Golden Winter || Robb Stark [on hold]

Chapter XXIV

XXIV. Bargaining Exceptions

Returning to his tent that day, Robb's head seemed heavier than it was before especially now that it carried a crown upon it.

Despite winning every encounter with the Lannister army and outsmarting Tywin Lannister in every move, he still felt like it wasn't enough.

Would he have to battle every single time? What would it even do? He was trapped in battles after battles, an endless loop and he wasn't any closer to slitting Joffrey's little throat.

When the men declared him King in the North, he thought that he would be the man who would bring his father justice. The man who would bring his sisters home. The man who would reunite his family and reunite the North.

But alone, he couldn't help but wonder how was he supposed to do all that when it had been not so long when he had just ridden for his first battle.

He had to do more than just fighting. After all, there was more to being king than just sword fighting and wars.

He knew that he'd have to do more.

That's when it hit Robb. His bargaining tool. His most valuable prisoner. The Kingslayer.

Jaime Lannister.

{~~~~~~}

"Jaime Lannister, do you ever shut your mouth?" She couldn't help the exasperated sigh that left her lips.

Reau had been keeping company with the man for over an hour now. Even if he might deny it, her presence was better for him to have someone to talk to lest he go insane.

It wasn't exactly bad for her to speak with him, it gave her something to assign herself to while Robb grew busier by the day.

Responsibilities of the King in the North. She couldn't help but worry for him on that note, last she'd seen him, he had been missing sleep due to work. Reau would have to visit him later, even if he might not want it.

Though now, she was stuck with the Lannister prisoner and her friend, Titus. He had gone so far as to insult his form and if she had not been so used to egotistical men in her life,she would have walked out on them already.

"What? It's the truth. Don't deny it, my darling damsel." Jaime replied to her as she sat on a small wooden stool, courtesy of the soldier who would always allow her to see Ser Jaime.

Another annoying thing about him was his ability to give her a different nickname and although it was sometimes funny, most of the time it was annoying.

"Oh Ser Jaime, if only you knew how many men Ser Titus have brought down, you would certainly be saying something else." She warned, though her tone was not serious but playful.

Their talks were like a game to her. Make one move, it does something so she had always thought of everything before saying them. But right now, it was like fighting, like a dance. Graceful and deadly.

"I'm scared. Honestly." Jaime replied, emotionless making Titus growl in anger once more.

Before he could think on attacking Jaime, Reau placed her hand on his arm and gave him a silent look. Titus took it as a sign with a swift nod, he walked off, not so far but enough to cool his head.

Now, they were alone and Reau thought to use it to her advantage. After all, with Titus, Jaime just took the time to insult him.

But unfortunately for her, he had beaten her to it.

"So, what do you really want from me?" He questioned, eyes narrowing. "Did the wolf king put you up to this?"

Reau smirks, trying to hide what she was truly feeling inside. The surprise hidden behind her smile.

"What makes you think it was him who put me up to this?" She asked.

"I saw the way he looked at you when he returned from the Whispering Wood." Jaime answered.

She cocked her head to the side. "And how did he look at me?"

"Like you were the only thing that mattered."

Reau couldn't help but let her mouth fall open the slightest bit in surprise. Were they both oblivious to the fact that their relationship had been too clearly seen by others.

First Lady Stark then her father and now, Jaime Lannister. They had to be more cautious. Robb was still betrothed and with the war going on, nothing about that was gonna change so fast.

"Whatever you say, ser." She rolls her eyes, trying to make it seem like no big deal.

Suddenly Jaime smirks. "Surely you feel the same way. The King in the North and his Queen."

Reau gave him a pointed look. "Not everyone is as power hungry as you. Just because Robb looked at me, it doe-"

"Robb?" He raised an eyebrow. "You two are closer than I thought."

'Seven hells, what did I do?' She thinks.

"He is my king, nothing more." Reau said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere better to be."

Well, it wasn't her highest moment but he was really getting on her nerves. A person could only take so much after all.

"Off to be with your king?" Jaime called out, bursting into laughter as she walked off, irritated.

~~~

Reau was fuming. Absolutely fuming. Up until now, she had thought that she had full control of the situation. That she had convinced Jaime Lannister of how much he needed her.

But just because he brought up Robb, now he had equal control of the situation. After walking off, half in anger, she headed to Robb's tent.

After all, she did say that she had to check on him anyway.

She approached his tent, earning curious looks from the men guarding it.

As she was about to enter, a soldier stopped her. "My lady, His Grace asked for no one to bother him."

Reau frowned. It wasn't like Robb to close off from everyone else. What she didn't know was that he closed off everyone.

That is, everyone but her.