Handmaids fluttered about, fussing over my hair, my dress, how I smelled, poking and prodding and pulling every which way. It seemed almost as if I was getting married today. Tonight was the grand feast for my engagement to Theon. Tonight was also the night that I would beg my father to release Jojen into proper care, or rather, my care.
I had never been dressed so lavishly in my life. My mother had had a dress imported from Dorne of the softest pink with intricate golden designs. The skirt billowed beautifully around my legs and the neckline was flattering enough for a small girl of seventeen.
My hair tumbled down my back in loose curls. There was no denying my Lannister blood. When the handmaidens were finally satisfied with my appearance, my mother entered the room and dismissed them.
"Lehna," she breathed. "You look absolutely exquisite."
"Thank you, Mother. I look forward to tonight's feast," I lied.
"I played the same fake adoration card when I was sent here to marry Joffrey. Which is why I wanted to give you something," She reached into a secret pocket of her dress and pulled out a dagger. "I brought this with me because I knew King's Landing was a dangerous place and I didn't trust Joffrey. I can see you don't trust Theon. Keep this with you or underneath your pillow and if he tries to hurt you or force himself on you, we will simply say he drank too much wine and tumbled from the battlements."
I was shocked to hear my mother speak so calmly about killing someone. I knew she used to be a warrior, but she never talked about it with me. But I had something she didn't - magic. I could kill someone by barely uttering a word. I held the power here, not Theon nor my parents.
I took the dagger from my mother and slipped it beneath my pillow. "Mother, what if I can't love Theon? What if I find someone else that I love more?"
She sighed and took my hand. "If Theon also loves another, you may be able to get away with married by law only. But I've seen him around you, he looks at you like you're all he's ever wanted. I'm sorry, Lehna, but being caught in an affair could have you killed. I won't have you die for love."
"Then what should I die for?"
"Your children," was all she said before kissing my forehead and leaving my chambers. I called for Ser Jaime to escort me to the feast.
~
My parents never failed to throw a lavish feast no matter how little the people of King's Landing had to eat. My mother always took the leftovers to the people, but I felt they deserved so much more.
Ironborn filled the Great Hall, along with lords and ladies from the across the Seven Kingdoms. The engagement feast of the Angel of Westeros seemed to be a big deal. Theon was seated to my right with my parents to my left.
I leaned over to my father and whispered, "I only ask one thing of you in return for marrying this man."
"And what is that?" He mused.
"Release the prisoner Jojen into my custody. Allow him to teach me. I will pay him in food and shelter. The High Sparrow need never know."
King Joffrey sighed. "And what if the High Sparrow sees a man accused of witchcraft wandering freely around the castle?"
"Father, forgive me, but you are the King, not some fancified bird man. You need to remind these fanatics that you are the one with the power. What better way to do that then allow your daughter to spend a few hours each week under his tutelage?" I knew I wasn't making any sense, but according to my mother, the King was sensitive to flattery.
"Lehna, you are most certainly a Tyrell. The prisoner will be released on the morrow."
I let out a small squeal and kissed him on the cheek. Theon smiled at me, not understanding what just happened.
"My lady," my betrothed said quietly. I could barely hear him over the din of the feast. "I would like to apologize for my words earlier. I am not used to being around women of your stature and I acted like a fool. I beg that you would forgive me."
"Theon," I began. "When I assume the Iron Throne, you will become King Consort. I expect more maturity from you in the future." Theon's face fell. "I accept your apology-" I took a deep breath. "And would like to ask you to dance with me."
His eyes lit up and I offered my hand. He led me out into the floor and we spun around the Hall to the sounds of clapping and cheering. My mother stood and announced, "Princess Lehna Baratheon and her future Prince, Theon Greyjoy!"
We slowed and he smiled, staring into my eyes. In his eyes, I couldn't tell if I saw hunger for power, or genuine connection. I bowed and dismissed myself because "I was feeling tired."
I practically flew to the dungeon, skirt rustling around my legs. "Jojen!" I shouted and pulled the frail boy into my arms. "Father agreed to release you tomorrow! Jojen?" He was limp in my arms. "Jojen?" I felt for a pulse and found it was very weak. In the excitement of dancing, I had forgotten to steal him food.
Hot tears spilled down my cheeks. How could I balance my marriage and my feelings for Jojen? As much as I tried to deny them, I loved him more than I loved myself.
