It was their final night in Highgarden, so Margaery, Sansa, Daenerys and Arya had decided to dine in private again, where they could speak freely and make the most of their final hours together.

It occurred to her as she ate the meal that they both got what they needed from this trip. Arya had come to reunite with Sansa, and she'd done that. They argued a little, didn't necessarily agree, but that was just how it was with them. It didn't make her regret coming for an instant. Arya had travelled to the Reach for Sansa, but Daenerys had done it to get away from the overbearing capital and she had succeeded too.

Sometime the following morning Daenerys would give the order to begin the march back to King's Landing. Arya for one wasn't looking forward to their return. It wasn't just that she'd miss Sansa and was reluctant to leave her – although that was part of it – it was also Daenerys. Since they left the capital, the change in her lover was evident. She was relaxed, laughed and smiled more and wasn't plagued by the dread that constantly shadowed her when at home. In the Red Keep, even on her brightest day, Daenerys knew to be wary, to tread carefully, because things could change abruptly and for the worse. As a result, she was cautious, always fearful of what might be looming around the next corner and how it might upset the fragile balance of her life. In Highgarden Daenerys was allowed to breathe. The distance had been good for her and Arya didn't want to see her revert back to the way she'd been before.

"Where is Missandei?" Margaery inquired. "I feel like I've barely seen her since you arrived."

Arya and Daenerys shared an intense look. "I gave her a break so she could relax and travel around the area."

"She's alone?" Sansa checked, a tinge of judgement bleeding through.

"No," Arya clarified, "Grey Worm is with her." There was no recognition, so she elaborated. "He's one of the soldiers who came with us, believe me fewer people in all of Westeros are safer than Missandei of Naath tonight."

"It was nice that you gave her some time to herself," Margaery told Daenerys. "I still can't believe it, I mean slavery has been outlawed in the Seven Kingdoms since long before any of us were born and yet…"

Across from her Sansa put the pieces together. "You own slaves?!" she accused Daenerys hotly. "How… " she stopped addressing the Targaryen and looked to Arya instead, "how can you condone such a thing?"

Next to her she could feel the shame and regret radiating off Daenerys. Arya reached for her hand, weaving their fingers together. "I condone nothing and neither does Daenerys," she said in defense of the woman she loved.

"She owns a slave! It's disgraceful."

Arya opened her mouth, to set her sister straight but Daenerys beat her to it. "I don't, but my father does. He took a trip to Essos several years ago. Upon his return he presented her to me as a gift.

"Which you accepted," Sansa accused harshly. Arya glared across the table. Hadn't they spoken about this. She asked her to give Daenerys a chance.

"Yes," she admitted sadly, "because I feared what would become of her if I didn't. It sickens me when I think that my father and many of those around him consider her property instead of a person. It infuriates me when I hear her contributions being minimized or taken for granted just because of where she came from. When my father brought Missandei into our home, he intended for me to have a handmaiden, he didn't know then he was also giving me a best friend." Although she was biased, Arya didn't see how any objective listener could hear Daenerys's impassioned confession and not see she meant it.

"So what? You make your best friend serve you?" Sansa apparently disagreed.

Arya had had enough of this. Sansa was being completely unfair. When she made a move to stand, Daenerys raised their joined hands and motioned for her to sit. She did.

"Not long after Missandei joined me, I packed a bag for her, it had gold coins, jewelry, even some warm dresses. I gave them to her and advised her to flee. I told her I'd lie and say she snuck out in the night, but she refused to go."

"Why would she do that?"

"She had her reasons. I told her she could flee at any time," Daenerys continued, "I even suggested places where she might begin a new life, but she remains in the Red Keep.

"Why?" she asked again, not understanding Missandei's loyalty.

"When I met her, I offered to help her escape as well," Arya recalled. The intensity of two violet eyes staring directly at her face made it clear that Daenerys hadn't known about that. "I had a friend who would have been willing to smuggle her to Dorne and then across the Narrow Sea to Essos, but she chose to stay."

Daenerys picked up where Arya left off. "Missandei will have her freedom, and so will the Unsullied, I've promised them and I will see it done, no matter how long it takes or how much trouble it brings me."

"They are lucky to have you looking out for them," Margaery said, echoing Arya's opinion. "Not many would be willing to make such a promise."

As the conversation moved on, Sansa remained quiet. She picked at her food without enthusiasm but kept glancing at the Targaryen opposite her. Arya wasn't the only one who noticed either, Daenerys caught her staring more than once, but neither woman mentioned it directly. She couldn't be certain but hoped whatever it was involved Sansa realizing she could trust the Princess.

"When will your brother marry?" Margaery wondered, "perhaps Sansa and I can come for the ceremony?"

"I'd love that," Daenerys agreed quickly. Arya too liked the idea. She wouldn't turn down a chance to see Sansa again, but was hesitant about her visiting the Red Keep. A lot of unpleasant memories lurked there and the dangers to any Stark were real.

Margaery looked at her lover and the two shared some wordless communication before Sansa spoke for them. "We would too."

Emboldened by Sansa's attempt to be civil, Daenerys followed her example. "If you have the time, maybe you could make me a dress to wear," she proposed carefully.

Blue eyes darted from face to face, checking with each one before she made a decision. For her part, Arya offered an encouraging, grateful smile. She was thankful to Sansa for making an effort and to Daenerys for not holding a grudge. "Of course. Arya and I will be exchanging letters, we can discuss the details in them as well, if you like."

Arya stopped paying attention as they discussed dresses in depth. She focused entirely on her food, until a nudge from Daenerys pulled her from her thoughts. "Is that okay?" the Targaryen asked her.

Chewing slowly, she studied the woman next to her in an effort to learn what she was being asked to agree to. By the time she swallowed, she still didn't know, but she had noticed the distinct flicker of hope in Daenerys's eyes. She responded accordingly. "Of course, whatever you need."

"I must confess," Margaery said to the Princess, "I wasn't sad when I heard your father agreed to marry Viserys to the Martells." She was done, then realized the others probably didn't understand her logic, so she gave more. "My father planned to wed me to Viserys to unite our families. Unfortunately for him, by the time he brought up the subject with the King, a deal had already been struck with Sunspear."

Relief was her primary emotion, not only for Margaery, who Arya genuinely liked, but also for Sansa. Neither of them would fair well within a hundred miles of the spiteful Prince she protected Daenerys from. "Consider yourself lucky," Arya said truthfully.

With a horrified expression, Sansa glanced at Daenerys while she reprimanded her sister. Just like old times. "Arya, don't be rude."

Sansa was worried about manners but that's only because she didn't know Viserys. She didn't know how fortunate Margaery was that she wouldn't be bonded to him. Daenerys jumped in to try and spare them from another argument. "She's not wrong," the Targaryen admitted. "Viserys is going to make a terrible husband. I feel badly for Eliza, but it would be worse if his wife was someone I knew well. She looked pointedly to Margaery. "If she was a friend, I don't know what I'd do."

"I'm quite happy with the way things turned out as well," Sansa chimed in, showing a rare flicker of humor as she grasped Margaery's hand and raised it to her lips for a kiss on the knuckles. With a contented smile, she returned to her plate.

R-C

The knock on the door was unexpected but not late enough to cause alarm. In fact, Daenerys's first thought was that Missandei had forgotten something. The handmaiden had just returned after spending the day with Grey Worm, at the Princess's insistence. She wore a wide smile and was bursting with tales of the many things she'd seen and done. Daenerys was happy for her friend, Arya on the other hand chose to tease her. "It couldn't have been that exciting," she said dismissively, "in my experience all farms look alike."

In her usual understated way, Missandei had a response ready that stopped Arya in her tracks and silenced all dissent. "It's not what I saw that made it a good day, it was who I was with and the fact that we were free to do as we pleased."

With Sansa's outrage fresh in her mind, Daenerys promised herself she'd offer to help Missandei escape again, even if she was almost certain the younger woman wouldn't be going far.

Missandei had gone to get something to eat and Grey Worm took the opportunity to check on his men. This left Daenerys and Arya alone. Until their interruption, Daenerys had been sitting happily in Arya's lap. They weren't talking, and rarely moved but the closeness was plenty. "I'll get it," Arya grumbled, sounding as though she was on the brink of sleep.

Feeling younger than her years Daenerys laughed and pecked at her lover's lips. "I'm on top," she joked seductively, "I'm closer, I'll get it."

With just a few words she had Arya wide awake beneath her. When Daenerys tried to stand Arya made a playful attempt to keep her from leaving. The Princess was no fool, if Arya truly meant to detain her, she could have done it easily. This was a game, and it made her laugh louder. Gods she loved this woman.

At the door was Tyrion Lannister, armed with a bottle of wine. "Care for a drink Princess?" he asked her.

"Is something wrong Tyrion?" Typically, people rarely showed up at her door bringing good news. She was conditioned to assume the worst.

He raised the wine rather than replying with words. When Daenerys lifted an eyebrow without allowing him entry, he finally spoke. "I thought you might like this."

He handed her the bottle and she took it, noticing a moment too late that it seemed strangely familiar. "Is this…"

"The wine I gave you for your nameday," he confirmed. "I thought we might need it."

There was only one thing she could think of that would bring him to her bedchamber with expensive wine. "I take it you heard Loras and I are going to spend more time together?"

"I did," he admitted, "hence the wine."

Admiring the bottle, she remembered the last place she'd seen it, in her bedchamber back in the Red Keep. "How did this come to be here Lord Tyrion?" she asked with gentle authority. Ever helpful Arya got up from the chair they had been sharing and went to find glasses. "Get extra," she advised, "Missandei and Grey Worm will be back soon."

"Of course," Arya agreed with a smile.

"Am I interrupting?" he asked, his eyes bouncing between the Princess and her guard.

"Not at all," Arya lied smoothly.

"Are you sure," he pressed, "because I could…"

"The wine, Tyrion?" she pressed, getting him back on the proper path. "Why is it here and why do you have it?"

"I retrieved it from your room before we left the capital," he told her. With her expression alone she told him she needed more information, so he ducked his head, almost bashfully in his admission as he conceded. "It was after I learned the true nature of the negotiations and I thought perhaps we might need it."

"To celebrate?" she guessed.

"Or commiserate," he countered, "wine is good for both." He flashed her that charming smile of his and finished. "Either way, I thought it was a safe bet it'd be of some use."

"He's not wrong," Arya said, as she delivered the cups they'd drink from.

When she saw Arya had indeed gotten extras, an idea came to her. "Why don't you go see if you can track down Margaery and your… Sansa, there is more than enough."

Wide eyed at her near slip, Arya nodded and moved past her. Their eyes met and she tried to convey how sorry she was for her error without any words. She'd apologize properly later. Their lives were complicated enough without Tyrion finding out Arya had a sister in the Reach. An inquisitive, determined man like him wouldn't stop asking until he got the answers and that would put both Starks at risk.

When it was just the two of them Tyrion asked, "Are you alright, Daenerys?"

Did he know what she almost said, or was he reacting to her tension and guilt? Was it her imagination or did his inquiry sound a little too innocent, like he was trying too hard to be casual? She chastised herself for being foolish and forced a smile to accompany her reply. "I'm fine."

"You could do worse than Loras Tyrell," he assured her, misunderstanding the source of her anxiety. If Tyrion wanted to think it was the idea of marriage that had her uneasy, she saw no reason to correct him.

R-C

"Would you like to stay?" Daenerys asked her lover. They were naked in each other's arms. Morning would come early, and they needed to be on the road. She should have been dreaming already, but one thought kept nagging at her – would Arya be happier in Highgarden with her sister?

"Hmmm?" she grumbled sleepily. Obviously, Arya had an easier time relaxing.

The decent thing would be to let Arya go back to her dream and save their serious talk for the morning, but Daenerys knew if she did that, she'd do nothing but worry the remainder of the night. If she wanted to be awake enough to travel, Daenerys needed to resolve this matter once and for all. "Would you like to stay here?" she tried again.

With her eyes still closed Arya flexed her arms, tightening her hold on the Dragon. "Mmhmmm, right like this," she muttered.

Her worries didn't subside with that comment, but it was enough to give Daenerys pause. She took a moment to stop and appreciate how sweet Arya could be. "Do you want to stay with Sansa?"

There was a delay. Her forehead creased and she wiped her eyes. "What?"

"You could stay, you've been apart from your family for too long. You shouldn't be separated again. I won't ask you to do that, not for me."

Although one of Arya's eyes cracked open, it was clear by her thick, sleep-heavy tone and slow delivery that Daenerys didn't have her full attention. "Can't stay, K…King… wants you back."

Despite her concerns over where Arya would spend her future, Daenerys enjoyed the almost awkwardly romantic side of her woman. "I have to go back," she agreed pointedly, "but you don't. You could stay with Sansa if you wanted to."

Arya's eyes had closed fully again, but Daenerys didn't have to wonder if she had fallen asleep. She was shaking her head before the Princess finished her proposal. "Nah," she grunted, "I'ma goin' with…"

She sighed. She should have let Arya rest. This conversation was too important to have when she was fogged and barely coherent. "It's okay," she whispered, stroking Arya's back, "we can talk in the morning." It wasn't ideal, but she could wait a few hours to get answers.

"Mmhmm," Arya hummed happily. Daenerys expected that was all she would get but Arya was full of surprises. "I love you," she mumbled.

A grin stretched her face. "I love you too," she said. Within minutes Arya was snoring. She tried to settle too. She took slow, even breaths while she tried to clear her mind of everything except Arya's last message. One by one her limbs grew heavy, then she moved on to her heartbeat. When they woke up, Arya would make her choice. Until then she was Daenerys's. Whether she stayed or joined Daenerys on the return trip to King's Landing, Daenerys didn't doubt her love. Arya loved her, and she could do that from King's Landing, Highgarden, Sunspear or any place in between.

R-C

Arya faced the wall and busied herself by adjusting the straps on her armor. The Princess had been taking a bath when she unexpectedly asked if Arya wanted to join her. More than a little tempted Arya had to flee to ensure she didn't do anything to disrupt their travel schedule. Tywin had told them when they needed to be back and if they hoped to make the deadline, they needed to start moving, and soon. The additional distance was supposed to make it easier to resist her, but it wasn't especially beneficial. Arya still wanted her, regardless.

"There is something I wanted to ask you," Daenerys called out.

Arya chuckled. "I bet there is, but I told you, I'm not taking a bath with you, we don't have the time."

She could hear the amusement in the Targaryen's voice when she replied. "And I told you, what's the point of being a Princess if I can't be late occasionally?"

"Later," she promised. "who knows maybe I'll join you after we make camp tonight."

"I'll keep that in mind, but I wanted to ask about something else."

The sudden seriousness made her anxious. She turned toward the tub and found Daenerys climbing out. "What's wrong?"

Arya rushed over, picking up a towel on the way and handing it to Daenerys as she dripped onto the floor. "Thank you," she said, brushing the guard's fingers with her own. "Nothing's wrong, I was just thinking that maybe you'd like to stay in Highgarden a few more days. You could spend the extra time with Sansa, and if anyone asks, I'll tell them you were too ill to travel."

"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Of course not!" she insisted.

"Then why are we doing this again?" It was a bit clouded, but Arya distinctly remembered Daenerys waking her up to ask the same thing overnight.

"What? I never…"

"Didn't we do this once already, last night? I told you, I want to be with you."

"You remember that? I didn't think you were awake."

"I was awake enough to tell you I love you," Arya reminded her.

Ignoring the fact that a large portion of her body was still wet, Daenerys pressed herself into Arya for a kiss. "I love you too," she replied, "but you and Sansa should have more time together. I want to give you more time together."

"We'll have it. There is no rush, not anymore. We are going to write letters and she's considering accompanying Margaery the next time she comes to the capital. I will see her again."

"I don't want you to regret leaving."

All morning Arya had been trying to solve the riddle of Daenerys's behavior. She couldn't understand why the Princess would wake her in the middle of the night and want to separate. Initially she feared Daenerys was tiring of her, but her attitude that morning laid that worry to rest. Daenerys had been attached to her hip almost constantly since they climbed out of bed. She wouldn't do that if she wanted space. She considered and rejected another handful of possible motivations, because none seemed to fit, until now. Daenerys's question told her all she needed to know. She thought Arya would rather be with than her. "I'll regret staying more," she explained sincerely. "Luckily, I don't have to choose, I can go with you and stay in contact with Sansa."

"Or, you could stay with Sansa and write me letters."

"I could, but I'd miss you," she admitted, knowing it was true. "Sansa has a good life, she's happy, she has her work, and the shop, she's got Margaery and Olenna helping her too. I'd be of no use to her here. She has no need for a soldier." She felt no shame in saying so either. Arya knew who she was, what she was good at, what her purpose was, and it didn't pair with Sansa's peaceful life in Highgarden. Arya and her skills belonged in King's Landing with Daenerys.

Daenerys smiled indulgently. "You're her sister Arya, she's always going to need you."

"I know that, I just meant…" she stopped and tried to justify her logic another way. "The only reason I have Sansa back in my life is because of you, and thanks to you I don't have to leave her again. I get to keep her in my life. I don't have to pick between you or Sansa and that's how I want it."

"I'm glad you found her again." Daenerys said sincerely. "I only want you to be happy."

She leaned in and stole another kiss. "I'm happy with you." That said, she gave her lover a gentle shove in the opposite direction. "Now hurry up and get dressed, you have a lot of people to say goodbye to before we can leave."

R-C

"Safe travels Princess," Lady Olenna said as they embraced. The rest she saved for when Daenerys was close. "Take care of yourself and remember you always have a place here should you need it."

"I appreciate that," she said stepping back and smiling kindly at the older woman. "Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I understand you're busy but do consider joining Loras and Margaery when the visit next, I'd like the chance to repay your generosity."

"I just may do that. I can't leave my grandson and his sister unsupervised in the big city, can I? There is no telling what manner of mischief they might involve themselves in." She emphasized her joke with a wink.

Daenerys smiled, Olenna really was one of a kind and that was a shame, since the world could benefit from a few more women like her. "Thank you for everything, I know my brother will appreciate it as well," she said carefully. She trusted Olenna would know what Daenerys was thanking her for.

"When you're as old as I am dear, you need to squeeze as much living as you can in the time you have left."

"You have plenty of time left," Daenerys swore, "you can't abandon us yet. We need you."

She grasped Daenerys's hand and squeezed it. "I'm happy," she said, lowering her voice to a level so low Daenerys barely heard it. "I had always hoped to live long enough to see Westeros on a different path, a better one. Now that I have, I'm content."

Wary, she looked around to make certain no one was listening to them. Thankfully everyone was involved in their own conversations. "We still have a long way to go," she acknowledged, "and Rhaegar and I could use your help."

"You'll have it," she pledged, "just promise me you'll be careful. There are many who prosper under your father's reign, they won't look kindly on what you and your brother aim to do."

She nodded in understanding. She really was grateful not only for the support of the Tyrells but also for Olenna's guidance. Who in the Seven Kingdoms knew more about being a powerful woman?

R-C

"Do you have everything you need?" Sansa asked, fretting over her younger sister.

Arya rolled her eyes, even as she fought a smile. "I've got more than enough," she guaranteed. Unconvinced Sansa squatted over the bag Arya had dropped. The guard lowered herself to the same height. She wasn't sure she had the appropriate words to say goodbye to Sansa, but she knew it was important to try. "These last few days…" she inhaled sharply and shook her head. "I never thought we'd get that you and I."

"Me neither," Sansa acknowledged, "I still can't believe it, for so long I thought you were gone, that I was the last of us."

Arya smiled. "You aren't alone, I'm with you, no matter where you go."

"And I'm with you," she retorted. She looked up from the bag she was rummaging through and showed Arya the unshed tears in her blue eyes. "You don't need to go, you could stay, Mace could always use another soldier."

She chuckled, upsetting her sister. She got a glare before words laced with venom came at her. "What's so funny?" Sansa asked bitterly.

"I was just thinking, that might be the first thing you and Daenerys agree on," Arya quipped.

Sansa's anger melted away. "What? Why would she…"

"She wants me to be happy," Arya clarified, "she thought maybe I'd be happier here with you."

"She said that?" Sansa inquired, visibly surprised.

"She did."

"And what did you say?"

"That I was going to stay with her," Arya admitted, "but that I'd write to you."

"You'll be happy there?"

"I will," she said confidently. King's Landing would never be anything more than the place where she lost her family, but Daenerys was there, so it was where Arya had to be too, if she wanted to keep her Dragon. "You'll be happy here as well, with Margaery."

Unlike Sansa, Arya hadn't asked a question. Nonetheless Sansa responded to it. "She makes me happy. I have the shop and…"

She took her sister's hand. "I know and I'm proud of you. You have a good life here, enjoy it."

"I will."

"I meant what I said Sansa, I am with you. If there comes a day when you need something, whether I'm in Sunspear or King's Landing, you need only ask."

"Thank you," she said, her voice breaking on the last word.

She squeezed Sansa's hand, causing her to look up from the bag again. "I'm proud of you, and I know Mother and Father would be too. You've got wolf blood in you and it shows."

Her laugh was watery as she held back tears. "I don't think so, you were always the one with the wolf blood."

She shook her head. "There is more than one way to honor their memories. I may do it with a sword in my hand, but what you did is no less impressive. You don't need to be like me to honor him Sansa, just be true to yourself. After everything you went through, for you to find your place, to be happy, to find love, that's remarkable."

She didn't have to wonder if Sansa appreciated the sentiment. Within moments of her finishing, Sansa had thrown herself across the open bag and into Arya's arms. "Thank you, thank you so much for coming."

"I love you Sansa," Arya said before she released the dressmaker. "I didn't say that the last time, but I should've. I won't make that mistake again."

"I love you too Arya. Be careful and write when you can."

The way Sansa refused to let her go even after Arya had lowered her arms revealed how fiercely she meant the words. It was humbling for the soldier, who always believed her poor behavior as a girl caused irrevocable damage to their sisterly bond. To combat her own emotions Arya tried to end things with humor. "I will, but don't complain when my writing isn't as pretty as yours."

"I don't care how it looks," Sansa insisted, "just write as often as you can."

It wasn't an accident that Sansa chose a response distinctly opposite to the one she would have given years ago. Arya took it as a signal, proof that Sansa was no longer measuring Arya's value by her ability to be a proper Lady. Daenerys was probably waiting for her, but she'd just need to be patient. Arya couldn't go without getting one more hug.

R-C

Having finished saying her goodbyes to most of the Tyrells, Daenerys approached Loras. "Be well, Princess."

"And you," she told him. "I sincerely hope that things get easier for you now that your father knows you'll be married."

Loras looked back at his ambitious father before replying. "I hope so too, but I won't hold my breath."

She felt sympathy for Loras. Their fathers were very different but the effects they had on their children were undeniably similar. "Don't worry, I'll speak to my father when I return to the keep and let him know we decided on a very long courtship."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

She gave it thought. "Not yet. I'll write once I've spoken to the King, in the meantime just keep reminding your father of your upcoming visit."

"Oh yes, the visit of course," he gushed, clearly having forgotten about it.

"I'll join you at a tournament, and we can make sure we're seen together."

"That sounds perfect," he said, smiling for the first time.

"And just what are you two talking about?" Margaery asked as she came to stand beside her brother. "Wedding details no doubt," she teased with a smirk.

"Something like that," Daenerys advised.

"I'll let you talk," Loras said politely, bowing his head. "Travel safe Princess."

"Thank you, Ser," she said, "I'll send word when I have news to share."

He nodded and turned to go, leaving the women alone. "Is everything alright?" Margaery asked, looking between Loras and Daenerys.

"It's fine, we were just discussing our plans."

"He is nervous," Margaery announced, "he's worried someone will discover your scheme, and terrified you'll change your mind, leaving him to marry someone else."

The first fear was one Daenerys knew, the second she hadn't anticipated. "As long as my father is King, I'll need to marry too. Loras needn't make himself sick over this, I have no desire to be bartered for like cattle. I'll marry him, if for no other reason than to ensure I don't have to marry anyone else."

"He feels much the same way."

"I thought Sansa would be with you," Daenerys noted.

"She and Arya are still upstairs saying goodbye privately. I can go and see if they're finished, if you'd like," she offered.

"No, I want them to have as long as they need." Margaery's expression was one of understanding. She better than anyone knew exactly what Daenerys was feeling because her life mirrored Daenerys's with Arya to a certain degree. The closeness emboldened Daenerys to say more than she would've otherwise. "I can't imagine how hard it must be for them to say farewell again."

"I know, but this isn't like the last time. They'll keep in touch. I've even been talking to Sansa about visiting the capital."

"Please let her know she'd be welcome anytime, as you are."

Margaery hugged her friend. "I'm in your debt," she whispered in the Princess's ear, "you've made the woman I love very happy."

Daenerys smiled. That worked both ways. It gave her comfort to know she had an ally to help her protect and assist the surviving Starks. Margaery had always been a friend, but now she felt more like family.

R-C

She was on her way to the yard. The Unsullied had begun marching and the stablemaster had the horses ready for Daenerys, Missandei, Arya and Grey Worm. All she had left to do was to get the Princess herself.

She was a bit surprised to see Margaery Tyrell lingering just inside the door. Arya would have thought she'd be with the rest of her family saying goodbye to Daenerys. "Is something the matter?" she asked when she got close enough. If she hadn't just seen Sansa minutes before, she might've allowed herself to think something had happened to her.

"I just wanted to thank you," she said. She guided Arya to a place where they could speak quietly. "You coming here, it's made a dramatic change in Sansa, and I'm grateful."

"As am I," Arya replied. "All the years we were apart, I worried about her. I wondered if she was happy, if she was safe, I never could have imagined what I found. She is happy and she is protected and it's in no small part because of you."

"I regret nothing," Margaery said confidently, "I love your sister very much, I would do anything for her."

Arya had concluded as much after watching them together, but it was nice to be reassured. "I know, which is why I know I don't need to worry about her anymore."

Margaery looked as if she was debating what she might say next. When she finally spoke, she said, "I hope you know, you can visit any time you like. I'd welcome the company and I know Sansa would as well, even if she won't admit it."

It impressed her how well Margaery knew the Northerner. Most people never got past the harsh, tough exterior. They thought Sansa a snob, rude or cold, but that was only because they didn't take the time to learn what was inside, buried deep. Margaery definitely had.

"You'll see me again," she predicted. "When I spoke to Sansa, I told her that if she was ever in trouble, she could call on me for help, but…"

"But you worry she won't actually ask, no matter how dire the situation?" Margaery guessed.

One more time Margaery proved worthy of her sister. "Exactly. I was hoping that in the event she needs me, that you might make contact on her behalf?" She liked Margaery and thought she was a good match for Sansa, but still felt awkward requesting a favor. Sansa's habit of not asking for help was one Arya shared, so it was difficult to ask for such a meaningful favor from a woman she'd known such a short length of time.

"I understand, and you don't need to worry. If Sansa needs anything, I'll help her, if I can't, or if we need your particular talents, I'll send a raven to King's Landing, Sunspear or wherever else you are."

Relief surged through her. "I'll be in King's Landing," she said emphatically. "I plan to extend my stay in the capital indefinitely."

With a knowing smile Margaery nodded. "That's great. I know Daenerys will be happy to hear that, and Sansa will enjoy having you nearby as well."

"Thank you again, m'lady," Arya said formally, "for everything."

"Likewise," she replied. Together they walked to where the Princess was. Arya was surprised to see familiar red hair standing next to the Dragon. Beside her Margaery was equally taken aback, she hadn't known it would happen either.

R-C

"May I speak with you, Princess?"

Daenerys turned and sought out the soft voice. Sansa Stark was standing there, wearing a beautiful red dress that Daenerys didn't doubt she made personally. "Of course."

When Sansa came close, Missandei left, to give them privacy. "I'll meet you in the stables," she said before she smiled warmly at Arya's sister.

"We'll meet you there soon," she said to her handmaiden.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make your friend leave," Sansa said, avoiding Daenerys's eye.

"You didn't, she was already planning to head that way," Daenerys exaggerated. "Is there a problem?" She thought of Arya then, was Sansa going to request her sister be permitted to stay?

"No, I just, well I wanted to ask you something."

"Alright then, if it's in my power, I'll do what I can to help."

"Please take care of Arya," she said in a rush. "She'd be furious if she knew I was asking this of you, but I can't help myself. I mourned her once, believing she was dead and that was bad enough. If I lost her again, after getting her back, I know this time would be worse."

She reached out and put a comforting hand on Sansa's shoulder. "It's okay. I understand." She did understand, why Sansa was worried, and why she needed reassurance. It struck her how similar the circumstances were between Sansa's request now and the one Oberyn had for her before they left Dorne. She'd agreed to protect Arya then, and she'd do the same now. Her feelings were deeper, any harm that came to Arya would hurt Daenerys too. "I'll do everything I can to keep her safe," she pledged.

"Thank you," she said after exhaling, sounding like she meant it, "and thank you for giving her the choice to stay. I know she didn't want it, but it means a lot to me that you offered."

"I love her, I'd let her go, if it would make her happy."

"I want her to be happy too, which is why she should go with you."

The concession Sansa was providing was nothing short of monumental. Almost the entire time Daenerys had been at Highgarden Sansa was suspicious, distant or downright furious, but it seemed they had finally found some common ground. "I'll take care of her."

R-C

"Ready to go home?" Arya asked as they sat on their horses, side by side. It was a nice day with big fluffy clouds far enough apart to show lots of clear blue sky in between.

"Would you think me horrible if I said 'no?'" Daenerys asked as her face heated up and her cheeks changed color before Arya's eyes.

"No, I'd think you truthfully," Arya supplied, "and when we're alone, that's what I want. I want to hear how you really feel."

"I love you," Daenerys responded, "that's how I feel."

Arya smiled, she still hadn't gotten used to hearing someone say that to her, least of all a woman like Daenerys Targaryen. "I love you too, now can we go, people are waiting?"

"We can go," Daenerys allowed, and they both began walking their horses down the road, "but where we're going doesn't feel like home."

R-C

Author's Note: I hope the quick post will make up for the relatively short chapter. This marks the end of the Highgarden portion of the story but it won't be the last we see of the characters from the Reach. Time to get the girls back to King's Landing, where trouble surely awaits.