[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

[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.

[thekittenqueen]

[She wrinkled her nose in amusement. His response caught her off guard, as though there was any surprise that she would want them to be happy. Their lives were bound together, how could she want anything else? Her children would be his, their lives were linked now and her fate rested on his success.

What he felt mattered as much as what she felt.]

You didn't? I may be a lot of things, your gr- Robb, but I think I can be a good wife.

[She might not be the same as his mother, but her loyalty was ensured. She had never betrayed a husband, even Joffery.]

If you allow me, I could show you that I'm more than a product of King's Landing. I am just as much a woman as I am a courtier.

[wolfhead]

[ Well, that particular turn of phrase makes his ears burn just a touch. He coughs to clear his throat and glances out over the hall before he returns his gaze to her, a slightly sheepish smile on his lips. ]

And how do you plan on doing that? If I am allowed to ask.

[ This is the most comfortable he's felt in her presence since their first conversation. He's not sure why. Perhaps it's simply because she seems so genuine. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[She hadn't intended it to come out that way, but in seeing his reaction, she realized how it had sounded. Her face heated, not helped by his question or the intensity of his eyes. He would not be her first lover, yet she felt inexperienced and shy whenever the hint of the bedding came into her head.

If she were going to fall back on old habits, she would follow the path and seduce him, as she had other men. She wanted to be genuine, to let him see a bit more of her private side.]

In the ways that a woman can bring her husband happiness. [Beyond the obvious.] I would ease your mind with conversation, sit with you when you are ill, bear your children, share your troubles...

...and of course, share your bed.

[wolfhead]

I... would welcome that.

[ He's only a tiny bit choked up. He's not a blushing maiden after all. He knows what's expected. No, what's more important is that she's making this offer and that it seems entirely genuine. She seems to want to make this work. That's so much more then he was expecting. ]

And I would like to be a good husband to you. However I can be.

[thekittenqueen]

[What mattered more was that he stay alive. She couldn't lose another husband, especially one that she respected as much as she was learning to respect Robb. He was good in a way that none of the others had been and she knew that there could come a time when something deep and meaningful existed between them. It needed time and she didn't want to be deprived of the chance.]

I believe you will be.

[He needed to hear how much she trusted him and how much faith she was willing to place in him.

The noise of the room was starting to filter back into her senses. It was loud and heated, the wine long ago gone to the heads of those gathered. They would be celebrating long after Robb and Margaery retired...which should be soon.]

Tell me you don't want to have the bedding ceremony? [She'd rather not be manhandled and stripped on her way to the bedroom.]

[wolfhead]

[ Hearing that she trusts him is a bit of a relief. Even if it's a white lie, it helps me sit a bit easier. He doesn't want a marriage full of bitterness and recriminations. That would make his life much harder and make him a deeply unhappy man. He offers her a smile, about to comment on something else when she asks a question about the bedding ceremony. At first, he laughs. ]

It is tradition.

[ And then he notes that she doesn't seem that thrilled by it. ]

But if you'd rather not...

[thekittenqueen]

[Wasn't she the one to tell him that they didn't get to make private decisions? This wasn't a marriage between a man and woman. It was a political marriage between two noble houses. If they didn't follow tradition and let others see them to bed, there could be questions later about whether or not the marriage was consummated.

She glanced across the room, hesitant to let the bannermen paw at her. However, it seemed wrong to begin their night with a break of tradition, almost as though it were inviting bad luck.]

It would disappoint everyone if we didn't...[she smiled at him, returning to the amusement from before.] My handmaidens would never forgive me for denying them the fun.

[wolfhead]

[ Robb hates to make her uncomfortable on their wedding night, but they might not be able to avoid it. Either of them. It's a new experience and he's just as nervous about what's meant to happen as she is. Possibly moreso. He shifts his weight in his chair and settles his chin in his hand again, frowning. ]

I suppose not-

[ Wait, that was a joke. He catches himself and blinks sheepishly. ]

I wonder when they actually plan on carting us off.

[ Probably soon. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[She could see the men starting to eye them, knowing that their minds were working towards the same inevitability. There was nothing left to do in the feast and the men were growing restless. They would want a bit of fun before they continued the drinking without their King's presence.]

Soon, I suspect. [She offered him a brave smile, feeling a bit stronger with the knowledge that this was what was best.] I suppose they could use an indication.

[Pushing back her chair, Margaery rose to her feet. The hall seemed to fall silent as they looked towards her, curious to what she might say or do. With a bright grin, she removed the cloak from her shoulders and held her hand out to Robb.]

[wolfhead]

Ah. Yes. An indication would help.

[ Robb's a bit slower to move, but he does move. He stands and shrugs his cloak off as well, taking Margaery's hand with a smile that isn't entirely forced for the benefit of the feasting hall. He feels like he ought to wave or something, but he represses that notion, because this is really as much of a sign as everyone else needs and there's suddenly a very rowdy crowd moving toward them, cheering and apparently having a fantastic time of it. ]

Here we go... [ Rob has a chance to murmur before he he's surrounded by laughing (and leering, in some cases) women, who are doing an excellent job of stripping him out of his clothing. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[She has but a moment to feel singular solidarity before both she and Robb are pulled away from each other. Her cousins were giggling loudly, saying all of the things to Robb that had likely been lurking in their minds. 'How handsome he is!' 'Questions about the wolf lurking in his cage' and other suggestive comments meant to be exchanged during the night. It was only shocking to hear her maiden cousins know how to make him (and Margaery) blush.

It was the Umbers that had managed to surround her more closely. With a loud cheer, they lifted Margaery on their shoulders and began to tug at her gown. Fixing a pleasant smile to her face, she laughed at the jests that they made. The usual comments of 'inspecting the beauty that lies beneath the skirts', 'verifying her modesty for their king', 'readying a maiden for the wolf to feast on.'

She could see Loras among the company, his hand reaching out for her, but failing to get close enough. With shouts and laughter, her bodice was tossed behind her, falling in the path way of Robb and the women.

Suddenly it became a game. Her ladies and his men, pulling articles of clothing from Robb and Margaery, throwing them towards the bride and groom, seeing if they would catch the wedding clothes. Her skirts were next to fly, followed by her stockings.

Once they reached the bedchamber, she was in her small clothes, shivering from the draft and the feeling of eyes lingering on her. With a quick hop, she darted into the bed, sparing herself from being deposited by an Umber or another bannerman.]

[wolfhead]

[ Honestly, Robb is flushed a bright red almost the entire time. He thought he was prepared for this, but Margaery's cousins and the other attendants and hangers-ons had quite the vocabulary on them. Their innuendo isn't any less creative, although they also can't hoist him onto their shoulders either. He glimpses Sansa through the crowd at one point and his mother (his mother, that's awkward) and then they're tossing his jerkin and then his shirt. Somehow his boots get hurled into the air as well and in a few minutes he's being whirled away in his small-clothes, dumbly clutching onto a solitary stocking that he managed to catch.

He's unceremoniously shoved into their chamber (not really is, his real home is miles and miles away) and then bannermen and maids files out with a few more raucous comments (and even a few mock howls). The door is closed quite firmly and they're left alone. His head is still whirling and it takes him a moment to recover, even if his face still feels like it's on fire. After a moment to get his head clear, he walks over to the bed, rubbing at the gooseflesh that's popping up on his arms. He tugs the blankets up and slips under them with a little laugh. ]

Well, that could've gone worse. I didn't realize that your cousins had such a wide vocabulary...

[thekittenqueen]

[She bursts into laughter, covering her face with her hands as her embarrassment raced through her. Her cheeks were red and burning beneath her fingers, heating her entire form.]

I had no idea they were capable of that sort of language! [Though given the way they had been looking at Robb since his arrival, it shouldn't have been so shocking. Her ladies were all young and unmarried. Their imaginations likely wandered.]

The Umbers are rather enthusiastic.

[With the door shut, and the other guests away, Margaery pulled from bed to pour them both a glass of wine. They would need a bit more courage for all they had to do, and for all they had just gone through.]

They at least have a fire for us. We don't need to freeze through the night.

[wolfhead]

Thoughtful of them. Be a bit awkward, wouldn't it, if the king and his newlywed froze to death on their wedding night?

[ He can't really think of this as 'freezing' though. It's far too mild for that. Not even any frost on the windows. He sits upright in bed and breathes out, trying to force the awkwardness and embarrassment away. His eyes track her movement and - for just a moment - take in her form.

She's certainly beautiful. He can't doubt that. ]

And the Umbers - well. They're a bit rougher around the edges, even compared to some other northerners. But they're good men. Loyal, too.

[thekittenqueen]

I think it was a decision made before the celebrations. I suspect that, had they brought us here during the bedding ceremony, they would have left it out and told us to warm ourselves.

[That seemed to be the implications some had given. When she would go North, she would need her husband to warm her.

Without the layers of her gowns and robes, with all the trinkets that made up a queenly appearance, she was left with nothing but her form to display. She was shapely and beautiful, something that she had grown up knowing. Strange to think that this was the first time that she had a husband that would be able to admire her features.

It was also her first true wedding night. Joffery died before theirs and Renly shared his wedding night with Loras. It would be the first time that a man warmed her bed since High Garden.

She offered him the goblet of wine, sitting on the edge of the bed beside him.]

I never had a bedding ceremony before. [It was a small admission, but one meant for him alone. Part of her hoped he'd be surprised and pleased. Whatever she did in her girlhood, he was the first husband to truly have her like this.]