Author's Note: Hello, everyone! This is the sixteenth chapter now. Yay me. Let me just say that the last GoT episode kinda disappointed me a bit just because Tommen's character is written weakly, the Sand snakes are kind of corny, and Sansa's scene is just horrible. I haven't read the book yet but I read a lot of reactions from Tumblr stating that D&D are diverting from the original plot of the books. I don't know, what do you guys think? Anyway, let us forget the canon world of GoT and enjoy this chapter. Haha. I still do not own Game of Thrones

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Sixteen: For Her

"Did you apologize to him, yet?" Mother asked as we walked down to the dining hall. I took careful footsteps, trying hard not to trip on these slippers she lent me. Mother waited patiently for my answer but I chose to ignore her. His words earlier invaded my mind and made me all confused. I shouldn't feel this way about him. I never felt this way for anyone. Mother tugged me on the arm, halting me from my strides. I turned to her and met with her dark austere eyes. Her expression was something in the middle of disappointment and confusion. "Corabella, didn't I specifically—"

"I apologized," I cut her midsentence. My tone was a bit ruder than I let on but Mother didn't seem to notice. Her features softened as she was taken aback from my statement. I let go of her grasp and took a step backward, lowering my eyes before speaking. "I met him in the fields. I already apologized," I told her. I didn't wait for her to respond or do anything. Instead, I continued walking down the hall to meet with Father and the twins.

While I walk, I can't help but remember the encounter that we had earlier on the Sycamore tree. The orange blaze of the sun warming up his face, illuminating his features. His tan skin that was smooth to the touch, his dark eyes that ever looked so mysterious. His soft curls cascading down his face, framing his structured jaw. He was handsome and kind. Of all the Lords I've encountered, he was the only one that I got to be friends with. But I doubt that our relationship still stands. I still can't marry him because he lost against me. He was an easy defeat just like all the rest. I just wish that his swordplay was stronger and more effective just like his words because every word he lets out of his mouth felt powerful. He would wait for me, he said as he carefully caressed my cheek. I will let him wait for me. Maybe when I grow older, I'd think different of him. Maybe I'd understand the reason why a Lady's duty is to be married. Maybe when time moves forward, my mind would mature and finally see that there is something more than swords and daggers. Maybe...

Corabella's Point of View

I woke with a start as I dreamt again of that day but mostly because a loud knocking echoed through my walls. I sat straight up and waited for anyone to speak through the door. It's early in the morning. Who could possibly interrupt slumber at this time? "Lady Corabella? It's time for your bath," I heard one of the maids tell me from the other side of the door. I groaned to myself before letting my feet touch the cold floor.

I paced slowly to the door and opened a slight crack. My eyebrows furrowed as three young faces smiled at me mockingly. "Don't you see it's too early for me to be woken up?" I started with annoyance. "Half of the city is still asleep." Their faces dropped the moment they sensed my irritation. I watch them fumble with their hands and lick their lips, trying to find the right words. I widened my eyes and shook my head at them. "Well?"

One of the maids looked up at me anxiously. She opened her mouth to speak. "We're terribly sorry, m'Lady," she said carefully and turned briefly to her companions. "But the King instructed for us to get you prepared early for today."

Silence loomed over us as I stare at them. What should I get prepared for? I racked my brains trying hard to remember what I have seem to forget. Then it hit me like a lightning strike. Today is when I will meet the Lords of Westeros. I have to look presentable for them since they are going to be presented to me on the Great Hall, one-by-one, face-to-face. I mentally slapped myself for being rude to the maids. So, I decided to give them a small smile which they all returned in confusion. "I'm sorry. I forgot today's events. Please, come in." They all scurried inside as I close the door. They all grabbed the tub, towels, and oils and started working. "You must be hungry, you can have biscuits here."

They all turned and smiled at me briefly before going back to work. One of them spoke up. "No, thank you, m'Lady. We've already eaten." I nodded my head at them and started disrobing. Two of them, one with curly black hair and the other with brown waves, approached me and pulled away the sleeves from my nightgown. They each took my arm and guided me to sit down on the tub full of warm water.

The chilly air of dawn was washed away by the water and I let myself sigh in relief as I relax. "What are your names?" I asked them to lighten up the mood. I don't want them to think that I am naturally rude or ill-mannered. I have a reputation to uphold and I know they are only doing what they are told.

The girl with curly hair decided to be the one to answer while pouring a bottle of oil into the water. "I am Attera, m'Lady and she is Gertrude," she said while pointing on the other girl with wavy brown hair. Gertrude picked up a sponge and started rubbing it against my arms, hands, and fingers. She smiled as she did so. "And this is my sister, Berna," Attera nodded at the smaller girl who proceeded to massage my feet.

"It's very nice to meet you, my Ladies," I said. They all looked at each other before returning my smile. They spent minutes doing their work as I try to let my mind wonder around other things. For instance, I imagined what the Lords will look like. Would they be tall or short? Would they be skinny, fat, or lean? Would they be smart or dumb? Dumb, of course. All boys are. "Do you have any idea who would be visiting me? All three of you must have lived long here in King's Landing and I'm sure you would have heard of anyone of them before."

They looked at me with amusement and started giggling. Attera, now untangling the wild frizz on my hair, looked down on me and started speaking softly and carefully. "I don't think it's wise for us to… gossip… m'Lady," she said. "After all, one of them might be your future husband."

I rolled my eyes at her playfully and laughed. "You are not gossiping to me. I simply asked you a question," I countered. The idea of them itching to tell me what they know but being very in denial to say any information amuses me. It's like they're trying hard to be innocent but secretly has bad habits of their own. I wouldn't be surprised. All they do is work every minute of every day. Gossips and rumors are their only source of entertainment to pass the time. I looked pleadingly at Attera and whined like a child. "Please, tell me. And like you said, one of them might be my future husband." Lie. I am not stupid enough to marry those spoiled brats. "I might as well have a bit of knowledge about the gentlemen."

Atter looked at Gertrude and Berna for a moment, assessing if she should speak. She waited for their confirmation and got a nod from the other ladies. "Well, there is this one noble house in the Crownlands that is always present during events here in King's Landing."

"Massey," all of them said in unison as if they are used to speaking that name. I can even sense a hint of boredom in Berna's voice as she rolled her eyes. I can't help but giggle at how they acted. For a moment they forgot that they are speaking to me and not their fellow maids. But I didn't mind. I'd rather converse with my servers casually than let their fear and intimidation keep them from speaking to me.

"What's so bad with this bunch?" I asked innocently, not letting my beam fade away from them. Three pairs of eyes widened at my question, not believing what they hear. This must be obnoxious or something.

"There's nothing wrong with them, m'Lady," Attera defended. "They are somewhat nice and Lord Gormon has handsome sons," she added. She took a moment to pause and rise from her seat. She picked some kind of tools on the basket she brought and asked to give her my hand. She carefully examined it before touching the tips of my fingernails. "The eldest among them, Lord Crawford, is the most handsome in my opinion."

"A very handsome airhead and braggart," Berna muttered to herself, oblivious to the fact that we all heard her. She looked up to us in confusion. "What? It's true."

"That is not an appropriate thing to say, Berna," Attera scolded her immediately. All I did was laugh at both of them, amused about Berna's sassiness. "Forgive my sister, m'Lady. She can be a bit mouthy sometimes," Attera pleaded with wide eyes.

I forced myself not to laugh harder. Instead, I composed myself and let my laughter die down to just a smile "There's nothing to forgive. But is it true?" I questioned further. I sensed Attera's discomfort at my question especially when she shifted awkwardly on her seat. She did her best to avoid my bright eyes and focused her attention on trimming my nails. "Come on, tell me. I'm good at keeping secrets," I assured her.

She briefly gazed at me and decided to give me a reply. "He can be a bit boisterous sometimes," she said.

"Boisterous?" Gertrude finally joined in to the conversation with a sour expression, clearly negating what her friend just said. "That man is the most arrogant Lord I've ever known," she aired. I turned to listen closely to her as she starts to tell all she knows about the Lord in question. Gertrude move closer to be and started chattering quickly, irritating my ears a little because of her high-pitched voice. "He once participated on a tournament back on King Joffrey's last nameday."

"He was a fighter?" I asked cutting her shortly.

"Uh-huh," she nodded. "A rather loud one, in fact. Every swing of his blade is equivalent to an oral taunt to his opponent. He often tells them that they are mice that he would pierce with his sword and fry for the feast. Then, all throughout the day he would blabber nothing but the boars he hoarded from their forests. Apparently, the young Lord is quite the hunter, as well."

I huffed sarcastically at Gertrude which made her giggle. "Well, maybe that's just his specialty," I said. "My cousin once said to me not to marry a boar hoarder. They might be great with their crossbows but they are lousy in bed," I teased softly as I reminisced the conversation between me and Abrielle. She told me that two days after her wedding day. I remembered how hard I laughed since she is married to one of the richest and greatest hunters in Bedoco. I can't remember, though, why we were talking about her husband like that. She might just be teasing because I know Abrielle loves her husband as much as he loves her. Maybe even more.

The three ladies laughed at what I said. I must look so innocent to them that spewing that topic from my mouth seemed awkward. It wasn't long before the three of them told me that my bath is done. They guided me out of the tub and dried my whole body with towels and cloths they brought. They put the corset on me and tied it loosely so I can breathe. I started to put on my drawers but the three of them looked at me like I did something wrong. "What?" I asked.

Attera approached me and removed my drawers before saying, "I don't think it's appropriate for you to wear those, m'Lady." I raised an eyebrow at her in confusion. What am I supposed to wear down there? I'm used to wearing drawers ever since I wore a dress. They wouldn't expect me to put on a loin cloth or something, would they? Berna retrieved a short type of skirt from her basket and handed it to me. "This is what Westerosi women wear, m'Lady. It's a substitute for a drawer especially on these events."

I hesitantly slipped each leg down to the piece of cloth and imagined I was covered. But no. I still felt naked even if it is covering me already. I looked warily and discontented at the three ladies standing in front of me. "I don't think I'm comfortable wearing this."

"You have to get used to it, m'Lady," Gertrude said reassuringly. "It's a fancy garment here in King's Landing and the Queen-regent wants you to be as formal and presentable to the Lords." Cersei knew about this? I wanted to argue more for me to put on the drawers instead of this harlot sack but I guess that would be impolite of me. I am in a different country and city and I have to respect their culture no matter how liberate they dress themselves up. After all, "I'll just wear this in a few hours.

Another knock on the door was heard, distracting me briefly from this new sort of clothing. "That must be the dress!" Attera exclaimed as she hurried to get the door. We heard her speak softly and thank the person on the other side of the door before she returned to us. "M'Lady, let's get you dressed."

I followed their instructions to stand on a stool in front of the mirror and move gently as they adjusted the beautiful dress on me. The dress hugged my curves tighter than I expected but it suited my figure, I guess. Attera, Gertrude, and Berna complimented me the whole time. When the fitting was done, I was guided by the three to sit on a chair so that they could style my hair. I was on the edge of boredom when they started talking about my hair and my face. There's nothing more I hate to talk about but myself.

"The Queen-regent told me to expect lots of Lords to come," I started to talk in an attempt to diver their attentions from me. It was effective as they all quieted down to listen. "But among all of them, who do you see is fit for me to marry?" The silence felt awkward when I saw their reflections. They all looked at each other with smirks on their faces. They didn't answer my question immediately which made me wonder, what was on their minds? They seem to agree mentally on their answer but they didn't air it out. "Answer me," I said sternly making them jump a bit. But those smirks were still on their faces.

It was Berna's turn to talk. She twisted a lock of my hair gently before answering. "Lord Lorcan Rosby, m'Lady." The three of them looked at each other with even wider smiles. "We think he would be the best match."

Lorcan never crossed my mind. I never saw him as a candidate for my hand. He was simply a friend and training partner to me. He was nice and handsome but I neither of us is interested. He's twenty and unmarried. He must be waiting for a miracle of some sort. From what I know, he certainly wouldn't be one of my suitors. "Why him? I don't see us anything more than friends," I honestly said to the ladies. Their smiles remained but became duller than before.

"We just think you're perfect for each other," Berna started. She clipped a lock of hair at the side of my head before continuing. "You're the most beautiful Lady that Westeros has ever seen. Lord Lorcan is one of the most handsome nobles here in the city. He's smart and very kind. Plus, he's a gentleman." Their faces blushed at the last statement which made me laugh once more. Seeing these young women fall head over heels for Lorcan is somewhat amusing and childish. Well, I'll just use this information to my advantage. Flattery is a great distraction during training. Lorcan would be down on the ground again in no time.

"I'm sorry if I let your hopes up of seeing me walking down the Sept with Lorcan because he is not one of the many snotty Lords who will be presented to me. We are just friends," I said flatly to them. They all shrugged it off and continued making me presentable for later. "Oh, can you please fetch me some breakfast, Gertrude," I asked the brunette who immediately nodded and rushed off to the kitchens.

Lorcan's Point of View

I couldn't sleep well last night. Her face was the only thing plastered in my mind. It's hard to live when you're haunted by beautiful ghosts. But it's even harder to push them away and be brave enough to erase them from your memory. I gave up sleep and decided to watch the sun rise from my window. Only the heavy robe kept me warm from the chilly air of dawn but I still felt cold inside.

It was when my stomach grumbled loudly that I decided I could visit the kitchens for a bite. I let my feet touch the cold floor momentarily as I searched for a decent pair of shoes. I instantly made it to the door when my feet was covered but the moment I opened the door, Father's face welcomed me, making me jump a bit. "Lorcan, you're awake," he said cautiously.

I looked at him with a straight face, still annoyed and hurt by our discussion yesterday. "I see you are as well, Father. If you'll excuse me I'm going down to the kitchens."

"Lorcan, wait." Father put a hand to my shoulder, stopping me from exiting my chambers. His soft wary eyes looked directly at my hard serious ones. "Let us talk for a moment," he offered.

I shook my head and gave him a sarcastic smile. "Talk? About what, your plans that you've been doing behind my back?" I started, trying to keep my voice from shaking. "Or maybe you want to insult me again and bring back memories I've been trying to repress for the last five years?" I can feel tears well up in my eyes but I blinked hard and forced them back. Father looked at me apologetically and tried his best to convince me to talk to him but I've had enough of him. I wouldn't waste my time talking nonsense to him.

I pushed his hand away from my shoulder and stomped past him, eager to leave him alone as soon as possible. But before I could walk farther from him, his loud voice boomed against the walls and into my ears. "I'm sorry, son." I felt my feet freeze down to the ground, unable to move. I felt my whole body go rigid, my knees shaking. "I know I went over the line yesterday and I shouldn't have said that about Leira. You loved her but you have to keep your mind open. She's not here now and Corabella would be perfect for you."

I can't believe that even if he just apologized he still thinks that I would change my mind. I turned to him and looked at him like he was some kind of prey I need to wrap around my fingers. "You think after all that you've said and done I will agree to your terms?" I asked harshly as I slowly paced at him. "You insulted me, you insulted Leira. Do you think I could trust you?" I towered over him and he did nothing but to look at me with his head tipped back. Father is a small man. Small and growing weaker. Only his devious plans are keeping him sane. Without even his brain, he would be nothing. Without me and my brothers, the Rosby name would be nothing but a forgotten piece of history. "I will not do what you order me to do. I will not be presented later in the Great Hall, I will not be presented ever. She is my friend and I have no interest in marrying a young Lady who doesn't even know your plans," I said with a loud voice. Father didn't say a word or changed expressions. He just looked at me like a child with nothing else to run off to. "I will not betray her. And you will never speak to her about this proposal of yours."

I didn't wait for him to respond. I have let all my anger out on him already and the sun hasn't fully made an appearance yet. I think I'd rather spend my time alone in the kitchens eating than arguing with Father. I don't want to waste another spit at him. He isn't worth it. I turned after I ranted at him and resumed my plan on having an early meal. I didn't hear him walk towards me which made my departure more peaceful.

Tommen's Point of View

By noon, the Great Hall started to be filled in by new and old faces. Lords from Westeros started gathering and chatting with their acquaintances. Maids and other servers pranced around frantically to make sure that every person has a drink in hand and a biscuit on their mouth. Of course, the tables were filled with various food and wine which the visitors thoroughly appreciated. Their colorful tunics and coats flashed right before my eyes. Their banners bearing their houses' sigils and colors were posted all around the hall. In my seventeen years of existence, this the very first time I've ever seen Westeros come together and it's not because a crown is going to be placed in my head. No, it's because of a girl from a different country and different city who speaks another language. Yet, everyone was eager to see her in person. No one complained about travelling. The smile on their faces was proof of that. The older Lords started talking and laughing as they slowly submit to drunkenness. This event is even louder and more extravagant than my own coronation.

The Herald announced my arrival which made everyone bow their heads and curtsy at my presence but after that, they resumed whatever they were doing and paid me no mind whatsoever. Instead, I was left alone on the throne looking around like a lost child. That is, before Grandfather approached me.

"Your Grace, a Raven was sent to you this morning. It was from Highgarden." He handed me a small rolled up parchment as he bowed. It must be from Margaery. My heart leaped in excitement and a smile appeared across my face as my hand touched the gritty texture of the parchment. I thanked Grandfather briefly and took the little thing out of his hands. I unrolled the parchment and read it immediately.

My King,

I have safely arrived here in Highgarden a couple of days ago. I apologize if I didn't let you know immediately. I hope I did not worry you. Grandmother caught a fever but she's gradually doing better now. I would be back next week but I'm afraid I would miss your nameday. Don't worry, my King, we shall be united as soon as I'm back.

Until then.

Lovingly yours,

Lady Margaery

I felt my face drop knowing that Margaery will miss my nameday. I don't know if I would still be sane on that day without her here. I miss her terribly and I can't wait to finally be hers. All these confusions are keeping me up at night. "Shall I send a Raven back?" Grandfather interrupted my thoughts.

I turned to him with sad eyes but managed to let a small smile creep in to my lips. "Maybe later. I will write her myself," I said. He nodded in response before leaving me alone on my seat again. I rolled the parchment in my hands and tucked it in to the pocket of my coat. I shall write back to her as soon as this event is over. Where is she anyway? I'm getting bored by the same loud music and the sight of the same drunk people.

Before I could grow anymore restless, the trumpets blared as the old Herald made his way to the front of the hall. Everyone quieted down and the Lords and their companions rose from their seats. The old men placed their glasses of wine down to the tables to fix their coats. The Ladies refrained from gossiping and stood straight as they waited for the old Herald's announcement. I mimicked everyone's actions and stood myself. I quickly smoothed out the creases on my coat and held my head higher than usual.

"My Lords, my Ladies, I am honored to announce the arrival of Lady Corabella of house Doreen from the city of Bedoco!" the Herald announced loudly, his voice boomed all over the hall. I looked at the guests' faces as they stared with awe at someone emerging to the Great Hall. The Lords' jaws dropped to the floor and the Ladies' eyes widened in astonishment. No one clapped, they just stared as if it was their first time to see a Lady. I followed their eyes and almost fainted from the rapidness of my heartbeat.

There she was, dressed in a blue gown with her hair cascading down her shoulders. She's even more beautiful than the first time I met her. I swear her eyes look brighter and rounder than before. I stood frozen to the spot when she smirked at me lazily. It almost looked seductive making me gulp down a lump on my throat. She made her way beside me and locked eyes with mine. I'm supposed to do something here. The thought snapped back to me when she raised her hand for me to take and kiss. The smell of vanilla and carnations invaded my nose again as my lips touched her supple skin. I felt a chill run down my spine. But ironically, my face heat up and I felt myself getting even redder the longer I held her hand.

Author's Note: Yay! Corabella is finally presented to the new Lords. I wonder how Corabella would think of them when they are presented to her and how Tommen would react. Woop woop. Stay for the next chapter.

Qs:

- What is your first impression of Lord Crawford judging by the maids given information?

- Who do you think is Leira and why does she affect Lorcan so much?

- What would you want to happen next?