Author's Note: My mornings are always so much more tolerable when I receive emails from my readers and knowing that you guys are actually following my story and adding my story to your favorites. I am more motivated knowing that. I still don't own Game of Thrones unless my name is George R. R. Martin. So without further ado, here's the second chapter. Enjoy!

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Two: Tea Parties and Rat Chasing

Tommen's Point of View

After having that nightmare about Joffrey again last night, I couldn't get proper sleep. Even if my eyes were closed my mind was bursting with gory scenes from his wedding. All the blood, noise, and adrenaline kept me half-awake. I hate those kinds of sleep, the one in which your body wants to remain lying down the bed with your eyes closed but at the same time your head is aware of your surrounding and you are fully conscious that you are not asleep at all. It's frustrating to not have full control of yourself but the worst part is "waking up" the next morning feeling as tired as ever and knowing that the cycle of half-sleep/exhausting wake will continue.

When the early rays of sun peeked across the horizon and slipped through my windows, I decided to give sleep up entirely and put on a robe. Ser Pounce was still sleeping when I left my chambers to go outside the gardens. I wished it was that easy, though, to slip out of your own bedroom and go anywhere you want. But as long as my name is Tommen Baratheon, as long as the title 'King' is on my name, taking an early stroll would be much more complicated.

I made the slightest sounds when pacing out of my room but much to my dismay, one of the Kingsguard sat half-awake near the door. He quickly got up to his feet the moment he saw me looking down at him.

"Your Grace, isn't it too early for you to be awake?" He said. His voice was husky, probably from my disturbance of his half-sleep. I looked up at him. He was very tall and he towered over me. I'm going to be eighteen soon but I find that I am quite short for my age. Unlike Joffrey, who stood tall and proud, I was a few inches shorter and definitely not too proud. "Where are you going, if I may ask?" he added.

"Just the gardens. You can resume your sleep. Perhaps you can sleep in my chambers, I'm pretty sure you are tired," I told him. He must have been standing on his post all night and being a member of the Kingsguard is quite a strenuous and sleepless task. Judging from the dark circles from his eyes, it must have been days since he got a proper sleep.

"But, your Grace, I shall accompany you. It might not be safe," he countered. Oh no. I can't have someone pestering me while I walk to the gardens. I have to be alone with my thoughts. I have to take a breather, just me and no one else. Besides, why would it be unsafe? I am in my own city, my own castle. I'm not stupid enough to leave my chambers if I knew I was going to be unsafe.

He started brushing out the dust in his armor and boots. Think, Tommen. You can't let him accompany you. I am the King, aren't I? If I had to have something done or not, I could just open my mouth and say the words. Before he could take a step forward and completely ruin my morning, I held up one hand and took a step back.

"Tell me, Ser," I said with more confidence in my voice than I expected. "Who is your King?" He stood there with wide eyes, clearly dumbfounded by my question. I tipped my head slightly to the side, waiting for his answer.

"You are, your Grace!" His words rushed out of his mouth. I heard a hint of nervousness on his voice. I had to keep looking and sounding confident if I want to pull this one off.

"And tell me, who's words are law here because the last time I checked it is the King's, am I wrong?" I didn't mean to threaten anyone but I have to. I know scaring him off is cruel but I have to do something if I wanted to be alone. Besides, that's like a first step to my duties as King, right? Choosing the options that I prefer no matter the consequences are going to be.

"Yes… y-yes, your Grace. It's you who makes the law and gives out orders."

Judging from the way he stuttered, I obviously got the upperhand. I smirked slightly, trying to intimidate this tall man in front of me. I have the crown, I have the power. "Then, as your King, I command you to leave me alone." I finally said. His eyes widened even more.

"B-but—"

"Why? Are you questioning my authority?" I felt my face harden. This was all an act, though. The moment I turn around, I would probably snicker at my first attempt of looking proud and powerful.

"No. No, your Grace." His shoulders slumped down and so did his face. The tall man took a step backward accepting his defeat. I feel bad for bullying him. I know that he is only doing his duty but if he and my other subjects are truly loyal to the Crown, they have to understand and trust my decisions. I'm not a child anymore. I'm just trying to be more liberate and have my own say about things.

I took one step backward again, lowering my hand down to my sides and fumbling with my robe. I can't believe what I just did. "Good," I said, my voice softer and so was my face. "Don't bother me. I'll call for you if ever I will be needing you." I turned around and walked away from the scene. But before I make my first turn on the hallway, I remembered something. I turned back around and saw the knight staring at the floor with droopy eyes. He looked like a child who accidentally dropped his pudding on the mud. "Ser," I called out to him. His face snapped up but remained to look depressed. He must be wondering if I'm going to torment him again. I feel bad for doing that. "I also command you to sleep in my chambers. It must be very tiring to protect me throughout the long night, you must take a proper sleep." His mouth opened, making an attempt of protest. "Don't…" I started. "…say another word. It is a command from the King."

"Thank you, your Grace." He said while bowing very quickly. He immediately opened the door and scuttled inside. A grin appeared on my face. It's about time that my men get to have a chance to be treated as humans. I'm not going to abuse them like my brother did. They are the shield of this city and without them, King's Landing would have probably been to the hands of worse people.

I continued my stroll to the gardens quietly. It would be much more complicated if I awaken half of the castle. To my surprise, the busy noise and scampering of King's landing was nowhere to be heard or seen. Everyone must still be snoring and drooling all over their sheets as I walk. Who am I to disturb them? It is a peaceful morning after all. The birds have not yet emerged from their nests. Candles are still slowly burning in various places. The sky is still gray even if the sun slowly glimpses over the horizon. An hour or two from now, the whole city would be back to its usual state, busy and noisy. Taking advantage of the quietness, I made it to the gardens without anyone waking up.

I took a seat in one of the marble benches that overlooks the sea. It was a great view from up here. The waves of the sea lapping against each other like lovers in the dark. The sound they produce is calming, helping me relax.

Back when we were little, Myrcella and I would play here in the gardens, in this very spot. She would get her dolls and her little pots and cups and I would grab my plastic crown and makeshift sword. She would always set up a tea party with her dolls and she would invite the handsome prince, me, over. I would always pick out some roses and carnations to bring to her tea party and I always make sure that I have enough on my hands so that each of the guests receives one. I would always drink from the gold cup because I refused to have the pink ones. And because I told her that if I were the handsome prince, it would be a big insult if I drank from the pink cup. She agreed to my statement and reserved the gold cup only for me.

By the time we finish eating our biscuits, usually brought by her septa, I would make up stories of my travels around the Seven Kingdoms. I would tell her all about my triumphs and she would glorify me and embrace me by the time my story ends. Sometimes when Myrcella feels sad during the tea party, I would stand up and tell her about the dragons I slaughtered and defeated. Those were her favorites. My dragon stories always cheer her up.

But there was this one day that I couldn't forget. Here, in this very spot that I am sitting on, we had a tea party with extra guests, and extra sweets, and extra fun. We were enjoying ourselves and staring at the blue sea while she talks about her mermaid friend. I was fascinated by her story that day because it was the very first time that she talked about half-human half-fish creatures living in the oceans. I was on the edge of my seat whenever the story progresses. Until Joffrey came along.

We tried to invite Joffrey to our tea parties but he always refuses, saying that our make believe games are for children. He said it was stupid and pathetic unlike hunting, which he grew fascinated about. So, we stopped inviting him on our fourth tea party because we figured that he will refuse as always. His appearance that day surprised both of us especially when we saw him crying. Tears rolled down his red cheeks and his eyebrows met on the bridge of his nose. He was certainly upset about something.

We asked him what was wrong and if we could help him but he didn't answer us. Instead, he threw our cups out of the balcony and to the sea, one by one. Myrcella started screaming at him and pulling at his arms to stop him but he was too strong. I begged him not to throw away Myrcella's toys but he kept on throwing and throwing and throwing. I, too, started crying. When he grabbed Myrcella's favorite doll, she started wailing hysterically. I remembered how he smiled wickedly at my sister while threatening to throw her doll into the sea as well. Myrcella punched his arms wildly and gripped at his shirt.

I never knew he would do it. I have never seen Joffrey hurt anyone like that before. Sure, he always called us names and picked at us but he was only using his words, then. When he slapped Myrcella across the face, that's what shocked us all. My sister stumbled back to the ground with her blonde hair covering her beautiful face. That moment I realized that I was not looking at my brother anymore. I was looking at a monster with gold hair and green eyes.

He was distracted by the sound of his hand colliding with Myrcella's cheek so I took advantage of it and grabbed my sister's doll out of his hands. His attention turned to me. His hands grabbed my collar and pulled me off the ground. I was choking and scared and I thought that was the day I die. But I managed to kick him right where it hurt the most, grab Myrcella, and raced off to the castles. My sister locked us both in her chambers while tears rolled down her cheeks. I saw a bruise forming on her left cheek when she turned away from me, trying her best to conceal it. But I saw, I saw the mark that Joffrey left on my sister.

Of course, it was not long before Mother summoned us to her chambers. Joffrey ratted out on us, spitting lies after lies. We tried to argue with them but Mother favored Joffrey's side more. She always does. Joffrey is nothing but a perfect little angel in my mother's eyes.

Myrcella and I never had tea parties after that. We never spoke much after that. She started taking poetry and embroidery lessons while I was riding horses. And Joffrey, we never spoke much before anyway but something in him made our relationship as brothers even worse. He is a monster.

I finally stopped reminiscing when the sun completely showed itself. Its rays was not yet warm and the city is still quite asleep. I figured it's the right time to go back to my chambers and have a bath before breaking fast. Just as I was standing up and fixing my robe, I heard rustling of bushes behind me. I quickly turned around, finding the source of sound. There was no one there, just me and my thoughts. But I asked loudly anyway.

"Who's there?" No one answered. I stared, waiting for another movement but nothing came. It must be the wind but if it was, shouldn't I have felt it? A small animal, then?

Before overthinking the possibilities that caused the rustling, I dismissed the thought in my head and walked away from where I was seating. Instead, I asked myself what I wanted to eat. Bacon, of course. It is a staple meal for me. I've always loved bacon. And muffins, blueberry ones. What else? Beef stew would be nice, too but—

Rustling… I heard it again behind me. I turned around and saw no one for the second time. Am I too exhausted to imagine things? No, but I heard it. My heart started beating fast in my chest and I found myself taking bigger steps as I make my way back to the castles. Then, I heard someone giggle. Gods, what is happening? This time, I wasn't curious enough to know. My life is at stake! How stupid it is for me to refuse the knight's offer of walking down here with me. My strides quickly became running motions. I can't prolong my troubles here. I have to get out of this garden. Calm down, Tommen.

I heard another giggling sound again. I swear that one was a lot closer to me. Anyone could be hiding behind these bushes. I sprinted faster but no matter how hard I try, the caste seems to grow farther and farther instead of nearing towards me. I'm breathing heavily as I feel my heart pounding against my chest. Is this the day that I die? Is this what real fear is?

I saw the exit to the gardens and ran faster. I can feel my head start to throb and my vision dims with every step. I couldn't take it anymore. I closed my eyes. I'm going to die. I breathed heavily. Goodbye, world. I felt my heart on my throat. I hope Westeros misses me.

Then, I collided with something and fell to the ground. This is it.

"Tommen!" I heard someone shout at me, grabbing me by the arms. I was forced to stand up but my knees were still shaking from all the running I've done and nervousness that I have endured. "Tommen!" Margaery?

I opened my eyes and there she was. Still beautiful as a rose and kind like a dove, Margaery stood there with eyes wide open and nose crinkled. She held me while I struggle to put my legs into good use. She was worried for me. I can see it in her pretty eyes. I blinked through my lashes and smiled at her, a goofy smile that my face manages to form whenever I see her. I feel breath steadying and my heart beat slowing down to normal. I hugged her with all my might. I'm okay. Margaery is here now.

Margaery started rubbing circles on my back and somehow, it comforted me, made me feel like I was protected from the dangers of the world. I let go of her and looked her in the eyes. She's still worried about me. "What are you doing out here so early? And why are you unaccompanied by the Kingsguard?" she said in a tone that's much too sweet for me to handle. I felt my cheeks burning at the sound of her voice. This lady in front of me is so beautiful even in the morning. Especially in the morning. She didn't braid or style her hair and let it loose on her shoulders and back like brown waves. She's still dressed in her white nightgown that hung loosely on her body and down her legs. She doesn't have any accessories on but, still, she looks so beautiful.

"I just… decided to take an early stroll. Alone." My words sounded weird when they escaped my lips. I hope she didn't notice the way my voice sounded. I noticed one of her eyebrows raise up as if forcing me to tell her more.

"A stroll?" she started. "And yet I saw you running towards me with your eyes closed." She chuckled a bit and I joined in. The idea of my collision with my betrothed sounded silly and childish, yet it happened. She stopped chuckling and fixed the sleeves of my robe and dusting off whatever was left of my stupidity. It is still early even if the sun has been up for a few minutes now. I offered my arm to Margaery which she gladly took and walked towards the castle with her. The awkward silence was eating me up. This is a short moment that I will have with her. I shouldn't let it go to waste.

"How about you?" I asked vaguely. She turned to me with curious eyes and a small groan indicating that she didn't understand my question. "What were you doing out here so early and alone?" She smiled that beautiful smile of hers that could conquer any kingdom in this world. It made my heart flutter, my knees weak. It made stomach tumble and my head melt down. She is perfect. She is perfect and mine.

"I was actually on my way to the kitchens to grab something to eat," she said with enthusiasm and saccharinity. "But then, I saw a small rat running around with its little feet towards the garden so I followed it. I was curious of its activities, you see." We both laughed. She's like telling me a bedtime story or a fairytale of some sort when in actuality, it was just about a little pest. "Then, this boy, with golden hair and eyes shut suddenly came running towards me." I bit my lip at that last statement of hers. It's embarrassing for me to see me running like a scared kitten. I want Margaery to see me brave and strong. I want to be his ideal husband even if I don't have a clue whatsoever what her preferences are.

"I'm sorry, for that. I never meant to…"

"Don't apologize," she said in very caring manner. "It was my fault I was standing and blocking your way." She laughed again, this time a little bit louder. I felt my cheeks turn to tomatoes. My ego has officially been deflated. But I let her do that. I want to see her laugh and be happy. "Why were you even running away? Was there something bothering you in the gardens?"

I thought carefully of my answer. Should I tell her the truth that I was hearing voices? Would she think I'm crazy? If I lied, though, would she notice?

"No, I was just having my morning exercise, if you put it that way."

She laughed even harder at my response. Whether she believed me or not, it didn't matter. She brushed off the topic easily. Before I even realize it, we were heading down to the kitchens with our arms still interlocked. I stopped immediately before entering the kitchens.

"I think I shall leave for my chambers now." I said with a hint of sadness on my voice. I don't want to leave her yet but I would like to clear my head first. Besides, I'm not very hungry at the moment.

"Why, your Grace? Don't you want to dine with me this morning?" she asked with her ever so sweet voice and innocent face. I want to stay but it would probably be better if I continue with my plans.

"It's too early and I'm not very hungry, my Lady. If you want, it would be lovely for you if you join me later along with my family and council. I will let my guards escort you."

She stepped closer to me, letting me inhale her scent. Roses and berries linger in my nostrils as she came face to face with me. I held my breath, taken back by her sudden gestures. She stroked my hair and ear with her right hand. I thought I was going to melt right then and there.

"Hmm… there's no need for that, your Grace," she said in a quitter manner, almost seductive. I can feel something in my stomach, like butterflies or something. I felt feverish in her touch, and smell, and sound.

"Tommen." I gulped. "Call me… Tommen… when we're alone." I finally managed to say. She let go of me and headed inside the kitchens.

"Goodbye, Tommen." I heard her call out to me without looking back. I stood frozen on the spot. My limbs felt like rocks, too heavy for me to lift up. I took a deep breath and managed to finally walk back to my chambers.

Margaery still clung to my mind while I take one step at a time. Her hair, her eyes, her lips. I love it all. Even the way she laughs or raise her eyebrow in curiosity. I held my stomach and calmed myself. It's too early for these thoughts of her. She will be truly yours, soon. By the time I reached my chambers, the sun was high enough for me to see half of the city starting to wake up. The knight I let in to sleep in my own bed was now fixing himself in my mirror.

"Your Grace." He bowed ever so slightly as I look at him. He looked much better than he did on our first encounter just a few hours ago. He earned that rest, anyway. I saw my bed neatly made again. "Thank you, your Grace, for letting me rest."

I turned back to him and gave him a small smile. Just when he was about to leave, I called out to him again. "Ser!" He turned back around at me "Please, tell my maids to run me a bath and bring in my clothes. And… ugh… tell my mother and the small council to have breakfast with me in the hall."

He grabbed the door and nodded at me before finally leaving.

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed the second chapter! I am very pleased and grateful for the views and follows that I am getting. Thank you very much! I will update frequently, so don't worry about waiting up too long.

Qs: - Who's giggles did our boy-king hear in the gardens?

- Was Margaery really chasing a rat?

- What would you like to happen next?

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