Author's Note: Thank you for the massive support I've been getting in this story. A lot of you has been asking me for an update and sending me all your love. I feel so happy when I read your comments and criticisms. Thank you thank you thank you! Anyway, here's the twentieth chapter. Enjoy! I still don't own Game of Thrones.

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Twenty: Growing

Tywin's Point of View

Young love has been a mystery to me since the day I have heard it. I used to think it was disgusting or utterly horrifying of an idea or abstract emotion. That is until I met my wife, Joanna, may her soul forever rest in peace. I never understood 'love' as a child and as I grow into a man. But the moment I saw her I knew it was the L word. The feeling was odd and weird but it felt fine under my skin and warms me from the pit of my stomach up to my chest and head. I realized that when a heart beats fast, it could only be because of two things; fear and love. No matter how stubborn I was to push away my feelings, it all comes back to me, intoxicating me.

How could love be wrong? How could it be sinful when it is genuine and of the purest intentions? I ask myself that every night, every time I see the couples of King's Landing. I ask myself that question first thing in the morning and last thing when I retire to bed. But ever since that morning, I asked myself more about it. How could love be wrong? How could it be when it is genuine and of purest intentions? How could love be felt with only just a kiss?

The boy is young and surely not very wise for his age. But he still grows and every judgement he makes and will make is law. I knew it from the day he met her, I knew he felt something spark in him. I was mesmerized by the Lady myself. It did not surprise me to know that a boy of his age will take an interest. But then again, he is intended to marry someone else. His wife-to-be is gorgeous and beautiful, smart and wealthy, as well. But the limelight seems to have been stolen by someone else, stolen by a stranger.

Tommen of the Houses Lannister and Baratheon, First of his Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. They chanted his name, but she, oh that girl. She didn't glorify him. She didn't chant his name. But somehow the boy-king fell for her dangerous charm. Her name? Corabella. Corabella Doreen from the city of Bedoco.

I watch Tommen as he armored up for his alleged training for today. For some reason, my innocent grandson decided to learn the art of combat and be a man. A good phenomenon in my opinion, actually. It's about time he learned something other than sitting on the Iron Throne and ordering people around. Cersei spoiled Joffrey too much and look where it got him. Maybe Tommen's reign wouldn't be as bad and short as his brother's. Pity, though, that Lady Corabella came in late to the scene. She would've made a great queen for Tommen. That girl sure knows how to handle a blade, or so I heard.

"Your Grace, I would like to introduce to you one of the greatest swordsmen in all of the Crownlands, Ser Arthur Backleage." The man beside me got on his knees and presented his sword to Tommen after I introduced him. Tommen, who was still standing still while the servants fitted his armor to him, stared at the man with a blank face. There was no emotion laced on his facade. I wonder what he's thinking about.

"I am more than honored to teach you the art of combat, your Grace," Arthur said with a deep voice, still kneeling with his head bowed down to the boy-King. The armor-fitting was finally done and the servants all scurried outside leaving the three of us in the Royal chambers.

"Rise, Ser," Tommen said sternly and Arthur did what he commanded. Arthur stood tall in front of the King, his chest pumped out and chin up looking straight ahead. Looking at this man, he represented a great kind of discipline. I hope Tommen learns a lot from him. "Please wait for me in the training grounds. I shall have a word with Grandfather." The knight didn't waste a second and started to march out of the room and into the training grounds while I stared at Tommen who was waiting for the door to shut before offering me a seat. I gladly took it and poured myself some water.

I waited for him to settle down before crossing my legs and taking a sip from my glass. "Are you thrilled to finally learn something new, Tommen?" I asked. I looked at him for a moment, his eyes distant. His whole being is not here in the room with me, he was thinking of something else. "What's bothering you?"

He shook his head, blinked, and looked at me with seriousness. "I just wanted to ask how the Lords are finding King's Landing."

"They are very comfortable with the quarters. Meals are served three times a day and if they request for food or wine, they get it instantly," I answered in one breath. "And their training?" he asked further. "They will be starting today like you are. The training grounds has been expanded up to the small part of the guards quarters to contain all of them."

"Good." He nodded his head slowly and leaned back on his chair. I'm certain there was something else he needed to know so I spoke for him and hopefully I answered his question. "I saw Lady Corabella down the kitchens this morning with her maids. She told me she will be training as well."

His eyes widened at the sound of her name. I surely caught his attention. He leaned forward slightly and looked at me straight in the eye. One of his thumbs brushed on his bottom lip for a very brief moment. I wouldn't have caught that gesture if I blinked. The lips that sinned. I hid a small smirk on my face. "Is she going to train?" His voice was weary, weighing the consequences of his question. His cheeks gave a hint of redness but not too much, just right for me to know that he's feeling queasy.

"I think you need to find that out for yourself, after all, the training grounds is where you're heading," I downed the last bit of my wine, savoring the sweetness of the red liquid while staring at my dumbfounded grandson, his mouth agape. "Can I tell you something, my boy?" I put the glass down on the table and wiped the liquor off of my face before turning to Tommen who nodded. "Don't do things that you will regret afterwards," I said flatly sending him a clear message beneath cryptic words.

The way he raised his eyebrow signaled me that he understood what I was talking about. His expression darkened and for a moment he didn't look like Tommen and maybe if I squint hard enough, I would see traces of Joffrey's face on his. Tommen leaned forward, his voice deeper and more serious than I let on. "I love Margaery and I will marry her. She… she's merely a guest and nothing more. Besides, I am the King. The King does not compete with measly Lords."

For some reason, I found his impatience and annoyance a good sign of being aware of his title as King. Among the three of the siblings, Tommen might be the one who for once thinks straight without losing the knowledge of power. Myrcella is too sweet, too pure, surely not fit for a Queen, in my opinion. Joffrey is, or was, too cruel and vengeful. To be honest, I didn't see that much potential on the late King. He wasn't even a man, he was just a boy with sadistic fantasies. Tommen, on the other hand, both has the compassion that his sister has and a tinge of his brother's, I guess I could say, power. After all, Tommen wouldn't rise to the throne if it weren't for Joffrey's death.

I don't want to think more on the subject of my deceased grandson so I straightened up and fixed my robes. "Well, all I know for certain is that you have the crown, Margaery will be here in a few days for your wedding and when the two of you join houses, Westeros will rejoice and your… guests… will get drunk and dance in your grace," I paused after drawing a long breath from that sentence. Tommen looked away from me and focused his blue eyes somewhere other than my face. "But for now, your Grace, you have to get to the training grounds." I finally stretched my legs and stood up from my seat, leaving my glass on the table. I straightened my coat as Tommen stood up, armored and all. "Ser Arthur will be in-charge of your lessons."

I didn't bother looking at him one last time. I've already conversed with him, instructed him on his agenda for today, everything is set. For now, I have to retire to my study and answer heaps and heaps of messages from all around Westeros.

Corabella's Point of View

"Don't you think you need to rest today, love? After all, you haven't slept well," Mother reminded with concern full in her words. Today, I decided to go down to the training grounds and check on the Lords' trainings. I have been informed that each one of them is provided with sufficient training weapons, two knights, and are placed in their designated areas. The training grounds are quite wide so space must not be much of an inconvenience. To be honest, I wanted to see how pathetic they would look in their armors, how weak they would move, how easy it is for them to defeat. But I can't shy away from the fact that I still want them to be treated properly. The tourney's major objective is to find one Lord, and one Lord only, to have my hand but after the events, they will certainly face worse challenges. Most of them might fight hundreds of war even if they lose. Most of them might travel the world, have to defend themselves from foreigners. Most of them may even battle once more for a Lady's hand. This tourney is not only for me but also for them, to make them realize that defeat teaches them strength to carry on.

"Lorcan and I still have to train, Mother," I said as an excuse. My training with Lorcan is the least of my worries right now. It's evident that we both are skilled. Right now, my focus is on the tourney. "Besides, the boys still have to break their bones for their swords," I said, referring to my brothers. It's not literal, of course. We use the phrase "break bones for swords" as a way to express strenuous training. But, again, I'd rather keep my head on the upcoming tourney than my brothers' trainings.

Mother braided my hair as usual. She's used to my annoyance whenever she forgets to tie my hair up. In my opinion, it's never practical for a swordsman, or swordswoman, to let his or her hair to get in the way of his or her vision. Father shared the same opinion as I do that's why even at his age he regularly trims his hair so that his weave wouldn't be a problem when he engages in combat. He tried to cut my hair short once when he saw that I was doing well in training. Mother had to practically tie him up to keep away from me and my hair. Delightful.

"Just don't forget to rest, Corabella," Mother said while wiping away invisible dust on my shoulder plates. "Stressing out in this ridiculous thing should be the last thing you should do."

"I'm not stressed, Mother. Don't worry about me," I said with a hint of reassurance on my voice masked with fake annoyance. Mother is loving, every member of my family is, but Mother worries too much sometimes that I have to cancel out her worries with irony; reassuring her but at the same time telling her that I don't want her to keep on repeating herself. With one quick turn, I freed myself from my mother's presence and made my way out my door as I shout, "Later!" to my mother while shutting the door.

Cosimo and Gino's room is situated on the floor above where mine is. I quickly climbed the stairs and rapped at their door furiously. "Cosimo! Gino! Come out now. We're heading to the grounds." It took only two seconds for Cosimo to get the door. He's dressed with his usual light armor with the Doreen crest on the chest and his hair was swiped up and into the right.

"Please, Corabella, shut up," he said with irritation in his face and voice. "Gino is struggling with his boots, he says his feet are aching."

"Nonsense," I said. I entered their chambers with heavy strides and found Gino clenching his jaws in anger. His fingers held onto his sore feet as he pinched them lightly. "What is wrong?" I asked with a bit of concern. I proceeded to kneel down in front of him and examined his feet. The skin on his toes looked like bursting tomatoes, and he could barely move them.

"I must be growing, Sister?" he joked. Father once mentioned to us that the Doreens grow quite fast especially the male ones. They reach their "budding" stage of maturity by the age of twelve. Changes are shown by their build, height, and, though ridiculous-sounding, the size of their feet. I've seen my cousin Glendon howling in pain when his father tried to remove his stuck foot in his little shoes. It was both amusing and pitiful. I guess the way we grow, them, actually, is more of an overnight process rather than a gradual one. Poor boys. What amuses me more is that my brothers aren't even twelve nor both of them are suffering from this growth spurt. Maybe it's my stereotypical way of thinking that twins experience everything that happens to either one of them

I turned his foot to the side and saw bruises blotted like ink on his reddening skin. Sore feet and reddening is normal but bruises seemed quite exaggerated. "What did you do? Why are there bruises?" I asked with wide eyes. Gino didn't face me, he just picked the sheets on his bed with his thumb and forefinger. "Gino?"

"He bound them," Cosimo spoke up behind me. "We noticed his sudden enlarged feet last night before we went to sleep so he bound them."

I turned with wide eyes, and mouth slightly agape, to Gino who looked at his twin pleadingly. His mouth was drawn into a thin line, eyes worried. "Why did you do that, Gino? Answer me. We all know this is normal, right? So why would you alter your growth?"

"I… I don't want to talk about it," he said meekly. "Let's just train, Sister. We've been anxious to try out our swords with you." I raised an eyebrow thinking of a possible solution to this situation. A pair of larger shoes? Some kind of concoction to numb the pain? Nothing.

"Cosimo, please fetch Mother. She's still in my room. Hurry please," I said. Cosimo rolled his eyes at me and left their chambers. Meanwhile, Gino kicked away his shoes and punched the pillows on his bed. "What is your problem?" I practically shouted. He didn't answer me. He just kept on punching and punching and punching. "Gino!"

"Shut up!" he screamed so loud, I swear he sounded nothing like my brother. "You wouldn't get it, Corabella! It's pointless telling you." Tears started welling up in his dark eyes, his face turning into a bright shade of crimson. "You would make fun of me and call me weak and tell me a day-long sermon about how when I would grow up, I wouldn't be a respectable man."

I have no idea what he is talking about. I didn't know how I should feel. My fists are clenched to my sides in anger but at the same time I felt guilty over something I don't have any knowledge about. Did I do something wrong? Both my brothers are open to me, we almost never hide things from each other. After all, they consider me an exemplary adviser so Gino's sudden meltdown came off as a total surprise to me. I'm used to Cosimo's constant wild attitude but Gino's actions right now make me confused. I would like to think that they are pulling a prank on me in which they switch up their names so I would lose my mind but the heavy atmosphere in the room told me that this wasn't a joke. This is for real.

Before I could open my mouth to shout profanities at my brother, Mother arrived and asked nervously, "What happened here?" Gino turned away from her and wiped his face while I meet her eyes. Mother looked at me with one hundred questions behind her pupils. "What happened?" she asked me directly.

I cleared my throat and tipped my chin up. "Gino can't train with us today."

"What?" Gino asked frantically. "You can't declare that, Corabella!" he practically growled at me but I ignored him. Mother also looked confused at my own words.

"He has bruises in his feet from binding. He's growing, Mother," I said. Mother's eyes widened as she quickly went to have a look at my brother's feet. Gino tried to kick Mother's hands away but she got a firm grip on them. Only his grunting was heard after Mother let go of his feet. "He can't train with us. Someone has to look after him."

"I agree," Mother said turning to me. "Your Father has to know about this. Cosimo," he tapped Cosimo's shoulder making him look at her. "Are you in pain as well?"

Cosimo shook his head from side to side. "No, Mother. I'm feeling fine."

"Good," she said. "If you're feeling the same, tell me immediately please." Cosimo nodded but kept his head low. Mother stood up and gave Cosimo a little push to my side before looking at me again. "If you see your father, please tell him to come here at once." I gave her a slight nod and placed my hand on Cosimo's shoulder. "Run along now, you have to train." I turned to Gino who's turning red with rage and embarrassment. He opened his mouth to say something but I looked away immediately walked out of the room with Cosimo.

We didn't say more about the incident so we made our way to the training grounds in silence. Cosimo kept quiet and didn't bother to look at me which I find very strange. Usually, he has some kind of twisted story to tell me or news about the mischief he has caused all around the castles. But no words came out of his mouth, just occasional sighs and groans when he steps on a pointy rock. I didn't want to trouble him further so I kept my mouth shut as well.

When we arrived at our destination, I almost didn't recognize the training grounds. The grime sweat, and blood doubled as men cramped themselves to train. Only pieces of wood separated a Lord's group from the other. Weaponry were all stashed in different areas, some on racks, some on top of boulders, and some just left lying on the ground. It became louder than usual. Grunts of pain, howls of anticipation, and arrogant orders were heard all throughout the grounds. Cosimo's eyes brightened a bit at the sight of violence present right in front of him. He quickly ran to his usual spot, now taken by Lord Dagon, the first Lord presented to me yesterday.

I thought it was best for me to follow Cosimo so I took a step after another and finally made it to Lord Dagon's area. Currently, he's using his blade to fight with his, I suppose, assigned knight. Lord Dagon's build was quite lean even if he's in his late twenties. He moved fast and dodged every attempted hit that his opponent threw at him. Cosimo looked excited and clapped his hands when Lord Dagon kicked the knight straight on his stomach. The young man groaned in pain but regaines his balance quickly only to receive a sharp blow to his face from Lord Dagon's elbow. Blood spilled on the man's nose which made him lose his focus. In a split second, he was sent to the ground by the Lord and all the men on his area cheered loudly, Cosimo being the loudest.

"Incredibile! Incredibile, mio Signore!" my brother shouted on the top of his lungs as if forgetting the incident that happened with his twin just a few minutes ago. He jumped up and down when Lord Dagon approached him. I have to admit that his moves were quite impressive but not impressive enough. Even my brothers could execute those attacks. He patted Cosimo's head and gave him a smile before making his way in front of me.

"Good afternoon, my Lady." He bowed. I nodded at him and gave him a polite smile. "I have to thank you for giving us time to train. The test you gave us seemed last minute," he added.

I chuckled at his ludicrous statement though I think I made great effort to hide it. "Just be prepared, my Lord. My visit here does not guarantee you a quick spot to the top. I am not one for favoritism." His face flushed in embarrassment. I knew that he was showing off and now he knows that I am not into swooning. Without anything more to say, he left me and proceeded to wipe his blade.

"Can I stay here, Sister? After all, this is my spot," Cosimo asked. I nodded at him which made him smile and watched him rush towards Lord Dagon's side. I proceeded to walk around more and observe. Quite a few of the Lords are taking their training seriously and did not falter at the sight of me. They continued to swipe their swords, kick their fit and punch their fists until they knock down their young opponents. The younger Lords, however, were easy to distract. They immediately drop their weapons when I am around and try to chat with me but before any conversation erupts, I turn my back and leave.

When I was nearing my own spot, I noticed Lord Crawford's own area was situated just beside mine. Oh, boy. This is going to be a long day. I was still a few meters away from him but I could already hear the loud clanking of metal to metal and his even louder voice. I took a closer look at his training, which by the way attracted a lot of viewers.

"Take that you ugly bastard," he said while letting the hilt of his sword do damage to his opponent's shoulder. Lord Crawford stepped back and kicked the knight's leg, making the young man growl. "Stand straight, boy. I'm getting bored." All the men laughed at his statement and shouted their insults as well. Lord Crawford's training area looked and felt like a place for loud drunkards who love profanities and lowering someone else's self-esteem. I looked back at the combat happening. The knight didn't have time to straighten up, of course, because he was instantly face-planted to the mud by Lord Crawford's feet. It is true, what they say. He is a loud airhead with quite amazing skills. The thought of him winning the tourney I arranged made my skin crawl. I don't want to marry that even if I have no intention, whatsoever, to marry anyone else.

Lord Crawford suddenly locked eyes with me but I kept the look of disgust painted across my face. He opened his mouth slightly in hopes of mingling with me. Unfortunately, something, or someone, pulled me by the arm and spun me around and away from the spoiled Lord. "Don't worry, I don't like him, either," Tommen said without looking at me. He continued walking away with my arm grasped by his one hand. His grip felt tight even if I'm armored up so I yanked it away forcefully. "Sorry," he said.

"What makes you think I don't like him?" I asked, annoyed. I am certain that I don't like Lord Crawford but the way he assumes it immediately was a bit irritating. My eyes scanned the entirety of him and I noticed that he was armored up as well. Is he… training? It seemed like a laughable idea but he is the King. He can do whatever he pleases.

He grinned at my statement before looking at me. I can't believe I'm actually walking side by side with him and away from a Lord we mutually do not like. "Are you kidding me? No one likes Crawford. His only true friend is his reflection and that is still up to the kind of mirror he stands in front of." A small smile crept up my face but I turned away before he sees it. I don't think we really are friends now but being civil towards each other won't hurt, right?

"Why are you here anyway?" I asked. He suddenly stopped and turned to another armored knight whom I've never seen before. I was certain I haven't because he was much taller than the usual soldiers here in King's Landing.

"My Lady, this is Ser Arthur Backleage. He is one of the greatest swordsmen in all of the Crownlands and he is going to be my mentor in the art of combat." I had to look up from the man to see his face. He looked a bit older than my father with a smooth and beardless face, a crooked nose and hard and dark eyes. He looks disciplined and intimidating but as usual, I gave him a slight curtsy as a greeting. His features softened a bit and he even gave me a small smile before saying, "Pleased to meet you, my Lady.

I turned to Tommen again and raised an eyebrow at him. "I figured it's best to learn even some basic defenses if I'm going to be running the entire Seven Kingdoms," he answered to a question I never verbally asked. I was satisfied with what he said and proceeded to step back as I wait for him to get in front of the soldier. I personally think that he has a mentor meant for a more advanced student. I looked around hoping to see my own partner, Lorcan, waiting for me or something. But he was nowhere in sight. Instead, I took a seat and watched Tommen train.

Never did I know that watching someone hold a sword for the first time could make me so anxious. The boy-King truly lived up to his name. His hands were too stiff, his wrists were too weak. His legs did not cooperate well and he yelped even if Ser Arthur didn't throw any hits on him. I felt so furious just looking at how terrible his footwork were. My brothers could do better than that. I think my cat could do better than that, for heaven's sake! I wanted to shout at him to try to improve his posture but I decided to hold back my tongue. Ser Arthur looked bored and irked as well as if having second thoughts about his acceptance of this job. Finally, after almost half an hour of lame strides, I stepped up and disarmed Tommen myself. I looked at Ser Arthur who made a "thank you, I want to rest now" face. "If you don't mind, Tommen, let me substitute as your mentor for a while." He looked at Ser Arthur and nodded. The man quickly made his way to the benches and produced his flask from his pouch.

Tommen was confused and dumbfounded but I proceeded to talk anyway. "First of all, boy-King, I hate your posture." I made my way behind him and slapped his back, forcing him to straighten it. "Your shoulders look too tensed." My hands made their way to his shoulders and pushed them down slightly. I heard him huff under his breath while letting me continue. "Your feet are too near to each other. Put your right foot here," I said while pointing at a spot on the ground with the tip of my sword. With the hild of my blade, I smacked his thigh making him yelp. "And, bend your knees ever so slightly."

"You know you could have just said it instead of hitting me with your weapon." I gave him a warning look, shutting him up. He is certainly scared of me which made me glad because that was the aura I was going for; scary but effective.

I ignored his remark and get on to my position. "Now, I will teach you some basic footwork, but first please hold your sword like this." I showed him how to properly hold my blade which he mimicked a bit messily but better than I expected. I noticed the ruby-eyed lion on the handle of his sword. He is using my Father's gift, the Lannister lion sword. Before he could process what I was doing, I quickly disarmed him with only one swipe then pointed the tip of my sword towards his face, stunning him in place. "And no you're dead."

"I wasn't ready!" he whined. "You could have at least gave me some sort of signal. That was not fair."

"You must always be ready. If by chance a bad person suddenly decides to steal away your jewels, do you think they will say 'Your Grace, I will take your jewels and will proceed to kill you afterwards'?" I countered. He looked embarrassed. "No, they won't. Pick up your sword, we'll start again."

He rolled his eyes at me, which I found amusing and humorous, and picked up his sword before getting into battle stance. He tried to deflect all my hits and blows but he always slips and loses his balance before I could even do him the slightest of damage. I tried to lengthen my patience and let him stand a few more times before sending him back down to the ground. "One, two, three," I would say to guide him in his footwork. "Four, five, six," for his swinging. I grew tired and bored of his pace but I considered him being a novice. A very lame novice. It took him at least fifteen tries before he could counter one of my hits. Luckily, it became a constant streak and before I knew it, we we're properly having a swordplay. Though my pace was not exactly appropriate for his training, I could see the determination in his face to keep up. "One, two, three," Tommen muttered to himself as he keeps his balance. "Four, five, six!" he yelled. As if some miracle was sent down from the heavens, the boy-King, Tommen Baratheon, somehow had the tip of his sword clashing with my shoulder, sending me down to ground.

I yelped, not in pain, but more in surprise as I wasn't entirely expecting his strike to actually hit me. My work paid off, I guess. I clutched my shoulder and slowly ascended to my feet. There was no blood, just a little scratch but that still made me a bit proud of my tutoring skills. "Are you alright?" he asked in alarm. He held out a hand in my direction and tried to hold my arm. "I'm sorry I didn't me—"

"One, two, three," my blade swung left and hooked his own sword abruptly, and by three it was in my own free hand. "Four," one step forward. "Five," a slight kick on his shin. "Six…" both my sword and his crossed around his neck, the boy-King's eyes wide in surprise. I gave him a mischievous smile while he holds his breath, waiting for me to get the sharp blades away from his skin. "You're dead now," I whispered.

I removed the two swords resting on his shoulder which made them create a slashing noise. Tommen did not move from his awkward position until I gave him back his sword. "You…" he started to say with a shaky breath.

"You are welcome, little boy. I hope you learned a lot from me," I said teasingly. The color on his face still did not return even if I started chuckling. "Stand up straight." He did what I told him. "I'm not going to kill you unless you did something horrible to me. I have to go now, though."

"What? Where are you going?" he asked, now showing a clear expression on his face. "Aren't you going to teach me more? I'm finding your lessons fascinating though a little bit deadly." I beamed at him before sheathing back my sword and turning to Ser Arthur who was watching us with narrow eyes as he strokes his nonexistent beard.

"Ser Arthur is your mentor, not me," I said. "Besides, I still have my own training with Lorcan. I can't let you have all the fun."

Tommen's head turned to the side in confusion. His mouth was draw into a thin line and his eyebrows narrowing, making his forehead wrinkle. "Lorcan's not going to make it, didn't he tell you?" I gave him a questioning look as I have not processed what he just said. Lorcan didn't tell me anything. All I know is that we were supposed to meet here at at least an hour ago. If he showed up in time, I wouldn't be having this exchange with Tommen.

"He's leaving today. He's going back home to Castle Rosby. He has been assembling his pack since morning to take the Rosby Road. Didn't you know?" he continued.

"No, I didn't. He didn't tell me anything." My head lowered down. "Do you think they left already?" I asked in hopes that I could at least say farewell to him. He has been a good friend to me and it would be a pity if we would just separate ways without saying goodbye.

Tommen's expression went from confusion to… to… I can't even explain. Sadness? His face dropped down into a weary expression, if that's the easiest way I could put it. I can feel his doubt of telling me but I need to have an answer. "I… I d-don't know." His shoulders slumped down even lower. "The horses were assembled a few hours ago, I'm not sure if they left already."

I nodded my head, I think that was enough information for me. Maybe if I could run fast enough I could still make it before their departure. That is, if they haven't left yet. Without hesitation, I turned my back to Tommen and ran as fast as I could only to be stopped by Tommen yelling at me. "Wait! Corabella!" That was the first time he said my name today. I felt my heart beat even faster. I turned around and yelled back, "What?"

"The path to the Rosby Road is that way," he pointed. "Just a few meters away from the docks. I thought you'd want to know since you didn't ask."

Oh, stupid me. Of all the things I forgot to ask was directions. I haven't been outside the castles much and the only places I know are my family's quarters, the Great Hall, the kitchens, the training grounds, and the gardens. Did I mention the path to Rosby Road? No, I didn't. Silly silly girl. "Thank you," I said and proceeded to run again.

Author's Note: I am alive people. This chapter took sooooo long for me to write because I don't have much time due to schoolwork and exams. I apologize for that again. I hope you all understand. Anyway, I have to thank all of my readers once again for the massive support, hilarious comments, and constant demand for chapters. Y'all are cool.

Q's:

- Why do you think Gino overreacted to Corabella's questions?

- Why do you think Lorcan's leaving?

- What would you want to happen next?