A/N
This will be a Jon story but not at the beginning. I picture Adelaide Kane as Serena and Toby Regbo as Garlan. They work well together in Reign. I will be editing and revising. I added a bit to the ending and fixed some errors.
Chapter One
Nameday
Serena paces through the garden with one hand on the guest list and the other on her necklace. The bright and colorful flowers give off a perfume that keeps away the smell of King's Landing. The high brick walls seclude the garden but still lets the morning sun shine down. Birdbaths, statues, fountains and other décor mark the pathways and gazebos. None of it interests her as she has only one thing on her mind. The latest conversation, or rather, argument, with her mother. Serena tightens her grip on the guest list as she thinks of it. 'How can she spring the idea of marriage so soon?'
She walks quickly through the pathways and finds herself in her favorite place. A gazebo with a view of the beach and also has rosebushes planted around. Instead of finding a place alone she finds a man cutting away at the roses.
"What are you doing?" She shouts but the man doesn't turn. "You need to leave!"
"These bushes need a trim," he reaches behind the bush and cuts off a wilting rose, "or else the dead can damage the living."
"You know more than gardeners?" Her anxiety and irritation flares. She was not expecting any work to be done today. Not when everyone should be working towards the celebration.
"I grew up around gardeners, it is more of a pastime." She notes he is calm. Opposite to how she feels.
"Your pastime includes tending to royal gardens?" Her voice takes on an edge and she crosses her arms. "Without permission?"
He stops and turns to her. They both recognize each other but she does not make any move to greet him. However, he quickly bows to her. "Princess Serena."
She takes a breath and speaks in a more formal tone. "Seeing as this is my garden you seem surprised, Ser Garlan."
"I am sorry. I had no intention of intruding into your garden." He rises and looks apologetically at her.
"I am sure a knight of your standing had no ill intent. However," she uncrosses her arms, "there are only two entrances to this garden. Which did you use?"
"I got lost coming from practice. The Red Keep is quite grand."
She is hardly convinced. "Much needed practice? You are participating in the melee, correct?" Her voice is still formal, maybe overly formal.
"Yes," he smiles, "I usually practice against two or three others."
"An interesting talent I have only heard rumors of." She leans in. "I would personally like to see how well they are founded. With your skills, I am sure you will win." Teasing is not princess-like, but that does not stop her.
To her surprise, he leans in too. "I prefer to show rather than talk about my skills. As you are being honored today you will have the best view of my win. Just as you like to see." His voice is low and confident. She can see his brown eyes clearly as well as the clear flirting tone.
She leans back because she can feel her heart begin to beat faster. She glances away, feeling too close to him. "As I am being honored I should go." She is reminded of the guest list in her hand and the simple dress she wears. Not at all befitting a princess.
"We will see each other again. I hope next time I will be in more appropriate clothing." Unintentionally she looks him over. He is only in a white shirt which is partially opened at the chest, and fitting trousers. Without meaning to she notices that his years of practice are clear by his muscles. She looks back up at him and holds his gaze.
"I'll tell my gardeners your advice on pruning. I'm sure they can help you if you get lost." She smiles and turns away.
"As you wish princess," he calls to her. She glances back at him; it is then she understands the comments of him from others. Charming, gallant, and from Loras, 'an eloquent nuisance'.
/
"Your mother asked me to retrieve you from your garden." Mira tightens Serena's corset and ignores Serena's sharp intake of breath.
"She knew I was there?" Doubt about Garlan creeps into her mind. 'He couldn't have accidentally gotten into the garden, could he?'
"Everyone knows you go there after an argument." Mira gives Serena enough room to breathe and begins lacing up the back. She gives Serena a look of concern. "What happened?"
"Well..." Serena is hesitant to tell. It seems as if she says it aloud it will become true. "My mother wants me to choose someone to marry, quickly." Mira gasps. "If I fail to, she will decide for me." Mira comes face to face with Serena and holds onto her shoulders.
"How soon?"
Serena sighs, "She suggests finding a man today at the celebration. She told me this morning which was why I was angry."
"You can choose anyone, why not try?" Mira offers a smile. "It will be hard to find someone who can keep up with you, but I am sure you can find someone."
"Mira!" It lightens the mood and makes Serena smile.
Mira pulls Serena into a hug despite being shorter than her. After the anger and resentment, Serena feels happier with Mira as a friend.
"I will try," she mumbles to Mira. She does understand the reason behind a marriage and the need to do so quickly. Perhaps there is a person there for her.
/
Serena sits to the right of her parents and across from Myrcella and Tommen. Joffrey is nowhere to be seen, just as Robert has planned it. It is no secret that Serena and Joffrey hate each other and no secret that they are to be kept apart. Since Robert favors her Joffrey is usually the one to be kept away. That is not the only show of favoritism. He gifts her the best of everything; horses, jewelry, dresses and anything she asks for. Robert also hosts a tourney on her name day every year, including the one they sit at now.
Serena and her father yell with the crowd. The melee has started with many knights from around Westeros all fighting for recognition by the king. Tensions are high as many knights are escorted off the field and fill the medical tents. At first, she can barely discern Garlan from the rest but as more leave, he takes the attention. Garlan fights two opponents at the same time...
"You know he trains for this," Renly whispers to Serena.
"I have heard the rumors," Serena doesn't take her eyes off the fight, "I have heard Loras and ladies all talk but now I get to see for myself."
"He is-"Charming? Admirable?" She scoffs, "I would rather talk to him than listen to rumors and Loras."
He smiles, "I can arrange that."
Quickly she looks at him, wondering if he knew of what happened in the garden, or if he wants to set them up, or even if she is already showing too much interest.
Before she can speak a shout turns her attention back to the field. It is now down to Garlan and a man named Royce. It draws Serena to the edge of her seat and Renly goes back to his. Garlan and Royce circle each other until the crowd begins to yell. Royce advances with his ax. Garlan doges it once but the second time it catches on his sword and sends it clattering to the ground. Garlan doesn't yield, only steps back. Serena thinks it is over as Royce raises his ax for a final time. Suddenly Garlan jumps forward with a dagger in hand. He forces Royce down to the ground with him. The surprise leaves Garlan able to throw the ax to the side and put his dagger to Royce's throat. "Yield," he begrudgingly says and holds up his hands.
Around her, the crowd cheers and claps but she doesn't. She only smiles and Renly can see she is already attracted. If Garlan can keep her interest then they will be married in time. He doesn't anticipate what Garlan does next, nor does anyone else.
Garlan's squire rushes to him and gives him a wreath of roses. He continues walking towards the raised platform, to Serena. Everyone gets quiet. Serena can heart her heart begin to beat faster as he comes closer. Everyone is waiting...watching...
He climbs the steps and no one stops him. He comes to a stop, bows to her and presents the wreath. Her parents look to her, Myrcella, Tommen, the crowd, Garlan...
She looks into his eyes and sees a genuine request. Her breath catches and she feels the heat rise to her face. Her head lowers in a show of acceptance. Gently he places the wreath on her then takes her hand to place a kiss on it. His touch sends a shiver through her. Before her is a man who won by brutally fighting every opponent and still he touched her so lightly. He is certainly planning to marry into royalty, certainly planning on marrying for her status but yet Serena is compelled to him. 'Nothing more than a crush,' she thinks as he lets go of her hand. He bows to her, then to her parents, then walks off the platform with a smile.
There is a deafening silence as they absorb what has happened. Serena cannot stand it and takes the liberty of speaking first. "The melee has been a show of great skill where Garlan Tyrell has won. Tomorrow the joust will be held and a new winner will emerge. As for today allow us to host a banquet in the Queen's Ballroom." She smiles and steps back, signaling the end of her announcement. People begin to clap but she knows it is too late to take the focus away from her and Garlan. Cersei and Robert both take their leave quickly, leaving Serena sitting there as the cheering fades away.
/
Servants stare just as much as the highborn do. Serena wears the wreath and keeps her eyes on the castle. Beside her, Mira is nervous from their staring.
"Have you two ever spoken?" Serena doesn't answer, which makes it obvious. "Serena you didn't!"
"It only happened this morning in my garden. He said he got lost," Serena scoffs. It is too coincidental for him to have 'gotten lost'.
"You accepted it. Did he ask you to?"
"No! What was I supposed to do? Publicly decline the son of the second richest house in Westeros?"
"Speaking of him," Mira looks into the courtyard as they enter. There Garlan is in a conversation with Renly. Serena gives Mira a look.
"I need to talk to him." She says folding her hands together.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I will only be a second. Go on." Mira nods and continues walking while Serena goes over to where Renly and Garlan are. "Uncle," she says sweetly with a smile on her face. "Can I speak to Garlan for a moment?" Renly is hesitant but ultimately leaves with a pointed look at Garlan.
"Princess Serena," Garlan bows.
"I think you have surpassed such formalities."
"Have I?"
"I assume that is your intention. While I have seen how well the rumors of your skills are, you have started a few yourself." Her tones changes. "You are very bold to give me this wreath."
"Actions speak louder than words," he notices the shift in tone and thinks of a way to change it.
"In history, an action like yours has started a war. You say you had no ill intent here, so why are you here?"
"I am here to court you," He says with such sincerity that Serena is taken by surprise. "We do not know each other personally but I would like to." The feeling of doubt lingers in her mind but it is repressed by his honesty. He takes her hand and leans in. "I want a wedding with someone who I know and love. Not one that is arranged for political gain."
She looks away and takes back her hand. "I will admit that I am interested in you. Your boldness and tenacity have caught my attention." She looks back to him. "I believe that we are potentially a good match. But I am not the only one you need to convince of that."
"The King and Queen?"
"My parents, yes. They are not as happy by this wreath as I am." She smiles, "It may deter their opinion of you."
"I will talk to them tonight. I am told I am charming after all."
"You give me another reason I should prepare." She looks to the entryway. In the shadows, people watch their exchange. Spies or nosy people, either way, the whole kingdom will know of it by tomorrow. "I should go."
He looks to the people, then back to her. He takes her hand and places a kiss on it. Reminding her of the time before and bring up the same feelings. Her heart pounds and a blush rises again.
"Everyone will know," Serena says as he rises.
"Let them know."
/
By the time the party starts everyone does know. Whispers are fueled by servants who saw them in the courtyard and in her garden. Serena and Garlan dance around the floor, talking of the gossip. They smile and laugh as they move in step to the music. They only stop when another man, Royce, asks Serena for a dance.
"Of course," Garlan says with a smile, but his hand remains on Serena's waist for longer than necessary. He looks down on Royce as they exchange places. Royce seems unaware of it as he takes the lead on the next song.
Royce begins a conversation and Serena is obligated to smile and answer. Between turns and dips, she looks out to the others hoping to see Garlan. When she does find him he is engaged in conversation with her mother, Cersei. Serena is unsurprised, as Cersei has always been protective. What worries her more is how Garlan will 'charm' her.
Once the song ends Serena makes an excuse and goes straight to Cersei and Garlan. She hears the final part of the conversation. Or rather, her mother's intimidation. "...Speak with the king, perhaps then your words will have more weight."
"Mother!" Serena interrupts. "May I speak to you a moment?"
"Yes, darling," Cersei interlocks her arm with Serena's as she leads her away from Garlan and other guests. Serena scoffs and takes her arm back from her mother.
"I am not a child," she says as she crosses her arms.
"I know you are not. Which is why you need to think, make smart decisions."
"Garlan is the second son of a rich and powerful family. They are second only to you. I think he is a suitable match."
"Your father is adamant about you marrying a different house. Into the Starks." Serena's face falls and Cersei is quick to continue. "I suggested to him otherwise." Cersei takes Serena's hands into hers. "I believe he will let you marry another if you can convince him and Jon Arryn."
"Both of them?"
"Listen to me Serena," Cersei steps closer, "the second best will always want to take the first."
"I don't have anything to give. Firstborn or not."
"You have connections. Robert will do anything you ask." Cersei puts a hand on Serena's cheek. "I love you and I want you to have the world, but be careful."
"I will." She responds with reluctance. "I don't instantly love any man who gives me attention. Nor do I make rash judgments for my life."
Cersei sighs and lets go of Serena. "You will have to speak with your father and the hand if you truly want Garlan. He will have to do the same."
Serena nods and Cersei is satisfied. Once she leaves Garlan comes up to her.
"I don't think your mother likes me very much."
Serena smiles, "she hardly likes anyone, much less someone who showed such blatant regard for me."
Garlan takes Serena's hand. "I will speak with your father. He is not as disapproving...Is he?"
"He wishes for me to marry into the Stark family. Which is why I will talk to him and Jon Arryn about it."
"I suppose this could have gone much worse. So why no celebrate by enjoying your party?" He takes a glass of wine from a nearby servant and gives it to her. She drinks it all quickly then pulls him to the dance floor.
/
The next day Serena looks for Jon Arryn, the hand of the king and one of the few people Robert takes advice from. If she was to change Robert's mind about marrying a Stark then she would need Jon's backing.
As she paces in the hand's tower she can't help but imagine the possibilities of Robert not agreeing. He could send her away, to Winterfell where she knows no one but Mira. Marry her to a man she has no idea of except a vague description. Force her to leave the safety of the South and live in the constant cold. 'No, she thinks, no I will choose my husband and I will choose my life no matter what he says'. She begins to imagine a life with Garlan. Living in the lush and plentiful Reach. Flowers and vegetation and parties they are known for. A life of luxury. Although, even that has downsides too. She would leave the Red Keep and leave everything she grew up with. No constant ocean on the horizon, no trips to the Kingswood or into the streets.
Footsteps tear her from her thoughts and she looks to the source. Jon Arryn. He arrives with a large book in hand and almost drops it once he notices her.
"Serena! Does something trouble you?"
"Err, no not exactly," she steps to the side and allows him to unlock the door. "I need to speak with you about a courtship."
"Courtship?" He goes into the room and set the book on his desk. "I don't have any advice for you on that."
"No, no, I mean..." She sighs and steps into the room too. "You have no doubt heard what happened yesterday after the melee."
He gives her a distant look. "Yes. I have heard it bears similarity to the tourney of Harrenhal."
"Yes well," that is not what she wanted, "If we were to pursue a relationship Garlan and I would be a good match."
"Because he gave you a wreath?"
"No, we have talked...at length."
He nods, "Garlan is a good lad. Proper from what I hear. That does not mean he will be if you marry."
"I am talking about courtship, not marriage. I am not planning a wedding anytime soon!"
He gives a short laugh. "I am afraid your father has the last word on this."
"Yes, but if he comes to you for advice-" "I will tell him to choose who he thinks is right by you. Now, I am sorry to push you out but I do have important work to attend to."
Serena sighs and nods. "Thank you."
She makes the walk back to her room quietly. By the time she reaches her room Mira is there waiting to dress her up.
"Serena, it is customary for you to attend your tourney."
Serena smiles and begins to undress. "If it is a tourney for me then I will let them wait."
/
King's Landing is filled with people. Merchants, soldiers, commoners, all rushing from one place to the next. In all the hurry Serena blends into the masses. Her dress is not so expensive and her hair not so elegant. It is not the first time she has traveled into the streets but it is the first time she has followed someone. She needs Jon Arryn to tell the King to let her marry, and the few words Jon did share did not make her feel any better. As she tried to find a way to speak with him more she discovered that he did have other business. A business that Serena wants to know about. With her tourney on a break, it gives her enough time to follow him around without being missed. Even Garlan is occupied by Loras, who was hurt in the joust.
Jon is easy to track. He goes into a brothel, which surprises Serena. She looks through vendors as she waits for him to come out. After she looks through the fake jewelry, cheap clothing, and the spice table she is sure he left without her notice. Still, his horse is there and she wonders if that is his secret. With his wife taking care of their son constantly there is little opportunity for any sex. She thinks about leaving but stops when she passes by the side entrance. There he is talking with a woman who holds a baby. He gives her coins and turns away without a second thought.
She covers her mouth and turns away in shock. It is impossible. 'Jon, held in such high esteem, with a bastard?' She turns back to him and watches as he mounts his horse. As he leaves she notices that is it not in the direction of the castle, but deeper into the city. Her rational thought tells her he is just making sure he isn't followed, but yet…
Serena walks quickly after him. The crowded streets slow down his horse to a reasonable pace and she is grateful. Along the way she can tell the different sections they go through. The merchant class is always showcasing their trades, the working class has children grouped together without an adult, and the poor are scattered throughout. Her heart breaks for the children who live in the orphanage and the conditions they live in. As one child comes up to her she feels she has no choice but to give something of value. Reaching into her pockets she knows she has silver stag coins to give. "Here," she says, handing the small child two coins. The child is surprised and runs away. Serena smiles and begins to walk away. Another child comes to her, asking more eagerly than the first. Then another, and another. Panic rises up in her as the surrounding children cause a scene. She gives them what she can, a coin each, and pushes through them.
"Children!" An older woman calls out and they all turn towards her. Including Serena. "Let the woman pass." Serena and the woman share a look. She nods as Serena and she takes that as her cue to leave.
Lucky for her Jon did not go too far. She finds him ending a conversation with a blacksmith. He does not buy anything, only gives an amount of coin and leaves. She watches the blacksmith quickly hide the coin in a pocket. Evidently not trying to let it be seen. She wonders how they are connected if they are connected. In her moment of thinking, he looks over and sees her. A woman not unlike any other in the city. She walks forward with confidence and hastiness.
"This smith is the best in the capital, yes?"
He feels a sense of familiarity. Her black hair is the same as his, just like her blue eyes.
He nods, "Are you looking to buy?"
"Yes," she hesitates. "For my husband. We are here for the celebration."
He scoffs, which makes Serena tilt her head. "I mean no disrespect, Lady…?" He looks are her dress. It is not common, and from the material, only the moderately wealthy can afford.
"Tyrell."
"Lady Tyrell," he gives a nod. "What is it that you want for your husband?"
"Two daggers. Perhaps a decorative stag on the hilt."
"There are others before you. The princess' name day draws business every year." Serena forces herself not to smile at that. "What is your name? It will be put on the list."
She stares at him for a second before thinking of a name. "Argella Tyrell. And yours?"
"Gendry."
/
"He's dead?" Serena feigns surprise as Pycelle informs her of the hand's death. "But how? I thought it was a cold." Her hand pushes the old parchment deeper into her pocket as she stands from the chair. Only days ago he was healthy and traveling around.
"Cold impacts the older more than the younger." Pycelle hobbles over to the desk of the former hand. "What are you doing here?"
"I was hoping to find a letter." Serena takes a step towards the door. "I spoke to him about Garlan, you see. I hoped he could sway my father towards arranging a marriage." She gives a sad smile. "I suppose he can't help with that now."
"No, no he can't." Pycelle takes the book that sits on the desk. "You should speak to your father about it."
"I will," Serena takes her chance to leave. Once away from Pycelle she runs back to her room. Gently she takes out the page from her pocket. She tore it from the book seconds before Pycelle barged in. It was what Arryn was reading before he died and now that she saw it the trips into the streets made sense. She folds the paper and hides it between pages of letters she and Garlan exchanged. 'No one can know of it,' she thinks, 'or else they will end up dead too.'
/
Serena sits across the table from her father. She marks her nervousness by touching the Baratheon pendant around her neck.
"I have thought about your courtship with Garlan." Serena expects news to break it off. "Jon has told me to do right by you. Is this what you want? To potentially marry Garlan?" As he speaks Serena can tell he is sober. She didn't think it was that important but maybe Arryn's passing forced him to be.
"Yes," is her automatic answer but there is still that doubt in her mind. "I know he isn't a Stark as you wanted, but he is kind and honorable. And he brings more wealth to the family."
Robert takes a drink of wine. "Fine. You will go to Highgarden while we leave for Winterfell."
"What?"
"Your brother will marry a Stark girl since you do not want to. He is the one who needs to go." Serena is stunned by the news and reaches out for a glass of wine. "Your mother will help plan your wedding first, then Joffrey's."
"My wedding?" Serena almost spills her wine. She liked Garlan, yes, but a wedding? "So soon?"
"You will have the grandest wedding in the kingdom." He stands up and puts down his wine glass. "If after we come back from Winterfell and you wish to not marry him, then Cersei will find another." He says it as a warning. Serena scoffs and drinks the rest of the wine in her glass. "By the time I get back, Garlan may be the one wanting out."
That makes Serena laugh, "Any man who I marry will have to put up with me."
/
"Congratulations, you managed to turn the head of a princess." Lady Olenna sits with her grandchildren Garlan and Margaery. He gives a solemn nod as he takes a sip of wine. He hardly listens as he is thinking of Serena. For the past three months they have been getting closer but still, they were both hesitant. Margaery casts her brother a look of sympathy while Olenna sighs. "Is a princess not good enough?"
"I lied to her, grandmother." He looks out to the fields beyond the maze as if he could see Serena. Her expression happy as she rides her black mare.
"You may have met each other in a different way, that doesn't mean you lied." She scoffs. "She is young and pretty. Stubborn, but that is expected of her family." Garlan doesn't smile at her jab, only sets down his glass. "Do you not like her?"
"I do."
"Then why are you complaining? You haven't said a word against her since she arrived."
He doesn't answer. After a look from Olenna Margaery speaks.
"She is happier here with you rather than with a man she doesn't know leagues away. Do you think the Northern houses would allow her to be as free as she is here? You are a good man, Garlan. You will have happiness as well as the title prince." She says the last part with a hint of envy.
"I don't like lying to people I am close with." He looks away from his sister and focuses on his glass on the table. He imagines being in the garden with Serena instead of his sister and grandmother. "I am not going to have my happiness built on lies."
"Tell her then." Olenna waves her hand towards the fields where Serena is out riding. "Watch her face fall as she realizes you have set her up for marriage. She will tell the King and his anger will rain down on you. Listen to me, Garlan, you have given her a ring and brought her here. Now is the best time to secure her, before she can say a word to her father."
He scoffs and rises from his seat. "Fine."