Author's Note: Since Christmas break is now upon us, I am pleased to tell you that my time will now be mostly spent on writing and binge-watching "House". Any fans out here? Haha. Anyway, stick 'til the second Author's Note below for some longer announcements and such. Nothing serious, though. So, this is the twenty-fourth chapter!(?) I hope you guys enjoy it. (Game of Thrones is still NOT mine)

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Twenty-Four: A Turn of Events

"What do you think you're doing?" My heart instantly raced at the sound of her voice. Alarm signals rang in my head. I knew I was in trouble. But how? How did my mother find out when we were so careful? We were in the most secluded part in the castle, or so I've been told. I shouldn't have been too sure. My mother's eyes are that of a hawk's. She's watching me these past few days and I did notice. I shouldn't have given in to temptation of rebelling. But I guess it's too late now.

She grabbed me harshly by the arm and spun me around before I could do that myself. I could have taken a breath or blinked twice to see a clear view of her face but her other hand was too fast. Before I could even process the events happening before me, my face was thrown to my side and my cheek was burning in pain. With my free hand, I tried to wipe away the marks of her palm but it didn't help. Before I could stop myself from looking so vulnerable, my own tears mocked me treacherously.

"What has gotten in to you?" Mother said. I did not dare look into her eyes, I know that the fire behind her orbs would be enough to burn me into a disgusting pile of ash. The guilt creeped up my spine and I didn't know which was more painful, my bruising cheek or my breaking heart? "We did not come here for the King to creep between your legs and you should know better!" Her voice was shaking in anger. I still did not look.

"I love him," was all I managed to say through tears. I felt her freeze at my words and I know I did, too. Did I mean what I said? Do I love the Boy-King when he is nowhere close to my standards? Right now, I wasn't sure of myself. I was fooled by our kisses, by my fantasies. Lorcan's absence was another thing, I couldn't train and distract myself.

Just as I started lifting my head to level with my mother's gaze, it was once again threw to the side. It was more painful now that I admitted it, how pathetic I am. The guilt dug deep into my guts now that clarity unveiled itself to me. No matter how long I hide between iron shields, no matter how much blood I draw from men, no matter how physically bruised I am from all the duels I face for my own hand, my heart is still as weak as it is. How pathetic it is, truly, for a fighter to be defeated by her own sentiments.

Mother let go of my arm and pushed me away from her. I stumbled on my feet, almost losing my balance. I was sobbing now, I haven't sobbed for years. "What makes him so different?" she asked. I didn't answer because I didn't know what else to say. If I told her that Tommen has a real beating heart, it wouldn't be enough. For all she knows, I do not go after someone's emotions, I wanted those who could protect me. "You won't see him after this," she said with a stern voice. My head snapped up to her direction and tried to protest but I knew she already defeated me. "You are going to have a husband of your own by tomorrow, someone willing to fight for you and not hide you from his subjects. I don't want to speak about this matter anymore."

She turned to walk away and leave me there until I spoke up. "I will never be happy and you will indulge in that, Mother. You must hate me right now for not being a perfect daughter."

She turned, glaring daggers at my direction. This time I didn't look away, I can't let her see how fragile I am even though I gave away that fact earlier. "He's getting married for the love of heavens!" she practically shrieked. Of course he is, why did I block that fact before? Was I really that blind to see that we're not living a fairytale, which for once, I can be with whomever I want to be? Why did I forget about Margaery? Then again, I couldn't blame myself, his kisses were toxic. Mother and I engaged in a staring contest before she finally breathed in, closed her eyes, and found a calmer tone. "I'm not going to mention anything to anyone. Whatever happened, whatever I saw, it remains between you and me. But you will play by my rules and you will not see him in secret again. Besides training and formal events, you will not be interacting with the King. Behave now before it's all too late, Corabella. Your head is too pretty to be on a spike." With that, she said nothing more and I watched her silhouette grow farther and farther into the distance.

Corabella's Point of View

"You know, Sister, we could still slip something in their drinks while they're not looking," Cosimo said while wiping the invisible dirt on his dagger. "It'd be better than slitting their throats, more peaceful," he added while making a slitting motion just inches away from his own throat and gagging comically. Gino, for some reason found that amusing. I didn't. Today didn't feel like a happy day and I had no reason whatsoever to joke around. I watched my brothers' reflections while my handmaidens busy themselves with making me look presentable. What's the point of it all if I didn't get to wear my own armor and fight the Lords myself? Then there was Tommen. Our kisses lasted only momentarily. Why am I still thinking of him? I shouldn't trust him or anyone here in King's Landing. For all I know, there are only two types of people that live here: the puppets and the cruel game masters. I wouldn't be surprised if every word he said, every kiss he gave, every touch he let linger in my skin was all just fragments of my dreams. Everything spirals down to a nightmare, eventually.

"If you're feeling sad about all this, why did you agree in the first place?" I snapped out of my trance and stared at Gino's reflection. There was something behind his gaze. He wasn't one to agree to my parents tactics of getting me a husband, none of my brothers were. We loathed the fact that our lives could be dictated by a simple marriage. I didn't answer yet and ordered my maids to exit the room. My physical preparations were enough. I could tell by the itch spreading on my skin brought by the lacey dress. As soon as I left, I rose from my seat and turned to face the twins. "You had a choice," Gino added with rage in his tone. I had to blink twice to assure myself that my brother is still ten. With the growth spurt happening, his voice lowered significantly, he almost sounds like cousin Glendon. He also grew taller than Cosimo in a span of only two days. There was something mystifying about the men in our family. The way they grow is too fast, I'm sure some witchcraft might have been involved.

"Things change, Brother," I said to Gino. "You wouldn't understand. You're still too young."

"Too young?" Gino replied with annoyance clear in his voice. "Have you seen me lately, Sister? Do you think I'm still too young?"

"Just because you grew a few inches taller and gained that lump on your throat doesn't mean you are mature enough to understand how the world works, Gino," I countered almost instantly. Because it is true. "Reality isn't only about swords and daggers and games. Reality is cruel, Brothers, and we have to face the cruelty slapped on our faces." Gino looked away in embarrassment. I turned to Cosimo who only shook his head before looking down on the ground as well. "If you do not want to be regarded as 'too young'," I started lecturing them. "Then prove it. Try putting yourselves in my place, for once. I don't like this and I never will but it already started. If I wanted to back out of this plan, I would have. But then if I did, it could spark a war between ten Lords that are controlled by their manhood. I'm not insensitive, Brothers. I think. And I suppose you should, too."

I had nothing more to say to them. The disappointment that boiled inside me reached its highest point and I'd better stop now before I do something reckless. I picked my skirts up and headed out of my chambers. Outside, Attera waited for me patiently. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw me but her smile was at its saddest. "Let's go now, my Lady. Everyone's waiting."

If there is anything that King's Landing is proud about, it's the fact that its inhabitants love violence. The training grounds, which was now transformed into a large and elegant stadium, was crowded by hundreds and hundreds of people. There were the Nobles and Highborns lining the first few seats closest to where the duels will be. The rich ones were isolated from the common folk. The grounds were opened for the outsiders. People of all ages attended the tourney: men, women, and even children. It didn't surprise me like it should have. Bedoco's events look like this at times, only less loud as its population isn't as big as King's Landing. What amazed me, though, was the fact that the common folk didn't even bother dressing up for the event. Dirty clothes and grimy faces welcomed me from every corner of the vicinity. Attera held my hand all the way to the stadium while four of the Kingsguard guided us through the crowd. Again, the attention was suffocating. I never left the castle grounds that's why everyone was so eager to see me.

"…welcome Lady Corabella Doreen!" I heard the Herald announce from the raised gallery especially made for the Royal family and mine. With careful steps, Attera guided me to our spot. Mother, Father, and the twins were all seated on the right side of the gallery. Only Father looked amused at the sight of me. He gave me a wide smile and a reassuring nod. I returned with something a little weaker. The Queen-mother and Lord Tywin were both seated on the left side next to some other people I don't know. And in the very middle was my seat next to him, the boy-King. I didn't bother looking at him, it will only make me feel a lot worse. The Herald gestured for me to approach him and face the people and the ten Lords that lined up with their armors on. All of them beamed at me, I only frowned.

My eyes turned towards the audience. All of them shouted my name and reached out their hands to me as if I was near enough for them to touch. The sound of their voices invaded my ears and made their way to my brain causing for my head to pound. My blood ran cold. I can't afford to faint right now.

"Say something."

Yes, I had to say something. Something to let them know that I am not going to pass out now. My vision blurred but I forced myself to maintain my composure. I started to count the Lords. One… two… three… There were only nine? Why? Who's missing? My eyes skimmed through their unfamiliar faces and tried to remember who was missing. Heckle. He isn't there. Did he back out?

"Corabella, say something." I turned to see Tommen just behind me. His eyes pierced through mine. I felt my breath hitch on my throat. "Are you alright? Do you want to sit down?" No, I'm not alright. I so badly wanted to grab his arm right there and run away and leave all of this all behind. I want to forget all I said about him. I want to just be with him. But no, it's too late for that now. My eyes shifted towards Mother who was not looking amused. Her brow rose, sending me a signal.

"I'm fine, please sit yourself down." Tommen nodded and did so. I took a deep breath and relaxed myself. I can do this. Maybe a sudden turn of events will happen and this place burns down, who knows? Anything's possible. I waited for the noise to die down, enough for the people to hear me. "Today, we will witness… nine Lords to duel within themselves until only one stands. Whoever triumphs over the other eight will have my hand for marriage. Though any kind of weapon and strategy is allowed, no one is to be killed. The weaker half must call a forfeit if they cannot carry on. If they won't, I will personally stop the duel between the pair. I wish you all good luck." I received applause and cheers from the crowd until I sat myself down. The Herald took over and announced the participants. I didn't pay attention. Instead, I turned to my Father and motioned for him to come closer. "Where is Lord Quagg?" I asked.

"He left this morning. He said that duels aren't for him because he already found himself," he said rather amused. He knew that the Lord wouldn't last until the tourney. Heckle is still weak even if he told me that he gained a newfound self-esteem. He wasn't fooling me. "Don't worry, your rule called for ten Lords. If anyone shows up in a miracle, you could still accept him." I rolled my eyes at him. Heckle wasn't much of a loss. I am glad that the ten Lords were down to a nine. It means the event will end earlier than expected. I just wonder who will be the unlucky man to marry me. If I will even agree to marrying. I'm still hoping for a sudden turn of events.

The event started with the first two Lords whose names I can't remember. It wasn't very entertaining than I hoped it would be. For middle-aged men, their moves were that of an amateur. I would have taken them down in under five minutes.

"Do you think they will ever end this? It's quite boring," Cosimo remarked beside Father. I tipped my head forward to look at him with a smile. Father did, too. "Can I interfere, Father?"

"I'm afraid that's not how it works, Son. You might end up marrying your sister if you were to 'interfere'."

"That's disgusting, Father." Father laughed as Cosimo sink down to his seat, playing with the dagger on his belt. I wonder when Cosimo will grow mature just like Gino. I know he's still ten but his mentality is like that of a five-year-old. In a few years, my brothers will be fighting for a Lady of their own. I feel old.

Just as I was about to converse with Father, a loud shrieking voice came from the battle ground. With a bloody face and a broken arm, one of the men laid on the ground sputtering blood. "I forfeit. I forfeit!" I didn't know his name and I wasn't too interested to know, either. What I am sure of is that he wasn't strong enough. And the other one will duel the next Lord.

"This will be a long day." I said while leaning back on my seat.

Hours passed by, more blood came, and shrieking Lords followed. The number of Lords dropped down to only three. Surprisingly, Lord Dagon, the first victor, managed to fight six more Lords and make his way to the top three before lunch came. I am quite impressed, to be honest, but if ever he succeeds 'til the end, he's just too… old.

We were dismissed for lunch inside the Great Hall before we continue with the remaining three contenders. We had an hour and a half to kill before we go back to the stadium. I didn't eat much, just enough to make me last 'til the afternoon. After all, by then I would be hurling it out of my stomach after I hear who I will be married to. Also, I was avoiding any kind of conversation with a snooty Highborn that would most likely annoy me anyway. Mother is still angry, too, though I think she did keep her word about not saying a word to anyone, especially Father.

So, I decided to take a walk with my brothers in the gardens. I didn't want to be alone. Tommen might follow me and I can't risk having that kind of interaction with him again. Besides, I could break a sweat with my brothers for a while.

"Step back," I commanded Cosimo. "Now dance, Brother, as if an orchestra is playing in your head." We twirled and kicked and swung our swords. I have to admit, he is improving. His small stature made him move faster, but still not fast enough. Gino joined in on our little game. His reach was longer now and his strides were, as well. It was an advantage for him, coupled with his quick moves. The Gemelli showed true potential when it comes to combat. They worked in such synchronicity and passion. It impressed me well. Father must have taken time in forging their blades. It worked perfectly with them. With a quick and a jab, I sent my brothers down as always. "You're good," I said while sheathing my sword. "But not good enough."

"We'll never win against you, Sister. You're impossible." They both said in unison. It was almost cringe-worthy. I laughed at them but my expression changed when I saw Gino's puzzled look. His eyes were looking at something behind me.

"Gino, are you alright?" I asked. He turned to me with fury in his eyes. I looked at Cosimo who was mirroring his twin's expression. Gino straightened up and grabbed the dagger in his belt. Before I could ask him further what was happening, he threw the dagger towards whatever was behind me, only missing my shoulders by an inch. Someone groaned behind my back making me turn slowly.

My eyes trailed along the jagged brick lines of the garden's pathway until it landed on an uncommon sight. Gino's dagger pinned a man on the same wall I pinned them on back in our first day here. In front of the groaning man was a member of the Kingsguard, the back of his golden armor turned to me. He suddenly turned in panic. I eyed him suspiciously but I did not recognize the man. He was younger than most of the Kingsguard's members, with brown hair and green eyes. He also had a cleft chin.

"Lady Corabella! I… I.. could…" I shot him a dangerous look making him shut up. I narrowed my eyes at him before gesturing for him to move at the side and reveal the other man. There, breathing hard as my brother's dagger pinned him to place, was Lord Farwynd. The same Lord who presented himself to me a few days ago who was reeking with testosterone and manliness. Caught red-handed, he looked at me with fear but his lips turned to a careful smirk as if testing me.

"Surprise, my Lady," he said with a teasing tone. "Bet you did not see that coming." Until now I can't tell what the color of his eyes are but that seems too unimportant right now when my brothers and I just witnessed how he exchanged saliva with another man.

I heard Gino's quick strides approaching me but I raised a hand before he could move any further. "You fool! You can't play with my sister like that!" he shouted on top of his lungs, his voice threatening to crack. I heard Cosimo calming him down and sensed that he was holding back his raging brother. "And you," I guess he was referring to the man with the golden armor. "You are a disgrace to your position. Does the King let men like you infiltrate and disrespect the Crown?"

"Why you little son of…" It was my turn to grab my dagger and point it directly at the Kingsguard's throat. He immediately backed away, his eyes wide open.

"If you do anything… anything to make this situation worse, I will not hesitate to rip your head off of your body right here, right now." He nodded at my threat and decided to run away from the scene. I let him go but I remembered his face. By morning, whatever punishment he will face is all his fault. "As for you," I turned to Farwynd. "You disgust me. You don't show up here to fight for a Lady but shove your tongue down another man's throat. I don't have any problem with what you are but the fact that you're making a fool out of me is unacceptable," I managed to say through gritted teeth.

"And what will you do? Kill me?" He taunted. I could, to be honest. "Of course you could. I wouldn't doubt your skills. However, what I do doubt is your reputation. Killing me now is easy but the consequences that will follow… not so much. After all, you don't have proof that you saw anything."

"I have my brothers as my witnesses," I countered.

"Which accounts for bias," he replied. I hate the fact that he is right. Besides, killing him would be pointless. Though if he wins in today's tourney, I will regret having a husband who has other interests.

"You are a pig." I finally said while digging my brother's dagger deeper into his shoulder earning a loud groan from him before finally pulling it out and handing it back to Gino. I turned away and urged my brothers to forget what they had seen.

We made it to the stadium but before I could go back to the gallery, someone tapped me in the shoulder. It was Massey, the arrogant git who's dueling last. "I reckon you've seen the incident in the gardens."

"What?" I asked.

"You don't have to hide it, my Lady. Farwynd is as straight as grapevines, I thought you already knew." He laughed as I felt the color in my face drain into paleness. Was I the only one who didn't know? "There are only two reasons why he comes to King's Landing: One, the alcohol. And two, the Kingsguard."

"I do not know what you are talking about, my Lord," I managed to say, attempting to sound innocent but my tone was so fake. So was the smile I was giving him. "I'd rather you go back in your waiting area and I to the gallery instead of gossiping like chatty Ladies. Good bye."

"Don't worry, I won't let him win." With a heavy heart, I made my way towards my seat. I don't know what's worse, marrying Farwynd who happens to be homosexual, or marrying Farwynd who happens to be the vainest man I know.

My eyes grew wide and my mouth hung agape when Farwynd shouted defeat. Everyone's eyes were on the scene unravelling before us. Massey won and I felt like fainting. No, dying on my spot. My blood ran cold once again. I was frozen and staring down at the man who raised his sword towards me.

"I am your champion, Lady Corabella!" he shouted and laughter followed afterwards. No, this must be a nightmare. I can't marry Massey, I just can't. I looked around the gallery. Father wasn't amused. His face was red in rage. My brothers were more than likely confused and so was Mother. Tommen, such a mistake that I looked at him, was also as shocked as I was. This can't be happening. The audience were all whispering to themselves. Given by Massey's reputation in King's Landing they must not have agreed with this triumph as well. What am I going to do?

"M'lady?" Attera's voice was so faint, I couldn't make out the words she was saying. "… for you. Do you agree?" she asked.

"What?" I snapped back to reality and urged her to repeat what she just said.

"Another Lord just came in and said he wanted to fight or you. Do you agree?"

"Who?" I asked. Nothing really processed much in my head right now.

Attera shrugged her shoulders and told me, "He didn't say. But he is already armored and ready."

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. This must be the sudden turn of events I was hoping for. Whoever that armored man is, young or old, I don't care. Right now, I just want someone to defeat Massey. I nodded my head at her. She whispered my commands to the Herald who looked at me in confusion but announced the new changes immediately.

"That is unfair! I already defeated everyone. I already won!" Massey was shouting from the grounds.

The nerve of him. He never shuts up, does he? Before I could even say anything in my defense, Father's voice echoed all throughout the area. "My daughter is expecting ten Lords to battle for her. Now if you can't defeat this one, boy, then you are not worthy of my daughter's hand!" The stadium grew silent. Father was killing Massey with his dangerous, soulless stare that made the young man take a step back. Massey had to look around the other people watching him before nodding his head and bracing himself of what will come.

The duel started immediately. The anonymous Lord was covered from head to toe, concealing from everyone his true identity. I have no idea who he is but out of all the Lords, his moves were the most decent. Massey obviously had a hard time considering the fact that he is not shouting threats towards his opponent to inflate his ego. Instead, he concentrated so hard. The other man had no trouble at all, dodging Massey's strikes from left to right. It was only a matter of time when Massey finally sucked up what's left of his dignity and shouted for a forfeit.

Everyone cheered and so did I. The anonymous Lord won! I don't have to marry the airhead Massey! Even Father has a genuine smile on his face. Out of nowhere, the crowd threw roses and praises at the anonymous Lord who in turn waved at them in thanks. I rose from my seat and stood in the middle of the gallery and shouted my own congratulations to the Lord. He moved forward and inched closer to the gallery. When he was close enough, he kneeled down and presented his sword to me.

"Reveal yourself, mighty Lord, for you should be properly praised for your braveness and strength," I commanded. My heart suddenly raced so fast, I swore it could have pumped out of my chest. Slowly, the Lord rose to his feet and sheathed his sword. I can sense his hesitation as he carefully placed his hands on his helmet. It took him a couple of seconds to finally remove the thing on his head and reveal his face.

If there it is even possible for me to grow even paler, I did. "Hello, my Lady."

I whispered to myself, with trembling lips. "Lorcan?"

Author's Note: Yay! Updates! For the important announcements, well, from now on, the story will be moving a bit faster since I've already put up a decent plot twist. Although I reckon you've all seen this coming. Also, I read LLtBK the other day, which was very unusual for me since I really do cringe when I reread my own work, and noticed a LOT of errors in my chapters. After this novel is finished, I will go back and edit everything so that if ever you're planning on rereading this, it'd be much more decent.

Qs:

- How do you feel about Edvige and Corabella's interaction?

- Do you think Corabella will agree on marrying Lorcan?

What would you want to happen next?