Highgarden, 9 years later
As Samaya watched Renly Baratheon marry her younger sister, Margaery, she couldn't help but shake the feeling that it was not a very good idea to do so. She knew it should have been her that married a lord a long time ago, but despite all of her mother's attempts, she did not blossom into the noble lady Alerie had hoped for. The dress she was forced to wear for this occasion was itchy, despite its beauty. Samaya did not mind the dressing up, but as she caught a glimpse of her younger brother's face as husband and wife kissed, she doubted the benefits of this union once again.
It was obvious to her that her brother was in love with his sisters' new husband. Where his little preference for the same sex was not particularly frowned upon in Highgarden, she feared what would happen if Loras ever had to live somewhere else. People were not as tolerant in King's Landing, for example, as they were here. Her mind wandered off to Dorne. She had long asked her father to be sent there, but he insisted that people in Dorne wanted to stay out of current politics, still fearing the wrath they bear for everyone that associated with the Lannisters. Now, however, her family had shown loyalty to one of the two Baratheons that openly rebelled against Tywin Lannister and his offspring. Maybe now, she could go? Her heart beat a little faster just thinking about the possibility.
Letting her eyes wander over the big crowd that had gathered in her home on this special day, she wondered how much would change now that King Robert was dead. She had always been convinced that Highgarden would be her home forever, with the briar labyrinth and all its secret places, the clear river so perfect for swimming or boating, and the halls filled with golden roses from the fields, covered in green banners. Samaya loved this place, but she feared now, more than ever, that she could not stay. Her family relied on every single member to do what was best for the House. Even though she had made it very clear to her father and grandmother that she did not wish to be married; the day might come where alliances were more important than her personal welfare.
Bride and Groom started their way out of the Sept, and she lined up along her brother Willas to follow in the progression, supporting him by the elbow. When she was little, she had pitied her brother because of his crippled leg, but he had a sharp intellect and quick wit, and had learnt to use his impairment as a strength, not a weakness.
"She looks positively glowing, your sister. Do you long for marriage yourself seeing her like that?" he asked her, his voice just above a whisper. Samaya smiled at him.
"Those who fear the thorns cannot pick the rose," she replied. Her brother arched a brow, paired with an amused grin.
"And what exactly do you mean by that?" he asked.
"I will consider marriage when I find a man who is not afraid to let me be myself; to let me run, and not cage me in," Samaya explained with a hint of sadness in her voice. Whether it was because she knew she would never find such a man, or because her father would not care about her wishes, her brother did not know.
"Today is a happy day, Samaya. Let us forget our worries and celebrate this new union," he said as they reached the steps leading down the sept. The commoners had gathered outside and cheered at the sight of the new couple. They lined up beside them and gave gracious waves. How lucky they were that their sworn houses and people who lived in the Reach adored them. There was enough food, enough men, and a little bit of luxury for almost everyone. Somehow, Willas had the sinking feeling that might all change very soon.
As Samaya looked up at the three weirwood trees known as the Three Singers, the sound of music and laughter drifting in from the celebration happening in another part of Highgarden, her mind wandered off to faraway lands… Even though she was raised in the new faith, the godswood had always called to her, and it took her some time to persuade Maester Lomys to teach her about the Old Gods. She often thought she could hear them whispering to each other when she was in the presence of the trees, and more than once did she fall asleep here only to wake up to strange dreams of sand, fire and water. She found it hard to put them to meaning, but maybe she was not supposed to understand until the Gods willed her ready for it.
Hearing footsteps approaching, she quickly hid behind one of the large trunks and listened closely. Two shadowed silhouettes appeared, and she recognised the voice of Ser Vortimer Crane, master-at-arms to her father.
"He is riding into war. This was a tactical marriage, nothing less. Renly believes his brother was murdered and that he is the rightful king since Joffrey is a bastard, not a true Baratheon," he told his companion hastily. "Lord Mace is gullible enough to put his trust and money behind him, but I dare not think what will happen if Stannis finds out. I'm afraid this will be a war of many different kings."
"What do you need me to do?" a voice asked and Samaya realised that he was talking to his son Baelyx, whom she had grown quite fond of.
"If Renly truly wants to sit on the Iron Throne, we'll need allies. I suggested to Lord Mace that we send messengers to House Stark and House Martell, but he would not agree. I still think it would be our best option, and I need you to do some careful research. Ride to Winterfell to meet with the Stark boy. He is furious since his father got imprisoned, and now is as best a time as ever to be on the side of the North," his father said.
"But what if Lord Mace finds out?" Baelyx asked.
"Willas and Garlan agree with me, so does Renly himself. This is not behind everyone's backs, we just need more time to convince Mace to join in," Ser Vortimer explained. Samaya could not keep hidden any longer. This was her chance for an adventure. She noisily stepped out from behind the trunk only to have both men draw their swords on her.
"I admire your ambition, Ser Vortimer, but if you want your plan to succeed, you need to send a messenger to Dorne as well," she said as both men lowered their swords upon recognising her.
"Lady Samaya, forgive me, I did not know you were present," the older man bowed slightly.
"You were lucky it was me and not someone that wishes my family any harm. Have you talked to my grandmother about all of this?" she asked as she stepped closer. Lady Olenna was, as everyone knew, the real genius behind the rise of House Tyrell over the past few decades. So often had she overruled her husband, and later her son, that nobody dared to defy her anywhere between Starfall and Goldengrove.
"Yes, Lady Samaya, your grandmother agrees with this plan," Ser Vortimer informed her.
"Very well. Let me talk to her, I think I have an idea about who to send to Dorne," she smiled happily. "I wish you luck on your journey North, Baelyx. May the Gods be with you," Samaya told her friend, who bowed deep as she turned to leave. This night had just taken a turn for the better, and she was giddy with excitement about what was to come.
Lady Olenna watched with little interest as the wedding festivities played out before her wary eyes. She had seen one too many of these events to enjoy any of its perks. The music, the dancing, the wine – it all seemed trivial to her. She was more concerned about the political significance of this union. She started smiling as she saw her oldest granddaughter approach. The green and gold dress she was wearing fit her toned, long body like a glove, and her eyes had the usual glint of mischief, but there was something else – eagerness. Samaya was on a mission. When the girl had been born 18 years ago, she remembered how much Alerie had hoped for a daughter she could educate in the arts of being a noble lady, but the child had a wild personality from the start on. She had learnt archery, hunting, climbing and swimming as naturally as Margaery had learnt her needlework. Just thinking back to seeing that thick, dark hair disappearing behind corners and up into trees with a speed almost too fast for a little girl made her smile. She saw so much of herself in her granddaughter, sometimes even she could not believe it.
"Grandmamma, I need to speak with you. Urgently," Samaya almost whispered as she reached the old woman.
"My dear, you should know better than to ask an old woman to haste. What is the matter? We can speak here, everyone has eyes for either the wine or the other sex," she answered. Samaya sat down next to her and leant in close to her face.
"I overheard Ser Vortimer talking to his son about the plan to gather allies. Let me help. I want to ride to Dorne. I have longed to do so for a long time, and I am important and diplomatic enough to lead negotiations there," Samaya informed her quickly. Lady Olenna's eyebrows shot up. Of course the noisy young girl would find out about this secret. She was always hiding somewhere in a distant corner, the perfect place to overhear everything. Her father would never allow it, yet she could see the child in Dorne. Samaya had a sharp wit and just the right amount of natural charms to fit in with the Martells…
"Your father won't allow it and your mother would drop dead if I even suggested it," she answered.
"Then don't tell them. Tell them you sent me to the Riverlands, or King's Landing, to meet a future husband. You are the most intelligent person I know, grandmamma, I'm sure you can come up with an excuse," Samaya suggested. Olenna thought about it for a short while. The child was right. If she put her foot down, Mace would not object, and even her daughter in law could not defy her like that.
"You will take three good men of your choosing. Ride in common clothes. No banners, no gems, no sign of your noble heritage. I will draft an official letter first thing tomorrow morning. You will leave at nightfall. Not a word to anyone, not even Willas. Do you understand?"
Samaya eyes lit up and for a second, Olenna thought she might jump up and down with joy.
"Thank you so much, grandmamma! I will do my best to represent my house and achieve our political goals," she promised while she kissed the old woman's hand. As she got up to leave, no doubt to start packing or pick her companions, Olenna did not let go of her hand.
"Who knows, my dear? While you're down there, maybe do keep an eye out for that future husband of yours?" she joked and laughed wholeheartedly as her granddaughter raced out of Sunflower Hall with a big grin on her face.
The first official chapter where our story finds its start – please review if you liked it