Author's Note: I apologize again for the slow updates, I just haven't had time piecing out ideas in my head for this story and it took longer than I expected. Haha. I still thank you, though, for being so patient with me. Please enjoy this chapter! (I still DO NOT own Game of Thrones)

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter 23: To Right All Wrongs

Margaery's Point of View

For days I've longed for King's Landing and its clamor and distinct ambience that makes it nothing like the peaceful and calm Highgarden. Yes, I missed this place while I was surrounded by the parties and drunkards and chattering Ladies. But now that I am enveloped in its serenity, I now look forward to returning and letting the noise fill my ears for days once more. Oh, how guilty must I feel to think of such things! I am in my own residence surrounded by all of my people. I should be grateful for being given the permission to postpone my own wedding to take care of my fading grandmother. Yet, as the days pass by the more anxious I get to finally be in front of the Sept and be bonded with my King for a husband. Young Tommen, I wonder how you are right now? The Ravens I've sent to you are not enough to let you know how sad I am to be anywhere but by your side. What a foolish Lady I am to actually feel just now. I knew Tommen wasn't going to be hard to love. I adored him ever since I was introduced to the young King. But I guess once you can't have something that you want, the more you try hard to acquire it.

I do not blame Grandmother for her illness. I know she isn't going to last long and she most certainly is feeling her age. What I cannot comprehend is the unforgiving decision of fate to interject itself to the most important, the most bizarre event in my life. It was Grandmother's suggestion to wed the King as I am the most fit to sit beside the Iron Throne but even if the idea was from her, the gods must not like me for they brought upon her something she does not deserve. She can't be on my wedding, not while she's still too weak to get out of her own bed. What a pity it is, truly.

I looked back at her figure, still laying on her bed while stoking her hands together. My feet brought me to her side to let the back of my hand rest on her forehead. She doesn't feel as feverish as she did a few days ago. A fever must not be overlooked. Though the medical advances in Highgarden are rather slow, it is the most convenient to have the maester and his students to work day and night just to find a cure to Grandmother's illness. She refused to take any medicine she is not familiar with and instead insisted that all she needed was to rest.

"Do not worry much about me, love," she spoke silently. Her words were followed by fits of cough, a rather irritating sound to my ears. I hurriedly reached out for the glass of water sitting beside her bed and brought it up to her lips to alleviate the pain she must be feeling. "Thank you, dear."

"Grandmother, you have to at least try to get outside for some fresh air," I said. I have been goading her to do so for days. "If you stay here in your chambers and do nothing, you will never feel any better." She scoffed at me and raised a hand, making me stop whatever I was going to say next. I hate it when she's stubborn. Not only is it bad for her but it also prolongs my stay here in Highgarden.

"You shouldn't have come to my aid, love. I am quite alright. Now look at that. You have missed your wedding!" I shook my head from side to side, blinking away any disappointment mirrored by my eyes. I explained to Grandmother that I did not mind. After all, I am still to be wedded to Tommen in only a matter of days. I have planned to return a day before his nameday so when he turns eighteen, I shall officially form a bond with him in holy matrimony. My heart aches for Tommen but I wouldn't be able to enjoy the first days of my (third) married life if I wouldn't be given the reassurance that my own grandmother is feeling fully well. She raised me alongside my parents and I can't just ignore her own health.

Both our heads snapped at the direction of the door as it opened. Curly blonde locks peeked out, revealing my brother, Loras. His eyes glimmered as he looked at Grandmother, who gave him a weak smile. It was not long for him to fully enter the room with his armor on, his sword hanging by his belt. "Good afternoon, Grandmother," he regarded softly and politely while taking cautious steps towards the other side of the bed. He reached out a gloved hand to take Grandmother's shaking one. He brough his wrinkled fingers up to his lips and kissed it lightly before turning back to meet her eyes. "I hope you have been feeling better." Grandmother nodded her head slowly and smiled at him wider. Though she did not speak a word, I know that the sight of Loras makes her happy. She cherishes nothing more than her grandchildren. Again, my heart ached at the thought. How could my head be left in King's Landing when my heart and soul is here in this very room? "I hate to interrupt your grandmother-to-granddaughter bonding time," Loras teased Grandmother then turned to me. "But I need to borrow my sister for a word. Margaery?" I looked at Grandmother briefly. She only replied with another nod and a smile, telling me that it was fine.

In a swift second, both Loras and I stood up and exited Grandmother's chambers. Neither one of us spoke for a while and only wound down the hallways of the castle, occasionally greeting the Lords and Ladies that came our way. I didn't break the silence for I know that this must be something important or serious and goading Loras will not do anything significant. If anything, it will only annoy him and force him to withhold any information longer. We reached the balcony on the farthest side of the east wing. Loras stopped walking and so did I. He still didn't talk but my patience was running thin. "I suppose you have something to tell me brother. Spit it out."

He took a deep breath before looking at me. I felt a bit alarmed by the look in his eyes. Something in the back of my mind tells me that this must not be good news, judging by the sudden darkness that fell upon his eyes. I raised a questioning brow at him, prodding him to spill the beans. "You have met the infamous Bedocian girl, haven't you, sister?" he asked. Of course, Corabella. I've seen her first during our engagement party. From what I have heard, the Lords and Ladies were all eyes on her during the party. And according to some knights I've conversed with, her Father's close with Lord Tywin.

"What about her?" I asked.

"Some of my people," he paused after emphasizing the last two words. He must be talking about the handful of spies he have hired. "Some of my people noticed that the King is trying to be close to her just like any other Lords present in King's Landing." No, surely not Tommen. I know that he is loyal and he is smart enough to know that having any kind of association with the girl other than having her for a political ally will serve him no good. We took a holy vow that we will only be wed to each other. Besides, I doubt the girl is interested seeing that she values her weapons more than the people around her. It's safe to say that she is not wearing her heart on her sleeve.

"Loras, whatever you are implying is not, in any way, funny."

"But I am not trying to be funny, my dear sister," he remarked with a sarcastic grin on his face. It took much of my willpower not to slap it off of his face. "Don't you think it's a valuable information? Surely, you do not want your wedding to be ruined by some girl from a foreign place."

I rolled my eyes at him and tried my best not to give away much of the annoyance I am feeling. I wove the words in my head perfectly before letting them slip out of my mouth. "I have faith in my husband-to-be," I said. "As you may have seen, I have him wrapped around my fingers and no one, not even Lady Corabella, would get him out of my grasp. Besides, I doubt the younger Lady is interested. You must have hired the wrong people."

I turned to face a very flushed Loras. From the sight of the fists balled up on his sides, I know I must have crossed the line. "Of course. Now that you have been molded into this perfect ideal queen that will sit beside the throne, you have forgotten now that a Tyrell's word shall not be taken for granted. Much less if it is from your own blood." He took a step back and smiled wickedly again. "I see. You trust a naïve little King over your stronger and smarter brother. I do hope you will live a happily ever after, sister.

"Smarter?" Now it was my turn to get furious. How dare he use that to describe himself? If he's so smart, he could've searched for his own lover than steal away Renly from me in the first place. "We both know that we don't believe in happy endings, brother," I said through gritted teeth. "Especially you. After all, you saw my husband and your lover die with your own two eyes and you couldn't do anything about it."

"Shut your filthy mouth!" He screamed at me, one of his hands hovering just inches away from my face. He couldn't do it, I know. He can't hurt me, not with his own two hands. That is Loras' weakness, sentiment. He lets his heart rule over his other senses that's why even if he is more than ready to avenge Renly, he couldn't because he knows that Renly wouldn't like that. My first husband wasn't a fanatic of violence, he never was. He wanted peace to prevail, for good to triumph over evil but he was under so much pressure that he thought rivaling with his brothers was the best idea right at that time. It's crystal clear now that it wasn't after all. If it was, I wouldn't have been marrying Tommen in a few days.

I managed to raise my hands and rest them on his shoulders to calm him down. His breathing was ragged and his tears were threatening to roll down his cheeks. His fists now unclenched and hung limply on his sides while his eyes looked down his feet. With a careful gesture, I cupped his cheek with my right hand and tipped his head upwards slowly so our eyes could meet. "Forgive me, brother. I did not mean it. But please understand that I cannot take risks in listening to the whispers you receive if I want to be the Queen."

He gave out a long and surrendering sigh. "Then you also have to understand that I am only protecting you. Whispers, even if they are false, still hides some truth behind them. And believe me, sister, this particular rumor has its own evidences lying under our noses."

My hands retreated to my sides as I continued to converse with Loras. "Then do enlighten me."

"Tommen is spending more time with her than any other of his subjects. Even the small council thinks so. And I do believe he is training with her, or rather, training for her. Tommen is trying to impress the Doreen Lady. I hate to admit it, sister, but she is beautiful and fierce. Every person in King's Landing says so."

Considering Tommen's age and easily-tempted nature, I think I owe Loras another apology. His reasoning does makes sense; Tommen must have started feeling something greater to her during my absence. Men easily give in to temptations no matter what the consequences are. I bet his head is not enough reason to stay away from the young Lady. But then again, I still have the upper hand. I know Tommen more than Corabella and I know he trusts me more than the blue-eyed girl. I shall have him for my husband before fate turns my life upside-down again. The moment I come back to King's Landing I shall manipulate Tommen for my advantage once again. I have done it once and I am much willing to do it again and again and again. My greatest weapon isn't just my head, after all. "What shall I do, then, brother? How can I make sure that all of Tommen is going to be mine?"

This time, Loras smirked at me menacingly and carried on with more information. "Besides your engagement to the King, there are a lot more obstacles in their way, sister. Though I don't want you to overlook a single detail." He sighed and looked far ahead before continuing. I followed his gaze, towards the forests that lead back to King's Landing. "For instance, ten Lords are set to duel against each other in two days' time."

"What for?"

"Who for, if I may say," he said. "They have come all around Westeros just for Lady Doreen's hand." This is the first time I have ever heard anyone, much less ten different Lords, battle just to have someone for their wife. Is Lady Corabella really that special to attract men from great distances? "Now, my gold goes to either Farwynd or Massey to win the tourney." I remember those two. Farwynd was the mysterious Lord I've met during my second wedding. Some say that if you look closely and observe, his eyes change colors from time to time. As for Massey, I think I speak for everyone when I say that he is quite the party maniac. Not to mention, an arrogant drunkard as well. "However, though I hate to admit it, it is more likely for Massey to win."

"How can you be so sure?" I countered. It is no secret that Massey always joins tourneys because during his duels, you could hear him taunt his opponent from another country. But I've heard of Farwynd's achievements as well. I doubt he will be a lousy opponent against Massey. If anything, they might meet with a stalemate.

"Believe me, sister. I've been in hundreds of duels myself but no one plays as dirty as Massey." I suppose he is right. He suddenly took a bouncy stride towards me and waved his hands. "Anyway, back to the Corabella issue," Ah, yes. We are not here to talk about her own lover. "I heard she's a fighter and judging by Massey's reputation, I think she will not hesitate to duel him herself. So, to assure you that she will be marrying someone who is not Tommen, we have to concoct a plan."

"What do you mean?" I looked at him with surprise. I was surprised by the sudden turn of events brought up by our conversation.

"There must be another Lord, someone who can defeat Massey. Someone whom Lady Corabella trusts enough to give her hand to. And most importantly, someone who will be willing to work with us to ensure that the Lady will not be interfering with your own marriage," he said in one breath. I racked my brains about his proposed plan. I suppose it is a good one and I shall not have second thoughts about Loras' strategies. He is quite good at it.

"But who? Who will be the lucky Lord?"

Tommen's Point of View

I am a sinful King, that is the truth. I have never committed something so serious. To be honest, I wanted to abide to the Royal rules as much as possible. But is it a crime to fall in love with someone? If my head is to be chopped off because of love, then so be it. I will be willing to bow down to my own executor.

I didn't want that moment we had in the private gardens to end. Being with her, kissing her lips was the best thing that I have ever did my entire life. I can't imagine the possibility of ever losing her. I want Corabella and I am certain that she wants me to.

Alas, we had to gasp for breath, so we broke our kiss. What did not occur to me was her willingness to continue our passionate endeavors somewhere else. Somewhere we could both be laying comfortably. We had to wait for nightfall before I had the chance to visit her in her chambers. I remembered seeing her sitting in front of her mirror, waiting for me as she chats with her own reflection. With the dim light produced by the candle, I can see clearly the pair of illuminating blue eyes staring at me as I inched closer to her side. She was wearing a satin nightgown that reached down on her ankles. Her curly hair cascading down her back, and her lips curved up into a smile at the sight of me. I felt the instant drop happening inside my body. The heat building up in the pits of my stomach spread down somewhere lower as it gained liberty over my head. I had to press my legs to contain myself but seeing her only awakened the beast inside me more.

I didn't let another second pass for me to drag her against my body, my lips crashing to meet hers. We found ourselves engulfed once again in passionate pecks and careful touch here and there. I had to give her a light push forward and let ourselves lay down her soft bed, my body towering over hers. Her hands found my face before lacing her delicate fingers on my hair, entangling them as we moved in synchronized harmony. I kissed her lips, then her jaws, then her neck, earning a soft moan of pleasure from her. She did not give second thoughts when she grabbed my hand to place it on her chest. She broke our kiss abruptly to say, "It is true, what they say. You are more of a lion than you are a stag."

I captured her lips once again before giving my own comment. "You'd be surprised, my Lady." We spent the next minutes wallowing in desire for each other's taste and touch. I took the opportunity to touch her gently in places that I know she is willing to be touched and she did the same for me. Nothing was going on in my mind other than having her for myself. But she gasped sharply when my hand trailed down to meet one of her thighs. "What's wrong?" I managed to say in between kisses.

She pulled away from me, making me look at her in a bit of disappointment. Her blue eyes enslaved me again and I had no chance but to stop. "I… I just think it's better if… If we just rest, don't you agree?" But wasn't the point of this whole meeting is for this? To show each other how we truly feel through silent touches? "I know that you long for my touch, and I do long for yours, too. But… We have to be careful. Besides, I reckon we're both inexperienced in these area." With that, we both chuckled.

"So be it. We shall only rest tonight," I said in agreement. "I suppose it's better if I go back to my own chambers if we want to be careful." I see a flash of hesitation in her eyes but it was long gone before I could even take back what I just said.

"I agree. Good night, boy-King," she said in a quiet and sincere tone.

I gave her one last kiss on the lips, a chaste one before saying my farewell. "Good night, my Lady."

"You seem to be in a good mood today," Mother said while grabbing her goblet full of wine. "Anything to tell your mother?" she asked.

I only gave her a boyish smile as I turned back to my own plate. Bacon and eggs, as usual, starts my day. "Nothing, I just had a funny dream." Whether or not I convinced Mother with my white lie, I didn't dare try to find out. Instead, I chewed my food slowly while ignoring her gaze that was obviously piercing through my head. I can't help but bite my lips, though. I have noticed this morning that it was a little swollen, probably from all the kissing that Corabella and I have engaged in last night. I just hope that it's not very obvious to the prying eyes of the people around me, especially Mother.

"Anyway," Mother suddenly changed the subject. "I thought you needed to know that the combat grounds have been prepared for tomorrow's tourney. I assure you that everyone will have a glimpse of all the violence." My jaws clenched involuntarily at the thought of the upcoming tourney. Is there any way that it could be put off? After all the exchanges between me and Lady Corabella, I' sure she will be far less interested with all the other Lords. "Lady Margaery also sent a Raven this morning, reminding you that she will be arriving a day before your nameday." Another problem, Margaery. During her absence, I realized that I don't really love her like should. My heart truly belongs to Corabella. I was just too caught up with the illusion that she is my true love. Maybe because Joffrey left so suddenly that I thought that she is the only one who could fix me. "Something wrong, love? Your smile went away."

"Nothing's wrong." I could barely believe my own words because everything is the problem. For some reason, I have a stupid idea of just grabbing Corabella and running away from King's Landing. I want to leave this place and be somewhere I could truly be hers and her be mine. Somewhere I could be truly me and love the only girl that I know my heart wants. I wish I could have had more time to think everything through. "I believe I'm already full, Mother. I must get ready for my training." Without another word, I left the table and continued walking towards my chambers to get armored up.

By the time I set foot on the training grounds, my eyes immediately shifted towards the only female present in the area. Corabella was training with Ser Arthur, barely breaking a sweat, while the older man had trouble catching up with her quick movements. Finally, with one sudden turn, she pinned the old swordsman down, her sword pointing towards his nose, eyes filled with ferocity. "You should probably consider changing your title. I think it's clear that you are not the best swordsman in all of the Crownlands," Corabella remarked with a teasing tone, earning her a smirk from the knight. She sheathed her sword and offered a hand to Ser Arthur which he willingly took.

With a smile, I approached her just as Ser Arthur was walking away to retrieve a jug of water in the benches. "Nice seeing you today, my Lady." She turned to me, her smile fading into a frown. As if she didn't know who I was, she turned her heel and started walking out of the training grounds. My heart ached at her actions. Trusting my instincts, I followed her and eventually caught up with her strides. I stretched my arm out and grabbed hers to turn her around. She tried to break free of my grasp but I didn't let her do so. "Why are you ignoring me? Did I do something wrong?"

"Just leave me alone, Tommen." She tried her best to mask the sadness in her voice by sounding angry but my ears detected it. That's one of the flaws of trying too hard; the more defensive you get, the more it is obvious what you really mean. I pulled her towards me in an attempt to meet her lips again but she turned her head to the side before I could go on with my plan. "No. Stop." This time, she didn't bother sounding angry. I could hear the helplessness on her voice.

I let go of her arm and took a step backward. "But why? I thought we—"

"I thought so to. Believe me, Tommen, I did." My heart ached even more knowing that she is doing this on purpose because there some kind of serious reason behind it. She didn't meet my eyes but continued to talk. "But this can't continue, whatever this is. You are only endangering your life and the people around you."

"You're not making sense. I thought everything will be fine!" At the sound of my voice rising, she turned to me with a violent glare.

She managed to say through gritted teeth, "You think? How naïve of you! Tommen, can't you see? This is all a mistake." I felt my knees go weak at her statement. That can't be true. Everything was real, her kiss, her words, her touch. Everything was true and I was her witness. "By tomorrow, ten Lords will be risking their lives to have me. In a few days, Lady Margaery will be returning. Do you think everything will be fine? We can't continue this nonsense unless you want to start an all-out war and believe me, you don't want to do that."

"But you can't be serious. There must be a way," I tried to convince her with my words but it sounded like it was more of an attempted reassurance for myself. How pathetic it sounded to me. "Why do you always give me something of you that I could hold on to only to let go of me? Why must you hurt me, Corabella?"

She winced at my words, letting me know that she does feel. Whatever effect I have on her, I'm glad it's showing. "It's the only way, Tommen. I can't ruin your name and you can't ruin mine. It's better this way. Please, just stop this. No matter which angle you look at it, it's wrong."

"It's not when you see it through my eyes."

"But it is!" Her voice shook and tears were clearly forming in her eyes. "I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you or myself. But if it's the only way, then I will not hesitate to do it." She turned again and walked away. I didn't bother following her this time.

Maybe she's right. Judging by the attention given to her by Lords of noble names, I don't think they will hesitate in turning against the Crown just to have her. If we did continue, I would also break Lady Margaery's heart in the process. No, I can't do that. I can't be regarded for a traitor like my brother. It is a mistake, then, if she says so. I will believe that it is if she wishes me to. It is a mistake that I do not regret making, though. But for the sake of my people and your well-being, I'm afraid I have to say good bye to you now, Corabella. Good bye to your kisses and sweet words. If I break, then I will be willing to.

Author's Note: It has been so loooong! I have to admit that I was experiencing a bit of writer's block plus the school works that I always have don't help out much. However, I am assuring you that I will be finishing this story as I have already thought of what the ending will be like. I will continue with the monthly updates, though. In estimation, I think this story will be finished on March next year but if ever something shortens down the time frame, I will be updating you guys.

In other news, I have published a new story in my account entitled "Don't Even Say It". It is not GoT-related (it's a fanfic about a Nickelodeon sitcom called "The Thundermans) but I you are interested, you could also check that out. It has shorter chapters and lighter mood to it. Anyway, thanks again for tuning in to this story.

Qs:

- What are your thoughts about Margaery and Loras' plans?

- How do you feel about Tommen and Corabella's fallout?

What would you want to happen next?