Author's Note: Hello, everyone! This is the ninth chapter. I hardly believe it because I've never written something this long that I let people read but I'm slowly building up patience in doing my work and all of you have been so nice with your views, favorites, follows, all that stuff. I still do not own Game of Thrones, though. Haha.

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Nine: Eventi Gemellate

Corabella's Point of View

I couldn't bring myself to go back to the feast, not when I'm looking and thinking like this. My hair is a mess and my dress grew crinkly from all the running I've done. I don't want them to see me like this, so vulnerable. The night slowly grew darker and darker as I find my way back to my chambers. Unlike in the Great Hall, the rest of the castle seems to be much more peaceful. The sound of the sea even made the ambience relaxing.

I pushed open the door to my chambers. It's much darker inside even if the full moon's peeking through my windows. I lit up a few candles to brighten up the room. The tiny flames danced around the wax as a gentle wind blew inside. I kicked my slippers off carelessly, letting them fly off somewhere. I cannot be bothered to pick them up and put them where they belong. Instead, I made my way to one of the chests containing all the weapons I brought here in King's Landing. I let my fingers trace the outline of the Bedocian cat carved to one of the chests. Its sapphire eyes stare back at mine with elegance and danger.

I sat down cross-legged to the floor as I open the large chest. Several daggers lay neatly on the first layer of the chest. Pillowed in silk, my daggers were aligned neatly from smallest to largest. All of their pommels bearing the head of a Bedocian cat with sapphires for eyes. I picked the largest and sharpest one of them and examined it under a dull flame of the candle. It still looks brand new despite being in my possession for six years. The blade is still shiny and sharp as little swirls dance around it. That's the thing I love about Bedocian steel, its' beautiful and elegant but very sharp and deadly. It could cut through someone's skin with ease.

With a rebellious idea on my mind, I stood up without taking my eyes off of the blade. I made my way in front of the large mirror and stared at my reflection. Even with the lit candles surrounding me, my eyes shone the brightest. The glow in my eyes are masked during the day due to the brightness of the sun but while I'm enveloped in darkness, they flash brightly. I was only three when my parents noticed. They were shocked for the first time. Never in their lives have they seen someone's eyes glow. Concerned for my situation, they never told anyone except the Grand Maester whom they trusted very much. He, too, cannot answer their questions as to why my situation is like this. No one knows but my own family and a few of my cousins. Until now.

The boy-king knows now and I can't deny it to him anymore. He saw what was happening to me and I let him. How stupid was I to let him see. It was only a matter of time before I made the situation worse. I run fast and away from him, letting him know that I don't want his presence. I called him a liar and told him I hate him. But right now, when I'm staring back at myself, I realized that I didn't mean any of those things I said. He's not a liar, he is just a boy who likes to play games. And I don't certainly hate him. If anything, the only one I hate is me. I'm too naïve and too easy to manipulate. I fell for his trap and let him lead me on. I should be careful next time. I should choose the right words to say next time. But right now, I have something else to do.

Grabbing the sleeve of my dress, I stretched the fabric away from my skin before tearing it off of the dress with my dagger. I watched how it fell to the ground as I cut an inch of it clinging to the dress. I held my dagger on my other hand and rip away the other sleeve. Then, I held on to the neckline and cut a straight line down to my stomach. For the skirts, I took hold of the ends and tear the fabric apart with my two hands. The loudness of the cloth ripping apart relieved the anger I've been holding back since the evening. I appreciate the effort he put into putting up an outfit for me but none of this was worth it. I hate seeing these again, I might as well ruin it. I pulled the headdress away from my hair and put it down with the torn dress. I should get rid of these in the morning, order a maid to burn it, maybe.

I stared back at my reflection again, now rid of all the fanciness. I proceeded to untie my corset and slide off my drawers. I've only slept in the nude once when I was fifteen, curious how it felt like. I wanted to try again tonight, just roll around in my sheets with nothing on. But I fear that someone might come in. Some stranger might burst to my door while I sleep. So, I grabbed a nightgown from the cabinet and let its silky texture hug my body. I childishly jumped to my bed and laid down with the pillows. I wonder what's happening in the feast now. Did the boy-king go back to his guests? Or is he lying in his bed like I am doing right now? I wonder…

Margaery's Point of View

Last night's feast has been a delight. The guests were awfully lovely as they dance around and eat and drink. It has been the noisiest feast I have been to in my life. But I should get used to the city's clamor. After all, in a matter of hours I will be Queen and there surely are going to be more feasts to come to celebrate my reign and my husband's. I should anticipate the drunk Lords and garrulous Ladies. But right now, I should worry only of myself and how I will look when I enter the Sept. My handmaidens spent the whole of the morning to get me bathed, dressed, and fixed. The hair is the tricky part but I want the majority of the details to be on my mane as I believe that the hair is a woman's crown.

I've been chatting with my two busy handmaidens to pass the time when we heard a knock on the door. Mira, one of my companions, stood up and answered the door. I heard a man's voice at the door conversing with Mira. A member of the Kingsguard, perhaps. It was not long before Mira returned to me, now with a rolled up parchment on her hands. She showed it to me, sealed with my house's symbol.

"Ser Theodore said that a Raven arrived this morning. It was from Highgarden." I gave Mira a small smile before getting the parchment. She returned immediately to my hair which was now turning into a beautiful piece.

I broke the seal carefully and unrolled the piece of parchment. Written in careful handwriting was a request for me to go back to Highgarden immediately. My grandmother is very sick and wants to see me now. How odd it is for her to request such a thing, especially on my wedding day. Grandmother would never sabotage this dream of mine. After all, she supported my decisions and even made my life easier by getting rid of Joffrey. She wouldn't send such an urgent message if it wasn't important.

"Is everything alright, my Lady?" Olivia, my other handmaiden, asked. I didn't notice the frown my face was forming until I looked at my reflection. Both of them are now intrigued and stopped fixing my hair.

"I apologize, my Ladies. But that's quite enough. I have to see the King now," I said with a serious tone making the two Ladies stare at each other before leaving me alone. I rose from my seat and made my way to the King's chambers. Something doesn't feel right. Grandmother's request is very odd but out of place. But I feel like if I continue to participate in the set event today, something bad will happen. I have to make up my mind. Family comes first before anything else.

I knocked on Tommen's door before saying, "Your grace, this is Margaery. May I come in?" When I heard his approval through the wooden door, I didn't waste my time standing there and pushed it open. Tommen was once again standing in front of the mirror with the old tailor fixing his clothes. He looked briefly at me with a smile on his face.

"Isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding ceremony?" Tommen asked teasingly. I know he doesn't believe in those superstitions. He sensed my silence and seriousness making him turn to me with a confused look. "Is everything alright, my Lady?"

"I would like to speak to you in private, my King," I said while looking at the tailor who was busy fixing Tommen's coat. He looked at the old man before nodding at him, dismissing him. When we were alone I took a seat and gestured for Tommen to do as well.

"I have bad news, your Grace," I started. He looked at me with wild eyes, curious of what I'm going to say next. I don't want to do this to him. I know he's been looking forward to this since our engagement was announced but I have to be smart. It's not the end of the world. "We can't… We can't be married. Not today, I mean."

His eyes widened at what I said. I feel extremely guilty. This is the worst thing I have done to him. If he's going to be furious now, I have only myself to blame. "Why, my Lady? Are you not ready to be my wife, to be my Queen?" I felt my heart melt at his words. He's not showing signs of anger. He's not like Joffrey. Tommen uses his head and tries to reason with me.

I took a deep breath and collected my thoughts before voicing them out to him. "My Grandmother sent a Raven this morning. And, well, she's very ill. She wants to see me immediately, your Grace. I hope you understand." I can't read his face clearly. He must be confused and thinking of his answer. He stood up from his seat and turned away from me, making his way to the windows.

"Lady Olenna is old and slowly getting weaker." He turned to me with the same confused eyes. "I want nothing more but to be wedded to you, my Lady. I want you to be my Queen," he paused and took a deep breath, avoiding my eyes. "But Lady Olenna is family. She is still you blood and bones. I cannot forbid you to aid her. I must immediately summon the Kingsguard to accompany you to your journey."

I cannot believe my ears. I didn't know Tommen would come to terms in just a snap of a finger. I mindlessly rose from my seat and embraced him with a smile on my face. "Thank you, your Grace. You are very kind." He looked at me with sad eyes but forced a smile on his face. I let go of him and tried to reassure him. "We will still be married, your Grace. But the Gods might see this is not a good time. I shall return to King's Landing immediately, I promise you." I took both of his hands on mine. "I would never ever let you down, my King."

He stared at me with wide eyes, shocked at my actions. "Of course, my Lady. Take care of Lady Olenna and tell her to get well soon for me." We smiled at each other again, his face now genuinely happy. I strode back to his doors but just when I was about to leave he called out to me making me turn around. "Margaery, please be safe." I smiled at his affection and care before leaving his chambers altogether.

Corabella's Point of View

"What did you do to this?" Mother asked frantically as she held the remains of the dress I tore apart last night. Remembering what I did, I felt a little guilty that I ruined such an elegant piece of clothing but what's done is done. My only regret was not waking up early to let one of the maids burn it for me. I fell into a very deep and dreamless sleep that the sun rays didn't even shine bright enough to wake me up. Now, my mother is looking at the ruined dress with anger but mostly sadness.

I tried to avoid her eyes as I put on a necklace with a carnation pendant on it. I have to dress as simple as possible to the wedding if I don't want to be the center of attention again. But chances are, more eyes will be on me unless I magically become invisible. Wearing the simplest things would be my only salvation.

"Corabella, look at me." My mother's voice was now more assertive and it does scare me. She hardly ever raises her voice and seldom gets angry. I hesitantly turned back to her and meet her dangerous eyes. She's staring at me like daggers and I can't look away. I am in a big trouble. "Why did you do this?" she asked with a monotonous tone.

I looked down on the soft fabric on her hands, trying to distract myself. "I… I d-didn't… I didn't want to wear it or see it again," I managed to say through my horrible stutters. She looked at me with disappointment clear on her eyes. I remained seated on the stool as I watch her pace around the room trying to calm herself down.

"You know this is from the King himself. If you didn't want it, you could've at least gave it back to him. For goodness' sake, Corabella! What has gotten into you to make you do this?" I sunk lower to my seat, arching my back down. I am terrified of my mother because I know she's right. I shouldn't have done it. Maybe I was just too exhausted last night. Maybe I was just too exhausted and angry and a little bit drunk.

I felt my eyes blur as tears build up on them. Before I could stop myself, a tear rolled down my cheek, alerting my mother I was crying. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do it."

"Oh no, no. No, shh. Stop crying, darling." Mother rushed next to me and held me in her arms as I sobbed quietly. I don't want to cry in front of her but I can't help it. My mind was just suddenly crammed with emotions and I didn't know what emotion was appropriate to be feeling. There were times like this before when I would just cry for no apparent reason. But my mother was always there to comfort me and make me feel better. She doesn't want to see me hurting physically or emotionally. "I didn't mean to raise my voice. I'm sorry." She let go of me and wiped away the salty tears on my face. She held my face as I stopped crying and said, "But you have to apologize to the King after the ceremony." I nodded my head at her, agreeing with her statement. The best thing I could do now is apologize, not only for the dress but also at how I acted last night. Tommen seems like a nice person. I might have just misread his intentions.

Mother brought out the shoes I was going to wear to the wedding. But before I could put them on, an urgent knock was heard from my chamber doors. Mother and I briefly looked at each other before she stood up to get the door. "Mother, I'll get it," I said before she could make her way to the wooden door. She nodded and smiled at me before sitting down on one of the stools to get ready herself.

I made quick steps to the door and opened it revealing the Queen-regent, Cersei. She greeted me with an awkward smile on her face. "May I come in, child?" she asked.

"Your Grace, I didn't expect you to come. Please, come in. We are just getting dressed." I opened the door wider for her to enter. She elegantly glided inside my chambers and locked eyes with my mother briefly.

Mother stood up the moment she saw the Queen-regent and gave her a curtsy. "Your Grace, what can we do for you?" Mother asked softly, curiosity starting to show on her face. I made my way beside Mother. We both stood there in awe, as Cersei looks around my chambers.

"I'm sad to inform you that the wedding will not be held today." Mother and I looked at her with wide eyes, confused as to why the royal event isn't going to happen. "You can change into more comfortable clothing now, my Ladies. I apologize for the inconvenience."

"It is alright, your Grace. But, if I may ask, why isn't the wedding going to be held today?" Mother asked with much concern. We have prepared lots of things for the wedding. My father had to bring two ships to Westeros just to have our gifts brought in the city for the King's coronation, wedding, and nameday. If the wedding is not going to be continued, all of us would be wasting our time.

The Queen-regent sat down and ushered for us to do as well. She grabbed a glass of wine and brought it to her lips before answering. "I'm afraid Lady Olenna, Margaery's grandmother, is very sick and asks for the Queen to-be to attend to her. Margaery asked for my son's approval and he let his betrothed go back to Highgarden." She took another sip and continued. "But don't worry. The wedding will take place as soon as Lady Margaery goes back."

"And when is that?" I asked eagerly. Cersei looked at me before setting her glass back down to the table. She smiled her awkward, menacing smile of hers again that made a chill run down my spine. The Queen-regent is beautiful and elegant but there is something in her that I don't quite appreciate. After her debate with my mother on the King's breakfast table, she seems composed now, opposed to how my mother described her. I just have to be careful around her, or anyone in this city, in fact.

She moved closer to be and tucked a curl of hair behind my ear. "You are such a beautiful girl. Fit for a Queen, in my opinion." I moved back on my seat as she said those words. That is a very strange thing to say. Cersei finally stood up and turned her back to us as she walked back to the door. "Right now, we can't say when she's going to be back." She turned to us again before exiting. "But right now, I hope you enjoy your stay here."

Mother and I waited for the door to close entirely before looking at each other in confusion. "I don't trust that woman," Mother said immediately. She went back in front of the mirror and removed her earrings one by one.

"Mother! That is not a nice thing to say to the Queen," I countered but I wonder if I did mean what I said. Judging from my chuckles, Mother doesn't seem to believe me as well. I stood in front of the mirror, beside Mother, and removed my necklace as well. This piece of jewelry must only be worn on special occasions and not during a normal day. It's too precious.

"Just don't mingle with her often. A woman with a pretty face and seductive words is truly dangerous." I have to admit that my mother is right. Queen Cersei seems conspicuous. She's the kind of woman who could lure you in with her beauty then slash your throat at the right time. Like a siren from all those bedtime stories that Mother used to tell me.

Ferardo's Point of View

"Move back with your right foot," I said to Cosimo as he struggles with his footwork. I tapped his knee in place with the side of my dulled down blade making him groan in annoyance. "Move back."

"I'm trying, Father. It's not fair. You're much taller than I am." With one swipe of my blade, I disarmed my son, sending his new sword down to the mud. I laughed at how frustrated he looks. "Oh, Father! You shouldn't have done that. Now my blade is dirty." I watched him as he picks up his sword with his little hands. He wiped his blade with a piece of cloth he brought out of his pocket, ridding it of all the dirt.

"You should have moved back, like I did," Gino teased all the way from the benches. I laughed at him making Cosimo even more annoyed. Between the twins, I have to admit, Gino is the smarter and more strategic one. He thinks twice before making a move. Cosimo, on the other hand, plays with all movements and no mind. However, Cosimo is more likeable than his twin, being the funnier one and more energetic.

"Fight me, then. Let's see how you move back from my attacks, brother," Cosimo challenged his brother with all seriousness. Gino made his way to us and pointed his sword up to his brother with a smirk. They are too excited to put their new swords into action. But I can't let them hurt each other. They can't handle a sword too well, they need more training before engaging in proper combat.

I snatched the blade from their hands before they could even start. "Father!" they shouted in unison. Oh, boys, so violent and so stubborn.

I looked at them both before speaking, blades still in my hands. "I gave these to you because I know you deserve it. But you are not going to use these to fight each other, to hurt each other. You are brothers. Your blood and bones are one from the moment your mother brought you into this world. Now," I handed them back their swords. "Your swords are twins, too. Gemelli. If one of you hurts the other with this very own blade, you are inflicting pain in your own flesh." I showed them how the twin swords connected on its guard, making them giggle in amusement. They looked at each other with pure joy at what they have just witnessed. I pulled the swords apart and gave them to them. "You know, the greatest swords have the greatest names. Have you thought of anything, yet?"

The twins nodded together. Cosimo started to introduce to me his blade. "I will call mine Gemeperi. Gemello pericoloso." I smiled at the name he has chosen, making him beam at me with pride. I turned to Gino and waited for the name he has chosen. "I shall name mine… Gemelligente. Gemello intelligente."

"Ah, the dangerous twin and the smart twin. Perfect names for the perfect blades. Run along now and train with the bigger men. I hope you've already made friends." They nodded at me again with grins on their faces before running off to the other soldiers training.

I paced away from the boys, leaving them to train when I came across with a plump old man. I gave him a smile as he approached me. "Good day, Lord Doreen. I am Lord Gyles Rosby, you must know my son, Lorcan from last night's feast." I shook the hand he has offered to me. Yes, Lorcan. The nice young man that accompanied us on our table. The one with green eyes.

"Pleased to meet you, my Lord. Shall we take a walk?" I offered him. He seems like a nice man and judging from the conversation I had with Tywin last night, the house Rosby is positioned north of King's Landing. This man might be trustworthy if the King lets him secure the northern part of the Crownlands.

"Oh that would be delightful, my Lord." We proceeded to walk around the field with nowhere to go in particular. I don't mind much, I am welcome to having new acquaintances. "Your beautiful daughter, Lady Corabella, sat with us for a while in the feast. She is a very nice young woman, very polite and very smart." I didn't expect this conversation to be about my daughter. I should have in the first place. The way Lorcan and Corabella interacted last night must have interested Lord Rosby to have an alliance with our house. "She showed us this dagger of hers and both my son and I were fascinated by the Bedocian blade. I heard it was the very steel in which the Valyrian ones are forged, am I correct?"

Ah, I didn't know Corabella has been spreading her knowledge of our history. This conversation is off to a good start, better than I expected. I smiled at him before answering. "Yes, my Lord. I suppose you have examined it and saw how sharp it is."

"Yes, of course! My son ran his thumb lightly on the edge of the blade and it made him bleed immediately. Something as lethal as that blade would be perfect for battles. It's about time for it to be presented in this city. The King would be interested." I looked at him with curious eyes, knowing that he is giving me a subtle proposal. "I'm sure you'd be interested in business, my Lord. What better place to start than in the King's city?" We stopped abruptly and stared at each other with serious eyes. I never knew someone as jolly as this man would have strange intentions. Intentions that could benefit my city and my family.

"And what do you propose I do, my Lord?" I asked with a smirk on my face.

He turned to me with the same expression and took a deep breath before answering. "Well, your city isn't as popular as it's supposed to be, given the resources that you have. It's about time someone sheds a light into what you can offer. I can help you get direct appointments to the King if—"

"That won't be needed. I am good friends with the King's Hand. But I reckon you want something else, my Lord. Please, do tell. I am all ears," I urged for him to continue.

"What I'm saying is, your city is far from Westeros. If you're going to agree into exporting weapons from your city, you have to cement a piece of yourself in this country. You know, so everyone could trust you. Last night's feast was a perfect way for your daughter to be presented and, word is, everyone adores her. Every Lord in Westeros are now readying themselves and their sons to court your daughter. It would be a shame if she goes to someone unworthy," he paused. I raised an eyebrow at him. "I am speaking to you now, my Lord, to let you know that I am interested into joining our houses. You have a daughter, I have a son. If they are going to be married, it would be an honor for us and it would secure your place here in Westeros."

I agree with everything he said. I've always wanted to open business with other cities and King's Landing is the perfect place. The King is here and Tywin, in behalf of the Lannisters, will surely support us. After all, if we gave them enough supply for future battles, we would be rewarded handsomely. My people would be appreciated and so will I. As for my daughter's hand, I can't give it directly to the Rosby boy. He seems brave and I would be most glad to have him as a son-in-law but the problem is my daughter. She would be enraged if she knows about this engagement that Lord Rosby is proposing. If Lorcan agrees with him, Corabella will act upon it and challenge him into a duel. None of her past admirers won against her and I fear that Lorcan would have the same fate as the others.

"I am pleased to hear your proposal, my Lord. And it would certainly be an honor if our houses are to join together." Lord Rosby beamed wildly, waiting for my approval. "However…" His face suddenly dropped down. "However, my daughter has her own… terms… when it comes to all this courting and marriage subject. She might be difficult to deal with."

"I'm sure my son could handle it," he said with pride as he lifted his chin up to level with me but he's too short and plump to be on the same height as me.

"I'm sure he will. But I can't give you a final answer, yet. I shall talk to my daughter and try to convince her into agreeing with all of this. I will let you know what she thinks." Worry starts to set in to my mind. There is no way that Corabella would agree to all of this. I can't coax her into doing something she doesn't want but this time I shall persist. I can't let such a perfect opportunity to go to waste.

"Oh, please take your time, my Lord. I shall be patiently waiting." With that last statement, Lord Rosby walked away leaving me in the middle of the field. I watched as he strutted away from me. My mind is clouded with thoughts as to how I will convince Corabella to marry Lorcan. I doubt Lorcan even knows his father's intentions but right now, I shall worry more about my daughter.

Author's Note: This chapter is a day late because I struggled with writing yesterday as I wasn't feeling very well but I'll try to have a double update today to make up for it. Also, I've been using Italian words mostly in this chapter but, just to let you guys know, I am in no way capable of creating an Italian sentence or translate English words to Italian. All of the terms I used in this story are completely from the help of google translate so to anyone who actually speaks Italian, feel free to correct any mistakes I've done and I will do my best to edit.

Qs:

- How do you feel about the postponed royal wedding?

- How do you feel about Lord Rosby's proposal to Lord Ferardo?

- What would you want to happen next?

Please please please, leave your reviews, comments, suggestions, likes, favorites, follows, all that stuff because they really make me very very happy and inspired. Thank you in advance!