Robb Stark's gaze sharpened instantly.
He straightened his loose robe and said in a deep voice, "Enter."
The door opened, and Ser Reynald Westerling strode in.
He glanced at his sister, who had just pulled the blanket to her thighs, and bowed to Robb, "Your Grace."
Robb nodded slightly and called out, "Loram… bring my clothes."
A young boy's voice came from outside the door, "Yes, Your Grace."
Soon after, Loram Westerling came running with clothes in his arms.
He was Jeyne's younger brother, nine years old this year, and had recently been appointed the King's page.
Robb put on his leather jacket, his face now devoid of anger, and said, "Tell me everything you know, Ser Reynald."
Seeing his younger brother tiptoeing behind the King, adjusting the back of his collar, Ser Reynald went over to help.
He began, "Rickard Karstark and his men suddenly broke into the cells holding the prisoners, and Martin Lannister was killed on the spot.
Upon receiving the news, Lord Umber (Greatjon) arrested him."
Robb's face was grim as he asked, "Did Rickard and Greatjon clash?"
Ser Reynald was about to speak when he saw his sister, now dressed in a long gown, approaching.
He stopped helping, stood back in front of Robb, and respectfully replied, "Two of the prison guards died before Lord Umber arrived.
Afterward, I heard that some of their men… were injured."
After putting on his outer coat, Loram scurried over, bringing a pair of black boots.
Robb sat down and said, "Ser Reynald, summon all my vassals.
I will hold a trial in the Great Hall for…"
He paused, then said coldly, "Rickard Karstark."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Ser Reynald bowed slightly and strode out of the room.
Loram lifted one of Robb's legs, struggling to pull on the boots, his forehead covered in sweat.
Jeyne bent down to help, but her younger brother refused, whispering, "I can do it."
"I'll go get the crown."
Jeyne reached out and ruffled her stubborn brother's hair, then stood up and walked to another area.
…
Outside the Duke's bedchamber in Riverrun, Brynden Tully's voice held a hint of anger: "Edmure, you should have reported this to King Robb first."
Edmure Tully's face flashed with a guilty expression as he explained, "My marriage must first have my father's permission."
Looking at his uncle's darkened face, he whispered again, "I am Robb's uncle, after all, and it's awkward for me to discuss my marriage with my own nephew."
Ser Brynden said coldly, "My nephew, Robb is your King.
Don't forget, you have already agreed to King Robb's marriage to Lord Frey's daughter."
Regarding his uncle's accusation, Edmure's expression remained normal; he had already thought of a "perfect" solution.
His tone was as if he were seeking credit: "Uncle, if I marry Cersei Lannister, peace will come immediately.
Without war, would Robb still need to fear a small Frey?
Would I still need to marry Lord Frey's ugly daughter?"
He muttered to himself, "The whole Frey family looks like weasels."
Ser Brynden stared at his complaining nephew for a moment, then frowned and corrected him, "Edmure, remember, King Robb is never afraid; he had no choice but to appease Lord Frey for the sake of our kingdom."
Edmure quickly realized he had spoken wrongly and promised, "Uncle, it was just a slip of the tongue.
You know, I've always been proud that my sister gave birth to Robb; we are family."
He showed a triumphant expression: "Besides, I'm very happy that my idea can help Robb, truly."
Brynden's elder brother, Hoster Tully, was a restless Duke of Riverrun, always traveling throughout the Seven Kingdoms, so he had taken on many of his father's responsibilities on behalf of his brother, and thus understood Edmure very well.
He was certain that Edmure had first been captivated by Cersei's beauty; everything else… he thought of afterward.
But he was also certain that if this matter was not beneficial to the Tully Family and the Stark Family, Edmure would never insist on his idea.
Family, Duty, Honor.
For the Tully Family, family comes first.
But… Brynden sighed inwardly; he had to admit that this matter held an enticing appeal for the battered Riverlands.
Soon after, Brynden suddenly awoke from the "beautiful dream" he had unconsciously fallen into.
He gazed at his nephew and said, "Edmure, was this idea given to you by the Lannister?"
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