a wolf and a stag // r.stark 1.

3.13 Pregnancy

"He's wanted me for one of his girls since I was twelve." Edmure then told them. "He's not gonna stop wanting it now. When I say no, he will come back and offer me a daughter of choosing."

"You're willing to risk our freedom and our lives for a chance of a prettier wife?" Catelyn spoke turning to her younger brother.

"I have a war to fight." Robb said while Arabella looked at one spot. "We can't win it without them. I don't have time to haggle. You've said you wanted to make men for the Stone Mill..."

"You recall that heroic engagement?" Brynden mocked his nephew.

"I had something less permanent in mind." Edmure argued.

"I've won every battle but I'm losing this war." Robb repeated the same words he told Arabella. "If we don't do this now, we're lost..."

Edmure thought about it for a moment. "I'll marry her." he then nodded.

"You're paying for my sins, uncle. It's not fair or right. I'll remember it." Robb nodded. Arabbela closed her eyes. Catelyn looked at her and frowned.

Arabella felt so bad inside. She stood up, making all the men to look at her. Robb saw tears in her eyes. "Bella." he called after but she didn't answer. Just left the hall.

"You've hurt her." Catelyn told him, understanding how the girl had to feel. She felt responsible for all the things that happened.

Robb stood up and left as well. Arabella was already in her room when he walked in.

He stopped seeing her sitting on their bed, crying to herself. His heart broke as he watched her break down.

He kneeled down to her level. She raised her eyes at him. He smiled and wiped her tears before bringing her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, my love." he whispered as she hugged him.

"No, it's not about my pride." she pulled away. "I can't help but feel guilty. You are loosing this war, because of me. If you had married that Frey girl, everything would've been fine!" she exclaimed hurt in her voice.

"I will hear no more." he said stroking her teary cheek. "I fell in love with you. I married you. You are the woman of my life. And you'll always be. If I could repeat that, I would, without a doubt."

She let out a shaky breath and hugged him stronger. "I love you." she whispered and smiled. "It's good that there will be more people like you." she wiped her tears before pulling away.

"What--" he began.

"I'm pregnant." she took his hand and put it on her belly. Robb stroke it with furrowed eyebrows. He then let out a laugh of happiness.

"Are you sure?" he asked his smile growing wider. She nodded and he grabbed her, before spinning her around. She laughed loudly. "Gods!" he yelled excitedly. "I promise I'll be the best father our child has." he said staring at her eyes.

"That I know." she chuckled and pressed her lips on his. "You have to promise me one thing. Tell no one. Not even your mother..."

"But why?" he questioned and she sighed.

"People want us bad, Robb. I don't want our baby to be the target." she told him, looking straight at his blue eyes.

"I promise." he smiled holding his wife close. He then kissed her again.

<...>

It was raining in Riverlands again. Arabella and Robb were in the big hall when Catelyn and Edmure walked in. "We will be leaving for the Twins tomorrow." Edmure informed. Robb nodded with a small smile.

"I need to warn you both that Lord Frey will take delay as a deliberate to insult you." Catelyn said.

"Walder Frey is getting the wedding he wanted. I don't see the problem." Edmure raised his hands confused.

"He is, but not the one he wanted." Catelyn answered glancing at the married couple.

"Walder Frey should be happy. Uncle Edmure is the best match House Frey has been offered in its history." Robb argued and took Arabella's hand in his.

<...>

Arabella and Robb were getting ready for bed. "Your mother still doesn't like me." Arabella commented getting into bed. Robb pulled her into his embrace.

"Don't worry. She'll have to." he smiled and she rolled her eyes playfully. "You have no idea how much I want this child." he kissed her head. Arabella smiled.

"I want him too. Or her." she mused.

"Either way, I'm happy." he smiled and they kissed.

"Hey, imagine the day when we'll live in Winterfell and two or three kids will run around and bore us." she imagined their future, with a great life.

"Just three?" Robb asked teasingly with a mocking voice.

She glanced up at him and he raised his eyebrow. "Ugh... Fine four it is." she chuckled. "I love you."

"I love you. Now, get some sleep, my queen. Tomorrow we're leaving..."

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