MARGAERY

"To Kindle the Fire"

"Loras do you think Ser Daeron fancies me?", Margaery asked her brother. The pair were sitting on a balcony of Royal Tower—the tallest tower in Highgarden. The balcony was filled with vibrant tulips, red roses, vinery, and grapes. There was a harp player and a singer at the edge of the balcony filling the air with soothing sounds. The air was warm and moist; the sounds of birds chirping and bugs flying around also could be heard. Margaery and Loras sat at a table looking out at the golden fields of the Reach, enjoying lunch. The lunch consisted of bread, cheese, and fruit. Dornish wine was also atop the table.

"I don't know. He is a knight after all.", Loras responded. Margaery glanced at him with her piercing blue eyes and smiled. She was slowly getting her brother back, but she knew he would never be the same. Neither would she. He had a golden silk headband wrapped around his scar and his curly brown bangs draped down it. It had become his signature look and the people of Highgarden found it endearing. Soon after their arrival a grand festival was held and boys aspiring to be knights filled the roads with headbands also wrapped around their heads. It was a great event, but the two were not in their right minds for it. They also expected their grandmother to be there at the gates, though they knew of her meeting. The important thing is that her grandmother was on her way back now as Maester Lomys had received a message from Daenerys Targaryen. The message also relayed that Daenerys was bringing her court to Highgarden. Margaery was preparing the castle for her arrival, decorating the white stone walls with red roses and blackberries—suiting for a Targaryen. It was her duty as Lady Reagant until Olenna returned, since Loras reinstated his vows as a knight. She made sure the cooks had the food necessary for a feast fitting for a Queen. Wine was also being imported as a festival would be held for the Queen's coming. Margaery wasn't entirely sure about the Dragon Queen, but she knew that there wasn't much they could do to stop her and her dragons. Besides an enemy of my enemy is my friend. She was merely doing what her grandmother would have wanted her to do.

"That never stopped you.", Margaery responded with a smirk. She wore a crown made of twigs, vines, and daisies atop of her flowing brown curls. The front section of her hair was twisted into the crown with curls peeking through it into a waterfall fashion. Her dress was sheer around the shoulders and golden yellow silk along the length. She wore a golden belt around her waist with matching thin golden bracelets.

"Aye sister." Loras smirked back and took a swig from his gold mug.

"You're so bad…", Margaery responded. She watched him fidget a little and she pondered on his company. "Have you still been abstaining from—from you know?"

"Sister, must we discuss such things on a nice welcoming day?"

"Haha. I'm only asking because I don't want you to deny yourself happiness. You deserve it. Really.", Margaery answered. She watched as Loras glanced down and smirked a little. She reached over the table and grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

"Perhaps I will have to test Ser Daeron…", Loras responded while raising his eyebrows. Margaery laughed and threw a grape at him.

"Perhaps you should, you might have more luck than I have."

"You just need to give it time. He cares for you, I can tell.", Loras relayed while plopping a cube of cheese into his mouth. Margaery watched as he chewed.

"How can you tell?"

"It's all in the eyes sister.", Loras answered. He motioned to his own eyes and smirked. The two chuckled.

"Come brother. Let us get refreshed in the cool indoors."

.

Margaery now sat in the Golden Seat in Highgarden's partially enclosed Greenhouse. The Greenhouse was the area all meetings were held in Highgarden—sure they had their Great Hall, but the people of Highgarden prided themselves in being more organized and regal. A Great Hall was simply strictly for feasts. The Greenhouse had massive coulombs with vines draping from the ceiling, the vines containing blue flowers sprouting from them. The Golden Seat was a pure gold seat for the Lord or Lady of Highgarden in which business was handled. The little light that shined through the openings in the ceiling reflected off of the shiny metallic surface of the chair. The cushioning was an ivory silk that also glistened in the sun. The metal work at the base and top of the chair was elaborately designed into spirals and makeshift vines; one golden crafted rose was centered at the top of the seat. Margaery had been holding court for the majority of the time, but now before her a guard was bringing her a wooden box that was found outside of the gates. Margaery lifted her arm and Ser Daeron whom was standing behind her walked forward to retrieve it from the short guard. He held it and turned to Margaery. Margaery stood and looked out to the few in the courtyard—mainly commoners and a few noble representatives.

"My people I will continue after a short rest.", she spoke out before walking to the council chambers. Loras and Ser Daeron followed.

They made it into the council chamber and were met by Maester Lomys. He was a short man with a gray robe and brown skin. His eyes were green which complimented his black twisted long hair. He was very wise and wore links around his neck. He was one of the youngest Maesters in his time.

"Ser Daeron could you open it please?", Margaery asked. She took a couple of steps back as he took out his dagger and started to pry open the box. Loras stood beside him.

"What is it?", Loras asked. Daeron put his hand into the box and pulled out white fabric. He placed a wad of it on the table and Loras leaned forward to examine the inside of the box further. Margaery slowly walked forward and picked up the 'fabric' to discover it was hair. There were tinges of pink in the hair.

Loras gasped and walked away from the table. Ser Daeron placed the box on the table and stood rigid. Margaery headed for the table, before Daeron stopped her.

"My Lady.", he said to her. He shook his head and placed his hand on her shoulder. Margaery instantly grew worried and panicked. She shoved her way past Daeron and peered into the brown box. Inside of it she saw a golden rose with a severed wrinkled hand holding it. On the ring finger of the hand was a ring—her grandmother's ring. Margaery burst into tears and felt her knees go weak. Daeron grabbed her and held her. Loras sat in silence; tears escaped his eyes.

.

The next fortnight was the hardest of Margaery's life. She distanced herself from her friends and even Loras. She strictly handled the business of Highgarden and pushed her emotions away. The entire situation was frustrating as there was nothing she could do to get her grandmother back and she knew it. She was frustrated at her own survival because what was the cost of it? She blamed herself and most importantly she blamed Cersei. Margaery decided to focus all of her emotional energy into destroying her and to support the Dragon Queen. She would use her wits to ensure that Highgarden remained one of the founding kingdoms of Westeros. It stood before the Andal invasion and it remained after.

Margaery soon after discovering the hand, made the next discovery of the white hair belonging to Maester Tyron. Daeron himself was in sorrow in his own way, as he was hell-bent on revenge as well. The two's path of seeking revenge brought them closer. The difference was Daeron continued to build his walls around himself. Margaery attempted to soothe his pain, but she couldn't tell if he was numb or if he simply had already grieved. Loras who was numb to their grandmother's death began to drink more heavily. His heart was already prepared for the worst scenarios that could have came into play. He had found it odd that his grandmother hadn't arrived in Highgarden yet, so in hindsight he felt like a fool.

Daenerys Targaryen would arrive at the gates today as scouts in the Reach reported. The castle had been prepared with more greenery, harpists, singers, red roses, black berries, and wine. Margaery had chambers prepared in Royal Tower for Daenerys and her court. Daenerys' of which would have the best view with the sunrise. There would be a feast for her at night and Daenerys would give a speech to the people as to why they should support her. Margaery would have to give another as well. Margaery felt that the people were easing into the idea of her as a Queen especially after the news of their beloved 'Queen of Thorns'.

Margaery stood on her balcony at Royal Tower and gazed out at the three rings of white walls that surrounded Highgarden. She looked at the older towers which were built during the Age of Heroes and grimaced at their horrendous short wide shapes. Finally, she glanced up into the fields. At the top of the hill she saw the Unsullied escorts and carriages.

.

"Queen Daenerys it is an honor to finally meet you.", Margaery relayed with a curtsy. Daenerys had just arrived in the wooden gates with her Queensguard and her court. Commoners and noble people had gathered at Garth's Courtyard to see the white- haired Targaryen in the flesh. Loras and Daeron stood beside Margaery along with Maester Lomys. In front of her stood Daenerys, Lord Tyrion, and a brown skinned beautiful lady. Daenerys stood in a black leather dress embroidered with crystals to resemble dark red scales. On her left shoulder was plum colored silk draping down her arm to symbolize her royalty. Her hair was braided back into three braids which were also braided into a ponytail. The bottom half of her hair was braided into the ponytail as well creating an elegant pulled back style suitable for a strong Queen. The edges of her hair were loose and draped down the sides of her face in white tendrils.

"Lady Margaery as it is mine. This is most of my court. Lady Missandei is my most trusted advisor and of course you know my Lord Hand Tyrion.", Daenerys stated with a warm smile. Margaery glanced down to Tyrion and smiled. Margaery herself was in a teal blue gown with a green sash around her shoulders. Her hair was full of thick curls and twisted into a traditional southern up do.

"Of course, Lord Tyrion. Oh, I suppose it would be Lord Hand Tyrion now. Lady Missandei very nice to meet you—you are a foreign beauty."

"Nice to meet you as well. You are also a foreign beauty.", Missandei responded in her sothorosi accent. Missandei wore a black gown—the upper half being a corset and the lower half being red along the length. Her hair was twisted into a bun on the top of her round head and loose in tight curls on the sides of her head.

"Nice to meet your acquaintance again, Lady Margaery and Ser Loras. I am very sorry about your loss. Your grandmother was an exceptional woman.", Tyrion relayed. Margaery smiled down at him. Tyrion wore a black cloak robe with his silver Hand pendant pinned into it. Loras nodded his head down at Tyrion.

"Yes, she was. Queen Daenerys this is my brother, Ser Loras Tyrell and my newly named Master of Arms Ser Daeron Tyron."

"Your grace.", Daeron and Loras responded in unison. Daeron stood in his typical black armor and his hair was tied into a topknot. Loras stood in a mint green silk pantsuit; his golden headband wrapped around his forehead. Daenerys squinted her eyes and smiled at both of them.

"Now Queen Daenerys I'm sure you would like to get settled in your chambers before the festivities begin.", Margaery said.

"Yes, that would be great. Actually, after I would like to speak with you—somewhere private.", Daenerys stated.

.

"I hope this location suits you.", Margaery relayed. Daenerys emerged into the Godswood of Highgarden. Daenerys slowly paced into the compact courtyard and inhaled the sweet medicinal scent of the leaves and sap. She observed the auburn—almost plum colored leaves and the pale vines entangling the three trees into one. The trees were one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. She looked at the three trunks and looked at the three carved faces—angry, sad, and solemn. At the base of the trunk the massive roots protruded into the soil and some into a small pool of deep blue water—the water was still with a couple of leaves afloat the surface. Daenerys found the stillness of the water soothing and at peace; she closed her eyes and listened to the rustling of the leaves.

"I'm sorry I've never seen a weirwood tree before, let alone three.", Daenerys stated. She apologized for her silence.

"A Queen should never apologize. I thought I'd let you take in it's greatness, your grace. It's beauty never fails to amaze me; they are called the 'Three Singers'."

"And these trees symbolize the connection to the old gods correct?", Daenerys pondered. She walked closer as if to feel the trees' energy. Margaery followed suit.

"Yes. It is said Garth Greenhand planted these himself. I suppose you don't need to see the faces to know the gods are always watching."

"I suppose so. Why not a face carved for happiness?", Daenerys asked. The faces were nearly concealed by vines wrapping all around their trunks.

"I always wondered the same, your grace. I suppose it is to remind one that happiness shouldn't be taken for granted in a world of sorrow and wrath."

"You are very wise Lady Margaery... When I heard of your grandmother's capture it angered me. I grew fond of her in our little time together… I vow to you that Cersei will not sit on the Iron Throne for much longer."

"Thank you, your grace. I'm sure my grandmother left quite an impression on you.", Margaery responded. Hearing about her grandmother deeply upset her once more and she immediately started to reserve herself.

"That she did. It must be odd to call me Queen seeing as you were Queen before Cersei.", Daenerys stated. Margaery arched her eyebrows and pondered on what reaction Daenerys wanted.

"It is actually, but none of that matters to me now. All I am after is to see Cersei suffer."

"You are more like your grandmother than you know. She wanted the same thing… As do I. I want nothing more than to fly my children to the Red Keep and to destroy it for the pain she has caused.", Daenerys stated with an expression Margaery couldn't describe. It reminded her of emptiness. Margaery stood silent as she wondered if she would actually do it; it was an odd thing to discuss in such a peaceful place.

"But you won't?"

"No I don't wish for the people to see me as the Queen of Ashes."

"They are your children. You cannot hide three full grown dragons forever. The people know the strength of a dragon especially after Aegon rode to Westeros and conquered the Kingdoms with one.", Margaery stated.

"So you are saying I should use them?"

"I am saying that if you wanted to use them—the people would understand. Or at least I would.", Margaery stated with a solemn face.

.

"I must say that the Southerners sure know how to celebrate.", Dany stated. She was in the decorated Great Hall. Flower petals were all over the tables and floors. Vines draped along the walls bearing red fireplums and peaches surrounded the hall. Daenerys sat in the center of the Head Table beside Margaery. Both of which wore flower crowns.

"Well they have much to celebrate, your grace.", Margaery responded. She drank a swig of wine as she watched the dancers perform to drums and horns. Loras sat beside her and Daeron beside him. Tyrion and Missandei sat beside Daenerys.

"Of course. Even the Dothraki I brought along are enjoying themselves and that is saying something."

"Ah they are… So, you wish to use the Reach's forces?", Margaery asked.

"Actually, I do not. I want the Reach to stay put and to continue farming. My men will need the resources and I want you to be able to defend yourselves.", Daenerys answered. Margaery glanced down and almost grimaced. She wanted the Reach to join the battle as she wanted a piece of the revenge when Cersei is defeated. "Do not worry your army may pose a necessity in the siege of King's Landing."

"Of course, your grace.", Margaery responded. Daenerys nodded to her and lifted her cup. "I believe it would be fitting to give the speeches now before the people drink too much, your grace."

"I believe you may be right as my Lord Hand has already drank too much. After you.", Daenerys stated. Though she didn't want to admit it she was nervous. The same people before her supported Robert Baratheon in his siege of King's Landing—the same siege that killed her cousins, Mother, Father, and brother. It sickened her. She fought the thoughts coming to her, telling her that they were traitors—snakes even. She forced a smile up to Margaery and gulped the rest of her wine.

"My people of Highgarden today we are here to celebrate the union of House Tyrell and House Targaryen in the war to come. I have pledged our forces to Queen Daenerys Targaryen who will lead Westeros into a new era—an era where monarchs will not manipulate the unable or the weak. More importantly she will remove the tyrant Cersei Lannister from the Iron Throne for her crimes against my grandmother Olenna Tyrell.", Margaery spoke. She grabbed the helm of her dress and sat down. She smiled at Daenerys who stood next.

"My people of Highgarden—I am Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen. Ever since I was a child I dreamed of being home which was taken from me when I was just a babe… Now I am here again. However, my home isn't going to be given back to me, I must take it back. I must take it back from those who would deny me my birthright and who would call me the usurper. I understand you all know of my Father's misdeeds of many and I can assure you I am not my Father. I want my people to be inspired by me and to lead just and fruitful lives. I know that with my khalasar of Dothraki, and army of Unsullied behind me that I can restore balance to the Seven Kingdoms. The question is will you join me?!"

…

Next time: Margaery grows close to Daeron. Her ruling is tested.