The next morning I awoke to the sun shining into the windows of my grand chambers. I reflected on how far I had come. I started out as a small boy destined to be raised without a care in the world by the King and Queen of Westeros. Then the tragedy of witnessing my mother's murder changed all of that, and I ran away from home believing my father to be a weak coward who bore no love for me. I spent years on the run, searching for the one who took my mother from me. I slept in vermin-infested inns, damp barns, and the cold ground of forests before finding myself a knight in the guard of Shireen Baratheon. I revealed her plan to capture the Iron Throne to my father's uncle and ended up a hostage. I escaped and teamed up with Arya Stark, who was planning to kill my father. I fought in the siege and killed Shireen, earning my mother justice. I reunited with my father and found that he always loved me. And today I was to marry Arya and become King of the Seven Kingdoms.
Servants came rushing in, carrying white and grey cloth. "What's this?" I asked. "I know I've been away, but last I checked the Baratheon colors were black and gold."
The squire from yesterday stepped forward. "King Joffrey picked them, Your Grace, in honor of your marriage to Arya Stark." I thought of Arya and her demand not to wear a dress. She was so stubborn, but that's what I liked about her. She'd be beautiful in whatever she chose to wear. She was so full of surprises and just thinking about her floored me. I haven't known her very long, but I think I'm in love with her.
"If Your Grace would allow me to speak frankly, I believe your reign and your marriage will be a prosperous one. We could use a King like you," the boy spoke again.
"Thank you, although I'm sure my father has made many a nobleman angry by not allowing more time for them to prepare for the coronation. There will not be many in attendance I fear." I grabbed the cloak from the pile of cloth and inspected it closely. This cloak would soon leave my shoulders and surround Arya as a symbol of my protection. Although knowing Arya, she wouldn't need it.
I was escorted into the Sept in order to begin the ceremonies. Lord Baelish wanted the wedding first to save time in a double coronation. By the looks of the Sept, Cersei had people working all night to make it look perfect. I glared at the Lannister gold, although it accented the Stark grey beautifully.
The grand doors opened and there she stood. She could not be led by her father, because mine had killed him. Instead she was escorted by her brother, Jon, who had been called all the way from the Night's Watch for this very moment.
My eyes started to prick with tears as I saw Arya in a white fur coat that dragged the floor with a pristine white dress that seemed to split into pants. Her beautiful brown hair was braided with pearls and her eyes were so bright.
Jon looked at me nervously as he released Arya over to me. "Know this, Baratheon," he whispered. "No one owns Arya Stark. Not even you." I nodded to him and the Septon cleared his throat.
"You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection." I gently slid the white fur from her shoulders and covered her in my own grey cloak. I let my hands rest reassuringly on her shoulders for a few moments before he continued.
A golden piece of ribbon was tied around our wrists. "In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one, for eternity." Though the Starks worshipped the old gods, here in King's Landing weddings were done in the sight of the Seven. I didn't want to risk trying to argue on that fact.
"Look upon one another and say the words," the Septon instructed. I turned to face my bride and she faced me. I looked her in the eyes and she knew what I was encouraging her to do.
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger," Arya spoke, smiling. "I am his and he is mine from this day until the end of my days."
I repeated it after her, breaking the tradition. "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am hers and she is mine from this day until the end of my days." I kissed her and it reminded of the day in the brothel alley where we first kissed. I don't think I could ever get tired of kissing Arya.
The coronation was a blur. I wanted so badly to remember that moment and hold it dear, but my mind was too trained on my wife, my Queen. The orphan girl and the lost boy ruling side by side.
