LIONS AND WOLVES | Robb Stark

24. Battle Plans 𓃬

"ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THIS?"

"No."

Robb and Joanna had just informed Catelyn of their decision to take Casterly Rock, and she had a few questions and concerns of her own regarding their strategy.

"It's dangerous," she said.

"If we take Tywin's castle from him, the lords of Westeros will realise he's not invincible," Joanna said.

"Take his home, take his gold, take his power," Robb said.

"Why are you telling me?" Catelyn asked.

"You begged me not to send Theon to negotiate with his father, and I ignored your advice," Robb said. "Now Winterfell is burnt to the ground, the North is overrun with Ironborn and Bran and Rickon are gone. So, Casterly Rock... I'm asking your advice."

"We have enough men?" Catelyn asked.

"If Walder Frey cooperates," Robb replied.

"If Walder Frey cooperates," Catelyn echoed. "If reinforcements arrive from King's Landing before we take the castle, we'll be caught between Tywin's army and the sea."

"We'll lose the war and die the way father died," Robb said. "Or worse."

"Show them how it feels to lose what they love," Catelyn said.

Joanna nodded. "So you think we can do it?"

"With the men, and if we plan it right, I think it is entirely possible," Catelyn replied.

"This could turn the tide of the war for us," Joanna said. "And I won't even get to be there to witness it."

Robb almost smiled. "Of course not. You'll be busy looking after the baby."

"And what will you be doing while I'm looking after the baby?" Joanna asked. "Because I am not looking after it alone. Lest we forget, this baby is half your problem, too."

"I know, I know," Robb replied. "I was just messing with you."

Joanna narrowed her eyes. "You're not funny."

"Evidently we are not in a good mood today, I see," Robb muttered.

Catelyn couldn't help but smile as Joanna turned to Robb. "Excuse me? You weren't the one kept up all night because every time I close my eyes to sleep, the baby decided to kick me in the ribs."

Robb rolled his eyes. "You're very dramatic."

"Would you like me to kick you in the ribs?"

"No."

"Then don't call me dramatic."

𓃬

When they reached the Twins, they were summoned to an audience with Walder Frey, and as a tray of bread and salt was passed from Robb to Catelyn and then to Joanna, she had to force down the food out of courtesy. She was wearing a dress that hid her figure well from anyone's eyes, and a cloak that covered almost everything. From anyone else's perspective, it looked as though she was merely overdressed.

"My honoured guests," Walder said. "Be welcome within my walls and at my table. I extend to you my hospitality and protection in the light of the Seven."

"We thank you for your hospitality, My Lord," Robb said. "I have come to make my apologies, My Lord, and beg your forgiveness."

"Don't beg my forgiveness, Your Grace," Walder replied. "It wasn't me you spurned. It was my girls?" His daughters filed forwards and stood in two lines. "One of them was supposed to be queen and now none of them are. This is Arwyen, my daughter. My daughter Walda, my daughter Derwa, my daughter Waldra. My eldest granddaughter Ginia and Neila, Serra and Sarra, granddaughters, twins. You could have had either. Could have had both, for all I care. My granddaughter, Marianne, my granddaughter Freya, my granddaughter... Wertha?" She shook her head. "Waldra? Waldina?"

"I'm Mary."

"Fine," Walder replied. "And here's my youngest daughter, Shirei, though she hasn't bled yet. Clearly you don't have the patience for all that."

"My ladies," Robb said. "All men should keep their word, kings most of all. I was pledged to marry one of you and I broke that vow. The fault is not with you. Any man would be lucky to have any one of you. I did what I did not to sleight you, but because I loved another." At this, Joanna's cheeks burned. "I know these words cannot set right the wrongs I have done to you and your house. I beg your forgiveness, and pledge to do all I can to make amends so the Freys of the Crossing and the Starks of Winterfell may once again be friends."

Walder clapped slowly as his daughters moved away. "Very good." His eyes landed on Joanna and a cold smirk crossed his face. "There she is. Come closer. Let me have a look at you."

Sharing a glance with Robb, unease crawled up her throat. He gave her the slightest bow of his head, an indication that she heed his request. She raised her chin and took a few steps forwards, resisting the urge to cover her belly with her hands. Walder leaned forwards in his seat. "Still can't see you. Old eyes."

With a glance at Robb for reassurance and another nod in return, Joanna stepped forwards and bowed her head in a polite greeting.

"Love?" Walder asked. "That's what the Starks of Winterfell call it, eh? Very honourable. I call it a pretty face. Mmm, very pretty. Prettier than this lot, that's for sure. Very shapely, as well. Oh, you try to hide her under that dress. If you wanted to hide her, you shouldn't have brought her here in the first place." He leaned forwards again. "I can always see what's going on beneath a dress. Been at this a long time. I bet that when you take that dress off, everything stays right where it is. Doesn't drop an inch."

Joanna had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from retorting and behind her, Robb's hands clenched into fists at his sides. How dare a man like Walder Frey make such comments about his wife? Even from where he stood, Robb could see the tightness in Joanna's jaw and could tell that she was uncomfortable.

"Your king says he betrayed me for love," Walder said. "I say he betrayed me for firm tits and pretty eyes." Robb took a step forwards but was stopped by Catelyn as Walder continued. "And I can respect that. When I was your age, I'd have broken fifty oaths to get into a Lannister without a second thought." Joanna's stomach churned at the man's words. "The fact that she's a Baratheon as well? I don't blame you."

Joanna's anger was silently bubbling in the pit of her stomach. The man was vile. She wanted to take Robb's hand and run; forget the alliance with the Freys and taking Casterly Rock and just run away.

"Well, I have enough room in the hall for you lot," Walder continued. "We'll set up tents outside with food and ale for the rest of your men."

"Thank you, My Lord," Robb replied, his voice tense.

Walder got to his feet and clapped his hands. "Well, let's get ready. The wine will flow red and the music will play loud and we'll put this mess behind us."

Even as he said it, Joanna didn't quite believe his words, and the grin that Walder Frey gave her when she caught his eye for a fraction of a second was one that she would remember for the rest of her days.