Chapter 12

"Father," Cersei stated as she entered Tywin's study. "I heard you sent Cousin Alton to negotiate with Robb Stark."

"I did," Tywin replied without raising his eyes from his papers.

"Why weren't Joffrey and I informed?"

Tywin looked up and frowned. "Informed? This is about my daughter."

Cersei pressed her lips together. "What about your son? Shouldn't you negotiate for his safe return?"

"I am," Tywin replied coolly.

Cersei crossed her arms. "Surely you agree that freeing Jaime is much more important than freeing Serafina."

Tywin looked at his older daughter coldly. He was well aware of Cersei's petty nature, and he was reluctant to let her know that he actually was fond of his younger daughter.

"I believe the negotiations for Serafina's release will be easier than Jaime's," he stated. "He is much more valuable to Robb Stark."

"What exactly did you offer the Stark boy?" Cersei asked sharply.

"Gold," Tywin replied simply.

"We are at war," Cersei snapped. "You can't..."

She didn't finish her sentence as Tywin stood up, his gaze piercing.

"Excuse me?"

Cersei swallowed before continuing. "Of course, I want Serafina to be safe, but her release shouldn't be our priority right now. I'm sure Robb Stark won't be foolish enough to harm her."

"I suggest you leave that to me," Tywin replied coldly. "Anything else? I have work to do."

"No," Cersei murmured. "Good night, Father."

Tywin sat down after Cersei had left, but he couldn't concentrate. Things weren't going well at all. Rumors about Joffrey's true heritage were spreading across the land, thanks to Stannis Baratheon. It was true that Joffrey was an incompetent ruler, and the commoners in King's Landing were starting to express their dissatisfaction.

Not to mention the war was spreading. Tywin didn't have enough soldiers to protect King's Landing and fight against several enemy armies. Yet his main concern right now was Serafina. There hadn't been any demands from Robb Stark yet, but hopefully, he would settle for gold. And what if he wouldn't?

What if he demanded things Tywin couldn't give? What would happen to Serafina? Then she would be on her own. His daughter. The thought was painful, no matter how hard Tywin tried to deny it. In that moment, he cursed his own foolishness. Why had he ever allowed himself to care about her?


"More wine, Your Grace?" Serafina asked.

Robb Stark shook his head. "No, thank you."

He had been absentminded ever since a messenger had brought him a letter earlier. She had no idea who the letter was from or what it had said, but obviously, it was important. They were having supper, but he had barely touched his food.

"You are not hungry?" she asked a bit cautiously.

"What?" he murmured, distracted.

"Oh, I was just wondering if I can do something for you, Your Grace."

"No, thank you."

She decided to leave him alone with his thoughts and concentrated on her supper. The last few days had gone well, and she hoped things would continue like that. He had been busy with his men, and she had tried her best to be useful and not to bother him. They had their strange routine, and she had somewhat gotten used to it. Even the chains and sleeping beside him.

He hadn't touched her or wanted her to touch him. At first, she had thought that she had done something wrong, but now it seemed that he simply wanted to keep some distance between them. Thankfully, he had still let her stay in his tent. Sharing his bed, even though he didn't touch her, would have destroyed her reputation under any other circumstances, but right now she only cared about her safety.

She certainly didn't trust his guards enough to want her own tent. Perhaps Robb Stark hadn't had any bad intentions when he had offered her a tent, but she doubted that he had truly understood the risks.

If and when she would be wedded, a Maester could confirm that she was still a maiden. At least, so she hoped.

Serafina poured herself a glass of wine and took a small sip, trying to calm her nerves. Robb Stark's distracted demeanor made her nervous, but she knew better than to press him for information or attention. Instead, she focused on the present moment, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

"Your Grace," she said after a while, breaking the silence. "Is there anything specific you would like for tomorrow? Any tasks you need help with?"

Robb looked up from his thoughts, his eyes meeting hers. He seemed to consider her question for a moment before shaking his head. "No, thank you. Just... stay close."

She nodded, her heart pounding a little faster. "Of course, Your Grace."

He went back to his silence, and she tried to concentrate on her food. She glanced at him from time to time, observing how he absently picked at his food. Her mind wandered briefly to the letter, wondering what news it might have brought. Was it about the war? His family? She couldn't know, and she reminded herself not to pry.

After a few moments of silence, Robb finally spoke.

"Is the food to your liking?" he asked.

"Yes, Your Grace," she replied softly, her gaze still fixed on her plate.

"Hmm. I must say that you've adapted well to your circumstances," he remarked, his tone neutral.

"Thank you, Your Grace."

She wondered where he was going with this. He didn't usually start a conversation with her unless he actually had something to say.

"Do you miss your home?" her suddenly asked, managing to surprise her completely.

She recovered quickly and placed a coy smile on her face.

"I am here at your mercy, Your Grace. It is my duty to serve and please you."

He looked amused as he took a sip of wine.

"You do have a way with words, my lady, I give you that. Tell me about your father."

Serafina hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much she should reveal. "My father is a very strong and determined man," she began carefully. "He has always been a formidable leader, both feared and respected."

Robb nodded; his interest piqued. "I've heard much about Tywin Lannister. They say he has a mind as sharp as any sword."

"That is true," she agreed. "He is a master strategist, always thinking several steps ahead."

"And what about you?" Robb asked, leaning forward slightly. "What do you think of your father's methods?"

She paused, choosing her words with care. "He is effective in achieving his goals, Your Grace. Though his methods can be harsh, he believes they are necessary for the survival and prosperity of our house."

Robb studied her for a moment, as if weighing her response. "Do you share his beliefs?"

Serafina looked down at her hands, contemplating her answer. "I understand his reasoning," she said finally. "But there are times when I wish things could be different. Less... ruthless."

He seemed to consider this, his expression softening slightly. "It's hard to be born into a family with such high expectations," he said, almost sympathetically. "To be shaped by their ambitions and desires."

She glanced up at him, surprised by his insight. "Yes, it is."

For a moment, there was a sense of understanding between them, a shared recognition of the burdens they each carried. But just as quickly, the moment passed, and the reality of their circumstances reasserted itself.

"Thank you for sharing, my lady," Robb said, his tone more formal now. "I appreciate your honesty."

She nodded, grateful for the brief respite from their usual tense dynamic. "You're welcome, Your Grace."

As they finished their meal in silence, Serafina couldn't help but wonder what this new line of questioning meant. Was Robb Stark trying to understand her better? Or was he probing for weaknesses he could exploit? She cleared the table after they were finished and prepared the bed while he was taking care of some things, as he did every night before going to bed. Grey Wind usually followed him outside, but now the wolf had stayed in the tent. Serafina couldn't help but smile at the animal.

"Hello, friend. I am glad you're here."

The wolf came closer and licked her hand. After making sure that Robb Stark wasn't coming, she knelt and petted the animal. She never dared to touch him when his master was present. The way he had reacted the last time when he had caught her petting his wolf had been strange, but she had learned her lesson.

Or she should have learned her lesson. Petting the wolf offered her a brief escape from her cage. A brief moment to remove her mask. It made her feel relaxed, as foolish as that was. It also reminded her how much she missed her Naeva.

"You know," she hummed. "You remind me of my sand cat. Don't be offended, that is a compliment."

She smiled as the wolf licked her cheek.

"She is not nearly as big as you are though. No, she is small and delicate, but also very fierce when she wants to be."

"Are you talking about yourself, my lady?" Robb Stark's voice suddenly asked.

Serafina jumped, her hand still resting on Grey Wind's fur. She quickly stood up and curtsied, her heart racing.

"No, Your Grace," she replied, her voice steady despite her surprise. "I was speaking of my sand cat, Naeva."

Robb raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "You speak of her with great affection."

"She is...was my companion," Serafina explained, glancing at Grey Wind before looking back at Robb. "A gift from my father's friend. I've had her since she was a kitten."

Robb nodded, his eyes softening slightly. "I see. It's good to have a loyal companion, especially in times like these."

"Yes, Your Grace," she agreed, unsure of where this conversation was heading.

"And where is she now?" he asked.

She hesitated for a brief moment before replying. The word "home" was too risky, so she chose a more neutral one.

"In Casterly Rock, Your Grace."

She glanced at Robb nervously when Grey Wind suddenly licked her hand.

He watched her for a moment, then sighed. "You don't have to be afraid to touch Grey Wind. He seems to like you and that's quite rare for him."

Serafina blinked in surprise. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Robb's gaze lingered on her, and for a brief moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Compassion, perhaps? Or was it simply curiosity? Whatever it was, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

"I was just told that your cousin Alton Lannister is on his way here," he stated. "Your father sent him to negotiate on his behalf."

Serafina's heart skipped a beat. "Oh."

"Yes, I must say that I'm curious. What do you think your father will offer for your release?"

"Probably gold," she replied cautiously. "Perhaps jewels."

"Hmm. Not my sisters?"

No. It was obvious that her family wouldn't offer that. "I don't know, Your Grace," she replied quietly.

He crossed his arms and observed her for a moment before replying. "Does he care about you? Your father, I mean."

This was a dangerous question, and she tried her best to choose her words carefully. "I am sure he does, Your Grace."

"But not enough," he stated sharply. "What a pity."

Serafina felt the weight of Robb Stark's words settle heavily in the air between them. His directness surprised her, but she maintained her composure, choosing her responses carefully despite the underlying tension. She knew the delicate balance of their conversation could easily shift into dangerous territory.

"He cares about the Lannister name, Your Grace," she replied, keeping her gaze steady.

Robb raised an eyebrow. "And you? Do you care about the Lannister name?"

She hesitated, weighing her answer. "I care about my family, Your Grace."

"Even if they see you as nothing more than a pawn?"

Serafina swallowed hard, the truth of his words hitting closer to home than she cared to admit. "We all have our roles to play."

Robb's expression softened, but only slightly. "You play your role well, my lady. Perhaps too well."

"Thank you, Your Grace," she murmured, unsure if it was truly a compliment.

"Do you ever wish for something different?" he asked suddenly.

She blinked, taken aback by the question. "I... I don't have the luxury to wish for things, Your Grace."

Robb nodded, his eyes unreadable. "Perhaps not. But sometimes, even a pawn can change the game."

Before she could respond, he turned away, signaling the end of the conversation. Serafina watched him, her mind swirling with confusion and a sliver of hope. She had no idea what Robb Stark's intentions were, but she knew she had to stay vigilant. She needed to be ready for whatever came next.