Thread: Wolf Takes All || baadbaarbie & HoldTheDoor

It would be no grand wedding. It was too late in the summer for lots of flowers to be summoned from the fields just beyond the walls, and too soon a wedding to have them sent from the reach. They would have to settle for the candles and the banners, as it were. Lily knew there was a feast being prepared there was perhaps even enough time for pigeon pie, if they were to instruct the kitchen directly after the gathering broke. Lord Frey sat back in his throne as he pondered the time the preparations would require, stroking his unshaven chin. I say we give the ladies until the moon is halfway risen to do whatever it is they do. Enough so at least you will be able to enjoy what little time you have left as an unmarried man, Your Grace. There was no denying the suggestion in Lord Freys tone. How marvelous it would have been to have a Prince and a Kings bastard all in the same family. Then then we will drink! A raucous noise consumed the hall as men raised their fists in a cheer. Lily smiled politely at her husband-to-be, folding her hands in front of herself as the resounding fanfare settled. When they met next, it would be at the end of an aisle, where they would proclaim their vows before the Seven before they even got to know each other. It was a daunting prospect. Lily would have at least liked to have the chance to sit down and speak at length before tying herself to him for all eternity. But there would be time. She curtseyed to the King once more. Until tonight, Your Grace. There was so much to be done. They would have to prepare the Great Hall, and she would need another scrubbing down. She was clean, but not quite as clean as a queen ought to be. Perhaps she would be able to acquire enough wildflowers to weave into her hair, if not enough to make for an arrangement. Winter loomed so heavily on them now that it was unlikely. At the very least, the promise of a wedding brought some joy to the Twins. It was so dark and dank most of the time that nobody ever considered happiness, and Lord Freys numerous weddings had lost their charm the more they continued and the more outrageous they became. The idea that one of their own would become a queen in their very own walls was no doubt the first event of any worth taking place in nearly decades, if not over a century of their history. Lily was quickly ushered out of the throne room, given only the briefest of moments to appraise her future husband up close before her sisters and aunts had taken her by the arm and led her down the stairs. She was luckyso beyond luckyto have been granted such a prospect. He was a fit lad, and he looked very much like he knew what to do with a woman. There was no way a man with such a face wouldnt know what should be done with a woman. Liliyana had never even been so much as kissed. She prayed he knew what should be done with a woman, or else the both of them would have quite a time trying to conceive an heir. She was briefed on what was to be expected of her as she was lead to a bath, undressed and scrubbed by what seemed like a hundred hands. She felt like silver, meant to be polished a thousand times over before she was presented. They dabbed perfume on her neck, on her dcolletage, her ribs, even between her thighs before they dressed her once more. This time she wore ribboned stockings and satin slippers, her underdress a wispy sheathe of pale peach chiffon. She knew it only to be kept tucked away for the lucky one of them who would be queen. Because the dress fit so loosely, they stitched her into it, beginning only after they had laced her into a corset. As the women worked to fit her dress properly, Roslin arranged her hair, scenting it with lavender just the same. I dont think Ive ever gotten so much attention in my life. Liliyana confessed, barely able to see herself in the one ruddy, cracked mirror in the room. She had shared a bed with nearly six other girls ranging in age from six to forty six her entire life, and she had always been surrounded by hands, but not many had ever pampered her. Well, Roslin chided gently as she pressed another brass pin into Liliyanas golden curls. youll certainly have to get used to it now. Now youll never have a private moment again. Liliyana shrugged and smiled. Ive certainly never had one before. Just a few more people will be looking now. She wouldnt mind the chance to dress in finer fabrics, to wear pretty jewelry. However, she was used to wool and cotton and she would never forget from whence she came. Do you think, asked one of her littler cousins. youll get to wear a crown? Someday, I imagine. Lily answered. Though perhaps not today. I cannot imagine His Grace has a crown at the ready. It was never the crown that Lily had been after in the first place. The promise of a good marriage was enough. Perhaps once she was established, she would be able to improve matters for those she loved most. House Frey had been bled dry so very long enough, weary from a long and exhausting rule. Once she had power over her grandfather, she might be able to see its restoration to glory. There, now. Her aunt said as as everyone stepped back from the fully dressed bride. Dont you look lovely? Lily so wished she could have seen. The King is a lucky man. Murmurs of agreement filled the poorly lit suite. Thankfully, some of the little girls had been able to gather enough flowers for a proper bouquet likely only because they knew it would end up back in their hands before the end of the night. She was to be a proper bride, through and through. A proper queen, however that would take time. Now all that was left to do was wait.