"You wish for me to marry Ser Otto Hightower, father?" Maren paced the guest room's solar her family had taken over upon their stay in the Red Keep. "But I don't even know him, let alone love him."

"I know my daughter, but the king wishes for the union so we must follow through."

The redhead came to a stop at her father's words. Body freezing as she turned her fathers words over and over again.

Lord Tyrell watched, concerned as his daughter seemed to turn into a statue. "Maren, I-" Upon opening his mouth to apologize to his only daughter, Maren stormed out of the room. The door slamming closed behind her.

...

The Hand of the King sat in his solar at his desk writing a letter to his brother, informing him of Otto's upcoming wedding to the Lady Tyrell when the sound of voices came from the hallway outside his door.

Pushing back from his desk, Otto stood up to investigate the disturbance. As he did so the door swung open. There Lady Tyrell stood, the skin of her neck and chest that her dress revealed matched the color of her hair.

"You haven't asked me." Maren walked further into the room as the door closed behind her.

"Lady Tyrell, you should not be in my chambers without an escort."

"We are to be wed, are we not? I think all will be forgiven, especially by the King since this marriage is by his request."

"It is still improper, our betrothal has not been announced yet. What would the gossips say if they knew you were alone in my chambers?"

"I do not care," Maren stated, taking a step closer to Otto until two bodies met in the middle of the room. Maren had to look up in order to see Otto's face. The man was quite taller than her, the top of Maren's head came to the older man's chin. Otto was a handsome man, Maren decided. He had a long face with defined cheekbones hidden behind a light brown beard tinted with grey hairs, showing his age. Deep dark brown eyes sat framed by the lines of age, Maren could see the intelligence shimmering in them. He was intelligent, Maren knew that to be true. He had been behind the raise in her families status. The Tyrells had been the only family to receive a personal invitation to the Prince's second name day celebration and their stay at the Red Keep. Maren knew for certain that Otto Hightower was behind their betrothal, not the king.

"Ask me." Maren whispered.

Otto's shoulders relaxed at Maren's acceptance. "Will you marry me?" The Hand of the King whispered.

"Yes."