{ forbidden fruit ~ GoT Open

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"Alright. Sit here, please." She gestured towards the vanity.

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Briar sat down and folded her hands in her lap, "Wow, you have so much makeup!"

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"I am a Queen, Briar." She peered at her complexion, her face. "Alright, this should work well..." She started on the makeup, matching the colors of the dress well. "There. What do you think?"

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"I look..like a girl," Briar said in awe, touching her cheek gently, "I love it."

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Anita bent close. "You are a girl, Briar."

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Briar looked at her, tears gathering in her eyes, "Thank you. You're the first to say that to me."

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"Then I shall not be the last." Anita straightened, kissing Briar's hair. "Now, my beautiful girl, let us go to dinner?"

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Briar smiled and took Anita's hand in her own, "Can I sit next to you?"

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Anita squeezed Briar's hand in her own gently. "Of course you may. I should be honored."

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Briar felt a warmth stirring in her heart. Was this what it felt like to have someone care about you? Anita had stepped up as her mother. It did not matter that she was not biologically related. She saw her as her mother.

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Anita pressed a kiss to Briar's hair before straightening, fingers tight on Briar's. "Remember - head up, back straight. You are a woman, you are beautiful, and no one - no one - can defeat you." She glanced at Briar.

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"No one," Briar repeated, squaring her shoulders so that her back straightened.

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"Very good." She smiled. "Let us go." Barefoot, the Queen walked down the stairs, the perfect picture of ease, grace, and beauty. But she was nervous, trembling.

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Briar could feel her shaking. It was hard to notice, but she could feel it in her hand. She took a deep breath, walking beside her with more confidence than usual.

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Anita calmed. It took considerable effort, but she did it. She breathed in deeply, descending the final stair with a peaceful smile on her face.

((Alright. Do you want to have Briar get with someone?))

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"You're a great queen, Anita," Briar whispered to her, keeping her gaze ahead and a smile on her face.

[ Oh yeah, she can Why, did you want to bring someone in for her? ]

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Anita flashed her a glance. It held gratitude, warmth, and tears.
"Thank you." It was sincere, and she bowed her head in Briar's direction.
Her voice was clear, bright, easy to hear.

"I, Anita Taragyen-Martell, offer you Briar, the Princess!"

There were claps, happy shouts.
And whispers, mutters of disrespect.

A courageous young man with raven's hair and sapphire eyes stepped forwards.
"I am Jean-Claude. It is a pleasure, Princess Briar." He bowed, French accent ringing softly around the crowd.

((Of course. ))

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Briar wasn't used to so much attention, when she was locked away in her room. A light blush painted her cheeks when the young man stepped forward. She glanced at Anita, then back to him, "Likewise, Jean-Claude," Briar responded, keeping her voice clear, not timid. She curtsied back to him in respect.

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Anita lightly squeezed Briar's hand, a silent push of courage for her daughter.
Jean-Claude smiled brilliantly.
"My Queen."
Anita inclined her head, smiling. "Pleasant seeing you again, Jean-Claude."

The French prince touched Briar's shoulder.
"Would you like to sit by me?"

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Briar's eyes widened and she felt the beat of her heart pick up, "O-Oh, well, I was going to sit next to the Queen tonight," she replied, looking at Jean-Claude with an apologetic smile.