Margaery had been counting down the days until her wedding, so on the morning before, she held a breakfast celebrating her last day as a maiden. Shona had gotten up at sunrise to help Margaery perfect her hair in cascading curls. She then helped her future queen pick out a gown from the dozens she had to choose from. "I think this is the one," Margaery had voiced before twirling around in her gown of pale blue silk, "It accentuates my curves, don't you think?" Shona nodded her agreement before rushing off to her own chambers. Twyla and Noelle helped her dress before battling with her tangle of curls. They pinned twisted strands upwards on her crown and loosely twined the rest together on either side of her head to mimic the style Cersei and other southern ladies favored. She hated the way it looked, but did not complain for she was running late. She powdered her face and rubbed a glossy wax infused with cherry over her lips, darkening them ever so slightly before joining Margaery in her chambers. The duo walked down the stone stairs together in silence.
"Are you nervous about your wedding?" Shona asked her cousin. She was answered with a shrug of shoulder, "Not really. Is that strange to say? I should be nervous, but I am not. I wonder if His Grace is nervous."
"I would not doubt it," Shona smiled, "but Joffrey seems to like the attention."
Margaery's lips twisted into an amused half smile, quieting her cousin. They stopped their chatter when joined by Lady Olenna and several other noble women. Shona was surprised to see the paramour of Prince Oberyn yet again in their midst. "Did you invite her?"
"I did! Cersei treated her so cruelly that I decided to treat her to tea. I do not see how a person can be so cruel to one they seldom know." Margaery then left Shona's side to greet her guests. The group of women fanned out across the gardens, seated in a circle around one of the fountains. The trickle of water was peaceful in the background as it joined with soft laughter and the playing of a harpist. The ladies sipped their tea and talked amongst themselves for the most part. Shona had never liked the taste of tea, but was eager to try what had become a favorite among Margaery and Lady Olenna. She took a moment to inhale from her steaming cup. Her nose was tickled by the fragrant scent of orange and peach. When she dared a small mouthful she immediately became delighted, for the flavor was sweet and floral. She savored the taste of hibiscus on her tongue and even had a second cup before the meal was served. They dined on a light lunch of onion broth and roasted capon stuffed with figs before the giving of gifts started. Margaery was tickled as she was presented with costly jewelry, gems, and other luxuries. Lady Rhonda presented Margaery with a flock of snow white swans and a gown made of the finest red silk encrusted with rubies that formed a hundred roses across the bodice. Margaery held the gown to her chest with a gasp, kissing her aunt and cousin's cheeks, "I love it! I shall wear it tonight for supper."
Shona was shocked when a leather bound book was presented before Margaery whom read the title aloud, "A History of the Targaryen Queens". She had been ever so polite to only frown slightly while reading the attached scroll. Shona read the words over her shoulder, "Hopefully you can learn something from this." It was signed grandfather but the hand was not his. Shona immediately recognized the loopy handwriting as her Aunt Malora's.
"I will send him a scroll in the evening giving thanks." Margaery had beamed from her pile of gifts. She stood and thanked the group. Her thanks fell on deaf ears for Shona who was more interested in the book. The cover was blood red and featured a finely sewn dragon with eyes of glimmering stone. It seemed almost alive as the flames danced from spine to edge in waves of orange and yellow. Shona remembered the onyx dragon skulls occupying the dungeons beneath King's Landing. What a coincidence that she had seen them just the day before, and now Margaery was frowning at a book about them.
"What am I to do with this thing? It's much too heavy to even be practical reading," Margaery huffed, letting the book fall with a thud to her dressing table. The brunette blew a curl from her eyes and sat upon the plush ottoman as Shona wielded a silver brush. She slowly brushed through her cousin's locks. "Margaery?" she questioned, getting a muttered response in return, "May I read it?"
Margaery laughed and flicked a wrist at the book in distaste, "Of course. Keep it, if you like. I'd rather you read it than it sit here collecting dust in my room. I'm sure Joffrey will keep me more than busy, and besides," she looked to the book once more with a grimace, "who would want to read about Targaryens anyway?" Shona bit her lip and whispered low so even Margaery could not hear, I would.
Afterwards, Shona sat before the bound volume, contemplating opening its dense pages whilst sipping elderflower wine from her goblet. The leather spine was cracked with the burden of use, and the pages were dirty and yellow with age. The book was sturdy though, and just as heavy as Margaery had claimed. She let the cover fall back to reveal the title page, which read the same as the cover, joined by a name in unlegible script. The water damaged first few pages spoke of the beginning of the Targaryen dynasty. She skimmed over the words when suddenly she remembered someone whom might find the book even more interesting than she. Shona picked up the heavy volume and dashed from her chambers bare of foot before stopping before the door two from her own. No sound came from within, but she decided to knock regardless, stepping back when the door was pulled open. Tyrion Lannister stood before her, bushy of beard and tired of eye. She held the book up with both hands and smiled, 'I thought I would interest you in some light reading material."
Tyrion blinked and let out a startled grunt as the weight of the book came crashing down in his arms, "Light? It weighs more than I do." He gestured to her to follow as he turned around. His short legs made way to his desk cluttered with papers and ink. He pushed it all aside to make room for the new addition. It fell heavily from his arms as he cursed its weight once more, "The Targaryen queens must have been quite scandalous for so much to be written about them. The title would be more appropriate if it read, "The Incestuous Tellings of Targaryen Sister Wives."
"Oh shush, I thought it would be more enjoyable than," her eyes trailed over the stack of books at her elbow, "Ser Briley Alreight: The Man on Fire." Tyrion smirked and mumbled back, "Touche." He flipped through the pages halfheartedly, "I am afraid that the Targaryens are not entirely intriguing to me. However, I do enjoy older books immensely. Thank you for giving me the pleasure."
Shona shrugged and pushed off from the desk, "I enjoy your company. Thank you for pleasuring me with your presence in my life." Tyrion stood in silence for a long moment and reached out for her hand. He gave her much smaller palm a squeeze, "I do not think anyone has ever said such kind words to me."
Shona squeezed his hand back and went to leave the room, pausing at the doorframe as she pulled the knob. A smile lit up her face, making his heart skip a beat, "What are friends for?" With that, beautiful Shona of House Hightower was out the door and just in time, for Sansa was coming down the halls grimacing the entire way. Her face lit up when she spotted her friend, but her brow furrowed in confusion, "Are you leaving my chamber?" Shona laughed and pulled her friend into a tight hug, "I was just coming to see you! I had the most excruciatingly boring day. I cannot wait to tell you all about it." Sansa giggled as they linked arms, "Well, my day was certainly delightful. I had breakfast with Joffrey. What could be better?" Shona passed a backwards glance to Tyrion who was now standing in the hall watching them go. She made her way to her chambers and sat down on her chaise with Sansa, confused by the fluttering feeling in her stomach. Like a dozen butterflies breaking free from their cocoons, with wings beating simultaneously to reach the sky. She sighed and looked out the open balcony doorway overlooking Blackwater Bay wishing for one moment she could fly too.