[126/1] Growing Together (Closed)

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

The message the servant delivered was short;


"
Milady wishes you to go to her, Milord,"
Sally said, with a deep curtsey.

Corrine and Ellie had retired earlier, leaving Ben some time to himself. But now, it seemed he was being summoned.

[Benedict Marsten]

Hurried footsteps echo through the silent hallways. The loud thuds come almost at a run. They go quiet outside the large oak and iron door. Ben's deep breaths fill the void of sound.

He attempts to steady his breathing and slow his racing heart. His shaking hand pushes open the worn door. "
My Lady, you wish to see me? Is all well?"
His nervousness is palpable.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Come in!"
comes Corrine's voice, light and calm. The message's vagueness and brevity might have implied a problem, but it was not apparent in his wife's voice.

What greets him as he enters their bedchamber is a warm, inviting scene. The hearth is aglow with a well-fed fire, crackling merrily as it imbues the room with an amber hue. A small cone of heady Eastern incense sends fragrant tendrils of blueish grey smoke trailing across the room, the scents of sandalwood and vanilla evocative of luxury and exoticism.
Upon the bed, surrounded by a scattering of red rose petals, wrapped in nothing but her large, plush, silver shadowcat pelt, is his beloved lady wife, reclining decorously, with an alluring look on her face.

"
I must confess, it was a trick,"
she giggles, in playful mock-contrition.

[Benedict Marsten]

A quick battery of emotions flow through his spirit. Sweet relief at her well-being, momentary anger at being tricked, and burning desire for the love of his life. He moves into the chamber with a wicked grin.

"
Well, I am glad this pumping blood may not go to waste, Huntress."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

She laughs heartily.

"
Oh love, I am sorry if I worried you. If you are very cross with me, you may give me a spanking,"
she adds, with a wicked grin. "
But first, come here. I have something for you."


She pats a space on the bed beside her.

[Benedict Marsten]

That crooked grin broadens at his wife's provocative words. With a few quick strides he reaches the enormous bed. He climbs into the indicate space, his hand reaching out to brush her hair lightly. His fingers linger on her rosy cheek.

"
Beautiful."
His eyes linger lovingly over her.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Despite her unabashed state of undressed repose, his tender compliment makes her blush and giggle shyly.

"
Thank you. I am glad your affections are undiminished. Which is why I want to give you this."


From beneath the voluminous silver cloak, she pulls an ornately bound book. Compared to weighty tomes like the famous White Book, or one of Maester Ronnel's books on medicine, it is a small, slim volume, clad in deep ochre calfskin, with delicate silver buckling. Upon opening, the first page declares the book to be 'Kindling the Heart: The Dornish Art of Love', by Yris Sand. It is full of poetically passionate verse and fine line illustrations, describing and depicting myriad ways for lovers to excite, please, and cherish one another, in ways that no Westerosi noble would be typically taught.

Corrine sat up a little as Ben gazed at her gift, her eyes full of adoration.

"
It was meant to be an anniversary gift, but it took longer to get here than expected."

[Benedict Marsten]

One hand delicate grasps the exquisite book, as the other opens the cover. Narrowed eyes began reading the wicked words, penned on the first page. His eyes quickly widen. A broad smile grows across his engrossed face.

The pages briskly turn over as Ben skims the remainder. Once or twice his cheeks flush at the drawings contained in the exotic book. He eases the book closed in his lap. Grateful for its placement.

He opens his mouth to speak. Then closes it. And repeats before finally forming words. "
Well. Shall we test the limits of Westerosi noble decency, my love?"


He laughs cheerfully as he leans forward to kiss his lady wife. "
A magnificent gift!"


With a sly grin and raised eyebrow he asks. "
Have you proof read this gift?"

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine giggles gleefully.

"
I may have... browsed... somewhat..."
she replies.

[Benedict Marsten]

With a bright smile he replies. "
Well, then it may be time for further research. The maesters always say one should never stop learning."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I do love learning,"
she giggled.

[and a strange fog appears over the grubby stuff]

///

When the night's adventure came to a lull, and they lay entwined in eachother's arms, Corrine broke the tired, comfortable silence.

"
I have another gift for you, of a sort. It is good news. Maester Ronnel has confirmed I am with child again."

[Benedict Marsten]

He tucks his free hand behind his head and smiles smuggly. His prideful outward jest held a good bit of truth. For Ben family was more than the cornerstone it was the whole foundation. Ellie had been the first clear sign of this. Then came the often much too public displays of affection with Lady Marsten. Now it was the hours spent with Bethany, doting lovingly, but with the Father's sterness. There were none in Hartshorn who could doubt Lord Marsten's love for his girls. A small prayer, that the odds even-out with a boy.

"
It appears the Riverlands are indeed a fertile place. I have to say I have missed that swell"
he places a hand on her flat stomach. "
And the gracious curves that come with it."
His hand tracing up over her breast. He gives a short laugh and a long smile.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine giggles and wriggles away for a moment.

"
I sometimes think you were more attracted to me that way,"
she teases. "
Not that I'm complaining. I hope it'll be a boy this time. House Marsten's future would feel so much more secure."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben takes on a serious demeanor. "
House Marsten's future is secure. A male or female. You have seen to that."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
As much as I want to agree with you more about that, the whisperings of disappointment last time were, sadly, real. As much as I'd like to rub our strength in their faces, we do have to play the game somewhat."


She nuzzles his nose with hers, her hand pressed into the middle of his chest.

"
Still, if me must raise a clutch of shieldmaidens to succeed us, then so be it."

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