Slightly behind schedule, but only a day difference so...yay. This chapter introduces Addam's betrothed and just gives a brief background to explain her behaviours and how she may be viewed. This is also a bit of a time jump from last chapter, about a week has passed since this chapter will also be seeing an outside view of Steffon and Reina's new relationship, as well as some more Jaime Lannister and Lorraine action! Enjoy!

P.s: Would just like to thank all the followers of this story, thank you so much for deeming this worthy of your time!

Margot

The carriage came to a sudden halt without any warning and shook Margot awake from her thankfully dreamless sleep. Her dreams as of late had not been of her usual nature.

Reaching out delicately to nudge the window drape aside to get an idea of where they had stopped, the door suddenly flung open and Margot was suddenly blinded and frazzled by the glaring noon sun. After slowly moving to lower her raised hands that had shot up to protect her eyes she was met with the sight of her brother, Lord Jon Manning, standing afoot her carriage door with an impatient look on his face.

"Fix yourself, girl." He said dryly. She half expected him to violently shut the carriage door at her once more but he only stood there, fingers tapping against the doorframe and his heated glare growing more and more impertinent.

"I don't have all day for this!" He half yelled at Margot, startling her enough to illicit a small jump from her frame.

She quickly moved to smooth her hair, removing pins from where they had seeped in her hair and re-pinning them to hold her hair in place in a parted pleat wrapped around her head with the remainder of her hair held up lowly. She quickly tugged at her gowns, hoping they had not been creased too much during the journey lest she would suffer more snide remarks from Jon.

For some reason, she never bothered asking why he was the way we was with her. She had never known a moment during their childhood where Jon had been kind to her. And so, Morgot Manning un-assumedly believed that this is the way siblings were supposed to treat you. Or is that how all men were supposed to treat me? She was a woman now, a lady, he had told her. And being a lady came with duties. Even if that meant being sold off like livestock to whomever he pleased or displeased her. She had always known a sort of regretful affection from her father that accompanied his sternness, but it died along with him and she found she was left with a brother who had no patience or willingness to know her and an uncle that was indifferently distracted at best.

She had never been to King's Landing before, her father forbid it. And somehow a part of her, for once, did not yearn for what she was denied. It was just a shore away, but there was still something that looked wrong and black and foul about the looming Red Keep. Kept to the humble castle of Stillwater Keep, Margot Manning knew very little of what to expect from near anyone that was not her kin.

Nodding to her brother that she was all set and ready she barely had time to lift her hand to place it in his so he would escort her out of the carriage before he swiftly turned his back to her and proceeded out of the slight shade the carriage house had provided him with. Sighing internally and willing herself to stay composed, Margot stepped out of the carriage thoughtfully and, catching a glimpse of the awaiting party from the corner of her eye, followed her brother with her eyes to the ground to where the welcome party was standing.

Would he like me? She kept thinking. She did not see the point in lying to herself about whether or not she cared. She did. And she wished he would do. She did not know what to expect, but she was being torn away from her home. And seeing as the only person that had ever been mildly good to her had been torn from this world as well, a part of her wanted to believe that this was for the best. And somehow, she would be glad to be rid of Stillwater Keep and those who dwell there would be happy to be rid of her.

Margot could never tell if the was pretty or not, she scarcely had any time to compare herself to others. She had long simple locks of dark blonde hair, the colour of a well cooked pie, her father had once said of her hair. She did not know whether she liked the colour of her eyes, for they were a pale blue with upon closer examination were splattered with chunks of brown, dog's breakfast, Jon said once.

She hadn't dared asked Jon whether or not Addam Marbrand was handsome. She had asked him once what he was like and he had gone on to lecture her that it really did not matter, she would marry him and accept her duty as his wife. She of course, did not forget his yells at the end that she should be grateful that he could even find anybody for her, and that she should accept her bid in life whilst falling on her knees in gratitude to him. Of all the things she was, Margot knew she would never be that. Yes, she had lived in fear and seclusion from her brother, she had not the strength to stand against him, nor the will of character to discipline him to afford her with better treatment. She had lived in Stillwater Keep accepting her brother's insults to her person, even believing them. Even now, standing here, moments away from meeting her betrothed, who was supposed to afford her with every happiness a man could give a woman, Margot did not believe that she in any way deserved it. But even with that, she was not so weak to the point of thanking her abuser.

Hearing a shuffle in front of her, she stole a quick glance up at the party lined up before her, in my honour, she taunted. Looking up subtly, she saw three tall men standing by each other's side, each one younger and slightly shorter than the one before. To their lefts stood four girls, ladies, each one different looking but with the same proud glint in their eyes and flick to their chins.

"We are honoured to welcome you to Ashemark, lord Manning. We hope the journey hasn't been too trying." She heard the booming voice of who she assumed to be the eldest man fill the air.

She heard a clasp of hands as they shook and her brother's nonchalant reply of,

"We are honoured that you would have us, my Lord."

She then heard the elder man introducing the man standing next to him to her brother. Addam, her betrothed. She remembered the quick look she had stolen of him and his copper hair. He is comely, she thought to herself, and for a moment selfishly hoped she was not less handsome than he. The rest were introduced, Duncan, Janyne, Reina, Elaine and Lorraine and Margot was not sure whether she could live with so many people, or have so many people be her family.

Just as she was considering this she felt a hand on her wrist dragging her forward and she could not help the hesitation and shivers overcoming her as the elder man's figure loomed over her, standing just inches away from her betrothed. She lifted her head slightly, focusing her eyes on the man's doublet as her brother introduced her with a tone so lacking in affection one would think she was his enemy's ward.

"Lord Marbrand, this is Margot. The bride I had promised." Yes, just like livestock. Nevertheless Margot bent into a shallow curtsy in silence.

Her head was swimming and racing with so many thoughts that she did not yet register the hand that was nearing her face and shuddered when it had reached her chin, forcing it gently to rise and meet its holder's gaze. With eyes wide, Margot looked back at the eyes that were ordering her to meet them, and she saw a kindness of sorts that was almost sympathetic towards her. She registered the Lord Marbrand, he was very tall and although his hair was growing white she could still see the remnants of the same copper hair she had seen on her own betrothed.

"Welcome to Ashemark, my child." He welcomed her with a smile, his voice quieter and less commanding than it had been when she had first heard it. She found herself smiling with reluctant relief at the unexpected affection she had received from her future goodfather. And it made her believe that perhaps this would not be such a bad arrangement after all.

"Thank you, my Lord." She mustered up as finely as she could. He took her hand then, which she had realised she had forgotten to extend to him, and clasped it in both of his hands with fatherly affection.

"May I introduce to you my son, Ser Addam." Her eyes ventured to wander to the tall man standing next his father, and Margot was fully aware her blush was consuming her face in a fiery race of sorts.

His eyes were a dark brown, she noticed. Dark and pointed, and very different from hers. Is he judging my eyes in return? She thought he must have been because both were silent for a moment, her hand still attached to his father's as she had not yet found the strength to move towards him.

She did not know why, but the first impression she had of him was that he was reasonable. He looked like a calm man. Someone other men would willingly follow. And she felt ashamed that he was being forced to take such a weak willed girl as his bride. But for some reason she did not cower her head back to meet the ground again, and continued holding her head high in some semblance of grace.

"Lady Margot" She heard his deep, dark voice address her and she did not realise that her breath had hitched in her throat.

"Ser Addam" she replied with surprising clarity in her voice. He knelt his head to kiss her hand gently.

"I am happy to see you well and finally in Ashemark. I hope it will be to your liking." He said with his breath still tickling her hand and Margot was sure by then she must have been the most extraordinary shade of red. She stood in silence for a moment considering what to say to the fair man standing in front of her. This man would be my husband, this man would protect me.

"I-I...I am happy to be here. I am sure your gracious home shall surpass any expectations I had placed." He smiled at her then for the first time and for once a clumsy smile slipped out of her in return without permission.

"We shall see, my lady. May I introduce my brother Duncan?" He motioned to the shorter dark haired man standing next to him who shared very little with his older brother. He shook her hand, kissing it swiftly and gifting her a genuine smile in the process.

She then moved to his eldest sister, a robust woman with her betrothed's hair. And she surprised Margot by hugging her and whispering the word sister to her. It was not long before the rest of his sister's gathered around Margot, hugging her and kissing her cheeks in a warm welcome.

"Welcome, sister."

"I can't wait until you become our sister."

"What beautiful hair you have, sister!"

Margot did not know how to react to such familial love especially from people she had never met before. It seemed that the way she had been treated by her brother was not the way Addam treated his. Would that mean that for the first time in her life she could be close to someone?

Addam's sisters linked their arms in her own and made to show her to her new chambers all the while asking her of her journey and lamenting how they wish they had eyes like hers. Suddenly everything someone had once abhorred about Margot was being celebrated in vigour.

In her frazzled state Margot looked back searching for her brother and the disapproving look he would surely be directing at her. Instead, she found Addam standing facing them, his hands locked in front of him and a thin smile with something akin to pride in it.

Jaime

Lorraine had spent almost her entire afternoon excitedly relaying to Jaime news of Margot Manning's arrival. How pretty she thought Margot was, how mean her brother looked, how much she smiled when they had taken her to her room, how Addam was bound to like her. Unfortunately for Jaime, his interest in Lorraine did not extend to trivial matter as such and he found himself pinched in the shoulder every time he rolled his eyes at her in nonchalance.

During their walk and chat he had not realised that the sun had set so soon until he noticed the dying spark of the sun glowing on Lorraine's skin gloriously. For the first time, he had asked and was granted the courtesy of escorting her to her chamber door so she may prepare for the welcome feast that evening. It was unceremonious, as Lorraine had seemed far too excited to prepare far an evening in Margot's company to notice Jaime lingering by her door after she had shut it. It was only a short moment, the scent of her room had escaped when she had opened her door and he could not help but take it in.

Now, walking to the hall of Amber he wondered whether he could fetch her from her room himself, but thought against it as she had probably already arrange to walk in with someone else.

Finding his way to Addam standing by one of his comrades he grabbed a goblet of wine from one of the trays and stood next to him with a raised brow. He had not seen him after his meeting with Margot but before then had noticed his nervous shuffling and over exertion on the dumby in the training yard.

"How goes it Ser?" He grinned at his friend, noticing him to be more relaxed. Surely Lorraine could not be imagining Margot's prettiness, so Jaime assumed Addam was not too disappointed by his bride to be.

"I saught you out earlier on. It seems my sister has kept you occupied." He said with a smirk but Jaime did not miss the hint of a subtle question. Any day now, Lannister?

"Only to fill me in on the great beauty that is your betrothed dear friend. Congratulations." Addam looked away then, as if considering what to say about the matter.

"Is she not to your liking?" He pressed on. He did not know why. Perhaps he wanted to see how differently Lorraine saw things from others.

"She is pretty. She seems quite nice as well. But there's something...strange."

"What do you mean?"

"Her brother."

"What of him?"

"He's a tough man."

"And what does that have to do with the lady?"

"I think he scares her. I think she's afraid of him, Jaime." He considered this, thinking that maybe Addam had misread the situation. He just could not think of anthing to say to put his friend at ease.

"If that is true, she shall not fear him for much longer." He conceded and Addam nodded, his eyes following Reina blushing in a corner with her own betrothed. Jaime's eyes followed and he registered that he had rarely seen them apart during the evenings since Ser Steffon's arrival.

"They seem to be getting on well." He heard Addam muse aloud.

"Ser Steffon's a fine lad." He responded, trying keep the air neutral. Instead he kept his gazed fixed on Reina and how far her blush extended down her neck in response to Steffon's obvious flirtations.

They had grown closer, as was expected. He had never regarded Reina as anyone with real substance but he supposed she must be since she was quite obviously taking her time with Steffon. Despite her earlier hesitations, seeing how taken she had been with Steffon made Jaime assume that she would allow herself to be swept away by him and follow him around like a lost dog. Instead she had held her ground firmly, giving him only small pieces of herself in the process before being able to submit fully to him. Steffon himself had become quite entranced by her and had saught out her company regularly.

He viewed them now walking into the quiet privacy of the outer hall as it had yet to be filled with dancing, and saw that Steffon had placed Reina's hand delicately within his. He thanked the gods then that Addam was looking elsewhere, for he himself could not tell exactly what intentions Steffon Trant held for the fine lady. Perhaps he wishes to steal a kiss tonight.

After meeting Steffon for the first time a week ago, he could not help but draw comparison between him and his uncle Meryn who had served with Jaime in the Kingsguard and as Cersei's personal little slave. He was thankful to find that Steffon did not resemble his uncle in many ways, save for his wavering arrogance. He did not know why he cared at all, but Reina meant something to Lorraine and a large part of him was relieved that Lorraine would not have to worry about her sister, for surely she would if Steffon was not as fine as he was.

Turning his attention to the doorway awaiting Lorraine's arrival in the hall, he noticed that Addam had advanced toward the direction he was looking and had bowed siwftly in front of a shy young lady who had attached herself strangely to who he assumed was her brother. Looking at her brother, Jaime immediately recognized Addam's concern regarding whatever their relationship was.

Jon Manning looked cold. His gaze icier than it should ever be in the company of his sister. He had this annoyed look about him, like everything and everyone was grating on his nerves and he would always preferred being anywhere else but here. His brow was furrowed, and Jaime could not imagine what he would look like with it relaxed. The stony man moved his idle hand and forcibly detached Margot's hand from his in a way that not befitting for any lord to treat a lady, even if she was sister. Shyly and with her head sunk in defeat, she took Addam's arm and proceeded into the hall with him.

The Manning girl could not even look Addam in the eye, but something about the way Addam carried her around the hall suggested he would be gentle in his endevours to know her. Like she would break. Frankly, Jaime had not anticipated that Addam would even try at all. But he surrounded her with a sort of attentiveness he had never seen him give before. Lorraine was right, Addam would like her. She was willowy, the way Jaime could imagine a woman standing next to Addam. But she was not at all dark and mysterious. Sure, her shy nature allowed for some mystery but she looked like a flower that had yet to be teased out of blossoming. Perhaps, with time, she would grow strong enough to even put Addam in his place when he needed it.

Why was he the one bound to wait for someone by the door when everyone else had unashamedly taken their betrothed in their arms and made to break through one another's walls? Why was he still waiting, when all he wanted was to be able to walk Lorraine wherever she wished to go?

Lorraine

I could not explain exactly why I was so happy to see Margot by Addam's side. I knew from the moment I saw her that she was good, and that she would be good to Addam. But that brother of hers, he looked so...hateful. Like there was nothing good about anything. I personally can not wait until Addam's wedding, if only to be rid of that dreadful Jon Manning.

It had been a long while since we had hosted a wedding, and now we would be hosting two in quick succession. I was still quite young when Janyne had married and I could not then yet call Ronald a brother. He was a stranger, still. And some part of him still remained so. But I noticed my apprehension had lessened considerably when Ser Steffon had arrived and I had eventually seen his goodness in his treatment to my dear sister.

But thus far, I had never known the new sensation of welcoming another sister. Especially one that I would be living with soon. I had raced to welcome Margot into what would be her new home and in the process forgotten that she was still a relative stranger to us all. She was confused at my quiet but lively state and Janyne had immediately explained things to her about "the way Lorraine is". She had taken it surprisingly well, especially since she had only been briefed generally regarding the matter, and soon resumed her shy smiles to us and reluctant short answers to our storm of questions.

Jaime did not find my musings regarding Margot insteresting at all. That makes me laugh. That Ser Jaime Lannister has become such a fixed part of my day that it is mentioned in such passing. Nevertheless, even with his disinterest in my ramblings on Margot, he seemed to be somewhat partially invested as we both viewed them interacting in the hall with one another during the feast this previous night.

As for now, Ser Jaime and I have ventured in to the mazes under the castle grounds and I was trying my best not to steer the direction of our footing. Every visitor must find the end of the labyrinth for himself.

He was annoyed. I could tell. But I paid no mind to his frustrations and clasped my hands behind my back, taking lazy steps in pursuit of his erratic ones. There was something terribly funny about such a legendary knight suddenly feeling exasperated and trapped by a maze that I had already known by heart.

Ser Jaime stopped suddenly, turning around to afford me with a wicked grin.

"This is not what I imagined when I had asked you to accompany me for a pleasant walk, my lady." He never calls me by name, I noticed. Like he was waiting for something to change or for us to somehow be even more familiar than we are now. What could possibly change between us now?

I extended my arms out and twirled about in the middle of the walkway with my head to the sun, bathing in its gloring and whatever beautiful days were left for us all. Shirking myself of the responsibility of answering Ser Jaime. Once I had stopped I turned my head to see Ser Jaime smiling at me the way he sometimes did, a smile that sometimes makes me feel like i'm not there and he's just watching.

He extendedd his bent arm out for me to hold, the one that carried the hand forged of gold, and I took it silently promising myself not to lead him to safety.

"Do you...enjoy our time together, my lady?" He asked with the question etched deep in his eyes of emerald. I nodded in truth.

"Am I not some thorn in your side?" He hid his sincerity with mirth. I could only play along and reassure him with a shake of my head.

We approached what I always thought of as some kind of oasis, a place of safety from the maze. It was a small interlude from the bushed pathways, a fountain in the midst of it and surrounding benches. I decided that perhaps the Lannister Lion could use some reprieve from the relentless labyrinth and sat down thinking he would welcome the thought of joining me.

He did not. I looked up to find Ser Jaime still standing and regarding me strangely, as if he was trying to piece something together.

"Do you think i'm a good man, my lady?" Is it a coincidence that he seems to only be asking me yes or no questions? Is he tired already of having to decipher my hand gestures? Nevertheless I answered him with a nod of my head. All this noddingg and I will eventually get dizzy.

"Why?" Ah, a chance to showcase my talents at last. I started my hand gesture,

"Because you are brave. And kind." He looked down, thinking hard and shaking his head. He lifted his head and I found a faint smile, this time full of bitterness.

"Not many would agree with you." Again, I replied with my hands,

"Not many have spent time with you as you are now." He finally moved from where he was stood then and made his way forward to face me. I looked up at him in confusion, wondering why he simply would not join me. Or what he wished to achieve with all these questions. I could hear his audible intake of breath, like he was bracing himself for something.

"My lady, there is something I wish to ask of you." Before I could extend my arm out to him to motion for him to continue he suddenly blurted out something I had never in my life thought I would hear from anyone, no less Jaime Lannister.

"I wish for you to do me the great honour of becoming my wife."

The incredilous look that must have adorned my face then must have shaken some of his resolve to confront me with this sudden...request. But nevertheless he awaited my answer, my anything, in silence. I found myself faced with the same pleading eyes I had seen the first time I had met Ser Jaime, but this time I was not too sure I would give in to them the way they wanted me to.

I opened my mouth slightly, forgetting that I could not speak, and moved my arms around me,

"Why?" I saw him breathe out at my response, like somehow this was the easy part. As if somehow explaining to a little mute girl why you, one of the greatest and most powerful lords and most infamous knight of the Seven Kingdoms, wished to take her as a wife was what you had little trouble explaining.

"I find myself...drawn to you. You have captured me." He paused, and it was I that held in my breath awaiting him to continue.

"I am not one for pretty words. But I believe I know you well enough to know that that isn't what you wish to hear anyway. I see you by my side, my lady. I do not exactly know what beauty of character in you I find I have been missing thus far, but during these afternoons I feel like I could not want for more in life." He kneeled then so his piercing eyes were directed solely on my murky brown ones.

"I have spoken to your father and Addam, and they said their approval only extends to your consent. And I would not have it any other way. I can not offer you romantic gestures and the promise of ballads being written about us," I almost snorted at that. Could you imagine? The Knight and the mute. Or I suppose maybe even the Cripple and the mute. What a lovely pair we would make.

"But I can promise that I will try my very best to make you happy. I know that. And of the many things I may be, Kingslayer being one of them, I can not bear to kneel in front of someone as precious as you and lie. You remind me of the good I once saw in the world. And perhaps it is selfish of me to ask that you let me keep that by me, but I assure you would want for nothing if you were to accept." I considered this for a moment. He thinks me precious? I can not deny that I had been too embarassed to admit to myself that Ser Jaime has grown dear to me over the time I had known him, and was in no hurry to see him go. I recall how I longed for his closeness. And having him knealt in front of me, still so close, I could not help but admit that I still wanted to feel close to him.

Even though I know I am loved and I know I am cherished, I also know that most of the time I am seen as some sort of ...box. An asexual being that does not, or could not, feel anything resembling attraction. But I do. I do feel it. But is that enough to warrant me to accept Ser Jaime's offer?

"Do you love me?"

"No." He answered frankly. At least he was honest. And he had not promised me anything pertaining to such love. I would not have accepted anything of the sort anyway. But a part of me wanted to persist, wanted to push, to find something deeper than his given reasons.

"Then why?" I asked once more.

"When I am with you, I wish to do things I had never thought of with anyone else. I wish to hold your hand simply for the joy of feeling your skin for more than a few moments. I wish to spend hours letting you beat me at chess just to see you smile. And I wish to spend days upon days with you without shame. You are good, and you make me want to be good. I will be good for you, and to you Lorraine. That I promise." And just by him saying my name the way he had it was like warmth had suddenly enveloped my person and I was unable to move. His eyes continued to look on and my mind raced even faster.

I grasped at what I held in my little skirt pocket, pulling out the notebook and quickly scribbling,

"Ask me again."He adjusted himself on his knee and I registered then how uncomfortable he must have been waiting for my answer.

"Lorraine Marbrand, would you take me as your husband?" He asked with the glimmer of hope in his eyes and a tone I would on other days try to disappoint for mere entertainment.

And with a simple nod, my answer was clear. Yes, Jaime Lannister, I accept.

He sagged in his place in relief, taking my hand to kiss it fiercely. The contact of his lips on my forehand stunned me and I waited for his excitement to die down before I did what I had been wanting to do for weeks now, especially since his position allowed for it perfectly.

Ridding myself of all hesitance, I placed my hands on his broad shoulders. Shoulders that would soon belong to me. And leaned in close to his face. I wondered then whether he thought I meant to steal a kiss from him. How scandalous!

Instead, I turned my head slightly and placed a light feathery kiss on his lower cheek, close to his jaw. I had never kissed a man like this or in any way before. But feeling the way Jaime's skin felt on my lips, there is nothing that felt righter than this.

I tried not to make it cheesy. Was there any remote success to this? Tune in for what is to come! Next chapter will be very eventful so I hope I can get started on it soon. Thanks again for reading.