lover's mercy - jaime lannister

THIRTY-TWO

Robb was negotiating with the Freys to secure an alliance once again. She sat beside him. Her hand rested on her stomach under the table; the thought of the life growing inside her seemed to always be at the surface.

              "Thank you for riding here so quickly," Robb greeted the two Freys from where they sat across the table. "I know travel isn't easy in these times."

               "The roads are crawling with cutthroats and bandits," Black Walder said; just the sight of him made her skin crawl. "But when the King of the North summons us, we come."

But then there was Olyvar Frey; the boy had a bright smile on his face to see the Starks. Squiring for Robb had been the best thing he had ever done. He had no idea of the ill intentions his own family had planned for them.

"Our father has instructed us to tell you that his alliance with the North can continue if his terms are met," Olyvar said hopefully. "Lord Frey requires a formal apology for your violation of your sacred oath to marry one of his daughters."

"Of course. He deserves as much. I was in the wrong," Robb said.

"As restitution for this betrayal, he demands Harrenhal and all its attendant lands," Black Walder stated.

"I don't think that's..." Edmure started to say.

"We are fighting for the North," Robb gave him a sharp look. "Harrenhal is not in the North. It is his once the war is over and we have no further strategic need for it."

"And there's something else," Black Walder said.

"We will do whatever we can to give Lord Frey what he needs."

"Not what, whom," the Freys looked at Edmure.

"What?" Edmure said before chuckling. "No."

"Our father requires Lord Edmure to wed one of his daughters...Roslin," Black Walder explained.

"How old is she?"

"Nineteen."

"Could I see her first?"

Elya rolled her eyes.

"You want to count her teeth?" Black Walder said. "We depart for the Twins in the morning. We need an answer before we leave and a wedding not more than a fortnight thereafter or this alliance is at an end."

"Your father does realize we're in the middle of a war?" Robb stated.

"Father is old. It will put his heart at peace if he could see her wed to a good husband. And his recent experience has made him wary of long engagements."

"He has every right to be. Please excuse us while we discuss it."

The Freys left the room and Edmure immediately protested, "Why should I let that old ferret choose my bride for me? At the very least, I should be offered the same choice you were. I'm his liege lord."

"He's a proud man and we've wounded him."

"I didn't wound him. My answer is no."

"Uncle, we all must make sacrifices," Elya pleaded. She made her own sacrifice by marrying Steffon. She gave up love.

"Listen to me and listen very carefully. You..." Blackfish started to argue with his nephew.