Author's Note: Hello, everyone! This is the eleventh chapter and wow, I can't believe it. I know the story has a slow pacing because I don't want to rush the story too much and because I'm having a hard time figuring out how the characters would interact with each other without making a major OC. But anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter! I still do not own Game of Thrones

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Eleven: Green and Blue

Edvige's Point of View

"It would be a perfect arrangement. This is what we both want for her, isn't it?" Ferardo's voice echoed at the back of my mind as the image of him desperately urging me to speak to Corabella flashed in my eyes. My husband told me about his encounter with Lord Rosby and how he suggested for our houses to join. I was delighted at his proposal but I don't know how I will break the news to Corabella. She will not be glad about it and will definitely rebel against us again. I like Lorcan and I think he will be the perfect husband for Corabella. Joining houses with the Rosbys would be an honor. I know my daughter would be in safe hands.

I am not sure, however, if the boy would be. I've seen my daughter fight and even I can't believe how strong and fierce she is. When I look at her, all I see is a little girl who likes poetry and reading. But when she's in a duel, she transforms into something so dangerous and beasty. When she holds a blade, she's no longer Lady Corabella, no. She becomes far greater than a Lady. And I worry for her.

She's still so young, so innocent, and I'm afraid that if she doesn't find a suitable husband, it might be too late. I don't want her to live the rest of her life with blades for companion. I want her to be happy in the arms of someone who will love her and care for her. I want her to have as many children as she could have and laugh as she watches them play and grow up. When old age nears her, I want her to look back into the past and not regret anything. I want her to have a happy life like me.

But I fear that all my plans for her would be foiled. Sometimes I regret when Ferardo first introduced her to combat. She grew fascinated. Now, all she thinks is fighting and duels and things that she wouldn't have known if I didn't let her hold a dagger. I feel guilty for feeling that because I know she is more than glad when she fights. She forgets all her insecurities. Oh, Corabella. Why must you be so complicated?

I promised my husband that I will talk to Corabella. I promised that I will try to convince her to marry Lorcan or just get close to him. But I don't want to upset her too much. Perhaps, it can wait. For now, I will try to drop subtle hints of my intentions to her. Better yet, I'll try to just talk to her and understand her views towards marriage or relationships. She is my daughter but I have to admit that I don't know her everything that's going on in that mind of hers.

"Do you think I did well earlier? My poems have been growing duller," I heard her say as she slipped on her nightgown. I watched her adjust the clothing on her body as she stood in front of the mirror. "Mother?"

I smiled at her and breathed in before speaking. "Yes, you did well. Perhaps you are only lacking inspiration that's why you think that your words are becoming dull," I started. She turned to me attentively. "You should be making friends around here, you know. So that you could share your thoughts with someone or find inspiration in them."

She chortled as she made her way to one of the stools. She picked up her comb and started brushing her hair in the front, ridding it of all the tangles her waves have acquired all day. "I have friends, Mother. I think,"

I chuckled at her sarcastically, knowing that her definition of friends would be me, her father, her brothers, and all her weapons. "When I say friends, I mean real people. Not those things you brought here in King's Landing." She turned to me and teasingly smiled at me.

"I'm telling the truth. I have friends. Just not that many. The boy-King, for example is a friend. Or maybe an acquaintance." She turned around and faced the mirror again. How odd it is for her to consider the young King as her friend when last night she ripped his present mercilessly. She must have apologized to him already. The King doesn't strike me as cruel. He has a young sweet face to serve as one of my proof. Corabella turned to me again with a blank face. "Will you help me comb the back of my hair, Mother?" she asked me.

I quickly rose from my seat and moved towards her. She handed me the large comb carefully before turning around and leaving me to her waves. "Why do you keep on calling him the boy-King?" I asked. "Don't you think that's a little insulting for his part?"

I saw her smile through my reflection. "He is a boy and a King. It is an appropriate title. Besides, he doesn't mind it. I think," she said through her sweet beam. I kept on brushing her hair and tried to tame it down to soft curls. "And Lorcan and I are also friends," she added.

What she said surprised me, making me refrain from brushing her hair. I looked up at her reflection and locked eyes with her. "Lorcan? The young boy with green eyes?" I asked even if I perfectly knew who she was referring to.

"Yes," she said briefly. I continued brushing her hair and looked down away from her sight before she suspects anything. "He is very nice. He gave me a bouquet of carnations this morning," she kept on talking. Carnations? Those are her favorite flowers.

"He did? How did he know you like carnations?" I asked as a smile starts to appear on my face. This is a good sign for me. If Lorcan keeps on acting like this towards Corabella, it would certainly make my job easier. She doesn't seem bothered by his kind gesture so I guess she might really appreciate the boy's efforts. I know she wouldn't resist anything that has carnations in it.

She rolled her eyes slowly and shook her head slightly before answering me, clearly annoyed. "Cosimo and Gino. They told him," she said in an irritated manner. "The twins were practicing with him this morning and somehow they told him about my fascination for carnations. Those two just couldn't shut their mouths."

I laughed at her, agreeing with her statement. Those two boys are just talkative and energetic. It wouldn't surprise me if they spill their own secrets to the whole of King's Landing. But from what I've heard, some knights are actually quite fond of them. Some older soldiers are training with them. Ferardo kept his promise on giving them their own swords. Boys will be boys. I looked briefly on the flower vase beside the mirror. These must be the flowers that Lorcan gave her. "You seem to be in good terms with that young Rosby, Lorcan."

She nodded her head at me then said, "Yes, I am. In fact, we will be training together tomorrow. He said he'll teach me some techniques and in turn, I will teach him as well." Great! They are going to spend time with each other. This is easier than I thought. I just have to push her harder to be with Lorcan. How to do that? That, I don't know yet.

"I've heard he is a very skilled fighter. And very smart as well. He reads books during his spare time." I may have chatted with some maids in King's Landing. I much prefer their company than those of the Ladies. The maids are easier to approach and get to know. I swear, those young ladies are head-over-heels for the young Rosby. I saw how their eyes twinkle at the mention of his name. I wouldn't disagree. The boy is very handsome and is such a gentleman. "What do you think of him?" I asked her softly.

I looked up at her reflection once again and saw her look down on the piece of parchment on her hands. She's rereading her poem with a smile on her face as I asked her my question. "He's alright. He's very nice and is such a gentleman."

"And very handsome," I added with a smirk as she smiled back at me.

"Yes, he is very handsome as well. Have you seen his eyes, Mother? It's my first time to see green eyes. I thought I was the only one in this world who had different colored eyes," she breathed with delight. "But his were green. The boy-King has blue ones as well but not as blue as mine."

My heart melted at her words and how innocent she was. In the seventeen of her existence, coming to King's Landing would have been the most exciting. She met new people, tasted different food, and made new memories. I watched her smile to herself, not paying attention to me. I brushed her hair gently as I reminisce her childhood. It feels like it was only yesterday when I first held her in my hands as her little fingers search for my face. "Do you like him, Corabella?" I asked with no hesitation.

She looked at me with wide eyes, smile turned into a thin line. I felt the roof move lower to me. I shouldn't have asked that. Did I let the conversation go too fast? "I suppose I do, Mother." I held my breath, completely taken aback from her answer. She smiled again at me before continuing. "He would be a good mentor. He seems strong and brave. I hope I would learn more things from him." She turned back her attention to the piece of parchment in her hands. I felt instantly disappointed at what she added. But relieved when she didn't lash out.

"I think he would be a good mentor. You should train regularly with him," she turned her attention to me with bright eyes and wide grin. I smiled at her, glad to see her happy. "Only if you take your lessons seriously. I am expecting more colorful poems, young Lady."

She stood up, making me let go of her hair. In an instant, she was hugging me tight. "I will, Mother. I promise. Thank you!" I hugged her back and rubbed her back before letting go of her.

I looked at her and saw a younger version of me. Not physically. I am nothing compared to her beauty. But we share the same passion in doing the things that make us happy. "Oh, my little girl. You're all grown up." I tucked a curl behind her ear before placing a palm on her face. I stroked her cheek with my thumb before giving her a kiss on the forehead. "I love you, Corabella. No matter how old you get, you will always be my little baby." I heard her chuckle under her breath.

"I love you, too, Mother. But I have to sleep now." I placed the comb back down the table as she made her way to her bed. I stood beside her bed and blew out the flames on the candles. Her eyes glowed at the presence of darkness. "Good night, Mother."

"Good night." I walked away from her bed and to the door, leaving her to submit to a peaceful slumber.

Tommen's Point of View

I put on my shirt over my head to get ready for bed. Today turned out better than I expected. The wedding might not have been taken place and Margaery might have been away but I didn't feel too bad. I smiled back at my reflection as I remember being with Corabella earlier. I let my fingers comb my messy blonde hair, sweeping it to the side. I look much like a man now. I bid farewell to my childhood as I stare at myself. Without thinking, my thumb once again made it over my bottom lip, stroking it ever so slightly. I put my hand away when I heard a knock on my door. I walked to my chamber door and opened it slightly to see Grandfather standing outside. "Grandfather, what are you doing here?" I asked in curiosity.

"Your Grace, I'm sorry to bother you but can I come in? I have something to tell you," he said in urgency. I opened the door wide enough for him to enter. He nodded at me as he made his way inside my chambers. "I apologize for meeting you at this hour. I was looking for you earlier but there were other matters that I had to attend to," he said breathlessly.

"It's alright, Grandfather," I told him before gesturing for him to take a seat as I descend down to one of my chairs. "Please, take a seat. What seems to be the matter?" I asked, clasping my hands together as I attempt to look serious.

He leaned back on his chair as he makes himself comfortable. He crossed his legs before speaking. "You must remember Lady Corabella Doreen. The beautiful girl from Bedoco." My heart raced when I heard her name. What is it about her? I nodded at him before he continued. "Well, her mesmerizing beauty isn't a secret to anyone here in King's Landing. I'm sure you agree with me." I felt my breath growing inconsistent as we talk. "Her presentation last night intrigued everyone about her. And news of her presence here in Westeros spread like wildfire."

I wouldn't be surprised. I saw how everyone looked at her last night. Every eyes were on hers and every whisper has her name. It's not such a big news for me to know that everyone in Westeros is intrigued about her. "Yes. And what about it?" I asked further. Something important must have come up if my grandfather walked all the way here at this time of the night.

He looked at me with a blank face. "We received quite a lot of Ravens this morning. They were from Lords all around Westeros asking for your permission to let them visit King's Landing." Everybody is welcome to visit King's Landing. After all, we are supposed to have a month of celebration for my coronation, wedding, and nameday. I don't see why they need my personal approval.

"Why are they asking direct permission from me?" I raised an eyebrow at him, clearly confused about all the things he just said.

He gave me a small smile, a rare sight. He moved at the edge of his seat and looked at me with bright eyes. "They want to see Lady Corabella and court her in this very castle." I held my breath and felt my heart pound a hundred beats per second. My eyes widened in surprise. Why would anyone do that? Lady Corabella is a guest of mine, not some idol brought here in Westeros for everyone to claim. I can't let them near Corabella. Much less court her.

I can't blame the Lords, though. Corabella is a magnificent Lady and she could capture anyone's heart with just one look. But if I let them court her in my own house, that would leave me with far less time with her in my presence. It's not everyday that we meet in the gardens to chat. I can't let them take that time I have with her. "No. I do not permit it," I said sternly, clearly surprising my grandfather. I paced away from him and searched for any kind of distraction.

"Why, your Grace? The castle could accommodate them. Besides, I do not think that Lady Corabella would interact with every single one of them. She has other important matters to do." I massaged the bridge of my nose, calming myself down. What is happening to me? It's not my business if anyone would court the beautiful Corabella. Yet, I feel this strange phenomena in my chest and stomach. "Unless, you are fascinated with the young Lady, as well." I sensed a teasing tone on my grandfather making my blood run cold.

I turned around to see a smug grin plastered all over his face. I furrowed my eyebrows in annoyance and denied his claim irritatingly. "No! Why would you think that? I am betrothed to Lady Margaery. I do not care who wants to court her." Lies. I do care no matter how wrong it sounds.

Grandfather rose from his seat, eyeing me menacingly. "Then, I don't see why you shouldn't approve of their request." I looked down the carpet, my lips slightly parted. I weighed the consequences in my head. I am the King, right? As long as the crown belongs to me, I can do whatever I want. I might even find loopholes into this situation.

I looked at Grandfather with serious eyes before speaking. "Fine. But they have to come to my terms. First, they are to only travel light. I don't want too many soldiers accompanying the Lords. I don't want to waste the Crown's gold just to feed them," Grandfather nodded as he made mental notes of what I am saying. "Second, they are not to invade Lady Corabella's privacy. If she decides not to speak with them, she won't. And third…" I let my mind trail off for a while, letting her beautiful image invade my mind. "Third, if Lady Corabella refuses them, they shall leave immediately." I breathed before continuing. "That is all. Send the Ravens first thing in the morning."

"Very well, your Grace. I shall leave you to rest now." Grandfather bowed at me. "Thank you for your consideration." I nodded at him, dismissing the old man out of my chambers.

I stood there frozen, not knowing what to do. Lorcan is one problem, and now all the Lords of Westeros. I wonder how I'll find time to converse with her again. Then, something flashed in my mind. "Grandfather, wait." I ran out of my chambers in an instant. Luckily, Grandfather wasn't too far, yet. He turned around and looked at me with curious eyes. "One more thing," I started. "I want to have a professional swordsman train me. I shall start tomorrow."

He suddenly gave me a wide grin and patted me in the back. "That's my boy. Having a fascination in the art of combat, I see." I nodded my head at him as I smile. "I shall do as you wish. But for now, rest, my King."

Corabella's Point of View

It has been hours since Mother left me alone in my chambers. I tossed and turned but I just couldn't sleep. I stared at the faint moonlight seeping through my windows before giving sleep up entirely. I sat down on my bed and lit the candles on my bedside table, illuminating the room. The piece of parchment is still sitting on the table. I grabbed it and reread what I wrote. I have to admit this isn't my best but it confuses me how I wrote this. What inspired me into writing this? I crumpled the piece of parchment and threw it across the room. It landed beside the vase I put up earlier.

Grabbing the candlestick, I made my way to the carnations sitting prettily on the vase. It was so thoughtful of Lorcan to give these to me. I smiled at the memory earlier. I still have to scold my brothers for being blabbermouths. I felt my heart race earlier when Mother asked me if I liked Lorcan. I do, really, as a mentor. But now when I'm staring at the carnations, I don't know if I like him more than that. He is very nice. A gentleman, and he could do well with a sword. He is handsome as well. How brown hair swiped away from his face, making his green eyes look bright on his face. And when he smiles, a dimple peeks through his cheeks.

No, I don't like Lorcan. I just find him very nice, that's all. And maybe I'm just a bit too amazed about how different the people are here in King's Landing compared to Bedoco. I don't like Lorcan more than a friend. He is a respectable man but I don't look up at him in that way. After all, I've never liked someone besides…

I turned my attention away from the carnations as I block a terrible memory and moved to the balcony. I hugged myself as a cold breeze came my way, letting my hair fly away from my face. The night is dark and beautiful. King's Landing sounds more peaceful this time. And only the lapping waves of the sea could be heard from the distance. I breathed in the fresh air as I gaze upon the stars twinkling. I let my eyes linger up the sky, taking in the galaxies forming in front of me. When I was younger I used to reach up the sky and 'catch' a star, hoping that a piece of diamond-like object would be on my palms. But of course, it never happened. I laughed at my childishness.

I looked down to a small part of the gardens, visible from where I am. There was where I first met the blond boy. It was an early morning when I decided to take a stroll down where the flowers stay. I loved their company and the sound of the sea. Then, I saw him sitting there, his back turned to me. I giggled at the sight of him so oblivious to my presence. When he heard the rustling of the bushes, he even thought it was me making me giggle more. How strange it is for me to find out later that it was the King himself.

"Oh, Corabella. You're so stupid sometimes," I whisper to myself. I wonder what the blond boy is doing right now. He must be sleeping on his oh so soft bed accompanied by all the wealth he has. I chuckled as I imagine Tommen rolling around in gold. He probably wouldn't do that but if he does, who am I to judge?

He tried to kiss me last night. I know he did. I watched with wide eyes how his face moved closer to mine inch by inch. I saw his blue eyes stare down my lips as his plump ones tried to meet mine. I noticed how his hair glistened under the moonlight, creating flashes of gold appear through the darkness. At one point I even smelled a hint of spice in him that made my head dizzy and my heart pound fast. I thought I would let him do that to me as I felt my skin go numb. But I didn't. He doesn't like me. He only likes what he sees but not me. He is a boy with boyish fantasies. I would much prefer men who could fight.

I turned around and walked back to my bed, trying to sleep again. But this time, a certain brunet invaded my mind. Along with a young blond, smiling at me innocently.

Author's Note: I suppose not only Tommen's having confused thoughts. Haha. I enjoyed writing this chapter, to be honest. I hope you guys liked it.

Qs:

- Do you think it's a good idea for Tommen to allow the Lords to visit King's Landing and court Corabella?

- How do you feel about Corabella's conflicted emotions towards liking someone?

- What would you want to happen next?

Please please please leave a comment, suggestion, review, like, favorite, vote, etc. because it really makes my day. And it lets me know how you think about story and keeps me inspired to write. Again, thank you in advance!