Ghost. She felt sad and ashamed of herself.
As she sat there, her thoughts spiraled. She wondered if Jon merely tolerated her because of the arrangement. The idea that he might prefer the company of other women made her heart ache. She had tried so hard to be a good wife, but maybe it wasn't enough.
Just as she was about to lose herself in these worries, she heard footsteps approaching. The tent flap opened, and Jon stepped in. He looked tired but gave her a warm smile when he saw her.
"Good evening, Shirei," he greeted, noticing the flowers and the neatness of the tent. "You've been busy."
"I wanted to make it nice for you," she said, her voice tinged with nervousness. "I prepared supper too, just in case you were hungry."
Jon's smile widened. "Thank you, Shirei. It looks wonderful."
He sat down and began to eat, and Shirei watched him anxiously, hoping he would like the meal. After a few bites, he looked up and nodded appreciatively.
"This is delicious. You've done a great job."
Relief washed over her. "I'm glad you like it."
She poured him some wine before joining him at the table. They ate in comfortable silence, with Ghost lying contentedly at their feet. After Jon finished, he leaned back and sighed.
"You've made this place feel like home, Shirei. I appreciate everything you're doing."
Her heart swelled at his words. "I just want to be a good wife to you."
"You are," Jon said firmly. "More than I could have hoped for."
Feeling emboldened, she took a deep breath. "Jon, do you… are you happy with me being here? I mean, truly happy?"
Jon looked at her, his expression softening. "Shirei, I'm very glad you're here. You're doing wonderfully."
Her worries eased a bit. "Thank you, Jon. That means a lot to me."
"Lady Stark told me you have worked very hard," Jon said after a moment of silence.
"I have tried my best to help," Shirei murmured.
He smiled at her. "You have."
Shirei felt a warm glow inside her at his words. For the first time in a while, she felt like she was truly part of something, like she was needed and appreciated. Jon's approval meant everything to her.
"Oh, I almost forgot, I received a letter from Lady Derwa today," Jon continued. "She informed me that you'll celebrate your nameday soon and I would like to give you a gift. Do you have any wishes?"
Shirei blushed, she had never really celebrated her nameday. Her father had so many children and grandchildren that he had never cared about their namedays.
"I've never really celebrated my nameday before," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "So I don't know what to wish for."
Jon looked at her with surprise and a touch of sadness. "You've never celebrated your nameday?"
Shirei shook her head. "No, my lord father never made much of a fuss about it."
Jon's expression softened with sympathy. "Then we shall make this one special. Is there anything you have ever wanted?"
She thought for a moment, feeling overwhelmed by his kindness. "I... I really don't know. I already have so much, I couldn't ask for anything more."
"Well, I still want to give you something," Jon replied, smiling. "I will try my best to pick something you will like."
Shirei's face lit up with a shy but grateful smile. "Thank you, Jon. I will love anything you give me. You are so kind and generous."
Jon cleared his throat, moved by her genuine adoration. Yet, it also made him a bit uncomfortable. As Robb had pointed out a few days ago, Shirei seemed to worship the ground under Jon's feet. Jon felt that he hadn't really done anything to earn such idolization; he had simply acted like any decent man would have. Sadly, to Shirei, that made him some kind of a hero. Well, she had grown up in Walder Frey's household, so Jon couldn't really say that he was completely surprised.
"Shirei," Jon began, his tone gentle but serious, "I want you to know that you don't have to feel obligated to praise me or think of me as some sort of hero. I'm just trying to do what's right."
Shirei looked at him with wide, earnest eyes. "But you are a hero to me, Jon. You've shown me more kindness and respect than I've ever known. I can't help but feel grateful."
Jon sighed softly. "I'm glad I can make you feel that way, but remember, you deserve kindness and respect simply because of who you are. You don't owe me anything for treating you well."
She blinked a few times, unsure of what to say.
"I want you to be happy," she said after a moment of silence. "You deserve to be happy."
"Thank you," he replied warmly. "So do you."
She hesitated again before continuing.
"If… If some other woman's company makes you happy, I understand."
Jon frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
Shirei blushed and lowered her gaze.
"I saw some women coming to the camp," she said quietly. "Pretty women. If… If you want…"
Jon's frown deepened as he grasped the meaning behind her words. "Shirei, no," he said firmly. "That's not something I want or need."
She looked up at him, her eyes wide and uncertain. "But... I just want you to be happy," she repeated, her voice trembling slightly. "And if that means..."
Jon cut her off gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Shirei, listen to me. You are my wife, and I gave my vows to you. Right now, you are too young, but after a few years…"
"You… You would wait so long?"
He nodded.
"Of course. I may not have much to offer you, but you have my loyalty."
She looked at him, warmth and gratitude clear in her eyes.
"And you have mine."
"I hope so," he replied smiling. "I have no doubt that I will have to soon compete for your attention."
She shook her head.
"I don't want anyone else. Only you."
Riverrun, 3 years later
"Roslin!" Shirei called as she ran towards the chamber she shared with her sister. "Roslin!"
Shirei yanked the door open without knocking, she was too excited. She found her sister by the window, concentrated on her embroidery.
"What is wrong?" Roslin gasped.
"They are here!" Shirei announced, barely managing to control her excitement. "Your husband and mine! They are here!"
Roslin stood up and carefully placed her work on the table. Shirei smiled widely and quickly glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She wanted to look nice for Jon after they had been apart for so long. She gently touched the silver wolf necklace she always wore around her neck. Jon had given it to her for her 13th nameday.
Roslin's eyes widened with joy as she moved to join her sister. "Finally! We've waited so long," she said, her voice trembling with anticipation.
Shirei nodded eagerly, her excitement bubbling over. "I can't wait to see them. Let's go!"
Roslin quickly adjusted her hair and smoothed down her dress. "How do I look?" she asked, turning to Shirei.
"Beautiful, as always," Shirei replied, giving her sister a reassuring smile.
With hearts pounding in their chests, the sisters made their way through the halls of Riverrun. The castle was abuzz with activity as the news of the returning men spread. Servants and guards nodded respectfully as Shirei and Roslin passed by, their own excitement evident.
As they approached the courtyard, Shirei could see the banners fluttering in the breeze, the Stark and Tully colors proudly displayed. The sight made her heart swell with pride and longing. She scanned the crowd, searching for Jon's familiar face.
Finally, she spotted him. Jon was dismounting his horse, looking weary but resolute. Her heart leaped at the sight of him, and she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. Without thinking, she broke into a run, calling his name.
"Jon!"
He turned at the sound of her voice, his eyes widening. She barely noticed how stunned he looked.
"Shirei?" she heard him murmuring before she reached him and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "I missed you so much," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Jon held her close, but it took a moment before he managed to reply. "And I missed you, Shirei. You have…grown since the last I saw you."
Roslin approached more slowly, her eyes fixed on Robb as he dismounted and walked towards her. "Robb," she called softly, her voice carrying a mix of relief and love.
Robb's face broke into a wide grin as he reached out to take her hands. "Roslin," he murmured, pulling her into an embrace. "It's so good to see you."
The courtyard buzzed with joy as the families were reunited, the weight of their long separation finally lifted. Shirei looked up at Jon, her eyes shining with happiness. "Welcome home, my husband," she said softly.
