Game Of Thrones: The God-Emperor of Planetos-Chapter 108 - - Robb and the Free Folk (III)

"I like what's coming," Aenar thought, watching Robb look at Val with a passionate gaze.

"I, Mance of House Rayder, Lord of Sea Dragon Point and Stony Shore, bend my knee and promise to honor my oath. When House Stark needs it, House Rayder will be there to fight alongside the Lord of Winterfell," Mance declared in a loud, clear tone, his voice not hiding the seriousness of the moment.

After hearing Mance's oath, Robb stood up and spoke aloud:

"I, Robb of House Stark, Heir of Winterfell and future Guardian of the North, in the name of Aenar of House Targaryen, First of His Name, Knight of Caraxes, King of the Andals, the Roinars and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, accept your oath. May our homes have peace and prosperity."

With Mance kneeling before Robb, the atmosphere became more restrained, and the hostility coming from the noble houses lessened slightly.

Arya, who was eating a piece of bread, watched the whole scene and nodded. To her, it was natural that Mance had knelt down; in her eyes, the North belonged to House Stark, and House Rayder becoming a vassal of House Stark was to be expected.

However, Robb knew that Mance's fiefdoms were at least too large, so vast that they could easily form a small kingdom. He cast a disgruntled glance at Aenar, who was sitting in the largest seat. In Robb's eyes, his brother was using the Wildlings to prevent House Stark from completely dominating the North.

Feeling Robb's gaze, Aenar realized that his cousin had got it all wrong, but he didn't try to explain himself, especially in the presence of everyone. He had only granted those lands to Mance to avoid dissatisfaction among the Free Folk; there was no other intention behind it.

Aenar sat in the center, with Robb on his right and Mance on his left. The three most powerful men in the hall were talking in low voices.

"Do you think House Stark will turn its back on House Targaryen, Your Grace?" Robb asked casually, as he sipped his wine. His blue eyes looked at Aenar with obvious dissatisfaction.

"Not at all. But other places couldn't offer so much land without causing overpopulation and even more chaos. Besides, the other lords of the North wouldn't accept the Free Folk in their lands," Aenar replied in an equally casual tone, looking at Robb.

If it had been anyone else, Aenar wouldn't have bothered to reply, but since it was Robb, he did, albeit with a slightly helpless look on his face. Robb's mood improved with Aenar's words. As long as his brother wasn't being cautious with House Stark, any misunderstandings could be easily resolved.

"So why is Arya with you?" Aenar asked, watching the girl who was eating like there was no tomorrow.

"She hid among the supplies. When we found her, she was devouring dried meat like a sneaky squirrel. As we were already far from Winterfell, I didn't want to delay the journey and brought her with me," Robb replied with a helpless expression, but with a smile on his lips.

Aenar looked at Arya and believed that she really could do something like that. The girl was impulsive and a bit crazy when it came to big adventures.

"I'll love to see Eddard's expression when he sees his daughter again," Aenar commented in an amused tone, making Robb roll his eyes, although he also smiled.

"She'll be grounded for eternity," Robb said, glaring at his little sister.

Arya, realizing that the two were talking, looked at them with confusion, while a few crumbs of bread were still around her mouth. She still had no idea of the cruel punishment that awaited her at Winterfell.

"How long are you staying in Castle Black?" Robb asked with a serious expression, changing the subject. After hearing the reports about the war against the White Walkers and the Wights' army, he realized that the situation was more serious than he had imagined.

"One month. Then I'm going back to Winterfell to bring those arrogant Northern lords to their knees," Aenar replied in a calm, casual tone.

"Fortunately, you destroyed the Dreadfort. That will bring many lords to their knees without bloodshed, which spares us a lot of chaos," Robb said in a relieved tone. He, more than anyone, knew how the lords of the North acted and what their temperaments were.

"What can I say? I'm amazing," Aenar replied with a confident smile on his lips.

Robb rolled his eyes at Aenar's overconfidence, but didn't deny it - after all, he really was incredible. However, he couldn't help adding: "Try not to kill. Many are just stubborn, but they are good men."

Aenar was speechless, but remained silent. He didn't like rebels and considered himself incredibly merciful for not killing certain people.

"I'll try, but don't expect me to do it. I'd rather kill everyone than suffer betrayal at a delicate moment."

Robb nodded. He was pleased that Aenar was at least trying. As for the rest, he just hoped that the Northern lords would be more understanding. If they weren't, he would let fate decide. He had already done enough to help them.

Mance watched the two of them chatting casually and was a little confused by their union, considering the rumors about the birth of the young king. However, it wasn't his place to comment on anything. He remained silent, just eating and thinking about building his castle and city as quickly as possible.

While Robb was drinking, he noticed an incredibly beautiful woman, with blonde hair and blue eyes, holding a baby with the same features. Mother and child, he assumed. However, he couldn't stop his heart from beating faster at the sight of such a graceful woman.

Aenar noticed this and couldn't help but flash an amused smile.

"Val, of House Rayder, sister of Mance's late wife. She is known as the Princess of the Wilds and is currently single and childless," Aenar spoke in a casual tone, as if he hadn't noticed the growing interest in Robb's gaze. However, the playful smile on his lips told another story.

Hearing Aenar's words, Robb's blue eyes lit up slightly. He admitted to himself: he found the woman incredibly attractive, and her status was something not even his father could dispute. Besides, if he married Val, he could help make the Savages more civilized...

If Aenar could hear Robb's thoughts, he would be speechless. He would never have imagined that his brother could fall in love so easily that he would consider marriage without having exchanged a single word with Val - and being the heir to House Stark to boot.

But looking at Val, Aenar understood why a boy of Robb's age would be so fascinated. The Princess of the Wild was indeed a sight for sore eyes. If she wore a silk costume from Myr, she could easily pass for a real princess.

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"Robb, if you keep staring at her so intently, you'll make her evaporate from the planet," Aenar whispered, noticing his cousin's fixed gaze on the woman.

Caught red-handed, Robb put on an embarrassed expression and tried to respond in a seemingly calm tone:

"I was just looking at her a bit."

Aenar gave him a teasing look, not believing a single word that came out of the Winterfell heir's lips.

"Good. I hear she has a lot of suitors, and you're not exactly tall and strong," said Aenar, feigning relief as his lips curved into an amused smile.

Robb felt as if he had been punched in the stomach. He had never imagined that words could hurt so much, but the mere thought of Val marrying another man made his stomach turn. A feeling of anger and competitiveness welled up in his chest.

"I'm handsome, I'm heir to Winterfell and I'll have Ice, a legendary Valyrian Steel sword. I'm a great match for marriage."

The more he said it, the more confidence appeared on his face. How could he not fight for his first crush?

Looking at the possible suitors, Robb felt his determination grow even more.

"The Red Fish would be furious if Robb married Val, right?" Aenar muttered, with a look full of amusement and teasing.

Just imagining Catelyn's expression when she heard who Robb wanted to marry, Aenar quickly thought of a way to get Val and Robb to meet and marry as soon as possible.

He wanted to laugh, but held back; no one could know about his nefarious plans. Besides, he was sure that Robb would thank him forever for helping him marry such a beautiful and incredible woman as Val.

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