Author's Note: Hello, everyone! I can't believe how my ideas are progressing for this story. I find myself getting up early just to collect my thoughts and type them down here on my computer. To be honest, I feel proud of myself because this story has been helping me to spend most of my time being productive. I feel a sense of achievement and even feel better when I read your reviews and looking at this story's stats so, thank you for the support. I still don't own Game of Thrones. George R. R Martin hasn't contacted me yet.

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Eight: Under the Moon Fantasies

Corabella's Point of View

My blood boiled the moment he teased me by complimenting the dress he sent me. I can't explain how furious I am when he smiled so innocently at me. The way his skin made contact with mine made me even more enraged. I never let anyone touch me without my consent and yet he did just that. He mindlessly tilted my chin up like he had every right to do so. I wanted to unsheathe my dagger right then and there and cut his pretty face but for the sake of his engagement and my family's sanity, I decided to bite back any possible violence. He made me look at him with disgust and let my jaw drop at the sudden realization of his identity. I was lucky enough to push out a brief thank you before running towards my mother's aid. I loathe him and I don't know why. I should feel angry at him and get over it but something in him makes me want to loathe him until my last breath. It must be because he abused his title and used it to make a fool out of me. I kicked myself for telling him what I thought about the King. I should've figured it out by the way he was asking me those questions. And to think, I actually thought of chatting with him again.

I tried my best to avoid the look he's giving me from across the table. I could feel his eyes, playing with me even more but I can't let myself look at him. The food seemed to calm me down but what I want right now is wine. If only father wouldn't notice.

"Darling," I felt someone place a warm palm over my shoulder. I turned to the owner of the voice and saw an old Lady with a charming smile. Her green eyes twinkled as I look at her with my blue ones. "I'm Lady Agatha, Lorcan's aunt. You must be Corabella."

I nodded at her before tapping my mother's shoulder to alert her of an acquaintance. Mother looked at her with the same smile she gave Lorcan. "Pleased to meet you, Lady Agatha. This is my mother, Lady Edvige," I said. She turned to my mother and nodded at her slowly. "Please, take a seat." I ushered her down to an empty seat that my mother pushed beside me. The old Lady descended slowly to her seat with much elegance. Given her age, she still looks beautiful and fancy. "I was on the Rosbys' table earlier. How come I haven't seen you, my Lady?" I asked with curiosity in my voice.

She gave a low purr on her throat, sounding like a laughing cat. "I was late to the feast, darling. I missed Lorcan's presentation of you," she said while softly poking my cheek. I giggled at her action making me flush. She teased me in a caring manner. She seems like a nice Lady.

"Lorcan didn't present me, really. The guests were just too curious, I guess." She laughed at my statement before giving me more compliments. A lot of people like it when they're complimented for their appearance. But I feel otherwise. I should get used to all their blabbering, really, because even back there in Bedoco a lot of people find fondness in me. But everytime someone pays attention to my hair or my eyes or my lips, I feel self-conscious. I feel like I shouldn't look this way. Abrielle always scolded me for feeling that. My mother, too. I try to see the positivity in people's words and praises but I'm not really feeling it in my system. I always find myself uncomfortable. Unless, of course, it's about my combat skills. I wouldn't hesitate to show off in that matter.

I blocked away everything that Lady Agatha said. I nodded at her, pretending that I'm listening to her talk. It was not long after the old Lady turned to my mother to converse with her, much to my relief. That old woman is garrulous.

Something in my mind tugged me to look at the boy-king but I remained silent and looked at the linens once again. I wanted to distract myself from all the people talking and the music blaring. An hour has passed but I feel like I've been trapped in this place for days. I looked over at my brothers who are now on the table beside us, entertaining drunk Lords with their silly performances. I didn't notice them leave my side but somehow, they managed to get away from this boring table. Mother was busy chatting with Lady Agatha and now they are both laughing like they have known each other for a long time. Father was invited to sit beside the Hand of the King, Lord Tywin. They laughed and chatted, as well. The Great Hall was loud and full of life. Everyone is having the best time. But not me. I can't wait to go back to my chambers and slip off this dress. I might burn it, too, just to be rebellious to the King.

My eyes lingered around the hall for a while before they involuntarily rested on the two couple in front of me. I want to look elsewhere but my eyes stayed fixed on them no matter how hard I try to avoid the scene. The boy-king bit the piece off of Lady Margaery's fork like he was a child. His hands are perfectly fine, why can't he eat for himself? Lady Margaery is his betrothed, not his mother. This very scene unveiling in my eyes is one of the many reasons why I loathe relationships and intimate bonds. It disgusts me. Why can't they just be intimate somewhere my eyes couldn't see them? Why now?

It was not long after the incident when the boy-king's eyes stared back at mine. My breath hitched on my throat making me lock eyes with him without breathing. We share the same expression on our faces, surprised and confused as to why we are looking at each other. I hate everything about him. I hate how his golden hair sit on his head carelessly. I hate his eyes and how judgmental they look. I hate his lips that smirked at me with cunningness. I hate him because he toyed with me.

Our staring felt like hours but I doubt that it was. I was relieved when Lady Agatha turned to me and offered me wine. I ripped my eyes from his, trying to get distracted one more time. "Do you want a glass, darling?" Lady Agatha offered. I smiled at her but I quickly declined. Father wouldn't want seeing me drink. "Very well, then." She resumed from drinking and laughing with my mother as they talk about the twins.

Just when I was about to look back at the golden-haired boy, I heard someone whisper to me. "Excuse my aunt's annoying nature." I looked down the linens as Lorcan whispered to my ear. I can feel his hot breath touch my skin, making me feel uncomfortable. I sink back down to my seat before he continued. "My mother calls her Aga-talkative." This made me laugh softly, ignoring the fact that his face is practically buried in my hair. "We should talk somewhere else."

I turned to Lorcan and beamed at him. He did the same, showing his dimpled cheeks. I nodded at him carefully before looking at my mother and her companion. I stood up from my seat and cleared my throat. "Mother, my Lady, you have to excuse us for a while." They both turned to us with bright eyes and even brighter smiles. "Lorcan and I are going to walk around." Lorcan and I both looked at each other in agreement.

Lady Agatha rose from her seat and embraced me before saying, "Get to know each other. Run along now." She waved her hands, gesturing for us to be on our way before sitting down again. I raised an eyebrow at Lorcan, clearly confused at how his aunt acted. He only shrugged at me with the same confusion on his face. He offered me his hand, which I gladly took, as he guided me once again through the crowd.

More whispers came our way and even more eyes were glued on us. I looked at him, hoping he's feeling as awkward as I am. But unlike me, with my head low and inconsistent strides, Lorcan held his chin up and looked ahead the path we are taking. He seems oblivious to all the people staring and keeps walking with pride. I wonder what's going on in his head now. I tried to mimic his actions and tipped my head back slightly. I straightened my spine and tried to level with Lorcan but he's much taller than I was. I level with the tip of his chin, instead. I looked straight ahead like he did, paying no mind to the people around us and before I knew it, Lorcan is guiding me towards the steps going up the raised gallery. The gallery overlooks the whole of the Great Hall like a balcony. Up here, the Great Hall looks much more colorful. I looked down and saw the people in different colored gowns and coats dancing around and chatting.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Lorcan said to me. My eyes brightened up at the sight of the guests prancing around elegantly. The way their skirts flare up as they twirl gave the impression of flower petals swaying in the wind. I turned to Lorcan with a smile on my face. I noticed how close he was than I expected so I took a step backward, distancing myself a bit before I answered him.

"Yes, it looks magnificent from up here." I turned to the joyful crowd once again as they dance around to the music of the trumpets and lutes. Some of them looked up at us, showing their white teeth. The women winked at Lorcan which made his cheeks red. I laughed at the sight of his bashful self. He turned away from me with a smirk on his face and grabbed two glasses of wine from the server's tray. He offered me one. "No, I don't—"

"Come on. Just one," he said as he practically shoved the glass to my hands. I had no choice but to grasp at the wine he left in my hands. He took a sip from his own glass but I kept myself untouched. When I looked down once more, I saw my father look at both of us with wild eyes. He nodded to the glass of wine in my hands as if asking me why I'm holding it. I shook my head from side to side, assuring him that I will not drink. To my surprise, he raised his own glass to my direction and taking a full swig of it. I smiled at him. It is of the rarest of occasions that he's done that. In Bedoco, it's a sign of good fortune and approval. I raised my own glass at him but decided not to take a sip, yet.

I suddenly felt Lorccan gazing at me so I turned to look at him with confusion. "What did he tell you?" he asked. I raised an eyebrow at him in clear intrigue. "The King. What did he tell you?" I felt my heart pound wildly in my chest. We should not be talking about the boy-king. "The hall grew silent when you took a while staring at the King during your presentation." He took another sip from his glass as he patiently waited for my answer. I looked down to my own glass and saw the rippling red liquid, seducing me into drinking its crisp texture. I let my mind go and took a sip in defeat.

To my surprise, Lorcan moved close and placed a finger on my chin, tilting my head up so our different colored eyes meet. "I remember he did this, as well." I smelled the strong fragrance of wine in his breath. It must be the liquor talking. I noticed the abnormal flush of his cheeks as well.

I pushed him away from me rather hardly, making him stumble. Good thing he grabbed on to one of the posts of the gallery before completely losing his balance. "Don't test my patience, Rosby," I said quietly but my voice was full of threat. He laughed at me and raised his hands in surrender. Definitely the liquor talking. I looked at him with wide eyes, not sure how I would react. I let him regain his composure before continuing. "I'm sorry. It's my reflexes, if I may." He looked at me, amusement in his eyes. "He just… said my dress looked nice on me."

He moved closer to me again. I gave him a warning look making him say, "Reflexes." I emptied my glass in one swig which surprised my brunet companion. His eyes widened as I gave him an innocent smile. "You are full of surprises, my Lady." I chuckled at him before returning my glass to another server who happens to pass by. The young man offered me another glass but I dismissed him by waving my hand. "You don't like the taste?"

"No, I do. But one is enough," I said to Lorcan. He gazed down briefly before meeting my eyes again. This time, he has a mischievous grin on his face. "What?"

"He's looking at you," he whispered I quickly swung around and directed my eyes to the boy-king. Sure enough, he was watching the exchange happening between Lorcan and I. We stared at each other in a painstaking moment. I held my breath at the sight of him and felt my heart pounding against my chest. My stomach held a different feeling, something I've never encountered before. I felt like vomiting and emptying myself with all the food I consumed. But he turned away all of a sudden and greeted the old man bowing in front of him and his betrothed.

Lorcan started laughing beside me, sending my head to turn to him in annoyance. He looks like a child being tickled recklessly with his eyes shut tight and his cheeks flaming up. He held his stomach, relieving him of his fit. "What's happening to you?" He opened one of his eyes slightly and looked at me. He can sense my annoyance, yet he continues laughing. I grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him slightly. "Lorcan."

His eyes suddenly opened in bewilderment, not anticipating my move. His laughter died down to small giggles that made me loosen my grip on him. His shoulders lowered and so did his head. I looked at him with wild eyes but he turned towards the crowd downstairs. "They're amused by your little scene." I followed his eyes and into the eyes of the crowd, staring at us in amazement.

Everyone smiled at the position we are in right now. My hands on his shoulders, our bodies close to each other, and our faces practically clashing. We moved away from our each other and looked away from the crowd. It was only seconds before the dancing continued. My eyes lingered to the royal table and saw him standing up instead of sitting down on his seat. His eyes were on us, witnessing our little scene. I turned away before anything goes even worse.

"You like him," Lorcan said to me before angling his glass to his lips again. I quickly snatched it away from his hands and held it in my own. He looked at me in surprise, disappointed that the red liquid didn't touch his lips. "Why did you just do that?"

"You're drunk. And you're a mess. Look at you." I eyed his messy brown hair and red face. He fixed his clothes before smiling at me again. I made the stupid decision of emptying his glass in one go. I felt my stomach rumble. This has been my first time to drink two glasses of wine in one go. He stared at me in amazement before clapping his hands softly. "That's gone now. You shouldn't drink much, you know. It goes in your head, making you dizzy. When you grow older your belly will swell up like a pregnant woman's." We both chuckled at what I said. But I'm stating a fact. His combat skills may even be affected by his copious drinking.

I'm glad that I changed the subject in an instant. Right now, I don't want to talk about the boy-king. I don't like him, not one bit. I didn't voice out my thoughts to Lorcan, fearing that my night would be ruined by the stupid conversation.

"Brother!" Our heads snapped to the direction of the voice. Dren, Lorcan's older brother called out to him. "Brother," he said in a softer tone as he neared us. "My Lady," he greeted me. I nodded at him and gave him a smile. He turned to Lorcan again and said, "Mother asks for your presence. She needs you now."

"Of course. Excuse us, my Lady." Lorcan turned to his heel and followed his brother as they make their way back to the Rosbys' table. I was left alone in the gallery for a moment but I decided to descend back to our table.

Mother was now sitting alone with a piece of pie on her plate. She swallowed the piece on her mouth before speaking to me. "You seem to be getting along." She smirked with anticipation but I only rolled my eyes at her.

"Stop it, Mother." She giggled, knowing that I could see a plan boiling behind her eyes. "Can I visit the gardens? I need to breathe for a while." To my surprise, she instantly nodded her head and gestured to the doors that lead to the exit. I beamed at her before practically running out of the hall, ignoring the people around me.

Tommen's Point of View

I watched as she hurried off to the doors, leaving all the people in awe. Her presence brightened the room up like a thousand suns. But now that she's nowhere to be seen, the feast seemed duller and much darker than before. I watched how Lorcan lead her on and played tricks with my head. When I stood up, Margaery worried before urging me to take my seat down again. I don't want to ruin my evening and disappoint all the guests. But, on the other hand, I don't want not seeing her, either. I collected my thoughts and decided on an option. "You have to excuse me, my Lady. I need to breathe for a while."

Margaery widened her eyes in confusion but her face immediately softened into a sweet smile. "You can do as you wish, your Grace. I shall tend to the guests."

I walked rather quickly through the crowd, smiling and nodding to anyone who's greeting me. But right now, I really cannot be bothered to converse with anyone. My mind is on her and her beautiful eyes. I turned to my side briefly and saw Lorcan Rosby staring at me with suspicion. I looked at him with an eyebrow raised and a taunting smirk on my face. You just let me beat you at your own game. By the time I was out of the hall, I ordered the Kingsguard to leave me alone. They did as I command. I hurriedly ran away from them, hoping that I will catch up to the beautiful Lady.

When I made my first turn, I saw a flash of orange scurrying away. I quickened my steps as I maintain the distance between Corabella and myself. I don't want to scare her away and I definitely don't want her to think that I am following her. Even though, that is exactly what I am doing. I don't want to give her the satisfaction of thinking that she has an effect on me. But I doubt she cares.

After what felt like hours of walking, I was finally lead to the gardens. I lost sight of her as I stood at the archway. The darkness of the night must have been favoring her since she is wearing gown with black sleeves and overcoat. With only the moonlight as my source of light, I carefully stepped inside the gardens, searching for any sign of Corabella. I stop occasionally and tried to listen, hoping that the wind would carry the saccharinity of her voice or even her breath. But I heard nothing but my own exasperated breathing and loud pounding of my heart. All I need now is a miracle.

Just when I was about to give up on my goal, I heard someone sigh longingly. Creeping behind bushes, I saw Corabella sitting on the same bench I was sitting on this morning. I accidentally stepped on a twig, making her turn around in an instant. Her dagger glistened in the moonlight like silver. "Who's there?" she said with warning. I revealed myself slowly, my hands up my head in surrender. "What are you doing here?" she asked the moment I stepped in.

I took a step forward. She had her arm outstretched, dagger pointing at me. "Calm down. It's only me. Now, could you put your dagger away?" I can't see her face fully in the darkness but I sensed her hesitation. With one quick swipe, she strapped her dagger on her side. I didn't notice it earlier on the presentation. She must have hidden it under her coat. I walked towards her, making her stare in alarm.

As I near her, I noticed her eyes again. They glowed lightly in the darkness. Blue specks danced on her iris. It's unbelievable. It's inhuman but beautiful and mesmerizing. I didn't notice how close I was inspecting her orbs when she suddenly placed a heavy hand on my chest. My heart pounded wild and I can't breathe all of a sudden. I know she can feel my heart beating so she immediately snatched her hand away and moved to the side and farther away from me. "You haven't answered my question, Tommen of the houses Lannister and Baratheon."

Her voice was laced with venom but I was too lost in her eyes to let it poison me. She looked at me with the same expression she showed when she figured out I was the King. "I needed to breathe. I felt a bit nauseous with all the drunk people dancing." I answered stupidly. She only smiled at me, taking me aback. It's the first time she smiled at me since she knew who I was. I took a seat on the bench, eyes still on hers. To my surprise, she sat beside me just not as close as earlier today.

"Why didn't you tell me immediately? Do you know how foolish it is for me to spill all those things about you?" she asked, mood changing. Her eyes literally glowed in the dark. Like a cat's, if I put it like that. Mythical, to be honest. She looked at me wildly, searching my face for an answer.

"I thought you knew me. So, I didn't introduce myself," I started. "When you started telling me what you think about the King, I knew it was too late. I was saving you from embarrassment and I avoided sounding pretentious." She gave me a fairly sarcastic chuckle. My eyebrows met at the sound of her voice but mostly in confusion. I didn't know how to react.

"You just negated your own logic by giving me all this." She gestured from her headdress down to her dress and slippers. "You're an idiot, Tommen." She chuckled once more. I didn't know if I was offended by her calling me an idiot or if I was surprised by her use of my name. When she says it, I can feel the ridiculousness of the sound of my own name. When I say hers, it sounds like perfection.

"You are to address me by 'my King' or 'your Grace', you know?" I corrected her. She chuckled more. Her eyes brightened up even more, illuminating her face partly. I felt my jaw drop at the sight of her. She's magnificent under bright light and magical in the darkness.

"Why? That doesn't change the fact that your name is Tommen of the houses Lannister and Baratheon." My eyes widened and so did hers. Her giggles died down into complete silence, making my heart drum loudly in my ears. We stayed like that, staring at each other for a while and I've never felt better. I felt my body move closer towards her while she sits still. My face neared hers in a painfully slow manner. I heard her gasp sharply. I looked at her beautifully shaped lips. I wonder how they feel, how she tastes.

What?

She stood up all of a sudden, distancing herself from me. I looked up at her but she turned away, not giving me permission to meet with her glowing eyes. "It's my eyes, isn't it? They're glowing." Before I could respond, she ran away from me, trying to get away from me again.

"Wait! Corabella!" I found myself chasing after her for the second time. She stopped and turned, anger clear on her face. I stopped running and kept the gap between us.

"I hate liars, Tommen. You are one. Therefore, I hate you." I felt something in my chest fall apart. I couldn't breathe or think straight. She turned away and ran, leaving me alone in the dark. I held my chest, where my heart is. Why am I feeling this? She's a stranger, Tommen! I stood there until the night envelope me with its coldness. I wrapped my coat around me. I took a heavy step forward, walking after what felt like years of standing.

Tommen's Point of View

I stroked Ser Pounce's fur as he purrs softly, enjoying his slumber. I couldn't sleep after my encounter with Corabella. She invaded my mind like a parasite. She buried herself deep down my head and I can't stop thinking about her. Those eyes of hers… They were the worst. Whenever I felt my lids close all I see was hers illuminating like a small flame on a candle.

"What are you doing to me?" I whispered to myself. I lied back on my pillows, letting my head rest for a while. I can't submit to sleep but I can't spend the night feeling uncomfortable. "Corabella." I whispered again. The sound of her name sent chills down my spine. But the aching in my chest wouldn't go away. She hated me and called me a liar. I deserved it. I deserved being hated by someone as innocent as her. Without thinking, one of my hands moved to my lips. My thumb brushed lightly on my bottom lip. I just thought of kissing her beautiful lips. If she didn't move away from me, I could've done it. Would she have kissed me back? I doubt it. I've never kissed anyone before but I was willing to have her as my first. I smiled at the thought of kissing her, holding her close to me as she lets her hands entangle on my hair. I bit my lip at my boyish fantasies.

I felt something settling at the pit of my stomach, moving lower. "No." I stood up and reached for a glass of water sitting on my table. I gulped down the clear liquid rather harshly, leaving me breathless. I shouldn't think of these things. When morning comes, I shall be married to Margaery. She will be my first kiss, my wife. She will be the one I'll hold close to me and her hands will be the ones to be entangled in my hair.

I walked slowly back to bed and pulled the covers up my body, putting my hands at the back of my head as I calm down. Don't think of her, Tommen. Just sleep. You will look terrible in the morning if you don't.

Author's Note: I hope you guys liked that chapter! It took me a long while to finish that. Writer's block has been the major cause of my unfinished works but, luckily, I battled with it in this chapter and I won! Yay me.

Qs:

- How do you feel about Corabella's fit when she called Tommen a liar?

- What do you think about Tommen's conflicted feelings for Margaery and Corabella?

- What do you want to happen next?

Please please please, leave a review, comment, suggestion, like, favorite, all those stuff because it really makes me happy. And I get ideas from your reviews that could spice up the next chapters haha. Also, I'm doing little banner edits per chapter. You could check those out on Wattpad. It's posted on the same title. Thank you!