I stood with my family arrayed against the noon sun, spread out in the courtyard, my hands on Garlan's shoulders, as Rhaegar rode in at the head of a force settling around Highgarden.

"My lady," Rhaegar nodded, and we all bowed or curtsied. "I am here by charge of my father, King Aerys, that the wanton acts of destruction upon his land by your son are to be paid, and well."

I could see the haunted look on Rhaegar's face, and the despair in the lines. He rallied his voice, and raised his chin.

"These are not acts of the crown, and he wishes no further bloodshed after the rebellion, but for an example to be made of the Tyrells, whose blood are of traitors. Therefore, Highgarden is to be stripped bare of stone and buildings, the fields sown with salt, and smallfolk and nobles exiled; and the line Tyrell to be no more Lord Paramount of the Reach."

Rhaegar stepped forward, his retinue larger than the paltry garrison Willas left behind. He produced a scroll.

"Lady Alerie, your sons Garlan and Loras are to take the black, and your babe Margaery a ward of the crown, until such time as she can join the silent sisters. You are called to court, as with the remainder of your line, to bend the knee."

My throat itched and I clutched it. "The king will be merciful?"

Rhaegar stared, a long mournful time.

"The Reach has few men remaining. The lords who bent the knee after my father killed the traitor Willas are permitted to return to their lands, with several hostages of their kin sent to the capital. The Reach is, as far as the king is concerned, to be led by Lord Randyll Tarly, who was first to bend the knee, and whose leal service to Willas, he has assured, was under the impression it was of royal orders. Randyll Tarly shall rule the Reach from Horn Hill."

My hands shook, and Garlan who was in my grip, glanced up at me.

"Prince Rhaegar, might I join my daughter at the capital?"

Rhaegar stared.

"Lady Alerie, you are to serve at court as lady-in-waiting."

I closed my eyes, then opened them again but Rhaegar was brief.

"The king, in the want of his wife, I am told, lacks for company."