Game of Thrones: Love Shall Find its Way
Chapter 8 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Chapter 8
Bethany followed her father as they headed for Winterfell's Great Hall. Her father had spoken to Lord Stark in his solar, explaining that he had an urgent matter to discuss. However; he would not say more than that there, stating it would be better to make the discussion formal and, as it was important, to include Lady Stark and Robb too. So they entered the great hall to find the three Starks waiting for them, along with Maester Luwin. They approached the high table and bowed, straightening up as Lord Stark then spoke.
"Lord Mallister, we have gathered as you requested, what is this urgent matter you spoke of?"
Jason looked at his daughter who nodded and then cleared his throat.
He stepped forwards and then spoke. "Lord Stark; certain matters, recently brought to my attention, have led to this. I must humbly request my lord, that we annul the betrothal between my daughter Bethany, and your son Bran."
Lord Stark's eyes widened briefly before he regained his composure. Lady Catelyn however gasped at this, suddenly becoming worried; while Lord Robb was unable to hide his surprise. Maester Luwin looked gravely at Jason.
"This is an unusual matter; has some offence been given, or…" He began.
Bethany however felt she should speak up; this had been her decision after all.
Feeling that she owed it to Bran and Meera; Bethany stepped forwards.
"Lord Stark, if I may speak." He nodded and she continued. "My father has reached this decision through my request."
Lord Stark looked at her seriously for a moment. "Your request, so you would have us end the betrothal due to your wish not to marry Bran."
Bethany explained, choosing her words carefully. "I do not wish to marry him, for I have no desire to hurt him. I ask that this betrothal be ended, simply because Bran and I do not…cannot love each other as anything more than friends. Yet there is one who has captured his heart, I ask that our betrothal be set aside and he be allowed to marry the woman he truly loves."
Silence greeted her words; this time, not even Lord Stark could hide his shock.
It was Robb who finally broke the silence. "What, Bran…Bran is, in love with someone?"
Bethany nodded. "Yes; they truly love each other; Bran and I, are only friends. I wish for them to be happy. I feel it would be better if they were to be allowed this chance."
"You wish for them to marry." Catelyn remarked in amazement. "But, are you sure about this, your House…?"
Bethany smiled and nodded, explaining. "My House will still benefit greatly from mine and Bran's friendship. It is alright, my Lady. I believe this to be for the best."
More silence followed her statement; it was clear Lady Stark was considering Bethany's words, while Lord Stark was deep in thought.
It was Robb however, who broke the silence again, due to his curiosity.
"Lady Bethany, the way you speak, you know who Bran is in love with, tell us please, who is it?"
Bethany nodded and then revealed. "Bran is in love with Meera Reed."
That startled them, Catelyn gasped again.
"Meera, Bran and Meera?" Bethany nodded and Catelyn gaped. "Gods, I would never have thought."
Robb was clearly in shock too. "I don't think any of us did mother."
Lord Stark said nothing however, his face grew serious again and it was clear he was deep in thought. He was clearly adding this news to everything else he was thinking about, in regards to what had just been revealed regarding the betrothal. Soon everyone fell silent, their eyes on Eddard Stark. It was clear that now, nothing more should be said. It was all on Eddard's decision now. Finally; after some time had passed; Eddard nodded as he finally made up his mind.
He smiled. "Very well then Bethany, I agree with you. I shall formally announce the end of your betrothal to Bran."
Bethany felt the tension in her body relax; Robb smiled and that gave Bethany a new worry. The smile on Robb's face seemed to indicate that she had just opened Bran up for a round of sibling teasing. However it was Catelyn who made their course of action clear.
"We should call Bran and Meera here, let them hear the news." She said.
Everyone agreed and so messengers were called in and given orders to find them and bring them to the great hall.
Bran was perplexed at the sudden arrival of the messenger; he wondered what his father wanted with him. He was even more surprised when, just outside the great hall, he found Meera standing there.
"Meera?" He remarked, surprised.
She stiffened and turned to face him, biting her lip. Bran was horrified when he saw how pale she was. It was clear, despite her words, she wasn't taken things well.
She shifted awkwardly and then sighed. "Bran…Lord Stark asked me to come to the great hall."
Bran blinked in surprised. "What, my father asked you here, he asked me to come here too."
That confused Meera.
"Why would he…I guess the only thing we can do is go in and find out."
Bran nodded and together they entered the great hall. They were both surprised when they saw Bran's mother and older brother were also present, as were the Mallisters.
'What are they doing here, what's happened?' Bran found himself frantically wondering.
He couldn't help but suddenly feel nervous. He noted that Meera appeared to be the same; in fact, he could swear she was perspiring.
His father then spoke. "Bran, Bethany has delivered some news for us. In respect to what she has said; your betrothal to her is over."
Bran started at that; and then, even more so, by what else was revealed. His family knew, they now knew about him and Meera. He could swear he was blushing, he could say with certainty that Meera was.
Robb looked at him seriously. "I must say I'm disappointed in you Bran. I would have thought, as your brother, you would have felt able to tell me anything."
"Sorry Robb." Bran replied; still somewhat in shock.
Even more surprising was what happened next.
His father smiled as he then announced.
"In regards to the revelation of you and Meera; we have decided our best option is to betroth you and Meera." He paused and then added. "After all, marriages aren't just for forming new allies, but for strengthening old ones…The two of you deserve to the happiness it will bring you too."
Stunned at the fact that, after hiding their love for so long, they were being given the chance to take it to its highest, they agreed. There were many formal details but they were reassured they would be taken of, and so they were free to go. They left the great hall and, once it was just the two of them they turned and grinned at each other.
"I can't believe it." Meera gasped. "We…
Bran nodded. "I know, I can hardly wait."
With that they didn't hesitate and closed the gap between them, kissing deeply, having missed each other so much. Having hungered for the feeling of each other's lips for so long. Their happiness was nearly overwhelming as they had so much now to look forward to.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.