Chapter 9

5 days later

"Theon," Robb greeted his friend who had just returned to the camp after a very successful mission. Robb had sent him and a group of other men to hijack weapons that had been on their way to the Lannister army.

"Your Grace," Theon replied, grinning. "Is it true? Did you capture another Lannister while I was gone?"

"Yes, it's true," Robb stated, trying his best to sound careless.

"So, where is she?"

"In my tent."

Theon's grin grew wider.

"Really? Having a little fun with the enemy, are we?"

"No," Robb snorted. "My tent simply happens to be the safest place for her in this camp."

"Oh, I see. Is she pretty?"

Robb rolled his eyes.

"I don't know."

"Is she ugly then?"

"No, she's a normal looking young woman, that's all."

"Alright. How about you introduce me to her then."

For some reason, Robb hesitated. He really wasn't sure why. The girl hadn't caused him any trouble, on the contrary. She was an excellent cupbearer and never complained. She had settled for the modest clothes he had arranged for her and even thanked him. If he didn't know better, he would never believe she was a Lannister. Yet there was something about her… He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Come on, could you at least offer me something to drink?" Theon complained. "I'm parched."

"Sure," Robb replied, smiling. "Come on then."

They headed to Robb's tent, followed by Grey Wind. Serafina was sitting on the ground, but she stood up immediately as they entered the tent.

"Your Grace," she said quietly, curtsying. She was wearing a modest light green dress, her hair braided behind her head in a single long plait, and she was in chains. Perhaps she hadn't caused him any trouble yet, but better safe than sorry. Robb wasn't foolish enough to trust her, no matter how harmless she seemed. How petite and helpless…

No, he needed to stop this. She was his prisoner, but he wasn't a savage. Yet he had to admit that the darkest part of him felt a strange satisfaction knowing that she was completely at his mercy. That part felt powerful seeing her like this. It wanted to show her his power firsthand. Then there was his rational part, ashamed by such feelings. A Lannister or not, she was a woman. A young woman. An untouched woman.

Robb cleared his throat and focused on the task at hand. "Lady Serafina, pour some wine for our guest," he instructed.

Serafina nodded and moved gracefully, despite the chains, to fetch the wine.

"This is Theon Greyjoy," Robb introduced.

"Honor, my lord," she replied, not looking at either of the men.

She poured a cup and handed it to Theon, who took it with an appreciative nod.

"Well, isn't she a pretty one," Theon hummed, smirking. "And you have a Lannister serving you? Not bad, if you don't mind drinking spit."

"I wouldn't do such a thing," Serafina stated calmly.

Theon smiled as he observed her. "So, is she a good servant? Does she satisfy all your… needs?"

"Enough, Theon," Robb stated. If he wasn't mistaken, Serafina tensed slightly.

"I was just wondering if I could borrow her sometimes," Theon continued.

"No, you can't," Robb huffed and glanced at Serafina. Her eyes were still down, but she was definitely tense. He found himself wondering what she was thinking. Was she scared? Humiliated? Angry? That was the thing, he couldn't tell. Now when he thought about it, he realized that he could hardly ever tell what was going through her mind.

She knew how to tell him what he wanted to hear and play the part of his obedient little servant, but now he realized that he didn't really know anything about her. Theon was making more nasty comments, and Robb didn't tell him to stop. Instead, he observed Serafina, expecting to see some kind of reaction. She didn't give him one; she simply stood there and calmly listened to all the words that would have offended any lady.

Robb found himself admiring her composure, even if it made him uneasy. Despite her family's reputation and the enmity between their houses, she exhibited a strength that was hard to ignore. No, he needed to keep his focus. There were more important matters at hand than whatever strange pull he felt towards his prisoner.

"That will be all for now, my lady," Robb said. "You may go."

She curtsied and retreated to her corner of the tent. Robb turned his attention back to Theon, determined to keep his thoughts clear and his purpose steady.

"Let's discuss your mission," Robb said, motioning for Theon to sit. "I want to hear everything."

As Theon began to recount the details of his mission, Robb listened intently, pushing aside the troubling thoughts about the Lannister girl in his tent. He couldn't afford distractions. Not now.

"I think I'll go to my tent now and get changed," Theon said after they were finished. He glanced at Serafina and smirked. "I hope to see you again soon, sweetness."

Serafina approached the table and poured Robb some more wine.

"Thank you," he stated.

"You are welcome, Your Grace."

"Did he scare you?" Robb continued after a moment of silence. He had to admit that he was curious to hear her answer.

"Yes, Your Grace," she replied in a small voice.

That was what her mouth said, but she didn't seem scared. Her face was completely blank. They were both quiet for a moment until she suddenly knelt before him. He raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing?"

"You have had a long day, Your Grace," she replied softly. "Please allow me to serve you."

He was too surprised to say anything as she removed his boots and laid his feet in her lap. She pressed the pads of her thumbs into his skin and massaged down all the way of one of his feet before switching to the other one. At first, he was completely stunned, but soon he couldn't help but to enjoy her touch. She had magic fingers. He let out a sigh as his muscles tightened and then relaxed in blissful release.

It took a moment before the obvious question crossed his mind. Why was she doing this? Did it have something to do with Theon? Maybe she thought he was really going to "borrow" her to him. Was this her way of asking for protection? He should tell her to stop. Yet he didn't. The vilest part of him was humming with satisfaction. It wanted to see just how obedient she was. How far he would be able to control her. No. That wasn't him.

"Thank you, my lady," he stated as calmly as he could and stood up.

She stood up as well and curtsied. "You are welcome, Your Grace. Shall I prepare your bed?"

"Yes, thank you," he murmured and put his boots back on. He needed to get out of here. Grey Wind followed him and let out a howl when they were outside.

"Don't look at me like that," Robb murmured. "I wouldn't… I haven't… I won't."

He had never before had this kind of thoughts, that wasn't who he was. What was it about the damn girl? Making her sleep in his bed had certainly been a horrible idea. So many times, he had almost reached out and touched her. He really wanted to touch her. What in the seven hells was wrong with him?

Robb wandered to the edge of the camp, needing to clear his head. He sat on a log, looking out at the distant mountains, and tried to sort out his thoughts. He had always prided himself on being honorable, but the presence of Serafina Lannister was testing him in ways he hadn't anticipated.

Grey Wind sat beside him, watching his master with keen eyes. Robb reached out and scratched the direwolf behind the ears.

"She's just a girl," Robb muttered. "An enemy, but still... just a girl."

The direwolf whined softly, almost as if in agreement. Robb let out a heavy sigh. He knew he needed to maintain control, to stay focused on his responsibilities and the war. But Serafina's presence was a constant, tantalizing distraction. He needed to find a way to deal with it, and soon, before he did something he would regret.