Love beneath the Snow

19| 𝔞 𝔟𝔬𝔫𝔡 𝔟𝔯𝔬𝔨𝔢𝔫

𝔫𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔫 𝔯𝔢𝔤𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰

— THE MORNING AIR IN THE CAMP WAS CRISP, AND THE BUSTLING ACTIVITY OUTSIDE CONTRASTED SHARPLY WITH THE QUIET SOLITUDE OF VALIRA'S CELL. The heavy silence within was occasionally broken by the distant murmur of soldiers and the clinking of chains. Valira sat on the edge of her cell, her posture rigid and her gaze fixed on the metal bars opposite her. The recent revelations and the harsh reality of her confinement had left her feeling both numb and angry.

The cell door creaked open, and Valira glanced up with an expression of curiosity. Robb Stark entered, his face set in a serious expression that spoke of both resolve and weariness. He moved with the familiar confidence she had seen in Winterfell, though now there was a distance in his eyes.

"Princess," Robb began, his tone formal. "I've come to speak with you about your situation." Valira's eyes met his, but her gaze was cold and distant. "Lord Stark," she replied, her voice devoid of warmth. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Robb took a step closer, his expression softening slightly. "I want to offer you a measure of freedom. You will be released from this cell, but you will remain in my tent, under guard and chained. It's a compromise that I hope will address both our concerns."

Valira's expression remained unchanged, her eyes betraying little emotion. "Released, but still a prisoner. I suppose that's more than I should expect. After all, we were friends once, weren't we?" Robb's gaze grew somber. "We were. And I regret that our circumstances have changed so drastically." Valira's tone was icy. "Friendship seems to have little place in the harsh realities of our world. I'm sure you understand that better than anyone."

Robb's expression was a blend of regret and determination. "I do. But even in these difficult times, I must do what I believe is right." Valira stood as Robb approached her, her movements deliberate and measured. "And what is that, exactly? To offer me a semblance of freedom while keeping me bound by chains? How noble." Robb's eyes were filled with a mix of sympathy and resolve.

"It's a compromise necessary for the safety and security of both you and my men. I hope you understand that."

Valira's response was curt. "I understand that my circumstances are not improving, and that you're doing what you can within the constraints of your position." Robb nodded, acknowledging her frustration. "There are important matters we need to address, and I wish the situation were different." As he spoke, Robb approached the chains and began to fasten them around Valira's wrists. The metal was cold and unyielding against her skin, and Valira shivered slightly.

The chill of the evening air seemed to deepen as Robb Stark led Valira away from her cell. The camp was quiet, with only the distant sounds of soldiers settling in for the night. Valira's thoughts were a chaotic swirl of confusion and dread. Robb's presence, usually one of reassurance, now felt heavy with unspoken burdens.

As they approached Robb's tent, Valira could see the flickering light of lanterns casting eerie shadows on the canvas walls. Robb stopped at the entrance, holding it open for her with a gesture that seemed almost courteous in contrast to the gravity of the situation. "Let's go," Robb said, his voice steady. Valira stepped inside, her gaze scanning the interior. The tent was spacious, with a table covered in maps and various documents, but her attention was drawn to the chains hanging from the central support beam. The sight of them sent a shiver down her spine.

Robb's expression was serious as he gestured to the chains. "I need to ensure that you can't escape. It's a precaution for both your safety and mine." Valira's face tightened with a mix of anger and resignation. "So this is my new home. Chain me up like a prisoner in your personal quarters." Robb's expression didn't waver. "It's necessary under the circumstances."