I should have known GRRM was referencing a real practice. I truly thought the "Lord's right" thing in the show was something he'd fabricated for his books.
Nope, it was definitely real.
Lord comes to handfasting ceremony to give his blessings.
sees pretty young woman, attractive in that dirty peasant way...
Sees heavy yams and titties poking through the burlap she stunting in.
Sends his retinue over to let them know he's gonna give his "personal" blessing to the union.
It is what it is.
Most things Martin writes about is inspired by real life.
Like the Red Wedding is inspired by the Black Dinner, which happened in medieval Scotland.
Wildfire is Greek fire, etc.
dope writer tho