20. I AM HERS AND SHE IS MINE
He could not smile, nor react in any satisfactory fashion. The doors of the Sept were opened and he could see her, almost swallowed by her maiden cloak. The deep blue of the external velvet was completely surrendered to the red of her hair, ablaze now with the sunlight caressing it. Catelyn stared at him, all the way across the Sept, and Tywin felt the love, the complicity and how committed she was to what they were about to do.
Her father walked her directly to him, and with each step he felt his innards melting. That was his wife, right there, the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The kindest of hearts, and the sharpest wits. The breath in his lungs. He felt the urge to run down the steps and just take her on his arms. But he had waited for her all that time, he was able to wait that little longer.
In the Sept, surrounded by people they both cared about, he could see that on this precise instant she only really cared about him. Her father, looking all kinds of conflicted, was the only person acknowledging the guests. Right now, the world was just Catelyn and himself. She let go of her father's arm, and turned to him. Hoster Tully held her little face on his hands, staring at her like she was made of crystal and kissed her forehead, saying her a blessing that Tywin could not hear. She smiled to her father and allowed him to remove her maiden cloak.
Tywin heard people gasping all around them, and he couldn't help but smile when he saw how gorgeous she looked. Her hair was worn wavy, unbraided and free. Her dress was of a pale shade of gold, in crushed linen and transparent plain silk, with hundreds of multi-coloured flowers embroidered on the skirts with gold thread. The outline of the seven could be perceived in there as well, if you looked closely, combined with the flowers, like they surrounded her. The bodice was not very structured, but hugged her little figure in all the right ways. The sleeves were airy and flowy, but very minimal. She wore a gold chain of tiny little fish around her neck, and matching earrings. It was the image of effortless beauty, and although the dress was far from simple, it was not ostentatious and it complemented her style perfectly.
She walked up the steps, and Tywin hadn't noticed that he was already there, hands extended to take hers. When they touched each other, he felt his heart fluttering, and she took a deep breath, a large smile on her face. Catelyn looked very petite next to him now, but her stance was always the one of a queen. He brought her hands to his lips ignoring tradition, the newly tamed High Septon of the Riverlands behind them, the dozens of guests...
-I love you. -he had to say, just for her to hear.
-And I love you. -she gently squeezed his hands.
-Ty? -Genna, standing next to him, held the Lannister Cloak on her arms, and offered it to her brother. She looked happy and somewhat emotional.
It felt empowering to stand behind his lady and cover her with the symbol of his protection. The cloak was satin red and embroidered with gold and gemstones. It was heavy to the touch and he made sure to hold her shoulders for a moment before facing her again. She was glowing, he thought, and wondered how he looked.
"I am marrying the woman I love, and if my feelings are to be apparent, so be it. When people talk of this day, I want Catelyn to hear how happy I was. How happy she makes me."
-Let it be known that Catelyn of House Tully and Tywin of House Lannister are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder.
The ceremony developed itself, and neither of them cared much. She had once been deeply devoted to the Faith, but not as much currently. Right now, she was only devoted to them, and although the proper rituals were performed accordingly, there was a lot more happening, as holding hands were not enough, and now she had both her hands on his chest. He held her face and had one hand placed on the base of her spine.
-In the sight of the Seven, -the Septon continued, somehow surprisingly amused by the clear display of love he was witnessing, and he was not used to that- I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity. -the man took a golden ribbon and wrapped around their arms, symbolizing their union - Now, say the words...
-Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger… -they said in unison, their faces closer together with each word- I am yours and you are mine, from this day until the end of my days...-Their foreheads pressed together, Catelyn's little pointy nose playfully touching his.
Only one thing remained now.
-With this kiss I pledge you my love. -Tywin promised her, and pulling her tight against himself, he took the lips of his wife for the first time.
And it couldn't be an ordinary kiss, however ever so proper. Her hand held his face, and when they separated from each other, hearing the cheering crowd, they were still trapped in that moment of their own, holding one breath between two bodies, and still having so much they wished to say.
-We have guests... -Tywin looked around, turning Catelyn's attention to them, and they both smiled seeing how happy the party seemed.
Some of the women had tears in their eyes, and that was also true to Hoster Tully. They walked down the steps and hugged their loved ones, Enya was the first on Catelyn's arms, followed by Edmure. Genna came to hold Tywin's face and told him how proud she was. And she also took a moment to kiss Catelyn on the cheek calling her sister.
When the congratulations ended, it was time to make their way back to the castle, and Catelyn had prepared something, truthfully more for herself than for the both of them. She needed a moment in peace with him to appreciate that it had finally happened. While the rest of the guests made their way to litters, a stable man brought them two horses. Tywin stared at her amused.
-You cannot be intending on riding this horse, with all this dress.
-How do you think I have made my way here? -she laughed, and as it was nothing, she mounted the horse astride, allowing Enya to adjust her skirts and the Lannister Cloak, that she would proudly wear on her way across the city.
Tywin asked himself if he could even be surprised at that point, and mounted his horse next to her.
-This will buy us time. -she said, a red eyebrow raised in a suggestive manner.
And now he was just as eager to go. They made their way across the main street, and people were congratulating them, throwing flowers and telling Catelyn how beautiful she looked, to which she would reply with smiles and waving. When the busy part of the town was behind them, they sped up and crossed the gates. Tywin unmounted first, helping her out of her horse.
They were fully aware that servants were all around them, but they had one thing on their mind and decorum was not it. At the gardens, fully decorated with little tables for the small feast, they stopped, and Tywin removed her heavy cloak.
-Come... -she took him by the hand, conducting her husband to the old red oak.
The furs on the ground also had flowers spread over it. He helped her to sit down, and very aware their garments were not made for laying on the ground, he followed suit and pulled her to his chest.
Tywin was taking a moment to study her, asking himself if anyone had ever being so lovely as she was now. Catelyn caressed his face, the comfortable silence they were sharing right now was most welcome. They both needed to process the fact that they were now, after so many mishaps, married to each other. Tywin pressed their foreheads together, eyes closed, thinking that no one who ever saw him like that, would ever believe the tales told about him. He was a man at peace, happy, in love. A man whose wife was the light in his eyes, and that loved him so dearly that he couldn't help but to think some higher power led her to him.
-Tywin... I need you to promise me that... -she hesitated, eyes closed, not sure if she wanted to proceed.
-Tell me.
-Promise me that you will be gentle tonight.
That was a surprise. Not that long ago, he had buried his face between her legs, making her lose her mind in pleasure. They knew each other's bodies, they had the permission to touch and feel, to tease and even taste each other.
-Oh, darling, have I been too forward with you?
-No, that is not what I mean. You have being so loving and giving... -she closed her eyes, a bit nervous at the prospect of what was to come- I just do not really know what to expect. It sounds like such an enormous thing, such a defining moment...
-It is, but is not that different from what we have already shared. The hardest part is to be comfortable with each other, and you very well know we are, maybe, too good at that. I know you deciding to share the bed days before the wedding were in an attempt to allow us to establish the contact we so sorely missed.
-I was worried with your lack of sleep. -she said, but smiled letting him know he was right.
-Promise me that you will trust me, tonight. Like any other night or intimate moment we have shared. -he pleaded- Allow me to love you completely, fully...
-All the way.
-Yes, all the way. -he kissed her, and tightened his grip around her. -I will not bed you. I will make love to you. And I promise to make you enjoy it.
She was probably unsure of the difference, but she agreed and got back to kissing him. And they stayed like that for a little while, when they remembered that the guests would be arriving soon. He helped her out of the furs and with the rearranging of her dress. She made sure his doublet was aligned and his hair was perfect.
-Would my lady wife be happy to accompany me to our wedding celebration? -he asked, feeling her hand interlock fingers with his.
-As happy as never before.
He knew that the feast, although small and very private, was something done for other people. Not to the bride and groom. It all had been set on the garden, in a gamble against the elements. The day was beautiful, and Catelyn did look outwardly on that dress. She also looked so happy, bringing him by his hand and talking with the guests on the small tables.
When the rain started, and people flocked back to the castle in the midst of the chaos of the servants trying to save what was left of the feast, Tywin felt that this was the right time to take Catelyn away. She was slightly worried, observing the beautiful linens from the tables get soaked in tipped glasses of wine, but Enya had everything under control, and when Tywin took her by the hand, she seemed to understand that no one would miss them much if they left now. People were enjoying themselves, and Hoster Tully had already ordered the bards to start playing on the large dining hall, where the celebration would continue. Good wine would ensure that the night progressed nicely.
They calmly walked back to Catelyn's tower, climbing the staircase while commenting on how fast the rain came. Catelyn opened the door and allowed them into her office.
The thunders of the approaching storm were starting to make the windows rattle. The flashes of light, cutting through the near darkness of the dusk hour, were startling but far from concerning. It was just another storm in the Riverlands, and she seemed to be well used by it. In fact, her calm was surprising. He had never heard of a bride to be so placid on her wedding night. Tywin then realized that she knew that no worries were needed, even more so after their conversation under the oak. Their wedding night had started on that day when she came to sleep by his side, and the night after that, when they allowed themselves to be fully intimate.
Tonight, there was still that ache and that primal sense of urgency, but his lady was at ease with him. She already knew her man. Their pleasure and intimacy had been a three night event, and now all he had to wait for was the sweetest bit. But there was no need for a hurry, and his wife had retreated to a chase, looking like a dream, with her outwardly dress and fiery hair, calmly sipping some wine and staring at him.
-Are you nervous? -he asked, taking off his doublet and placing it on the back of a chair.
-Why should I? -she smiled.
-You shouldn't. Just know that we haven't stopped making love since we shared the bed the first time.
-That was the entire point, my love. -she raised a red eyebrow and sipped her wine.
He smiled, thinking that he couldn't expect any less of his lady. Tywin couldn't help but to remember that her uncle had said once that the worst fear of a woman is to have to bed a complete stranger, and Catelyn had made sure to make them very well acquainted. She extended her hand, and received him on the chase, next to her. She probably didn't know, but she was very much a sexual creature. Her gaze didn't left space for much else, and he felt desired, wanted, loved... She placed her glass on the wooden floor, and getting more comfortable on the chase, she undid the tiny clasps that held her bodice together, slowly revealing a generous cleavage.
That had also been a nice surprise, as he had seen that her dress was laced on the back, and the tiny clasps were not visible at all if she wasn't undoing them. She planned that dress even in the smallest of details, but that one was her way to take charge of her own undressing. She was fully confident that no one would dare to start the bedding ceremony, that no men, but her husband, would touch her that way. For a moment he imagined what would she have worn when marrying Brandon Stark.
-Are you nervous, my lord?
He was, and he had no explanation as to why. She took his hand, placed it on the side of her face, kissing the heal of it. They had expected that for so long, and he loved her so much. How did she took over him that easily? Tywin didn't know, but he was glad she did.
-You have changed my entire life. -he declared, pressing their foreheads together, pulling her for a hug.
-For the better? -she asked, with a little smile.
-I had forgotten how good is to love someone.
-I am not sure if my resignation to my previous engagement was truly love. Not this kind of love, where I couldn't help, where I had no choice but to surrender to you because to be apart was painful.
Tywin felt his eyes burning, and closed them to stop any tear from rolling. He had being such a horrid man sometimes, and he knew he was well capable of that and much more. But this lady on his arms inspired him to be better. Her name alone was capable of bringing light to his darkness, and even maybe making him regret past actions. She had already made him a good father for the children they didn't even had yet, and part of him really wished to meet the cubs they would have together.
She kissed him, so loving and so delicate. Her little hands on his back were very soothing. It was too easy to have her on his arms and she seemed to know that he needed a moment.
-I cannot wait to take you home. -he said at least.
-We are always home when we are together. Now, come... -she stood up, and held his hand- Let's get comfortable.
He hadn't been on her bedchambers before, and they were very much what he had expected. The bed was large, feathered, with pillows and cushions making it very inviting. The linens were dark green, which seemed to be one of her favourite colours. Heavy curtains partially obscured the windows, that were being washed out by the heavy rain. The fireplace was lit and two sconces, either side of the bed, awarded them some more light and warmth. There was no much else in the room besides a couch by some large windows and a small table with books, but he could tell that there's more to this chambers than that. A door seemed to lead to her dressing room, and he was also pretty sure she had a private bath house. Part of him wondered if her domains on the Rock would be of her taste.
-Do you need help with your dress? A maid? -he wondered how she would manage herself with all that fabric.
-I made it so it would be easy for you to undress me.
And that was as clearly as an invitation as it would possibly be. He stood behind her, undoing the lace of the corset. She unclasped the front of it, and like made of pure air, the dress fell to the ground, revealing another set of tiny undergarments, this time in a creamy satin that had the sheen of a pearl.
She made it even by removing his shirt, already well used to the sight of his bare chest, and quick to kiss it. He helped her out the dress, puddled around her feet, and walked her to the bed, perching himself on the edge of it, and holding her by the tiny waist. His face at the exact level of her breasts. She smelled too good and her skin was so soft. For someone with such an impressive head of hair, she had barely any on her body.
Their kisses were slowly becoming more intense, and they lost the rest of their clothing without thinking and just acting out of instinct. The thunderous sounds of the storm matched with the howling wind brought a chill to the room, and Tywin caught himself tucking them both under the heavy blankets, not sure if the shivers were cold or arousal.
Now, warm and comfortable against the pillows, on this bed that was as soft as a cloud, he decided that he needed to be more assertive. The truth is that he fantasized about this for so long, that he feared it to be underwhelming for either of them. He was aware that this would probably hurt her, that she could be aware of it, but not really know what to expect.
-Do you trust me?
-With my life. -she said, seeing the hesitation on his ways and the anxiety that she probably never expected to be present on the heart of that man- My love, why don't you allow me... -she made him relax against the pillows, and allowed herself to explore his body.
She felt the muscles on his chest, and planted kisses on them, massaging them slightly to allow her husband to relax. Catelyn then decided to shift her attention elsewhere, and with one hand, she massaged his pulsating member, making him release a groan and sink further onto the pillows. She sure had improved on how to touch him, and Tywin decided to enjoy her ministrations. He knew he needed to act, and with her tightly held on his embrace, he shifted their positions and started exploring her body, to make sure that she was ready for him.
Her breasts were perfect, he thought. Perky, with small rosy nipples pointing upwards, large enough to fit on one hand, so soft they begged to be kissed. He trailed down her neck, leaving wet kisses on the skin, and pulled her closer, letting his face resting on the vale between her breasts. He kissed them, making Catelyn shiver and moan very lightly, tangling her fingers on his hair and failing to contain a louder moan when he took a nipple on his lips, exploring it with his tongue.
Catelyn was now panting in anticipation, making little encouraging noises while Tywin sucked her nipples and fondled her breasts. One of his hands ventured down her navel towards her parts, now very well acquainted with his fingers.
Tywin could not contain his groan when he found that she was so ready for him, so wet and inviting... He decided to explore her some more, and their faces were very close so he could see what she enjoyed the most. Her eyes would flutter closed, she would gasp and breath heavily, bite her lips, arch her body, call his name in suffocated whimpers...
He felt the urge coming back to his lower abdomen, the aching need. He was determined to make this last for a long time, to get Catelyn relaxed, surrendered, ready. He couldn't bare the idea of spoiling the apex of the simmering desire that had started many moons ago. But she was his now, and he was hers. And just the idea of it was too invigorating.
-Separate your legs... -he asked, and she did it slightly- You are the most precious thing I have ever seen. -he said, contouring her shapes with his fingers and observing his wife like he wished to burn that image of perfection into his memory.
On top of her, having all of that coming to this, he felt his nerves burning, so ready to take what was his, and she seemed to know it was time, so she separated her legs a bit more, accommodating him where he belonged. She held his face with both hands, and allowed him to do as he pleased. He couldn't look away from her face, and holding his member, Tywin slowly moved the tip on her slit, allowing the two parts to become acquainted. She held her breath when the tip of his penis found her entrance, and he kissed her slow and profoundly, in an attempt to make her stop thinking. He pressed himself in there, and she released a completely different kind of moan. It was pain.
-I am sorry... -Tywin kissed her pained face, the frown between her eyebrows- I love you... -and he slowly accommodated himself inside of her, and although it looked like she was in some degree of discomfort, her legs were keeping him where he was.
He kissed her again, savouring the moment he had longed for all those months, before he started moving. She was still not so sure about how that felt, but soon her sounds were back to pleasure. And Tywin knew that all the wait had been worth it. She was so tight, so warm... He was experiencing such pleasure that it was almost like it shouldn't be possible. But he remembered that he had to be slow, to take care of her, to make sure she was well...
However that was his Catelyn, and they both grew increasingly adventurous, her sounds getting louder, her legs almost pulling him towards her. He saw as she grabbed the bed frame with one hand and pinned her little feet against the mattress, elevating her hips and increasing the contact. Her body was moving by instinct, and no sign of pain was apparent anymore. Tywin was fully inebriated by his wife, and allowed his body to also act out of the same instinct that was present between them. He sped up his trusts laying on his side and bringing her with him, one of legs over his hip and his hand gripping her flesh as he allowed his body to reach the glorious moment of complete release, with a muffled roar. They kissed over and over, while he regained some serenity, still stiff as a rock inside her.
He resumed his trusts, now almost pining her down on the bed, whilst he elevated his hips, still inside her, and moved holding her by the waist and pulling her onto him. Catelyn was enjoying it, he could see by her expression and by her hands fighting to hold onto something and grabbing fistfuls of blankets. She hissed, moaned, begged calling his name, making him feel like a true king.
Now, with his initial urge having been satisfied, he could explore her points of pleasure, observing her expressions when shifting his movements and discovering what she seemed to like the most. Neither of them were containing their reactions. He leaned over her, and took a nipple between his lips, making her get hold of said breast, without thinking, and almost guiding it into his mouth. She then brought his lips to kiss her, and was covering her body entirely with his, one arm holding her leg up by the bend of her knee, that his slow and deep trusts made his wife contract and convulse all around his cock for the first time.
-Please hold me... -she begged, trembling, covered in sweat, seeming to be unable to breathe properly.
And he was there, ready to comply, ready to hold her and kiss her. Promising it was all right and she was loved and that he would never leave her. Slowly, his stiffness subsided, and he removed himself from her. Tywin then could see the white linens of the bed clearly stained with blood. She had her eyes closed, still regaining some sanity, unaware that no one would ever question her honour again.
He didn't know how he felt, but that was her maidenhood blessing their bodies. He had tried to convince himself it didn't matter, he had believed her when she guaranteed him of her purity, but seen it now made everything more special. It was not a lot of blood, but enough to make the sheets stained.
-My love... -he whispered on her ear- You are bleeding.
She seemed a bit shocked, maybe calculating if that could be her moonblood, but Tywin knew it wasn't the case. Catelyn looked somewhat embarrassed now, and sat up to see what he was talking about.
-You knew this could happen? -he asked, giving her some privacy.
-I didn't think that after all we did, this was still a possibility...
-I had never penetrated you before, darling.
-I wasn't sure if it was strictly necessary. -she had stood up, and put on a dressing gown- I don't know what to do...
-Come here... -he had sat on the edge of the bed, and observed how she made her way towards him- You do not need to be distressed about this. -he promised when she hugged him, his head nested between her breasts- No one will ever dare to challenge your honour again, my love.
-This doesn't have to be public, does it? -she was startled.
-What do you think will happen when your maids come to change your bedding?
-We could just burn it. -she was embarrassed, more so than she had been when people were doubting that she was still intact.
-Why? And deny your father this? After what the Faith have done? After your sister?
-This is our intimacy, Tywin... -she was blushing, like a maiden in her wedding night.
-We do not need to do anything about this if you do not wish. -he promised- But the bed spreads must be changed and we may need a bath. I have covered you more than just in sweat.
She seemed to think for a second, and finally agreed. He stood up, covered himself with his robe, and observed as she made her way outside the room, probably going after her maids. He decided to retreat to the balcony, where the rain had subsided. His bare feet on the wet stone felt relaxing, and the smell was refreshing, with some distant lightning still illuminating the ghostly figures of large trees in the forest.
He saw as a couple of maids returned to the room with Catelyn. He could hear as they explained that this was a "maiden's cloth" and that was nothing more than a thick and wide piece of material that covered the area on the bed where the blood could be. He saw, through the opened door, like they folded it nicely, and removed another sheet, that had also being stained, before remaking the bed. After they left, to prepare them a bath, Catelyn joined him on the balcony.
-They said this should be given to my mother. -she said, standing next to him and observing the forest.
-Cersei's was given to me. In the absence of Jo.
-Right away? -she asked, probably afraid of having to go find her father now.
-No, the next morning. She came alone to my chambers, and gave it to me. I am proud that I didn't unfold it.-he remained silent for a while and felt Catelyn hugging him from behind, resting her face between his shoulder blades- Don't take this away from your father. -he kissed her hand that rested on his chest- He will be so proud.
Their bath was ready, and they left the chilly balcony to the bath house that was attached to her dressing room. The copper bath was large, and had being filled with steamy warm water and her favourite oils, the one that Tywin distinctively associated with her. The sweet smell of geraniums and vanilla. He entered the water first, helping her to join him. Her hair was tied in a knot on the top of her head, and she leaned against his chest, while they both allowed the hot water to wash away the tiredness of the day.
He held her on his arms, pressing his lips on her temple and feeling how well their bodies fit together on that bath. He needed to make sure to have one of those on their chambers, this precise size.
-I am your wife... -she whispered, like the concept had only then enlightened her.
-You are... -he agreed with an amused smile- You will get used to it.
-Are you already used to it? -she lifted her head to look at him.
-No. -he laughed quietly, tucking her hair behind her ear- I feel like I have been walking on a cloud for the entire day. It does not feel real.
-Good. -she returned to cuddling up on his chest- I am not the only one.
When they finally left the bath, they both took a moment to make sure that the other was nice and dry.
-Can we sleep like this? -she asked, half a smile on her face.
-Bare? -he was surprised.
-Why not?
-Why not, indeed... -and tucking his wife back in bed, he joined her, moulding his body to hers, as he pressed her back against his chest.
-Sleep well, my Lord Husband. -she said, a smile on her voice.
-You too, my Lady Wife. -and kissing her face one more time, he allowed the day to end.