Chapter 3
Robb marched out of his tent, accompanied by Grey Wind. He noticed a gathering of men in front of his tent, eager to catch a glimpse of the Lannister girl. Uncertain of what to expect, he watched as riders approached the camp. The girl rode with Rodrik Forrester, who had led the men responsible for capturing her. Robb observed her closely as Rodrik dismounted and helped her off the horse.
She appeared slightly older than Sansa, with curly chestnut hair, a round face, a small nose, and large, dark green eyes. While he wouldn't describe her as stunningly beautiful, she wasn't unpleasant to look at either. A petite figure. Her hands were tied in front of her, but she managed to look calm. It was no doubt an act; Robb didn't think that any woman in her position could be calm.
"My King," Rodrik greeted him. "I present to you Lady Serafina Lannister."
"Well done," Robb praised, turning his attention to the girl. She looked at him coyly and curtsied.
"Your Grace."
Robb raised an eyebrow, not expecting such formality.
"A Lannister who knows her place!" Lord Rickard Karstark announced. Some of the men chuckled while others muttered under their breath. The girl remained calm, her gaze fixed on Robb.
"My lady," Robb addressed her, gesturing towards his tent. "This way."
She bowed her head in acknowledgement and walked silently into the tent. Robb followed, instructing the guard outside not to allow any interruptions. Inside, she stood beside the table, eyes cast down.
"You were treated well, I trust?" he inquired.
"Yes, Your Grace," she replied respectfully.
He noticed that her voice sounded calm, not fearful at all. He had expected to see more fear, perhaps even tears. Surely, she knew what could happen to a woman in a situation like this. Or maybe she didn't know, perhaps she had lived a very sheltered life.
"You are Tywin Lannister's daughter?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
"And your mother is…?"
"She was Lady Tressa Lannister, Your Grace."
Tressa Lannister… Suddenly Robb remembered. Tressa Baratheon, Robert Baratheon's half-sister, married off to Tywin Lannister after Robert became king. If Robb remembered correctly, the marriage hadn't lasted long and there was barely any information about Tywin's second wife. She had been mentioned very briefly in the book about House Lannister Robb had been forced to read during his studies. So, this girl was actually Stannis and Renly Baratheon's niece. Robb's mother was on her way to meet Renly Baratheon now.
"Where were you heading?" he asked.
"To King's Landing, Your Grace."
"Why?"
"My father requested my presence."
"Why?"
"He did not tell me, Your Grace."
Robb couldn't deny that he was somewhat amused about the way she answered his questions. She was speaking clearly without any hesitation.
"And you are an obedient daughter?"
"I try to be, Your Grace."
"Hmm. I suppose your father would want to have you back then. What do you think?"
Now she finally looked at him.
"May I speak freely, Your Grace?"
"Yes, you may," Robb replied, intrigued by her composure.
"Thank you," she said calmly. "I am aware that you must hate my family and I am sure you also hate me. You probably want to hurt me. Humiliate me. I don't blame you for that, but I humbly ask you to consider the form of humiliation you use. I am much more valuable to you if you return me to my father untouched."
Robb studied her for a moment, noting her directness and the seriousness in her voice. He had expected defiance or fear, not this reasoned plea.
"Is that a threat, my lady?" he inquired.
"No, not at all. I am simply pointing out that there are other methods you can use."
"Such as?"
She looked at him calmly.
"You can order me to kneel in front of you. Kiss your boots perhaps. Or you can make me your lowest servant."
Robb stared at her for a brief moment before replying.
"Is that what you expect me to do, my lady?"
"I don't expect anything, Your Grace. You have all the power here."
Robb walked over to her, curious to see her reaction. She stood her ground but lowered her head.
"And what if I don't care about your value?" he stated. Obviously, he wasn't going to force himself on her or let anyone else to do that either, but she didn't know that.
"That is your choice, Your Grace."
He still didn't hear any fear. It seemed that she was a very talented little actress. Well, she was a Lannister.
"Are you afraid, my lady?"
She looked up.
"Do you wish me to be?"
"Any smart woman would be," he pointed out.
She nodded.
"Yes, you are right, Your Grace. You can do anything you wish to me and there is nothing I can do to stop you."
That was true, physically and otherwise.
"I understand your request, Lady Serafina," Robb said finally. "I will consider it. For now, you will remain here under my guard."
She nodded slightly, acknowledging his words.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she replied quietly.
"Are you planning to cause me trouble?" he asked.
"No, Your Grace."
"Give me your hands then."
She obeyed, looking cautious as he picked up a knife. Yet she didn't move as he freed her hands.
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"Do you have any weapons?"
She hesitated for a very brief moment before replying.
"A dagger."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Hand it over, please."
She lifted the hem of her dress, revealing a small dagger strapped to her thigh. She handed it to him without resistance.
"Why do you have this?" he asked after inspecting the blade.
"For my protection," she replied.
"I see. Any more of these?"
"No, Your Grace."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Hmm. I wish I could take your word for it, but I'm afraid I have to search you," he stated.
She didn't protest as he moved behind her. Starting with her shoulders, he frisked her from the backside all the way down to her shoes. Then he turned her around. She didn't move or say anything as he quickly did the same with her front side. Touching her breasts made him uncomfortable, though it was through the fabric of her dress, and he wasn't groping her or anything like that.
"Alright, good," he stated after finishing his search. "It seems that you Lannisters are sometimes capable of telling the truth."
"Yes, Your Grace," she replied calmly. "Sometimes."