Catelyn Stark had always known Tywin Lannister was a cruel man. But to dangle her daughter in front of her, only to tear her away again... it filled her with a rage she could barely contain. It was torture to watch Arya from across the table, her little girl trapped in a Lannister's grip. How frightened she must be.
Tywin Lannister would kill her without a second thought if it helped him. Which was why Catelyn couldn't believe Robb was even thinking about refusing the offer.
"We can't leave Sansa and Arya to his mercy," Catelyn said the moment they were alone. "He'll kill Arya, and there's nothing we can do to stop him."
"Aye. And whose fault is that?" Robb snapped. "If we still had Jaime Lannister, this would all be a bluff. But we don't. I have nothing to use against him. I don't even have those two Lannister boys, not that he'd ever trade for them."
"I was thinking of the girls," Catelyn murmured, her voice weak.
"You were thinking too much about them! We could've gotten them back if we'd just kept winning," Robb said, his voice rising. "At best, we get Sansa back. But no matter what we choose, Arya suffers. She either dies, or she becomes his damned hostage."
"I know that, Robb," Catelyn said, her own voice shaking. "I heard his terms. You don't think I know what I've done?" She shook her head, feeling the weight of her mistake. "I was desperate. Bran and Rickon are hostages to Theon, and Sansa and Arya are with the Lannisters. I had to try something."
"It didn't do much good, did it?" Robb asked bitterly.
"It did something," Catelyn insisted. "Tywin Lannister offered us peace. He wouldn't have done that if I hadn't given him Jaime. And if he was telling the truth, he had some dark plan to kill you and break our army. I don't doubt him. He's not a man who bluffs."
"So you think I should be grateful that he offered peace?" Robb asked in disbelief.
"Yes. It's something he rarely does," Catelyn said. "It's only your name that got you this meeting. He knows it's easier to keep a Stark in Winterfell, especially with winter on its way."
"Aye. And keep a Stark in his halls to kill if we step out of line," Robb shot back. "What happens if this is all just a trap?"
"Maybe it is," Catelyn admitted. "And maybe it's not. Are you willing to risk your sister's life to find out?"
Robb looked down, unable to meet her eyes. "The men of the North put their faith in me. They trust me."
"And if they're truly loyal, they'll follow you in retreat," Catelyn said, stepping closer. "Tell them you have to crush the Greyjoys and save Bran and Rickon. Tell them it's more important to protect your home. Tell them that rebellion is foolish when winter is coming and the crops must be gathered." She placed a hand on his cheek. "Look to the future. Your father is dead. I don't want to see any more of my children join him."
Robb looked at her then, but his eyes were different. He looked like a boy who had just realized his mother wasn't perfect, that she wasn't always right. He had lost some of his faith in her, and she knew she might never get it back. He had truly grown up. It was painful for her to see, but she was also so proud of him.
"You promised me we'd kill them all one day," he said at last, his voice low.
"And one day, we will," Catelyn vowed. "But there's wisdom in patience, Robb. And revenge is never worth more than family. You know your father would say the same."
"Father isn't here... because of Joffrey," Robb said. "What would he say if I bent the knee to him?"
Catelyn looked straight into his eyes. "What would he say if you let your sister die?"
Robb fell silent. To that, he had no answer.