Thieving is a crime. Whether or not it was a crime that would lead to sending someone to the Wall would depend on what kind of lord someone lived under. Many would choose taking the black over losing a hand.

[But as keenly aware of the Watch's need of men as he is, he has no eagerness to send a man to the Wall for life for needing to eat or for trying to feed his family.]

No. I'll watch her. I'll know in time whether or not her story is true... maybe it doesn't matter very much, as long as she doesn't mean harm to either of us.

If she's not lying about Robb, or not aware she's lying, she must be angry at her gods. I would be. But... [the frown that has been flickering over his face these last few minutes deepens again] if it's not a matter of time, I can't see him being the sort of man who would marry two women and lie to at least one of them. Especially not as king. And I've never heard a whisper of this girl.

If it's all true... Chiron said I signed on because of a chance that the Regency would go after children I might have one day. But they might not come, either. If one thing can be different, a lot of things can.