Lannister Blood: The Shadow Lands

1 - The Wolf Queen

11 Months Ago

The Red Keep

Lysandra Lannister

I rub my palms together, a nervous tick I blame my brother Jaime for. I steady my hands and take a breath. I try to remember my training, then nearly laugh at myself. I'm not preparing for war, there isn't some darkness hanging overhead. This is something I've wanted for so long. And yet, I still cannot steady the rapid beating of my heart.

The lavender and silver dress I wear is fashioned snugly against my bodice, trailing into a flowing fabric from the waist and below. The silver swirls on the bodice almost give it the appearance of armor, leaving the rest of the dress my favorite shade of purple. My sleeves are long and sheer, keeping out any heat the summer may bring, though the sun is still recovering from the winter. My train is on the longer side but nothing too extravagant. A simple but beautiful silver crown rests on my head, looking like waves but at a closer look is actually a pack of wolves surrounding my head in mid-run. Half of my golden hair has been pulled up in braids, wrapped and pinned along the base of my skull, the rest flows in gentle waves down my back. I've allowed it to grow a few inches past my shoulders, secretly missing my long length.

I take another deep breath and tilt my head up to the ceiling.

"Everything is going to be fine," I whisper to myself. "Just calm down."

"If your beauty didn't strike me so fiercely, I may take offense to that."

I spin around, clutching my chest before letting out a breath of relief. I can't believe I let him sneak up on me. Am I really that nervous?

Robb Stark stands near my doorway, arms crossed and a playful smirk on his face. But as soon as I turn to him fully, the amusement fades into awe. His lips part slightly as he slowly runs his eyes along my body in full. He blinks a few times, as if to steady himself, before returning my gaze. He visibly swallows, then clears his throat as he attempts to compose himself.

"You look-"

"You are supposed to be in the Godswood," I interrupt, raising an eyebrow.

But in truth, my nonchalant act is just that. An act. Because the Young Wolf is heartbreakingly handsome in his attire. A mixture of black and silver, with grey-blue silver wolves and flames lining his collar bone. His crown is the same shade of silver, resting perfectly in his tussle of dark curls. The design itself is made up of swords tangled with flames.

He grins that boyish grin at me, seemingly gathering himself. He takes a few steps towards me but I hold up a hand, making him raise an eyebrow.

"If you come any closer, we're not leaving this room," I warn him, unable to hold back a smile. "And I'd very much like to become your wife today."

His eyes darken with need at my words.

"Say that again."

My smile grows when I take a step away just as he takes one closer to me. I raise my chin a bit, speaking my next words slowly and carefully.

"I... would love... to become... your wife. And I don't think I can wait a moment longer."

He holds his arms out to me and then clenches his fists, a playful smile on his face. It's as if he's trying to tether himself in place.

"How can you say those words and not expect me to ravish you right here?"

I laugh, moving close enough to wrap my arms around his neck. The way he's looking at me is enough to stop my heart. The way he sees me with those blue eyes the way no one else does. The mere sight of him is always enough to take my breath away.