WORD TRAVELS FAST IN WESTEROS . this much , katherynne knows . what she did not expect , however , was how the more pressing matters at winterfell did not deter lords & ladies from their whisperings . it was public knowledge , now - - to the masses , at least . katherynne baratheon was to be ‘lady vance . ’ her father had not been a difficult sell. with marina he had the support of the tyrells , with theoden he had an heir ( and katherynne did not have to leave his side ) , and with anthony , he had another chance at a high profile arrangement . it was kat , ‘kitty’ who had been the odd one out , the black sheep , the ruined woman . lord baratheon had made it abundantly clear to tristan that he would not receive much from the union , but dowries & alliances are of little consequence when the engagement itself is all a farce . ‘ it’s a wonder anyone wants you at all after the splash you made the first time ‘round , kitty .’
she does not know how she has found herself surrounded by a gaggle of ladies , all giving pretend congratulations . she knows what they want . they want a closer look at the witch of runestone . they want a better look at the woman from the towers of house royce , kept away for her wellbeing . ‘ lady katherynne , the news was unexpected to say the least ! how pleased i am to hear it. ‘ whispers one , taking her hands into her own . katherynne steels herself , allowing the words to roll off of her back . she’s heard them too many times before ‘ after lord royce’s mysterious death , you seemed to have vanished . but you glow now , truly . it must be the new love. ‘ says another. gifted as she is at playing the game , she feels her veneer begin to crack . thankfully , her rescue is in sight. a gentle ( some might even say doting ) smile touches her lips . ❛ ladies , i must beg your pardon . it seems the gentleman of the hour requires me . ❜ with a turn and a swish of her skirts , she leaves the hens to their clucking.
‘ i heard she tried to attack lord moryn . ‘ one whispers , ‘ how long , do you think , before she kills this one , too ?’
it is time , now , to play the part of the enamored woman , in the bloom of new love . truthfully , it’s easier than it seems , as the mere sight of tristan sends her heart racing , and colors her cheeks . she approaches him rather quickly , extending a hand ( she’s not entirely sure if this is what she’s meant to do , but it feels a logical step. ) ‘ my lord. ‘ she states audibly , enough for the gaggle of ladies to turn their heads. then , she ducks her head closer to his . ❛ you’re late . devoted men do not let their future wives be fed to the wolves. ❜ the comment is accompanied by the slightest wrinkle of her nose , indicating that it is in jest only .
@stormxblooded
