The crossed rose: The War of the Five Kings - GoT - R.S.

3,000

The wedding had been surprisingly beautiful and shockingly pleasant. Rosalin was ecstatic, Lord Edmure was happy, Robb and his men were well-rested and Lord Walder Frey... Well he was definitely the most content with the outcome of this wedding as anyone else. After all, now, not only did he have a daughter as the Queen in the North and the Trident, his other daughter was Lady of Riverrun and Wardeness of the Riverlands. Now, Walder Frey had everything he had ever hoped for and more and he was so happy he could almost throw another feast just for the fun of it, but of course, whatever happiness he had the chance of experiencing, it was short-lived since, not after a full day after Rosalin's wedding, the King and Queen in the North had requested for a meeting.

"Your graces." Lord Frey greeted them with what Dahlia could describe as the biggest smile she had ever seen in the old man's face as the two of them walked into the main room. "You've had a good night's rest, I assume. What, after such a party!"

"We have, Father." Dahlia nodded sharply, feeling her next words heavy on her tongue. "We thank you for your hospitality."

After all, Dahlia could not lie. Her father, as unpleasant as he was, had been nothing but accommodating to them and he had helped her prepare quite a party for his and Robb's men. They had all rested quite well, eaten just as properly and enjoyed themselves to their heart's desire. And even though they had been growing restless after waiting around at the Twins for so long while a war raged outside, not even the most bloodthirsty of their soldiers could deny this wedding had been a blessing in disguise.

"Of course, of course." Lord Frey dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "Now, I hear your graces wanted to talk to me?"

At that, both Dahlia and Robb exchanged a glance and when the young woman offered her husband a nod, he fixed his posture to speak up.

"As Queen Dahlia said, you have our thanks, Lord Frey, for all the time and space and food you have so kindly offered us and our men. However, as you well know, there is still a war raging outside these walls and we have spent enough time away from it." Robb said and one glance at Lord Frey's face let them both know the man did not appreciate the change in subject. "The men are growing restless and if we mean to march on, doing so as soon as possible would be best."

"I see." Lord Frey grimaced. "So you are leaving then?"

"With the men we were promised." Dahlia spoke up, to which Lord Frey turned to her with a frown. "3,000 at the least."

"3,000 men?" Lord Frey scoffed. "Do you mean to leave this castle unguarded?"

"No." Dahlia shook her head. "I just mean to take as many men from you as I can to aid in the war while still leaving behind enough numbers to protect the Twins."

"I cannot give you 3,000." Lord Frey said.

"You can." Dahlia argued back, her whole body tensing when she realized she would have to fight her father for the men she had been promised by him. Because of course she would. Never trust a Frey was what they said, wasn't it? "I know you can. And you will. Because that was what I was promised if I gave you a marriage and Harrenhal."

"I understand." Lord Frey nodded, a condescending smile on his face that made Dahlia sigh heavily. She relaxed slightly against the hand Robb placed against the small of her back, but even as he rubbed his thumb in circles over her dress, the King could feel all the knots tied tight on her muscles - if from the stress or the heavy belly she was still carrying around, he couldn't be sure. "But I'm sure you understand I cannot offer you that many men if I mean to keep this Castle safe."

"You will be allowed to spare as many men as necessary to keep the Twins safe, my lord." Robb spoke up before Dahlia could. "But that number won't be quite as high as you may think. I plan on personally selecting some of my greatest soldiers and best archers to stay behind and guard the castle."

"You are kind, your grace." Lord Frey said. Lying through his teeth the filthy man. "However..."

"While I am away, the Twins will be the safest Castle in Westeros, I promise you that, my lord." Robb said. "How could that not be, if it is the place I plan on keeping not only my Queen, but also her most cherished companion and my own mother?"

At his words, Dahlia sent him a glare. After all, they hadn't actually discussed this part of the conversation and, as much as Dahlia knew it was only sensible - what with her so close to giving birth -, she absolutely hated the thought of letting Robb go away from her. Especially when she knew he was riding straight into battle. Still, she didn't show it. She couldn't, not in front of her father. Instead, she decided she'd bother Robb about it later, in private.

"I see." Lord Frey nodded, but both Robb and Dahlia could tell he was still not swayed. "It is just, your grace, as my daughter, I supposed I thought you would allow me a..."

"The thing is, father..." Dahlia spoke up, interrupting her father's speech to the surprise of both men around her, but while Robb turned to her with pride shining in her eyes, Lord Frey sent his daughter a look so nasty she could almost feel it crawling up her skin. "I do not stand here now as your daughter. I stand here now as your Queen, demanding of you what was promised to me. You'll do well to remember that."

"Of course." Lord Frey spat through his teeth, angry beyond belief, but having his hands tied. Looking away from his daughter then, the man chose to address Robb instead. "3,000 men for a well-guarded castle?"

"Yes, my lord." Robb nodded.

"Very well." Lord Frey leaned back against the chair and waved a hand around. "Take your pick of the litter then. Though I'm not sure how well they'll serve you in a battlefield, your grace."

"I thank you, my lord." Robb bow slightly at Lord Frey before turning around to walk away from the Main Room, with Dahlia beside him and their guards after them. As soon as the doors behind them were closed, Robb turned to his wife with a smile. "You were brilliant in there, my love."

"You are not in the clear, Stark." She glared up at him, huffing loudly when she noticed the amused glint in his eye. "Now that the matters with my Father are over, we have some matters of our own to discuss."

Laughing quietly at the way Dahlia started to walk a little faster - or, as fast as her pregnant belly would allow her - so she could keep her distance from her husband, Robb shook his head as he watched her go, fondly.

"As you wish, your grace."