Chapter 45: For whom the Bells Toll Part 2

Author: Slowly walks over to the bookshelf and starts taking out the recent A Song of Ice and Fire books. He gently laid them out neatly on the bed and started stroking their spines, "Shhhh it's okay now it's okay, it's over now, D&D can't hurt you anymore." He then walks over to the fireplace with three leeches and tosses them in saying the names, "The usurper David Benioff, The Usurper D.B. Weiss, The Usurper Season 8."

Note: I would go on an hour long rant but what can I say that hasn't already been said. I always felt that Game of Thrones will forever be a piece of my soul, and Season 8 just raped that piece out raped it and put it back leaving a tainted memory in its wake. Well the good news is that Most Fanfiction writers can now safely say "Hey you think I'm Bad, at least I'm not Season 8. Anyway Read and review

Arya

It took all her willpower not to throw up, Arya had never attended a wedding before. 'I will never get married,' she had once vowed. Now that she was here in the middle of one it only strengthened her resolve. Everything about it disgusted her. The extravagance, the whimsical feeling, the excess. 'To think I once called Sansa stupid, clearly, I didn't know what stupid was."

The worse thing was that it was his wedding. The last thing Arya wanted was to celebrate anything Joffrey Lannister was associated with. She knew his name was Baratheon but looking at him you never would have guessed. He looked like a Lannister dressed like a Lannister and had all the arrogance of his Lannister mother. Arya followed the Lannister pack escorted by Mira and Shae, she cursed the dress that was scratching her skin and hindering her legs but for this she had to endure it.

It all started with a small feast before the wedding all the lords, or rather the ones that have pledged to Joffrey presented gifts to the couple.

Jalabhar Xho, an exiled prince from the summer isles presented a Goldenheart Bow with a quiver of arrows to match. More presents followed, a pair of riding boots from Lady Tanda, a red leather jousting saddle from Kevan Lannister, silver spurs from Ser Addam Marbrand, and a red silk pavilion from Mathis Rowan.

Then came the grandest gifts, Leyton Hightower presented a model of a Dromond which was being built in Oldtown and was to be called 'King Joffrey's Valor'. Joffrey was especially pleased with it, "It will be my new flagship when I sail and crush by brother's fleet."

Arya rolled her eyes, 'your fleet is burning at the Blackwater,' she wanted to say but she didn't want to draw attention to herself, not from these enemies of her family.

Lord Mace presented a three-foot tall golden chalice with ornate handles and eight faces carved into the shape of the sigils of the Great Houses. A ruby lion, an emerald rose, an onyx stag, a jade falcon, an opal sun, a topaz kraken, a silver trout and a pearl direwolf.

"A splendid cup good father," Joffrey declared, "Margaery and I will drink deep tonight."

Sadly the same could not be said for Tyrion's gift which was a book. Grand Maester Kaeth's LIVES OF FOUR KINGS. It detailed the reigns of Daeron the Young Dragon, Baelor the Blessed, Aegon the Unworthy and Daeron the Good. Only four copies of the book existed. Arya shook her head, he should know better than to give Joffrey such a book. She wasn't sure he could even read as dimwitted as he was. The idea of seeing him squint trying to make out words caused her to smirk

"A book every king should read your grace," Ser Kevan acknowledged.

Joffrey, of course, scoffed, "my father had no time for books," he sneered shoving the book back.

"Better books than wine, brother," Myrcella spoke up. "You might actually learn something Roland never did. Joffrey glared at her but she met his gaze and continued. "If you don't want it then perhaps I'll find time for it."

Joffrey waved her off, "by all means take it, I have no need lessons from dragon Kings My father ended their dynasty long ago." Tyrion gave his niece an appreciative glance lord know what Joffrey would do to the book if he was to keep it, Burn it most likely or use it for target practice.

Arya was familiar with the book herself as Tyrion had allowed her to read it in her abundant spare time as did Myrcella. Though it confused Arya since the book also mentioned King Viserys though only barely. So technically the book should have been called THE LIVES OF FIVE KINGS. It was that particular detail that irked Tyrion, since Viserys had done most of the real ruling while the Young Dragon and the Blessed wasted their years warring and praying respectively. To Arya, it was proof that these people preferred songs over sense.

Most interesting was a representative from the Iron Islands. A tall, austere man in full plate armour and carrying a bundle wrapped in myrish silk. The man stood before the king and bowed. "Your grace," the man began, "I am Ser Harras Harlaw, here to represent my liege Euron Greyjoy King in the Iron Islands."

There were murmurs amongst the crowd mostly displeasure. Joffrey regarded him for a moment before standing up and smirking, "Your people have come to our aid in a time of need bloodying the wolves and the trouts in their own dens." He looked around, Yet I do not see him here."

Ser Harras nodded, "King Euron expresses his regret in not being able to arrive in time to attend your wedding in time. But he hoped his gift is enough to make up for it."

Joffrey cocked an eyebrow, "and what sort of gift does your 'king' have for me."

Ser Harras Stepped forward and laid the bundle before the boy king, he then unwrapped it revealing two short swords in finely crafted scabbards and ornate hilts."

"My king understands that you are familiar with these kinds of blades," Ser Harras pointed out. "he knows you will put them to deadly use."

Joffrey took one sword and unsheathed it and the crowd gasped. the blade was smoke coloured and featured distinct ripples along the edge. Arya's eyes mouth dropped in shock, she had been around Her father's sword long enough to know what those swords were made of.

"Valyrian steel," she heard Tyrion whisper.

Joffrey eyes were absolutely elated as he drew the second blade and sure enough, it was made from the same material. Taking both blades Joffrey stepped into the middle of the room as Ser Harras backed away. Joffrey began twirling the blades in each hand with the apparent skill to Arya's surprise. Clearly, she had not been the only one who had been training.

"Careful your grace," Grand Maester Pycelle warned, "nothing cuts like Valyrian Steel."

"Worry not," Joffrey declared confidently, "I am no stranger to Valyrian Steel." He eagerly removed his own sword belt and strapped on his new swords.

Lord Tywin was the next to present a gift. A new set of armour made of gilded steel and the newest addition to the Kingsguard finally completing it. Ser Lyle Crakehall and Ser Lyn Corbray. Arya took note of the other Sworn Brothers. Ser Jaime Lannister, Ser Mandon Moore, Ser Arys Oakheart, Ser Balon Swann and Ser Osmund Kettleblack. All able men, more so than some of the men they had replaced like Boros Blount, Meryn Trant and Preston Greenfield.

After the giving of the gifts, it was time to head for the Sept of Baelor for the wedding. There were hundreds packed into the Great Sept, but the main families stood at the front. The Lannisters to the right and the Tyrells on the left. Arya stood at the front of it all alongside Lord Tyrion and the rest of the Lannisters . Which meant she got a good view of the whole ceremony Joffrey stood at the head next to the High Septon awaiting his bride who was being escorted by her father.

The bride and groom admittedly looked like the image of what a king and queen ought to look like. Margaery wore her family colours with ivory silk and myrish lace with floral patterns of golden roses all the way down her emerald green skirts that shimmered in the light. A cloak bearing the sigil of her house draped over her shoulders. Margaery had always been beautiful though a softer kind compared to the harsh beauty of Cersei. Arya personally felt that Margaery would make a better queen than Sansa since she knew how to play on people's emotions, unlike her sister.

Joffrey, in contrast, matched her in splendour with the colours of House Lannister. a Doublet of deep crimson with a sash of beaten gold over his left shoulder held by golden chains. His crown resting perfectly on his head of blonde curls. He donned the cloak he would drape over Margaery. Apparently, it was the cloak that Robert had draped over the Queen Regent and before that was worn by Lord Tywin's late wife.

As much as Arya hated to admit it Joffrey did look more like a king than his father had. It didn't help that he looked less like a girl ever since he cut his hair and traded his silks for leather. For a brief moment, Arya understood why Sansa had fallen for him in the first place, but the memory of Micah and her father's household quickly quashed that feeling in its crib. 'He may fool the rest of these people, but I know what he really is. He wore a badge bearing his personal sigil of the Stag and Lion on his right breast. Arya scoffed, 'he's no stag.'

As soon as Margaery stepped before her king, Joffrey took her hand and kissed it. Margaery gave him a dazzling smile in return. "You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection," The High Septon declared.

Joffrey removed his cloak and draped it over Margaery's shoulders, they then faced the High Septon who began the ceremony. As he wrapped their hands in a ribbon, the High Septon said the words, "let it be known that Joffrey of the Houses Lannister and Baratheon, and Margaery of the House Tyrell. Are now one flesh, one heart and one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder."

'Or she," Arya thought. It didn't escape her notice that the High Septon had said House Lannister's name before Hosue Baratheon's. As if doing so would make the Lannisters any more superior. Arya smirked, 'they may rule this city, but there are still Baratheons who will have something to say about that.'

Joffrey turned to his bride and held both her hands, "with this kiss I pledge my love," He declared."

"With this kiss, I pledge my love," Margaery replied. With the words, Said Joffrey kissed her deeply as his hand cupped her cheek.

It was enough to make Arya sick, still, she clapped along with all the others. "we have a new queen." she muttered softly to nobody.

She thought nobody could hear her but one did, "better her than your sister," Tyrion replied. "Fortunately she's a queen in her own right." Arya couldn't help but nod in agreement. The thought of Sansa being up there helped calm her nerves.

Finally, they were all led back to the Keep for the wedding feast, once courtesies were exchanged and everyone was seated Joffrey raised his glass. "Let the feasting begin," he declared.

Arya was seated next to Tyrion and Myrcella, despite Cersei and Joffrey's protests Tywin had insisted on keeping her close and Myrcella had requested it to her grandfather. There she could only gape at all the entertainments that had been set up for the guests and the royal couple during the wedding feast. Jugglers, acrobats, fire spitters, fools and bards. The played songs like The Rose of Gold to appease the Tyrells, Mother, Maiden, Crone to appease the High Septon. My Lady Wife made all the young girls swoon, while Bessa the Barmaid made the men laugh. Most of whom however were playing that annoying song that the Lannisters were so fond of, The Rains of Castamere. The lannisters thought their song is intimidating, but after hearing it for what seemed like the hundredth time, Arya only found it annoying.

More astounding was the seventy-seven-course meals that had been laid out. "Look at all this food," Arya exclaimed, "all this could feed the whole north for at least a year. and most of it won't even be eaten." It made Arya grimace, People are starving in the streets below while these stuffy lords host elaborate feasts, No wonder Father hates this place. Arya strived to eat as much of it as she could just for the sake of not being wasteful and to not insult the cooks. Earlier, she had learned which dished Hot Pie had made so she focused on those. Those dishes were mainly bread and chicken pies and as typical of Hot Pie, they were delicious. Tommen and Myrcella were of the same mind and ate heartily.

At the head table, Joffrey was slipping grape into Margaery's mouth who was giggling in response. Arya wondered if she was actually enjoying it or she was just that good at weaving her web around him. Margaery turned to her king and whispered in his ear. Joffrey grinned and stood up "Everyone," he called out tapping his chalice gaining the attention of his guests who all turned to hear him. "My queen wishes to say a few words."

Margaery smiled at her king and stood up with him, " We are all so fortunate to enjoy this marvellous feast," she said. "But not everyone is as fortunate as we are, so to thank the gods for this bounty, King Joffrey had decreed that the leftovers of this feast shall be given to the poorest in King's Landing."

The announcement was greeted with roaring applause as the people praised themselves for having such a generous king. Though not everyone seemed so happy about it as Arya noticed that Cersei looked rather cross.

Tyrion, on the other hand, played with his food and had chosen to drown himself in the drink. The amount caused Arya to worry since drunken Tyrion tended to be rather bold and might catch the attention of the King. Unfortunately, the king seemed hellbent on pushing his uncle's buttons when he unveiled the night's main entertainment.

"There has been too much amusement today," Joffrey declared, A royal wedding is not an amusement, it is history. Now it is time to contemplate our history." He gestured to the doors, "bring on my royal jousters," he announced.

'Royal Jousters? Here in the great hall?' Arya wondered. The doors opened and four 'riders' entered holding their lances up came in. their height or lack of height confused Arya until she got a full view of them and her eyes narrowed at the sight.

The jousters were dwarfs riding massive pigs. Three had golden stags on their shields which were bigger than they were. Each wore different colours, the first was dressed in red, the second was dressed in green and the third was dressed in black. The fourth and final jouster also wore black but had a yellow Kraken on its shield. Arya quickly guessed that they represented Joffrey, Renly, Roland and Balon respectively

"My lords, my ladies, the war of the four kings," Joffrey announced.

The jousters then began duelling each other with 'Joffrey' duelling 'Renly', and 'Roland' duelling 'Balon'. The whole charade looked absolutely ridiculous, The dwarfs were lances and shields were far too big for them so they attempt at jousting were pitiful stumbling and falling off their mounts. Everyone in the room seemed to be laughing the whole thing off. Tommen was hooting in his seat. Cersei laughed along and even Tywin seemed amused by the spectacle. But none laughed louder or harder than Joffrey who was red in the face and breathless. Arya was not amused and she saw she wasn't the only one who thought so. Tyrion was visibly angered and to her relief, Myrcella was of the same mind and witnessed the spectacle with a blank expression. Others like Margaery laughed and smiled but her eyes shined with disapproval.

The jousters were shouting and stumbling all over the place. The Roland dwarf knocked off the Renly dwarf. The Roland Dwarf then swatted the Greyjoy Dwarf away before attacking the Joffrey dwarf. After charging each other in several tilts the Greyjoy knocked Roland's helm off with his lance slaying him. With Roland defeated, The Greyjoy dipped his lance and wielding to Joffrey before the two shook hands, turned to the crowd, and bowed. The room erupted in claps and cheers and the real Joffrey stood up, clapping, "well fought, well fought, we have a champion." He took out a bag of gold, 'and of course, the champion gets the champion's purse." He paused as though in thought, "though not a true champion, not yet anyway. A True champion is able to defeat all challengers, Surely there is one amongst us that is up to the task."

Arya frowned as she got a feeling where this was going. Sure enough, the king turned to Tyrion. "What about you, uncle, you can defend the honour of my realm."

The crowd laughed and Tyrion smiled tightly, "Only if you would join me, your grace," he replied.

Joffrey scoffed, "why me, I'm certainly no dwarf."

"No," Tyrion agreed, "but you are the only opponent I know I can beat."

This got a chuckle from the guests as Joffrey's cheeks turned pale with rage. Without a word, Joffrey walked over to him chalice in hand and then made to pour the contents on his uncle's head. But before he could Arya picked up her own goblet and held it over Tyrion's head causing the wine meant for Tyrion to fill her goblet.

Arya then withdrew her hand and took a sip. "what a generous king we, have," she declared. "Willing to serve his guests from his own chalice." Myrcella was the first to giggle and the rest of the crowd followed. Cersei glared at her while, Margaery hoping to calm her king, called to her husband, "My love come back to me, it is time for my father's toast."

Joffrey turned to her, "toast?" He asked waving the empty chalice in his hand. "But I have no more wine, I cannot give a toast without wine." He turned to Tyrion again, "Since you won't fight, you can serve as my cupbearer."

"You do me a great honour your grace," Tyrion replied.

"It's not meant to be an honour," Joffrey growled. Tyrion sighed heavily and picked up a flagon and walked over to the king. As soon as he got close Joffrey dropped the chalice onto the floor and kicked it under the table, "pick up my chalice uncle," he sneered.

Before he could get down on his knees Arya ducked under the table and picked it up for him and set it on the table. Tyrion smiled gratefully and filled the chalice with the flagon he was holding. Once full Tyrion took the chalice and handed it to the king who didn't take it instead he turned to him and, "kneel uncle."

Arya couldn't take it anymore, "Leave him alone," she snarled.

Everyone turned to the Stark girl shocked that she would dare speak to the king in such a manner. Cersei's eyes narrowed and Margaery was wide-eyed. Joffrey glared at her and Arya matched him, "Why don't you stay out of family affairs traitor's daughter."

To the shock of everyone Myrcella came to Arya's defence, "Why don't you pick on somebody your own size," she quipped, "Like Roland perhaps, though that may be ill-advised seeing as you would likely lose."

Joffrey approached her his hands clenching his new blades, but Arya refused to back down and glared at him her hands balled into fists. The room went quiet again, but before tensions could rise Lord Tywin decided to intervene. "They're bringing the pie, Your Grace," he announced, "your sword is needed."

Everyone turned to see a group of servants wheeled in an enormous pie which was set in the middle of the head table. Joffrey gleefully came over and a greatsword was presented to the royal couple who grasped the giant blade together and brought it down on the pie, when the crust was split, a flock of doves burst out of the pie and flew up out the windows. The guests burst into uproaring applause at the spectacle as Joffrey took his chalice drained the entire thing before grabbing Margaery by the hand and began dancing merrily across the floor.

The feast continued into the night without further incident and thirty coursed later the time had come for the bedding ceremony. The maidens picked up Joffrey and began moving his undergarments. while they did so he took this opportunity to grope several of them Grinning as he did so. The same was being done to Margaery, except her brother Garlan made sure none of the men touched her anywhere inappropriate.

After the King and Queen were carried off to the bedchambers, Arya head back to her chambers when her ears caught Cersei speaking with Grand Maester Pycelle.

"Go to the kitchens and instruct them that all the leftovers will be sent to the kennels." She commanded.

The old man seemed unsure, however, "but Queen Margaery-."

Cersei snapped at hearing Margaery's new title, "The queen is giving you an order, the leftovers will feed the dogs or you will." And with that the spun around and stormed off smirking.

'As if I don't have enough reasons to hate that bitch,' Arya growled inwardly. The smallfolk are hungry and she wants to deny them a decent meal just to spite Margaery. At that moment she decided that she would do everything she could to help Margaery since doing so would get under Cersei's skin and since when was that ever a bad idea.

Knowing better than to tell Margaery directly, Arya decided to tell Myrcella and trust her to do the rest. Once she informed the princess of her mother's plans, Myrcella smiled and nodded. "I'll speak to grandfather, mother fears him, he'll make sure it's taken care of," she promised.

Arya smiled, "Thank you Myrcella, now I think I'll finally retire this dress is driving me mad."

Myrcella nodded, "I understand, thank you for accompanying me for this."

"Of course Princess, at least I don't have to do this again," Arya quipped causing both girls to laugh

Now that the wedding now officially over she didn't waste any time leaving, She all but ran back to her chambers with Mira and Shae close behind. Once she was inside she locked the door and threw her gown onto a nearby chair. She quickly changed into something more her preferred attire and stretched her limbs that had been confined in the dress for too .ong

LEMON WARNING, LEMON WARNING, LEMON WARNING

Joffrey and Margaery were brought to the bedding chambers clad only in their undergarments. "I thought the feast would never end," Joffrey said coming towards her.

"You are the king," Margaery replied, "you could end it at any time."

"I'd rather start than end," Joffrey replied.

Smirking, Margaery began to undo her dress, but Joffrey had no intention of waiting. He stepped forward and crashed his lips onto hers. The couple kissed passionately as Joffrey pushed Margaery against the wall. He took hold of her shift and ripped it off shoving them to the floor as Margaery unlaced his undershirt and threw it over his head.

They both took in each other's bodies. Joffrey was mesmerized by the beauty before him, 'gods she's perfect,' he thought. 'Those breasts, those hips, those thighs, hair like silk and unblemished skin. He smiled, "I wish Roland was here so I can make him watch as I claim my bride.

Joffrey placed his hands on her buttocks and lifted her up and she responded by wrapping her slender legs around his waist as her arms did the same around his neck. Joffrey responded by cupping her cheeks in his hands as they finally broke their kiss. Margaery stared into the possessive green eyes of her husband

"I want you," he whispered. Joffrey lifted her into position and lowered her down onto his cock. Margaery gasped accordingly as he entered her, she was no virgin but she doubted that he would truly know the difference.

Joffrey sighed as her lower lips clamped down tightly around his manhood, Then he began bouncing her up and down on his cock in a steady pace. Tired of standing Joffrey grasped her buttocks and carried his bride to there bed and gently pushed her down. She caressed his lean figure as he continued to fuck her starting off slowly at first then faster and faster. Wanting to take control of the situation Margaery pulled Joffrey further onto the bed. She then climbed over Joffrey and straddled him having him enter her once more. This irritated Joffrey but the pleasure he was feeling made him allow her to have her fun, at least for the moment.

By now both of them were panting and sweating heavily as Margaery bounced on Joffrey's cock. She pawed at his chest while he groped her breasts She leaned forward as he took her right breasts in his mouth and began sucking. Margaery let out a moan as his lips brushed her sensitive nipple.

Wanting to regain control Joffrey flipped her over so he was once again on top, giving her a deep kiss and running his tongue from the canyon between her breasts to her neck he continued thrusting into his wife in slow hard pumps. Realizing it would not be much longer for either of them, Margaery's moans grew louder and louder as his thrusting increased. Her hands grasped his back as her nails dug painfully into his cried out from the pain and glared down at his wife angrily for a moment until he felt the pain was sending an unusual thrill through his body. Joffrey realized that he liked this sensation and brought him closer to peaking. He slapped her ass causing her to lurch forward in surprise driving more of his cock into her.

Joffrey began panting faster as he picked up the pace eager to have his own pleasure. Finally, Joffrey grunted out as he climaxed feeling his seed be released into her as Margaery let out her loudest moan yet. Out of breath and energy, Joffrey collapsed on top of his wife his face handing on her breasts as she began stroking his blond curls. after a moment he rolled off of her. He let exhaustion take over and he drifted off to sleep with his hand buried in his wife's hair. One final thought revolving in his mind, 'I win brother, I win.'