Cortnay looked over his shoulder at the two newlyweds. Robb had a peaceful look on his face and Annie, while still grim, seemed relieved as well. May the Gods give them happiness.

The group traveled to Melara's room. Cortnay rapped gently on the door. Mel answered. Her hair was uncharacteristically messy and her eyes red. She looked so exhausted. Cortnay hadn't even considered the toll these two months of limbo had taken on her, but tonight it was visible in every line on her face. She just looked so old. "What do you need, Cortnay? Please tell me it's worth my time."

Before Cortnay could speak, Robb stepped out from behind his uncle. His face was set and determined. Without a tremble in his voice, he announced "Mum, I...Mum, Annie's pregnant and I couldn't let the baby be a bastard so we married. Please don't be angry. It was the only thing to do." Cortnay felt pride flutter in his heart. Robb had finally, finally grown up. It had taken a bastard and a shotgun wedding, but he seemed to have finally grown up.

The color drained from Melara's face. Cortnay held his breath, bracing for the coming anger. But it never came. Melara stood in the doorway, frozen, gripping the frame for support. "Mum?" Robb prodded, "Mum, did you understand what I just said?"

Melara swallowed, hard. Cortnay saw a flurry of emotions cross her face. Sadness, bitterness, defeat, resignation. It was that last one that stuck. "Congratulations, Lady Penrose. I hope my son brings you more happiness than the last Lord Penrose brought his Lady."

Cortnay was speechless. Of all the possible reactions, this was the one he least expected. He'd predicted screaming, or violence, or swearing, or denial, but this? This calm resignation? This was not like Mel. A prickle of unease disturbed Cortnay's stomach, but he dismissed it. Melara seemed genuine.

Robb turned to Annie and smiled. "I told you she would be all right with it!" Gleefully, he picked up Annie and swung her around. She swatted him, gesturing at her stomach, and Robb set her down gently. They look so happy, Cortnay thought. Who would have thought joy could come from a situation like this. "Mel," he said softly, "Let them have this happiness. Robb will always be your son, and no wife can replace the importance of his mother in his life. Robb will still come to you for advice, I truly believe it."

Melara cracked a thin smile. "Of course, Cortnay. I'd never let this come between me and my son. Why don't you two lovebirds go up to Robb's room - your room now, I suppose - in the tower. I can hardly force you apart now that you're married," she said, a trace of bitterness in her tone. It disappeared, though, as she continued speaking. "Go on, be happy. It is your wedding night. As for me, I should get to sewing some clothing for my new grandchild. I'll have the cooks make something special for tomorrow."

Cortnay felt such a sense of relief. Finally, finally, Mel was being rational. He looked at the young couple, willing them to just accept Mel's change of heart without questioning it.