A/N: Game of Thrones is one of the few television shows I follow religiously. I've read all the books and adore the show. If you can get past the blood and nudity, it's an amazing fantasy world with so many layers and characters. This AU popped up after some urge to write an arrangedMarriage!AU for Reyna and Jason. May expand this one day. Sorry for the lame title… Read and review!
Real life news! Hey, only 3 weeks of university left. Still jobless but I'm deciding to enjoy my summer and panic about work and adult life later. Future me will probably curse me later. I'll post more during the summer obviously.
Love Your Enemy
Today I am marrying a stranger. Jason thought before closing his eyes and shaking his head. No, the woman he was marrying wasn't a stranger. He knew her name. He knew her legacy. He knew her army who he fought against for twelve years. But twelve long hard years of fighting can be washed away with a single meaningful marriage. His marriage. Jason opened his eyes and frowned at his reflection.
The tunic he wore was close fitted to his broad shoulders and lean form. He rarely wore white except for special occasions. The purple cloak wrapped around his shoulders with a sigil of House Jupiter, a proud eagle with its wings spread out in mid-flight. Jason reached for his sword as he attached it to his belt. Right now, he wished he were going into battlefield instead of a chapel.
"Don't look so glum, cousin." The light tone of his cousin drew Jason's gaze away from his reflection. Percy entered the room with a sincere smile. The young man was clad in Jupiter's colors with a sword by his side. His dark hair was combed neatly for once, revealing his deep sea green eyes. "It's your wedding day."
"I envy you, Percy." Jason started as he ran his fingers through his hair. "You're already married." A soft smile tugged at Percy's lips, clearing thinking about his young wife. Percy and Annabeth were one of the few lucky noble born to marry for love instead of alliances. Jason took deep breath as he walked over to the window, overlooking Olympus.
The crowded winding streets were buzzing with energy, anticipating the joining of two great houses and the end of a bitter war. Passed the tall walls of the city, Jason could see Bellona's army, posed to strike if this marriage falls through. They are sending one of their honorable daughters into the fray. This could be the beginning or end. "Will this be worth it?"
"Lives will be saved, Jason." Percy counseled as he sat on the edge of Jason's bed. "Men who can return home to their wives. Children who will get to see their fathers." The happiness of many outweighs the happiness of one. Jason thought of the lessons he learned as a young squire. He was doing this for his people. Twelve years is a lot of bloodshed. Jason was tired of burying his men, making widows and orphans. His freedom was a small price to pay.
The church bell tolled and the two cousins traded glances. It was time.
Jason was used to being in the center of attention. Being an heir of House Jupiter, his people always watched his movements, gauged his emotions, and fed off his actions. The chapel was packed with noble men and women of both House Jupiter and Bellona. The air was tense with uncertainty as former enemies judged the other's movement. It's been years since a Bellona stepped into the walls of Olympus.
Now, the head of the family, Lady Bellona stood unbothered on the steps. Her dark features were impassive as she rested her hands together, waiting for her daughter to seal to deal and join the two houses. Beside Lady Bellona was her oldest daughter, the heiress of New Rome once the Lady stepped down. Hylla was a splitting image of her mother but with a softer aura. A smile tugged at her lips when one of her attendant whispered something in her ear. She looked up suddenly, cocking an eyebrow as she noticed Jason's curious glances. The boy turned away from his future in-laws to seek courage from his friends and family.
Thalia wasn't like other highborn ladies of the Houses. Her fitted pants, tight tunic and short black hair made her stand out in the sea of colorful gowns. Her arms were crossed as she eyed the Bellona side wearily, flexing her fingers like she wanted to grab her hunting knife and slice Lady Bellona's throat. Her blue eyes lifted, meeting Jason's, and gave him a tragic smile. She knew if the Bellona had a son, she would be the one being offered up. Leo stood beside her, flashing a thumb's up to reassure his best friend. Jason lifted the corner of his mouth but closed his eyes as they naturally roamed to the stunning beautiful woman beside Leo. His heart lurched at the thought of her. If Jason met her sorrowful gaze, his resolve would crumble and this marriage would fall apart.
The double door creaked opened and the nervous whispers died down. Jason opened his eyes and sucked in a sharp breath as he stared at his bride. She was clad in Bellona colors. Her dress was stunning silver with white trimmings. A light green cloak draped over her slender shoulders with the Bellona wolf sigil howling in silver stitching. Her steps were unhurried, no hint of hesitation as she approached. Jason drank in her signature Bellona features she shared with her mother and older sister. Midnight hair was pulled back in an intricate bun with a blood red rose tucked in. Her sharp eyes were deep pool of wisdom beyond her age. It felt unreal seeing her in formal wear. Jason has only seen the youngest Bellona daughter on the battlefield, carving a path of death through his men. Either way, Reyna Bellona was an exquisite sight.
The young man who escorted her stopped in front of Jason. His deep brown eyes were unreadable as he stared at Jason, judging. Frank Mars cut an imposing form but Jason met his gaze before turning to Reyna. The young woman cocked her eye at Frank before they traded soft smiles. He squeezed the hand he held and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before offering her hand to Jason. Jason held his arm out, ready to end this blood feud.
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Reyna wasn't a stranger to being surrounded by potential threats. She was raised to fight, defend, and kill on the battlefield. But right now, she was so out of her element clad in satin, silk and velvet instead of iron and steel. Men and women who wanted to stab her in the back days ago smiled sweetly at her as she passed. It made Reyna's skin crawl how easily they accepted her as a member of their House. "Don't look so scared, cousin." Frank whispered into Reyna's ear as they moved in time with the couples around them.
Reyna stifled a grin as she lifted her gaze, meeting his warm brown eyes. They were playful but surveyed the room as well. The Bellona and Mars heirs were taught to survive. Old habits die hard. "Me? Scared? Never." Reyna replied, prompting Frank to tilt his head in a knowing way. Reyna let out a soft sigh as she brushed her fingers against the soft fabric of his tunic. The crimson red of House Mars didn't fit Frank's kind personality but he was a true Mars heir. On the battlefield, he was deadly with a bow, saving her multiple times over the years since they were on the frontlines. Reyna will miss his constant presence. "Ok, maybe a little. Peace is worth it."
"Peace is always worth it." Frank echoed, moving with the joyful music. "I don't like the idea of leaving you alone here."
"They're my people now, Frank." Reyna reminded, tapping his chest. "When is the army moving?"
"Your mother and sister will be heading back to New Rome in the morning." Frank informed her as they glanced to where the Bellona ladies sat. Lady Bellona sat unbothered as she spoke with Lady Juno. Hylla and Kinzie were giggling to each other, the attendant smiling flirtatiously at one of the knights. "Half the army will march with them. My father will leave in a week after finalizing the alliance."
"And you?" Reyna asked. Frank smiled down at her.
"You're not getting rid of me so easily." Frank replied easily. "Dakota and I will train your guards. Gwen will be your handmaiden. You may be a Jupiter now but we're not leaving you alone." Reyna pressed her forehead against Frank's shoulder, inhaling the familiar warm scent. "You should be relatively safe. I can only think of one person who would want to kill you." Laughter bubbled in Reyna's throat as she shook her head. A grin tugged at her lips.
"Only one? I'm slightly disappointed." Reyna kidded as she pulled back and they continued their dance. "Who?"
"Your husband's former lover." Frank answered, turning so Reyna faced a certain group of Jupiter noblemen. Reyna recognized her new sister-in-law, Thalia, with her short black hair and lack of formal wear. Beside her stood a pair of brunettes. A short young man with curly brown hair laughed into his wine cup. He leaned to the other young woman, trying to cheer her up. A weak smile appeared on her lips but didn't reach her bright eyes. She was breathtaking clad in white and gold. Her skin was flawless, glowing in the candle light of the banquet hall. Her indescribable eyes fluttered towards Reyna with a coldness Reyna was more accustomed to seeing in Jupiter warriors. "Rumors are they were to marry."
"Frank, I'm not marrying him for love." Reyna replied, refusing to lower her gaze from the beautiful girl. She glanced away first, commenting on something the curly hair boy said.
"That doesn't mean you have to hate him either. From what I've heard, he's an honorable man. He's a good match for you." Frank said, brushing Reyna's hand reassuringly. Before Reyna could respond, the cousins were forced to change partners with the flow of the dance. A warm arm wrapped around her waist, accidentally pulling her flush against his chest. They were a breath away from each other. A pair of bright blue eyes widened, eyes of her husband.
"Husband." Reyna whispered unintentionally, feeling the lean panes of his chest underneath her fingertips.
"Wife." He answered back, matching her tone. A kind smile tugged at his lips, causing the scar on it to curl. This is the first time they've touched since the chaste kiss in front of everyone. They were tugged in different directions out of the chapel. Lord Mars, Reyna's uncle, pulled Jason away to speak to meet his men and other key Bellona families. Reyna was ushered away to meet her mother-in-law and other women of House Jupiter. It was a mess but necessary. They met again for dinner but rarely spoke over the celebration. Right now, Reyna didn't know what to say. Luckily, the newlyweds didn't need to say anything as the room fell quiet. They both looked up to the high table where Lord Jupiter stood up, raising a goblet.
"For years, we were at war." Lord Jupiter's booming voice said. "For years, we considered each other enemies. But today, we are family, joined together by a Jupiter's son and a Bellona's daughter. You two are husband and wife in every sense of the word but body." Cheers erupted from all sides of the room, anticipating the man's next words. "I call for a bedding!"
Reyna gasped as a thick arm wrapped around her waist. Her fingers unintentionally tightened around Jason's arm before she was pulled out of his loose hold. A breaded man with glazed expression smiled coarsely at her. "What does the she-wolf hid underneath her armor?" He jeered, lifting her in his strong arms and playfully cupped her bottom. Reyna cursed in her head and reeled in the need to lash out. Bedding ceremony was the only way they would know if the couple consummated. The men around her shouted lewd comments, palming her flesh like she's a piece of meat. Her dress tore underneath their grabby hands. Her hair was pulled out of its bun. As they carried her through the long halls of the castle, Reyna could hear the girls' giggles bouncing off stonewalls as they unclothed her husband.
"There's not much bite from the she-wolf." Reyna's blood froze as she heard that familiar voice in the silence. The breaded knight placed her gently on the cold stone floor as they all bowed their heads to the speaker. Reyna's eyes narrowed and she lifted her chin in defiance, meeting the gaze of one of Jupiter's deadliest knights. She clashed with this man on the battlefield multiple times. She traced his handsome face, smirking at the long scar underneath his left eye. She gave him it years ago when she tried murdering him in his bed. "How do you think she is in the bedroom?" The men called out remarks but Reyna ignored them. She reached out; tracing her fingers down the scar she gave him.
"Glad I still have my mark on you." She whispered, watching with glee when Hercules' smirk curled down in a sneer. The knight ripped the front of her dress, revealing the slip she wore underneath before pushing her into the dimly lit room.
Reyna hugged the front of her dress up, smirking at his reaction. She pulled off her ruined gown and gathered her hair over her shoulder as she walked to the window, gazing over Olympus, her new home. The door banged open and giggles could be heard before the door slammed again. "Husband…" Reyna started as she turned before pausing.
Jason stood there with his tunic pulled open, revealing his chiseled chest. The tan skin had visible white scars from old wounds from the war. His blond hair was in disarray, falling into his dark blue eyes. His inner shirt was pulled out of his pants where the girls even tried to pull them off. A bright flush colored his cheeks as he lifted his gaze from the ground, giving her a shy smile. "Wife." He whispered, echoing their conversation from before.
"Girls really tore you apart." Reyna commented, folding her ruined gown to keep from staring too long. She should be used to half-naked men, traveling with an army for long many years. Reyna closed her eyes as she heard Jason move behind her. Her heart was hammering against her chest, faster than even on the battlefield facing her death. She knew how to handle herself on a battlefield. The bedroom was a different story. Reyna approached him, keeping her gaze lower before slowly looking up to meet his gaze. Her fingers brushed the wisps of blond hair out of his face, dragging her fingers over his cheeks. Jason's gaze followed her movement but didn't pull away from her touch.
"Last chance to get a piece of me." Jason kidded in a light tone, leaning against her touch. He moved to say something else but Reyna stepped close, pressed her lips against his. He didn't respond at first, still like a statue. Reyna cupped the back of his neck, keeping him close and slowly moved her lips against his, trying to coax a reaction. This marriage needs to work. As Reyna slowly pulled away, Jason leaned forward, capturing her lips fully. He cupped her cheeks and tilted her just so, deepening the kiss. Reyna let a soft moan escape her lips that pulled Jason back. The Jupiter heir looked at her with trouble in his deep blue eyes. "I…" Jason whispered. There was a war in his eyes as he stared at her, fighting the lust and desire.
"We don't need to rush." Reyna whispered, patting his cheek. He looked grateful as he stepped back, looking across the room. She didn't have time to look at the contents of the bedroom. The large bed was big enough for three people to sleep comfortable. There's a balcony allowing a cool breeze in. Reyna crossed her arms, feeling a slight chill as she observed her husband. He was very handsome with a strong chin and nose and understanding eyes. Body of a seasoned warrior. Reyna's eyes creased as she noticed a small scar on his left side.
"How did you get this?" Reyna asked, reaching out and caressing her fingers against the rough skin. Jason jumped in surprised, capturing her hand. His eyes were wide as he stared at her. "Sorry, I'm used to touching before asking."
"No, it's fine." Jason replied, letting her fingers slip out of his as he stepped away. "First," he shrugged off his tunic and draped it over Reyna's bare shoulders. The girl laughed at the thoughtful gesture as she slid her arms through the sleeves. They both sat on the bed, getting comfortable for a long night. Jason ran his hand over the old wound. "Your cousin gave me this scar a year or two ago. I was trying to cut you down for your horse."
"And look at where we are now." Reyna teased as she crossed her legs, allowing her thick hair to tumble over her left shoulder. It was a thick messy scar on her right shoulder, rough from age. Jason reached out, brushing his fingers against it. She tilted her head, placing her hand over his large one. "Training accident. I missed a block and the sword got a piece of me."
"I bet your mom cut off that man's head." Jason whispered pulling back. Reyna shook her head.
"No, he's one of my personal guards." Her husband let out a chuckle and shook his head like he couldn't believe who he just married. Reyna settled with a pleasant smile. Maybe being married to Jason Jupiter won't be too bad.