Author's Note: Hello everyone. Sorry for not updating last Thursday and Friday. I just really felt like not writing and I'm constantly fighting off writer's block in my system. Anyway, please stick 'til the end for further A/N. I hope you enjoy this chapter! (I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES NO MATTER HOW ECSTATIC I AM FOR THE SEASON PREMIERE THAT WILL BE HAPPENING SOON)
Long Live the Boy-King
Chapter Twenty-seven: Where the Heart is
I woke with a start, gasping for air as if my body's been submerged underwater for a very long time. I inhaled and exhaled as fast as I could in order to regain proper breathing. From my experiences so far, I've never encountered the phenomenon of drowning. My mother knows that I am a good swimmer and could fight off sharks if I have to so I'm not even certain if what I am feeling right now is drowning itself.
Slowly, I sat up and rested my hands on my knees. No, I wasn't drowning judging by the dry dirt I've been sitting on. Thin clusters of grass sprinkled the area where I was situated but beneath the green blades, I could see how parched the land was that it begins to crack. And my dress did not show signs of dampness even from sweat.
Where am I, I wonder?
I looked around at the vast land, searching for any signs of a living presence. Carefully, I gathered my skirts and supported my whole weight with my two able legs but most of my heaviness came from my head. The pounding migraine I was starting to have bothered me. I felt like my eyes are going to pop out from the annoying pain.
I scratched my head then started to wander around to see if this mysterious place holds any familiarity in my memories. But as I walked further and further, I noticed that I was only going back to where I came from before – the rounded patch in the middle of nowhere. Solitude loomed over me and only the gray clouds up above and the wilting grass on my feet were my companions. Not even a single ant crawled upon the soles of my feet. Being isolated from civilization sent a chill down my spine.
That is until I heard a soft humming sound that played in rhythms and tempos. It wasn't a person humming, rather, a person playing an instrument that produces that pleasing sound. A flute maybe?
I tried to follow it, wherever the music came from, even though my guts told me that I would be caught up in an endless loop once again. Then, the sound became nearer. My heart pounded in my chest, my blood rushing with anticipation, and my slow strides turned into full sprints. The feeling was exhilarating for some reason.
This time, I found my gut feeling false. I wasn't going in circles, I was actually making progress. In the distance, a silhouette of a tree popped up from the view and it seems like it is standing on a small raised hill. As I grew closer to the tree, the scattered patches of grass became much fuller and the soil looked much healthier. I had a feeling that this was going to be a positive experience after all.
The tree grew larger as I was nearing it but only when I was about to step on the hill did I notice a figure of a man sitting on one of the protruding roots of the Sycamore. I guessed that was what the tree was judging by the patterns on the bark.
"Sir?" I called out through the music that filled the air. The man did not seem to notice me so I spoke louder. "Sir?" His dancing fingers refrained from moving as he covered all the holes of the flute. The music stopped abruptly. "I was going to ask where I am. I need to go home."
In a very idle manner, the man turned to the left to face me. His movements were almost creepy to me that goosebumps appeared on my arms. When he fully projected his face, which I have to point out is unworldly handsome, I instantly noticed the brightness of his blue eyes that battled with the color of the sky on a sunny day. Though his prominent jaw and nose looked intimidating, the way he smiled softened everything in his face. "Hello, there, my Lady," he greeted.
I wasn't aware that my mouth was slightly agape so when I gathered my sense of reason, I closed it, inhaled, and spoke again. "Where am I, Sir? I really do need to go home. My mother's waiting for me."
The man only chuckled and did not bother to answer my question. "I am no Sir, my Lady. I am but a simple man with an interest in music," he declared. His voice sounded deep but full of passion. "Are you lonely, my Lady?" he asked.
I had to ask myself that as well. "No, I don't think so," I answered. "But I have to go home. My mother's waiting for me. I don't want her to worry. She hasn't been eating for days."
"And what is the name of you mother, my Lady?"
"She's—"I was taken aback that my sentence was cut short. In all honesty, I didn't know. I have no recollection whatsoever of what my mother's name was yet I was so sure that I had to go and return to her. "I… I don't know, Sir. I mean, I forgot." My cheeks flushed at the sight of him smirking as if he didn't believe me.
"What does she look like, then? Could you describe her, please?" he inquired once more.
I thought for a second. Truthfully, I couldn't answer his question once again. My head ached once again. I mouthed an inaudible 'ouch' as I rubbed the pulsing spot just above my nape.
"Are you even sure you have a mother?" the man asked yet another time.
"Of course I do!" I answered in an instant. "It is impossible for me to exist in this world if I were not birthed by my mother," I said this with almost an offended tone but I hope he doesn't hear it that way. I just couldn't accept the fact that I am a forgetful child, that's all. And maybe I wasn't paying attention to what my mother looked like.
It surprised me, greatly, when the man unfolded his legs from underneath him for a stretch. When he stood up, he towered over me gracefully. I couldn't help but tilt my chin up to meet his strangely familiar gaze. He looked like home.
"Oh, but my Lady, in this world, anything is possible. Existence doesn't require coming out of a mother."
Tommen's Point of View
Today marks the fifth day of Corabella's indefinite slumber but I was yet to see her in her sleeping glory. After the tourney, I just couldn't stomach the fact that there was a great chance of her not surviving. I saw the blood that pooled from under her head. It stained the dirt she was laying on with a sickly shade of dark red, the very color of the Lannisters. I have nothing against my Mother's House colors, in fact, I grew fond of the color. But seeing it coming out of the Lady I love almost had me hurling out the contents of my intestines.
The three days that followed that event were also hectic. My nameday and my union with Lady Margaery, now Queen, were merrily celebrated by the whole of King's Landing. I insisted to keep things solemn, even for a bit, to show my sympathy with the Doreens but my mother decided against it, so did my grandfather and the small council. I had no choice but to continue with the initial plans for the events. Besides, I didn't want to embarrass Margaery. She was, after all, a decent and willing Lady.
But despite all the rumors that my advisers and maids passed onto me, on the night of my wedding, I laid not so much of a fingernail on Margaery. She is beautiful. Her face held both kindness and intelligence and I have no doubt that she as fertile as the gardens. Maybe even more. The only time our lips locked was when we were announced as husband and wife. When the feast ended and only we remained behind closed doors, the intimacy stopped. She urged me not to feel scared or shy, that it was my duty after all, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I had to button her chemise awkwardly just to stop myself from glancing on her breasts. No, I couldn't fake my sensuality with her. It is only fair that we both enjoy what we are doing with both sides truly satiated in the end.
"I'm sorry, my Queen," I started, mustering a tone between innocence and obliviousness. "I am rather tired tonight. Believe me, I want to indulge in such activity. But… Not tonight."
She smiled at me when I fastened the last button then nodded, agreeing. "If you wish, my King. You do not need to pressure yourself. I was not married to you because of your body, after all. I am here to serve you when you please." After that, we slept. I did not even embrace her. Our backs were turned toward each other. My mind was somewhere else.
This morning, I broke fast with Margaery, my mother, and my grandfather. I was the last one to arrive much to Margaery's delight. I gave her a peck on the cheek before seating myself between her and Mother. As usual, my mother's face held not even a trace of happiness.
I had three bacons when I finally spoke up because no one else was. "How's your morning, my Queen?" I regarded Margaery.
With dainty fingers, she placed her goblet down after she took a sip of juice to flash me one of her warm smiles. "Splendid, my King. I was at the gardens before dawn, checking the carnations."
At this, I swallowed loudly that made al heads turn to my direction. My eyes grew significantly wider as well. "I something wrong, Tommen?" Grandfather asked with his deep voice.
I turned to him and smiled, brushing off the awkwardness. "No, I just didn't chew that last piece enough." I grabbed my goblet and drank all of its contents until I was breathless. It was not nothing. My conscience knocked from the back of my head, reminding me to go visit the Lady sleeping in her chambers. The one I was kissing just a few days ago. Her taste never left my mouth. Then there was this other thing that reminded me. "Did the Lords make their way home safely, Grandfather?"
"Yes, my King," he answered immediately. "Although Lord Massey and Lord Rosby decided to stay. They're awfully concerned about the state of Lady Doreen."
"Speaking of the Lady," Mother interrupted in between bites of her scone. "Have you visited her yet?" I looked down on my plate and shook my head from side to side.
"You haven't?" Margaery asked with a surprised tone. I looked up to see her equally surprised face.
"And you have?" I asked with a hint of annoyance.
"Of course, I did," she said as if it was common knowledge. "The day after our wedding. Her father, Lord Ferardo, conversed with me the night before and told me of what happened. I felt guilty for celebrating on such short notice so I took a peek on her room. She's breathing but not responsive to anything else."
"And you didn't tell me about this?" my voice grew higher and much more irritated. I can't believe that Margaery would slip past me and I haven't even got a clue. She could have at least left a note in our chambers to inform me. Now I seem insensitive and my guilt isn't helping.
It was Mother's turn to get my attention. She squeezed my hand softly then smiled her faux smile. "I'm sure Margaery wanted you to rest, my love," she said though I know that she doesn't believe that for a second. "But if you want to, we could visit her today. I've already asked permission from Lady Edvige. I'm sure you could make some time for her daughter."
Ferardo's Point of View
The sun was bidding its farewell in the horizon, turning the clouds and the sea reflect different shades of orange and pink. At this point, after five days, the King finally visited my daughter. Cersei and her son requested for my presence but I couldn't stay in that room for more than five minutes.
That doesn't mean I'm an insensitive father and husband. I love my family more than anything and I would kill if I have to just to protect them. I have a conscience, as well, and for the past days it has been telling me that all of this is my fault.
And I believe it.
My eagerness to find a suitable husband for my daughter only made matters worse. Because of my stubborn persistence, my daughter now lays between life and death. One toe out of the line and I would regret everything else.
Edvige's health is failing as well. She hasn't been eating on time and according to the twins, she only accepts bread and a goblet of water. Only this morning, I saw my wife grow more anxious but still clinging on that faith that our daughter would wake up anytime now. And I still do. But there are times when I would just let go of my hopes and accept the fact that there is a bigger possibility that Corabella would eventually stop breathing altogether.
"She is a warrior, my Lord," Queen Margaery said when we last spoke. "I'm certain that even now, she's fighting her way to existence." That brought a smile to my face and I remembered that if I keep mourning for my daughter, I wouldn't achieve anything. Corabella wouldn't like that. I know that she would want me to continue my daily activities and do my best to shape her brothers up to finally compete with her. After all, when she wakes up, she would want to finally duel with her brothers properly.
I waited for my sons in the gardens, beside all the carnations growing. The sight of the beautiful petals reminded me of my daughter's face. Even the scent of the plant triggered a happy memory of her when she was young and determined to learn the art of combat.
I wiped a tear off my eye.
"Father!" a voice almost similar to mine called from the distance. I turned to see my son, Gino, who was now almost as tall as me after his growth spurt, panting as he ran towards me. "Father! Quick, follow me to our chambers."
"Why? What happened? Are you alright?" I asked nervously.
"Yes," he breathed deeply before continuing. "It's Cosimo."
I didn't let another second pass. If anything goes wrong again with one of my children, I wouldn't forgive myself. I sprinted out of the gardens and into the castle, taking two steps at a time as I ascended to our appointed floor. Gino was trailing behind me. When I reached the twins' chambers, I flung the door open only to be greeted by the sight of Cosimo lying on the bed. He was lying on his side, his back turned towards me.
"None of his clothes fit him. I draped a blanket over his body after I saw him," Gino said.
I smiled in relief. Another growth spurt, I presume. I walked towards Cosimo and gently sat myself down on the unoccupied space beside him. I put a hand on his arm but he didn't turn. I looked at Gino in confusion. "Something changed in him," Gino said with concern.
"Of course there is! Look at yout brother!" I exclaimed happily. "He's a man now! He might be taller than you, for the love of gods!"
"No, that's not it," I heard a deep voice come from beside me. Even Cosimo's voice changed. I'm sure Corabella would be pleased to wake up to this. With closed eyes, Cosimo turned very slowly to lie on his back. "Something's wrong."
"Your feet will ache for a few days but your brother could help you with some remedies," I assured him.
"No, Father." He opened his eyes.
I literally jumped out of bed and nearly stumbled on my feet when I saw him stare back at me. My eyes grew wide and I felt a chill run down my spine. Not just my spine, to be honest. I felt my very insides run cold and my guts turn sickeningly.
"Corabella needs to go home," he muttered as my dark as black eyes practically drill a hole on his now bright blue ones.
Author's Note: Hi! Thanks for sticking 'til the end. I was actually going to ask for opinion about the rating of this fic. I initially rated this 'T' but I'm planning on some more gory scenes and I would like to dabble a bit more on sexuality as I go along because I feel like I want to experiment on my works so I'm planning on changing the rating to 'M'. But I would love to hear your thoughts on this so please please please leave a review down below. Again, thanks for reading and see you on the next chapter!
Qs:
- What do you think about the introductory conversation between the unidentified person and the man with the flute?
- How do you feel about Cosimo's unusual physical change?
