Margeary II:

It was the day after our arrival. After our introductions in the throne room we had been led to our chambers. I was to meet the king sometime today. Right now I was just waiting to be called while speaking to my grandmother. We talked of unimportant things which eventually led to our impressions of the King.

"Jon Stark is a dangerous man." said Grandmother. "You won't be able to manipulate him with your looks dear. You'll have to make yourself useful to him in some way." she finished.

"That was the impression I had as well. He seemed pleased enough with my looks, but he spared my body no more than a few glances at most." I said. "I think flattery will get me nowhere as well. Did you notice he laughed when I told him how I'd heard of him? He is an intelligent man."

"Yes, yes he is. He'll make a good husband Marge. At least we know he'll be kind to you, Starks have always had good reputations." she said.

"Yes, I hope that is the case….. I'm sorry Grandmother but I can't ignore it anymore. They have magic! Real magic! Did you take a look at his sword!? The Throne!? The Giants!? His wolf!? This is madness! Everything the Maesters said was fantasy is true. How can that be?" I asked amazed but curious.

"Because they fear magic dear. Just as the Septons, the Southern Maesters have long worked to suppress knowledge of magic in Westeros. Not many know of this, even I know only because of our alliance with House Hightower through your mother. But yes, I had never imagined that all of the legends in the North were true. Why next we'll see a couple Children of the Forest." she finished laughing, half-serious.

"How do I go about this? Soon we'll have our first conversation, and I must make a good first impression, but none of the tricks or techniques I know will work on him. What do I do?" I asked, feeling worried.

Olenna stayed quiet for a couple of moments, and then suddenly she said: "Be yourself."

"Huh? Be myself?"

"Yes dear, be yourself. Let me tell you something. A long time ago I had the pleasure of meeting the Rickard Stark, Jon Stark's grandfather. He was blunt, stern faced and tolerated no pageantry. It is my impression that, like most northerners, Jon Stark is the same. I think being authentic with him is the best thing you can do." she said, smiling.

"It isn't as if all you can do is smile and look pretty Margeary. I should know, I taught you." she said, giving me a knowing look. "Answer honestly whatever questions he asks, and be direct when speaking to him. You won't be able to manipulate this one, at least not for now, so strive to make him acknowledge you as an equal." she finished.

I felt confused. My whole life up until this moment had been preparing me to use my looks and mind to gain an advantage. To manipulate and charm men, and suddenly I'm told to forget all of that. At the same time, I felt it made sense. I knew I was good, yet even on Rob Stark my charms hadn't really been all that effective. If nothing else, I decided I should give it a try.

"Very well. Thank you for your counsel grandmother, truly." I said, a grateful smile in place. Just then there was a knocking sound on the door. A servant girl, about one and ten with dark black hair, entered and said:

"My ladies, the King wishes to see the Lady Margeary by the Glass Houses. May I lead you there?"

"Of course." I said. She smiled and motioned for me to follow. I looked back at grandmother but she just smiled at me and mouthed at me to go. I walked through the hallways, which were scarcely decorated aside from the occasional painting, while the servants were giving us weird looks, almost as if they were trying hard not to laugh. We passed the courtyard, where the men at arms and some of the knights we brought were training, and finally we got to the Glass Houses, a beautiful garden waiting for me. He was leaning against the wall, smirk on his face, his huge white direwolf standing beside him. He was wearing a black doublet, direwolves stitched onto it. A sheathed sword was hanging on the side of his hips. He opened his mouth to speak and:

"Arya Stark!" he said, letting out a bellowing laugh, a huge smile on his face. I just looked around, confused. The servant girl who was escorting us suddenly let out a huge laugh as well and said: "What!? I just wanted to see what they were like! Nothing wrong with that." she finished, smirk clearly visible on her face. "Leave us Arya, I need to speak with them." he said. She smiled and just left, hop in her step.

"I'm sorry about that. She is Arya Stark, my cousin. She's got too much Wolfsblood so she isn't the most behaved child." he said, an apologetic smile on his face.

"Wolfsblood?" I asked confused.

"Us Starks are said to have wolfsblood, which is what allows us to bond to our partners, like Ghost here." he said pointing to his wolf. It looked at me and started getting closer. I drew back slowly, frightened. Jon put his arm on my shoulder. "Do not worry, he just wants you to pet him. He won't harm you." he said. I stretched my arm out and dragged my hand slowly across his fur. Ghost suddenly raised his head, red eyes gazing back at me. Then, he just licked my hand and went back to Jon's side. I looked back at my betrothed, he was smiling.

"Ghost likes you. Direwolves are hard creatures to fool, so if he approves of you I guess I've no reason to fear. Tell me, do you have any questions?" he asked smiling at me.

"I've many questions to ask you. I'm not sure where to start." I said. He just looked on, and then smiled reassuringly. "How do you bond with your wolves?"

"Magic." he responded. I looked on, but that was all he said. Fine then. "I see." Another question followed. "How is your throne maintained when it is made of ice? And how does it not bother you to sit on it."

"Magic." he answered. I was starting to get annoyed. "How is the sword you had in the throne room made of ice? And wouldn't it shatter easily?" I said. He just smirked. "Mag—" "Don't… say that again please." I said, a bit angry by now. He just smirked at me.

"There we go. What happened to the perfect southern lady I saw yesterday?"

I looked at him and noticed his smile. So that was what he was doing, purposely riling me up? I understood now. "Someone told me I should be direct with Northmen. I'm said they don't appreciate flattery or honeyed words." I answered.

"You have the right of it. We don't. We are to marry, I would like we be at least cordial with each other. Tell me, do you still wish to know the things you have asked me?" I nodded at him. "Very well. Your first question, how do we bond with our wolves? The answer IS magic, but it is more complicated than that. I imagine your Maestars have never told you of wargs. Am I right?" he asked.

"I think I've heard of a petty king here in the North who was defeated by your family long ago. He was called the Warg King if I'm not mistaken?" I answered back.

"Aye. Wargs, or skinchangers can slip into the skins of other animals, usually those to which they are bonded. When the Warg King was defeated by the Starks, his daughters were taken as wives by our family, ensuring we gain their abilities. I myself can only warg into Ghost, but I know of wargs such as Varamyr Sixskins who can control multiple animals. Not to mention the Three Eyed Raven, who can change into the skin of any animal, and even control simple-minded people." he explained. Now I had even more questions! Not to mention I was more than a little scared of Bran Stark after hearing of what he could do.

"Excuse me, but is the Three Eyed Raven not the Northern Equivalent of the Master of Whisperers? Is that how he gathers information? By using animals?" I asked confusedly.

"He is, but at the same time he is so much more. The Three Eyed Raven is the most powerful greenseer alive. Every greenseer can warg, but not every warg has the greensight. It's an important distinction you should know. A greenseer is one who can see glimpses of the past or future. The Three Eyed Raven can see the past at will as it was witnessed by the Weirwoods, while he can also receive clearer visions of what's to come." I was amazed. To think such things were possible?! He continued speaking:

"To answer your question as to how he goes about his duties, then yes, just like that. Tell me, what do you know of Brynden Rivers, bastard son of Aegon the Unworthy?"

"He was known as Bloodraven, and was one of, if not the greatest master of whisperers there have been. It is said that he had a thousand eyes and one. He was exiled from the Southern Kingdom due to his actions against the Blackfyres." I answered back, confused at his question.

"Before my cousin took up his duties, the previous Three Eyed Raven was him. He was maintained alive by the Children throughout all of this time while he searched for a successor. He had to choose wisely, since these next few years will be trying. Winter is coming." he said with a grave look on his face, his voice heavy. I was confused, since I did not know what he could be talking about of the future, but I kept quiet. It must have shown on my face, because he said:

"Do not worry, you will be informed on everything you need to know in the coming time, but now is not the right time. Now then, you wished to know of my Throne and Sword? The Throne of Winter was created a long time ago with the aid of the Children. It is their magic which preserves it." he said. I thought back on what he had just said, and there was something which confused me.

"You talk of the Children. Tell me, they can't be the Children of the Forest, can't they? Or are they another one of the legends which have come alive since I passed the Neck?" I asked, half serious. He just smirked. "Those are exactly the ones I speak of. They still live, albeit not many remain. You will meet one soon enough I bet." he said smiling, amused at my wide eyed expression.

"And… what about your sword? The one made of ice you had in the Throne Room. Was that made by the Children of the Forest as well?" I asked, very curious. Suddenly, his face grew grim. I was confused. What had I said which warranted such a response. Soon, I had my question answered, and I wished I had never asked it.

"The Sword is a relic of the past, kept as a reminder of what is to come. The North remembers, and that sword is the greatest reminder of the threat the living face." I grew confused at that. The Living? And what made the sword such a reminder? He looked as if was battling with himself to continue or not, and he chose to do so. His next words chilled me to the bone.

"Eight thousand years ago a Winter came that was cold and hard and endless beyond all memory of man. A night which lasted a generation. Kings shivered and died in their castles and women smothered their babes rather than have them starve. It was in this darkness that they came for the first time. Tall and gaunt with eyes as bright as blue stars, they hated every creature with hot blood in its veins. They swept over holdfasts and cities and kingdoms, killing heroes and armies by the score. Riding pale dead horses and giant ice spiders, they led a host of the dead. They had no need for an army, as men provided them with all they needed. Every man of ours that fell was another one added to theirs. Eventually, my ancestor Brandon the Builder managed to drive them back into their lands. Ice was wielded by the Night King, their leader, and was taken as a reminder to never forget what lurks deep North. You wanted to know of what Bloodraven prepared for? Exactly that. Sometime in my reign they will return. The greenseers have seen it. Now tell me, are you prepared to stand beside me now that you know of this?"

I was shocked, terrified, and all around numb. I tried to answer yes, grandmother's training on courtesies and manipulation unconsciously creeping in, but before I could even answer he just looked at me with an understanding smile and told me: "Think it over, do not give me an answer right now." He motioned a guard to come closer. "Edric, take the Lady Margeary to her chambers."

"Yes Your Grace!" the guard answered back, stunned the King even knew his name.

Jon turned to look at me again, smile on his face and said: "Think it over. I enjoyed this conversation. I hope you decide to stay." and then proceeded to walk away.

I was still in shock when grandmother and Willas entered my chambers, eager to see how the conversation had gone. Once I told them, they were as pale as me. Oh they would have scoffed at the idea that the mythical Others were still alive before they got here, but after seeing magic up close they could not as easily dismiss it. Once I finished summarizing my time with the King grandmother let out a smile at me, although it was a bit strained, reasonable given what I had just told them.

"Margeary, aside from the… disturbing parts of your talk, it seems as if you did a great job at making him like you. I see that being blunt worked out well for you. I'm happy." she said.

"Yes, it seemingly did. I also enjoyed it, I think I could get accustomed to it. What do you think of what he told me Willas?"

"Aside from the disturbing story of these "Others", I think you did an admirable job with him. I think you should go ahead and marry Jon Stark. He is a good man, I've asked around and the only thing I've been told is precisely that. He also presents our best chance at survival should these Others really come to be real, aside from the fact that the Wall still stands between us and them, something that was not present in the original "Long Night." We also stand to gain a lot of influence for House Tyrell both here and South of the Neck. We know that Joffrey Baratheon will look for any excuse to war with the North once he is crowned, and we also know that only the combined might of the Six Kingdoms could challenge the Kingdom of the North. Our position is already secure with the loyalty of our three most powerful vassals, so we could either stay neutral in such a conflict, or we could back the North. The Riverlands are likely to split as well, given the King's aunt is a Tully by birth, and Dorne would rather burn to Dragonfire than ally themselves with the Lannisters. It would be a war guaranteed for failure, and once it would be dealt with, House Tyrell would be the ones to dictate what happens South." he answered.

I should be impressed, but frankly it was normal for Willas. He had shown good promise as a knight before his injury to the Red Viper. Since then, without the ability to hone his martial strength, he turned to hone his mind. He was taught by my grandmother just as I was, and he had fostered with the Hightowers, giving him the added benefit of being extremely well read.

My grandmother continued speaking: "It is as Willas said, there is no real issue that would make us turn away from this alliance. And should the Others be real, then the Wall is there to stop them."

"I thought the same. I will try to speak to him before the day passes to make my sentiments known." I answered.

I was standing outside of his study. I knocked, and he called out asking who it was. I told him I was there and he beckoned me forward to enter. He was seated and holding a quill, paper right in front of him. He looked as if he had been working prior to this. He looked at me and asked:

"Have you come to give me your answer my lady?"

"I have. I will marry you." I said confidently.

"If I may ask, what are your reasons?" he asked.

"From my impression and that of your servants, you are a good man, and so I know you will at least be kind, even if we do not end up loving each other. Additionally, if what you say about the Others is true, you are me and my family's best chance at surviving. This will also add to my family's influence greatly." I said honestly. He smiled at that.

"Then we will marry. My Uncle will finish negotiations with your father regarding your dowry and bride price soon. I am happy you decided to stay." he finished. "Let me walk you back you to your room." I nodded at that and took his arm in mine. We walked calmly after that, with us making small talk along the way. Finally, he left me at my door. I entered and felt a smile on my face. This wasn't that bad at all."

Two weeks had passed since that day, and today was finally the day of my wedding. I was ready. Already my mother and grandmother had passed by my chambers, mother talking about how incredibly proud she was of me, and of how gorgeous I looked. Meanwhile, grandmother just advised me to keep myself focused, trying to appear as serious as possible, but it was evident to see just how happy she was for me. Father had passed by with Loras and Willas as well, and by god had that been a unique meeting. Father burst into tears the moment he saw me, muttering about how beautiful I looked and how proud he was of his daughter, a future Queen. Willas and Loras just said some encouraging words to me, which I was thankful for. As much as I appreciated my parents fussing I don't think I could take it from my brothers and grandmother on top of that. Eventually, the time for the wedding finally came.

It was night time, as Northern weddings usually were. I was dressed in a white dress, with furs stitched onto it. My father escorted me to the ceremony, ready to give me away to my soon-to-be husband. As I walked towards the Weirwood, I looked around me to see everyone around me. Lords and ladies around me, with my family close to the front on the left, while my future husband's family were to the right. I saw Jon standing beside his Uncle beside the ancient tree. He was dressed in a black doublet, the direwolf sigil of my future house stitched on his chest. Furs were draped over him as well. To the right side, beside the Stark family, I could see a huge unmistakable figure, a Giant, but what surprised me was the short brown creature that was standing there as well. A Children of the Forest! I thought. We finally reached the Weirwood tree, and I heard the Fist of Winter speak.

"Who comes before the Old Gods this night?"

"Margeary of the House Tyrell comes to be wed. A woman grown, trueborn and noble. She comes to beg the blessings of the Gods. Who claims her?" said my father.

"Jon of House Stark. King in the North. Who gives her?" said Jon.

"Mace of House Tyrell, who is her father." replied my father.

"Lady Margeary, do you take this man?" said Eddard Stark.

"I take this man." I said, smiling at my husband. He smiled back and stretched his hand towards me. I took it in hand and kneeled with him in front of the heart tree. I never was that pious in my worship for the Seven, but perhaps now that I was in the North the Old Gods would listen. I prayed for children, strong sons and beautiful daughters. I prayed for prosperity, both for my new Kingdom and my old one. And finally I prayed for a good marriage. We stood up, hand in hand, and my husband shouted:

"The ceremony is over my Lords and Ladies. Now we feast!" And we made for the feast.

The feast was swinging in full effect. Men were drunk and laughing, music was blasting throughout the whole hall. I was seated at the High Table, my husband to my right. His family to his right, mine to my left. My father was grinning ear to ear throughout this whole feast, ecstatic about my marriage. He was drunk as well, which made him look pretty foolish. In comparison, my husband's uncle, Eddard was pretty sober, only occasionally drinking from his cup. The Royal Admiral walked towards us, smile on his face.

"Your Grace! I am very happy to see you wed. I wish your father were here, I'm sure he would've loved your new wife." he said, smiling.

"Thank you Uncle for your kind words. I hope you are enjoying the festivities, for I certainly am! I am happy to see you here as well, family is always welcome." said my new husband.

After that we continued to eat in peace. Occasionally Jon pointed out an important lord I would need to remember. Lord Skagstark, for example, was a short, stocky man with black hair. He was important as he was lord of the the largest cities in the North, Skagtown. They specialized in whale hunting, where they sold the fat they pried off of them to Essos.

Lord Manderly and Lord Northstark were also rich on trade with Essos. White Harbor and Hardhome were both incredibly successful trading hubs, with White Harbor even used for docking some of the Navy ships.

Lord Goldstark stood out, Brown hair with a long face, having a passing resemblance to the Starks. They were jokingly said to be the Lannisters of the North, and although they were certainly one of the wealthiest houses in the North, they were not nearly as rich as the Lannisters or even my House, since two thirds of their ores mined were paid in taxes to House Stark. This might seem to be a huge portion, but I had learned that most Northern lords were content with what they had, and House Goldstark existed only due to the generosity of House Stark, which made them incredibly loyal, save for a few idiot lords they had had throughout the years. These houses had made their wealth off of trade, or mining in the case of the Goldstarks.

House Bolton was a given to look out for too, but they seemed pacified with an appointment to the King's Counsel, not to mention the heir, an honorable kind man, unlike his house's reputation, was set to marry the lady Sansa Stark. Sansa was said to be in love with Lord Domeric, so I sincerely hoped they have a good marriage.

The Thenns were others I had to watch out for. Their Magnar, or leader, was Sigorn, who had married the Lady Alys Karstark the past year. Not exactly a house, they were a clan in which a leader was chosen by vote of the people, usually after proving his worth as a warrior and leader. They lived by the Valley of Thenn, the farthest settlement up North in the kingdom, and were said to be the first defense against the Others, having built defenses and stocking dragonglass weapons to use against them. They were the strongest clan North of the Wall, capable of producing 10,000 warriors, but they usually stayed out of Southern wars, instead focusing always on remaining alert for any signs of the Others, something which the other lords respected.

I had learned that, aside from house Northstark, the lands Beyond the Wall were maintained by clans, all of which were lead by leaders chosen by their people, not any heritage based system. Rudy Hall was home to Tormund Gianstbane, a giant of a man with red hair, or "kissed by fire" as the Free Folk liked to say. His clan could raise about 5,000 warriors. In the Fist of the First Men Mance Rayder ruled, having amassed 10,000 warriors of his own, making him almost as strong as the Thenns. He was slender with a middling height, long gray hair with brown eyes. He was an incredible singer, as he had performed a few songs in honor of our wedding. The Ice River Clans, by the Antler's River, were led by Varamyr Sixskins, who was said to be the most powerful warg aside from the Brandon Stark, and they could raise about 5,000 men. Finally, the Lord of Bones lived by the Haunted Forests, and he led about 5,000 men.

Another house I had to remember were the Umbers, who were pretty wealthy as well, courtesy of their Vodka business, of which they were the sole providers in the Northern Kingdom. Greatjon Umber was also the Royal General, something which gave him a considerable amount of political power, although I had learnt he rarely used it. They also also raised a considerable amount of cattle. The Tallharts were pretty wealthy, courtesy of their corn production, which they sold to the Royal Family. The Royal Family then used it to produce rum, the other original Northern drink.

Houses Moatstark of Moat Cailin and House Reed of the Neck were also wealthy off of their agriculture. Their lands were perfect to grow rice in, something which they took great advantage of. They, along with the lands of the Twins (which is fertile land in the Riverlands) produced about 1/2 of the food for the North. Suddenly my musing was cut short by Greatjon Umber shouting:

"My Lords! The Feast is almost finished and our bellies our full with food and ale. Let us bed them!" Soon everyone was shouting: "To bed! To bed! To bed!" and I was carried out by several lords, them stripping me but taking careful care to not inappropriately grope the new Queen. From the corner of my eye I could see the same thing happen to my husband, although the ladies had no such issues with touching Jon. Finally we were let into our chambers, both of us flushed from the wine and the bedding. I was not nervous, the wine making me more confident about the upcoming action. He looked at me, silently asking with his eyes, and I told him: "Go ahead husband. I am yours and you are mine." He smiled and the rest of the night was a pleasurable blur for the both of us.

Author's Note:

Sorry guys, no lemon :( , I don't feel comfortable enough to write them yet. They'll come eventually in the future, but yeah. Hope you guys liked this chapter, its the longest one thats been posted so far, and I hope you guys liked the Margeary POV. Things will start to pop off soon, and it'll be fun seeing what you guys think about what I will be writing. I'm always down to listen for any suggestions so if you have one shoot me a PM, I'll respond for sure. Hope you guys liked this chapter, and if you did, please leave a review if you can. I really appreciate them. Thanks for reading!