soaring higher

Suddenly her whole life flashed between her eyes. Growing up in Boreal and playing with her brothers. Visiting the Starks during the spring, playing with Robb and Jon and Ruby. Running through fields in fur cloaks, flowers in her hair. Growing up with the Starks, loving them, loving Robb. She’d only ever imagined getting married to Robb. She hadn’t considered the possibility of her marrying anyone else. Not until now. Lord Arryn’s explanations sounded logical. The North needed their support and marriage was a way to gain that support. She was expecting it to be someone else, maybe Ruby, but not her. How could they do this to her?

Faye blinked away the tears that had started forming in her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She stopped herself from wincing from his touch as he wiped her tears away and let him hold her hands. He was gentle at least, not mad that she had outwardly showed her feelings. “No, my Lord, you needn’t do that. Let me speak to my brothers.” She took a deep breath and looked up at him once more. “If it’s for the good of the North, then it would be an honor to be your wife.” She knew how to lie to men. They were easy to fool. But no amount of lying could stop the ache in her heart.

Warren watched her face, a sad smile on his own. “No, it wouldn’t,” he said to her, but he wasn’t angry. He could see it in her eyes that this isn’t what she wanted. She was waiting for someone else. “Speak with your brothers. But, my Lady, please just be honest with me. You will not offend me. I understand how political marriages work. I can handle hearing that you do not wish to marry me.” Smiling at her, he let his thumbs brush against the backs of her hands. It was a sad fate to not be with the one you loved. He didn’t want to be the reason she was unhappy.

Faye mindlessly sat on the chair the man had pulled out for her, trying to comprehend what was happening in that moment. Involved in what decision exactly? Her eyes were trained on the table in front of her as she listened to him speak, her heart almost jumping out of her chest as she processed what he was saying. Marriage? She was going to get married? To him? None of it made sense. Neither Damon or Stefan has told her about it. They were busy trying to deal with Robb’s marriage, she hadn’t even considered her own life, her own… marriage? She’s only ever dreamed about marrying the Stark boy from her childhood, the one who brought her flowers.

“I apologize, my lord, for being taken aback but when was this discussed?” She knew she should not have been questioning an Arryn. She knew where her place was in the hierarchy of things and Arryn was a great and noble house. If it were any other girl, they would feel honored to even be considered. “I… my brothers had not said anything about a marriage. I apologize, but,” she stood up too quickly and knocked over a goblet from the table. “I’m just confused.” Faye finally looked at him, feeling a tear roll down her cheek.

Warren frowned as he watched her process everything he told her. Had they really kept this from her? That made him a little nervous. “No, my Lady, there is no need to apologize,” he said, watching her. “We planned it when the Tyrells withdrew their men after Lord Renly’s death. Robb knew he was going to need allies.” This was not going as well as he had hoped it would, but at least she didn’t seem to hate him. He probably should have gotten dressed but it was too late now.

He jumped up with her and moved closer instinctively. “No, my Lady, no apologies. Please, do not cry.” Gently, Warren wiped away the stray tear with his thumb. “Forgive me for being so bold. And I apologize that you were not involved in this.” Taking a deep breath, he grabbed both of her hands, holding them lightly in his. “I will speak with your brother Damon, and find out what has happened, if you would like.”

Faye had been summoned by her handmaiden, telling her that it was urgent and she needed to come quickly. She had been practicing her shooting all afternoon, letting out her frustrations at the situation she was in. Walder Frey was demanding Robb to marry his daughter. Robb, the man she loved. She knew it was his duty as King to do as Lord Frey has demanded, but her heart was still torn up about it.

She left her bow and arrows to her handmaiden as she went towards the tent she was directed to, wiping her hands on her skirts as she approached it, not knowing what she’d find inside. Confirmation of Robb’s marriage? News about her cousins? No. It was a shirtless man. “Oh,” was all that she could say when she saw him. Faye’s eyes did not stray. She’s lived with men her entire life, a half-naked one wasn’t all that startling. “Quite a title. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Warren’s smile faltered slightly as he straightened up, and for a moment he looked a little confused. “I was hoping they would have involved you in this decision,” he said carefully. Relaxing, he looked past Faye and then back to her face. She was genuinely unaware of what was going on. He walked towards the small table and pulled out a chair for her, motioning for her to sit while he took his place across from her. There wasn’t much he could offer her as he’d just ben shuffled into an empty tent to wait. “How can I explain this?” he asked himself softly.