Thread: Of Wolves and Lions (Iikaitlynii & Cold)

The Stark contingent returned to the rooms set aside for them in the Twins. Robb would have preferred camping out in the grounds along with his troops, but Catelyn had insisted that Lord Frey would see that as a snub. He felt tired and jittery, not at all up to the task of having to choose the woman with whom he would share his life. But it had to be done. He excused himself from the other lords and sat with his mother in his room, preferring to discuss this with her first. So, mother? He began,What do you think? Catelyn smiled fondly at his eldest son, understanding how difficult he was finding this. For many, the choice of a wife was a luxury they could not afford, especially for the highest lords. This luxury had become a burden for Robb. The choice is yours, she said softly,but as your mother and as the future mother-in-law of your bride, I do have some things to say. She sighed and continued,You need a woman who will support you, stand by you when you need it most. She must be able to lead your household, so a sharp mind is always necessary. Judging a girl at a glance is not just, but from what I could tell, more than half the Frey on display were little more than girls, still with their heads in the clouds. I have had some news from insiders and many of them have a rotten reputation as to their relations with men. If I didn't know better, I would say Walder Frey was trying to insult you by foisting such women on you, but I think it's more that these are the least objectionable of his brood, which really says something, she finished dryly. Well, what then? Robb interjected, frustrated. I have to choose, don't I? We have to honour the vow we made. Catelyn nodded. You have no preference? Not one caught your eye in any way? Robb blushed. More than one, he admitted. But I know better than to put my faith in beauty over other virtues. So I come to you. Who do you mean? Catelyn asked. The girl Rowenna, the red-headed Walda and Sylvia, the pretty one. Catelyn laughed, covering her mouth. How like a boy. Sylvia was married once already. Her husband died from a hunting accident. She...has a reputation for sleeping around. Robb looked stricken. Well that's that. What about the others? Hmm. Rowenna was the third from the left, right? She wasn't impressed with you. I think that's a good sign. She thinks for herself and does not take titles for granted. Walda is sweet, but too young. She doesn't have what it takes to be Queen yet , but she may yet grow into it. She paused. It's your choice, Robb. She said softly. Robb grunted, putting his chin on his fist. His choice. He had to choose his Queen after looking her in the face for a few seconds. Several minutes passed. The shadows lengthened. At last, Robb Stark, the King in the North stood. I have made my choice. Let us tell it to my bannermen and then let the Freys know. At last, Cersei announced the end of the day's court. He stood straight when her eyes fell upon him for a moment, his skin tingling. He had waited so long for her to look at him and now she was. He was finally in her sights. He bowed to her and began to move away as she called for servants to bring her children to dinner. He would come to court everyday as long as Cersei was there, feast his eyes upon her and collect every glance she sent her way like a beggar scrambling for scraps. He had done the first for seven years and never had her sending even the tiniest look his way. That had changed. By the grace of the Seven, it would go further. Much further. You did mention that Ned was alive in a previous post, I think. So let's go with that. Which brings up the question - will Joffrey order Ned's execution here, or let him go on to the Night's Watch as Cersei had intended?