Ever After AU

The Ball

Myrcella was exactly where Cersei had suggested she would be. The buffet table was packed full of finger foods and various other snacks. Across the table from her was another party-goer, also dressed as a horse and packing his plate full. The snout of his horse hat fell into his face and he grinned sheepishly up at her. Myrcella could only blush in response with a slight giggle.

Myrcella stepped away and towards another area packed with food. He followed and tipped his horse hat towards her like a true gentleman. "Whoa." he mimicked a horse's neigh.

Myrcella lifted hers in reply and whinnied back at him. He gestured back with a carrot and an amused laugh.

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The party was still in full swing as Cersei and Joffrey went around the room and mingled. A fanfare exploded through the air and Cersei gripped her son's hand tightly. The crowd all turned to face the dais where the royal family was expected to arrive.

"This is it, my darling." the Baroness told Joffrey, and they both took deep, settling breaths.

"Friends, honored guests," Mace Tyrell began, Margaery standing to the front and between him and his wife. "It gives us great pleasure on this festive occasion, not only to honor the coming of age of my only daughter but also to tell you of a long-awaited decision. So, without further adieu," King Tyrell paused only for a moment as a figure rose up the staircase in the distance in a beautiful light blue dress and wearing gauzy, shimmering wings.

"Breathe." Sansa murmured to herself. "Just breathe."

"It is my great privilege..." the king's voice carried out to her. "To announce the engagement of the Princess Margaery, to-"

Margaery startled forward suddenly, grabbing her father's shoulder. Her eyes never once strayed from the sparkling figure in the distance, able to identify that brilliant red hair and tall, lithe frame anywhere. Sansa blinked warily, steeling herself for whatever else might come next. She smiled softly up at the princess. A broad smile spread across Margaery's as well. Sansa had no idea of what could happen next, but she caught sight of Myrcella off in the distance hopping up and down in excitement.

The princess rushed down off of the dais, only able to see the girl she loved and thought she had lost. She came to a stop only about three feet in front of Sansa, too unsure to approach any further.

"Well, well, well." began another, familiar voice. "What have we here?" only Joffrey hear Cersei speak and he spun to look as well.

"My mother said you were getting married." Margaery said in shock and confusion, amazed at being able to see 'Catelyn' even one more time.

"She was misinformed." Sansa scoffed in admiration of how brash Cersei could be. "But there is something I must tell you now... before another word is spoken."

"Then you're not engaged?" Margaery just had to make sure. She looked truly panicked.

"No, I am not." Sansa had to laugh a little at how desperate Margaery seemed to know. The princess exhaled heavily, it appeared she had been holding her breath and barely staying on her feet for a while.

"I was about to make the worst mistake of my life." Margaery gasped and reached for Sansa's arms.

"Who is she?" the king turned to the queen and exhaled heavily as Alerie gasped as well.

"My guess would be the Comtesse de Tully." Queen Alerie sounded happier than the king would have expected.

"The who?" he asked, unsure of what she could possibly be talking about.