One morning, Robb stood outside his mother's wolf-skin covered door. Roslin Frey had announced her husband's arrival in advance when she stepped out of the high-rise building Robb had built for her after he married her. Robb had been living with his wife in the house, which could have been a small palace, for two years, for the rooms, lined with wolf-skin and deer and bear fur, were much warmer in winter than the quarters his mother's servants had erected for him near Eddard's great hall. Robb had two other concubines, Marissa Frey earlier and Walda Frey later. The Starks' laws allowed concubinage, but eventually both women were returned childless to their father. Robb's parents no longer shared the marriage hall. Robb Stark had no harem, only his wife could sleep in his bedroom with their children, and Roslin was a true Frey woman. As the years passed, Lady Stark's waist became a little stooped, her long braided bun tangled with silver threads. Robb still thought her very beautiful when he kissed her hand.
- "I wanted to see you," said his mother, smiling.
- So I came.
They hugged, and after his mother offered him a seat on the soft bed, Robb kissed his children, Rodrik and Ryella, who were waddling in front of him. Their mother was still nursing them, while she helped and supervised the household, directing the servants.
- I always dreamed that at least my first-born son would stay with me in my old age. But I know that's impossible.
- I will always be with you, Mother, as long as I live. You dreamed this when you gave birth to me.
- You are the king, my son. I brought you into the world to walk in the ways of the ancestors, to obscure the face of the enemy. Yet sometimes I feel the light of the gods barely penetrates the walls of Winterfell. Why must you go to war?
Robb's gaze became measured.
- I promised King Robert that I would take part in the campaign against Stannis Baratheon. As the blood of Eddard Stark, I cannot go back on my word.
Catelyn nodded.
- Of course. I understand.
- Casta thinks Tywin wants us dead. I asked you about that once. Now I'm asking for your advice again.
Catelyn sighed. Robb watched the tiny creases around her eyes and at the corner of her mouth. Time is inexorable to all mortals, the God of Seven only knows how much is given to whom.
- I told you. Your father gave up the rightful power he was given out of self-will. Tywin didn't force him to.
- Are you sure of that?
For the first time since they spoke, Robb saw doubt in his mother's eyes. Perhaps he had spoken to her in a tone too measured.
- Why would I lie to you?
- Forgive me, Mother.
Robb took his eyes off her and looked at the furs instead.
- Tywin had called his battalions together when Robert ordered the attack on the Dragonlord.
- How many battalions were there?
- I can't remember. His knights stood like black shadows on the shores of the Narrow Sea. The banners of the many houses fluttered in the wind like a thousand pointed lion's claws tearing the clouds.
- And my father?
- Your father consulted the king and Lord Rickard Karstark for a long time before they came to a decision. The Lannisters have proposed an attack on Stannis Baratheon. They wanted the Starks to confront him. I remember your father's face when he came out of the High King's tent. I watched. There was no shadow of a lie.
- And King Robert? What did he say?
- Robert was against the decision. As did your father, but they had no choice.
- And Casta?
- He was not present. I did not see him when I attended the small council meeting. Let us hope that the gods will be merciful that day, and that your father will save the lives of many young Karstark, as he will save Stark blood.
- Did my father have to kiss Tywin's hand before he went to war?
Catelyn shuddered. As she pulled the wolf-print robe over her shoulders, her eyes stared like pale moons at Robb before she answered.
- Yes, he had to kiss him.