[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]

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.]

[wolfhead]

[ Robb accepts the goblet with a grateful nod. He's also trying to keep his gaze semi-respectful, despite the fact that this is his wife. He's not a lech and despite being married, this still feels a bit more like a friendly chat. Despite his newly-wed wife (and him) being down to not much more than their bare skin. For all that, he keeps his eyes on her face. At least for now.

He takes a long, slow sip, considering. He's... well. He's going to have to admit this at some point, so he may as well get it out now. ]

I... I've never had one either. Or, well, bedded anyone.

[ His gaze drops away and he shifts his weight, feeling incredibly awkward. Like a small child. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[Her head whirled around to look at him, shock written across her face. While she knew he had never been married, she had at least assumed that he had bedded a woman. There were so few men that hadn't when they were younger, especially lords.

Though perhaps it shouldn't have been a shock. His father was known to be an honorable man. Despite having a bastard, he likely would press his son to follow his strict moral code.

She honestly didn't know what to say to any of that.]

Not for lack of interest, I imagine.

[wolfhead]

[ Robb coughs. This is not the conversation he anticipated having in this room tonight. He's been too busy dealing with the war and trying to be a king to bother with bedding a woman. It just hasn't been important. Nor has he had the opportunity. ]

Certainly not, I just - I've had other priorities.

[ He sounds stiff. Not in the entertaining way, either. ]

[thekittenqueen]

[She had never met a man that would admit to virginity, especially one Robb's age. While it was true that he fought a war, there were a number of camp followers that were eager to ease the troubled minds of a soldier. Robb, rather than succumb like other men, maintained his focus and intent on victory. The battle mattered more.

She couldn't think of anyone who would sacrifice their own desires for the sake of their loved ones.]

You thought instead of Sansa and defeating the Lannisters. It is why you succeeded.

[She wondered if she sounded as though she were patronizing him. For all her ability to read the desires of men, she had somehow failed to discern that Robb was inexperienced. He covered it well.]

Never? Truly?

[wolfhead]

Perhaps that's why. I would like to think that more of my own skill had something to do with it.

[ It's a bit of a poor jest, but at least it makes him smile. ]


But - no. I... have not had the opportunity. Well, more like I have not taken the opportunity. Other things seemed more important.

[ He shifts his weight on the bed and takes a long, slow sip from the wine. ]

I, uh, take it that... you've seen more. So to speak.

[thekittenqueen]

[She flushed, immediately embarrassed by his ability to guess and recognize her knowledge of these sorts of things. Save for Renly, most men were left in the dark, enamored more with her appearance and confidence. They didn't think about how much she might know about sex.]

Life in High Garden is much different than most of Westeros. We...we're not ashamed or put off by these things.

[She looked at her hands nervously.]

I doubt that is appealing in a wife.

[wolfhead]

I... suppose I cannot complain.

[ Robb offers a slightly weak smile. It's not as if she's born a child to another man. He sets his cup of wine aside and shrugs, trying to laugh. ]

It might be better that one of us knows what they're doing. Saves at least some awkward fumbling.

[thekittenqueen]

[His good humor manages to coax a relieved smile from her. She hadn't intended for this secret to ever be revealed, but he managed to discover it on his own. Perhaps it was better that way? They were going into this without any deceptions. Their marriage was one based on brutal honesty, it seemed.]

It shouldn't be awkward once desire sets in.

[It would be awkward at first. He'd be confused, they'd both be trying to rouse the other. But she could picture him becoming slowly drawn in to it all and letting his body take control.

He might even enjoy it with her, she hoped.]

We could wait if you prefer?

[wolfhead]

Wait?

[ A look of alarm crosses his features and he shakes his head, jaw working. ]

I - well. I would rather not wait. We don't want rumors about our marriage. Do we?

[ That concerns him. The idea that there would be talk of a loveless marriage or a childless one. Then this would get even more complicated. He's honestly not concerned with her experience or lack thereof. It's his own that he feels awkward about, not hers. ]

[thekittenqueen]

No.

[It would be unwise to wait, given that this alliance held together so much. The kingdoms were dependent on the union and peace and stability would not be achieved otherwise. It put a great deal of pressure on them both. They had to bear children, to further the line of succession and make certain that a rebellion would not find any foundation or support. With Stannis still trying to earn the throne, they were on precarious ground, certainly more firm in their hold, but not enough to ignore the importance of this union.]

I can't imagine this is how you pictured your first night to be.

[She drained the rest of her wine and set aside the goblet. Pulling away from the bed, she found a bottle of her rose scented oil. Gently, she dabbed a bit behind her ears, in her hair and along her bust.

If they were to bed each other, she would at least be appealing.]

[wolfhead]

[ Robb can't help but watch the way she moves as she carefully applie little dabs of scented oil to her skin. It's strange and just a little exotic, even if it all seems so matter-of-fact. He tears his gaze away after a long moment, not wishing to be crude or to stare, and makes a little 'hmm' sound. ]

I... cannot say that it is anything like what I pictured, no. But nothing has been as I thought it would be for a very, very long time. So why wouldn't that extend to my marriage and marriage-bed?

[ He shifts to make a bit of room and after a moment, extends a hand toward her. ]

We can just sit for a moment, if you prefer.

[thekittenqueen]

[She feels his eyes on her and knows that he is watching her movements with interest. It doesn't trouble her. The actions are a dance in a way. A part of her wishes to be pleasing to watch, entrancing and beautiful. It would be better than being hideous and undesirable.]

It's a grim assessment, but I understand what you mean.

[She had been forced to face the prospect of bedding Joffery. She couldn't imagine it being nearly as tender or calm as this.

She accepted his offer and his hand, slipping once more into bed beside him. This would at least allow them to ease into everything, rather than try to force it right away.]

Are you cold?

[wolfhead]

[ Cold? Robb shakes his head and gives her hand a little squeeze, as if it might somehow be comforting. He's not sure why, it just seems like it's something he ought to do. ]

No, not terribly. This is rather warm compared to how it can get up north at times.

[ He laughs quietly, cracking another smile. ]

I've spent my whole time here thinking it's too warm. Even the nights.

[thekittenqueen]

My first year in the North will be an amusing one, I imagine. I used to say that the Tyrell blood runs hot, but I don't know how it will manage against the snow.

[She would have to adopt the style of his people, not that it would be any great hardship. She never thought she would have to wear furs, not until winter had come.

His hand felt warm against her skin, soothing away the nerves that trembled beneath the surface. He wasn't her first, but somehow it felt similar to that first time. She didn't know what to say to him exactly or how to behave. It didn't normally matter, but with Robb it did.]

There are certainly some things you enjoy about the south, aren't there?

[wolfhead]

I'm sure you'll do fine. It's not as terrible as some people make it out to be.

[ Well, it does get cold, but Winterfell is usually kept warm. Pipes in the walls and all that. His thumb traces idle circles against her hand as he considers her question. It's not a hard one to answer, but he has to hunt for an answer. Perhaps it's because his heart is starting to hammer in his chest. He's nervous. ]

It has a charm to it, I must admit. It's much greener and lush then I'm used to seeing. Although I can't say I'm usually one for looking at flowers...

[thekittenqueen]

[She's becoming distracted by the caress of his thumb and the way it is making her heart flutter in her chest. Instinctively, she shifts closer to him, allowing her shoulder to brush his, seeking out that warmth that he spoke of a moment ago.

Her fingers curl around his instinctively.]

You may have to grow used to it. I have been around flowers for all of my life. I always wake to the smell of perfume in my room and I spend my afternoons in the gardens. Flowers soothe me.

If you let me, I would have them about me in every room in Winterfell.

[wolfhead]

[ It's a slow, soft feeling, having her brush shoulders with him. It's a close, strangely intimate contact and he finds tht he'd like it to last a little longer. So Robb leans into her, fingers tightening against her hand, and he brushes his temple against hers. ]

We have a greenhouse. You could probably grow some flowers there. Maybe even have some in your room, if you like. I wouldn't object - it might be nice, actually.

[thekittenqueen]

[She's overwhelmed by the tenderness and intimacy of the moment. It's good, pleasant. Her heart flutters once more as he leans his head against hers. It had been some time since a man had shown her any interest or affection.

Perhaps never like this.]

The changes in our lives shouldn't be unpleasant. I meant what I said when I told you I want to make you happy. I think that you have lived too harsh a life. You need someone at your side who could look after you and ease this burden.

[And she wanted it to be herself.]

We could be close. I would like to be.

[wolfhead]

I think I could be happy - even if I thought that winning like this would. But-

[ He pauses and his free hand runs through his hair as he thinks. Then he shakes his head. No. He can't go that far. Not yet. ]

I think I would like that. To be close, I mean. It would - I would not want an enemy for a wife. And I wish I could say something more than that, but that's the world we live in, isn't it? We don't know. We live the lives we are allotted and we try to do our duty.