- Mattias -
Bryden set down his cup, the candlelight glinting off his silver hair as he regarded Mattias thoughtfully.
"Tell me, your grace," he began, his tone measured yet curious,
"What do you intend for House Tully now that you've brought my niece safely home?"
Mattias raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more behind the question.
"I intend to see Riverrun strong again," he replied simply.
Bryden nodded slowly, then leaned forward with a faint, knowing smile.
"Then perhaps it's time we speak plainly. You've proven yourself capable, brave, decisive, and... not without charm. The Riverlands need an heir, and my niece is still in her childbearing years. I would see you wed Catelyn, if she so willings it."
The room fell silent.
Catelyn blinked, her face turning pink as her lips parted slightly.
"Uncle…" she said softly, both startled and flustered. Though, the ring in her fingers already bound the two but the sudden proposal caught her off guard.
Political marriage isn't that strange and Catelyn did not mind how it started as she understood her responsibility as a Tully.
"That's….quite sudden."
Arya looked between them, her brows knitting together as something uneasy twisted in her chest.
The thought made her stomach tighten. She didn't know why, part of her wanted to be happy for her mother, but another part, the childish part, hated the idea of someone else taking the space her father once held.
Her voice came out quieter than she intended, edged with a hint of jealousy.
"So… Mother and him?" she asked, her gaze flicking toward Mattias, unable to keep the faint scowl from her face.
He turned his gaze back to Bryden.
"You honor me with such a proposal, Lord Bryden," he said sincerely.
"But I'll speak plainly as well, I am not a man bound by one woman. My duty and ambition will lead me down paths few could follow."
Bryden's eyes narrowed slightly, testing him.
"So you'd take her as one among many?"
Mattias did not flinch.
"I would take her as someone worthy of respect, a woman I trust. If she chooses to stand beside me, I won't turn away. I'll keep your proposal in mind. And I'll ensure no harm comes to her or this house."
Bryden studied him for a long moment before exhaling through his nose.
"You remind me of your kind, unbending, yet not cruel," he said finally.
"Very well. I'll not press it further tonight. But think on it, Mattias. Riverrun could use a man like you and Catelyn deserves someone who treats her well."
He rose from his seat, giving a faint smirk.
"Perhaps there's hope for the Riverlands yet."
Mattias inclined his head slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Perhaps there is."
Eventually, the party continued and Mattias was on the balcony looking at the night sky enjoying the wine that was given to them. Mattias finds the wine to be lacking in refinement of a real wine.
"Your grace. This is where you've been."
Mattias turned to see Catelyn stepped forward under the deep moonlight, the deep blue silk of her gown rustling softly with the movement. The dress was a rich, almost sapphire shade, a color that made the fire of her long, coppery hair seem even more vibrant.
The neckline was wide and off-the-shoulder, trimmed with a narrow band of darker blue fabric patterned. This dark trim also ran along the edges of the long, slightly puffed sleeves, which narrowed at the forearm before flaring out into a soft ruffle at the wrist.
Under the heavy blue overdress, a lighter, almost silver-blue underskirt peeked out, providing a striking contrast to the darker fabric.
A wide, richly embroidered sash cinched her waist, its detailed pattern woven with the Tully trout motif or a floral design echoing the trim at her neckline. The sash hung down the front of the skirt, emphasizing the length and flow of the gown as she moved, a vision of noble grace against the backdrop of the sun-dappled woods.
"I couldn't say it earlier, but you're stunning in that dress," Mattias complimented, his tone calm yet sincere.
Catelyn's eyes widened slightly at his words before a gentle blush rose to her cheeks. She smiled softly and walked closer, her steps light as the silk of her gown brushed against the stone floor. She stood beside him, gazing out at the moonlit rivers of her homeland.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she said quietly, her voice carrying a warmth that contrasted the cool night air.
Mattias glanced at her from the corner of his eye, then back to the stars.
"What are you doing outside, if you don't mind me asking?" she said after a moment, her tone curious yet tender.
"Nothing," Mattias replied, his gaze fixed on the pale glow of the moon.
"I am simply a man who fancies the moonlight. Did you know that the light of the moon came from the sun?"
Catelyn blinked, intrigued. "Really!? How do you know that?"
"As I mentioned before," Mattias said with a faint chuckle, "the knowledge and understanding of the world in my homeland is out of this world."
He smirked slightly at his own pun, earning a small, amused laugh from her.
The two stood together under the quiet sky, the soft light bathing them in silver. For a moment, no words were needed. Then Mattias turned to her, his tone shifting, softer, more personal.
"Actually," he said, his eyes meeting hers, "I haven't shown it to anyone… but I trust you enough."
Through their Soul Marriage, Mattias could feel the warmth of her emotions, curiosity, affection, and a calm sense of comfort in his presence. That invisible bond pulsed gently between them, like two hearts beating in rhythm.
He smiled faintly. "Perhaps it's time I shared a glimpse of what my homeland can truly do."
Catelyn looked up at him, her expression one of wonder and anticipation. The night air felt alive as if the stars themselves were holding their breath.
Catelyn saw him take out what seemed to be a box of sorts, then gasped softly when it began to shine faintly with a strange, cold light.
"What is this? Is it some kind of magic tool?" she asked curiously, leaning closer, her copper hair shimmering under the moonlight.
"Kinda," Mattias replied with a faint smile. "Most people in my homeland have one, but mine is special—it's the only one of its kind."
He tapped the surface, and the strange box came to life, displaying vivid, moving images. Catelyn's eyes widened in disbelief.
"What sorcery is this!? People are moving inside that small box!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with awe.
Mattias chuckled softly, not teasing her ignorance but rather admiring her wonder. "Truth be told, my homeland, as far as I know, doesn't have magic. Before you ask, when I arrived in this place, I was granted magic and certain unique abilities."
Catelyn tore her gaze away from the glowing screen, her expression a mixture of wonder and curiosity. "If this isn't magic, then what is it?" she asked.
"The term we use is technology," Mattias explained patiently.
"To put it simply, take a bow, for example. People used it for ages, but eventually they wanted something better. So they created the crossbow a more advanced version of the same idea."
"I see…" Catelyn murmured, nodding slowly. "So this box is like… a crossbow made from another crossbow?"
Mattias laughed softly. "Something like that."
"My people are ambitious," Mattias began, his gaze drifting toward the night sky.
"They were able to start from swords and blades… to a weapon capable of annihilating an entire city with a single attack."
Catelyn's eyes widened in shock. "Is… is such a thing real!? Even the dragons from the targaryen do not hold such power!"
"I wish I were exaggerating," Mattias said with a somber expression. "That weapon could destroy an entire city and spread poison that would kill those who survived the blast. The poison lingers for years—decades even—and cannot be removed easily. There are many kinds of such weapons, but the most powerful was called the Tsar Bomba."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, searching for a way to explain. "It is a weapon similar to wildfire," he said, "but hundreds of thousands of times stronger."
Catelyn stood speechless, her breath caught in her throat as she tried to imagine such devastation. Mattias saw her expression and offered a faint, reassuring smile.
"Of course," he continued, his tone softer, "we didn't only create weapons. That weapon was always considered a last resort. To use it in war would mean bringing ruin to the entire world."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly as he went on.
"My homeland also made many things that helped the common folk," he said. "Free education for the smallfolk, medicine that could heal wounds once thought fatal, and knowledge shared freely so no child would suffer in ignorance."
He spoke gently but with conviction, his words painting a vision of progress that Catelyn could scarcely imagine.
Catelyn listened intently, her expression gradually shifting from awe to admiration. "If such wonders could truly exist… if such kindness and wisdom could reach the people here…" she whispered, her voice almost trembling, "then Westeros might finally know peace."
Mattias looked at her, the faintest smile playing at his lips. "That's the goal, my lady. To build a world where no child starves, no mother weeps, and no man wages war for a crown of bones."
Catelyn turned her eyes to him, the moonlight reflecting in her gaze. "If anyone could bring such a dream to life, I believe it would be you, Your Grace."
Mattias gave a quiet chuckle, though his eyes softened at her faith in him.
"Then I'll have to make sure not to disappoint you."
Catelyn's heart raced as she leaned in, pressing her lips against Mattias's in a passionate kiss.Their mouths moved together, tongues dancing and intertwining as they lost themselves in the moment.The cool night air seemed to vanish, replaced by the heat of their arousal.Mattias's hands roamed her body, tracing the curves of her hips and waist through the silk of her gown. Catelyn gasped softly into his mouth, her own hands gripping his shoulders tightly.
They twirled around each other, their kisses growing more urgent and demanding with each passing second.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Catelyn's cheeks were flushed a deep pink, her lips swollen from their kisses. Mattias smirked down at her, his eyes dark with desire.
"Perhaps we should continue this inside," he murmured, his voice low and husky.
"I believe there are certain... activities that would be more comfortable in bed."
Catelyn bit her lip, a shiver of anticipation running down her spine at Mattias's words. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes,I think that would be wise." Mattias offered his arm to her, escorting her back inside the castle. As they walked, their hands brushed against each other, sending electric sparks through their bodies.
Once inside Catelyn's chambers, Mattias closed the door behind them and turned to face her. His eyes raked over her body hungrily as he slowly began to unbuckle his belt.
"You look absolutely stunning in that dress,"he said, his voice dripping with desire.
"But I think it's time for it to come off." He stepped closer to her, his hands reaching out to slowly peel the silk gown from her shoulders. Catelyn let him undress her, shivering as the cool air hit her bare skin.
As the dress pooled at her feet, Mattias took a moment to admire Catelyn's naked form, his gaze lingering on her full breasts and the curve of her hips. He leaned down, pressing hot kisses along her collarbone and down to the swell of her breasts. Catelyn gasped, arching into his touch as his lips closed around one hardened nipple.
Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close as he lavished attention on each breast in turn. Meanwhile, his hands roamed lower, caressing the soft skin of her stomach and hips before dipping between her thighs. He found her already wet and ready for him, a low groan escaping his lips at the discovery.
"You're so responsive,"he murmured against her skin.
"I love how easily I can make you want me." His fingers slipped inside her, pumping slowly as his thumb circled her clit. Catelyn moaned loudly, grinding herself against his hand shamelessly.
Mattias continued his ministrations, his fingers moving expertly inside her as he brought her closer and closer to the edge. Catelyn's breath came in short gasps, her hips moving in rhythm with his hand. Just as she was about to climax, Mattias withdrew his fingers, leaving her frustrated and needy.
"Not yet." he said with a smirk, pushing her backwards onto the bed.
"I want to be inside you when you come." He quickly shed his own clothes, revealing his muscular body and hardened cock.
Catelyn licked her lips at the sight, spreading her legs invitingly. Mattias crawled onto the bed between her thighs, the head of his cock brushing against her entrance.
He teased her for a moment, rubbing himself against her wet folds before finally pushing inside with a low groan. They both moaned at the sensation, their bodies fitting together perfectly.
Mattias began to move, his hips thrusting slowly at first before picking up speed. Catelyn wrapped her legs around his waist, urging him deeper as she met each thrust with her own.
The sound of their bodies coming together filled the room, mingling with their moans and gasps of pleasure. Mattias leaned down, capturing Catelyn's lips in a passionate kiss as he continued to pound into her. His hands gripped her hips tightly, lifting her slightly to change the angle and hit that sweet spot inside her that made her see stars.
"Mattias!"she cried out, breaking the kiss as she felt herself hurtling towards orgasm.
"I'm going to come!"He growled against her neck, his thrusts becoming more erratic.
"Do it. Come for me, Catelyn."His words pushed her over the edge and Catelyn screamed his name as she came undone beneath him, her inner walls clamping down around his cock like a vice.
As Catelyn lay panting and trembling in the aftermath of her orgasm, Mattias suddenly paused, his head turning towards the door. He smirked, knowing exactly who was on the other side.
"Come in, Arya,"he called out, his voice calm and commanding.
"I know you're there." The door creaked open slowly, revealing Arya standing hesitantly in the doorway.