"Scarcely a ship gets in or out now" remarked Margaery to Tommen. They stood on the battlement above the River Gate, staring out at the Blackwater. Clearly visible were the enemy warships which now held a chokehold on Kings Landing. "Harrenhall has fallen without a blow being struck. Yet, they say the Dragon Queen was injured and taken ill during the fight. That's our best hope at this moment. Should she not recover, we can still negotiate with the other leaders. We could recognise Yara Greyjoy as Queen of the Iron Islands, and offer the North their independence. Surely, Lord Baelish could be bought off, too. "

"We can't count on that. I take it you've made arrangements...in case the worst should happen?"

"Yes, I have sweetsleep for us both. And, my cousin Elinore has contacts across the Narrow Sea. There are merchant princes with barren wives who would happily adopt our child as their own. Joanna would never know who her parents were; that is for the best."

"Treason extends into the Reach, now. Even into my own family".

"I thought better of Lady Genna. I certainly thought better of cousin Megga. She taught me kissing when I was younger; we were so close. Now, she wants Highgarden for her own. She was a very poor relation, when I made her a Lady in Waiting. This is how she repays me ."

"The Fossoways of Cider Hall have declared for the Dragon Queen." Margaery cursed.

"Lady Leonette's own family! Garlan will be furious."

"Margaery, I hate to say it, but your brother is one of the reasons why our lives are forfeit."

"Don't I know it? I could scream with fury about it! I so very much want to live, for you, for Joanna, even if I did lose my crown and my family lost Highgarden. If you and I were allowed to live on as minor gentry, somewhere in the Reach, I'd still count myself blest. You truly are the best of husbands. " She leaned over to kiss him passionately, ignoring the glances of their bodyguards. "Think of it" she continued wistfully. "We'd have an orchard, and a rose garden. You'd run the estate, and I'd manage our household. We'd watch Joanna playing with her friends, while we sipped wine. We'd hunt and ride, or play cyvasse together. Not too long ago, I'd have thought that a deadly dull existence. Now it seems like an earthly paradise." She sighed. "I love my homeland. You only appreciate what you have when you're about to lose it."

"Let's do something better, Margaery, than just bemoaning our fate. There's a fine tavern nearby, The Pied Bull. " Margaery smiled. It was a game they liked to play that endeared them to the Smallfolk. They descended from the city wall, and entered the tavern. The pair of them drew hoods over their heads. One of the staff ushered them them to a table, before returning with a flagon of wine, and a plate of bread, cheese, and cold meats. She looked around the common room. The place was clean and friendly, with stone flags and a pleasant, homely, smell. She guessed it was used by ships' captains, merchants, brokers, and gentry visiting the capital. It was mid-day, and the place was three quarters' full. With the city blockaded by sea, she supposed they had not much else to do than gather in such establishments.

"The ironic thing is" she commented to Tommen "I'm hoping for the death of a woman for whom I have nothing but the utmost respect. If you weren't the king, I'd be on her side."

"I would be too" he replied wryly. He drew back his hood, and she followed suit. It was always fun to wait and see when they would be recognised. For a time they talked about Joanna, before:-

"Your Graces!" A prosperous-looking man knelt before them, having doffed his hood. The room fell silent as more heads turned, and people fell to their knees.

Margaery stood up with Tommen. "Good people, don't kneel before us. If anything, we should be apologising to you. We failed you when we were defeated at sea. The Pirate Queen throttles your trade. Our own fleet is sunk or fled."

"The Dragon Bitch betrayed you" replied the first man. "The people of this city stand with your Graces!" There were loud cheers of support from the others.

"Alas, she did. We sought peace, and she wrought slaughter upon us ". She winced, inwardly, at the lie. "We cannot, at this stage, compensate you for your losses, but perhaps you would care to drink our health today. " She tossed a small purse of dragons at the delighted innkeeper. "Good man, bring out your very finest wines for our guests. " He and his servants hastened to obey.

"Would you care to join us at table?" she asked the first man. He sat down with them.

"Tell me your name" asked Tommen. "Lionel Mott, your Grace. I write binders for ships' captains. To tell the truth, I'm facing ruin. If the Pirate Queen captures merchant vessels, or simply stops them from sailing, I have to make good the losses."

"Tell me where you live, Master Mott" said Margaery. "I'm sure we can compensate you, at least."

"That's kind indeed, your Grace. Telling the truth, though, this isn't the worst of it. We're all afraid of what she'll do to this city. She's got the Ironborn and foreign savages in her ranks, not to mention the wolves of the North and the Dornish. Everyone knows what *they* do to their captives. And then there are the dragons. " The man shuddered.

"I won't deny the situation is grave" she replied. "We just have to remain united in defence of the true king," she nodded to Tommen.

"Begging your pardon, your Grace ", he looked at Tommen "But, we did not love your mother or your brother. But, you are both adored by the people. The Targaryen whore might destroy us, but, we'll never surrender to her."

Tommen rose and bowed to the man. "Thank you. I'll try to be worthy of your support".

After a few minutes more, they rose, and left to the cheers of the drinkers. They had to meet her grandmother, and the rest of the Small Council, no doubt to hear more bad news.

Notes:

1. Lady Leonette Fossoway is the wife of Ser Garlan Tyrell in the books. Lady Genna Lannister is Tommen's great aunt.

2. A binder is an insurance contract.