Author's Note: Hello, everyone! Thank you for the lovely reviews that you guys left in this story. (Yes, this is posted in three different websites, Wattpad, , and AO3) Every one of you have been so lovely and kind and getting more interactive with me now which really helps me sort out ideas for chapters. And here it is, the sixth one! I still don't own Game of Thrones (I'm looking at you, George R. R. Martin) Enjoy!

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Six: A New Acquaintance

"How do you feel, my love?" I heard a voice behind me whisper. The night looks magnificent and all I could do is stare into the starry sky, thinking about the challenges I've been through in the past nine months while carrying my first child. Grandmother said it's my first son but I can't say for sure. I felt Ferardo's arms wrap me from behind while his hands make their way to my swollen belly. "He's going to be handsome and brave," he whispered in my ear. I held his hands with my own and waited for my baby to kick again. It was painful at first but I got used to it. After all, it's going to be just a matter of hours before this beautiful being leaves my body.

"Or she. She will be beautiful and graceful," I said to my husband teasingly. We both chuckled in the darkness, trying to contain our excitement for a new milestone in our lives. They say that delivering a child is excruciatingly painful and difficult. I say otherwise. Bringing a child in this world is only the beginning. Raising them will be the most laborious challenge.

"Have you thought of a name yet, my love?" I stared into the distance. I haven't thought of a name yet but now would be the perfect time. "I thought of a boy's name. Do you want to know what it is?" I nodded my head at my husband who was eager to have a son. "Rinaldo," he whispered into my ear. "A wise ruler," he added. I nodded at his name of choosing and agreeing with him. If we are to have a son, we shall call him Rinaldo.

"And if it is a girl…" I started. "I want Corabella." He nodded and smiled at me. "Coraggiosa e bella."

Edvige's Point of View

Corabella was only a baby when she first spoke her words. Everyone was surprised by her eyes back then and how blue they were despite the Doreens having brown or black ones. Ferardo told me that only one person who lived in Bedoco, besides my own daughter, was recorded to have the same blue sapphire eyes. No one actually thinks if that person truly existed or if he was one among the many myths of Bedoco. But Minton Doreen became so popular in the city that everyone knew his name. He had the bluest eyes in all of history, men, women, and children adored him. He was a skilled fighter but a very wise man as well. And now that I look at my daughter, I wonder if it is Minton's eyes that are on hers.

Corabella spun around, trying to get a feel of the dress more. They say she has grown into a more mature and definitely more beautiful woman but in my eyes, she will always be that little infant with blue eyes who cries every night before I sing her to sleep. I put her small dagger in its sheath before handing it to her. This was the very first dagger she owned but its youth showed how much she valued her weapons. "Be careful with this, please. I don't want you to start a commotion in the feast." She took it from my hands and tucked it in her belt. She's right, it's too small and I don't think anyone would notice this little thing.

"Mother, I'm not stupid. Besides, I'm going to a feast, not a tournament. Just in case there's some kind of danger in the feast, at least I'm armed," she said while fixing her sleeves, not looking at me in the eyes. I took a step forward and hugged her tight. I sensed her surprised and hugged her even more. "What are you doing?" she asked in confusion.

I let go of her and looked at her one more time before fixing her wavy hair. She looks so beautiful and the flower garland in her head made her look more like a goddess than a Lady. I have to thank the King for the efforts he made. This dress and accessories must have been prepared at last minute. Luckily, it all fits her well. And by the look of amazement in Corabella's blue eyes, she loves it, even the shoes. "I just can't believe you're all grown up. You're a proper Lady now but you're still my baby."

Corabella let out something between a snort and a chuckle. "You have got to be kidding me, Mother." She moved her way to the mirror once more to fix herself. "You can reminisce later, Mother. Not now, please." I saw her roll her eyes at me. I didn't mind that time because I was in such a good mood. But I will scold her later and make sure she will never do that again.

"Come on now, your father and the twins are waiting in the Great Hall. We mustn't be late." We linked arms together as we made our way to the Great Hall. The feast hasn't started yet, but the hall was already filled with loud music and even louder chatter as families from different places come together. I searched for any sign of my husband and finally saw him with the hand of the king, Lord Tywin Lannister, sharing a glass of wine and having a casual conversation. I tugged at Corabella's arm, indicating her for us to enter the Great Hall.

As soon as we entered, all eyes were on us. Well, all eyes were on Corabella. The hall grew silent as we walked through the crowd. I tried to ignore the stares but these people are too intrigued about my daughter and how mesmerizing her eyes are. I heard whispers from the ladies as we passed.

"Who are they? I haven't seen them before but the younger one is definitely astonishing."

"Look at her eyes. I've never seen anything bluer than those."

"They're both beautiful but the younger one's eyes are like sapphires."

The people tried to close in on us but majority of the men moved even closer. I should have been used to this right now. All her life, my daughter got nothing but stares and whispers. I felt her hugging my arm even more, sinking slowly into me out of embarrassment. Seconds felt like hours and by the time we made it to my husband and Lord Lannister, the whole hall's attention was on us.

"My love." Ferardo greeted casually as he kissed my cheek. I gave Ferardo a smile as well as Lord Lannister. But the old man's attention was fixed on my daughter's eyes. He must be thinking what all of these people are thinking as well, how beautiful my daughter is. I told Corabella to be more confident with the way she looks but no matter how much I try to convince that elegance is trapped in her eyes, she always hangs her head down, trying to hide it from the world. I have been thankful for her fascination in combat because even if it were dangerous, at least she forgets her insecurities.

"Good evening, my Lord." I tried to pierce through the silence by greeting Tywin. His head instantly snapped out of his trance and he managed to give me a smile and a nod. Corabella looked at the Lord with much awkwardness. This must be why she hates to go in the feast so much.

"Forgive me, Tywin. These are my children. The twins, Cosimo and Gino," Ferardo started as he gestured to the two little boys standing near him. Both of them smiled and bowed at Tywin.

"Good evening, my Lord," they both said in unison. Tywin seems to be amused by how much they look alike and how synchronized their movements are. "It's an honor to finally meet you," Cosimo, the more talkative twin, cheered gladly.

"You know, I have twins, too. But they don't look much alike especially that one is a girl and the other is a boy," Tywin said as he started to bow down and ruffle the twins' hair. Both of them giggled loudly. They must have liked Lord Lannister because if they didn't, they would definitely have bitten his hand out by now. However, it was still hard to say. They must be trying their best to appear appropriate especially in front of Ferardo if they want to get their swords early.

"And this is, Corabella. My eldest and only daughter," he said. I felt Corabella's arm tense up at the mention of her name but her face remains unreadable. She looks petrified.

Tywin moved one of his hands out of his side and offered it to my daughter. Corabella looked at me in hesitation but I nodded in approval, letting her know that it was alright. She slowly lifter her free hand and placed it softly on Tywin's as he kissed it gently. "It's delightful to see you, Lady Corabella." My daughter moved her hand down to her side again and I felt her loosen her grip on me. She curtsied ever so slightly at the Lord.

"It is delightful to see you, too, my Lord. But please, no need for such formality. Call me Corabella, instead." I felt much more relieved to see my daughter loosen up and at the same time act properly. Back in Bedoco, whenever Lords from different houses talk to her, she would quickly dismiss them and pay them no sign of respect, whatsoever. But seeing her now, I felt better.

Lord Lannister turned to Ferardo and said, "You have such beautiful children," he gazed briefly at Corabella then back at my husband. "Your family is beautiful. You have grown into a man. It is now your job as husband and wife to shape them into good individuals. I have faith in you, my boy." All of us smiled. I saw something different in Ferardo. I saw happiness and gratitude in his face. Tywin must have been a great father figure to him. I know better than anyone how much he wanted his own father to say the same words but unfortunately, he never did and never will. "But you have to excuse me for now. I'll just check on the other guests." He tapped my husband's shoulder and gave me another smile before walking away.

"He seems okay," I heard Corabella whisper softly, still avoiding the others in the hall. They're still fixated on us, on her. But I can tell that my daughter's starting to ignore them.

"He is a good man, darling. Don't worry much about it, okay," I assured her. Ferardo guided us to our table, nearest to the royal family's. I hope Cersei is in much better mood now. I don't want my evening to be ruined by that woman.

Corabella's Point of View

I can almost feel the whole of Westeros in this Great Hall, which is much bigger and wider than I expected it to be. I don't mind the noise of the people chattering but I certainly feel flustered by their looks. I know it has something to do with my eyes and how much it stands out among the other members of my family. Why couldn't I just have normal brown ones like my other siblings? Having unusually blue eyes definitely makes me want to hide somewhere no one can see me. I have been praised for my eyes all my life but I know that a handful of people will still look at it negatively and judge me from afar.

Cheese, biscuits, and wine have been served around the place for a while now but there's still no sign of the King or his betrothed. Even the Queen-regent hasn't made an appearance, yet. I'm starting to get bored, regretting not bringing a book or any other thing to read. The feast isn't too interesting to me. My brothers, however, are starting to play a game. They have been stuffing pieces of cheese in their mouths for a while now. They're trying to guess how many cheese would fit in their mouth before the King arrives.

"Do you know how stupid you look with those in your mouths?" I snapped at them annoyingly. Partly because they look very stupid and partly because I have nothing else to do so I might as well annoy my brothers back. Gino turned to me and smile while he starts to dribble. I raised my eyebrow at him with disgust clear on my face. "Besides, how will you count those? The cheese will melt in your mouths and stick to each other or you might swallow them."

I regretted asking when Cosimo started to spit out the cheese on his mouth on a small plate. "Like this, sister. One, two, three…" He counted the slimy pieces of cheese on his plate with his finger. I am thoroughly disgusted by his actions but both of them just laughed at me. I smack both of their heads making them groan in pain while touching their heads. "Don't mind her, brother," Gino said, his mouth now emptied of cheese. The little pieces were on his plate as well. "Corabella's just jealous that we got our swords earlier than she did."

He's right of course. I am jealous that father always gives them more than what they deserve. By stuffing dairy in their faces, they're not doing their part of the deal which is to behave on the feast. Taken aback, I turned to mother.

"Can I go back to my chambers now?" I whined. She turned to me, annoyance plastered in her face. I know I promised not to whine but coming to the feast was not a good choice. I can't do anything I want. I suppose I could eat but then I would be too full before the feast even properly starts. I couldn't drink wine as well. Not yet, at least. Father doesn't like it when I drink and if I do, a glass is enough and nothing more. It's a pity, really, since I quite like the taste of wine unlike other Ladies.

"No, you'll stay here. I told you, you are to be presented to the royal family," she said quietly to me. Mother seldom raises her voice especially now that we're in a hall full of people we don't know. She doesn't want to cause a scene.

"But the hand of the king already know us, he could just—"

"No, is a no. I will have nothing more to say in this matter." She turned away from me and back to her glass of wine while admiring the décor.

"I don't have anything else to do," I whispered more to myself. I started picking on the table linens. It felt like some kind of silk with different sequins. I have been told that the King and his family favored the Lannister colors more than the Baratheon. I can see the proof everywhere in the Great Hall. Red curtains, red linens, red clothing. Gold cups, gold plates, gold jewelry. It looks fancy but I find it boring. I favor bright colors like blue or white. Maybe I'm just being biased since those are our house's colors.

I can't help but smile at the thought of Bedoco. The green fields that stretch throughout the country and all the tall trees that I loved to climb with my brothers and cousins. We would read books all morning and laugh at my brothers' jokes. Cousin Glendon would bring his lute sometimes and sing. The maidens of Bedoco would then gather at the foot of the tree, listening to my cousins beautiful songs and even more beautiful voice. Abrielle, Glendon's older sister, would braid my hair while singing with her brother. Then, we'd all pick berries and flowers on the garden to bring for lunch. Abrielle will always bring roses and I will always bring carnations, my favorite flowers. In the afternoon, we would all study or train. The twins always like shooting arrows and climbing. Glendon and I prefer sword fighting and daggers more and always agree on different techniques. Abrielle was the rider among us and excellent in planning strategies. I miss them.

One afternoon, while we were training in the fields, Mother called us in for a news. Father received a Raven from King's Landing, a city from the country of Westeros. Sealed with a logo I'm not familiar with, Father opened the piece of parchment and read out loud. Our family was invited by the King's Hand, Tywin Lannister, to attend the coronation of the new King, Tommen of the houses Lannister and Baratheon. I chuckled at the sound of the King's name, thinking it sounded odd. Mother scolded me and I stopped immediately. Before I knew it, we were saying our farewells to our cousins and boarded a ship. I've never been out of the city before so, going to a new country and staying in a castle seemed like an adventure to me.

I spoke too soon. By the time we landed in King's Landing, I've never felt so out of place. Everyone stared at me like I'm some kind of extraordinary creature. I felt self-conscious. Just when I thought that everyone accepted me in Bedoco, I am now standing in a different land where everyone seems too fascinated by me. I did not show up in the coronation, fearing that I will get strange looks again. I hid in the gardens of the castle. Surprisingly, the gardens were much more beautiful than I expected. It was that little part of King's Landing that reminded me of Bedoco. The flowers, the colors, the gardens seemed alive. When I searched for carnations, I was not disappointed. They look bigger than those back home.

"Excuse me." I felt someone tap my shoulder, making me stop touching the linens. I felt my skin buzz in surprise. I turned around and saw a young man dressed in a fancy black tunic smiling down at me with green eyes. His brown hair was pushed up and away from his face. He removed his hand from my shoulder and said, "I'm sorry, my Lady. I did not mean to surprise you."

My mother turned to the young man as well then to me with a smirk on her face. "Hello, there."

"Good evening, my Ladies. I am Lorcan of the house Rosby," he said politely before bowing in front of us. My mother and I looked at each other, pleased with his courteousness. He is one of the few people here in King's Landing who seems nice besides Lord Tywin and that unnamed boy from the gardens. Mother stood up and urged me to do as well.

"It's nice to meet you, Lorcan. I am Lady Edvige Doreen and this is my daughter, Corabella." I gave him a slow curtsy. They seem to like it here in King's Landing. "What can we do for you, young man?" My mother asked further.

Lorcan smiled, showing his dimpled cheeks. He looks handsome and proper, two words I don't usually use to describe highborn men. He looked at my mother and said, "I was wondering if I could talk to your daughter, my Lady," he started. "I know you are new here and it would be an honor to get to know you. My mother also asked if I could take your daughter to her." Lorcan looked towards another table at the back. My mother and I followed his eyes and saw an old woman waving at us. "But of course, I still need your permission, my Lady."

My mother turned to me. "I'm… kind of… busy—"

"Didn't you say you have nothing to do here, sister?" Cosimo interrupted. "Didn't she say that, brother?" Gino nodded with a smile across his face. The twins are going to be the death of me. Lorcan seems nice but he's still a stranger to me. I find it uncomfortable and inappropriate to prance around with a young man whom I've never met in my entire life.

"Please, take her with you before she grows anymore bored. But take her back here before the King's arrival, if it's okay?" Mother said. No, she has got to be kidding me. She turned to me and smiled even wider.

"Of course, my Lady." Before I could even argue, Lorcan offered me his hand. I can't refuse now. It will certainly insult Lorcan and it would be shameful for my mother. Oh, conscience, why do you have to make me guilty? I let my hand rest in his as he guided me through the curious eyes of the crowd and into their table.

The plump Lady Rosby stood up from her seat when we made it to her and embraced her son. "Thank you, love." She seems too old to have Lorcan for a son. Maybe he's the last Rosby child. I looked around the table and saw other people seated there. Most of them were old women. I felt myself melt as they started staring at me. Their soft whispers even made me feel anxious but I kept my chin up and my lips curved up into a smile.

"Everyone," Lorcan said in a rather loud voice as he started to present me to his family. I looked around the hall and saw more sets of eyes on me. Every person in the room was all eyes and ears, waiting for Lorcan to continue. I saw my father making his way back to our table after chatting with the other guests. He looked at me with bright eyes and a smile on his face as he nodded. I don't know why he did but I felt much better. I turned my attention to Lorcan again as he grabs the people's attentions. "This is Lady Corabella of house Doreen from the city of…"

"Bedoco." I quickly whispered to my brunet acquaintance.

"Bedoco," he quickly added. I gave another graceful curtsy and said, "I am delighted to meet you all, my Lords and Ladies." I meant those words for the people seated on the Rosby table but the whole hall clapped their hands accepting my sentence for themselves as well. I looked around and saw all their smiles. I can't help but smile as well at how nice they were.

"She's very beautiful, isn't she?" I heard some Lady whisper. "I hope she stays longer here in King's Landing. A lot of Lords would be interested." I ignored the whispers and looked back at my family who were now clapping as well. The applause died down slowly as Lady Rosby approached me and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"We are very delighted to meet you, love. You are very beautiful. The King will be glad to see you." I hope so, but if he won't, I don't really care too much. "Please, sit with us here for a while," she said guiding me to a seat beside her. I accepted her offer and gently sat down. Lorcan joined us and sat beside me. "You have to tell us more about yourself," she added cheerfully.

"Just don't ask her too much questions, Mother. Lady Doreen needs to be back in her family's table before the King arrives," Lorcan warned the old Lady.

"Oh, come on now. It won't be long. Besides, the King is not yet here, is he?" she countered at Lorcan with much more sass than I expected. Lorcan smiled and took a sip of wine before offering a glass to me. "Do you want some, my Lady?" he offered.

"No, thank you. I'm not allowed to drink until I ate a proper meal," I told him. He nodded and set the glass down. "And please, just call me Corabella. I like the sound of my name without all the titles." The whole table laughed but I only smiled, not knowing how to react.

Tommen's Point of View

The tailor has been fixing my attire for half an hour now but he still doesn't seem satisfied by how I look. "How much longer?" I asked like a child. It came out more like whine, though. I looked at my depressing reflection trying to bite my lip in fear that I might flip at any second. I want to meet my subjects now but apparently, I still don't look Kingly.

"Just a little longer now, your Grace. I want you to look proper but comfortable all night," the old man told me. I rolled my eyes as he fixes the ends of my coat. My head moved from my reflection to the door as it opened. Margaery sashayed in wearing the gown I picked out for her.

She looks absolutely stunning as the silk enveloped her body into a perfect shape. My eyes widened as she takes one step at a time. "Good evening, your Grace." She gave me an exquisite curtsy making me smile. "I just came to check on you. You look handsome, my King."

I turned to her, ignoring the old tailor's hands now on my shoulders. "Thank you, my Lady. You look very beautiful. Please, take a seat." She obeyed and sat down on one of the chairs with such elegance. I scanned the look of the dress on her. "You picked out the most beautiful to wear," I said. The tailor fixed my hair, readying it for the crown.

"They all look beautiful, your Grace," she said sweetly.

"Not as beautiful as you, my Lady." I felt my cheeks heat up and saw hers flush as well. I've never seen her hair pulled back from her face before but it made her look younger, for some reason. Flowers were pinned on her braided hair, matching well with the flowers printed on her dress. She's fond of wearing dresses with no sleeves, showing off her perfect skin. She looks angelic. "Have you been to the Great Hall, my Lady?" I asked.

"Yes, I just got back from there, your Grace," she said plainly.

"How are the guests?" I asked as I was instructed to move by the tailor, making me look at my reflection again.

"Well, there are a lot of people in the Great Hall. They are all enjoying the appetizers and wine, my King. They chatter as they wait for you. But…" she trailed off. She must be remembering something. "There were two ladies that came in to the Great Hall that captured every one's attentions. I haven't seen them before and, word is, they came from a different country."

I wasn't too intrigued about the ladies Margaery was talking about but I decided to keep the conversation going. Talking to my soon-to-be wife is good as it builds up our relationship, right? "What about these ladies?"

"They are both beautiful but the younger one had these unusually beautiful blue eyes." What? "It's nothing like I've seen before. They were magical, my King." I only know one person with those eyes. I can't believe I forgot about her. "Lorcan Rosby presented her to the hall, well to their table, really, but everyone was intrigued about the beautiful stranger. I believe her name was Corabella Doreen from the city of Bedoco."

My heart raced at the sound of her name. I remembered our encounter earlier today. I hope she's wearing the outfit I sent for her. It would suit her well and make her eyes even brighter. I'm not surprised that she caught my guests' attentions. She is too beautiful to ignore. Like a carnation among the daisies.

"My King? Are you alright, your face looks red," Margaery said with concern on her voice. I looked at myself and true enough, I look like a tomato. My eyes move to Margaery's reflection. Margaery. I felt something crawl up my stomach. I felt something in me that I shouldn't feel. No, Margaery is my betrothed. She is the woman I will love until the end of my days and I am loyal to her.

"I am fine, my Lady. Don't worry about me."

"You're done, my King. Everything is fixed," I heard the tailor said as he adjusted my crown one last time. I walked towards Margaery and took her hand with mine. I kissed the back of her hand softly, letting the fragrance of her skin invade my nose.

"Let us go now, my Lady. We wouldn't want to keep our guests waiting."

Author's Note: Hey! I'm sorry for ending it like that. But that just put you guys at the edge of your seats. Please don't hate me. The next chapter would be much more interesting, I promise. I hope you liked this chapter!

Qs:

- What do you think about Corabella's new acquaintance, Lorcan?

- What would be Corabella and Tommen's reactions upon meeting again?

- What do you want to happen next?

Please please pleaseee leave a comment, review, like, favorite, all those stuff because I really appreciate those and they help me keep inspired for the next chapters. Thank you in advance!