Jon led Roth out of the main hall. Past the stone effigies of mermen that were the sigil for the now returned home House Manderly. Roth and Jon did not speak, it was clear both men were still quite unsure of one another but were swallowing their reservations for the good of their people. Jon made his way down a long corridor that came to a set of spiral staircases. Up the stairwell they went until the reached one of the highest floors in New Castle. It was here the private offices of the lords of the castle were and where Jon's hastily put together office of The King had been set up. It had previously served as the office of the Lord of White Harbor but as King he took precedence. Jon pushed open the thick oaken door and led Roth inside.
The room was large and well furnished. White Harbor was the richest city of The North and it showed in the decor of Lord Manderly's office. It was a tad ostentatious for Jon's liking but he was only borrowing the room. Rich tapestries hung from the walls depicting great sea battles and the coming of the Starks to save House Manderly's from the savagery of southron lords. They showed the founding of New Castle and the setting of the first stone as well as the vast wealth House Manderly amassed since rising to power. Stone sconces beautifully polished to a shine shed light on the room furnished with rich woods and expensive gold and silver accents. At the end of the room was a large wooden desk littered with scrolls, parchments and maps, Jon's desk.
The King in The North took his seat and gestured for Roth to sit in front of him. Once seated Jon sighed, he was exhausted. The fight had taken a lot out of him and now peace talks was the furthest thing he wanted. He wanted sleep, he wanted Amelia, he'd have to settle with foreign negotiations. He poured himself a glass of cold water, not wanting wine at the moment and poured one for Roth as well. After handing it to the younger man Jon leaned back in his seat.
"So..."
Jon said, his voice husky with weariness.
"We have us two armies from two countries that seem to want nothing more than to obliterate the other right now. I'm sure my men would rather me not speak to you instead just have your head and be done with it. They don't see what I see, what you obviously see. If either of our peoples are to prosper after this damn fool war we need to work together. Peace, is the right course, not war. So if we are to have peace there must be terms. Terms we can both agree to. I'll start.
Jon paused to sip his water. His throat was still raw and dry from the battle, the cool water felt like a blessing. He set his cup down and leaned forward.
"Firstly, all Khalidorian and Khalidorian allied forces will obviously have to withdraw from The North and it's allies territory, especially Valyrian. The queen of Valyrian and I are due to be married, I can't very well have you murdering my wife's people. Secondly is the matter of rebuilding. I'd ask aid, both man power and gold to put back what was destroyed by the fighting. Thirdly, and most importantly, is the matter of justice. This, as I see it, needs to be done in two ways. One, reparations for the pain and suffering your army put my people through. Two, your father needs to answer for the crimes of murdering my family and starting this whole damn mess to begin with."
Robb set his jaw in determination but did not turn around. He did not face Will, his mind and focus was on one thing, finding Robyn Sheva.
"I'm not going to just sit here. The battles done, they don't need me. She does. I'm going to find her and bring her back."
Robb's voice was full of absolute, resolve and utter belief. He knew she wasn't dead, he refused to admit otherwise. Her body, the body he'd found. It couldn't been her, it just couldn't have. It felt wrong. If that had been her he'd have known it. It wasn't which meant she was lost and needed him, he would find her. Her Wolf Lord would catch her scent shortly and bring her home.
He could feel the man's eyes on him, staring at him like he was mad, speaking nonsense. Robb turned slowly, his eyes still wet with fresh tears but a hard and cold resolve lingered there.
"She's alive, I know it."