Chapter 40

"What do you think?" Jon asked as soon as Robb entered his chamber and closed the door behind him.

"I don't know," Robb sighed tiredly. He had stayed with Serafina until she fell asleep, but his thoughts were anything but clear. "I want to respect Serafina's wishes, but what Arya did…"

Jon nodded, his expression tense. "I know. Serafina could have died."

Robb had tried his hardest not to dwell on that thought. The idea that his little sister had pushed Serafina down the stairs was almost too much to bear.

"But I think Serafina was right," Jon continued. "We haven't fully grasped how much Arya is suffering. She's been through things no child should ever experience."

Robb leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair, his thoughts a tangle of worry and guilt. "I should have seen it," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "I should have known she was hurting this much."

Jon stepped closer, his voice low but firm. "None of us saw it, Robb. Arya's always been strong, but maybe we mistook her strength for resilience. We thought she was handling everything better than she was."

Robb clenched his fists, feeling a wave of helplessness wash over him. "What do we do now? I can't just ignore what happened, but I don't want to push her further away."

"We need to reach her," Jon said, his gaze steady. "She needs to know that she's not alone, that she doesn't have to carry all this pain by herself."

Robb nodded slowly, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders. "You're right. But it's not just Arya. Serafina… she's trying so hard to be strong, to fit in here. I can't let her feel isolated, especially now."

Jon crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought. "Serafina showed a lot of compassion tonight. She could have exposed Arya, but she didn't. That says a lot about her character. Maybe… maybe she can help Arya heal, too."

Robb looked up, a spark of hope in his eyes. "You think so?"

Jon nodded. "If they can find some common ground, maybe. Serafina's already extended a hand. Arya just needs time to decide if she'll take it."

Robb let out a long breath, his resolve hardening. "Then we'll give her that time. But we also need to be cautious. I won't let Serafina get hurt again."

Jon's gaze grew more serious as he listened to Robb. "You're right," he agreed. "We can't ignore what happened. Arya's pain doesn't excuse the danger she put Serafina in. We need to protect Serafina, but we can't abandon Arya either."

Robb nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "We'll have to find a way to balance it. Arya needs to know she's not alone, but she also needs to understand that what she did was wrong. She can't lash out like that, no matter how much she's hurting."

Jon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We'll have to be careful with how we handle this. Arya's fragile right now, and pushing her too hard could make things worse. But we can't just let this slide either."

Robb agreed, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. "I'll talk to her tomorrow, try to reach her somehow. Maybe she'll listen to me… or at least understand that she's still loved, but there are boundaries she can't cross."

Jon placed a reassuring hand on Robb's shoulder. "And I'll keep an eye on Arya, make sure she knows she's not alone in this. We'll get through this, Robb. We just need to stay united."


"My lady?" a quiet voice called.

Serafina blinked her eyes sleepily. She woke immediately upon recognizing the smiling face hovering over her.

"Alina!"

She sat up and hugged her handmaiden tightly. "Alina… It's so good to see you."

"You too, my lady… forgive me, Your Grace."

Serafina was so happy that she let out a sob. She pulled away as she heard a demanding meow.

"Naeva?" she gasped.

Alina gently lifted a small cage onto the bed and let the cat out. Serafina's eyes filled with tears as she saw her precious little companion.

"Oh, my little darling…"

The cat walked over to her, rubbing her head against Serafina's hand.

"She was very brave, Your Grace," Alina said warmly. "She scratched the captain of the guard when he tried to pick her up. He was so angry that he threatened to make a hat out of her."

Serafina burst into laughter as she kissed the purring sand cat.

"Don't you worry, my darling, I will never, ever let anyone make a hat out of you."

Alina smiled, watching Serafina's joy with a mix of relief and affection. "I knew she'd lift your spirits, Your Grace," she said softly. "Naeva's been missing you just as much as you've missed her."

Serafina cradled the cat in her arms, her laughter turning to soft, happy tears. "I can't believe you managed to bring her all the way here," she murmured, stroking Naeva's fur. "It must have been a difficult journey."

Alina nodded, her expression growing serious. "It was, but I knew how much she means to you. And… I thought you might need some comfort, being here in Winterfell, away from everything you know."

Serafina looked at her handmaiden, gratitude shining in her eyes. "You've always known what I need, Alina. Thank you."

Alina gave a small, humble nod. "It's my duty and my pleasure, Your Grace. I'm just glad I could bring a little piece of home to you."

Serafina held Naeva close, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. She looked at the door as she heard it opening.

"Robb," she said smiling as he entered the room. "Please, I want you to meet Alina and Naeva."

"Your Grace," Alina greeted him with a respectful curtsy.

Robb smiled warmly at the sight of Serafina holding the cat, her face lit up with happiness. He returned Alina's curtsy with a polite nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alina," he said kindly. "I've heard much about you."

Alina smiled modestly. "Thank you, Your Grace. It's an honor to be here."

Robb's gaze shifted to the small cat nestled in Serafina's arms, and he chuckled softly. "And this must be Naeva," he said, his tone gentle. "She seems to have already made herself at home."

Serafina beamed, stroking the cat's soft fur. "She's a little warrior," she said fondly. "Alina told me she even scratched the captain of the guard."

Robb raised an eyebrow in surprise, then laughed. "She's got some fight in her, then. Just like her owner."

Serafina blushed slightly, her heart warming at his words. "She's brave, but she's also brought me a lot of comfort. I'm so grateful to have them both here."

Robb's expression softened as he looked at Serafina, his admiration evident. "I'm glad, too," he said sincerely. "You deserve all the comfort and support you can get." He paused and glanced at the door. "There's someone here to see you."

Serafina's eyes widened as Tyrion entered the room.

"Hello, little sister. Surprise."

Serafina gasped, her eyes filling with a mixture of shock and joy as she saw Tyrion standing in the doorway. She hadn't expected to see her brother, not so soon, and certainly not here in Winterfell. For a moment, she was at a loss for words, emotions swirling within her.

"Tyrion," she finally breathed, her voice soft but filled with affection. "What are you doing here?"

Tyrion raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Isn't it obvious? Father sent me to protect your lovely handmaiden and your cat." He paused and gave Alina a charming smile.

Alina rolled her eyes. "Indeed he did, my lord," she hummed, her tone light.

Tyrion winked before turning his attention back to Serafina. "How about a hug for your brother?"

She smiled at him as he walked over to the bed. "Of course."

"I heard you had an accident," Tyrion stated as they hugged.

"I did," Serafina replied as she pulled away. "But I'm healing, and Robb has taken good care of me."

Tyrion looked over at Robb. "Well, it's good to know my sister is in capable hands." He paused and then turned his gaze back to Serafina. "I'm afraid I must steal your husband for a moment. We have some business to attend to, but I'll be back later, I promise. I would like to have a word with you in private."

Serafina noticed a hint of concern in Tyrion's eyes. Did he suspect that Robb had caused her injury? She needed to clear that up as soon as possible.

"Tyrion…"

"I'm afraid His Grace and I must go back to the courtyard," Tyrion cut in gently. "The men are unpacking your dowry, and we both need to make sure that everything is in order. I'll be back later, I promise."

Serafina's concern deepened, but she forced a smile, knowing that Tyrion was deflecting. "Of course," she replied, her voice steady despite the worry gnawing at her. "I'll be here when you return."

Tyrion nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Good. Rest for now, little sister. We'll talk later."

Robb leaned down to kiss Serafina's forehead. "I won't be long," he promised.

As the two men left the room, Serafina exhaled slowly, her thoughts swirling. She knew she had to address Tyrion's concerns, but for now, she had to trust that he wouldn't jump to the wrong conclusions. Turning her attention back to Naeva, she ran her fingers through the cat's soft fur, finding comfort in the familiar sensation.

Alina sat at the edge of the bed, a gentle smile on her face. "It's good to see you smiling, Your Grace. After you were taken… I feared for you."

Serafina nodded, her expression softening. "A lot has happened since then, but everything is fine now. My husband has been nothing but kind and respectful toward me."

"I'm glad to hear that, Your Grace," Alina replied, pausing before adding with a playful smile, "And His Grace is quite handsome, if you don't mind me saying so."

Serafina found herself giggling like a young girl, a lightness she hadn't felt in years. It felt strange, yet freeing, to laugh so easily. She had always been controlled and serious, determined to make her father proud.

As Serafina's laughter faded, a warm, contented silence settled between her and Alina. The weight of everything that had happened seemed to momentarily lift, leaving behind a rare moment of peace.

Alina's gaze softened as she looked at her lady. "You've changed, Your Grace," she said quietly, almost as if speaking to herself.

Serafina tilted her head, curious. "Changed? How do you mean?"

Alina hesitated, searching for the right words. "You've always been strong, but there's a different kind of strength in you now. A gentleness, perhaps. Or maybe it's more confidence. It suits you."

Serafina felt a small blush rise to her cheeks. "Perhaps it's just that I've found a place that I can hopefully call home," she mused. "Here, with Robb… it feels different."

Alina nodded, understanding. "That's good to hear, Your Grace. You deserve to find happiness."

Serafina smiled, feeling warmth in her chest. "And what about you, Alina? What do you think of Winterfell so far?"

Alina chuckled softly. "It's colder, certainly. But I believe I can be happy here, Your Grace."

Serafina was quiet for a moment before replying.

"I know Winterfell is very different from Casterly Rock, and… I want you to know that you have a choice. I won't force you to stay here with me. You're free to return to the south with my brother if you want."

Alina's eyes widened slightly at Serafina's offer, a mixture of surprise and emotion flashing across her face. For a moment, she was silent, as if weighing her response carefully.

"Your Grace," Alina began softly, her voice steady but filled with conviction, "I've served you since we were both young girls, and in all that time, I've never once thought of leaving your side. The North may be different, colder, and far from everything we've known, but where you are, that's where I belong."

Serafina felt a lump in her throat at Alina's words, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Are you sure, Alina? You've always been loyal, and I would never want to take that for granted. I just want you to be happy."

Alina smiled, a warm and genuine expression that reached her eyes. "Your Grace, my happiness has always been tied to your well-being. If you can find happiness here, then so can I. Besides," she added with a playful glint in her eyes, "someone has to make sure Naeva doesn't get into too much trouble."

Serafina laughed, the sound light and free, a reflection of the relief and joy she felt. "You're right about that. Naeva can be quite the handful."

Alina chuckled softly, her expression turning more serious as she reached out to gently take Serafina's hand. "Whatever lies ahead, we'll face it together, as we always have. Winterfell, Casterly Rock, or anywhere else… I'm with you, Your Grace."

Serafina squeezed Alina's hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Alina. Your friendship means more to me than I can say."

Before Alina could respond, a soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Serafina looked up as the door opened, revealing Jon standing in the doorway.

"I apologize for disturbing you, but the men need to know where you want your belongings from Casterly Rock."

"Oh, my chamber is fine for now," Serafina replied. "I can arrange everything later."

Alina stood up and curtsied. "My lord."

"Alina, this is Lord Jon, my husband's brother. Jon, this is Alina," Serafina introduced. "And this little beauty is Naeva."

Jon nodded politely at Alina, a hint of a smile on his usually serious face. "A pleasure to meet you, Alina," he said, his voice warm but reserved. He then glanced at the small cat, who was perched comfortably on Serafina's lap. "And Naeva as well."

Alina returned the smile with a polite one of her own. "Likewise, my lord. Thank you for the warm welcome."

Serafina gently stroked Naeva's fur, feeling a sense of contentment as the sand cat purred softly. "Jon, thank you for taking care of the arrangements. I know it must be a bit chaotic with all the new arrivals."

Jon shrugged, his demeanor relaxed but thoughtful. "Winterfell has seen busier days, but we're all adjusting." He paused, curiously glancing at Naeva. "Do you mind if I take a closer look? I've never seen a creature like her before."

Serafina smiled, pleased by Jon's interest. "Of course, Jon. Naeva is quite special, isn't she?"

Jon moved closer, his curiosity piqued. He knelt beside the bed, extending a hand slowly toward Naeva, who sniffed his fingers before nudging them with her head.

"She's beautiful," Jon murmured, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Serafina's smile widened as she watched the interaction. "She's usually wary of strangers, but she can sense kindness. I think she approves of you."

Jon chuckled softly, continuing to gently stroke Naeva's fur. "I'm honored by her approval, then."

He paused and stood up. "Well, duty calls." His gaze lingered on Serafina for a moment before turning to Alina. "If you need any help settling in, the servants will be happy to assist you."

Alina inclined her head in gratitude. "That's very kind of you, my lord. I'm sure we'll manage, but I appreciate the offer."

With that, Jon excused himself, giving Serafina and Alina a small nod before leaving the room.

"He seems like a good man, Your Grace," Alina stated.

Serafina nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "He is. And I'm grateful for his friendship."

Alina hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I… I heard about the condition in the marriage agreement. Is he the man you would need to marry, if…"

"Yes, but I don't think that will happen," Serafina cut in, the thought feeling distant now that she had gotten to know Jon.

"Well, he is quite handsome as well," Alina hummed playfully. "It must be the Stark bloodline."

Serafina laughed softly at Alina's playful comment, feeling a lightness she hadn't expected. "Perhaps it is," she replied with a teasing smile. "But let's hope it doesn't come to that. Robb is my husband, and we have a future to build together."

Alina nodded, her expression turning more serious. "Of course, Your Grace. I didn't mean to suggest otherwise. It's just… well, it's good to know that you're surrounded by good people, no matter what the future holds."

Serafina reached out and squeezed Alina's hand gently. "I know, and I appreciate your concern. But for now, let's focus on the present. There's so much to do, and I'm glad you're here with me."

Alina smiled warmly. "As am I, Your Grace. We'll make this place feel like home in no time."