Naveena STARK :||: The Iron Throne Trilogy #1

8) Naveena

We were allowed to have this mornings meal alone, just the Royal family. Though having a reprieve from the formality of dining with our hosts was refreshing, the meal didn't offer any buffer between Robert and me. In Kings Landing, the family never dined together like this.

I was seated beside the king, with his heir on his other side. The rest of the Lannister's sat opposite us, Jaime between his brother and sister, keeping the peace. Despite the absence of our hosts, there was still a chord of tension hanging above our heads.

Robert had already been at the table when the rest of us descended. With his empty, grease-stained plate in front of him, it left him wholly unoccupied and irritated in the company of his wife. His gaze lingered on the side of my face and I purposely ignored him, sipping the warm broth from my mug.

"So, Naveena, tell me, how are you liking Winterfell?"

Oh, here we go. "It's perfectly pleasant."

The king nods his head. "Yes, it's very pretty here too. Beautiful views, certainly good food." He gives a deep belly laugh, throwing the young serving maid a flirty look.

Cersei rolls her eyes, glancing over at her two youngest children to ensure they're preoccupied.

"Yes, what's not to like?" Robert returns his attention to me. "Not to mention handsome young Robb, you would have to say he's nice to look at, correct? And considering who his father is, he might have an even head on him as well."

I wasn't the only one who bristled, Jaime's mug stopped halfway to his lips. "An even head, huh?" Being sure not to look him in the eye, I raised the side of my mouth into a condescending smirk. "Even enough not to strike me when I inevitably speak out of turn."

The mood beside me plummeted and I could feel Cersei's gaze flicker between us. Robert simply glared. "Mmmmh, perhaps you should learn to hold your tongue to prevent such things from happening."

There was a clink of cutlery across from us and I rolled my eyes. "Oh yes, I should behave to make men behave, my fault when they don't."

Robert brought his fist down on top of the table, causing everything on it and everyone around it to jump. His breaths came out in angered huffs and finally, I turned to him. His eyes widened at the look of hatred on my face.

He shifted back around to the food, reaching for his goblet, no doubt filled with wine despite the early morning. "You should spend more time with young Robb and get to know him better."

Narrowing my eyes, I wished he would be a fucking man and face me. "I will happily spend time with Robb," Robert glanced at me sceptically. "Should he offer."

The king threw his glass and it sailed harmlessly over the top of Tyrion's head, smashing onto the stone floor and red spilled across the floor. The dwarf tried to cover his smile, ducking his head and nearly disappearing under the table. "You will like that boy, make him fall in love with you, whatever it is you have to do to marry that boy! I command it!"

"Oh, you command it, do you?" I threw down the beautifully embroidered napkins. "Like how you commanded me to be happy after murdering the man I love?"

I attempted to stand but Robert's hand snapped out and grabbed my wrist, faster than I'd seen him move in years. Across the table, Jaime and Cersei rose too. "You bitch–!"

"Lady Naveena!"

Everyone turned at the voice. Robb Stark stood in the centre of the Great Hall, one of the doors at the entrance ajar. His eyes were pinned to where Robert's fist was wrapped around my wrist. The young lord squared his shoulders, placing his hand on his sword and didn't say a word as he raised his gaze to meet the king's. The look on his face was excruciatingly familiar. Disgust.