Renly

The smell of roses freshly picked from Highgarden combated the foul smell from Flea Bottom outside. Roses always make everything sweeter. This part of the city was foul and unclean and made his skin crawl just like the sight of blood or trampling in the woods on some damn fool hunt. Septon's Reginald's eyes went as wide as peaches when he handed him a pouch of coin. "My lord, this is very generous."

Renly offered a winning smile that eased the Septons unease. "Nonsense, you shall take every coin. You do the Seven's work here and by the Mothers Mercy it's my honor to help you."

"This will help us greatly my lord with meals for the orphans."

It was a squat building that housed too many children with too little space. Simple mattresses of straw and one tunic of linen cloth per child. Not as starved as the gutter rats outside the orphanage, but they lived on bread and occasional bowls of porridge. Little monsters with foul smells and annoying words spewing out of their mouths, but coming here served a purpose.

Image was everything. Renly knew. If Stannis understood that, he would have been much happier with more friends and allies around him. Instead, he was constantly grinding his teeth with that ugly greyscale daughter of his on some dark, desolate island. His image of the generous and smiling brother of the king had taken a painstaking amount of effort, but it paid off. The commons loved him for these acts of patronage, and the Faith appreciated the devotion. The Faith could be a powerful friend. Septon Reginald was close with the High Septon and supporting his initiatives would help smooth things over for deposing the Lannister Queen. Lord Jon Arryn had been a great fool tying the realm to the Lions instead of the sweeter Roses. More agreeable and amiable, it would be easier to run court with Tyrells rather than Lannisters.

Septon Reginald was shaking his hand vigorously, tears of joy streaming down his cheeks, and was to overcome with emotion to say anything.

Renly waved him off and kissed him on the brow, and left the filth and squalor. One of those parasites touched him with their grubby little hands and he wanted to wash it away. Water would cleanse the corruption and the stench from being in such a lowly place with foul dirty creatures. They were nothing like spending his day with a glass of wine in hand marveling at Loras Tyrells perfect form and his lazy brown curls laying naked on velvet cushions.

No one is more beautiful than him.

Soon he would be in court, and they would be together again.

What good friends the Tyrells were!

Renly sighed and adjusted the clasp around his cloak. Instead of a good meal with Loras, Lord Stark had summoned him to his tower for whatever reason. Probably wishes to accept the loan offers. Eddard Stark was a dour, if simple, man. Renly found him predictable and a fine placeholder Hand of the King until the last remnants of House Lannister influence could be eradicated and replaced with men from the Reach and Stormlands.

Mace Tyrell would make a better Hand of the King. Renly mused, thinking of sweet peaches from the Reach and summer wine. When Robert saw Margaery, he would become besotted with her and the wealth of the Tyrells. Every argument with Cersei would weaken his resolve to keep to her bed.

Now, it was still the Hour of the Wolf and the honorable Lord of Winterfell needed to be appeased, and his honor considered. The Honor of Falcons and Wolves hinders Roberts realm. Honor had to be considered in maintaining a good image, but to listen to its commands to their detriment was the utter folly of fools. Men like Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark were relics of a bygone era where laws and rules mattered. Robert showed the truth when he smashed Prince Rhaegars chest on the Trident.

Jory Cassel, Captain of the Hands guard, offered him a nod and opened the door. "My thanks Cassel," He said clasping him on the shoulder.

"My lord."

Behind his desk sat Eddard Stark, his long, frozen face glaring at his entrance. Studying him with his grey eyes. It was unnerving, Renly thought. However, it was the other man sitting that had his attention, who wore a quilted wool doublet the color of charcoal with a crimson cloak clasped around his broad shoulders. Balding with thin remains of blond hair. He was the constant shadow of the Old Lion of the West.

"Ser Kevan?" Renly chuckled. "What fine company you keep, Lord Stark."

"Please take a seat, my lord. We have much to discuss." Lord Stark said, his voice heavy and grave.

Ser Kevan nodded. "Indeed Lord Stark."

Renly raised his brow in puzzlement. This is not what I predicted with Eddard Stark. Renly thought. Lord Stark, speaking with Lannisters mayhaps he had underestimated his abilities to forgive Lord Tywins legacy and the Kingslayer's shame. How long had those two spoken? What did they speak of? Questions that would soon reveal themselves. Still, he offered a disarming smile and seized some wine from the tray. "I await this eagerly."

"My lords troubling whispers have reached my ears. Whispers of discord that I shall not abide. I am Roberts Hand and I shall keep his peace and justice. Yet, I fear potential misunderstandings over recent proposals to ease the realms debt threaten my kings realm. Both of you will state your positions and by my honor as a Stark of Winterfell I shall judge and see justice done."

"What troubling whispers? You can hardly trust the whispers of a Lannister my lord." Renly said with mock concern.

"I didn't need to say a word." Ser Kevan retorted. "A halfwit could see the dangers."

Renly laughed. "The only danger Lord Stark is Lannister ambition."

"I think my lord meant to say Tyrell ambition." Ser Kevan voiced dryly with a raspy chuckle.

"Enough!" Lord Stark said, rubbing his temples. "No more barbs shall be uttered." He sighed. "Speak the position of House Lannister Ser Kevan."

Ser Kevan rose with all the false pride of a Lannister standing like a dignified lion without his golden mane. It made him look old and a walking relic. Mayhaps he'll need a cane soon. "Lord Hand, my brother understands and appreciates efforts of the Iron Throne to repay the debt owed to House Lannister. The source of the coin is the issue. Tyrell coin is unacceptable and regrettably, would demand retaliation. We would raise our rates of interest as is our right given up by the Iron Throne in previous agreements and shall encourage other options to refuse to do business with the Iron Throne."

"You dare threaten us so openly." Renly said, hoping to widen the gulf between Lannister and Stark.

"I'm merely being frank, Lord Stark." Ser Kevan said, not evening gazing his way. " A man from the North you would appreciate blunt conversation."

Lord Stark nodded once. He's considering his words! Renly couldn't believe the man was even considering the words of Ser Kevan. "Lord Stark," He said, growing annoyed. "House Lannister threatens you. Threatens my brother the king that is not the action of a friend, but a brigand. You need not to be so intimidated. There are other options to consider."

Calloused hands waved him off, "This would not be good for Roberts Realm," Lord Stark said. "The realms finances have to be put to order and I shall find another path than Tyrell coin and I find myself less worried about Lannisters these days."

"Lord Stark." Ser Kevan said. "As a gesture of goodwill and commitment to His Grace, we shall lower the interest rates of the most recent loan."

Renly knew he lost with that trick. I thought he would never work with one.

"Good. Robert and I both appreciate that. I shall see spending gets under control, I swear it." He offered his hand and both Lannister and Stark shook on it. How flexible was Lord Stark? Was the court changing him? Lord Arryn always held to his dogmatic honor. It's simply one deal. Renly knew. Eventually, the honor and the ruthlessness of Stark and Lannister would clash and would shatter whatever partnership might have been forged. It was unfortunate that he had sent dutiful stalwart Ser Kevan mayhaps the only Lannister that could come to terms with Lord Stark. Ser Kevan departed with a small bow and a pledge to clear up any further misunderstandings.

"I fear you've made a mistake, Lord Stark." Renly admitted.

Grey eyes glowered at him. "The whispers went beyond loans and coin. Do you really seek to remove the queen and replace her with the Tyrell girl?"

Renly shrugged, unbothered by his bluntness. The northern dolt is amusing. Renly thought, almost laughing. "Would that be such a terrible thing?" He continued, despite the horrified look on Lord Stark's long face. "Why should we suffer them? For the sake of honor and law? Traditions sake?" He scoffed. "Such notions should not constrain us. Robert would be better served with Tyrells by his side. Help me, Lord Stark, and we shall not fail. Roberts greatest friend advocating for it and Queen Cersei will be sent away and we will finally vanquish the Lions from the city."

"That would be unlawful and tainted with dishonor."

"Yet you would work with a family that sacked a city and smashed babes heads against the walls. Or drowned thousands of women and children?"

Lord Stark flinched from his words. "For Roberts realm." He said with his stoic voice. "I'm his Hand and I shall do my duty, my lord, despite my feelings against Lord Tywin. I'm warning your Lord Renly stop this plot or you shall find an enemy in myself. Queen Cersei shall remain queen." He declared with a certainty.

It was narrow minded and simple, just like the northern barbarian he was. Dogmatic fool Still, Renly knew time would be his friend and that honor would weigh down Lord Stark in the end like a suit of iron. On that day, he would think of this day and wished he had listened to him. Lannisters were nothing more than vipers that would always bite the hand that fed them. Renly offered a contrite look. "Your right, my lord. I shall end such a plot at once." And the dumb fool actually believed him and gave a sigh of relief.

"Good." He said. "This is the right way. I shall see you in the Small Council chambers on the morrow then."

Several days later and the Tyrells arrived through the River Gate and Renly told Loras everything that had happened since he had been away. They made love, and he enjoyed the feel of Loras warm flesh against his own. He could stare at Loras for hours. My knight of flowers. Currently, he wrapped his arms around Loras and could feel the strength in his arms, but it was his eyes that he loved. Beautiful golden eyes. "Your beard love its unkept." Loras said with a seductive smile that him groaning. He reached for the hunting knife on the dresser by the bed. "I'll fix that." He promised.

"I can't believe Lord Stark sided with a Lannister." Renly complained even days later his words rankled him as Loras carefully trimmed the loose hairs.

"It's the king that's the fool. You would have made a far better Hand of the King. Brilliant. Wise. Courtly." Loras whispered and he felt himself harden with desire with every word. "I think you would even make a finer king than his grace. You have the right temperament for it."

"Your seducing me."

Loras smiled. "I am." And finished with his beard and gave him a sweet kiss before he pulled away. "Doesn't make my words any less true."

Renly loved that he encouraged the ambition in his heart. Don't I deserve it? Renly thought. Unlike Robert, he wasn't some drunk, nor was he a lifeless dullard like Stannis. He wasn't a weak child like Tommen or a simple girl like Myrcella. He could make a court of song and beauty lifted by Tyrell and Baratheon swords. He made friends easily and isn't that what makes an excellent king? But that path was filled with so much blood and how he abhorred blood and death. I won't betray Robert. It's his throne, despite everything.

"You worry too much over Stark. My brilliant brother has a plan to handle his pesky honor."

"Tell me then Loras." He whined.

Loras kissed him instead.

"Loras!"

"Can you not understand through that?" Loras japed. "I suppose words will suffice. My grandmother shall uncover some foul deed the queen has committed. You know how she is." An annoying sharp woman with a wicked tongue. He loved her, though she had her charm. He loved anyone who was part of Loras's family. "And she shall see our honorable Hand sees the evidence and proof you as Master of Laws will gather what she seeks." It was smart, he could admit. How better to earn an honorable man than to provide proof of injustice and Robert would listen to his old friend.

Renly stroked his beautiful curls like a man drowning. "What a clever notion." Then they would have a Tyrell Queen whom would give Robert many sons and a simple accident to Tommen and would be like the Lannisters never happened.

"My brother is clever." Loras said, lowering his chin with some insecurity.

The storm was upon him, and he turned him over and kissed him hard. "Your my Knight of Flowers! I love you with every ounce of my heart. Never speak with doubt again!"

Renly always loved beautiful things, and what was more beautiful than Loras? Nothing, He thought as they kissed some more.

Kevan

When he had last seen Lancel, he had been a mere boy with childish fat on his cheeks. Now, he almost reached up to his shoulders his son was growing up into a young man of seventeen. Lancel left his care with a cheerful smile eager to see the Kings Court and earn a knighthood from the Demon of the Trident. The legend of the man whom ended the dragons slaying Prince Rhaegar on the Trident was far reaching. Dorna had begged him to keep their eldest boy home. Kevan loved his wife, but he had a duty to House Lannister. To Tywin his brother and liege and sending his eldest boy to squire with the king would best serve House Lannister and for Lancel too. In Kingslanding he would learn knighthood from the best. His niece Cersei would see the boy well adjusted and would navigate him through the viper pits.

If only I listened to her tender heart. Kevan mused with disgust. The young man standing before him was an embarrassment to the name Lannister. He stood with pride and arrogance, with no accomplishments to show for it. From his brief stint in the city, he had uncovered much about his education and the state of his heir. King Robert treated him with shame and dishonor, and every pretty sycophant had him by the ear. Lancel was a cub still, and he didn't even know it. A simple tool of others. My son a tool of others. No friends or allies gathered around him of any worth. He doesn't understand what the name Lannister means. However, it was the glance at dinner as he reached for the buttery scones. His green eyes gazed with hidden lust at his niece and twisted up in a slight smirk.

Forgive me Dorna.

"Fath-"

Kevan struck him with a fierce blow that had him stumbling to the crimson carpet of the apartment. "Do you think me blind boy? Hapless mayhaps? An old senile fool incapable of thought."

"Fath-"

He struck him again as he rose again. Both blows would leave nasty purple bruises on his cheeks. "You will speak when I give you leave. I am your father and you will bend to my authority and will. Nod if you understand."

Lancel nodded.

"I sent you here to become a proud, strong lion to seek glory and do the Lannister name proud. When I sent you I told you not to be a spineless fool and what do I find, but a spinless fool spluttering before me."

Kevan wanted to twist away in disgust, but he held his gaze. "My fool of a niece was supposed to watch over you and she has corrupted you, has she not?" Lancel's eyes gave him away before his voice ever did, confirming everything he feared.

"Don't speak of the queen like that!" Lancel voiced defiantly.

He nearly struck him again, but seeing the purple welts stayed his hand. Dorna had made him. Our son. His hands fell to his side and he mumbled. "You think she loves you?" He laughed. "You're a tool, nothing more. No doubt she asked something from you."

Lancel blinked rapidly and shook his head, tears in his eyes. "King Robert is a brute. He mistreats her, and she needs me to help her rid herself of him." He pointed a finger at him. "You told me I should always listen to family. Lord Tywin commanded me to adhere to her wishes for everything. I did as bid." She asked him to commit regicide? Why? Kevan wondered. There was no love between her and His Grace, but actively plotting his death why now. Anger grew in his chest. She used my son like some pawn on her board.

"What have you done, son?"

"I laid with her." Lancel sputtered out, reddening with shame. "I know it was sinful, but she has a way of making you seeing things her way." He brought his hands to his face. "Oh, father, what have I done. What will happen to me?"

Kevan embraced him as he wished to do the first moment he rode through the gates. "You'll be fine." He vowed. "You are my son. A Lannister of the Rock. I shall handle this, but you'll ignore her. This affair ends."

"Yes, father. I swear it by the Seven."

It brought him a tremendous amount of pleasure, destroying her entire network of spies and informants and making them his. Cersei should have realized that they answered to her because of her father, not her own talents. Precious little of that. The Red Cloaks swore once more to him their oaths to Lord Tywin. From lowly servants to handmaidens, all of them bent the knee to his requests to cease any activities she had ordered them to engage in. Now, all of them did as he bid. The position of House Lannister in the capital had dwindled and shivered under Cersei's stewardship. While she was off on some foolish crusade to restore that spawn of hers to become heir, the Tyrells had entered the city, going after the only thing that remained to them. Our hold over the realms of finances.

Gold remained to them to secure the position of Tywins grand children. Thankfully, Lord Renly wasn't a gifted political agent and was easily side stepped by going directly to Lord Stark. On parchment, they should never be able to make common cause, but both of them wished to get spending under control. Kevan gave up a little in order to push out the Roses from taking over as the Crowns new benefactors. Eddard Stark was a man of honor and worried him little a working relationship with him was manageable. It was Renly and the roses that gave him sleepless nights. Their ambitions were grand and growing.

They smell blood in the water. Our blood.

Kevan smiled as he gazed at the summons on his desk. She wanted me to come to her instead. His niece was going to have to pick up her skirts and come to him. He was in charge and she would figure it out sooner than later. Probably latter. He chuckled. How she had messed up their position so decisively was beyond him. She relied too much on old Jon Arryns conciliatory nature. Grand Maester Pycelle had spilled his guts of the goings of the capital and confirmed this to him.

The sun was setting when his niece appeared at his door with a thin smile on her sculpted face. " Uncle, you ignored my invitation, or did you not receive it? I suppose servants are terribly dim creatures."

"Of course I ignored it. I would do so again. I don't answer to you."

Cersei sneered. "You forget yourself, I'm the queen."

"Could have fooled me." Kevan said dryly. "And your father doesn't share your opinion. That's why I'm here to clean up your mess and what a mess it is. Letting the Starks shuffle the court in his favor. Allowing that boy of yours to nearly make himself a kinslayer and you plot to return him to the line of succession instead of dealing with the Tyrells at our back door."

He caught her off guard. She blinked in surprise, swallowing her words. "I know not what you mean."

Kevan chuckled. "End the murmurers farce, niece. It'll earn you nothing."

"You are mistaken as well as father. Deceit from our enemies to divide us."

His lips twirled upward slightly. "Well, I'm here to bear a message to you. Stop the plot to return Prince Joffrey to the line of succession or sadly, your spawn will die." Kevan said, as her eyes blazed with fire.

"Joffrey is his grandson. My father would never harm him."

"He's a disgraced prince whose shamed his legacy long enough." Kevan reminded. "This mothers madness ends today or he shall pay with his life and I'll know your men are now mine. That's why you are here, isn't it?" He finished with smug satisfaction at a proper display of power.

Cersei seethed. "You can't do this. I'm the queen! The daughter of Lord Tywin."

"And I'm his brother." He said. "Now, you are going to do your duty and make King Robert love you. You remain young and fertile and shall breed with him some more sons. Most men will dote on their wives when they become with child and we need that."

"A broodmare!?"

"It's a task I think is suited for your talents niece and you shall do your duty per your fathers wish or you shall suffer his wrath."

"And what of my wrath, uncle?"

"The spawn will die. Comply or lose what you love most in the world." And those words earned him her capitulation and her head bent in submission. I'm being too harsh. But it was for the best. She needed some tough love to bring her down where she could do no harm. One day she would thank him for helping her secure Tommens birthright. For the moment, he would bare her hatred and anger with patience.

She kissed him on the cheek. "I'm yours always, uncle."

The kiss surprised him. Maybe one day she could be that sweet girl again? Time away from power shall help with that. Kevan thought. The situation in the capital was dire, but fixable if he kept his head up and played the game well enough. Still, his heart ached to see his other children and hear their laughter. It had been only a few weeks since he left them in the courtyard, but he thought of them every night. He thought of his twin boys and darling little girl and yearned to see their smiling faces again. Tonight he would dream of Dornas gentle embrace.

After I restore order here, I shall return home.

That day couldn't come soon enough.

Myrcella

"She got it!" Myrcella squealed with joy as Alysanne, her falcon, returned with a white hare. The beautiful bird soared as quick as an arrow.

Ser Albar inspected the prize and nodded with approval. "Well done, princess. A fine catch."

She giggled with pride. "Did you see that?" She asked Sansa, jumping with excitement. "I did it!"

"Nymeria could bring down a stag!" The other stark girl replied. Lady Arya was an opinionated girl and stubborn, but she rather liked her all the same. She knew how to have a fun time. Arya was a free northern spirit. Even if she didn't like them, it would be well served to get to know both of her future good sisters. Arya wasn't a threat, nor Sansa either, with some hidden angle. It pleased her greatly that neither of them did. They could become marvelous friends as a result and she was doing her best to get Sansa ready for her role as queen. Her education was rather sparse on the subject and she would not stand for Tommens queen to be a liability. Now, we have fun! Not everything in life had to be some game or training for some goal.

"Arya!" Sansa wailed with embarrassment. "I apologize princess."

Myrcella rolled her eyes and stifled her laughter. "Do you think so?" She pondered, unsure. "Well, I'm sorry Arya. Not everyone has a massive dire wolf like yourself!" She learned Arya hated the term lady and she wouldn't wish to upset her by upholding formality so strictly.

Arya smirked.

"It's fine Sansa, we are going to be sisters one day! I've always wanted one, and now I have two! I can handle a little teasing."

"Alright, if you say so."

A party of huntsman led by the recently appointed Ser Albar Master of the Hunt surrounded the three of them. He had offered his talents in overseeing this falconry expedition in the Kingswood. It was very chivalrous, but she knew it was likely to please herself. One day she would be the Lady of the Eyrie and he would seek her favor, but it was still thoughtful of him. A company of Stark guardsman joined them as well. The two direwolves were with them, as well as Nymeria and Lady. Myrcella had considered inviting some of the Northern Ladies to accompany Lord Starks Household along with some women of the Vale. But she wanted the day to be more private with the three of them. It had proved a nice lazy day of summer. A beautiful day, perfect for some falconry. Jasper had mentioned in his letter than he enjoyed falconry and she thought to surprise him by learning. The thought of her betrothed made her want to snort in annoyance. Every letter was devoid of anything meaningful and every inquiry to the Lords of the Vale, like Ser Albar, only told her what she knew. An amazing jouster filled with great courtesy.

I can't believe they all fell for that act of his.

Myrcella guessed people always believed what they wished to see. They wanted to see Jasper as gallant, and they made him so. Mother wanted to see her as a dutiful, submissive daughter and never saw the betrayal coming. Having Ser Kevan in the city made her sleep more easily at night knowing he was in the city. My letter reached Grandfather thanks to Grand Maester Pycelle. It only took an offer to speak highly of his talents to her grandfather to rope him into her had raged and seethed, but had been sidelined by Ser Kevan and they would all be better for it. Unaware of my own hand in her fall from grace. She could breathe again, knowing Joffrey wouldn't be coming to kill her. Some nights, she dreamed about his hand around her throat and he finished his wicked task.

She brought her fingers to her throat instinctively as a wolf howled in the distance .

"I wonder what Nymeria found!"

"Arya!" Sansa chided.

Arya had shot off on her horse as quick as lightening disappearing around the bend of thick vegetation. After a long moment, she grew concerned when she didn't reappear. Alyn, one of the Stark guardsman, seemed to agree with her and went after her with a quick gallop. When neither of them appeared, Sansa looked pale as snow. "If sure she's fine." Myrcella offered.

"That's kind of you Myrcella. I still should have gone after her."

"Look, Lady is fine. If your sister was in trouble, I'm sure we would know." It was something she noticed about the dire wolves. They seemed to be closely connected with the Starks than most nobles and their pets. The relationship was strange and she would have to describe it as something akin to maybe a dragon and their rider, or so the books claimed.

Arya eventually returned, but not alone. A party of girls wearing dresses of green, along with some guardsman with the golden rose sigil. She recognized one knight as her Uncle Renly's former squire Ser Loras of House Tyrell. Beautiful brown curls and a handsome face that most admired, but he didn't seem interested in ladies of court. At least not in the feasts she had been to. Beside him on a white pony a woman that could have been his twin with the same delicate features and beautiful brown curls. Myrcella had never met her before.

"They thought Nymeria was some threat to them! They thought her some wild beast of the woods!" Arya told them as Sansa embraced her sister, checking her over. "It was stupid! I told them so!"

"That she did often and with great opinion." Ser Loras said with a chuckle. "And you must be Lady Aryas fair sister."

The Knight of Flowers dazzled Sansa, whose cheeks reddened prettily. "I'm Sansa Stark of Winterfell, Ser." she said with perfect courtesy.

"And you are Princess Myrcella, the golden princess."

She demurred. "And you are Ser Loras Tyrell of Highgarden. A brave knight of great renown and chivalry, but I fear I know not the rest of your company."

They made introductions between them. Lady Elinor Tyrell, Lady Alla, Lady Megga and Lady Margaery Tyrell. Lady Margaery greeted her warmly, like a long-lost sister. "How terrible princess I beg your pardon you must think us awful interfering with your party."

"It's little trouble, my lady. I think your company brightens our day."

"Are you sure?" Lady Margaery looked close to tears. "Maybe we should go our separate ways? Gods, It's terribly embarrassing isn't? Please, you must pretend this never happened!" Her lips and eyes both told her it was genuine. When one lied, usually the eyes and the lips were out of sort.

Myrcella reached forward and grabbed her hands. "You should join us!" she said kindly. "I wish it as a princess."

"How kind, you are as sweet as they say. Good King Roberts sweet daughter."

"She is very much so." Sansa chimed.

The Tyrells joined them for the rest of the evening. Sansa enjoyed the company of other highborn ladies as they spoke of betrothals and the upcoming tourney. At least she seems a bit more guarded about some things. A little caution never hurt among other highborn ladies. Their presence annoyed Arya, and she rode off ahead with some of the other Stark guardsman and Nymeria. Lady Margaery rode with her and after apologizing, some more was as sweet as a rose. It was delightful being in her company and she found herself speaking more freely than she should.

"Oh, you must be so excited to see your betrothed compete in the Tourney of the Hand."

Myrcella thought of Jasper in his suit of arms and she nearly flushed. "I fear he isn't attending." She admitted. The last letter she received confirmed as much. Duty demanded he remain in the Vale. It's childish wanting to be crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty. And yet her heart yearned for it.

"Oh." Margaery lifted her hand to her red lips. "It's wicked of me to say, but I'm happy he won't be here. I do so want my brother to crown me Queen and I've heard Lord Arryn is a bit of a tourney knight himself."

Myrcella giggled. "I won't hold it against you."

She asked about Highgarden and Lady Margaery spoke highly of her home and it sounded marvelous. "It's so beautiful, princess, and you haven't lived until you've taken a lazy boat ride along the river. It's so lovely and romantic!"

Eventually, the sun was setting, and they were saying their farewells. Sansa stared dreamily at Ser Loras for a moment while Arya couldn't keep the disgust off her face. Lady Margaery kissed her on the cheek with her hand, avoiding her right arm. "I'm worried it's still tender." Margaery told her. "Even in Highgarden we heard of the Trident."

"How did you know it was my right arm?" Myrcella asked, feeling some trepidation as she gazed at the Rose of Highgarden.

"I heard it was the right arm." She answered innocently. "Is there a problem?"

"No." Myrcella smiled.

When she was in her room lying on her bed exhausted from a day of riding staring at the red ceiling, she thought of that encounter with Lady Margaery in the Kingswood. It hit her like a punch to the gut. Tales don't speak of right or left arms. She knew which arm it was. Only people that had an agenda would have known something like that, but her eyes and lips were genuine, so very genuine that it seemed impossible that she had been played. But the more Myrcella thought about every interaction, it seemed too perfect.

She was testing me and I didn't even realize.

"That bitch." She mumbled before growing horrified, bringing her hands to her lips at her uncivilized conduct. By the Seven she was scary how good she was. If she didn't make that one slip up…

Myrcella shuddered. What other secrets would she have squeezed out of her?

Lady Margaery had won the first bout, but she would not win a second bout. Myrcella vowed. Enjoy the victory, my lady, for it shall be your last.

Authors note: Next up more KL plots as I try to set everything up. Jasper is still a few chapters out from making his appearance. As always I enjoy reading the reviews its probably my favorite part honestly.

Freedmoon: I always enjoy reading your long reviews and the word your looking for is foreshadowing! Don't worry about your english it's very good better than many native speakers.(Certainly better than my Spanish) Now to the contents of the review I'd say Jasper would likely learn the best going through the gauntlet. Jon Snow learned the most when he went to the Nights Watch. But when faced with challenges you could also double down on your flaws like say Cersei in Feast of Crows so as the targs would say. "Its a flip of a coin." I think you are right about the Vale. It's pretty stable as most people are happy with Jasper, but there are certainly some cracks forming underneath due to Jasper hating Harry and having a weak brother as heir. As for Nestor I think that was more him being annoyed by Jaspers aloof tone. Outwardly Jaspers plan isn't bad. He's right that if Baelish and Ned worked well together it would perserve his intrests, but while he understands the big picture well implementing them is all challenging and Jasper isn't the best when it comes to the details.

As for POVS I don't think we'll get a Targ POV for sometime because not much would change for Dany really and I don't know why you would just rehash canon. I've considered Shireen for POVS, but we will certainly go to Dragonstone in the near future. As you can see I picked Renly, I always think he never gets enough attention. Robin would be very intresting POV proably very similiar to Lysa in how incoherent it would be. For POV choosing I try to select charachters that aren't main unless I feel I have a decent inner voice. The worst thing I could do would be doing a main POV and sound off. It's easier to do a side character like say Myrcella than Sansa you have more liberty and freedom with her characterization. If there are some POVS you think I need to have let me know I always like hearing some imput.

I'm touched you like it that much, I hope you enjoy this chapter too!

Supremus85: I'm a sucker for a Hollywood ending! I think some people here will get a happy ending others won't and thats Game of Thrones. I'm glad you enjoy Jaspers flaws aswell!

ATP: It's unlikely Cersei would kill Robert at this point. Now if Lord Arryn dies and Tommen is in the capital...Well maybe then! Thanks for the review!