Chapter 2

The Gardens of the Palace

Sansa Stark

"Why have I been called to the garden of all places?" she asked.

Prince Niklas walked next to her, "It's most likely to speak with the real ruler of Highgarden."

"Who is that?"

The hearty laugh caught her off guard but she was glad to see him smile. He hadn't been very happy since his engagement. In her delusional mind, she liked to think she still had a chance but she didn't have one before so it didn't really matter.

"She is Lady Olenna Tyrell, the matriarch of the House Tyrell." he stopped before they drew closer to the center of the gardens. "The Queen of Thorns has a talent for amusingly cutting words, she may remind me you of a more blunt version of my own mother. Lady Olenna may startle you."

Sansa smiled and halted her steps as well, "Are you just teasing me?"

"My lady, I am a prince." the wink at the end of his words discredited him.

She giggled, "Now you're really just being silly."

"I did rather miss you, going to war isn't really a way to continue friendships." he commented.

She replied genuinely, "I prayed for you every day."

"No wonder I felt so strong." he grinned and offered her his arm as they walked to where the Tyrell's had taken over the garden.

Margaery walked forward to greet them with a pretty blue dress and she felt herself grow jealous at the girl's natural beauty. It wasn't Margaery's fault that her family wanted her to marry Niklas but she could still be a little bit bitter inside.

Standing near each other, anyone could tell that they were a picture perfect couple.

"Lady Margaery." Niklas bowed and kissed the girl's hand. "I'm so sorry that I could not make it to your dinner invite, I had a prior engagement."

The older girl curtsied, "Of course, my prince."

His obvious discomfort made her giggle on the inside.

"I will take my leave then." he avoided eye contact with the Lady.

Margaery smiled, "Of course."

"Have fun, try not to get pricked." he whispered to her before walking off.

A small smile came to her face at his little tease but she saw that that the brunette girl was staring at him intensely.

"He doesn't like me much." Margaery bluntly commented.

She immediately tried to deny it, "The prince is just shy."

"It's alright I can handle the truth and you were called here by my grandmother, not me." the pretty girl smiled and led her to where an elegant older woman sat in a chair. "Lady Sansa, it is my honor to present my grandmother the Lady Olenna of House Tyrell."

The woman smiled and offered her hand, "Child."

She respectfully kissed the woman's hand as per custom.

"I am very sorry for your loss." Lady Olenna said.

She replied, "And I am very sorry for the loss of Lord Renly, he was very gallant."

"He was and many other good things but he never really had a claim to that ugly iron chair anyhow." the Queen of Thorns showed the reason for her nickname. "Should we have some lemon cakes?"

Sansa took the sudden change of subjects in stride, "Lemon cakes are my favorite."

"So we've been told." Lady Tyrell smiled.

The old woman led them to a table that overlooked the sea.

"Do you know my son, the Lord of Highgarden?" Olenna asked.

She answered, "I haven't had the pleasure."

"No great pleasure, he's an oaf. His father was an oaf as well. My late husband ran off a cliff looking up at the stars and now my son is doing the same. Only instead of a horse, he is riding a lion." the Lady caught her eyes. "Now, I want you to tell me the truth about this royal boy, Prince Niklas."

Sansa asked, "What truth, my lady?"

"Does he have a good heart, a gentle hand? Anything that would tell more about who he is."

Margaery added, "I'm to be his wife, I only want to know what that means."

A servant quickly brought a tray of lemon cakes and set them down on the table.

A smile came to her face as she thought of him, "The prince is incredibly kind and brave. He likes to help people, a lot. It's just this ingrained part of him to be a hero. Also, there's nothing he values more than honor. He will treat you very kindly Lady Margaery."

"He really is as perfect as they say. Any problems?" Lady Olenna pressed.

She thought over it, "He's stubborn and much harder on himself than he needs to be."

The grandmother and niece shared smiles in front of her.

"You seem to know a lot about him." Margaery commented.

She reminisced, "He helped me when I first came here."

"With dealing with the devilish other one?" Lady Olenna said the question like a statement. "We've heard tales even in Highgarden of his little activities, he can't be pleasant."

She blurted out without thinking, "He's a monster."

"That's a pity but he's only to be your brother in law." Lady Olenna spoke to Margaery.

The granddaughter nodded, "Yes and don't worry Sansa, anything you say here will be safe."

"Thank you." she felt her relief.

However, that prickling fear she always felt at the mention of Joffrey seemed to rise.


Prince Niklas Baratheon

"You seem unsettled." Linnea commented as she made his bed.

He didn't answer as he intently stared out the window of his room to the city. If he really peeked, he could see the garden where Sansa currently was but he didn't. The sun was just starting to set and King's Landing for all its poverty was still a beautiful place at times. The pencil in his hand moved quickly over the paper and the view of his window started to take shape.

"You're especially talkative today." her sarcastic voice broke him from his reverie.

He gave her a look as he dropped his pencil, "I'm not unsettled as much as I am annoyed."

"With your engagement?" she asked.

He went back to his drawing, "With you."

The deadpan look the pretty blonde gave him was amusing.

"You know, my father used to hate it when I drew. Said it was unmanly." a frown came to his face. "He would rip everything I made into shreds and I cried like a baby."

Linnea stared at him as he spoke.

"Now, he is not here and I am free to create what I want."

"You always avoid the things you find uncomfortable but life isn't always going to be tailored for you. In fact, it should challenge you." she saw through his attempt of distraction.

Niklas replied, "We've known each other for only a short time. Are you really right in making such judgment?"

"Yes, because you are yet again trying to avoid the problem by diverting me." she smartly pointed out.

Sometimes, he rather regretted allying himself with Linnea. She was much too smart for her own good and he didn't like the way she so easily dissected him. No one in his life ever saw him clearly so it came as a shock. His mother was infatuated with her children, Joffrey seemed to like him but he could feel the boy's despise growing every day, and Sansa was much too innocent.

It was obvious that Linnea with her blunt honesty was something he wasn't used to.

"If we're being honest with each other, you are rather startling." he smirked.

She didn't let his charm get to her, "You're cowardly but you're kind enough that it's more aversion."

"Maybe, I am cowardly but what brings about this character study?"

"Prince Niklas, you cannot possibly say that you do not feel the restlessness in the air. There is war everywhere and the people are feeling antsy. You're a man of the people and I know you try to go as much as you can but things are changing."

"I can feel it as well but I cannot rise against my brother."

"They despise your brother and love you. Such unhappiness with the royal family is bound to cause problems."

"Yes, Linnea."

Before he could get into a longwinded counter argument, the sound of footsteps echoed. His attention went back to his art and Linnea began to clean again.

"Nephew!" Uncle Tyrion happily greeted.

Niklas smiled, "It's nice to see you, uncle."

"My, you were six feet tall when I last took a good look at you and now you seem even bigger." the dwarf chuckled.

He nodded, "So, what brings you here?"

"I missed my second favorite nephew."

"I feel rather insulted, uncle."

"Don't be, Tommen is just too kind."

They shared a loud laugh at that and walked to the large table in the center of his room.

"Linnea, please bring some wine and treats." he asked.

She nodded, "Yes, my prince."

His spy quickly walked off and he saw Tyrion evaluating her.

"She's a pretty one."

"Uncle Tyrion, please do not assault my workers with your eyes."

The older man smirked, "Of course, at least you're having better luck with your servants than your betrothed."

"What's wrong with her?" he crossed his arms.

Tyrion replied, "Fell ill and returned to Highgarden. Apparently, she's refusing to get another handmaiden until hers returns."

"That's rather loyal." he mused. "She must value people more than I thought."

His uncle leaned back, "Yes, but it's considered improper for a lady of her high status to not have dozens of handmaidens. With zero, as your mother pointed out, it seems rather sad."

"Hmm..."

Linnea came rushing in with a jug of wine and baked treats. He immediately grabbed chocolate when the trays were set down. She gave him a look that said he was eating much too many sweets but he ignored it when an idea struck him.

"As a gesture of good faith, I will give Lady Margaery the service of my only servant." he points to Linnea. "She would be a perfect handmaiden."

Tyrion smiled, "That would be rather clever of you. Are you alright with it, girl?"

"Yes, I am happy to be of service." Linnea seemed to catch on to his thoughts.

What better way to find information, then setting his ears everywhere?


Lady Margaery Tyrell

"He's a splendid fighter." she commented as Niklas sparred with another night.

Sansa nodded politely, "Yes, he trains tirelessly."

A small smile came to her face as she observed her future husband. He was wearing a simple shirt that clung to his chest from sweat and revealed his fine muscles. She had thought Renly was handsome but Niklas blew him out of the water. It certainly helped that Niklas definitely didn't look at boys so lingeringly.

He was all blue green eyes and messy brown locks that were short but long enough that she could run her hands through them. She was glad that her grandmother had instructed her to observe his practice, something about men and their swords. Margaery would gladly go every day if she could see her fiancé in a gorgeous state.

"He's rather handsome, I've been to many places but none stand out as much as Prince Niklas." she commented.

Her companion agreed, "Yes, girls always seem to be talking about him."

She observed the red head staring at Niklas and smirked to herself. Margaery had long ago realized that the Stark girl was in love with him. She considered the other girl pretty and kind but she knew that if her own beauty wasn't enough to ensnare her fiancé than his sense of honor was.

Besides, Sansa was too innocent to move on her feelings. The girl didn't have that killer instinct she had and she would milk it for all it's worth. She would ensure the girl knew her place but it would have to be done slyly, much like one of her favorite games chess.

"You've told me his personality but is there anything more I need to know." she asked.

Sansa paused, "Niklas is just different than any other man I've met."

"I give up!" the other knight screamed.

The prince stood over the man with his sword pointing to his head before he helped the man up.

"Thank you for the match." her future husband took his helmet off and smiled.

The two knights chatted a bit and she watched as Niklas laughed happily. He really did look different when he was around other people. She needed a way to make him like her, trust her.

"But really, anything about him could help." she smiled as Niklas spoke with the other knight.

The Stark girl smiled, "I guess sharing common interests does make better relationships."

"Yes, I could become a knight and start loving swords." she deadpanned.

Sansa laughed, "The prince may surprise you."

She giggled with her new friend as the prince approached them. The light sweat on his face made him look rugged and even more attractive to her than before. As a lady, she was constantly surrounded by boring aristocrats so men like Niklas interested her.

"Lady Margaery." he curtly nodded.

"Prince Niklas, you look handsome today." she gave him her best smile.

He replied, "You look pretty today as well."

If his tone were a little warmer she might actually accept the compliment as true.

"It's nice to see you, my prince." Sansa curtsied.

Niklas chuckled warmly, "I already told you to forget the honorifics, we're friends. Are you really so forgetful?"

"No, Niklas." Sansa playfully emphasized his name.

He smirked, "Better, but you may need a tutor just for memory."

She didn't like their easy relationship. Niklas was too happy, too playful.

"It's wonderful that you two get along, we're all to be family one day, after all." Margaery smiled. "I'm sure our children will be the best of friends."

Sansa's face immediately fell at the mention of Joffrey and Niklas' smile disappeared.

There was her checkmate.


The Castle

King Joffrey

He smiled cruelly as his older brother walked in and leaned back in his throne. The Iron Throne was his, he had earned it. His bastard brother wasn't on the throne because he deserved it, he was the king.

"Joffrey, why did you call?" Niklas asked.

He glared, "You're forgetting your manners."

How dare his brother think that he could speak to him like a commoner? He was above the worm.

"Your Grace." his brother bowed.

He smirked to himself and didn't speak to enjoy the moment. When they were children Niklas had always lectured him about being good and doing the right thing. It was only now that he knew that the other man was a fool. He ruled the way he wanted and no one dared to defy him.

"I called you here Niklas because I recently found out that damned Targaryen girl is still alive and has dragons." he spoke. "Stay on your knee brother."

Niklas' annoyed look annoyed him.

The prince replied, "Dragons are a thing of myth."

"Are you calling me a liar?" he felt his anger rising.

First, his Hand was keeping secrets and now his brother was defying him. He didn't like to be spoken back to, especially by him.

Niklas spoke, "There's no solid proof, my brother, my grace."

"I don't care, if I decide that you're going across the sea to find the whore than you will." he snarled. "You're not even a Kingsguard anymore Niklas, it's best that you listen to me."

He gave him a hard look, "Yes, my king."

To drive the nail in the coffin he didn't dismiss his brother just yet.

"I never did ask about your new fiancé. Do you like her?"

"...she is fitting."

"Niklas, you should be in love with your beloved. I am rather enamored with mine."

The thought of Sansa brought a creeping satisfaction to him, the bitch had finally given in and wasn't disobeying. But it wasn't really any fun if he couldn't hit her, so he hoped she messed up soon.

"Of course, my king."

His brother's obvious discomfort made him smile.


King's Landing

Niklas Baratheon

It was strange how a city that had been so splintered before magically got along after battle. His Uncle Jaime had once told him that nothing unites people like a war and he hadn't considered it true until the results spoke for themselves. As he walked down the streets, he saw a few that had been rioting on the day Myrcella left happily going about their business. Shopkeepers filled his hands with candy, bread, and other delicious foods as he walked past. A flurry of street children had also started following him. After, his conversation with his brother he had felt rather irked and worried. That was why he decided to go into the city to a place he knew that was free from the palace.

"Your Grace, it is so nice to see you again." the orphanage director bowed deeply.

He set the food down on a table, "No need for that, I've brought food for the children and maybe some future residents."

The pack of street children looked up at him with wide eyes and he couldn't help the smile that came to his face.

"I know this home is full but there will be another one soon. Would you like to stay there?" he got down on one knee.

A pretty girl with glowing blue eyes stepped forward, "I would!"

"And me."

"Me too, Prince Niklas."

He laughed, "Okay, stay here in this home until then and tell all your other friends without a home that there will be a place soon. Eat up."

The children immediately went for the large pile of goods and the orphans from the home swamped the large living room as well. Many greeted them and he played with them in turn.

"My prince, I did not expect you here." a pretty voice interrupted the moment.

He turned to face his fiancé, "Lady Tyrell, what a surprise as well."

"I came here to play with the children and deliver some cakes as well but it seems they are already occupied." she held up a large bag that was filled to the brim.

He had made it quite clear to her with his infinite coldness that he did not like the engagement but a small part of him was starting to think he was too much. Lady Margaery had nothing to gain from associating with orphans, maybe, she was different than he initially thought.

Niklas smiled at her for the first time, "There is always room in the hearts of children. Wouldn't you like more cakes, kids?"

"Yeah!" the children screamed in unison and swamped Margaery.

He watched as his future wife happily played with the children and they all seemed enamored with her. It had never really come to his attention before but Margaery was different than so many other woman he had met before. Only Sansa had ever caught his interest like that.

"Prince Niklas, is that your wife?" Lily, one of his favorite children asked.

Margaery approached them with the children following, "No but we will marry eventually. You could come to the wedding."

"Really?" she lit up.

He couldn't help but laugh as he picked her up, "Of course, Lily. It's not much of a wedding without pretty girls like you."

"Can I come?" another boy asked.

"Me too!"

"I wanna go."

"You're all invited." Margaery smiled.

He shared a look with her and they laughed together at the children's excitement.

"Children, if anything, give plenty of attention." he whispered to her.

She whispered back, "They're sweet."

"Lily, do you like Lady Margaery?" he asked the pretty young girl.

Lily nodded, "She's pretty."

"Well, I guess you've gotten the seal of approval." he smiled.

Margaery laughed, "I rather like this place."

"Good, I like you being here." he commented.

Niklas was rather unsettled with how much he meant it.

"And I like being here with you." she put her hand on his arm.


Prince Niklas

He's startled as he enters his room to find Sansa sitting on his bed. She's wearing nothing but a barely there gown and it leaves nothing to the imagination. Niklas has never seen anything more beautiful.

"I was waiting for you." she pouted in that Sansa way, half adorable and half unknowingly sexy.

He stayed by the door, "Oh, I apologize."

"Come sit with me." she giggled.

He approaches her cautiously and takes a seat. Sansa, however, wastes no time scooting closer so their legs touched.

"You know, I meant it when I said that I'd rather marry you." she leaned her head on his shoulder.

He laughed wryly, "I know."

"If we cannot be married, will you at least be the one to give me salvation?"

"How, Sansa?"

"Take me and make me yours so I can never be Joffrey's."

"S...Sansa, we shouldn't."

His words stumbled as she gave him a seductive look and slipped onto his lap. Straddling him, so that his aching center met hers.

It's completely not like him but he just kisses her and it is amazing. Her lips, her hair, everything about her is soft and enticing. Niklas can feel his heart continuing to quicken as their lips glide over each other and he doesn't care. The only thing he can even think about is the perfect girl in front of him.

"I want you." she moaned as he nibbled at her ear.

He grunts in response and gently laid her down on the bed. The sight of her there with her robe slipping off makes him hard and wanting. Wanting of her, of some primal need he never thought was within him.

"You are perfect, you are gorgeous. Sansa, you're my everything." he confessed.

She touched his face gently, "I love you too."

That was all the confirmation he needed to pepper kisses down her neck, to her exposed breasts. Niklas sucked teasingly at her exposed buds and she reacted to his every movement. He had never heard such a pretty sound as she moaned loudly.

"God, I want you." one of his hands trailed down her body until he touched her wet maidenhead.

She whispered, "So take me."

He smirked and positioned himself so his throbbing cock was above her center. Niklas teasingly rubbed the head against her wet lips.

"Are you sure?" he managed to get out.

She nodded and gave him a steaming kiss, "Always."

Sansa screamed as he entered her for the first time and he felt himself in bliss. She was perfect, they were perfect. It was like they were puzzle pieces perfectly matched to each other. However, he could tell that his love was in pain so he gently hugged her to his chest in comfort.

"We were made for each other." he grunted as he began to slowly move within in her.

Each of his thrusts was harder and deeper than the last. And Sansa was a mess in his arms, moaning and whimpering. He had never had sex before but he didn't think it felt so perfect with everyone.

"Niklas, please keep going, god. Niklas...NIKLAS!"

He realized that he was not in fact having sex with Sansa but in his bed. With an angry mother hovering above him.

"Mo...mother what are you doi..doing here?" he stuttered when he spotted her.

It was one thing to have a sex dream but having a sex dream and waking up with one's mother hovering is not okay.

"I came to wake you so we could have breakfast with the Tyrells." she gave him a look. "Why are you stuttering, you never stutter?"

He crossed his legs slyly, "Nothing, you just awoke me from a pleasant dream."

"Well, I'm sorry to bring you to reality but you have your duties." the queen affectionately patted his head.

He covered his face, "I really don't want to go to breakfast of all things, mother."

"I wish I could tell you that it'll be fun but I don't want to lie." her face turned sour. "What is this I hear of you walking around the city with the Tyrell girl?"

Niklas hesitated, "It's nothing mother, we just went to the orphanage together and made our way back."

"Remember, there is a reason why she wears such revealing clothes, dotes on the commoners, and seems so relatable Niklas."

"What do you mean?"

"She's smart, much smarter than you would think."

"Mother, I assure you that Margaery is not plotting anyone's demise."

"Yes, but she's too ambitious, I worry that she wants other things."

"You're the beauty of the seven kingdoms. Shouldn't you smile more?" he joked to try and avoid the subject.

She smiled and kissed his forehead, "Maybe, now get ready."

"Of course, I'll just need some time to wash up." he replied quickly.

She nodded and walked out of the door so he was left alone.

"Bloody hell, what has my life come to?" he moaned.

Wanting to marry Sansa and protect her was already not okay in his head. It was even more not okay to actually just want Sansa. He had always thought women were beautiful but his dream last night brought on a whole new set of thoughts. Thoughts he shouldn't be having, especially about Sansa.

He was not his father, a man who had sex like water. No, he would not be an animal, he was a gentleman, a knight. Well, he used to be a true knight but Joffrey had taken that away from him.

"Prince Niklas, would you like for me to draw a bath?" his new servant's voice asked through the door.

He cleared his throat, "It's okay, I can manage."

It was time that he took a very, very cold shower.


Lady Margaery Tyrell

"If I have to marry the queen, I may kill myself." Loras commented as they waited for their guests to arrive.

She replied, "No offense, brother but she probably feels the same way."

"Why's that?" he seemed offended.

She rolled her eyes, "It's not your looks but probably the fact that you would prefer a man over the queen. She's smart, I bet she can see right through you."

"Like you, dear sister?" Loras asked.

She smirked, "Very much like me but I am a much better manipulator."

"You're too smart for your own good."

"Loras, just try and act nice during this meal. This is the first time the prince has accepted my request and I don't want to lose him after I've worked so long to get his attention."

"Fine."

When she was a little girl she had actually come to King's Landing and met Niklas. At the time, he had been a bright boy that lit up every place he went. The prince didn't seem to remember but when they were little he had taken her to secret reservoir underneath the city. She considered him her first friend and had thoughts of marrying him since she was eight years old. With Renly's death, it was her that plotted to side with the Lannisters and it had paid off. She was betrothed to the man she loved and he was starting to accept her. Slowly but surely.

"I'm so sorry we're late, a dream kept me back." Niklas came rushing into the room with his mother trailing politely behind.

She curtsied, "My prince. It is also good to see you as well, my queen."

Loras quickly made his own greetings.

"Please, sit." Niklas politely gestured.

She felt her heart flutter when he pulled her chair out for her. After, his initial coldness anything so gentlemanly made her act like an infatuated girl.

"So, what were you dreaming about?" she asked politely as her newest servant, Linnea served breakfast.

He hesitated for a second, "I can't even remember. Did you have pleasant dreams?"

"Yes, I think you may have appeared in one." she teased and felt satisfaction with his small blush.

He cleared his throat, "That's a lovely dress, by the way."

"Yes, it suits you perfectly." the queen said from her spot by the balcony, as she overlooked the kingdom. "I imagine that you must be cold."

She could hear the cutting undertone of the queen's words but she wasn't bothered. As long as Niklas liked her she had little to worry about.

"The climate is much more forgiving in Highgarden, Your Grace." she smiled pleasantly.

Her brother who sat next to her gave her a secretive smile.

Niklas looked at her with genuine worry, "Shall I have someone bring you something to warm yourself with?"

"No, Tyrell blood runs rather warm, right Loras?" she helped her brother enter the conversation.

He smiled at the queen, "Yes."

"Loras, doesn't the queen's gown look magnificent?" she asked.

Cersei interrupted, "You might find armor useful for a queen. Niklas tells me that you went to the orphanage to give food."

"Yes, Margaery has always had an interest in helping those around her." Loras proudly stated.

She shared a look with her intended, "I think the children are rather charming and sweet. All it takes is an open heart."

"An open heart is what you'll get if you're not careful in Flea Bottom, my dear." the queen sipped her wine. "It's rather charming when Niklas goes but he has known the people since he was barely a babe that snuck out of the castle. He evaded even the Kingsguard to go but you are under a much more watchful eye. It was in that very place that we were attacked, even with a full guard."

Niklas tried to diffuse the situation, "The people were wrong to riot but the war starved them, they had almost nothing. Mother, don't worry I have Margaery under my protection."

"You don't need another burden." Cersei replied.

She could tell that the queen loved her son and Niklas did his best to please her. However, the hold the woman had on her future husband wasn't good, she needed a way to break it just like Sansa. The Stark had already been warned subtlety that Niklas was hers but a mother was a completely different thing. It would require him to be the one to splinter the relationship.

"Mother, sometimes it does well to be a little risky. It's all part of the charm." Niklas winked roguishly.

Now that was a completely different part of the prince, he was being playful. To the children he was gentle, to her she was polite, and to Sansa and apparently his mother he was something completely different. He was an enigma alright.

The queen finally smiled, "Fine, but please do be careful Margaery. It would be a shame if you got hurt."

"Of course, Your Grace." she smiled.

Loras the great conversationalist announced, "I love bacon, it's delicious."

So, the horribly awkward breakfast continued.


AN: I'm a new author so forgive me when I make mistakes. I take all of your reviews into consideration and try to fix the things that need to be tweaked.

Joffrey threatened to send Niklas off to find Daenerys. What do you guys think should happen? And, is Niklas too easily falling for Margaery's tricks? Will Sansa or Niklas ever confess their feelings to each other?

So many questions, so little answers. For me that's a bad thing lol