"Lady Valiente, we've arrived."

Victoria felt her stomach flip as she looked out the carriage doors and up to the castle walls, oh how she hated this place. The clouds gloomed over it, making the already rundown walls look even worse. The smell of the river that ran alongside smelled of decay, mixed with the smells of sweat and wet dirt it almost made her gag. She looked around, seeing many carts coming in and out, filled with what she could only assume to be supplies for the later festivities.

"You don't look happy to be here," Elaine remarked as she too leaned in to see the fortress.

"That's because I'm not," Victoria responded, she sat up straighter, inhaling and pushing her dress to hide her belly that was now growing at a rapid rate. "The twins are where all chivalry and respect towards women goes to die. Walker Frey is a disgusting man with an obsession over little girls, he marries anyone he deems young and pretty enough for him, doesn't even matter if these girls can bare him children."

Elaine's eyes widened with a sense of knowing, she curled back into her seat, "hopefully by tomorrow we won't ever have to see this place again."

"We won't," Victoria responded with joy, "I warn you though, being here means that you absolutely cannot leave Ser Trout's side. These men will take any chance to grab a women who is alone."

"I imagine the same rules don't apply to you," Elaine responded, her eyes taking note of how many men walked outside, they all looked rough and drunk.

"When you come from a family like mine, your name bares more strength then most men. And besides, Lord Frey wants to make me one of his sons brides, won't make for a pretty wedding if the bride has already been man handled now would it."

The carriage doors opened before they could continue their conversation and Sir Trout stood there, beside him a Valiente soldier. Her sworn Knight extended a hand, "King Stark got word that Lord Frey would like to speak with you, he's all up in arms about it."

"And let the festivities begin." She said sarcastically and took his hand to step out. Sir Trout winked her way back.

A small signal that true festivities were to come after this long day.

|•|•|•|

Victoria has chosen to wear something modest, after all it was the brides day, no matter how elated she felt for this day to have finally come. The top of her dress was a beaded gold with a base of black, it was long sleeved but the shoulders and collarbone were bare and dipped into a lovely sweetheart neckline that had an intricate corset type detailing. The bottom portion was a puffed out tool consistency, perfect for concealing any growing bumps. Her hair was pulled into an elegant bun with soft whisks adorning the sides of her face.

Sir Trout wore a black suit of armor besides her, small cuts of gold as well. While Elaine wore a simpler version of her Lady's dress that flowed slinky down her shapely figure and hugged her curves in a modest way, the neckline was a softer touch of golden, just barely noticeable in the right light. The trio of them looked inseparable which was exactly the type of look Victoria wanted as she walked through the entrance of the castle and the natural light was snuffed out with dimly lit candles and darkened hallways.

She subtly griped Elaine closer to her side, even as the blonde walked beside her, to keep the eye of the Frey men and sons away from the pretty blonde. Sir Trout made eye contact with each of them, daring them to make an advance towards either of the women. No one stopped them however, and they kept walking through the walls until finally finding themselves outside once again, standing in front of the great hall where the doors here being pulled open by Frey guards and the Starks first walked inside.

Victoria took note how Catelyn walked behind, next to her brother Edmure who's slumped shoulders indicated how against this union he truly was. Talisa and Robb were of course at the front, both standing tall. Victoria paid little mind to them as she took a deep breath before entering the Great Hall and finding Walder Frey sitting at the end, a large chair much like one the Starks had in their home. The inside smelled like wet wood, it felt damp and dreary.

Victoria did her best not to cringe back, god she hated it here. They filled in, Victoria walking towards the left where she comfortably stood in the front and Sir Trout took place next her, blocking the Starks view of Lady Valiente. The Queen mother turned in her direction and although she seemed to scan her former daughter in law thoroughly Victoria willed herself not to look, she hadn't spoken to Catelyn in days, she supposed it was now their place. Lady Stark had to stand by her sons side regardless of his decision as Victoria had to do best for her child.

She stood tall, like the proper respected Lady she was, she came from valiente blood after all.

Servant girls suddenly come around, pieces of bread were displayed on their tray and while Victoria took the smallest piece and held it her hand there was no partaking in the ceremony for her. She wasn't all that hungry, in fact her stomach felt rather nauseous from the very smell of the Frey home but she couldn't be rude to the Lord.

"My honored guests, be welcome within my walls and at my table. I extend to you my hospitality and protection in the light of the Seven." Lord Frey greets the recent arrivals, his eyes go from left where the Tully's and Stark's stand to the right, eyes settling on Lady Valiente.

"We thank you for your hospitality, my lord." Robb respectfully greeted the Lord. The look on Walder's face was not amused, he seemed frustrated and tensions rose as everyone awaited a response. Victoria wondered how truly mad a man could be to invite the person who'd scorned him most to his home. "I have come to make my apologies, my lord, and to beg your forgiveness."

Victoria pressed her lips together from scoffing, or remarking anything that might give off her own unsatisfied stance. She noted for a moment how Walder's eyes flickered her way, just for a second as Robb spoke. His eyes were set on Robb once more as he responded, "Don't beg my forgiveness, your Grace. It wasn't me you spurned, it was my girls."

His hand lifted, gesturing for someone to come forward and out came 2 separate rows of girls, all of whom had their heads bowed. They all seemed to look at the group in unison as their father spoke, "One of them was supposed to be a queen, now none of them are."

Victoria shuffled, dropping her head to stifle the smile she had. It felt like centuries ago Robb stood in front of her with Lord Frey's request. Imagining the idea of any one of these women standing with her, behind Robb. She almost gagged at the idea.

Lord Frey continues to speak in his dull tone as he presented every daughter individually to the best of his knowledge, "This is Arwyn, my daughter. My daughter Walda, my daughter Derwa, my daughter Waldra. My eldest granddaughters Ginia and Neila. Serra and Sarra, granddaughters, twins. You could have had either. Could have had both for all I care."

There was an eyebrow raised from Lady Valiente and some people that hid a laugh with a grunt, everyone in disbelief at the old man's words. Walder Frey wasn't one to mince words but even this was beyond what most were accustomed too. Victoria searched the women, wondering which one may be the future wife of Edmure and while most were young and innocent, she could tell they had all inherited their fathers features. Meanwhile, Lord Frey kept speaking, " My granddaughter Marianne. My granddaughter Freya. My granddaughter...W-W-Wertha? Waldra? Waldina?"

"I'm Merry." One of the girls faintly corrected him.

He waved her answer off, "Fine. And here's my youngest daughter Shirei, though she hasn't bled yet. Clearly you don't have the patience for all that."

Robb seemed disturbed at his derogatory comments, truly it felt like every Stark soldier and north men alike all felt odd listening to the old man drone on. It was no wonder no one in the seven kingdoms took him seriously and while House Frey had once held immense power but with every new marriage Walder took a young, some would say unwilling, bride he coveted, the noses of society upturned to the Twins.

Robb's eyes travelled from one side to the other, they all resembled their father in some way or another. Most of these girls were younger then even Sansa might have been. All looked scared in some way, and some looked even clueless, still the King was here to give his apologies, wether they understood for what was another matter. "My ladies. All men should keep their word, kings most of all. I was pledged to marry one of you and I broke that vow. The fault is not with you. Any man would be lucky to have any one of you. I did what I did not to slight you, but because I loved another. I know these words cannot set right the wrong I have done to you and your house. I beg your forgiveness and pledge to do all I can to make amends so the Freys of the Crossing and the Starks of Winterfell may once again be friends."

Towards the end he barely looked a girl in the eye, the latter of his speech was directed towards the Lord himself who looked upon the King with contempt. It grew silent for a moment, and Victoria soon began to regret coming into the hall.

He clapped rather loudly, and all at once his daughters stumbled away, "very good." His dismissal of his daughters was short, barely awaiting the last to step away before his eyes roamed the rest of the newly arrived. Victoria felt his eyes set on her for a moment, and she attempted her best to seem happy. His eyes moved quickly until they settled upon Robb's counterpart, "There she is. Come closer, let me have a look at you."

Victoria narrows her eyes and not because the attention is now on Talisa who takes a small step forward and away from a cautious Robb,  but because she knows the old fool as does any women in the room. He leans forward, like he's about to devour her with those beady eyes of his. "Still can't see you. Old eyes."

He made a clicking sound with his mouth, licking his lips and hungrily looking her over, "Love. That's what the Starks of Winterfell call it, eh? Heh. Very honorable, I call it a pretty face. Mmmm, very pretty. Prettier than this lot, that's for sure. Very shapely as well. Oh, you try to hide her under that dress. If you wanted to hide her, you shouldn't have brought her here in the first place." His silence only filled further growing tensions. Victoria felt the hairs on her neck standup and she adjusted in her place. She didn't wish the stares from the wretched fool on anyone, even Talisa. "I can always see what's going on beneath a dress. Been at this a long time. I bet when you take that dress off, everything stays right where it is. Doesn't drop an inch."

Victoria was glad no one looked her way, her jaw fell slack at his audacious comment, she knew he was angry at Robb but to say something of that nature... he was testing the waters.

She composed herself before the next comment came out of the old fools mouth, "Your king says he betrayed me for love. I say he betrayed me for firm tits and a tight fit."The shuffle of feet told Victoria everything she needed to know about how well Robb was taking this conversation, and she admitted to herself, Talisa took it much more well then she would've. Walder kept speaking as he sat back, satisfied with his words, "And I can respect that. When I was your age, I'd have broken fifty oaths to get into that without a second thought. Well, I've enough room in the hall for you lot. We'll set up tents outside with food and ale for the rest of your men."

Robb's tone told everyone just how upset he was but nonetheless kept it together as he expressed whatever little gratitude he felt, "Thank you, my lord."

Walder stood, and while Victoria thought the conversation was done and she'd gotten away from being the focal point in conversation the old man's body turned in her direction.

"Lady Valiente, what a joy it is to see you again, please step forward I feel as if I haven't seen you in ages." He called her out, hand reaching out to her.

She felt her body go cold, tiny droplets of sweat on her neck suddenly seeming immense as she felt everyones eyes in the hall take a look at her.

The first step felt like it took every force within her to take, she branched away from the warmth of her companions and with a grandiose mindset she reappeared as her families jeweled daughter.

A smile dazzled her face as she confidently walked towards the front, "Lord Frey, what an honor it is to see you once more."

She reached his extended hand, fighting the disgust that attempted to rise and allowed him to lift her hand to his lips and kiss the tips of her fingers.

She bowed in only the way a women of her calibre would and greeted him, "thank you for your hospitality."

"Lady Valiente, my sincerest apologies for the tragic passing of your late father, truly he was a grand man." Lord Frey commented, Victoria had to bite the inside of her cheek and pretend like she didn't know he was lying through his teeth. Her father and Lord Frey despised one another.

"I, thank you, Lord Frey," she bowed her head to hide her expression. "I'm sure my father is appreciating your hospitality in some form."

"Yes well, I do hope your Uncles aren't too worried about you, a women such as yourself, in the midst of this war is a dangerous thing." He remarked, the end was almost spoken with pity. "I suppose I understand why you've stood beside them, it wasn't just me that was betrayed. You and my daughter were meant to be queens and now..."

"Yes well," she cracked a smile at him, attempting to seem modest and shy. In reality she never wanted a conversation to end as quickly as it had then.

Walder must have taken this a different way as he looked behind her to the crowd of Starks, "Well, let's get ready. The wine will flow red and the music will play loud and we'll put this mess behind us. Lady Valiente and I have much to discuss and catch up, I trust my sons will be able to show you where you'll stay, your grace."

He waves his hand in a sign of dismissal and Victoria attempted not to gawk at the boldness and rash way this man dismissed his King. It appeared that not all was able to be left behind and for that Victoria felt a bit of respect arise within her.

Robb didn't move and in turn not a single Stark soldier nor Lord made a move behind her, Victoria turned her body slightly to see his eyes were slit. Talisa stared at her husband with a puzzled expression as did his mother, and the king spoke, "I insist we wait for Lady Valiente, she is after all apart of our party and we'd like to give her the choice of where to setup with her men."

Victoria knew that wasn't exactly what he wanted, she could tell by his stance and fisted hand. Lord Frey seemed not to care for it, "nonsense, she is practically a princess, do you think I'd let Prince Doran's niece lay outside and have him hear of this? Lady Valiente's chambers have been arranged within my castle walls, I will lead her there myself. We shall all see each other very soon."

He left no words for discussion, and the doors to the grand hall opened once more. Robb stared straight at Victoria who in turn shifted her gaze from his piercing one and looked towards the old man who'd politely smiled at her.

Victorias skin crawled at the idea of seeing most of the group exit. The only ones that stayed were her Dornish soldiers and her entourage.

She swallowed thickly, "Lord Frey I sincerely thank you for your generosity but it is not necessary."

"Nonsense my darling, I can see the strife in your eyes. You absolutely detest him," he extends his arm and she feels her teeth tug at the soft skin inside her cheek, softly taking it and inching closer. "Besides, we must talk. You are now head of a grand house, heir too much and with Lannisters having spies in many areas I trust our new king keeps you close for more then reasons then just what he's stated."

She stopped and stared at him, the Lord cracked a smirk, chapped lips uplifting into an unpleasant way. "What? You think just because I'm old I don't understand what's happening? I see it in the way he looks at you, I saw it in his stance. The man wants you still, of course you and his bride. He's a fool, you are a lady, the girl he married is a foreigner with no lands or titles to back him she's offered nothing but troubles for the Starks now. That does leave you with ample opportunity and suitors."

"Oh, my lord," Victoria cautiously stopped, her throat went dry as she attempted to find the right words to speak. She knew he would extend a marriage proposal her way, she just never thought it would come so quickly. "I don't think..."

"I know, how could you possibly marry another just as you were betrothed to a Stark a fortnight ago, but my Lady, you see he took no time in moving on." Lord Frey countered.

"You're right and under any other circumstances I would wish nothing more then to be acquainted with one of your suitable sons however, I just lost my father, the Lannisters wish to capture me and parade me around like they do with Sansa, and I miss my father. I just want to send him off properly, I wish to see my family before I embark on another chapter of my life."

She was lying through her teeth, however every word she said was laced with agony and heartache. Truly, she stunned herself in her remarks but there was a hint of honesty. The last year has been far longer then any of her past, and closing it out would only be right in Dorne.

Lord Frey seemed to agree, or at the very least he respected her statement. "Very well, my dear, I can respect that. I hope you do consider one of my sons however, this way he can move to the boarders with you, and you can rest easy there."

"Yes well, I will thoroughly consider this, I'm sure my uncles would love to host you in the south." She nearly rolled her eyes at the idea of Oberyn Martell meeting the Frey's but continued, "on that matter I would like to address something with you."

"Oh," he stopped walking, they were somewhere deep within his castle, she looked around and noted how very little she could remember.

She turned back to see Ser Trout standing there, he nodded at her, "my uncles wish me too be home and frankly, Lord Frey, I think my time with the northern king has come to an end. I have no reason to stay here, my soldiers and trusted Knight have devised a way to cross my safely back to Dorne and we would like to cross the twins with your permission."

"My dear, you are aware that puts you directly in the crosshairs of the Westernlands." Lord Frey warned her, his voice was now deeper and tone serious.

She nodded, "yes well, we've devised a secure passage I hope."

"Lord Tywin has offered quite a bounty for anyone who captures you and hands you over." He stated and for a moment she felt fear surge through her, could this old crow be capable of crossing her? A smile suddenly overcame him and he leaned closer, "fuck the Lannisters though, they've always judged us a little too harshly considering the rumors now being thrown around. Yes, you are welcome to cross at any time. Would you be sailing or riding?"

Her smile twitched, he wanted details of her quest and she absolutely refused, "honestly, Lord Frey. I have no idea what's been devised, probably for the best, as women we worry too much."

She practically felt her fist tighten as the last words left her mouth but the seemed to do the trick, he continued walking and pressed a door open. Inside she found what she presumed to be quarters. They were much nicer then the rooms she'd been in previously a wide window was on either side. She could hear the river on one and the sounds of men cheering coming from the other. Her head turned and she quickly deduced she was now in one of the grand towers, odd considering she's never been this way but she supposed he pulled out all the stops for someone with lands he wished to command.

"This is beautiful," she remarked with a smile.

"It's one of our better chambers," he agreed, "you can oversee the river from that window, and the other overlooks the great hall where my daughter and Lord Tully are to be wed."

The Lady's coffee brown eyes wandered back to the Lord, suddenly realizing she had yet to state her full wishes. "About the wedding, Lord Frey, we wish to travel before the sun rises tomorrow..."

"And miss the wedding?" He questioned, his beady eyes protruded her way.

She nodded her head graciously, "unfortunately, I hope you understand but being there with the Tully's and Stark's it would just be..."

"Bitter," he stayed with emphasis, as if he too agreed. They stared at one another for quite some time, she didn't deny the allegations and he seemed to be under the same idea. "Very well, your party can cross with my consent at whatever time you wish Lady Valiente.
Have you told the King?"

She shook her head gingerly, "I haven't just yet, I suppose he won't be too pleased."

"No he will not," Lord Frey agreed and shrugged his shoulders, "seeing as how he has done as he has wanted I suppose this is something he should have expected with you. I do hope you reconsider coming down tonight, it will be quite the event."

He grew nearer and her smile deepened, relaxation overcame her, and she extended her hand, "I have no doubt it will be a glorious event."

"Oh by the gods," he kissed her hand and the hairs on her neck lifted at his sickly smile, "it will be an event quite unique."

Her brows furrowed as he winked her way but if she were to question he left her no time as he briskly walked around her and called back, "I will have guards posted outside of your door to keep you and this pretty handmaiden safe. If we do not see one another after this it's been a pleasure Lady Valiente."

Victoria was left with a resounding pit in her stomach at their goodbyes.

|•|•|•|•|

"Have you heard anything?" Victoria paced the opened window overlooking the Green Fork.

"No, my lady," Ser Trout responded. "I doubt we'll hear much until we pass."

She nodded her head, they'd chosen their words quite carefully as being under a strangers roof meant nowhere was safe. She wanted to walk outside, to find distraction in the chilled air or perhaps the soldiers who were drinking and competing against one another, anything to rid herself of this ghastly feeling overcoming her.

"We'll I suppose that's for the best." She muttered softly and stared back at the river, "gods, what I wouldn't give to be by that river."

"It smells terrible." Elaine remarked.

"I know, it would be the only thing on my mind then." She retorted and offered a less then pleased smile.

"Come," Elaine pushed open the chair sat next to a table with food around it, "why don't you eat something, you ought to be hungry."

"I'm not." Victoria responded.

Elaine eyed her, and after a moment of neither breaking the blonde looked towards the knight for assistance. Ser Trout stepped forward and offered a hand to the Lady, "come now, you need to eat, it's been a long ride today."

Lady Valiente stared softly at both her companions, and suddenly the overwhelming amount of feelings suddenly engrossed her. These two had stuck beside her for quite some time, had not once shown to be disloyal or given into greed against her. They had been with her through some of the darkest points in her life.

She smiled at them both and placed a hand on her covered stomach. "I realize I've never quite been the sentimental person, nor have I ever shown my amount of gratitude for the both of you but I assure you there is no one I trust more. You've both been there to help me stand strong, I simply don't know what we would do without either of you. I pray that one day soon I can shower you in the gracious way you've done for me."

Her eyes stung with tears and she attempted to blink them away and Ser Trout grew closer and took her arm, "my lady, there are no tears in a celebration. We celebrate with a feast for ourselves."

He drew the chair open just as a knock was heard and in stepped a Stark Knight.

He bowed at her, "your— my lady," he stammered. "The King wishes to speak with you privately."

The trio looked at one another in disbelief, Victoria pondered if Walder Frey had spilled her secret immediately but she deduced the old man was probably more bitter then she was at Robb. She stayed still and looked at her companions, "Lady Elaine, please eat, this will not take long."

Ser Trout wasted no time in following behind her. Whatever Robb would say to her could not be as bad as what she would tell him.

|•|•|•|•|

"Are you sure everything is in place," Victoria asked her sworn knight as they followed the Stark soldier threw the camp. Her eyes traveled from the various northern men walking amongst them, most of whom seemed quite drunk already and the sun hadn't even  begun to fall.

"Yes, my lady, everything is ready and everyone is set for their duties. Most of the men can't sleep," he muttered back to her, even though his eyes wandered to see if any of the men were listening he deduced rather quickly that none of them would be able to form a sentence.

"Good, I suppose it won't be hard to get past this lot, they are enjoying themselves. I hope they have the time of their life, gods only know what's in store for them." She observed, she felt slight pity, who knows how many of these faces would die for the Sharks after tonight. The Westerlands were Lannister territory, and that in itself was a threat all together.

They walked past Robb's tent where no doubt Talisa was in, Victoria arching a brow to her sworn knight who in turn agreed, of course the king would keep his new bride far away from his former betrothed. She could see Talisa inside with her handmaidens, she was smiling after saying something and the girls clapped, whatever it was just had been cheerful. They all jumped in joy, and Talisa's eyes went from each of them until landing on Victoria who walked by. The former queen of the north did not back down, and Talisa seemed slightly confused as she watched her walk past, stepping out almost as if she were planning on stopping Victoria.

"My lady," the Stark soldier caught her attention, he called her towards a closed off tent, one she deduced that the northerners used for strategy meetings. "His Grace wishes to speak with you alone."

Victoria and Ser Trout once more looked at one another but he took a step aside and nodded her way, "I'll wait for you right out here, my lady."

She nodded her head, "shan't be long."

The Stark man opened the flap and allowed her entrance, it was much warmer inside the tent, the smells of incense and warm cinnamon swirled her nostrils. She deduced that Talisa had now taken over much of the duties as Queen of the North and had such changed many of the smells. She briefly remembered how she'd picked citrus scents when it was her choosing, warm smells of lilac and roses. She looked around and some of the landscaping had changed, her eyes trailed around the newer details until she came upon Robb. His shirt was loose, drawstring  showing his chest, his hair seemed like it could use a good cut as the ends were frizzing and the last time his beard had been this long they'd still been in Winterfell.

She stared at him and suddenly a slight fury came upon her, everything suddenly occurred to her, this would be their last conversation, their final glimpse of each other. He had forced her away.

His eyes were slightly hopeful the longer they stared at one another and she instinctively went to place a hand to her belly but stopped. A breath escaped her to gain her courage and she spoke, "Robb."

He greeted her with a nod and responded back, "Victoria I—"

"I think I should speak first," she cut him off and walked around the room. Her mouth suddenly thirsted and although she knew Elaine would be furious she still pressed around him and poured some wine, just a tad to rid herself of nerves.

Robb watched her, eyes trailing over the thick coat 2 sizes too big for her, she'd worn it quite often as of late. It concealed most of her frame, hiding the curves of her hips and the ample bosom she carries. Her neckline was still pronounced, tanned collarbones glistening even through the dim lighting of candles. Her tan has yet to disappear, it had softened since her return from Dorne the previous year but she was still bronzed and beautiful.

Thick tufts of hair pulled into an elegant half updo and as she walked past him he nearly leaned into the fresh scents, sometimes when he envisioned her in his mind the smell was the most pronounced, it smelled like being alive, like truly touching a summers day. He took notice of the fine clothing she wore, the distinguished colors of Dorne pronounced. If they were ransacked by Lannisters in this very instant she would be picked out quickly. He had no idea if she knew truly how often his spies got back to him about her, the Lannisters wanted Dorne's crowned jewel, they'd kidnapped women with remotely similar appearances, perhaps if she knew she would no longer wear such bright colors. If she went back to the navy and greys of house stark he would at the very least feel the pit in his stomach lessen.

"I see you've been taken in by the Frey's." He muttered softly.

She turned, daring him to say something else and when he did not she retorted, "yes, we have common interest now I suppose. He has sons in need of wives, and I am in need of strong alliances."

"Vic—"

"You have no right to call me that, ever." She placed the glass down and crossed her arms. "After everything, you act as if not much has happened."

"I've apologized, I've begged for forgiveness, what more could I possibly do." He whispered.

"Let me go," she murmured back. Her eyes stung, she felt the tears threatening to escape, "I feel you everywhere I go. The men fear you, the Lords all secretly speak to me..."

"Secretly?" He scoffed and poured a cup of wine, "they practically paw at you when I am in the room, believe me there is nothing secret about their desire for you."

"They are not married, they are allowed to feel that way! You summoning me here, consistently asking me to turn the favors of men! Do you not see I am not safe here, I am not wanted in Westeros!" She nearly screamed, her knees shook.

"What are you saying to me," he questioned, suddenly Robb felt like he needed support of a table. He stared at her, there was faint traces of worry lines around her eyes, different to the girl he had known.

The words couldn't surface any longer, it was as if her body was having an internal battle, her mind agreed that it was time to tell him of her departure but her body couldn't move, she physically could not speak the words. Her lips trembled and she managed to state, "what did you want me here for Robb?"

The silence is so deafening it seems even the chaos outside has gone away, her ears feel red and Robb's throat suddenly dries, neither ready to tell the other what's occurring but the hour is nye and they've reached a point of goodbyes. She blinks his way, and takes a sip of the wine, she was never one for the bitterness of ale but for this moment she would drink a whole pitcher.

Robb watches her for a moment and chooses to follow downing his wine and closing his eyes, just do it you coward, he nearly screams into his subconscious.

"Talisa is pregnant."

Victoria shakes, her hands grip the table that separates them, she feels her last hope crumble, the one semblance of love she has for him is destroyed. She loved him, she truly did but love and hate come hand in hand and now it seems one is drowning the other.

Her eyes go from brimming with tears to slit with pure malice and all she wants is to hurt him once more. There is never anything good from being summoned by a Stark, not for years. It's done, she drops her wine and walks around the tables softly, her fingers trailed the wooden table and a slow laugh suddenly rises, "of course, you've gotten her pregnant. What else did I expect."

This was always a possibility, a King must have an heir after all.

Another second and Robb takes the opportunity to speak, "we haven't told anyone, not even my mother. I wanted to speak with you first."

"Thank you, your grace," she sarcastically speaks his new title, her lips curl in a malicious way, "however I suspect hearing it from you or the stable boy would hurt the same. You've done it again."

"Victoria, this was bound to happen." He remarks, although his tone is much gentler then she wanted. It was almost like he pitied her, and that just wouldn't do.

"And so was this," she states, and faces him fully, her demeanor is back, the rightful queen, he'd offend heard Lord comment about her. She takes a step towards him and smiles, it's like she's delirious with rage as she speaks, "I'm leaving, before the sun rises I will be gone and you will not longer have to pretend like you cared. There will nearly be a continent between us, and before long a militia guarding my fortress. You can have all the bloody children you want with her, enough to fill Kingslanding when you take it for all I fucking care. I'm done Robert, this is my goodbye."

"Victoria, don't end it like this." He pleads with her, his hand grips her arm, "we had some good times together. I'm sorry it didn't end the way it should've but you have to understand. I fell in love."

"Yes you did and did I. I loved you Robb and perhaps you never loved me like I did." She licked her lips and looked away, she swore never to utter the words to him but now all she wants is for him to feel her pain. She has one card left, one thing, " when I left Winterfell I was pregnant with your child Robb."

Robb's face drained of all its color, like the life was sucked out of him, his sea green eyes suddenly dulled, mouth agape she watched realization slowly deep through him. As if a literal force crashed into him he fell to his knees in front of her. Head bowed his hand wrapped around her knees and she froze, tears streamed down her face and bit her lip from saying anything.

"The baby..." he trailed off, finally looking up and eyes glistening with tears. He saw her eyes, tears flowed stronger then the rivers outside, there was no need for the words but he still needed the confirmation.

"It died the same day our fathers did, all that pressure and stress caused me to miscarry." She said after repressing a sob. "All those days you said I was avoiding you, those nights you spent claiming I no longer loved you and I slept with Ser Trout I mourned our baby in silence so you wouldn't feel the pain."

"Stop," Robb begged, his hands trembled.

But she would not, not now, and not ever. The Starks would know just how much she endured for him, "when you were off with Talisa gallivanting the meadows and smiling at a women too innocent for this war I sat in my tent and cried. I endured the stares from your Lords, the advances from their sons, all while I sobbed for a baby I never knew."

"Stop... please... I beg." His tears were strong now, his hands gripping at the fabric of her dress.

"You claimed I didn't love you anymore Robb and maybe you were right, when was the last time you asked of my state? I worried about you day and night while mourning our child and you never bothered to even check. And when I was able to look you in the eyes again, and contemplate our future you married her." Victoria felt free now, she felt nothing but disgust and fury.

"Victoria please..." he lifted his hands nearly touching her growing midsection.

She shoved his hands away, pushing him into the dirtied carpets that adorned his floors, "DO NOT TOUCH ME! DO NOT EVER PRESUME TO TOUCH ME ONCE MORE! You will listen to me Robert Stark. You will hear all that I endured, the screams I bit into a pillow when I passed our child, the way I couldn't even look at myself when they cleaned me up. Do you have any idea what it was like? Feeling death exit me while also wishing to go? Do you know how much I begged everyone who helped not to say a word to you, I pleaded with them to keep quiet for your sanity and now this is how you repay me!"

The table supported her trembling legs and she gripped one hand to them and watch Robb collect himself from the ground. She continued speaking, his head bowed to avoid her stare, "our child may have died because of my doing but you killed all the love I held for you in your own way. I truly hope that Talisa nor your child ever feel this solitude. You were so good at making me believe you truly loved me, but it was only when it suited you."

Her tears had stopped, Robb had noticed how her voice was no longer filled with sorrow but cold and striking. When he finally was able to look at her, the coldness of her blackened eyes and the residual streams leftover from tears frightened him, she had never inherently been menacing, but when backed into a corner and left to fend for herself she had evolved.

He repeated every memory they'd shared over the last 2 years, how often she'd refused her sexual advances, how little she'd eaten around him, or the way her polite excuses always seemed to be in the morning. She hadn't ridden a horse in quite some time, and when she was there was nothing but a gentle trot. Most of all, he remembered his mothers haunting words the day the marriage to Talisa had been discovered. His mother's eyes had shown in a way he could only remember her looking at Jon.

All these little moments suddenly came to light, and his humiliation rose. He stood, knowing there was no way of undoing this. He loved her but had burned the chances of reconciliation or any semblance on connection. And yet he couldn't help but hold out hope, it was very wrong of him, ghastly to hold love while his pregnant wife celebrated their conception but nothing would ever stop him from loving Victoria Valiente, nothing at all.

Robb didn't realize how long the silence had held him, not until her voice was no longer tightened with sobs and eyes dried with fury. "I suppose this is it then. After all the shit in our lives, this is where I leave you. Goodbye Robb Stark, I wish you good fortune in the wars to come."

She stepped away, and left their love with him.

|•|•|•|•|

Good morning my fellow ASOIAF FANDOM!!! It's a beautiful morning back in Westeros! We finally have House of The Dragon to thank for this update!

WARNING WARNING WARNING
This is the chapter before the red wedding meaning next chapter will be the events ando forewarn it will be gruesome. I will be posted TW with all the subject matter that will happen and when it will happen so if you don't want to read please feel free to DM me once the chapter has been published and I will summarize the ending of the chapter for you.

Thank you,

Ash Cash 🤍