Jeyne... Westerling...
After a moment's hesitation, a sharp glint flashed in Robb's eyes as he asked, "Miss Jeyne, do you know Gawen Lord Sterling?"
Gawen Westerling is the Earl the Crag. He was one of Jaime Lannister's generals and participated in the siege of Riverrun. He was captured by Robb Stark's army during the Battle of the Whispering Wood (Chapter 221) and is currently imprisoned in Seagard, Riverlands.
Jeyne picked up a towel from the basin beside her and said, "He is my father. I learned from my brother that he is a 'guest' in your kingdom."
Robb tried to move, but frowned as the movement aggravated his wound.
Seeing this, Jeyne immediately came over and helped Robb lie down again. He smelled a faint floral scent on her.
Thank you... Miss Jeyne.
Jeyne picked up the towel again, sat down on the edge of the bed, and said with a gentle smile in her beautiful brown eyes, "Your Majesty, although you are physically strong, you are still injured for the time being. You need to rest and recuperate."
Robb smiled, his gaze unconsciously drifting to Jeyne's ample hips. Young Wolf, then quickly looked away.
He coughed lightly and said, "You mentioned your brother earlier, how is he?"
Jeyne gently lifted Robb's large hand with her small one, wiping it with a towel as she said, "His name is Raynald Westerling. Raynald Westerling is my father's heir, and he was impressed by your bravery..."
She chuckled softly and continued, "My brother excitedly told me that he saw the real king, jumping and skipping around like a little boy..."
Jeyne's voice was soft and sweet, giving people a warm and comfortable feeling. Robb listened quietly and fell asleep without realizing it.
That night, Robb suddenly developed a high fever, and Jeyne was busy almost all night.
As dawn broke, the Young Wolf, whose fever had been showing signs of subsiding, developed a fever again. Jeyne, who had just planned to rest, had to pick up the towel once more.
In the evening, Robb, whose fever had subsided, looked at Jeyne's pale face and said, "Miss Jeyne, thank you for your trouble."
Jeyne smiled gently, "You're welcome, it's my pleasure."
She approached with a black bathrobe, saying, "Let me change you; you'll feel much more comfortable."
Robb nodded and said, "Thank you for your help."
With Jeyne's help, Robb's robes were removed, revealing his clearly defined muscles, making him look like a statue sculpted from stone, exuding power.
Jeyne's graceful figure... leaned forward as she draped a new bathrobe over him.
Her soft fingertips brushed past her, and Robb, who had been holding his breath and whose body stiffened, did the same.
Thump-thump, their hearts pounded in each other's ears, rapid and powerful like drumbeats.
Jeyne, her face slightly lowered, could feel Robb's gaze piercing through her. She gently bit her pink lips and slowly raised her face.
Robb and Jeyne locked eyes, and they saw deep affection and expectation in each other's eyes.
Then, the two seemed to regain their breathing all at once, their breaths echoing in the tent like a moving melody, captivating all who heard them.
First, a long green dress gently fell to the floor beneath the bed, followed by a black nightgown.
"His Majesty..."
Call me Robb.
"Hmm... Robb... your injury..."
Tonight, the Young Wolf fights despite his injuries.
The following day, Robb Stark summoned his vassals from the North and the Riverlands and solemnly introduced his fiancée and future Queen, Jeyne Westerling, in front of everyone.
Robb's voice faded, a short, stout man with a thick black beard roared, "King Stark, you say she's your future wife? Have you forgotten your engagement to House Frey? You've broken your oath!"
Robb said in a deep voice, "I haven't forgotten, Black Walder."
He reached out and firmly grasped Jeyne's hand, continuing, "But the matter is as it is, and I will give the Frey family... a very sincere compensation."
Black Walder glared fiercely at Jeyne, who stood beside Robb. His name was Walder Frey, and he was called " Black Walder " to distinguish him from his other relatives Walder Frey.
He said, " The Frey ladies don't mind their fiancés cheating. If you've had your fill, I'm willing to do your job and get rid of this trouble for you."
The dozen or so Frey behind Black Walder burst into laughter. They weren't mocking him; they were happy because they had found a solution to the problem.
"Enough!"
Robb said coldly, "This is the king's order, and I do not wish to hear any more words that offend my wife."
Black Walder stood up abruptly, angrily saying, "Wife? Why don't we know? Without the witness and blessing of the Seven, this woman is not a legal wife."
Robb suppressed his anger and said, enunciating each word clearly, "I will hold the wedding immediately."
Black Walder snapped, "King Stark, the Frey ladies don't mind marrying widowers!"
Robb stared at Black Walder and said coldly, "I warned you, Walder Frey."
Black Walder glared at him defiantly, and the atmosphere in the hall became tense.
Robb's squire, Olyvar Frey, reached out and tugged at Black Walder's muscular arm, only to be met with a scornful rebuke. "Get away! You fool!"
He turned to Robb, his voice filled with rage. " Robb Stark, this is an insult to House Frey! The Twins have mobilized almost their entire army because of this engagement, and the Marquess of Walder Frey has died for you!"
Robb stared at Black Walder for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "I'll talk to you about this after you've calmed down. Olyvar Frey, take him out first."
"Get out of my way!" Black Walder shoved Olyvar Frey.
He drew his one-handed warhammer from his waist. "You bitch of the Westerling family, I'll smash your head in!"
With a series of swift movements, Robb's vassals and guards drew their swords, surrounding Black Walder and the Frey around him.
Robb's cold voice rang out. "According to the law, drawing a sword before the king without permission is a capital offense, Black Walder."
Olyvar Frey quickly said, "King Robb, please forgive me..."
Olyvar Frey's pleas were rudely interrupted by Black Walder: " Robb Stark, I can give you my head, but I demand that the whore beside you be banished!"
Robb gritted his teeth and said, " Greatjon."
The tall and muscular Jon Umber responded loudly, "At your service, King Robb."
" Jon Umber, in the name of the King in the North and the King of the Trident, I demand that you..."
Before Robb could finish speaking, Jeyne suddenly grabbed him. She shook her head slightly and said softly, " Robb, I'm fine. Please forgive him."
Robb and Jeyne stared at each other for a moment. He paused, then turned his blue eyes to Black Walder and said, "It was Jeyne's kindness that saved your life. You may leave, Black Walder."
"This is an insult to me!"
Black Walder wasn't impressed. He glanced at the other Walder around him and said, "Come with me!"
After saying that, he grabbed Olyvar Frey and led the group away.
Robb clenched his fist, his sharp gaze sweeping over his vassals, and said, "Does anyone else have a problem with my fiancée's status?"
Wendel Manderly emerged; he was the second son of the Earl of White Harbor, with a round face, bald head, and a large beard, and was extremely obese.
" Your Robb, the ugly bastards of the Frey family are no match for you. I am willing to marry in your place; my appearance is a perfect match for the Frey's offspring."
After he finished speaking, the people in the hall fell silent for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Greatjon cried out, "King Robb, my uncles all wish to take another wife; I beg your generosity."
Everyone burst into laughter again.
Robb gestured for silence, saying, "I will provide reasonable compensation to House Frey; this is the King's promise."
After a pause, Greatjon raised one of his armored fists skyward and roared, "Long live the King in the North!"
Robb's Riverlands vassals shouted, "Long live the King of the Trident!"
"Roar! Roar! Roar!"
The sounds of fists clenching and feet stomping echoed like thunder in the hall.
Amidst the commotion, Brynden Tully, the Blackfish Knight who had recently arrived in the Crag, walked through the crowd and stood before Robb.
He placed his palm on his left chest and said, "Good day, King Robb."
The lively crowd gradually quieted down, and just then, a Riverlands lord nearby exclaimed incredulously, "Lord Tully?!"
Robb glanced at the Blackfish emblem on Sir Brynden's chest and tentatively asked, "Uncle Brynden?"
Brynden nodded kindly and said, "Child, you are stronger than I imagined. May the Gods bless you."
Robb's face lit up with delight. "Great, welcome!"
After saying that, he gestured to his Master of Household.
Upon receiving the king's order, the Master of Household struck the ground with his scepter and shouted that the meeting was adjourned, and the lords in the hall left together.
Before long, the hall was empty except for Robb, Jeyne, and Brynden.
Robb took Jeyne's hand and said, "Uncle Brandon Tully, it is with the utmost honor that I introduce you to Miss Jeyne Westerling, the eldest daughter of the Earl the Crag, who will soon be my Queen."
Sir Brynden smiled kindly and said, "Beautiful child, welcome to the Trout and Direwolf family. We will share the fireplace. And blessings to you both."
Jeyne appeared shy, gave a slight bow, and said, "Thank you, Sir."
Seeing that Sir Brynden had accepted Jeyne, Robb seemed pleased. "Grand Uncle, how did you come to the Westerlands? Did you meet my mother?"
Family, responsibility, honor.
Sir Brynden added, " Cat must be very worried about your safety. Although I am getting on in years, I feel I can still help you, Robb."
Robb's tone was sincere. "My mother often told me that you are the sharpest sword in the Reach, and I want to thank you for coming."
Sir Brynden smiled and said, "I've brought some intelligence that concerns the future of the war. I'd like to speak with you privately."
He looked at Jeyne: "I'm sorry, beautiful child, I have to take him away from you temporarily. I will return him to you soon."
Robb led Brynden to a private room.
After taking his seat, Ser Brynden spoke directly, "King Robb, before I came here, I received intelligence that Stannis had been defeated by the Lannister - Tyrell alliance. He was utterly defeated and reportedly escaped to Dragonstone with only a few thousand remaining soldiers."
He paused, then added, "I think Lord Tywin will soon send troops again, and it will be very dangerous for you to remain in the Westerlands."
Robb was somewhat incredulous. "I've heard that Stannis has a hundred thousand troops..."
"War is a strange thing; anything unbelievable can happen at any time."
Brynden shook his head slightly, then continued, "I don't know the specifics, but it's said that Lord Tywin personally led his cavalry to sweep through Stannis's army."
Robb hesitated for a moment, then said, "Do you have any suggestions?"
Brynden smiled and said, "I've heard about your deeds. You captured the Kingslayer in the Riverlands and ignited the war in the Lannister heartland. I imagine Lord Tywin must be in a terrible mood. You are an excellent king, and I am very proud of you."
Robb paused for a moment, then said, "I marched into the Westerlands for Lord Tywin, but my plan failed."
Brynden sighed, "It was Edmure's cleverness that ruined your plans. Don't worry about his feelings; you are his king."
Robb tapped his knee with his fingers and said, "To be honest, I haven't figured out my next step yet. The information you brought is very timely."
Brynden paused, then said, "This is the Westerlands, after all, and you lack reliable and timely intelligence. I just want to tell you that Lord Tywin's next target is definitely you. He now has the support of House Tyrell, and you are surrounded by enemies in the Westerlands... This place could become your prison at any moment."
Robb nodded calmly and said, "Thank you for your suggestion. I will consider it carefully."
After discussing the battle, Ser Brynden suddenly said, "King Robb, may I speak to you about your wife? I saw the fury of the Frey outside the hall; they are utterly enraged."
Robb hesitated for a moment, then said, " Jeyne took care of me during the attack on the Crag. Last night, she... comforted me. I must marry her; only by doing so can I maintain my honor."
He frowned. "As for my engagement with the Frey family, I will make it up to them."
After a pause, Robb looked at the rugged-faced Ser Brynden and said sincerely, " Jeyne is both gentle and sweet; she will be a good wife and a good Queen to me."
Sir Brynden nodded slightly and said, "She is indeed very lovely."
He added, "If I remember correctly, the House Westerling are vassals of Lord Tywin."
Robb explained, "Yes, Jeyne's father fought alongside the Kingslayer and is now imprisoned in Seagard awaiting ransom. Although my marriage to Jeyne was not with his consent, if he were to return to the Lannister, he would be placed in extremely dangerous circumstances. I want to do everything I can to avoid that; I don't want Jeyne to lose everything because of her love for me."