[Musebox] - An Arranged Marriage

[thekittenqueen]

Set after this.

[Somehow Robb had defied her expectations and kept his word about the marriage. Despite what his council had said and his mother had feared, he had pressed on with the alliance. Strangely, it was the people that seemed to rejoice publicly once the news had leaked (though the source was never found.) She'd always been loved and admired by the populace, but it was the first time that it had been displayed before the Starks.

It was comforting, showing that she had value...beyond financially.

The Tyrells were naturally pleased at the match, offering more than a generous dowry. Harvests, money and men were given to the Starks, a small price compared to their sudden rise in favor.

Margaery had accepted it all in silence, coming whenever summoned by Robb and offered him a gentle ear and pleasant conversation. Despite the time they passed together, they had not yet breached the walls raised between them. They were unfamiliar to each other, strangers, yet soon they would wed. Sooner than they had imagined.

When the day actually arrived, Margaery felt out of sorts, lost in a daze. Once more she was placing her head on the block. She was going to be a queen again, facing discord and suspicion once again. As she approached the godswood, she found herself wondering about the man that Robb Stark truly was. She had seen the King and the shadow of his father, but who was the man? Who was he going to be when they were alone in his rooms?

She looked calm and collected, but inside, she was apprehensive and uncertain. Everything was out of her control...him and their marriage. She never had lost control before, but somehow, it was wrestled away from her.]

Comments

[wolfhead]

[ The last few days have been a bit of a blur for Robb as well. Despite arguments with several people (including his mother), he'd stuck to his decision. Thankfully, there had been those among his council who believed it was actually a good idea. Most of them were less thrilled with the idea of him trying to take the Iron Throne for himself and he'd promised to... reconsider that particular aspect, although he wasn't sure how he was going to really avoid that. Maybe he could make someone king in all but name and leave them in charge and hope that it would work itself out.

Or not.

Regardless, after the decision was made things had moved surprisingly quickly. There wasn't going to be an elaborate wedding feast or ceremony; this was going to be small. Muted. It seemed somehow inappropriate to throw a gigantic party when the city was still recovering and resources could be better spent elsewhere. There would still be a feast, but it would be relatively small; northerners and Tyrell bannermen, family, and members of his inner council. And his direwolf, of course.

The day of, Robb went through the motions. He was going to have a wife. Not a Frey, but a Tyrell - a beautiful woman, even if she'd been married twice already. Was she going to sink her claws into him? Was this some sort of ploy to simply make him vulnerable? He wasn't sure. Didn't know. All he could do was try to trust that it would work out and keep himself guarded. At least until he knew where Margaery truly stood.

In a bit of contrast, Robb looks slightly out place, even if he does manage to look like king, complete with the simple crown that was fashioned for him ages ago (or seemed like it) when he'd first been called King in the North. And now he's being married in the godswood in the Red Keep. He takes a deep breath and doesn't allow himself to betray his own nervousness. Not here, not when he's surrounded by his own sworn bannermen and his 'king's guard' - loyal companions who have followed him since the beginning. Certainly nothing as formal as the true Kingsguard.

As she approaches he extends a hand a steps forward. ]

My lady.

[ He inclines his head, feeling as if he's a puppet on strings. ]

Welcome. You look... radiant. As ever.

[ He's trying to make this go as smoothly as possible. What's going to come next is a simple exchange of vows, a witnessing before the old gods, and the exchange of cloaks. It should go off easily enough. Right? ]

[thekittenqueen]

[There hadn't been enough time to make a gown for her suitable for a royal wedding. It had come down to a choice between an elegant feast or a dress for the future queen. While her grandmother had insisted that they could manage both, Margaery demurred, preferring to not trouble their servants further. It didn't seem like something Robb would approve of as well. He wasn't a man that preferred a fuss, that much she at least knew about him.

He was courteous as ever, even as he seemed to be uncomfortable. Only Sansa was truly smiling, as though the wedding were her own.]

Thank you, your grace.

[The easy words and mask of pleasantry. It was an ignoble start to their married life.]

And you look very handsome.

[wolfhead]

[ Gods, why this? They'd had something approaching a rapport a few days ago and now it felt as if they were back to the stilted, polite language that everyone else tended to use. As if they were probing one another again, putting on some sort of show. Robb's lips twitched in something like a frown, but he pushed past it and instead took her hand, as expected of him.

At least Sansa looked happier then he remembered her being in the last few weeks. She'd been one of the very few people to wholeheartedly approve of the union. He gave her hand a light squeeze - enough to let her know that he was trying. Well, that was the message he hoped it conveyed. He gestured down the path towards the godswood, past the small crowd of gathered family and bannermen. ]

Shall we?

[ Let the ceremony pass quickly. That was all he wanted. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[He was trying, she knew that much. It wasn't her intention to slide back towards their earlier awkward conversations, but her nerves had stalled her mind and made her feel like nothing more than a child. She had several weddings before this (even one to Joffery), yet it was marrying Robb Stark that actually left her trembling.

As the vows were being said, a cheer rose out from behind the castle walls, loud and boisterous. She hadn't informed Robb (intending for it to be a surprise), but at that moment, coins were being distributed in her name, paid for by her family. Their wedding feast would be shared, as more carts of harvest had been brought to the city.

The people would at least feel the cheer that Robb and Margaery were still struggling to find.

Once the cloak was placed on her shoulders, Margaery began to feel a bit more at ease, her mind slowly calming and color returning to her face. She could feel the eyes of his council and his mother on her, mistrust drifting between them. It was hardly a romantic atmosphere.]

[wolfhead]

[ Romantic is definitely not the word that Robb would have chosen. Even with the cheer from outside the walls, it wasn't exactly a very celebratory mood. Fortunately, they seemed to be spared a completely funeral-like atmosphere thanks to some more cheerful sorts among Rob's bannermen (Smalljon Umber and Lady Mormont among) and some of the Tyrells. The ceremony itself passed relatively quickly. Oaths were exchanged and the Stark cloak was set on Margaery's shoulder.

Margaery Stark. Queen in the North. Robb would have have to get used to that. Hell, he was going to have to get used to being a married man. Ceremony completed, the pair were whisked off to the hall for the feast. Once again, it wasn't entirely a glum atmosphere and after a few awkward minutes at the start, both sides of the engagement seemed to pitch in. Not the greatest of a starts, but a start nonetheless. As the hum of conversation started to pick up Robb, leaned over to speak to Margaery, sounding inquisitive and maybe a bit more worried than he ought to be. ]

Are you doing well? I realize this isn't all it could be.

[ Those words are for her and her alone. Which isn't hard, considering the general hubbub. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[There were toasts given, many by her father. His joy had been magnified with each subsequent cup of wine he received. His flowery prose was an odd contrast, compared to the speeches given by Robb's bannermen. It seemed to be more than the joining of two houses, it was almost like the joining of two worlds.

She had made a point of tasting everything that passed on Robb's plate, as well as the wine from his cup. It might seem to be a romantic gesture, but she wasn't about to lose another husband at her wedding. Her grandmother and father were pleased by the alliance, but she knew better than to let her guard down.

If the threat didn't come from them, it came from someone else. She knew better than any the dangers that lurked in this capital.

His voice pulled her out of her thoughts and worries. Without intending to, she had let her fears show on her face.]

Yes, of course. [The smile seemed to come a bit easier now that the ceremony had ended.] I...I didn't expect very much, to be honest. This is lovely, a bit overwhelming, but lovely.

[wolfhead]

[ The fact that she felt the need to taste from his plate and cup was a little surprising, but surprisingly touching, at least as far as Robb was concerned. The idea of poison wasn't completely alien to him, but it wasn't something he'd considered being on the look-out for. Maybe he should have learned more from Joffrey's wedding. Fortunately, nothing untoward had happened and Robb seemed utterly oblivious to the fact that there was a non-zero chance he might have ended up dead tonight if someone had decided to put in the effort. Perhaps he should have been more aware; he already considered the city a pit of snakes. ]

No one has started fighting yet. I'll consider that a victory.

[ It's a joke, meant to cut the tension a little. The tension he was feeling, honestly. Everything was going reasonably well, but it all still felt a little unreal, as if he was going to wake up and this whole thing would be a dream. He settled back in his seat, idly swirling the cup of wine in his hand. He wasn't a heavy drinker, never had been. He was still nursing his second glass. ]

I... think the Stark colors suit you, Margaery. [ He paused and frowned. ]

I can... call you Margaery? Or would you prefer "my lady"? Or "Lady Stark"?

[thekittenqueen]

[She made a mental note to appoint someone from her household to act as a taster from now on. While this evening seemed to pass without any danger or threat, there was no guarantee that the days that followed would be safer. With the right amount of subtlety and someone she trusted, Robb would never know that his food was being tasted before it left the kitchens.]

There are even men from the north and the Reach seated together. Yet they seem to be enjoying the night.

[She returned the joke, widening her eyes as though she were surprised by the idea.

His compliment managed to heat her cheeks, raising a crimson blush over her skin. He had said before that she was beautiful, but these words seemed more genuine.]

You can call me Margaery...so long as I can call you Robb. It would be a bit awkward for us to not even use our names with each other.

[wolfhead]

A minor miracle.

[ Robb replies with a wry grin. He is very well aware of the stereotypes the spur, rather rough-looking northerners can bring with them. The fact that everyone seems to be behaving themselves is an honest relief. One less thing for him to worry about (after all, he already has far too many things to worry about, especially tonight). He takes a slow sip of his wine and then turns back to Margaery, just in time to catch the flush in her cheeks.

He seems a bit surprised by that and his own cheeks seem to flush in sympathy. Was she really flattered by that? Wooing women is not something he has done much of. Especially not for this marriage, which mostly consisted of political considerations. ]

Please, do call me Robb. [ He pulls a bit of a face. ]

I don't think I'd be able to handle being called "Your Grace" or "Lord Stark" everywhere, morning, noon, and night.

[ Which has some interesting implications that Robb probably didn't mean to make. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[It was the joining of two different worlds. She was well aware that many from the North viewed those from the Reach as pampered and pompous. They didn't know the harshness of the cold as the men of the North did. While the northerners seemed to live a rough existence, the Reach harvested and lived off of the abundance of the land. It might seem simple and spoiled, but it was hard work.

Whether or not that would be viewed as such by their counterparts, Margaery couldn't be sure. They at least had something to talk about and seemed to even find ways to laugh together. It was almost as though it was their wedding, as opposed to Robb's and Margaery's.]

Robb.

[She repeated his name, testing it against her tongue. It was the name that she would be using for the rest of her life.

The implications are not lost on her and she blushes again.]

With the right motivation, a man can enjoy being called a number of things.

[wolfhead]

[ In a strange way, it was. Even if most of the men and women here would go home and likely never see each other again. They'd still have relatively happy memories of one another and that might prove all the difference in the future. Robb's not really thinking of political concerns at the moment, however. He has a... wife to focus on. Strange to think about. He's married.

For some reason, he feels like this moment ought to be bigger somehow. Like there should be more of a crescendo, some sort of overwhelming emotion. Instead, he just feels vaguely relieved that the ceremony is over and that no one has asked any awkward questions or made too much of a scene. He blinks, refocusing as her answer registers and it's his turn to blush (just a bit) as he catches the innuendo. ]

That's... certainly true. Although for certain names one owuld have to be very motivated indeed.

[ He clears his throat. ]

I think Robb will be fine for now.



[ OOC: Going to be a bit slower tonight. Have to deal with some silly RL shenanigans. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[She hadn't tried outright flirtation with him yet, as she had a number of other men in her life. Given how unclear he often was and how rigid his humor was, she had carefully avoided any of the more ribald jests. She hadn't wanted to offend him or to have him question the measure of her virtue.

He seemed flustered by her response, blushing as she had before. It was almost a feeling of victory that washed over her, finding a way to break through that shield he seemed to keep around himself. Out of the entirety of the wedding, this was the closest she had come to feeling levity.]

I hope you don't mind...I've ordered for the servants to give the leftovers to those in Flea Bottom.

[ooc: I'll be around for awhile! Take your time!]

[wolfhead]

[ He doesn't respond well to flirtation, mainly because he's not used to it. He's been fighting a war, not going on social outings. That doesn't leave much time for the "fairer sex" or thinking about relationships, as much as he might have liked to. So instead of having anything particularly witty to say in reply, he lets his cheeks burn and distracts himself with some of his wine.

What is he getting himself into?

Her statement earns a surprised glance. He doesn't object; it's just unexpected. ]

Mind? No. Why would I mind? Better then letting them just rot, I imagine.

[ Idly, he wonders how late the feast is going to go. He's never actually been to a wedding, let alone his own. ]

The smallfolk deserve to eat, after all.

[thekittenqueen]

[It was both personally motivated and politically. She had never lied about her devotion to the poor or her concern for their well being, but that didn't mean she didn't understand how they would look to the kingdom with these acts. There was a reason that coins had been distributed in his name and the food would be shared. Robb would be remembered as a generous ruler, a sharp contrast to the previous rulers and any other claimants that might appear.

He knew how to win a war, but this was something more than a battlefield. It required the social maneuvering that he seemed eager to avoid. That was what her role was now. She was to oversee these matters for him and persuade the rest of the kingdom to swear loyalty to him.]

I didn't consult you. [She didn't expect him to object or react poorly to her decisions. She was testing the ground, seeing if he preferred control or equality between them.] You might be surprised by those who would view such gestures as waste.

[Like Cersei.

There was little else in the feast, save for any other speeches or gifts that the guests wanted to give. Beyond that, there was the strange ritual of taking the couple to bed. She hadn't discussed the idea with Robb, but a part of her hoped to avoid the game. The rest of the night would be awkward and tense enough.]

[wolfhead]

[ If there is one thing Robb is good at it, it is most definitely not social maneuvering. He’s probably more personable then in his father in some ways. He’s young, fairly handsome, and he’s inherited some of his temperament from his mother. On the other hand, he’s still a northerner, born and bred and struggling to get out from under his father’s shadow, and he maintains the typically dour face that northerners present when they’re at court or dealing with people they find disagreeable. He also tends to be a bit blunt, even if he is well-spoken.

Certainly no diplomat.

For all that, he has a good heart and he believes I justice and right and wrong. Then again, some would call that a disadvantage. A liability in a court and a world where loyalty can sometimes be bought. He shakes his head in answer to her statement, brow furrowing as he nurses another sip from his cup of wine. ]

I probably would be. But that’s not how I intend to rule. Winter is coming and you cannot let people starve. Especially not the people who rely on you for protection and who we rely on for food.

[ Among other things. The lords cannot exist without the smallfolk, just as the smallfolk look to their lords and kings for protection and justice. ]

…you know, this is the first wedding I’ve been to, I think. At least as an adult.

[ For some reason he finds that darkly amusing. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[He could be a good king. He had the makings of one, even if he didn't realize it. There was a reason the Lannisters were so concerned when it came to him. He had never lost a battle, proving he had strength and cunning. He had persuaded many houses to his cause, which showed he was charismatic enough to win allies. He was young and handsome, something that the small folk loved in a ruler.

With a bit of help, he could someday manage to out think anyone in King's Landing. He might object to the game, but it was something he would have to learn to play...as would their sons.]

Winter is coming. [They were her words now. She was Lady Stark, not Margaery Tyrell. It almost made her feel serious as well. In an effort to tease him, she fixed her face into mock severity and mimicked a Northern accent.] Winter is coming! [She laughed, touched a little by the wine and raucous cheering of their men.]

In the Reach, every man plays a part and no worker is invaluable. We may seem pampered, but we understand the importance or our small folk. [It was where she learned to practice charity and understand the plight of the poor.

She wrinkled her nose in response, amused at his comment.]

Is it to your liking? I can't imagine this is what you pictured. [Or who he pictured as a wife.]

[wolfhead]

[ Robb really just needs a bit of help, even if he has too much pride to ask for it. Too much of his father in him (and too much of his father’s life and death looming large in his mind). He’s trying to be his father in many respects and that is, perhaps, a mistake that might cost him in the future. Something that no one has thought to tell him before now. His bannermen respected and loved his father, after all. Why should they tell his son not to imitate him or follow in his footsteps?

Robb is still looking a little lost in thought when she puts on a semi-passable imitation of him and he bursts out laughing. Beyond the occasional smile, it’s the first real outpouring of good humor from him since they’ve started talking. Perhaps he shouldn’t be making a jest of his own family’s motto, but if one can’t laugh at one’s self, what can one laugh it?

Honestly, it feels good.

It takes him a moment to reply when it does, it comes off the end of a low sigh. ]

It’s… really not what I imagined or thought my wedding would be like. I can’t imagine you thought you would be getting married again. Or three times.

[ Possibly not the best subject to bring up, but no one is really listening in on them right now. ]

…no offense intended.

[thekittenqueen]

[She feels pleased that she managed to make him smile and laugh, even at the expense of himself. It was such a rare sight that it almost felt like a gift. So far, he had been serious and brooding. While he had a great deal on his mind, she hadn't wanted this experience to be altogether unpleasant. It wouldn't be ideal, as they hardly knew each other, but it could at least be pleasant.

His sigh slowly chases her smile from her face. She is returned to the present and this rather awkward situation. This was their wedding feast, but neither of them knew what to make of it or how to enjoy it.

He was right, at least. She hadn't imagined she would be married again, but that doubt had only arisen when the Stark forces had closed in around King's Landing. Until then, her family had been plotting to marry her to Tommen. She was to be passed from one king to another, but it seemed that rather than a child, she was given a northerner.

Tommen might at least enjoy the festivities, but Robb was the more ideal husband. It was an interesting trade.]

After Renly, I learned not to have many expectations about my life, but to make the best of my situation. [It was the most honest she'd ever been about her mindset with him.] It has made everything bearable.

[wolfhead]

[ It isn’t that he finds Margaery unpleasant. He just doesn’t know her all that well beyond their single, blunt conversation and a parade of pleasantries. He always feels a touch awkward with her, as if he’s going to say or do something that will cause her offensive. He doesn’t even know what sort of food she happens to like or if she enjoys riding or a thousand other things he thought that he’d actually be able to find out. Not to mention how quickly they’ve moved from a decision to the actual marriage.

Maybe time will fix that. He doesn’t know. Will she be a good mother? Will she be a good queen? She seems to want to be queen, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll be good at it. Here they are, though. Robb sets his cup down and settles back in his chair, shooting her a curious glance. ]

Even me?

[ It’s another small joke. Something to try and make any of this easier. ]

Do you regret having to be married to yet another king? Or is this all that you wanted?

[thekittenqueen]

[It was easier for Margaery. All that she knew about Robb was what Sansa had told her, but in her longings for home, Sansa had revealed a great deal. Margaery knew that he was a skilled rider, fighter and hunter. She knew that he was honorable and loved his family deeply, as well as inspired loyalty in his followers. It didn't take much to gather that he would be a good father too.

If she had known Ned Stark, she might have seen how closely he was trying to resemble his father. For now, he existed as a unique specimen, unlike any other man she had met before. That he was handsome had been a benefit. Renly had been handsome as well, but Robb...it was hard to pinpoint why, but he exceeded the young Stag King.

She turned to regard him, smiling quietly as she appraised her new husband, finding nothing but pleasing features staring back at her. This was to be the man she spent her life with and it wasn't altogether terrible. It could even be enjoyable...once they passed this first night.]

No. You don't need to be made bearable.

[She felt shy admitting it, as though he might shut the conversation down quickly, pushing away her attempts at affection.]

I didn't imagine that I would marry a King, but I think this is the happiest I have been at a wedding before.

[For all of the splendor of her marriages to Renly and Joffery, there was no indication that she might ever receive affection. Renly preferred men and Joffery was to vicious. Robb...this could be different.]

[wolfhead]

Well, I'm glad I'm not completely hideous.

[ That's a... sort of joke. Definitely a joke, actually. He even cracks a bit of a smile. He does have a sense of humor, after all. It's just usually buried under the weight of his responsibility and the misfortune that - until now - has dogged his family. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, though. Even if that light means he's going to be spending the rest of his life tearing his hair out while he tries to deal with making sure nothing else goes wrong.

Not that refusing had ever crossed his mind. He was born to it. It's a duty. If he ran away from it, Robb would never forgive himself.

Robb's fingers tap against the armrest of his chair as he regards Margaery, the other hand cupping his chin as he considers her answer. It's not quite what he was expecting. Then again, he can't imagine anyone would be thrilled to Marry Joffrey, so she's probably telling the truth. He catches himself there - is he really going to consider everything she does a potential plot or trap?

No. He can't do that. ]

I'm glad it - no.

[ He pauses and shakes his head, sounding deadly serious for such a pithy little saying. ]

I am glad I please you, then.

[ Robb has the benefit of his parents as role models. They didn't marry for love, but they grew to love each other deeply. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[It was natural that he questioned everything she said. Given her family's succession of alliances (and how quickly it shifted from one family to another), she expected him to view her as false. She hadn't helped matters by concealing her thoughts and feelings, placing a mask over features so that he could never read her. She had maneuvered this marriage quickly as well, taking advantage of a completely idle observation that he needed to marry a southern house.

Joffery would have required a near constant deception, playing a part to appease him and keep his family from turning against her. That wasn't needed with the Starks...and however this marriage came about, she didn't want to continue planning every move as though it were a chess board.

His smile was warm and charming. His growing comfort and ease with her helped sway her away from the pretense. She could be natural with him and that was a greater surprise (and delight) than she had first pictured.]

You are far from hideous.

[Other women had noticed as well. The serving maids always seemed to blush when they poured him wine or filled his plate. The other ladies of King's Landing stared at him over long.

Yet he was hers completely, if she knew the Starks as well. It shocked her how much she enjoyed the idea.]

I only hope you aren't disappointed.

[wolfhead]

[ Robb simply doesn't it have it in him to be extensively political. It goes against his whole education. Unfortunately, that's what landed his father in trouble and will likely get him in trouble if he's not careful. Although so far he's actually managed without getting himself horrible murdered. That's all the furthest thing from his mind right now, though. His attention is all on Margaery at the moment. Despite the initial awkwardness, they're managing to warm up to one another (or at least he feels like they are).

That's certainly better than the alternative. His fingers have stopped drumming against the armrest now, but he still only has eyes for her for the moment. A smile ghosts across his features and he shakes his head. ]

Not disappointed. A bit stunned, perhaps. But not disappointed. It's just... We've moved very quickly and I'm still getting used to the idea.

[thekittenqueen]

[It's a relief to hear. While she didn't doubt that he wasn't displeased by the marriage or her, she hadn't been sure whether or not he was going to warm to her. Their lives and upbringings were different, possibly making them incompatible...only if they were unwilling to work for something more substantial.

The way he looked at her and the gentleness of his words, they were at least reassuring. She met his gaze warmly, turning away from the rest of the festivities and attendants. The noise disappeared and all she could see was him.]

We have and it meant that we haven't had the time to talk or get to know each other. [Then there was what was left to do that night. She hadn't considered that yet.] I want to make you happy.

[wolfhead]

[ Yes, there is that traditional wedding night event that's supposed to be coming relatively soon. He hasn't thought too much about it yet, but given time, he'll have to start considering it with a bit more immediacy.

Her response makes his gaze sharpen. That was not what he expected to hear. ]

That... I didn't expect to hear that from you, but... I- Thank you.

[ He's obviously a touch baffled by the response. It's not what he expected out of an arranged marriage. At least not at first. ]

I... would like you to be happy as well. I don't want this to be a prison for you.