Author's Note: Hello, everyone! I'm not sure when this chapter is going to be. If this is going up late, please try to understand how busy I am for the preparation of the upcoming start of our classes here where I am from or probably the homework I will be doing when it actually starts. I hope you guys don't think I'm making too many excuses. Sorry! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I still do not own Game of Thrones.

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Nineteen: Tell Me

Corabella's Point of View

I didn't catch a wink of sleep last night. No matter how many times I force myself to submit into slumber, my body manages to find a way to keep me awake. The twins' revelation about Lorcan's lies invaded my mind for hours. I could see his face on the carnations. I could hear his voice on the chirping of the crickets. He was all over me, kept me awake with all the words he spoke, and buried the image of him in my head. I still couldn't figure out why he lied. My heart ached a little knowing that he is the only genuine friend I have here in King's Landing yet he still hid things from me. Was I wrong to trust him? I'm so confused right now. I want to be angry with him but I figured I might be overthinking. Maybe that bouquet was a lucky guess. Maybe he covered up his intentions by saying he trained with my brothers so that I wouldn't think he has some king of motive over me. I doubt that he has. Lorcan seems to be a nice person. I don't think lying is something he does frequently. But, still, I have to be careful.

"Corabella? Will you please open up the door?" Mother's voice sounded urgent from the other side of my chamber door. I lazily sat on my bed and pushed away my covers before slumping my feet on the cold floor. I didn't bother fixing myself for Mother. I feel tired and I do not want to put effort into how I look. I made it to the door with each lousy step and opened it to see Mother's young and fresh face smiling at me. Her smile faded to a frown, eyes narrowing at me. "You look horrible? Are you feeling fine, love?" she asked while walking inside my chamber and putting her hands on both of my arms. I took a step back, quite startled by the loudness of her voice. I feel like my mind and soul were still lying down on the bed resting.

"I'm fine, Mother," I assured her while taking another step back, freeing myself from her grasp. "I just found it difficult to sleep last night," I explained further. She looked at me with worry clear on her face before turning to my bed and arranging the sheets. "You don't need to do that, Mother," I told her sternly. She looked back at me as soon as she finished but both our heads snapped the eerie sound of a bird approaching my balcony.

Mother approached the white Raven first before I did. "A white Raven?" she asked to no one in particular. From what we've seen, white Ravens aren't very common here in King's Landing. In my opinion, it would be of bigger help if they start breeding white ones. White Ravens are smarter than the common Raven and flies almost double the speed. "Abrielle's," Mother muttered under her breath as she stroked the ribbon tied around the bird's neck. "Why did she send this to you?"

I turned to her before answering her question with a smile despite how restless I feel. "She sent me one a few days ago. I forgot to tell you," I explained. Mother nodded her head without looking at me. I took the liberty to remove the piece of parchment tied to its claw and unrolling it while Mother fetched some biscuits for the bird.

To my stubborn and unmarried cousin,

Glendon is more than happy to know about the new tricks you have up your sleeve. He is training soulfully here as well. Father needed to hire a knight from another city just to train with Glendon, yet he still finds the new man lousy compared to you. He's also going to be on a hunting trip with Father by the time you receive this message. My family and I are all excited for your return. I can't wait for you to feel the new life starting to form in my belly. It is such a marvelous feeling to know that I am going to be a mother soon. I hope you will be, too. That is, if you find a Lord you wouldn't kill.

Kisses from Bedoco,

Abrielle

I was smiling the whole time I was reading. I could hear Abrielle's voice and feel her love from every curve of letter written on the parchment. Oh, I miss her and Bedoco. Mother interrupted my thoughts when she asked, "Are you going to write back?" I nodded my head in reply and hurried to get my quill and parchment before settling myself down the table. I dipped the quill and filled it with ink before I carefully penned my words to Abrielle.

To my lovely and swollen cousin,

I am happy that uncle Hernan made an effort for Glendon to continue training. I do miss our swordfights every afternoon. Tell him to be patient with me, it will not be long until we return. Abrielle, please do not ever think I will marry much less have children. But if you are interested to know, the King let ten Lords from all over Westeros to come and visit King's Landing. Those young men are here to court me even though I am not interested in any of them. Father didn't let me fight them like I always do back there, in Bedoco. Instead, I let them fight each other until only one remains victor. But, of course, you know me. Even if one succeeds, I will find a way to refuse his offer of marriage. I just want to enjoy how pathetic they will all look during the tournament.

Thank you for sending your Raven again! Mother is feeding him right now as I write this.

Hugs from King's Landing,

Corabella

I blew on the parchment just to make sure that the ink is completely dry before rolling it neatly and sealing it with the Doreen sigil. I made my way back to the balcony where Mother is spoiling the little bird with biscuits and caresses. She moved to the side when she sensed my presence and let me tie my message on the bird's claw. "Vola al sicuro, Sussurratore," I whispered to the Raven. The bird gave a low sound on its throat before spreading his wings once again and flying off into the distance. I hope Abrielle's happy by the time she receives my message.

Silence loomed over me and my mother by the time the white Raven left. I was never the one to break the silence so I waited for Mother to speak first. I never knew waiting for her to utter anything would be so nerve-wracking. I considered the idea of leaving her there and continue with my day, take a bath maybe. But before I decided to turn on my heel and move away, her voice invaded my ears.

"You don't have to do this, Corabella," she said slowly and carefully. I didn't even bother to look at her because I know that if our eyes meet, I would feel guilt wash over me once again. Why? Why am I even feeling guilty for fighting for my rights? Mother doesn't control my life, no one does but me. Yet, if I turn to Mother and lose myself in her dark pools, I would crumble into a pile of guilty dust. "This is not the answer for everything, love. These men, they don't deserve this."

Oh, the nerve of her to say that. "And you think I deserve them?" I countered harshly. I tried to calm down and not ruin my morning but I would be lying if I said it has been better in the first place. "Do you think I deserve to be married to one of them? Mother," I turned to her before continuing my ramble. "You've seen them. You know from first glance that I will not approve of their proposal. Anyone of them." I grasped onto the balcony's ledge rather hardly, almost clawing on it. The fury rose up inside me and boiled my blood. Is this even the right time to talk about nonsense such as marriage?

Mother took a deep breath, worry clear on her face and gestures, before taking a step forward to get closer to me. She raised a hand and reached out to tuck the lock of hair on the back of my ear and placed her hand on my cheek, making my skin burn even more. But not in anger, no. I felt warm towards her, like a connection between mother and child no matter how angry I felt a few second ago. Mother melted me in her touch like butter left out on the sun on a summer day. Her touch was full of care and tenderness that I can't help but enjoy our connection.

"If you feel that this is the right thing," she started, barely a whisper. "Then, you will do what's best." Her words didn't quite register in my head for a second. Mother supporting my plans was rarer than seeing another blue-eyed Bedocian. I didn't know how to react. Should I be happy that she's listening to me for once? Or should I question her decision? After all, a lot of people has been cooking up plans behind my back. I wouldn't be surprised if Mother does as well. Would she do it, though?

Mother breathed in, taking the early air of King's Landing through her lungs before speaking once more. "I wish it wouldn't have come to this. But you are your own person. It is you who decides who you're going to marry, what your life is going to be. I just hope you wouldn't regret it, love," she said with careful words.

"I never will, Mother," I quickly said in one breath. "I don't want any of them to get hurt, Mother. I never did," I countered. I can tell that she is only concerned of my life and how it is going to be in the near future but I feel like I have to defend what I think is right. "But if they want to marry me, to have me as their wife, they have to prepare for the dangers that lurk around every corner of this world. I cannot guarantee everyone that I can protect them, I have to find someone to protect me as well. I do not regret this test that I am giving them and I never will." I once believed that I want this kind of life, to be able to fight whenever I want to and only marry someone when I am ready to be married. I will never regret this decision of mine but the more that I wait for the right person to come and the longer I stay here in this confusing city of King's Landing, I'm starting to contemplate whether I still believe that theory of mine.

"If you are sincere with your actions and do care for these Lords as living and breathing people," Mother started. "Then, you should go down to the training grounds, armor up, and evaluate their performances. That is the least thing you could do seeing that no one will let you fight against them."

A small smile creeped up my face and a new kind of excitement boiled up in the pit of my stomach and up to my head, filling me with energy. I quickly embraced Mother rather forcefully than I intended and thanked her several times. Seeing them get ready for day one would be exciting. Almost half of them seem to have experiences with handling weapons or use their fists for that matter. For those who struggle with my test, well, good luck. Suddenly, Lord Hackle's embarrassing moment during his presentation in the Great Hall yesterday flashed before my eyes. He seems to be the weakest competition among all of the men. Compared to him, they are much bigger, muscular, and brave. Their faces hold scars from various tourneys and battle, whereas his smooth and long face held no wounds nor bruises from any sort of participation in combats. I feel guilty for having him in my presence. Once he steps into the arena, there's no going back. I'm not saying that I want him to win, because clearly I don't want to have a winner no matter how fair they all play, but I want the other Lords not to pick on him or belittle him too much. He might not look and act like a brave Lord but I am sure that he is good in other things. What those things are, I am not very sure of and I don't know if I am too interested in knowing.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Mother asked, snapping me back to reality. I didn't know how long I was staring in the distance, too caught up in my trance, but I'm glad that Mother broke the silence. "If you're wondering if Lorcan is still to train with you—"

"No. That's not it," I quickly cut her off. Lorcan. Is he going to train with me today or is he going to play pretend with my "brothers"? The twins' revelation about his whereabouts the other day didn't leave my head. I still have to figure out why he lied to me when all I ever did was be a truthful friend to him. "Have you seen him yet? Lorcan?" I asked my mother. Her expression dropped to a neutral one and shook her head slightly, telling me that she doesn't have an idea where Lorcan is. Should I confront him about what he said? Or should I let it slide and let him spill the beans to be himself? I feel like whatever option I choose, I wouldn't be too mad with him. I want to, I really do. But his green eyes tell me that it would be childish if I let myself overthink too much about a little white lie.

Before Mother dismisses herself, a soft knock was heard from my door. It opened carefully, letting three young maidens, all dressed in white, show themselves to me and my Mother. "Good morning, m'Lady, m'Lady," Attera greeted and her other two companions followed. Berna and Gertrude proceeded to fix my bath and clothes while Attera places down my breakfast.

"You must get ready, then. If you need me, I'll be loitering around the castle, talking to the least arrogant person here," Mother said before giving me a reassuring squeeze on the arms and walking out of my chambers. I made my way to the table and started munching on bread and butter and fruits while watching the three maids busy themselves for my bathing and grooming.

Their swift movements fascinate me in some kind of way. They have different distinctive mannerisms that I noticed as they buzz around like bees. Attera, the most mature of the three, is also the most beautiful. Her dark skin came together with her white dress, like a swirling mixture of coffee and milk. Her curly hair popped on top of her head looks like an elaborate crown, not worthy of any gold in this world. Her eyes, drooped lazily as if her brown orbs were always sleepy, look mysterious and seductive. And her full lips that always utter simple but assertive commands to her fellow maids had a bright plum shade that reminded me of berries for some reason. When put all together, she was a goddess. What a shame it is for her to have this kind of life. She doesn't seem fit to be serving breakfast or running a bath. None of them are.

Berna, her younger sister, looks exactly like her. A mini version of Attera. However, the younger one's eyes were bigger and rounder than those of her sister's. Her full and long lashes even added the effect of large eyes, almost inhuman. Her own orbs always look confused, pleading, and easy to melt anyone's heart. I'll have to point out that she is the clumsiest of the three, though. Her little mistakes that always infuriate her sister were very minor that I only find them funny.

Their friend, Gertrude, look different from the sisters. She has olive skin, the perfect sun-kissed tan, and some freckles sprinkled on her nose. Her brown hair cascade down her shoulders but right now, she has it pulled away from her face. Her gray eyes look mesmerizing just because she is one of the few people that has different-colored eyes besides me. Her little nose almost look too round if it weren't only for her thin lips that balanced it all out.

What a shame it is for them to have this kind of life. They don't seem fit to be serving breakfast or running a bath. If only they were born from a different family and have much more stable lives...

"M'Lady, do you want more of those grapes?" Berna asked, her bright brown eyes staring back at my blue ones. I held her gaze for a second and swallowed the fruit before turning on my plate. I must have eaten my breakfast hungrily. I could see my reflection on the now clean silver plate.

"No, I'm already full," I answered and straightened my back from my lazy slouch. "You can take these away now." Berna smiled and nodded her head before taking away my pates and utensils for cleaning. Gertrude started to pour oils and other fragrant extracts to my bath. The pleasing smell of the aroma filled the room, one bottle at a time. The steam coming from the water helped disperse the scent around my chamber. Even the young maids sigh as they take in the fragrance.

I proceeded to stand up and make my way to the bath. The ripples on the water distorted my reflection and faded after a while of being still. "M'Lady," Attera called for me as she stood in front me. "Shall I remove your robes?" she asked.

I nodded my head slowly and spread my arms wide for her to get access to the strings of my nightgown. With careful but swift movements of her fingers, she immediately discarded my body of any piece of clothing. I dipped my toes to the water and felt its warmth relax my skin but at the same time fully wake me up from my haze. It was not long before I submerged my naked body to the warm water and oils. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I let my eyes close. The three maids began massaging my feet and hands, slightly pinching and rubbing their calloused hands to my smooth, supple ones. I laid deep down the tub and tried to get lost into the unwinding feeling of bathing. If only I could let myself drown and be somewhere besides reality, if only I could escape in another world where these ten Lords don't know me. If only I could get away to another dimension where my façade is not something to be mystified about.

"Are the people talking about the nearing tourney of the ten Lords?" I asked the maidens. Gertrude and Berna both bowed their heads and paid no mind to my question by continuing their duties leaving Attera to face me hesitantly. Her eyes seem to show signs of reluctance, even the curve of her mouth seemed unusually doleful. "What's the matter? Why aren't you answering me?" I pressed on.

"M'Lady, you have to forgive me," she started with a guarded expression. "But most of the maids and common folks think that what you intend to do is a bit too harsh on the part of the Lords." The two silent maids mometarily stopped whatever they were doing and stared at Attera as if she just said something she shouldn't have. They both snapped back to their rubbing and massaging when I darted them a confused look. I don't see what's wrong with Attera's answer. Who cares about what other people think? I asked a question and it is only proper for a servant to answer a Lady's question. I mentally slapped myself for sounding so degrading. I shouldn't label them as my servants. They are acquaintances of mine and I know it would not be long for us to be friends.

I let my hand slip away from Gertrude and Attera's grasps. I tucked my feet into the water, stopping Berna from her work. The three of them did not face me in shame. They stared at their laps and just grew silent. I let quietness envelop us for a few seconds before I gathered up my words and asked them, "Do you know why I am so passionate about fighting but never for a man's love?" Silence. They did not dare look at me or even huff in confusion. They continued staring into nothing.

With my forefinger and thumb, I slowly tipped up Attera's chin and made her look me directly in the eye. I whispered close to her face, "Because I'd rather shed blood from a blade's cut than let myself be wounded by a fool's cock." She inhaled sharply, looking at me with wide eyes. Those words of mine are definitely not the words she expected. Innocent, they all perceived me, but my eyes were long open to the dangers and truths of this world. I've never told anyone of an incident about me before. Maybe if I open it up to these three strangers, they would somehow see my real intentions. "I was twelve," I said as I let my back rest on the tub once again. "I was twelve when men proved to me that they are monsters."

For some reason, I couldn't sleep that night. I kept on tossing and turning, even ridding myself of the comforts of my blankets and pillow. I laid there on the bare sheets, figuring out why the night has not enveloped me in drowsiness. Then again, it must be the shock of meeting my first alleged admirer. He was much older than I was, a grown man with a beard on his face and hair on his chest. If I would base it from his features and the way he speaks, he might be older than my own father.

A chill went down my spine as I thought of what will become of my future. If I were to marry this Lord, Arden Holorase, what would become of my life? A scandal will surely erupt from the creases of Bedoco as a grown Lord marries a very young Lady that could pass for his daughter. I doubt it, however, seeing that traditions are to be kept alive, and traditions state that a Lord and Lady is allowed to be betrothed as long as the marriage will take place when both, or one of them, reaches the legal age of eighteen. Plus, house Holorase belongs to the richest families in all of Bedoco, only placing after Abrielle's husband and third after the Doreens. If a Holorase and a Doreen engages in matrimony, the power and wealth of both houses would greatly increase.

I turned to my side and placed a hand on my cheek. Traditions… traditions… traditions… When I reach eighteen, I will be wedded to Lord Holorase. After the wedding ceremony, night will fall and I would be alone with him in our private quarters. What will he do? What will become of my purity? If he ever lays a hand on me, I would feel exposed and disgusting. Mother said that marriage happens to two lovers. I don't love Lord Holorase but will I ever learn?

Little did I know that when I was pondering over my future, Lord Holorase and his drunk companions were already sneaking up to my chambers through the open balcony. First, I heard a rustle but quickly dismissed it, thinking that it must have only been the wind blowing steadily and ruffling the trees outside. Then, I heard an odd sound, that of scampering feet. For all I know, Bedoco isn't infested with pests such as mice. I sat up quickly and scanned the dimly illuminated room.

From the shadows emerged three men. One was thin with a scar on his cheek shaped like a cross He was holding a rope with a menacing smile on his face. The other one, shorter than the man with the rope, held a sort of cloth in his hand. Without warning, they both lunged at me. I couldn't scream for the pudgy man covered my face with the cloth in his hand. I could only stare at him with wild and pleading eyes, confused of their assault. The other one forced my arms and legs towards the bed post and tied them with the ropes. I kicked and fought, trying to escape from their grasp. I hit him with my free hand but he slapped me across the face in return.

"You shut up and behave, little bitch," he spat on my face.

"Lando!" A voice emerged from the darkness. I widened my eyes some more to make out the owner of the voice. Arden finally stepped forward, a dagger on his hand and a creepy smile on his face. I couldn't believe it. Why are they doing this? What did I ever do to them? "Don't hurt my pretty wife. She will cry and scream for her father if you would."

And I did. I screamed on the top of my lungs but it came out barely a whimper. The two other men held me down and kept me in place as Arden made his way to my bed. "Shush, my sapphire princess," he whispered directly at my face. Even if my mouth and nose were covered by a cloth, I could smell and taste the intoxication lingering in his breath. His eyes were bloodshot from drunkenness but his face held a grim expression, alerting me that that might be the last night I will ever live.

He did not speak for another minute. He just looked me from head to toe while I thrashed and tried my hardest to slip my limbs out of the ropes that were holding me down. He moved closer and closer to me, letting me choke on his foul smell. With a wobbly hand, he reached out and grabbed a fistful of my hair. I cried in pain as he forced my head back, exposing my neck to his lips. He hungrily kissed and licked and bit my skin while tears roll down my eyes in desperation. The other two men watched the torturous event unveiling right before their very eyes. It was not long before Arden slowly put the tip of his dagger right on my leg. My skin crawled as the cold blade ran up to my thighs. I pleaded with all my might for them to stop what they were doing. But not a single audible word escaped from my lips. My limbs grew tired every second and exhaustion was my defeat. I thought to myself. This is it. This is how I shall die.

Before I closed my eyes accepting my fate, I give one more thrash. My knee hit Arden right on the spot where it hurt the most. He growled in pain, clutching his breeches but he quickly recovered, angrier than ever. "Fuck you, you little bitch!"

I felt the world around me spin around and everything was hazy. My lids were closed but I heard the fabric of my dress rip apart, exposing every inch of skin that clung to my flesh and bones. I barely knew Arden and he barely knew me. Yet, he was too obsessed, too eager for flesh that he tainted a young woman's soul.

My skin felt wrinkly after some time I was submerged on the bath. The three young maids all looked at me in shock as I told them my story. I feel terrible, lightheaded even, as I recall that horrendous night in my chambers. But on the other hand, I felt as if a bunch of thorns has been plucked from my chest, letting me breathe. I've only told a handful about that night. A few people know that story so telling that to three complete strangers who all serve me for a short period of time felt like a big deal. Attera held her breath and was frozen in place. Gertrude's fingers were shaking under my grip. But Berna, the youngest of all the three, was the most affected. She was frozen and pale as if she'd seen a ghost. Tears were clear on her eyes like tiny raindrops refusing to roll out to her cheeks. I'm starting to realize that I shouldn't have told them my story. What if one of them had the same experience? I feel terrible.

"The story's not done," I said in a flash and let their minds get distracted once again. "Arden never had the chance to do what he was planning to do." I took a deep breath before recounting the steps and events that my parents told me the morning after that incident. "When I passed out, Father entered my room miraculously and saw what the three men were doing. He killed Arden without hesitation and did the same for the other two. He killed them with their own daggers all by himself. He wrapped me with the remains of my clothes and some of my blankets before bringing me to the Maester. The old man treated my wounds while Father called out for Mother. She was scarred when she saw my chambers. Three men dead, her daughter wounded."

My own gaze started to blur from the tears welling up in my eyes. I choked them back and did the same on the lump forming on my throat. I have to carry on with my story and let three more souls know what happened. "The Holorase were punished, executed, and some banished from the city. They may be out of sight but a girl will always remember." I swallowed again, fearing that I might lose my voice if I don't pause. "When I woke up and heard what happened, I started to ask myself, what would have happened if Father didn't come? Would I be dead by now? Would I have been forced to marry Arden while he has got me wrapped around his fingers? Would he have used me to satisfy his sexual desires? What would have happened to an unarmed and weak Lady like me?" I stared into Attera's eyes. Her own orbs let the salty tears flow away from them as I questioned no one but myself. "I couldn't save myself back then, and what more now? Arden was one problem and now I'm facing ten. So, tell me," I paused dramatically. "Tell me why this test of mine is obnoxious when all I wanted was to save my life?"

Author's Note: I have to apologize for updating for like two weeks (?) I am really really really sorry. School has started where I am from and I had a crapton of homeworks and projects to do and I had to work hard to maintain my grades. I hope you guys understand! Again, I will be changing the update schedules to Saturdays but it still depends on the work I have to do for school so, most likely, my updates would be irregular. I still hope you are following this story!

Qs:

- How do you feel about Edvige's sudden change of heart?

- How do you feel about Corabella's tragic story?

- What would you like to happen next?