[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]

[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.

[thekittenqueen]

We have to make the best of our circumstances.

[She had said something along those lines to Sansa before. At the time, Margaery had been facing her marriage to Joffery. There was little hope at happiness, save for the kind that she created herself. Her only alternative was to be miserable and that simply wasn't how Margaery preferred to live her life.

He was going to say something else, it had been on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he seemed to turn to grim acceptance.]

But what? What were you going to say?

[wolfhead]

[ His thumb is still tracing small, idle circles. He could get used to this. Having her close and pressed against him. In another time and place, he might be awkwardly, embarrassingly trying to hide arousal, but right now, he's simply oddly content to sit and talk like this.

It makes everything easier. It makes him feel comfortable.

Robb shakes his head in response to her question. ]

It was nothing. Not important.

[thekittenqueen]

[It created an odd sense of peace within her, feeling his hand gently caress hers. The proximity of him filled her with warmth and comfort, as though she were in a safe place and at home. After the stress of the day and the anxieties of what their life could be, this was comforting.

She leaned her head against his shoulder, taking a deep breath as she began to relax and grow comfortable so close to him. The smell of leather was still fresh on his skin, a musk that she could grow used to and learn to love.

Whatever was on his mind, it piqued her interest now.]

No, truly. Tell me.

[wolfhead]

[ Leather and wool and sweat. Horses. It's the smell that men carry with them when they ride off to war and they bring it back. It never quite fades. She, on the other hand, smells of soap and oils and flowers. That's how it is, though. Men and women have different places in this world and that's how it will always be. Right? ]

I just-

[ She's managed to convince him to open up. ]

I thought winning the war would make me happy. Make things right. But I just feel tired. Tired and more alone than ever.

[thekittenqueen]

[It was a good smell, something that she didn't know she missed. She'd been married to a boy and a man that preferred other men. There was never anyone like Robb. He was a warrior, strong and masculine. He was everything she didn't know that she wanted. The crown seemed almost a secondary entity now. It existed alone and Robb...well, he became something bigger.

It was gratifying, as though it confirmed that she could grow to feel something for him instead of duty. She wanted a fondness to exist in their marriage, something that made the bedding and life that they would share easier.

She wanted the sort of marriage that she had heard Catelyn and Ned had shared. Sansa spoke of how they loved each other and grew devoted. Save for the beginning of their marriage, Ned had never strayed. While Margaery had been raised to expect these things, part of her hoped that Robb would never allow his eyes to wander.

Though he didn't seem the sort to bed other women...given his revelation.]

It's never so simple as that. All you need do is look at the men who fought in Robert's Rebellion. They were all so tired and grim. War brings out a darkness that can never really leave.

[It wasn't comforting, but it was true. Raising their entwined hands to her lips, she placed a kiss on his fingers.] You aren't alone. You can tell me anything. Don't spare me from what you think or feel. I want to share it.

[wolfhead]

[ Robb has an aversion to fathering bastards, born of cold experience with his half-brother and his mother. That's something he may confide in her at some point or perhaps not. Seeing how Jon was treated by his mother was enough to make him swear that no child of his would ever be a bastard. That haunts him and informs some of his decisions on straying or possibly bedding a woman beyond the marriage bed.

That remains something secret for now, though. Something locked up for him to know and no one else. Instead he focuses on the feel and the smell of her and how this moment, as awkward as it feels, is still somehow right. He laughs and it's a low, quiet sound. ]

They don't tell you what war is really like. It's terrible, but I'm good at it. Maybe I should take some comfort in that.

[ In, out, and he feels as if he belongs here. Even if he's still feeling this out. He glances up at her as she presses a light, soft kiss to his fingers and after a moment of hesitation he nods. ]

I... will try. And I would like you to do the same, if you can.

[thekittenqueen]

[She had grown up knowing that men sought women outside of their marital bed. While her father had never been that sort, there were enough bastards bearing the name 'Flowers' in the Reach that she was aware of the nature of men. She had even experienced it in Renly. It was a grim reality, but one that she had been prepared for by her mother.

It didn't stop her from hoping that she might have a husband that was loyal to her. She was beautiful and intelligent, kind as well. These were qualities that she hoped would be enough, but it was hard to predict the way the heart would lead them.]

The stories and songs make war seem romantic and stirring. Renly treated it as though it were some great tournament. [Which was why he probably died.] It wasn't until King's Landing that I saw how devastating it can be, especially for the children.

It's why I pushed you. I didn't want them to suffer anymore.

[She smiled, glad that he was not frightened of this intimacy or of the gestures of affection she offered him.]

You may be shocked by some of my thoughts and opinions. I'm not a passive creature.

[wolfhead]

Oh, no, I gathered that much already.

[ His reply is a touch sarcastic, but the look he gives her is affectionate. After what he'd heard from Sansa and his own experience, there is no way he can ever mistake her for someone who is passive. ]

I... think I am glad for that. I prefer to have someone to talk to and someone who's willing to share an opinion or a viewpoint. I don't need someone to tell me I'm right all the time.

[ He slowly lays back, flopping onto the mattress and furs and blankets that are spread out over the bed. His hand stays in hers, although he gives it a small tug, urging her to join him. ]

So, share some of your opinions with me now.

[thekittenqueen]

[She laughed in response. Even if Sansa hadn't told him about Margaery, she imagined he would have figured out that she was opinionated from that first meeting. She hadn't withheld her thoughts from him then, perhaps even going a bit far. Somehow, he didn't seem to let that bother him. He married her, after all.]

So long as you remember that for when you disagree with me.

[He had a mind of his own as well and that stubbornness was likely to clash with her own at a later date. For now, they seemed to get on well enough together...for the short time that they were in each other's company.

She followed his prompting, lying back against the furs and pillows as well. She rolled to her side, allowing her a better look at him, her proximity still close to his own.]

I think...after we settle matters here, we should consider traveling to each of the Seven Kingdoms before we return to Winterfell. It would let the wardens see you and swear fealty to you in person. You would also better see the realms that are yours.

[He hadn't told her that he was considering the Iron Throne, but it was his by right, whether he wanted it or not. He asked for her opinion and she gave it fully. He should be King.]

[wolfhead]

[ He can feel the heat from her body and he rolls onto his side so he can return her gaze, eyes searching her face for a sign of... something. He's not sure what. They've come this far, they've tied themselves together for life, and now they're discussing things he hasn't really spoken about with anyone. His brow furrows as he considers. ]

That will delay our getting home for a long, long time.

[ There's also a few other things he's not so sure about it. ]

I doubt they'll want to swear fealty. And part of me is still inclined to let them go...

[thekittenqueen]

[It was a beautiful sort of trust developing between them. It couldn't be easy for him, opening up in this way, but he was making on effort on her behalf. She was far from used to sharing her mind, it had always been too dangerous for that. Yet he asked her and she was happy to offer him her thoughts in return.

She squeezed his hand, cradling it close to her heart as she watched him. He was analyzing her, looking for something. She happily tilted her face towards him, letting him look to his heart's content.]

I think they will. They want the wars to end as much as we do. Consider who each of the wardens are. The Eirye is your aunt and the Riverlands is your uncle. You have my father in the Reach and you control the North. That leaves Dorne, the Westerlands and the Stormlands. Both the Westerlands and the Stormlands need to be dealt with as it is, but I doubt that they will oppose you, as much of the realm is now yours.

[She understood and expected his hesitation.]

It's the most logical action. You are the best hope for peace.