Author's Note: Hello, everyone! I have to apologize, once again, for not updating this Monday. My family and I went to a trip and I didn't have time to write. I tried to update yesterday but then I got a wee bit sick. I'll try my best to make this chapter longer to make up for my absence. Enjoy! I still do not own Game of Thrones.

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Eighteen: Convincing Confusions

Tommen's Point of View

She left just like that. She left like she didn't affect any of my guests or even me. She left like she didn't just drop a huge bomb in front of the Great Hall. And I am forced to tend to the chaos unveiling before me. My jaw hung open, unable to utter just a single word to my guests. I couldn't apologize or let them know that the feast is starting. I sat there frozen and idiotically absent-minded. The Ladies started bantering and chattering among themselves, trying to boast about their children and how they will be the ones triumphing over their opponents.

"He slaughtered hundreds of men! Another spoiled brat would be the least of his problems."

"My son could swing a sword with eyes shut. He could behead someone without even putting much effort in what he does."

They all sounded irritating to me. There's no use in bragging about their children when they are the ones standing in hideous outfits. How dare they have these sorts of conversation in my presence? They are not the ones fighting in the arena. They are not the ones having bruises and wounds just to have Corabella as their daughter-in-law. As the adults bicker about their sons' achievements and strengths, the Lords competing against each other smugly engaged in a staring contest. A handful of them looked tough and intimidating especially the Farwynd lad. He looked the most beastly among all of them. He looked at each other Lord he towered over like they were some sort of prey he can't wait to devour. I've never heard much about this Lord but he definitely has a shot in winning the tournament.

He has a shot in having her. I don't know if the thought of having Corabella for himself already sinks in him right now. Does he know that if he wins, he would be the luckiest man alive? The thought of Farwynd winning doesn't seem to impress me. It felt wrong in many ways. But then again, my jealousy is wrong in many ways. I am betrothed and in a matter of days, Corabella is going to be, too. There is nothing I can do to change that. Margaery will be my wife and, by the looks of it, she is better company than Corabella.

I'll just have to repeat that to myself until I finally believe it.

I watch the disaster in front of me as drunk Lords laugh and bicker amongst themselves. I am quite surprised, though, how the sober Ladies tend to be noisier than the intoxicated spinning men. Oh how I wish they would just shut their mouths. They sound like rats being put over burning coal.

The contenders remained quiet. They silently kill each other with their piercing stares, trying to examine how they will defeat each other. If the tournament started now and only consisted of them staring at each other, Farwynd would surely win. I can't make anything out of his eyes. They were full of fury and I swore I see those orbs change color. It must be the trick of the light.

"A'ight, lads! Let's not get too serious, now," a loud annoying voice bellowed over the clamor. Everyone's heads turned to the one and only Crawford Massey. That cocky git. He is so full of himself. He stood up tall and proud on one of the tables, paying no mind on the mud on his shoes staining the perfect linens. In one hand he held a glass full of red liquid. He stood there smirking as he waited for the crowd to die down and listen to him. Massey and I are not properly acquainted but I've seen him here in King's Landing everytime there's a grand event. He is such an arrogant airhead.

When all the attention was on him, he started pacing and opened his wide mouth to talk. "The tension is among us, my Lords and Ladies," he started. I watch every gesture he made, every eye contact he gave out. And I hated every single second of his improvised speech. "But we must not give in to the temptation of babbling and arguing over this matter! The right time will come for that and that will be in three days' time."

Everyone was startled when he hopped off of the table and landed loudly and suddenly to the cold ground. His wine spilled a little bit but he continued on walking forward. The people gave way for him as he took a step after another. "We are in a feast. A celebration where we eat, get drunk, and dance around. There's no need for all these banters." He stopped abruptly and faced the awed crowd. Silence truly loomed over the hall and only the sound of his voice echoed through the walls and ricocheted to my ears. "We're in the presence of our King!" Oh, no. If there is anything I want right now, it would be clamping Massey's mouth with my own hand. I don't want their attentions to be on me now. "We don't want to disrespect him now, do we?"

Men and women turned to each other with eyebrows raised as if to question their previous actions. Massey's words seemed to have an effect of them as the Lords started nodding their heads in agreement and the Ladies dipped their heads down in embarrassment. My eyes started to widen as he started to raise his glass up and turn to me with a smug grin on his face. "Long live the boy-King!" he shouted at the top of his voice. It was not long before they all raised their glasses up in the air and shout the exact same thing. Their varying voices invaded my ears in no time, followed by the jolly music played by the band. They all danced around and started acting like nothing happened. In their heads, they were in a feast all along and not between heated arguments.

My eyes met Massey's. I glared at him for being so pompous and loud. And in return, he smirked so wide as if his whole mouth was slashed across his face. He didn't say anything more, he just stood there smirking at me while taking a sip of his wine. I stood up from the throne and started walking out of the Great Hall. "Your Grace? Where are you going? You have guests," Grandfather tried to stop me, standing tall in my way.

"I have other things to do," I spitted harshly. His eyes narrowed at me in confusion. "You're the Hand. You tend to them." I didn't wait for a response and practically pushed my grandfather out of the way. Right now, I want to be as far away from the ruckus of a feast. I have to see her, talk to her if possible and apologize for what I did even if she took part in it. I initiated it, therefore I am the guilty side. I just can't go on knowing that in a few days she will have a husband and I will have a wife. I just can't kiss her one day and never talk to her the next. Call me delusional but she is something magical and I can't get enough of her. I decided to go to the gardens. If there is one place here in King's Landing that Corabella stands to be in, that would be the gardens. One of the most beautiful and sinful places.

I can't help but think about the tournament. I'll bet there will only be two strong contenders among them, Farwynd and Massey, and I like neither of them. But mostly Massey. I've seen him fight. He is loud in the field but that man is ruthless. He is a beast with a sword. I heard he was only defeated once. At first, I couldn't believe it. His record wasn't consistent yet he is one of the toughest men in all of Westeros. Lorcan Rosby must just have been lucky to actually beat him. Luckily, he is not one of the ten Lords set to fight for Corabella. It's good to know that he wasn't among them. He would surely have an advantage as well. I shouldn't be worried about him and Corabella. Or should I?

I instantly hid behind a wall when I saw two figures walking out of the gardens. The first one was unmistakably Corabella. Her blue dress was illuminated greatly by the sun and only she has those blue eyes. I peeked over the concrete to see where she is up to and who the other figure was. I let them get past me before I take a good look of them. The other person was armored. That mop of brown hair certainly belongs to Lorcan. What are they doing here? Where are they headed to? I didn't wait for another second to pass. I took one careful step after another and before I knew it, I was following them.

Ferardo's Point of View

I stalked back to my chambers with Edvige tailing behind me. I can't believe what Corabella did. That girl is so hardheaded! She will drive me insane with her plans and ominous decisions. I have to put a stop to this. I blame myself partly for spoiling her. I shouldn't have approved of this combat thing when she was little. Now I suffer because of it. Not only that, if one of the Lord succeeds, my negotiations with the Rosbys would be foiled. There goes my chance to open my home to the world.

"Ferardo!" Edvige shouted behind me. I decided to ignore her and keep walking fast to my chambers. I couldn't be bothered by anyone right now. My wife's nagging is certainly not what I need right now. "Ferardo, ascoltami!" she exclaimed. Her voice was so assertive and definitely louder than her usual tone. I best decided to stop on my tracks and turn to her. I didn't try to sugarcoat my emotions. I am furious and there's no point in hiding it.

"What? What more can you tell me?" I asked rather harshly. My wife didn't flinch. Instead, she looked at me straight in the eye with fiery emotions behind them. She tipped her head higher and for a moment I felt smaller than she was. I hate to admit it but she is the only one who makes me feel weak. She's the only one more powerful than I am. I shouldn't give in to her beauty and strength.

She took a step forward and got closer to me before talking. "You are acting like a child. You know how difficult she is," she started with a monotonous tone. "But by sending her back to Bedoco, you are surrendering to her endeavors." She held her hand out to touch my cheek. I quickly dodged her touch by taking a step back. If I let her touch me, I would surely melt down and give in. I can't right now. She wouldn't get the best of me.

Her eyes widened in surprise. She wasn't expecting me to get away from her. "So I'll let her stay here and get those young men to fight each other to death just so she can uphold her reputation?" I asked frantically. "Edvige, that is insane! I can't let her do that anymore." I let my fingers through my hair in anxiety. I tried to pace away from her but I was only left there frozen while licking my lips. I don't know how to deal with Corabella anymore. She is so hard to get through and it's all my fault. "They will understand. I'll do my best to talk to Gyles and push through with—"

"Gyles?" Edvige asked suddenly in confusion. Her eyebrows raised and eyes narrowed at me. "After all of this you're thinking about your plans with Gyles Rosby?"

"Of course, I am," I said honestly. I can't let the opportunity of opening a business go to waste. Gyles is easy to deal with and very trustworthy. Joining our houses would be a good idea. Edvige shook her head in disappointment before walking away from me. Her actions took a moment for my mind to register. I turned to her and followed wherever she was going. "Where are you going?" She didn't turn to me and continued walking.

"Don't follow me." I didn't listen, of course. It took me two more strides to catch up to her before grabbing her arm and spinning her around so we could face each other. "Don't." She yanked her amr free from mine and stood there before eyeing me again. "This is why you're so upset," she started. "You don't care if those Lords get hurt. You don't care if Corabella finds entertainment in their duels."

"I do care," I countered loudly.

"No, you don't!" she yelled even louder, startling me for a moment. "You only care about this proposition. You only want Corabella to be married to Lorcan so you could fulfill your plans with Gyles." She stopped breathless, leaving me frozen to the spot. What she said was partly true. But, really, I just want to stop my daughter's actions. I want her to be wedded for her own sake. I don't want her to grow old and regret her decisions. Her weapons would not be enough company. I only worry for her. "It's time for her to make her own decisions," she slowly said with a much calmer tone now. Her sudden change of emotion worried me more than ever. I'd rather let her yell at my face than listen to her change her mind. "Whatever happens now, whatever the consequences of her decisions are going to be, I'll support her. I'm not going to force her to marry someone she doesn't want to marry."

She turned her heel and resumed walking. "But you said you'll help me get her with Lorcan?" I asked.

"I know I said that, Ferardo, and I still believe he will be perfect for Corabella. But if she doesn't want him, I can't do anything about it. She's a Lady and our daughter, not our slave."

Her words hit a spot in me which made me feel guilty. I stopped dead in my tracks and watch my wife walk away from me. For the first time in my life, I felt truly alone. Edvige was always there by my side and supporting my decisions. She was my other half and without her I felt incomplete. Right now, I felt vulnerable. She is not with me right now. My heart and guts felt heavier, my mind clouded. Maybe she's right. Maybe it's time that I listen to Corabella. I never felt more confused. And now I'm left with only my thoughts accompanying me.

Corabella's Point of View

I felt the heat rush down from my face and throughout my body, engulfing me in the fiery feeling of mortification. Seeing Lorcan exposed like that felt awkward and wrong especially when it was his chambers where we are in. If someone sees that, they might think badly of me. A Lady my age, waiting to be married soon, shouldn't be visiting Lords in their chambers even if they are her friend. I suppose this encounter wouldn't repeat. And I do not intend for it to repeat. Luckily, everyone was busy digesting their poison in the Great Hall and no single soul saw me go in and out of Lorcan's chambers.

By the time I closed the door, the boy-King's face emerged from nowhere, making me jump in surprise. I stand corrected. Someone did see. Worse, it was him who saw. "Tommen, what are you doing here?" I asked nervously, my voice cracking a little bit. I hope he didn't notice. I tried my best to put on an innocent face as if I didn't just exit Lorcan's chambers.

Tommen's eyes were wide in surprise and confusion. He crossed his arms to appear more authoritative. His gesture made me feel more nervous. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" I gulped the lump forming in my throat and tried searching for the right words in my mind. I tried looking for the words that made the most sense so I would explain properly to him. But, unfortunately, my mouth went dry, leaving me staring at him in shock. He raised an eyebrow at me before putting his arms back to his sides. "You just left the feast. You left ten Lords who are dying to fight for your hand all alone in the Great Hall to… engage in a… m-meetup with Lorcan Rosby? In his chambers?" he questioned frenziedly, his eyes wild and his tone loud. I am certain of what he thinks of me now and I am offended by it. He keeps on making these assumptions that are in no way true.

My brows furrowed at him in disgust. "Do you think we would do that? That I would do that? How dare you think of vile things about me?" I defended as I took a step forward, meeting him with my furious eyes. His face looked scared like a child and I took advantage of him being taken aback. "Lorcan is my friend. He invited me over to eat and not fool around. Do you think I'm that stupid, Tommen?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I wasn't thinking of vile things, I promise. I just didn't expect you to go with him in his chambers," he said with a soft apologetic voice. I look at him straight in the eye, making his breath hitch.

"Why are you even here? Aren't you supposed to be in the feast?" I asked harshly startling him. He stuttered for a bit, hoping to find some kind of excuse but I already know he's been following us. He couldn't possibly end up in the same place as I am by coincidence. He's been snooping around. "Cut it, Tommen. Lying to me would do you no good." I started to walk away from him and go back to my chambers but to my surprise, he grabbed my arm and spun me around so I could face him once more. He didn't look at me. His eyes were on his feet and mine was on his face. He held me firmly, making my skin burn from his touch. My heart raced wildly and my head spun. I can't think straight.

"Don't leave me, please," he whispered under his breath. My jaw dropped at the innocence clear on his voice. I didn't move or say anything. I just stared at the little boy. How ironic it is for me to even call him that when he's taller and older than I am. But I can't help but picture him like a little boy. His obliviousness to the real world amuses and irks me at the same time. "I'm sorry." Those were the words I needed him to say truly. He apologized to me that morning and only a few seconds ago but his apology now seemed real. The emotion in his voice was present and he apologized because he wanted to not because he needed to. "I mess up but I don't want you to leave."

Without thinking, I took another step towards him. With my free hand, I cupped his cheek and made him look back at me. He wasn't anticipating my actions and his eyes looked at me in bewilderment. "You don't mess up. Don't say that," whispered to him. His musky spicy scent invaded my senses. I could smell him and taste him in my mouth. But I can't let him do that again. I can't let myself be captured by him again. Instead, I let my lips crash to his cheek and held him there for a second. I freed my lips from his skin but let my face remain touching his. I held him there with burning skin and pounding heart. I felt dizzy and weak when I'm with him. Maybe that's why I want to hate him so much. I really want to hate him but I just can't. His taste will be forever in my lips and his scent will keep me up at night. But I will never hate him no matter how much I tell myself that. What a wrong and sinful feeling.

He's a little boy. Just a little boy.

I pushed him carefully away from me, making him let go of my arm before smiling sweetly at me. I tried my hardest to keep a straight face and not show any emotion. "I'm tired," I said flatly before turning to my heel and proceeding to resume my way back to my chambers. I might have done the most unintelligent thing but I can't go back and change it. I'd rather retire to my chambers than overthink my actions.

I watched the sun set over the horizon and turn the sky into a mute shade of orange. The sea reflected the glowing orb as it slowly reached its slumber. The clouds swirled in the sky in different colorful illusions, adorning the heavens with their beauty. Soon, the stars would peak out and illuminate the sky like tiny diamonds. Then, the moon would wake up and watch over the sleeping city. But right now, they wait in silence just like me. That is, until a loud knock was heard from the other side of my door. I anxiously rose from my seat on the balcony and opened the door. Cosimo and Gino's little faces peeked inside before I let them come in. Both of them hurried to the bed and lied there with a loud sigh.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked with a bored tone. I couldn't be bothered by their silliness and I don't want to put myself in a bad mood so I might as well submit to their childish games. I sat on the stool near the table where my Lorcan's carnations were placed. I touched the petals of the flower with my thumb and forefinger, feeling its silkiness under my touch.

"We thought we could visit you, sister," Cosimo said playfully before pushing Gino teasingly. What an odd reason for them to say. I didn't mind their presence much. It's nice to have my two brothers around even if they could be annoying at times. Besides, they can be entertaining sometimes. "And because Mother was annoyed at us," Cosimo added.

I turned to them with a small smile before resting my chin on one of my hands. "What did you do to possibly annoy Mother?" I asked sarcastically. Given my brothers' natures, it wouldn't be surprising if they did something stupid or outrageous like ruin Mother's bed with their muddy boots or burning her parchments for fun. Their little minds are colorful and dangerous.

"Cosimo spilled soup on Lord Farwynd and I accidentally hit Lord Massey with an apple," Gino said innocently, as if it was nothing. I can't help but laugh at what they said. I am completely certain that their little "accident" wasn't an accident at all. I know my brothers. They will do everything to sabotage any Lord's intentions in marrying me which I truly appreciate. That's one reason for me to love them. I laughed even harder when I remembered an incident they made a few years ago. His name was Carlos and he was extremely loved because of his mane. His curly hair made women swoon which I found ridiculous. I aired my side to my brothers and we made fun of the pretty Lord. The next morning, we found him shrieking in front of a mirror. His head was completely shaved. It wasn't long before my brothers spilled the beans and told me that they erased any sign of hair in his head while he was fast asleep.

"Oh, boys. You should stop that already. You don't have to do those things anymore," I told them softly before lying on my bed with them. Both the boys were on my side, hugging me tightly. I hugged them back, remembering how I felt the first time I saw them. Their little hands grabbing my fingers when I poked their chubby bellies. Their dark eyes look back at my blue ones and smiled at me. It's amazing how fast time flies by. The little babies I used to take care of are now growing up to be like men. I turned to Cosimo who was now slowly closing his lids. Gino poked him in the face waking him up, making all three of us laugh. I hope when they grow up, they wouldn't be like these spoiled Lords. I hope they win hundreds of battles and marry the strongest women.

"Don't marry, Corabella," Gino whispered to my ears and looked at me with innocent eyes. "Yeah, please don't, sister," Cosimo joined in. I smiled at them before pinching both their cheeks.

"You worry too much, brothers. You know me. I don't do that sort of stuff, I promise you." Both of them gave me a toothy grin before hugging me again tightly. I gave them one last embrace before sitting up and letting go of them. "That's enough for now. Do you want to have dinner?" I asked them.

"Yeah, sure." Cosimo said. "I'll ask one of the maids to bring food. Wait here." Cosimo stormed out of the room immediately, leaving me alone with Gino. Between the two of them, I much prefer Gino's company if it's quiet that I want. He doesn't talk much unlike Cosimo and if he does, he sounds smarter than his brother. Cosimo is the real menace in the family, coming up with tricks in which he drags Gino in.

I made my way to the mirror and remove my accessories on. I started with the earrings first then my necklace. I thought of removing my bracelet, the one that Cersei gave me, but I decided it was light enough to be on my wrist. Besides, it looks beautiful and elegant. Maybe I could keep it and remove it later when I go to sleep.

"You're already picking flowers here in King's Landing, sister?" Gino asked, making me turn to him. He was eyeing the vase full of carnations on my table. I placed my jewelry down to their boxes and tucked them away inside one of the drawers before moving beside Gino, who was now taking a good whiff of the flowers. He sighed in delight. "They have always been your favorite."

"I didn't pick them," I said. "Lorcan did. He gave it to me the other day."

Gino turned to me with a raised eyebrow. Confusion was clear on his face although I really don't know why he would react like that. He shouldn't be surprised that they were from Lorcan. After all, they told him about my fascination for the flower. "Why did he give you these?" he asked intriguingly.

"What did I miss?" Cosimo emerged from the door and joined us in front of the table. Gino looked at him with narrow eyes and said, "Apparently, we've been pouring soup on the wrong Lord." Then, both of them turned to me like I did something wrong. I don't see why it's such a big deal. Lorcan and I are friends and this is just a simple gift.

"You're acting ridiculous. He is my friend," I told them. "Besides, you were the ones who told him that carnations were my favorite flowers. You shouldn't act so surprised." Both of them looked at each other in confusion.

"We didn't," they chanted in unison. My eyes widened questioningly. I looked at their faces and search for something that tells me they are joking. I focused on Cosimo's face. His ears perk up slightly when he's lying or joking. But his face was blank and serious just like Gino's. That's odd.

"What do you mean you didn't?" I said while rolling my eyes. "You were both training with him the other day and you spilled the carnations to him. Don't lie to me."

Cosimo approached us and stood beside his twin with a straight face before saying, "But we're not lying. If we were, you would tell immediately." I looked at them with questioning eyes. That's true. I would have known by now but that's really odd. Lorcan told me about the twins. "And we were not training with him, too. We were with Father and Sir Darren afterwards." Gino defended. "We were never with Lorcan, sister," he added seriously.

There were so many questions running through my head right now. How did Lorcan know about the carnations? A lucky guess, I presume. But then, why did he lie to me about knowing it through my brothers? Why did he lie training with them? And why did I believe him immediately? Strange. I suppose he was trying to impress me in some way but why? I don't get it. I'm so confused.

Before the three of us engage in a staring contest, a knock was heard on the door. Cosimo raced back to the door and opened it for Attera and Berna to enter. "Good evening, m'Lords, m'Lady," they said in unison before placing our meal on the table. The twins hurried to take a seat and filled their plates with beef and chicken immediately. Meanwhile, I was stood there staring at them, still confused about Lorcan.

"Come join us, sister," Cosimo offered. I decided to brush off the topic in my mind and deal with it later. The grumbling in my stomach needs to be calmed down for now. Maybe I'll ask Lorcan about it in the morning. I hope he wouldn't lie this time.

Author's Note: Thank you for viewing and reading this chapter! I really appreciate your support.

Qs:

- How do you feel about Corabella's thoughts on Tommen?

- Why did you think Lorcan lie to Corabella?

- What would you want to happen next?