Chapter 38
"Forgive me, Your Grace, but I'm afraid this will hurt," Maester Luwin said, his voice full of compassion.
Serafina nodded weakly, unable to stop the tears of pain from filling her eyes again. Maester Luwin looked at Robb and Jon.
"I need you to keep her still."
Robb pressed his lips together and nodded. "I'm so sorry, my love."
Jon took a deep breath, positioning himself by Serafina's shoulder while Robb knelt by her side, gently holding her other arm. Serafina's breath hitched, her body trembling slightly as she braced for the pain to come.
Maester Luwin carefully aligned the bones, his hands steady despite the delicate task. When he started, Serafina cried out, her grip tightening on Robb's sleeve. Robb's face twisted with helplessness, but he held her firmly, whispering soothing words in her ear.
"You're doing so well, love. Just a bit longer," Robb murmured, though his voice was strained.
Jon could feel the tension in the air, his own jaw clenched as he focused on keeping her steady. Every gasp and wince from Serafina felt like a blow.
Finally, Maester Luwin finished setting the bones and began wrapping her arm in clean bandages. Serafina's tears streamed silently now, her energy drained from the ordeal. Robb leaned down, gently touching her cheek.
"It's over," he whispered, though his voice was thick with emotion. "You were so brave."
Maester Luwin straightened up, wiping his brow. "I will tend to her wound now." The Maester paused, glancing first at Robb, then at Serafina. "Your Grace, may I ask when you last bled? I only inquire in case there's a possibility you are with child…"
"She's not," Robb replied, struggling to keep his voice steady. The last thing he wanted was to add to Serafina's distress.
The Maester gave a brief nod in acknowledgment.
Serafina's gaze flickered toward Robb, her eyes soft with both gratitude and weariness. "He's right. I'm not," she confirmed quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Maester Luwin nodded again and resumed tending to her wound, carefully cleaning and stitching the cut on her head. Each stitch pulled a faint wince from Serafina, but she remained still, her fingers entwined with Robb's for support.
"I instructed the guards to question the servants and anyone else who might have seen something," Jon whispered in Robb's ear. "I'll go and help them. Try asking Serafina if she remembers anything else."
Robb nodded, his focus still on his wife. "Thank you, Jon."
As Maester Luwin finished and applied a fresh bandage, he looked at Robb, his tone professional yet gentle. "She'll need rest and a few days of quiet. The wound should heal cleanly, as long as we can avoid any infection."
"Thank you, Maester Luwin."
Luwin offered a reassuring smile before packing up his tools. "I'll have a stronger draught prepared by morning to help her sleep through the night. For now, she should try to get some rest."
Robb's eyes never left Serafina's as he whispered, "I'll stay with you."
Serafina gave a tired nod, her body already sinking into exhaustion. "I'd like that," she murmured.
Jon quietly left the room, his mind already racing through possibilities. As he moved down the dimly lit corridors of Winterfell, he couldn't shake the gnawing sense that something was deeply wrong. The hallways felt colder than usual, shadows stretching longer as the flickering torchlight played tricks on his eyes.
Reaching the courtyard, Jon spotted a cluster of guards gathered near the gate, speaking in hushed tones. They straightened when they saw him approach.
"Any word?" Jon asked, his voice low but laced with urgency.
One of the guards stepped forward. "We've questioned a few servants, my lord, but no one seems to have seen anything unusual. The stairs were empty when the Queen fell."
Jon frowned. "Keep digging. Someone must have noticed something. A sound, a glimpse of movement, anything."
The guard nodded sharply, sensing the gravity in Jon's tone. "We'll continue questioning, and we'll keep watch through the night."
"Good." Jon dismissed them, but the unease in his chest only grew. He didn't want to alarm Robb with speculation, not until they had more concrete information. Still, the idea that someone might be hiding in plain sight sent a shiver down his spine. This was no longer just a family matter, this was a threat to Winterfell itself.
Back in the Maester's chambers, Robb gently stroked Serafina's hair, watching her eyelids flutter as sleep slowly claimed her. The Maester's draught was beginning to take effect, and the tension in her face eased slightly.
"Serafina," Robb whispered softly, "do you remember anything else? Anything at all?"
She blinked groggily, her thoughts muddled by fatigue. "It was so quick… like a shadow. I felt it, but I didn't see anyone. I was alone, Robb… or at least, I thought I was."
Robb's heart clenched at the fear in her voice. He leaned closer, his fingers gently touching her face. "I swear, we'll find out who did this. No one's going to hurt you again."
A tear slipped down Serafina's cheek, but she didn't have the strength to respond. Instead, she closed her eyes, letting the warmth of Robb's presence lull her into a dreamless sleep.
Robb stayed by her side, his thoughts churning with equal parts fury and fear. He couldn't bear the thought of Serafina in danger, especially here in Winterfell, their home. Someone had crossed a line, and he would see them answer for it.
"Robb?" Catelyn's quiet voice called. "How is she?"
Robb looked up as his mother entered the chamber, her face etched with concern. "She's resting now, Mother," he said softly. "The Maester gave her something to help her sleep."
Catelyn approached the bed, her gaze softening as she took in Serafina's pale face. She gently touched her good-daughter's hand before turning back to Robb. "Jon told me what happened. Do you believe it was deliberate?"
Robb's expression hardened. "Serafina thinks she was pushed. She didn't see who did it, but it wasn't an accident. I can feel it."
Catelyn's eyes flashed with a mixture of fear and determination. "There have been murmurs, Robb. Some of the bannermen aren't happy with a Lannister in our family, no matter how far removed she is from them. But to act on that kind of resentment… it's cowardly and dishonorable."
"I know," Robb muttered, his anger barely contained. "But whoever did this was close enough to strike inside our own walls. It's not just about Serafina, it's about Winterfell's safety. I'll find them, and they'll pay for it."
Catelyn placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm. "You must be cautious, Robb. If there's someone among us who harbors such hatred, it could be anyone, someone you trust, someone who's hidden their true intentions. Don't let your anger cloud your judgment."
Robb nodded, though the tension in his jaw didn't ease. "I won't let this go unchecked. But Serafina comes first. She's my wife, and I failed to protect her tonight. I won't let it happen again."
Catelyn's expression softened with sympathy. "You haven't failed her. You're here now, and that's what matters. Serafina needs your strength, but she also needs to feel safe. Let's handle this carefully, without causing panic. The last thing we need is to sow distrust among the people who've sworn loyalty to us."
Robb took a deep breath, grounding himself in his mother's words. "You're right. I'll start by speaking with Jon and Maester Luwin. We need to get to the bottom of this without raising suspicion."
Catelyn gave him a reassuring nod. "Good. And remember, you don't have to carry this burden alone. We're all here to protect this family."
Robb looked back at Serafina, her breathing now steady as she slept. The anger still burned within him, but so did the resolve to shield her from harm. He leaned down and kissed her cheek before turning to his mother.
"Stay with her for a while? I need to speak with Jon."
Catelyn smiled gently. "Of course. Go. We'll keep her safe."
Robb gave one last look at his sleeping wife before leaving the chamber, determination etched into every line of his face. Winterfell had always been his home, a place where his family was supposed to be safe. But now there was a threat lurking in its shadows, and he wouldn't rest until it was rooted out, no matter who it was, or what it cost.
"Is there anything you need, Your Grace?" Ylara asked gently. "Some water, perhaps?"
"No, thank you," Serafina replied quietly. She was grateful for the company of her maids, but she had no strength to hide her exhaustion. It had been three days since she had fallen down the stairs, and she had barely made it out of bed. Her right ankle was sprained, and she couldn't walk without support. Not to mention, she couldn't use her left hand at all.
While Maester Luwin's medicine helped with the pain, it didn't cure the melancholy she was feeling. She no longer felt safe or welcome in Winterfell. Yet, at the same time, she felt ungrateful. Robb had done everything he could to make her feel comfortable and secure. He had stationed guards outside their chamber door and ensured that Serafina's every wish was fulfilled immediately. Jon and Lady Stark had also done everything they could to look after her. As much as Serafina appreciated all they had done for her, a deep sadness still lingered. She felt as though she had failed.
Serafina's eyes drifted to the window, watching the gray skies of Winterfell with a hollow stare. The once comforting chill of the North now felt like a weight pressing down on her chest. She had grown to love Robb's home, but now it felt distant, cold, no longer the sanctuary it once was.
Ylara, ever attentive, exchanged a concerned glance with Kyra. "Would you like us to read to you, Your Grace? Or perhaps just sit with you for a while?"
Serafina forced a small smile. "You're very kind, but I think I'd like to rest a little more. Please, go and get some rest as well."
The maids nodded, curtsying before they quietly left the room, leaving Serafina alone with her thoughts. She sank deeper into the furs, pulling them tighter around herself as if they could shield her from the dread gnawing at her insides. It wasn't just the pain in her body that haunted her, it was the gnawing sense of uncertainty, the fear that someone still wished her harm.
She replayed that night over and over in her mind, trying to convince herself it had been a mistake, a trick of her imagination. But each time she recalled the sensation, a sudden push, a flash of movement, her heart clenched with anxiety. How could she ever feel at ease here again?
A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and Robb entered quietly. His eyes, warm with concern, met hers as he crossed the room. "How are you feeling?" he asked, taking a seat beside her bed.
"Better," Serafina replied, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her. She hated burdening him with her fears, knowing he was already carrying the weight of his responsibilities as both a husband and a leader.
Robb's hand found hers, gently squeezing it. "You don't have to pretend, Serafina. I can see it in your eyes. You've been through a lot, and it's only natural to feel… unsettled."
Serafina's gaze dropped to their entwined hands. "I just… I don't know who would want to hurt me. This is supposed to be our home, Robb. But now, I feel like a stranger here."
Robb's expression darkened with guilt and determination. "I should have protected you. I swore that I would keep you safe, and I failed you."
"No," Serafina said quickly, her voice more resolute. "You've done everything you could, Robb. I know that. I just… I can't shake this feeling of helplessness, like I don't belong here."
Robb leaned closer, cupping her cheek. "You do belong here. You're my wife, my heart, and my strength. And I promise, we'll get through this together. Whoever did this won't get away with it, I'll see to that."
His words brought her a measure of comfort, but the doubt still lingered at the edges of her mind. She wanted to believe him, to feel safe in his arms again, but something deep within whispered that there were forces at play she couldn't control or understand.
For a long moment, they simply sat together, finding solace in each other's presence.
"Have you found out anything?" Serafina asked after a moment of silence.
"Not yet," Robb replied reluctantly. "But Jon and I are gathering all the information we can find. Someone must have seen something."
Serafina gave him a small smile. "I appreciate your efforts."
Robb's expression softened as he looked at Serafina. "You don't need to thank me," he said gently. "I'll do whatever I must to keep you safe."
Serafina's smile wavered, her eyes filled with both gratitude and lingering fear. "I know, but it's hard not to feel helpless. I want to help, but I can't even walk without someone's support. I hate feeling so useless."
Robb's grip on her hand tightened, his voice firm but tender. "You're not useless, Serafina. Just focus on healing. The rest will be handled. And if there's anyone plotting against you, they'll regret ever setting foot in Winterfell."
The determination in his voice brought a flicker of reassurance, but Serafina couldn't ignore the gnawing uncertainty in her chest. Her thoughts drifted to the people of Winterfell, the servants, the guards, even the lords and ladies who had gathered for the wedding. Could it have been one of them? Someone she'd smiled at, someone she'd trusted?
She pushed the thought aside, unwilling to let paranoia take root. But it was difficult to banish the shadow of suspicion that seemed to hang over everything now.
"Will you stay with me?" she asked, her voice small.
"Of course," Robb replied instantly. "I'll be right here."
He shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her as she rested her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence for a while, the warmth of his embrace offering a fragile comfort against the cold fear that lingered in the back of her mind. She closed her eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing, trying to focus on that instead of the storm of worry inside her.
Finally, exhaustion overcame her, and she drifted into a light sleep. Robb stayed by her side, his own thoughts far from peaceful. He knew the coming days would be difficult, and until they found answers, he would trust no one beyond his family. The idea that a threat could be lurking within the walls of Winterfell gnawed at him.
But no matter what it took, he would get to the bottom of this. He would find the one responsible, and they would face justice. Winterfell would not be tainted by fear or betrayal.
As Serafina slept in his arms, Robb silently vowed that no harm would come to her again, not as long as he was alive to protect her.
"Jon, how is Serafina?" Bran asked, concern clear in his voice. "Did you see her today?"
"I did," Jon replied, offering his brother a small smile. "She is… recovering."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Well, you could visit her after she feels a little better. I'm sure that would make her happy."
Bran nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I'll do that."
"I can come with you," Rickon offered.
"That sounds good," Jon said, his smile widening slightly.
"Yes, it does," Catelyn added. "We must do everything we can to help her."
They continued the dinner in silence for a moment before Sansa spoke up. "Do you really think that someone pushed her?"
"So it seems," Jon replied, keeping his voice steady as he saw how nervous Sansa was.
"Her father…" she murmured. "When he hears about this…"
"It's alright, Sansa," Catelyn assured gently. "We'll handle this…"
"You don't know what they're capable of," Sansa murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "I've seen it."
"I'm well aware of what Tywin Lannister is capable of," Catelyn replied calmly. "And I know you're scared, dear, but I promise you, your brothers and I will handle this."
Sansa bit her lip, worry still etched on her face. "I just don't want anyone to get hurt because of this. If the Lannisters think Serafina isn't safe here…"
Catelyn's gaze softened. "Sansa, listen to me. Serafina is Tywin Lannister's daughter, but she's most of all your brother's wife now. The Lannisters have no power here, and they have no reason to question the care Serafina has received. She's been well taken care of, and we'll make sure that no one can hurt her again."
Sansa nodded, but the worry in her eyes didn't entirely fade. "I know you're right, Mother. It's just… the Lannisters always find a way to strike back. They'll blame us if something happens to her, no matter how careful we are."
Catelyn's expression remained calm, but there was steel in her voice. "We'll be ready if they do. Winterfell stands strong, and we protect our own. Robb, Jon, and I will see to it that Serafina is safe, and that whoever is behind this is found."
Jon, watching Sansa's anxiety, added reassuringly, "We're not alone in this. We have good people around us, people we trust. You don't need to carry this worry alone, Sansa. Let us handle it."
Bran spoke up, his young voice determined. "And Serafina is strong too. She's already getting better, and when she does, she'll want to show them she's not afraid."
Rickon, too young to fully understand the danger but eager to help, chimed in. "When she's better, we can all do something nice for her. Maybe that'll make her feel safer."
Catelyn smiled warmly. "That's a good thought, Rickon."
Jon glanced at Arya, who hadn't said a word. An unpleasant thought suddenly crossed his mind. Arya had made it very clear how she felt about Serafina, and she hadn't been in the Great Hall when Serafina had left... No, that couldn't be possible. Jon refused to believe Arya would do something like that.
After the meal, as they began to leave the table, Jon lingered a moment with Catelyn. "You were right to reassure Sansa, but we can't ignore what she said. If the Lannisters think Serafina's in danger, it could lead to trouble."
Catelyn's expression grew serious. "I know. That's why we need to handle this quietly, without drawing attention from the South. Whatever we find, it stays between us until we're certain."
Jon nodded. "I'll keep working with Robb. We need to be discreet, but thorough. Someone pushed Serafina, and we need to find out who, and why, before this escalates."
As Jon headed toward Robb and Serafina's chambers, Arya suddenly appeared in front of him.
"You think it was me, don't you?" she stated calmly. "That I pushed her."
Jon was momentarily taken aback by her directness.
"No, I don't want to believe something like that," he replied, choosing his words carefully.
Arya stared at him intently, her expression unreadable. After a moment of silence, she said evenly, "If I wanted her dead, then she would be dead."
Jon's blood ran cold at Arya's words, but he forced himself to stay calm. He knew Arya well enough to recognize when she was being serious and when she was testing him, but there was an unsettling truth in her tone that made him uneasy.
"Arya, this isn't a game," Jon said quietly, his voice firm but gentle. "Serafina was badly hurt. Someone tried to kill her. If you know anything…"
"I don't," Arya interrupted sharply, her gaze unwavering. "But I'm not sorry she's scared. She's a Lannister, Jon. We can't forget what her family's done."
Jon took a deep breath, weighing his next words carefully. "She may be a Lannister by birth, but she's our family now. Robb loves her. If you care about him, you'll give her a chance."
Arya's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, defiance, doubt, and perhaps even guilt, but she held her ground. "You're right," she admitted grudgingly. "Robb does love her, and I don't want him hurt. But don't ask me to trust her."
"I'm not asking for that," Jon replied. "I'm asking you to trust me and Robb. We'll figure out who's behind this."
There was a long silence as Arya considered his words. Finally, she nodded, though her expression remained guarded. "I trust you, Jon. But if someone from her family comes looking for retaliation, we need to be ready."
Jon nodded, understanding the undercurrent of tension in her words. "We will be. But until we know more, we need to be careful who we point fingers at."
Arya looked like she wanted to argue, but instead, she simply turned and walked away, leaving Jon standing alone in the corridor, his thoughts churning. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that Arya's words held more truth than she realized.
When Jon finally reached Robb and Serafina's chamber, he found his brother standing by the window, staring out into the darkening skies. Serafina was asleep, her face serene but marked with the faint traces of pain.
"How's she doing?" Jon asked, his voice low as he approached.
Robb didn't turn from the window. "She's resting more, which is a good sign. But she's still afraid, Jon. I can see it in her eyes, even when she tries to hide it."
Jon stepped closer, glancing at Serafina before looking back at his brother.
"And you? How are you doing?"
"I'm fine," Robb replied tensely. "Any news?"
"Nothing solid yet. But we need to talk. Sansa and Arya… they're worried. They think the Lannisters might look for retaliation. Arya… she doesn't trust Serafina because of her family."
Robb finally turned, his eyes hard. "I don't care about her family. I care about her. Serafina is mine, and I won't let anyone hurt her."
"I know," Jon replied, meeting his brother's gaze. "And I'm with you. We'll find out who did this, and we'll make sure they pay. But we have to be careful. The last thing we need is to tear ourselves apart because of suspicion."
Robb's shoulders sagged slightly as he let out a long breath. "You're right. I just… it's hard, Jon. I feel like I'm failing her. I couldn't protect her from this, and now she's suffering because of it."
Jon stepped forward, placing a hand on his brother's arm. "You haven't failed her. You're doing everything you can. We'll get through this, but we have to stay focused."
Robb nodded, though the weight of the situation was still clear in his eyes. "I'll try. Just… keep an eye on everyone. If there's even a hint of something off, I want to know."
"I will," Jon promised. "We're going to get to the bottom of this, Robb. And when we do, we'll make sure Serafina is safe."
