Blood And Ice: Deeper Into Darkness (A Literate RP)

♕ Chapter Three: Alliances And Ambitions ♕

In the distance, the sound of a trumpet announcing the need for all to gather and take their seats is heard, followed by the clanging sound of bells. It has been a very delayed start to the day. The last strains of daylight are fading away, and people are beginning to show a few signs of drinking wine and conversing in the sun since early morning. Almost everyone is called to attendance: the royal family, nobles of Westeros, the staff of the Red Keep and the royal grounds.

A few are noticeably absent. Aenira Velaryon and her Tyrell bridegroom have been forbidden by the Queen to attend. No one knows where the Crown Prince is. Many have spied Jacaerys around the grounds, drunk and brooding. The Queen's Hand and his brother, as well as the Baratheon Lord that no one in King's Landing seems to have ever met, are also conspicuously not present. However, it's been a day of intrigue, politics, secrets, flirtations, and many are anxious to see the event over and done with. 

It's not surprising a few have wandered off. Others are more focused on what will happen after the ceremony and the party end for the night. Some have plans to return to their homes in the next day or so. Others aren't looking past who'll they'll whisk back to their chambers to continue courtships and promises that have started. Still others aren't in any state to think of anything but the fun of the party, having spent a day indulging in wine and increasingly decadent dishes. As the evening progresses, many are exchanging wine for a stronger, amber-colored liquid today's audience may know as "Scotch". 

Everyone rustles in to take a seat, expecting the fanfare to be followed by the appearance of the Royal Princess, Visenya Targaryen. She is set to marry her cousin, Nikolai Velaryon, and all of Westeros is anxious to see the beautiful couple exchange vows. Instead, Queen Luciana appears, commanding the audience to be quiet by her mere appearance. There is still the idle whisper here and there. Why had the wedding been so long delayed? Had the person responsible for poisoning the eldest Velaryon been caught? Were the rumours of a runaway bride true? 

"Ladies and gentleman, on behalf of our family, we are delighted to share this joyous occasion with all who celebrate in King's Landing today. In fact,  we could not be more thrilled to share our happiness with all of Westeros." Luciana's commanding voice and authoritative gesture of welcome, whether people want to be here or not, pause for a moment. 

"We hope the delay in the start of the ceremony has given you all time to indulge in our hospitality and to get to know one another better. Some have come from a long distance away, which is why I am excited to announce that it is the pleasure of myself and my family to extend your visit to King's Landing by another fortnight. At that point in time, we will not see a royal wedding but a noble one, as we celebrate the newly formed bond between House Velaryon and House Tyrell into a proud alliance of strength through matrimony. Perhaps, if love is in the air, it will not be the only alliance celebrated in such a fashion that night. We hope you will make the most of our hospitality, though doubtless some of you are missing home. If we may offer any creature comforts to make your continued stay more enjoyable, much is at your disposal!"

The Queen keeps her tone light, as if everything is perfectly pleasant and according to her plan. "There is no prouder day for a mother than the day she sees her only daughter wed. May the Gods bestow favour upon Visenya and Nikolai and bless them with beautiful and happy children that will safeguard the future of Westeros for generations to come!" Her voice swells with pride and emotion as she appears to take in the monumental importance of this day. "Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated, as we all pause to rejoice in this magnificent day." 

As Luciana moves away, the sound of music begins, the bored musicians forcing smiles. No one would dare acknowledge the wedding was beginning seven hours late and short one couple. Instead, King's Landing waited with bated breath for the appearance of the beautiful silver-haired Targaryen bride and her equally stunning bridegroom, young but already filled with strength and dignity. 

At the first appearance of the bride at the other end of the gardens, everyone in attendance stands in deference to the majestic nature of the Royal Princess in her moment of most admirable grace and beauty. 

(Note: This chapter will be a short one, as the focus is largely pulled to the wedding ceremony and away from all the everything else going on. ;) Everyone should be here unless your character has been placed somewhere else . For those who want to finish up chains on Chapter Two to have your characters move to the ceremony, please do! If the Plot Fairy has put your character somewhere else or given your character instructions on how to behave at the wedding, this is the chapter you're waiting for! <3 Have fun, and expect a new chapter in a few days! )