Author's Note: Hello, everyone! First of all, thank you for all the reads that I've been getting. I reached 1.2K reads on Wattpad, almost 5K on and 400+ hits on AO3! Thank you for reading and keeping up with my story it really means a lot to me since I've never worked so hard in writing a story. Anyway, here's the fifteenth chapter! Enjoy! (I still DO NOT own Game of Thrones)

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Fifteen: Clandestine Stories

Lorcan's Point of View

Having dinner alone seems quite depressing tonight. I can't get the conversation I had with Father this morning. The shenanigans he's been up to was kept from me. How unfair was it for me to be part of his plan to join houses with the Doreens without informing me first rather than Lord Doreen. I could've agreed to it if he opened the topic to me first. After all, who am I to disagree? Corabella is beautiful, smart, and very skilled in the art of combat. It would be an honor for me to marry her and be with her until my last breath. But Father cooked up a plan behind my back. I couldn't agree to it because Corabella is my friend. I don't want her to be upset with me. I thoroughly enjoy her company even if it means wounds and bruises for me. Asking for her hand would be the last thing I would do. She is my friend and I don't want to stab her in the back. I have her trust and she has mine.

"More wine, please," I ordered my cupbearer. He rushed hurriedly to my table, holding the wine vessel in his hands. He slowly poured in the red liquid to my glass for the fifth time. "Thank you, Arcon," I said to him with a smile. Arcon has been serving me and my family for a quite a while now. With my passion for drinking, I have kept him with me almost all the time. We've actually made a close bond, like friends or brothers.

"This is your fifth glass, m'Lord. Don't you think it's too much? Your father doesn't like it when you get drunk," he said with worry in his green eyes. I stared directly at him as I emptied my glass in one swig just to mock him, but mostly my father. I smirked at him as I pointed my glass in his direction. He rolled his eyes before filling it up again. "You are going to be in trouble."

"To hell with my father," I said with much annoyance in my voice. "I don't care if he gets upset. It's time I get to do what I want to do and for him to mind his own business," I said before taking a sip and placing my glass down to the table. I resumed eating the salad on my plate, chewing it ever so slightly.

Before I take another forkful of vegetable, a knock came from the other side of the door. Arcon quickly placed the vessel down on the table before scurrying off to get the door. He opened it, revealing my mother, and bowed to her. "Good evening, m'Lady." Mother nodded at the young cupbearer as she pranced inside my chambers.

I quickly rose from my seat, wiped my mouth with a towel, and looked at her before bowing. "Good evening, Mother," I greeted with a smile. Mother's presence always puts me in a good mood. Unlike Father, who always looks serious, Mother always has a smile on her face. Mother is very old but she's still elegant and cheerful. "Please, take a seat. Join me in my dinner," I said while pulling out a chair for her.

"Oh, there's no need for that, Lorcan," she started while waving a hand at me before pulling her skirts up as she sat down. "I already ate. I just wanted to check on you. I believe Gyles already talked to you." Her tone changed at the mention of our 'talk'. My smile dropped to a subtle frown. I cleared my throat as the nervousness lumped at the back of my throat. I walked back to my seat and offered Mother some wine, which she declined. "So, what do you think about your father's proposal?" she asked straightforwardly.

I almost choked on my wine. If there's anything I feel about it, it would be anger. I understand that they only want what's best for me and the house but planning behind my back is unacceptable. "I declined Father's offer. Like I said before…" I started gathering the right words. I don't want to upset Mother even at the slightest. "… I'm not ready to marry, yet." I broke the eye contact between me and Mother. Disappointment was clear on her eyes and it's the last thing I want to see in her.

"That is absurd," she said in disagreement. I kept on looking at my food rather than her. Right now, I don't want to be lectured again. I've had enough of that this morning. "You're already twenty, Lorcan. It's time you find a bride of your own." I started to look up to her through my lashes. "Lady Corabella is the perfect match for you. She's the most magnificent and well-mannered Lady I've ever met. What more do you want?"

My patience is running thin but I refuse to snap at Mother. Her little heart wouldn't take it. "Well, you could have at least asked for my opinion first," I said sternly. "Corabella is perfect and everybody wants her. I would be lying if I say I don't. But she is my friend. I can't just approach her and tell her to marry me. I can't do that."

I resumed taking tiny bites of my meal while gripping hard at my fork. I reached for my glass of wine but Mother put a careful hand on mine, stopping me from bringing it to my lips completely. Her eyes looked at me with care and concern. I looked at her as I place my glass down and let her hand cover mine entirely. "I know that you think you're not ready, yet. You still have doubts in your head. But she's gone, Lorcan." My heart pounded in my chest and my blood ran cold. I know who she is. And Mother is right, she is gone. "You have to let go, Lorcan," she said quietly. I turned away from her as tears pool up in my eyes. I gritted my teeth hard, trying not to cry or snap. "She would want that for you, son. She would want you to be happy."

I choked back my tears and breathed deeply as I slip my hand away from Mother's. "I had a long day, Mother. I would like to rest now." I didn't look at her because my mind was invaded with other thoughts. My eyes could only see another face, and my ears could hear another voice. It was not long before Mother rose from her seat and left my chambers. I heard Arcon close the door, snapping me out of my trance.

"M'lord, are you—"

"Leave, Arcon," I said rather harshly, cutting him off midsentence. I felt him stare at me for a second before obeying my order. Another sound of the door shutting echoed on my walls. I'm all alone now. I didn't hesitate to let the tears drop down to the floor, to my clothes. I sobbed. I sobbed like a child for the first time again. I never cried ever since she passed. I watched her get lowered down to the crypts without shedding a tear. Father was looking at me, then, with no emotion in his eyes at all. That night, I slept without a sound, not even dreaming. My brothers hugged me in the morning but I didn't feel any warmth at all. It has been five years but this is the first time I let a tear roll down my face.

I miss her terribly and I wish I could've saved her that day. I wish I could turn back time, grabbed her hand, and fled the country. But life doesn't work that way. All I could do now is cry and whisper her name under my breath. Maybe I should shout, even. Because no matter what I do, she's already gone and no one could hear her stories anymore.

Not even me.

Tommen's Point of View

"Yes, perfect," I say with much amusement as I entered the now decorated Great Hall. Every servants working for me has been working all day to transform this hall into something more pleasing to the suitors. It definitely looks more feminine, which I hope Corabella would appreciate. But I doubt it. I know she would be furious. I wouldn't be surprised if she decides to rip out all of the curtains and linens. I wonder if she would do that. It doesn't seem like she would, seeing that she is very well-mannered and definitely wouldn't put her family to shame. But then again, she is full of surprises.

I let my eyes wander around the décor when Grandfather placed a hand on my shoulder, making me instantly turn to him. "Is there anything more you need, your Grace?" he asked softly. Seeing the place, I'm quite satisfied already. I don't think the Lords would appreciate it as much as I do. There's no need for anything more extravagant.

"No," I answered with a smile. "Everything is perfect. There's nothing more to add." Grandfather smiled and let go of my shoulders before turning around and leaving. I made my way to Iron Throne and sat on it while resting my back. Even if it pains me to admit it, I'm quite excited for tomorrow. I could only imagine the excitement in those young men's eyes. I'm sure they will be bewildered by Corabella's beauty and grace, who wouldn't be?

Corabella. It was only a few hours ago when we last encountered each other. The sweet taste of her still lingers on my mouth. I let my thumb graze gently on my bottom lip as I reminisce the feel of her lips on mine. Her lips were perfectly matched with mine, their fullness warming my own. But no one has to find out. It will never happen again and I can't let myself be too close to her anymore. I am helping her find the perfect Lord, someone who will take care of a treasure that she is. And I am patiently waiting for my own bride to come back home. Her absence makes me do stupid things.

"Everything seems to be in place," Mother said as she emerged to the hall, making me put my hand away from my lips. She's smiling which I find odd. Mother rarely smiles and even if she does, it doesn't feel right on her face. She is beautiful but there's something about her smile that seems sinister, like she's planning something. "Lady Corabella will appreciate your efforts, your Grace."

I let out an exasperated sigh before approaching my mother. I don't think Corabella will appreciate my efforts. I'm the last person she wants to impress her. "I sure hope so, Mother," I said quite sadly. Mother didn't seem to notice my mood and kept looking around the Great Hall. "Is there news from Highgarden?" I asked her. Mother has a hard time bonding with Margaery but she will be her daughter-in-law. Mother isn't cruel to push her away from me. Margaery would make the perfect Queen and perfect bride.

She turned to me with a blank face before answering. "I'm afraid not, your Grace. Lady Margaery must have important matters to attend to. Lady Olenna is still sick."

"What is more important than our wedding, Mother?" I asked her with an annoying tone. I've waited so long for our wedding but the bride isn't here. I'm starting to regret my decision in making her leave for Highgarden. We should've said our vows when we could.

Mother put a hand on my cheek. Her touch somehow felt warm against my cheek, comforting, even. Mother seldom did this, make me feel better. But I am grateful to know that she cares about me. "My son, you have to be patient," she started purring softly. "Not everything you want, you'll get in a blink of an eye. You're a King, not a wizard. Lady Margaery is taking care of her grandmother and she will return." I embraced Mother with all my might, something I've never done in a long time. She's right, Lady Margaery's priority must always be family first. I am patient for her return. "Come," Mother said as she broke away from my embrace. "You haven't eaten yet, I suppose." I nodded my head at her. "We shall have dinner together."

Mother linked our arms together as she guided me to her chambers where we will have dinner. The walk didn't take much time and before I knew it, I was seated on one of her chairs with a plate of salad in front of me. The tureen of fruits made the table look colorful especially when they're illuminated by a few candles. I grabbed my fork and started eating, so did Mother.

We sat there eating silently and keeping to ourselves. I prefer dinner to be like this always until Mother started talking. "I talked to Lady Corabella this afternoon. I told her all about the preparations," she started while gesturing for the cupbearer to fill her glass.

"You did? What did she tell you?" I asked casually. I didn't want to give Mother the satisfaction of my silence. She might sense something odd. I definitely don't want anyone to know about our clandestine kiss.

"She told me she didn't plan on going," Mother said effortlessly. My eyes widened slightly at her statement. What if she doesn't show up tomorrow? The Lords would definitely be furious and the Crown would receive insults. The preparations I made would be made into nothing. Mother sensed my nervousness and chuckled lightly to calm me down. "But I talked to her, urged her to show. She told me that she will. Don't worry about anything, your Grace."

"Are you certain about that? What if she changes her mind?" I asked hastily.

Mother raised an eyebrow at me with a grin on her face. "Trust me, Tommen. I sent out my tailors to her room for the dress. She will come." I didn't know what else to say to her so I resumed eating. My mind was lingering on some other place, or rather someone else's face. Corabella has a surprising temper that I fear she would show in the morning. I don't want that to happen. "You think she's beautiful?" Mother asked, snapping me out of my trance. I looked at her with a straight face and watched her drink wine from her glass. I swallowed the bit of vegetable down my throat before answering her.

"Of course, I do," I turned away from her and into my plate. "Who wouldn't?" I heard Mother chuckle as if I told her a joke but I did not dare meet her eyes. I might suddenly confess to her everything I did, everything I felt for the Lady. I might put myself in big trouble.

The clanking of the glass as she put it down invaded my ears. "I do, too. A face like that could either destroy kingdoms or build ones." I agree with her. Corabella has the face of a goddess, a mind of a wise man, and ferocity of a wild animal. She's beautiful and dangerous all at the same time. "She's a skilled fighter, as well. I saw her train with that Rosby boy earlier. She always beat him."

"Lorcan? She's training with Lorcan?" I asked in annoyance. I remembered their exchange yesterday after he gave her the bouquet. I was supposed to train as well but I set aside the swords for the preparation for tomorrow's events. Oh, that man really had the nerve to even be with her.

"Yes, that one. Joffrey's old friend," Mother said as if my brother's name did nothing to me. I quickly brushed off Joffrey in my mind before it brings out the worst in me. "He's a man now. But definitely not man enough to even disarm Lady Corabella." I smiled at the thought of Corabella handling Lorcan with ease. "I mean, I've heard that she's quite the fighter. Back in her city, she challenged every admirer of hers for her own hand. She never lost."

"Challenged?" I asked in surprise. "Like in a duel? Isn't that un-Ladylike?"

"It is but I see it more as freedom. She's the kind of Lady who knows what she wants," Mother said in a very low voice, sending chills down my spine. "She prefers strong men, I suppose." Mother finished talking and brought her glass to her lips and took a sip of wine. I chewed my own food quite slowly before swallowing and turning to her.

"What if she does that tomorrow? I don't want her to get hurt or any of the Lords."

Mother turned to me and smirked menacingly. "That is for her to judge. If she wants to get her hand dirty, we'll provide the weapons. I'm sure she can handle herself." Mother rose from her seat and walked towards her mirror. I didn't finish my food but I reckon it's time for her to rest now.

"Well, it's quite late. I must leave you now, Mother," I said quickly without turning to her. I paced out of her room without waiting for a response from her. I don't know how long I have been there because when I left her chambers, the halls looked much darker and only torches on the walls led me back to my chambers.

Corabella's Point of View

I didn't have a chance to say a proper goodbye or thank you to Lorcan before I walked with Cersei. I certainly enjoyed his company and our first day of training even if he wasn't much of a challenge. Maybe he was just being a bit too easy for me seeing that it must be his first time to fight a girl. We'll get used to it, I hope. I am eager to learn more about him than I expected.

"Would you prefer another color, m'Lady?" One of the tailors asked me as she fixed the sleeves of my dress. Red and gold would be a fine royal color. But I am not a Lannister and if I am to meet my suitors, I might as well let them see the Doreen colors through me.

"I would like you to change them into something blue. Maybe make the overcoat in a lighter hue. Due the same to the accessories," I said more assertive than I let on. The tailors smiled at me and nodded. It must seem polite to them if someone requests their preferences. I smiled back at them as a sign of thank you. My chamber doors opened with a loud bang and in came my two little brothers. The tailors stopped momentarily but quickly resumed to their work. "Where are your manners? You could have at least knocked," I said sternly while looking at their reflections in the mirror.

Cosimo scurried to my table and picked up grapes which he put in his mouth. Gino rolled his eyes at the sight of his twin being obnoxious. He opened his mouth and spoke. "Mother and Father are requesting for you to eat with us," he started. "After you finish playing dress up, I suppose." Cosimo laughed at our brother's remark. I refuse to snap at him because I am oddly in a good mood.

One of the tailors nodded at me, signaling that I was free to walk around after almost two hours of standing still. I made my way down the step stool and moved around, letting the skirts of my dress flow around my legs. "Tomorrow is a big event and you wouldn't understand."

I turned to my brothers and stopped moving frantically. Both of them looked at each other with confused faces before facing me. "Big event? Since when do you care about being betrothed, sister?" Cosimo asked after he swallowed the fruits in his mouth. "You loathe it, don' you?"

I once promised them that I will not marry anyone. I promised them that we will forever raise our weapons and play with our cousins until we were old enough to rest. Cosimo and Gino agreed with me and promised to me that they will not marry as well. Seeing their confused faces now somehow makes me feel guilty. "Who says I don't?" I countered. I approached them slowly and gestured for the three of us to sit down. "I still loathe the idea of marriage. But this is different. We're in a different country and city and I don't want to disappoint the King's guests."

"So what are you planning to do, sister?" Gino asked with wide eyes.

I gave both of them a sly smile before telling them my plans. "You know what I do, right? And that is what I intend to do tomorrow." Both of them laughed and rose from their seats. They both hugged me tightly, each enveloping my sides.

"Buona fortuna, sorella." They both whispered in my ears. My brothers and I have never been the sweetest to each other. But times like this makes me feel loved by both of them.

I broke away from our embrace and said, "Grazie, Cosimo, Gino." I ruffled their hair before rising from my seat. "You go along now, I will be there shortly. I shall change first." I watched them run out of the room and closing the door with yet another loud sound. I apologized to the tailors before letting them take away the dress and put on something more comfortable on me.

As soon as I was out of the room, I made my way to my parents' chambers and was instantly greeted by them. Father was on the far end of the table with Mother on his right. Cosimo sat beside Mother, facing Gino. I guess the empty seat on Father's left is where I'm supposed to be seated. So, I took cautious steps towards the seat before settling down. Everyone's eyes were on me instead of focusing on their loaded plates. "What?" I asked.

I met Father's eyes but he instantly turned away and looked at everyone else with a smile. "Let's eat, then." Everyone did as he told and we started picking on the leafy meal in front of us. "Corabella," Father called out to me, making me turn to him. His eyes looked dark but apologetic. "I'm very sorry that I didn't inform you first about all this. I know you are angry and you have every right to be but please I'm begging you, give the Lords a chance to meet you. That is all I am asking for."

I turned to Mother who also had the same look in her eyes then to the twins who shrugged at me. I face Father once again with a small smile. "I am showing up tomorrow," I said. Both my parents' eyes grew wide in shock. "I have to apologize to, Father, Mother. I know that you only want what's best for me. I acted childish."

"There's no need for that, Corabella," Mother said with care as she reached out a hand to me. "We need to respect your decision because you are a Lady now."

All of us smiled at each other before resuming to our meal. Father let out a satisfied sigh as if I plucked out a thorn on his chest. "So, what are you planning to do for tomorrow?" he asked

I smiled at him and swallowed first before answering. "Well, I was informed that I'm supposed to wake up early to get ready. The dress is being made now. I'll meet the Lords and give out a few words to them." I said. Mother and Father smiled at each other. "Then, we'll do the usual. After the presentation, I'll get armored up and duel with them."

Silence loomed over the table as my parents faces dropped. "You can't duel with them, Corabella," Mother said. "You will humiliate yourself in front of everyone and I can't let that happen to you."

"I can do whatever I want to do," I rolled my eyes at her while keeping my voice steady. "You know me well, Mother, and before anyone could marry me, they must first defeat me. Right, Father?" I'm confident that Father will agree. If I insist enough, he would give in but seeing his disappointed face right now, I'm starting question if he would agree or not.

"Your Mother's right, Corabella," he started slowly and softly. "You can't. I can't let you get hurt by these strangers, it's too risky. I'm sorry but you can't have your weapons for tomorrow or until you've made your decision."

My eyes widened in anger and disappointment. My mouth slightly agape as I collected my thoughts. "You are so unfair. You always want to control my life! I don't want to get married unless someone from this bunch of idiots defeats me."

Father put his fist down the table loudly, startling all of us. "You will NOT engage in this silliness. You will do as I say!" Father seldom gets angry especially at me. He's always there to stand by my side but now he's the villain in my life. He turned into a monster just because I want to play by my own rules. We stared hard at each other, fury clear on our eyes. I held back anymore harsh words and instead grabbed the napkin and wiped my mouth.

"I decided I'm not very hungry anymore," I said and quickly rose from my seat, exiting the room. No one stopped me, not even my brothers. Everything in me ached and broke. I feel like a puppet now. I don't know who to trust anymore. When I reached my room, a little trinket sat on my bed with a note beside it.

I thoroughly enjoyed your company. This is my thank you. –C

I examined the bracelet on my hands. It was quite simple with little swords dangling from them. Cersei didn't need to send me this but seeing it now, fit perfectly on my hand, I felt comforted. Mother said not to trust her, that she seemed menacing. But judging by how she treated me earlier, she proved everything wrong. I can trust Cersei and I feel like she's the only one I should listen to in times like this. I can't trust my parents now. Cersei might just be the friend I need.

But I still have to be careful. Tommen's taste on my lips must remain a secret. She will not find it out, not anyone.

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone reading my story no matter which platform you're viewing this. It means a lot to me. In the past few days I've been binge watching the Thundermans (a guilty pleasure of mine) and Bates Motel just to get a few more ideas as to how I will describe Corabella and Lorcan in a more in-depth manner. Kira Kosarin, who portrays Corabella in this story, is very beautiful and such a great person in general so I'm really grateful that I chose her to be the heroine in this story. Freddie Highmore, or Lorcan in this story, is very likable but sort of mysterious in a way and I want those qualities to show in his character which I hope you would also like to happen.

Qs:

- How do you feel about Lorcan's vulnerable state after his discussion with Lady Rosby?

- Do you think it's a good idea for Corabella to trust Cersei?

- What would you want to happen next?