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ATP
Euron overestimated his abilities and didn't expect another rider.
Not that it would have made him stop.
A rose, a stag and a trout
He is charming, affable, but without being smooth-spoken. The kind of man who is liked by everybody.
"Lord of the Stormlands and Dragonstone. Hand of the Queen." Ser Garlan Tyrell bows his head deeply.
Commendably, his voice and his gesture lack any mockery.
The Gallant, indeed. Or just a reasonable one.
"Dragonstone belongs to House Targaryen," Stannis corrects him. "The Queen's child will be its Prince or Princess."
"Still, you have gained a lot in exchange for giving up your crown. What will we get if my house surrenders?"
"You can offer some kind of suggestion, I assume."
"Betrothal between our families?"
"Shireen is my only child," Stannis replies. "She will most likely be the Lady of the Stormlands one day. She cannot marry a man who rules another region of the realm."
"My younger brother, Loras…"
"No."
"If you would give us a chair in the Small Council…"
"We won't fill those positions through favors but by choosing suitable members."
"Should we step aside for nothing?" His tone is more curious than offended.
"You may keep not only your heads but your titles," Stannis points out. "That is far more than nothing."
"Still not enough." Which, in fact, means it cannot be enough. Ser Garlan would be content perhaps, but he stands for his house.
"Then ask something I can give, Ser Garlan."
He struggles not to answer too fast. Too desperately.
"Margaery. We want Margaery."
Finally. Some progress.
Stannis raises his eyebrows. Just a bit. Ser Garlan understands it and continues.
"After the Queen has her throne, you have to judge all the usurpers. Leave my sister be. We will make a plea to the High Septon for the annulment of her marriage. Any of us would swear that it is unconsummated."
"It's not necessary. Of course it is."
Stannis smiles, even so slightly. Ser Garlan grimaces.
"Lady Margaery has been only a pawn. She will be free to join the Faith."
Firmly, Ser Garlan shakes his head.
"Allow her to wed again."
Stannis nods. This is the request he has waited for. Of course, the Golden Rose of the Reach cannot be wasted.
"Do you already have a candidate in mind?"
"Not yet, as far as I know. But we need the possibility."
There it is. An acceptable deal. He only wishes he had not had to fight a battle for every word with Garlan Tyrell.
"Well… let it be."
The man is grim, tight-lipped, bitter, and he clearly disillusioned by the world.
Stannis actually likes him.
"Do you know my house's words?" Before he would get a chance to reply, Edmure Tully snorts. "Of course, you do."
"Family, duty, honor."
"Well, family I have no more."
He has sisters and nieces and nephews but Stannis understands his meaning.
"All that has remained for me is duty and honor."
"Does duty or honor compel you to fight for King Tommen?"
"Probably." Edmure Tully shrugs. "But first and foremost I'm a riverlander, being a subject of the iron throne only comes after that. Honor demands me to fulfill my duty towards my people. Winter is here, we have to return home."
"Just like that, Lord Tully?"
He seems genuine and Stannis, in fact, believes him. Yet, he is very surprised.
"I won't help you against the Lannisters." The man warns him.
Stannis does not expect it.
"If you don't stand in my way, it's enough for me."
Edmure Tully nods in approval.
"You and your queen win this war and let that be the end of it."
