Love beneath the Snow

22| 𝔞 𝔫𝔢𝔴 𝔭𝔲𝔯𝔭𝔬𝔰𝔢

𝔫𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔫 𝔯𝔢𝔤𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰

— THE MORNING LIGHT FILTERED THROUGH THE THIN FABRIC OF THE TENT, CASTING DELICATE PATTERNS ACROSS THE FLOOR. Valira lay on the simple cot, her mind restless as she contemplated her circumstances. Days of confinement and the constant hum of camp life had blurred together into a monotonous haze. The sound of footsteps approaching snapped her from her thoughts.

Robb Stark entered the tent with a purposeful stride. His face, usually so composed, now carried an edge of determination. He held a set of keys in one hand, his gaze meeting Valira's with a mixture of firmness and something softer. "Good morning Princess" he said, his tone formal but not unkind. "I've come to discuss a new arrangement."

Valira's eyes widened slightly, and she sat up, her chains clinking softly. "What kind of arrangement?" Robb moved closer and unlocked the chains binding her to the cot. As the last link fell away, he continued, "I will release you from these chains, but under one condition. If you attempt to escape, you will be confined to a cell. I cannot afford to let you go free without assurance of your intentions." Valira nodded, her expression thoughtful. The weight of the chains lifting from her limbs brought a sense of relief, and her mind raced with the possibilities this new arrangement could bring. "And what will I be doing instead?"

"You will assist a girl named Talina," Robb explained. "She has been caring for the sick and injured soldiers. Your presence would be a valuable addition, and it will keep you occupied." The prospect of being useful—and escaping the monotony of her confinement—brightened Valira's mood. "I agree to your terms."

Robb led her outside, and the brisk morning air felt invigorating against her skin. The camp was alive with activity: soldiers moved about with purpose, and the sounds of hammers and horses mingled with the distant murmur of conversations. They approached a smaller tent set aside for medical care. Inside, a young woman with a determined expression was carefully tending to a patient.

"Talina," Robb called, drawing the young woman's attention. "This is Princes Valira Baratheon. She will be assisting you from now on." Talina looked up, her eyes assessing Valira with a blend of curiosity and caution. "Welcome, Princess. I'm glad to have the extra help." Valira offered a warm smile, feeling a flicker of hope. "Thank you, Talina."

The first few days were a whirlwind of activity. Valira quickly adapted to her new role. She learned to clean and dress wounds, prepare herbal remedies, and provide comfort to those in pain. Talina was a patient and kind mentor, guiding Valira through the various tasks with a steady hand and a reassuring presence. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, and their conversations flowed easily.

Talina shared stories of the soldiers she'd cared for and the struggles of life in the camp. Valira, in turn, spoke of her life in the Red Keep, her family, and her feelings of displacement in this unfamiliar world. Their shared experiences and mutual respect forged a strong connection. As Valira worked, Robb observed from a distance. He would occasionally visit the medical tent, his gaze lingering on Valira as she tended to patients with a gentle competence. There was a softness in his eyes when he watched her, a fascination that grew with each passing day. The more he saw her, the more he felt old emotions stirring within him, feelings he had thought he had long suppressed.

One evening, as Valira and Talina finished tending to a particularly challenging case, Robb approached them. The tent's dim light cast a soft glow on his face, highlighting the thoughtful expression he wore. "You're doing well, Valina," Robb said, his voice low and sincere. Valira looked up, her face flushed from the day's work, her hair slightly tousled. "Thank you, Robb. Talina has been a wonderful mentor." Talina nodded in agreement, her own smile reflecting pride and affection for her new colleague. "We make a good team. The Princess' assistance has made a real difference."

As Robb walked away, his thoughts were a tangled web of conflicted emotions. Valira's presence, her strength, and her kindness were stirring feelings he had tried to bury. The more he observed her, the more he felt those old feelings reawakening, creating an internal struggle he could hardly ignore. Valira, oblivious to the effect she had on Robb, continued her work alongside Talina. Each day spent tending to the sick and injured gave her a renewed sense of purpose. The camp, though still tense and uncertain, seemed a bit brighter in her eyes. The friendships she was forming, the lives she was touching—these were small, yet significant, sources of solace in the midst of her captivity.

A/N:
Shorter chapter! Robb is adorable. And I love Talina. I think her and Valina's friendship is so cute! What do you think of this chapter?
Love you all!