Forbidden Dreams (Gwayne Hightower AU)

3

Holding that rose was like holding a part of you.
Gwayne learned to take care of that fragile blossom, that, just like you, had thorns to protect its beauty.
He kept in a vase with clean water and although the petals would inevitable wither and fall, he wondered if what he started to feel for you would grow or wither as well.
What he knew was that if he surrendered to marry the Lannister lady, he would forever regret not giving a try to what you and him could become together.

So after a long sleep, Gwayne decided to face his father at breakfast.

"What keeps you so busy in these days? You didn't join us for dinner last night, just like the night before" Otto Hightower fixed his eyes on his son, like trying to read his soul and its secrets.

"I've been thinking of my future, Father" Gwayne braced himself and dropped the bomb "And I came to the conclusion that I can't marry the Lannister lady".

Otto's eyes narrowed dangerously "And how's so?".

"We are just incompatible. We disagree on everything. This union will do no good to our family".

"I thought I've been doing you a favour. You're close to your thirties and you couldn't pick a bride for yourself. Do you wish to be the target of bad gossip for the rest of your days?".

Gwayne swallowed the bitter pill "I thank you for caring about me, Father. And you're right. It's time for me to pick a bride. I just ask to be the one to choose the woman would will have to suffer by my side".

"Do you already have someone in mind?".

Gwayne pondered how to tell the truth. His father was listening instead of scolding. It was a good sign, but he also knew that one wrong step could wake the ruthless beast inside the Hightower leader.
"Someone who might not be as wealthy as the Lannisters. After the successful marriage of Alicent with Viserys, we don't need another alliance with other powerful dynasties. So I'd rather choose someone who is not noble".

"Not noble?" Otto repeated, incredulous "You want to mingle with the poor?".

Gwayne breathed deeply. He could still win it, diplomatically "The world is changing, Father. Nobility is dying, if it keeps breeding within the same few families and spread cursed illnesses. Amongst the working class, new wealthy people are rising. I have ideas for new businesses, I want to play my part in this world, not just getting bored surrounded by the same noblemen that I know since I was born".

Otto just stared at him for a while.
Gwayne couldn't tell if he was disgusted or proud. He held his gaze and waited, slowly dying inside.

"You never showed this interest towards the people before. What changed your mind?" Otto said finally, sippinh his wine.

"I just don't want an alliance with the Lannisters nor with the other noble families that would just want to shine under the light of the Hightower family".

"I think it's madness, but if you want to ruin yourself, go ahead. Try to find a gem in the mud of the smallfolk".

Gwayne felt more hopeful than he had ever been in a while.
His father didn't look angry and that was a good start.
"Just give me this chance. And I won't disappoint you" he said feeling his legs weak.

Otto smirked at his son's enthusiasm, but he already lost interest in his troubles and focused on his rich meal.
"We'll see".

Gwayne couldn't stop thinking of you.
He prepared himself as if going out for an official date. Then recalled that he couldn't scare you with his nobleman look and covered himself with an anonymous cloak.