29 Observations

Margaery Tyrell could not deny that the young King was handsome. Strong, with a stocky build, dark red hair, and bright blue eyes. Clad in black leather and worn armour, he looked every inch the warrior King he was proclaimed to be. And the Direwolf at his side was truly a terrifyingly magnificent beast, the sheer size of the beast made her tense in fear.

But it never attacked her, never attacked anyone in the camp, it was almost like an overgrown house pet. Though from the stories she'd heard about it, when in battle the beast was a savage creature.

Yet, Margaery found it to be a magnificent beast, one that reflected well upon its master. Her opinion on Robb Stark was certainly varied. Handsome, strong-willed, and quite a cunning mind, but with all the honour and guile of a Stark. He also seemed to be quite lacking in politics, in his inexperience accepting her brother's explanation that she was trained in healing.

Not a complete lie, the moment her grandmother had started to favour the Stark King over the others in this war, Margaery had known that she would be tasked with seducing him. That's how highborn women were used, as weapons to further the standing of their houses through marriage.

The one problem was that war, especially an army camp was no place for a highborn lady. Not unless she had a specific reason to be there and where else should a healer be than at an army camp to tend to the wounded.

So, she had started learning the basics of healing.

As was expected, King Robb had accepted her as one of his personal physicians. She wasn't the only one he had, but due to her status as a highborn lady and one from House Tyrell, it was only proper that she worked closely with the King. Though, Margaery did also plan to help some of the many other soldiers in Robb's army, it would help endear her to them and further to the King as well.

He was attracted to her, that much she knew. As soon as she entered the room, every man there had looked at her the same way the King had, with desire. It was a look she was used to getting, but she was disappointed when watching as the Young Wolf undressed her with his eyes. The low-cut, tight-fitting dress drew attention to all of her assets, just as it was meant to, but she had honestly expected more self-control from a Stark.

Then, he had torn his gaze away from her, a flash of guilt in his eyes as he did.

Margaery didn't know why. Did he feel guilty to have so blatantly looked at her with desire? Or was there someone else? Some unknown lovers that no one knew of. Whatever the reasoning behind it, Margaery found herself curious.

It was the first time someone had looked at her with desire and then felt guilty about it.

Catelyn Stark knew exactly why the Tyrell girl was here, it was plainly obvious that she was meant to seduce her son. On the way up from Highgarden, they had crossed over the Gold Road east of Silverhill and marched north, coming onto the River Road. All along the journey, Margaery had been a kind, sweet girl always curious about the North and the Riverlands.

But she had always directed her line of questions onto her son.

She had been a dutiful listener, always attentive and curious. Catelyn was almost convinced that she was genuine, but Catelyn had soon figured out the true aim of Margaery's questions. Even so, despite knowing this, Catelyn found it hard to dislike the girl.

She was incredibly charming.

"The Tyrells, they intend to seduce you." Catelyn bluntly told her son who just sighed.

"I thought as much. Are you unharmed?"

"I am fine, Robb. Thanks to Ser Brienne, Robar and Emmon I was able to escape Storms End just fine and they ensured my safety on the way here as well. I am glad that you have accepted them into your personal guard, they will serve you well."

Robb nodded his head.

"And Renly?" He asked, taking note of how both his mother and Brienne tensed up. "How did he die?"

"I am not sure. When I entered, I saw a shadowy mist in the shape of man cut him down." Catelyn explained and Robb remained silent, how was one supposed to respond to that information.

"It was Stannis. I was there when it happened, the thing that cut down Renly was in the shape of Stannis." Brienne spoke up, ignoring the look sent her way by Catelyn and Robb glanced to her. His eyes searching her own for any sign of deceit and what he founded seemed to have told him she believed every word she said.

'Is it possible? Is there such a thing in this world?' As he thought upon this, his gaze shifted towards Grey Wind.

"Robb, while I do not believe that it truly was Stannis in the shape of shadow, I do believe Stannis gave the order. What Brienne describes is, is impossible?" Catelyn argued, unwilling to believe in the idea that magic was real. It was more than likely that it was just a hallucination caused by stress.

"Mother, I've seen a lot of things in this war. I've seen men walk around with their guts in their hands, I've killed hundreds and ordered the deaths of thousands more. There are many strange things in this world. Ser Brienne, do you swear by the Old Gods and the new that what you saw is true?" Robb questioned.

Brienne nodded her head firmly. "It is your grace. I saw the shadow take the shape of Stannis and kill him. I know that it sounds unbelievable, but what I saw is the truth."

"Then I declare, Stannis Baratheon a Kinslayer and that this dishonour will follow him to his grave." Robb declared.

Later, Catelyn moved through the much larger camp, dutifully followed Brienne. The large woman still warily eyeing every man they came across, as if expecting an attack. It was unnecessary, but Catelyn admired Brienne's caution.

"I want you to remain here with my son." Catelyn eventually said as she neared her horse. A large detachment of men from the North also preparing to ride with her as guards.

"My lady, I swore myself to you. To serve by your side, to fight and die for you."

"I know, but I ask that you stay here and protect my son. I am marching North to Winterfell. Every day the Ironborn are being beaten back, I will be safe there. My son is not, the Tyrell's have their own ambitions and my son, many enemies. It would make me feel much more secure if you were to remain here and join my son's personal guard. Protect and serve him as you would me, please."

Brienne remained silent; her jaw set as she frowned.

After moments of consideration, the party marching North with Catelyn nearly finished.

"If that is your wish, my lady." Brienne responded, raising her head to look into Catelyn's eyes. "Then I shall protect your son with my life."