𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 & 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙨, 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘣 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘬

𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔫 | 𝖗'𝖍𝖑𝖑𝖔𝖗

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ＴＨＥ ＤＯＯＲ ＣＲＥＡＫＥＤ，making Rhaene's eyes snap open. Slow footsteps made their way toward her, after closing the door and locking it.

A soft sigh escaped his lips. "Rhaene, I understand that you're upset, but is it really so bad to marry me? I thought you wanted this."

Rhaene shut her eyes briefly, before turning over towards him. "I did, and I still do - I just wish it was under better circumstances." Her pale emerald eyes peered at him in the fire-lit room.

Robb began to untie his leather jerkin, sighing in frustration.

Slowly, Rhaene stood from the bed and made her way over to him, offering him her hands as if to ask if he wanted her help. He watched her a moment before dropping his hands, allowing her to replace them.

Rhaene worked skillfully, untying the worn leather strips and peeling away layer after layer. Soon, he stood in front of her wearing only a cotton tunic and trousers. He stopped her hands as she moved to untie his tunic, instead looking deeply into her eyes. "May I kiss you?" he asked.

Rhaene stared up at him for a long moment. Slowly, she nodded.

Robb lowered his mouth to hers, hovering there while he brushed his thumb over her jawline. His eyes met hers. "You're so beautiful," he murmured before finally connecting their lips.

Rhaene couldn't describe the feeling. He was soft and warm and he felt like home. Her hands held his biceps, squeezing softly as he nipped at her bottom lip. She suddenly pulled away. "I can't," she whispered.

Robb let out a shuddering breath, brushing his hands through her silver locks. "I won't do anything until you're ready," he said softly, "but you can't deny me forever." He pressed one more kiss to her cheek before dropping his hands and climbing into bed.

Guilt poured through Raene, and desire - she wanted to be close to him, but it didn't feel like the right time. Sighing, she made her way toward the bed and climbed in, sleeping on the opposite side.

≽ ∗ ≼

The next week was hectic, with the King's family readying for the journey home. Jon had also decided to join the Night's Watch, much to Raene's surprise.

She made her way out to the courtyard, spotting him saddling his horse. "Jon," she called with a smile.

He turned to her, returning it. "Lady Raene," he greeted.

"I know I can't change your mind," she said, "but may I ask you something?" She waited for him to nod before continuing. "When you get to the Wall, can you ask the Maester there to search through his records on Alysanne Targaryen? I wish to visit her death place someday."

"Aye, I think that can be done." Jon stared at her for a long moment, noting her dark circles and fidgeting fingers. "My brother..."

"Has not touched me." She gave him a reassuring half-smile. "He's been very kind, Jon. More than I could ask for."

"Well, good." Jon nodded. Sighing, he lurched forward and wrapped her in a hug. "Be good to him, will you? He's a good man."

"Always," she promised.

"Should I be jealous?" an amused voice spoke from behind them.