King's Tower

[The Smith]

"No one would choose that fate for themselves." Selwyn replied, "I will do my best to become." He cleared his throat, "your friend."

[Marie]

"Good. We must work together. I understand that our private and public lives will be different but I do want to make our partnership work. We must get to know each other better, Selwyn."

[The Smith]

Selwyn stared at her, "Do you always repeat yourself like that when you are nervous?" His gravelly voice revealed none of his thoughts.

[Marie]

She looked at him. He did make her nervous but she was loath to admit it.

"Selwyn, I am ill-at-ease with you still. I must rule and be seen to do so. I have given you my full trust in matters military but when it comes to the fact that we will be man and wife...You can see the difficulty, I'm sure."

[The Smith]

"Every time I look in the mirror." Selwyn replied in neutral tones.

[Marie]

Rhaenys was moved to feel pity for him. She'd no idea what it felt like to be him but it had to be sheer hell.

"Poor Selwyn," she whispered. "My heart aches for you."

Her voice became stronger, more confident.

"That's not what I meant. You have to live with the scars every day of your life. The least I can do is accept them as part of you. What I want is to avoid any undue awkwardness when we are married."

[The Smith]

Selwyn lip quirked again, "What is your strategy for that?"

[Marie]

"Only that we should close the distance between us in any way possible."

[The Smith]

Selwyn studied her, "I understand your intent. I do just not see how you intend to achieve your goal before we reach Winterfell."

[Marie]

"We have time," she said. "I thought we might anticipate our wedding night, so we have time to get accustomed to one another, but I will not command you in this. We should both be happy else it's pointless."

[The Smith]

Selwyn's head turned away slightly, "I apologize for any rudeness... but I may be hearing a meaning to your words you do not have." His brow was slightly creased with though.

[Marie]

Her heart thumped fast and madly. She was doing her best to hide her feelings but could not deny to herself that she was anxious about what would happen when they did share a bed.

"I think you heard me right," she said. "Difficult situations should be confronted head on, and swiftly."

[The Smith]

Selwyn sighed, "I suppose." He walked toward the door to the bed chamber and opened it. He walked through and as he did he removed his coat. He folded it twice and laid it down on a table. His hand went to pull his tunic loose from his belt and he looked at her with his lone eye, "In here I presume."

[Marie]

Rhaenys swallowed. Both her previous lovers had been men she'd been attracted to. She wasn't sure how to deal with Selwyn in conversation, let alone in the bedchamber, yet it had to be done. It's best to get it over with. At least that way I'll know what it's like with him.

"Of course," she said.

She shut the door behind them then sat on the bed to remove her footwear. The belt came next and then Rhaenys unpinned her hair so it fell loose around her shoulders. She stood before Selwyn, not looking at him as she reached up to take off her tunic. Then she sat watching him clothed only in her breeches and a thin undershirt instead of a shift. Heart in her mouth, she waited to see if he would make the next move.

[The Smith]

Selwyn had removed his boots and socks this time. They were placed neatly beneath his coat, and he removed his tunic exposing his naked chest. Naked save for scars. Small and large, he was marked by the many battles he had fought in. Soon he folded up his shirt and placed it atop of his pants.

Turning he stared at her with his one eye. For a moment he studied her face, studying her for some reaction. Then he stepped forward. One hand went behind her neck, and fiercely pulled her close to him. As she collided into him his other gently closed her eyes. His own eye closed as he brought her into a strong kiss. He pulled her tight, and his tongue forced its way into her mouth. He lifted her off the ground with ease, and held her there in his embrace.