Although a lord cannot force the marriage if their dependent refuses to say the vows, this would carry serious consequences.
The head of house is expected to arrange matches for his or her children and any unwed younger siblings. Betrothals and marriages can be part of a pledge of support, or to help arrange peace between rivals. According to Stannis Baratheon, 'the surest way to seal a new alliance is with a marriage'. Most betrothals among nobility are to ally with another family, not for love such marriages of convenience are also common among the middle class and peasants.
