Author's Note: Hello, everyone! I have to apologize for not updating yesterday. I was feeling sick yesterday and just spent the day on bed while watching movies. Anyway, I want to make up for my lack of update yesterday so I'll try my hardest to make a longer chapter today. Enjoy! (I still DO NOT own Game of Thrones.)

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Thirteen: A Change of Mind

Tommen's Point of View

I felt myself floating somewhere between heaven and earth. Suddenly, my brain isn't functioning, my eyes full of stars, my heart stops beating, and my lips were only hers. I captured her beautiful lips in a split second without thinking and it has been the best decision I've made in my life. I felt her press her lips harder onto me, deepening our kiss until we were both out of breath. I was brought back to life when she pulled away rather harshly. She pushed me back away from her as we both struggled to catch our breaths.

"No!" she yelled at me while turning away from my face. Her eyes started forming tears as they look down her feet with an intense expression. She looked sad or angry or both. Did I kiss her too hard? Did she not like it?

I opened my mouth and whispered her name softly. "Corabella." She didn't look at me. Emotions started flooding in my mind. Confusion, sadness, joy, and guilt. I didn't know how to feel. And I can't read her expression too well especially now that she's turned away from me. "Corabella, please—"

"Don't!" she yelled harshly, startling me for a second. Her blue eyes, now starting to look watery, turned to mine. She gritted her teeth hard in anger. "You won't do that again," she spat in a low grumbling voice. I was certain she's going to cry but the longer I wait for her tears to roll down her cheeks so I may wipe them away, the harder she held them back. "You're betrothed to Lady Margaery and I don't want to be the cause of anyone's problems. We will forget about this. This didn't happen," she said quickly before standing up to leave. She turned around, cheeks red in anger. I watched her take long strides away from me.

I stood up and walked away from my spot, hoping that she will come back to me. "Corabella! Please, don't go." I didn't expect her to stop midstride and turn to look at me. Her blue eyes looked bigger and bluer as she turned. I held my breath at the sight of her. She looks so broken, like I did the worst thing to her.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice starting to shake. I instantly felt guilty as the image of Margaery invaded my mind. I am to marry her and be his husband for eternity. I vowed to be hers and only hers. I even imagined how our first kiss would be; in front of our guests as the High Septon announces the joining of our houses. "You're pathetic." I turned to her again but her back was facing me now as she starts to resume to her way out of the gardens.

I love Margaery with all my heart, I really do. But Corabella is confusing me, playing with me. One moment she's kissing me back, the other she's walking away in anger. "Why do you have to do that?" I shouted at her both in anger and confusion. Corabella is a beautiful puzzle but unfortunately, I'm not smart enough to decipher her. Without thinking, I ran to her and grabbed her wrist to turn her around. I'm so furious because she's doing something to me, she's confusing me. But I'm even furious of myself for being so stupid and naïve. "Why did you kiss me back, then? Why did you let me kiss you if I'm pathetic?" I practically shouted at the top of my voice. I saw terror in her eyes as tiny drops of tears roll out of them. She cried and cried without saying a word. "Answer me!"

She budged out of my grasp and slapped me hard across the face followed by her knee connecting with my stomach, giving a hard blow. I immediately stumbled to the ground helpless. She started wiping away her tears with a heavy hand. By the time she opened her eyes to look at me, I saw someone else in her. I was no longer staring at the beautiful Corabella, no. I'm now looking at another creature with the same blue eyes but very different persona. And for the first time, I felt genuinely scared for my life.

"You insult me with everything you do. They tell me you're a young King, oh how wrong they were. When I look at you, all I see is a scared, lying boy with a pathetic crown on his head." Every word she spoke felt like an arrow piercing through me mercilessly, leaving holes in my guts. "You will not talk to me or touch me or even be near me," she spat while pointing a finger at me. "And you will definitely forget this ever happened."

Then, she left me all alone in the gardens once again. While I lay there accompanied by my thoughts, I realized how idiotic my actions were. I've made a huge mistake kissing Corabella. It should have been Margaery with me, her lips. I brought up two fingers to my lips, remembering how the blue-eyed lady felt. How sinful was it for me to do that. How sinful was it for her to participate. In the end, I laughed to myself loudly. It was a mistake letting my boyish infatuation control my every move. I don't feel anything for Corabella. She is nothing to me. Margaery is the only one I love and no one else. I laughed once more as another idea invaded my mind. Today, Grandfather is going to send Ravens to all the Lords that requested a permission to stay here in the castle. I just hope someone stupid enough would fall for the beautiful nightmare that is Corabella. I can't wait to get rid of her. I can't wait to get a peace of mind. I can't wait to sleep soundly at night without her cursed eyes staring me.

I can't wait to brush this terrible feeling off of my chest.

Lorcan's Point of View

I was on my way back to my chambers to have a bath after my early exercises when I heard someone shouting from the gardens. I didn't expect anyone else to be up this early in the morning, much less shouting despite the fact that half of the city is still sleeping. I didn't dare make a sound when I neared the arch to the gardens. "Who's there?" I asked warily, trying to keep my guard up in case an intruder comes my way. I gripped the handle of my sword when I heard rushed steps nearing me. I was ready to unsheathe my blade when Corabella suddenly ran towards me. "Corabella?" I asked more to myself, not believing her presence.

I almost fell down when her body collided with mine. She was looking down while running, startling her when she bumped hard to me. "Lorcan?" Her eyes widened in surprise. She instantly took a step back and fixed her hair while looking at me. "What are you doing here?" she asked frantically, gripping at her robed.

I raised an eyebrow at her. Isn't it too early for her to be up? Besides, it's not safe for her to be roaming around the gardens without a companion. "I was warming up in the fields earlier," I started explaining to her. "I'm actually on my way to my chambers when I heard someone shouting in there. Was that you?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows at her. Was she in trouble?

I heard gulp down before nodding her head cautiously. "Yes. It was nothing. A little mouse just ran across my feet and startled me." I get the feeling that she's lying but then again, why would she do that? I don't take Lady Corabella as a lying sort. All this must just really frightened her and judging by her look, she's not armed with any weapon.

My mouth turned into a smile as I attempted to lighten up the mood and calm her down. "Well, if you say so," I said softly, managing to bring a small smile to her face. "I reckon you're heading back as well. I shall accompany you back to your chambers, my Lady," I offered politely while offering her my arm which she took gladly. I can feel her shaking as we walk. "Are you certain you're fine, my Lady?"

She hesitantly gazed at me for a moment before turning her attention back to the path we were taking. "Yes, I'm fine. And I told you, call me Corabella."

"My apologies," I said teasingly, making her chuckle softly. "If my memory serves me right, today is our first day of training. Am I correct, Corabella?" I quickly changed the topic because I could sense she didn't want me to press on about the earlier incident. I instantly saw her emotions change and her steps starting to be less wobbly. She tugged at my arm when we approached her chambers. Then, she let go of my arm as she stood by her door.

"Yes, it is. I'm going to get my weapons ready. I'm looking forward to train with you," she said before turning to open her door. "I hope you're ready, Lorcan," she said softly before stepping in her chambers.

I bowed slightly at her and gave her another smile. "Ready as I'll ever be, Corabella." She nodded at me in anticipation. "Well, I shall leave you now. See you later." I walked away from her chambers the moment she closed her door and strutted back to my own.

I instantly slipped off of my shirt and dirty breeches and let my body be submerged by the warm water. I even lit a few candles to create a peaceful ambience. I sighed as all the aches I had were washed away by the water. It's so relaxing and I wish I could stay here longer.

But Father instructed me to have breakfast with him later. He told me that we're going to talk about something very important about my future. Hmm… My future. It sounds pathetic when I think of it. What more can we talk about? I've already proven myself to him by winning battles with my brothers and single-handedly piercing my blade through our enemies' hearts. This is my future, I am living in it. And to be honest, I am contented with this situation of mine. Blades by morning, wine by night. I couldn't ask for more.

Hours later, when I was fully dressed in light armor and boots, I made my way to Father's chambers to join him on a meal. "Good morning, Father," I said smugly at him as I walk towards his table where he is waiting patiently. Our plates are already filled with cheese, bread, and bacon. The meal was only waiting for our mouths.

"Sit down, my boy." I did as I was told. I reached out for my glass and poured some wine but before I could fill it up, Father snatched away the bottle from me with an exasperated look. I shrugged at him with a skeptical look as he sets the bottle down. "We are here to discuss important matters, not for you to get drunk. Now start taking this seriously."

I looked down to my plate in defeat and just started to cut my piece of bread. "What do you want to talk about, Father?" I asked before bringing the food to my mouth. Father didn't touch his food, instead, he took a long and deep breath. I'm certain that this breakfast would be longer than I expected.

Father leaned in closer to the table and looked at me with serious eyes. "Lorcan, I know you're a great fighter. You and your brothers have won more fights than I anticipated and you've made your house proud. But you're twenty now and I expected more from you."

I raised an eyebrow at him, confused at what he's talking about. And why is it that only the two of us are having this conversation. Aren't any of my brothers also involved here? Or Mother, at the least? "What are you talking about?" I paused and swallowed the piece of bread. "What more do you want, Father? Do you want me to sail to the other side of the world and conquer those lands as well?" I asked sarcastically before stabbing the bacon with my fork. I laughed at my own joke but Father didn't. He just kept looking at me with a plain face.

"Your brothers are married and I think it's time for you to be wedded as well. You are twenty now, for heaven's sake. You should settle down and have a wife and children of your own." I almost choked on my food as I laughed at my father's face. Me getting married? So this is what the breakfast is all about, to convince me into marrying someone. What a petty proposition.

"Father, you know, if you wanted to joke around, you should've called the royal fool. You said we would talk about serious business." I continued laughing but Father just looked at me with a straight face. I love it when I piss him off. It absolutely amazes me when his plans backfire.

"I can't believe you still refuse to marry because of that girl. You still long for Leira, don't you?" My laughter suddenly died down at the mention of her name. It has been five years since we last saw each other but the memory of her still brings me agony. Father leaned back on his chair with a menacing grin, proud at how he finally found my weak spot. "Well, you can't have her now, can you? Unless you want to fuck a dead corpse."

I slammed my fist to the table, startling him. "Don't bring her into this." I said through gritted teeth as tears start to well up on my eyes. I turned my face down to my father and held the hot drops back. I can't cry like a girl in front of him now.

"You are still weak, Lorcan. You think you have everybody fooled with all your victories. Oh, no. My eyes are crystal clear, boy!" he yelled at me, agitating me further. I clenched my fists as I try my best not to punch my own father in the face. But I can't guarantee anything. I might snap at any moment and I know he wouldn't be ready.

"Stop," I said before he could torture me further. It's too early in the morning for this and Leira has nothing to do with our business.

He laughed heartily, making me turn my face to him with anger still plastered all over me. "I will. I know you'll forget her eventually when you spend more time with Lady Corabella." He turned to his meal and started cutting his bacon down to tiny pieces before bringing it up to his mouth. I looked at him more in confusion as he mentioned Corabella. His grin grew even wider when he saw my reaction. "Do you think she's beautiful?" he asked further. I only narrowed his eyes at him, suspicious of where this conversation is heading to. Father is a sly man, sly and smart. Even I don't trust him. "Of course you do. Every Lord in Westeros think so."

"What does she have to do with all of this?" I asked lowering my voice down. I don't understand Father. Earlier we're talking about me settling down but now the conversation stirred to her.

Father swallowed before answering my question. Or, rather, giving a long speech first. "Ever since you presented her to court, the men of Westeros are dying to get a glimpse of her. Her name has been in every conversation since the feast. Yesterday, the King's Hand, Lord Tywin informed some of the Lords present here in King's Landing that Ravens were sent asking permission for the King to open his house for Corabella's admirers."

That doesn't seem surprising. Even I am fascinated with the young Lady. News spread fast like the plague here in Westeros and it's not a shock for me to know that Lords from different houses are willing to ask for her hand. I mean, if I got the chance, I would do the same thing as well. But not right now. I don't think Corabella is interested. At least that's what her brothers said. "And why do I have to know this?" I asked.

"I'm sure you also remember the treasure she brought us. The Bedocian steel." Of course, I do. It's the sharpest thing I've ever seen. Even sharper than that of the Valyrian steel. "I found it very interesting and it would be helpful for us and even the Crown if we get our hands on them. So, I presented my proposal to Lord Doreen and he instantly agree. After all, it would be the best opportunity for his city to be glorified by others."

Business. That made me think for a second. King's Landing and tremendously far from Bedoco. "Given the distance between King's Landing and Bedoco, he can't go back and forth the cities to bring the needed weapons. That would be a waste of time and certainly a bigger waste of money. He needs some sort of trusted people to look after his exports here or someone to keep his reputation." I help strategizing battle plans with my brothers and everything I say work. I'm sure it's the same thing as business.

"Correct," Father said with a smile on his face. "Now you're thinking more like me. That is why I called you here."

"To talk business strategies?" I asked in confusion.

"Partly, yes. But the main thing is I want you to marry Lady Corabella to cement our agreement with the Doreens." My eyes widened at what he said. He can't be serious. I can't marry Corabella just because Father wants to open business. This is an atrocity. I'm pretty sure she isn't even informed of this arrangement.

"What? No! I can't do that. And what do you mean 'our agreement'? She doesn't have any knowledge of this proposal of yours, does she? This is preposterous, Father! You can't expect me to marry her just so you could have this… this… business of yours."

He suddenly stood up from his seat, anger clear as day on his face. "This is not a request. This is an order! You will marry her if I say so. I already talked to Lord Doreen and he agrees with this arrangement. It is up to him when he decides to open the subject to his daughter. You, however, are old enough to understand that you have your own duties. Don't you see how lucky you are if you were to marry the young Lady? You would be the most popular man in the country! Besides, I've already helped you by asking direct permission to the Lord. The odds are on your side more than the others."

Anger boiled inside me and I stood up as well, towering over my plump father. "She is my friend. I do not care how many men ask for her hand. They are not worthy of her and I certainly am not, either. I will only train with her and do nothing more. You would not speak of this to anyone, Father. She is young and innocent. I don't want you to ruin her time here in King's Landing." I couldn't take it anymore. I can't stand looking at my father's ugly face anymore. My morning is officially ruined. I walked down to the doors with heavy strides, purposefully stomping my feet at my obnoxious father. Two can play this game.

"I hope you give her more carnations." I halted at he said that. I can feel him smiling at the back of my head. Spies. Of course he has spies all around the place. How pathetic.

I turned to face him with a blank face. "I'm trying to be nice to her. Don't think more of it. And next time I catch your spy snooping around my business or hers, I guarantee you, you will not hear from him or her again. I will not hesitate to cut someone's throat." My statement wiped the menacing grace on his face and replaced it with wide eyes and slightly dropped jaw. I can't look at him anymore longer so I turned back to the doors and exited.

Edvige's Point of View

Ferardo and I have been invited to the office of the King's Hand, Lord Tywin. I don't know why we were personally given a notice to meet with him. I mean, I would completely understand it if Ferardo was summoned but I don't see why I'm supposed to be with him. I tried asking my husband because I'm certain he must know something but he shrugged me off and told me that it's better if Tywin would say it.

"My Lord, my Lady," Tywin greeted as he rose up from his seat. He's clearly reading some kind of documents. "Please, take a seat." He gestured for us to sit down opposite him and so we did. He wears a smile on his face that made me rather uncomfortable than reassured. "We've already talked yesterday, my boy. And well, I've already sent the Ravens this morning."

I looked at Ferardo questioningly. "I-I don't understand. Ravens for what?" Then, I turned to Tywin. His eyebrow raised. He must be expecting Ferardo to tell me whatever it is. We both looked at him, making him sink lower to his seat without saying anything.

"Well, I thought he told you. Yesterday, we received tons of Ravens from Lords all around Westeros. They're coming here, tomorrow maybe, to court your daughter." My eyes widened at his statement. No wonder my husband did not mention it to me yet. Corabella will be furious when she finds out. And she will find out. "Don't worry, my Lady. The King took care of all their food, their chambers, everything. Even the Great Hall is being prepared for the proper presentation of the Lords. Lady Corabella's dress is being made as well."

"The King?" I asked. He nodded in response. I felt my mind go blank. "That is very kind of him but I don't think this is necessary. I'm sorry, you have to excuse me." I didn't wait for them to respond and quickly exited the office. Corabella would be more than furious. She would kill me if she knew. But I have to be the one to tell her. I am her mother, the only one she trusts. The issue about Lorcan is enough, I can't keep more secrets from her.

I saw her fixing the cords on her armor the moment I entered her chambers. "Mother? Can I do anything for you?" she asked after gazing briefly at me. She returned to her armor immediately as she prepares for her training with Lorcan.

"Can you sit down for a moment, darling?" I asked her.

She just smiled at me. "You can sit, Mother. I'd rather stretch my legs first." She moved to the mirror and made sure everything was in place. "You're going to say something?"

"Yes, but you have to promise me you wouldn't freak out or anything." I saw her roll her eyes at me, still with a smile on her face. "Stop doing that. A proper Lady does not roll her eyes at her own mother."

"Fine. Please braid my hair, Mother. If it's alright." I immediately walked to her table and grab her hairbrush and hair tie. She loathed having her hair down during training. It gets in the way, she says.

I carefully twisted and arranged her hair on my fingers while she stretches her limbs. "The King's Hand informed us that some Lords will be here by tomorrow. And they are going here because they want to see you… and… And court you." I felt her tense up at what I said. I let go of her hair and braced myself for the worst. She is furious. "I promise you, I did not have anything to do with this."

"Then, why are you telling this? I know you, Mother. And I know you will do everything to get me married." She raised her voice at me, making me feel guilty of something I did not do. Ferardo should have told me sooner. Now I feel betrayed by my own husband. And judging by her expression, Corabella feels betrayed as well, by me.

"I promise you I did not know. I left Lord Tywin's office the moment he mentioned it to me. I knew you would be furious. He told me that the King took care of everything. Even your dress, which I'm begging you not to tear apart again. They will be presented to you formally tomorrow at the Great Hall." I reached out to her and calm her down. I could see tears starting to form on her face. And if there's something I never want to see, it's my daughter crying. She snatched away her arm the moment I grasped it.

"The King? Stop this, Mother. I don't want to deal with this again. I can't… I'm sorry I have to go now." Then, she just left, closing the door loudly. I felt tears rolling down my face the moment she left. I don't know what to do. I feel like I have been the worst mother in the entire world.

I wiped away my tears and decided to go out of this place. Right now I want to be alone with my thoughts. This crammed up place doesn't help with my breathing. If I don't go out, I will certainly faint. So, I decided to take a stroll through the gardens. Corabella admired the place, I think it's time for me to see its beauty.

It was not long before I reached a quiet spot in the gardens. A gazebo near the sea seemed calming. I took a seat and stared at the horizon, wondering how Bedoco is doing right now. In my husband's absence, his younger brother, Hernan, took his place temporarily. I wonder what he is doing right now. He is loved and adored by the people back there and his children are very close to mine. I hope they are doing well. I miss them even if it has only been a few days.

"It's a fine afternoon, isn't it?" I heard someone say behind me. I turned around and saw the beautiful Queen-regent. I gave Cersei a curtsy. What is she doing here and why is she talking to me? "May I join you, my Lady?" she asked.

What would happen if I refused? Oh, the possibilities would be endless. But I'm not that curious to know so I nodded at her politely and gestured for her to sit down. "What can I do for you, your Grace?" I asked with a careful tone. I still remember our first encounter and it was not pleasant. I doubt she is a pleasant person in general and I certainly don't trust her. Especially now when she's only sitting opposite me.

She smiled an awkward smile at me before answering. "I think this is the best time for me to apologize for my… behavior… the other day. I have underestimated you and your family and I am deeply sorry for that." I want to tell her that I accept her apology but I couldn't bring myself to lie in front of her. I can keep secrets but I am a terrible liar. So, I just nodded at her and gave her a smile. "But I wanted to talk to you about your daughter. My father said we received tons of Ravens yesterday, all asking for your daughter's hand."

"Yes, your Grace. It is an honor but the King didn't have to do all those preparations. My daughter is not interested, either way." I smiled weakly at myself, remembering Corabella's reaction.

"It is fine. The King is more than delighted to accept guests. Your daughter is very beautiful and smart. I find it very odd for her to be interested in weapons than in handsome Lords, to be honest. Why is she not interested?" I find it strange for Cersei to ask all of this. It is not my place to answer her question. Corabella knows what she wants and doesn't and I would be betraying her more if I would answer on her behalf.

"I don't think I know, your Grace. Believe me, I've asked her a few times but she never answered. My husband and I are trying to convince her to give some men a chance but we never succeeded." I said briefly before I sighed longingly into the sea. "I doubt she will even show up at the Great Hall tomorrow."

"Do you mind if I talk to her myself?" she asked. I raised an eyebrow at her but she only looked at me with a straight face, serious about her request. "Maybe I could try talking sense in her pretty mind." It would be insulting if I refused the Queen-regent's request. I still don't trust her. "I know you don't trust me, Lady Edvige. And I think that it's smart of you to think like that. You can never trust anyone here in King's Landing. Or anyone ever. But I give you my word. I am not your enemy."

Her words confuse me, like luring me into a trap. But if she wants only to talk, I don't think it would be the end of the word. "As you wish, your Grace. But if she wouldn't listen, I am apologizing in advance."

"There's no need for that, Lady Edvige," she said before standing up from her seat. "You must excuse me, I will be doing some important matters now." I nodded my head at her before she left and I watched her glide elegantly out of the gardens.

I am not sure how she would talk sense to Corabella. I doubt she would do anything she says. I mean, I even told my own daughter not to trust that woman. But right now I'm desperate. I don't want my family to be put to shame. And I certainly don't want to insult the Crown. I can't believe I would say this, but I hope she would listen to Cersei and do what she asks.

Author's Note: So I think that was long-ish. I hope you guys liked that chapter. It took forever for me to finish. And again, I apologize for updating late.

Qs:

- How do you feel about Tommen's change of mind regarding his feelings for Corabella?

- Do you think Cersei will convince Corabella to show up at the Great Hall for the presentation of the Lords?

- What would you want to happen next?