Chapter Thirty: Prince of Petals

Loras's Point of View

Margaery broke her arm when Cersei Lannister pushed her down the stairs. Illyrio did nothing about it. He is currently been stripped of his lordship and is being forced to return to his country.

The lordship of his country has been passed to Aegon. It should go to Viserys but he is crazy, and Daenerys is a woman the law in her country prohibits women from being Ambassador. So its Aegon.

I have been texting back and forth with Aegon since I got to school. He is in a meeting, he is trying to get Joffrey deported. The only problem is Joffrey was born here. He also said Willas is snoring through the meeting.

When I see Robb at school I shove my phone in my pocket. He is wearing sunglasses. He looks pretty hot. He removes his sun glasses and greets me.

"I was thinking of getting my ear pierced," I tell Robb.

"Your mom would kill you," Robb says.

"It'd be cool, wouldn't it?" I ask.

"Totally bad ass," agrees Robb.

"I think Renly would like it."

Robb leans against his locker and sighs. I have a feeling this is about Meera. I get a text from Aegon that makes me laugh. I look up at Robb walking away. I try to catch up with him.

"What's up?" I ask.

"I have a dinner date with Meera and her family."

"So?"

"They're not exactly comfortable with the fact that I'm a teen dad."

"But you're a good dad. You're the most responsible person I know."

"That doesn't make them like me."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I need you to come."

"No. No way. Absolutely not."

Robb stops me. He puts his hands together and pouts. I bite my lip. How can I say no to him. He's my best friend. He really loves Meera. Parents love me. I guess I could make an appearance.

"Please."

"How will me being there help you?"

"You are well liked. I've read all the magazines and watched all the interviews. People adore you."

"You've read the articles?"

"Yeah, I cut them out and save them in my scrapbook," says Robb looking at his feet. Aw. Thats so cute. Now I have to help him.

"Okay. I'll do it"

"Thank you."

Robb hugs me. I hug him back. Several girls giggle. When Robb lets go of me the scent of him remains.

"Now I smell like peaches," says Robb.

He walks me to class. I think about what I want to wear to dinner. During Tyrion's lecture I make a list of all of Robb's good qualities. It might help me at dinner. My parents like Robb. They like him more than Renly.

I start doodling on my notebook while thinking of more qualities I like about Robb. I look down and notice I wrote "Loras Tyrell-Baratheon" at least twice.

Tyrion stops at my desk. He stares at me. He grabs my notebook. I look at Meera who is a row over and two seats up since we sit alphabetically.

"It seems Prince Loras would rather admire the perfection of the heir of Winterfell than learn about Aegon the Conqueror." Everyone laughs. I pray he stops there. "I didn't know Robb Stark does volunteer work or donates blood. What a saint." More mocking laughter. Tyrion gives back my notebook, "Next time you choose not to pay attention, it'd be wise to use a different notebook. Detention."

He goes back to his lecture. Meera looks angry. I want to stand in the middle of he street and let a bus hit me. I sink low in my seat and try to actually die of embarrassment.

After class, Tyrion aks me to stay behind. I help him erase the board. He pulls up a chair.

"Do you understand why I had to do it, Loras?"

"Yes."

"Good. Your detention is tomorrow."

I nod and head out. Meera is waiting for me. She grabs my wrist and pulls me down the hall.

"Explain."

So I do. Meera is still mad, but at least she still wants to be friends. We look for Robb together. He is escorting Margaery to her locker. Sansa is waiting for her.

Robb grins like a lovey-dovey schoolboy when he sees Meera. I lean against my sister's locker and check my text from Aegon. Robb slams Margaery's locker door shut.

"What did you do?"

"I made a list of your good qualities during class and Tyrion read it aloud to the class. I did it to help you."

"I'll talk to her."

Robb squeezes my shoulder. I am so glad he is not mad at me. Margaery is shaking her head.

"I love you," I tell Robb.

"Yeah, yeah," says Robb. He rubs my curls then looks for Meera. I stay with my sister and Sansa.

"He really can't get mad at you," says Sansa.

"I'm adorable, that's why."

Robb and Meera make up. Meera comes over to tell me she holds no strong feelings. I give her a hug. A girl accidentally-on purpose bumps Robb.

"You're hot," she says.

"He's taken."

"For now," says the girl. She walks away.

"Meera, they like the challenge," says Margaery.

"That girl was hot," Robb and I say at the same time. Meera slugs Robb in the chest. "But my girlfriend is hotter."

"Nice save," I say. Robb nods.

"We need to get to class, you behave," Meera says. She and Robb kiss. The three girls head to class. Robb and I go the opposite direction.

"When is this dinner?" I ask.

"Tonight."

"A little short notice, isn't it?" I ask.

"Are you mad?"

"No. It sounds like fun. I am the best reference you could have."

"Actually, I think your dad would be," says Robb.

"Yes, but my dad isn't here."

I skip my next class and wander the halls. I spy Joffrey and Quentyn talking near the vending machines. I duck into the shadows to listen.

"I love him, Joffrey," says Quentyn.

"You'll have him once I knock up his pretty sister and wed her, I will kill that boyfriend of his, and the Wolf too."

"How are you going to knock up Margaery, she only dates girls?"

"I have ways. I am living with them now."

"You are evil."

I have to warn Margaery. I try to get out my hiding spot without being seen. Joffrey catches me. He puts a hand over my mouth and he two of them drag me to a bathroom. I should have went to class.

"If it isn't the little rose," Joff says.

I wiggle to get free. I kick Joffrey in the groin and run. I nearly slip where the janitor was mopping, but I stay on my feet. I run to Robb's government class. The professor stares me down. Robb excuses himself and we go in the hall together.

"Joff wants to knock up Margaery and murder you and Renly."

"Calm down, Loras."

"No."

"Its not going to happen."

"How do you know?"

"Because I won't let it. You and Margaery can stay with me until this mess passes."

I hug Robb. I wanted that spare room in his house the whole time. I knew it was meant for Meera, but when she sleeps over they usually sleep together now that they are intimate. I kiss Robb on the cheek. He breaks free of my embrace.

"Don't get carried away."

"I love you so much," I tell him.

"Don't make me punch you."

I feel like a champagne bottle full of bubbles. I have the greatest best friend in the world. I suddenly think of Aegon. How could I leave him with Joffrey? Maybe I should stay with Aegon and let Margaery stay with Robb.

"I can't wait to tell Margaery," I say happily. Robb goes back to class. I go to the library until my next class. I am never skipping class again.

At lunch I tell Margaery about Joff's plans. Robb offers up the spare bedroom in his house. She shakes her head. I am surprised to see her decline.

"No. Willas is still there. He will protect me. If Loras is so scared he can leave. I am staying there."

"I like her, she's gutsy," says Arya.

"I'll stay too," I say even though the idea of living with Robb is one I relish. My sister's needs are greater than mine. I do not want to leave Aegon. He is my friend.

After school, I go back to the mansion to change. Willas is waiting for me in my suite. He has his fake leg propped up on a pillow. I allow a servant to undress me. He blushes when he sees my bare chest. I have abs now.

The boy picks out a red and black shirt for me with sequins. I turn it down. He picks out powder blue satin and white pants. I accept. The boy accidentally gropes my crotch fastening a golden rose buckle to my belt. He blushes redder.

"Thank you," I say. The boy follows me into the bathroom. I dismiss him, but he watches me wash my face with pore cleaner and he stares transfixed as I brush my teeth.

"Got a hot date?" Willas asks.

"No. I am having dinner with the Reeds," I dismiss the servant. He takes one last glance at me before leaving.

"Why?"

"Robb wants me to help him impress the in-laws."

Willas pats the seat beside him. I sit. The servant boy comes back and pretends to busy himself with cleaning up after me. I try to ignore him.

"Are you bringing Robb home for Christmas?"

"No. I assumed he wouldn't want to travel with Torrhen. Renly is coming."

"Aw good, I like him."

I look at the time. I must get ready to go to the Reeds. I quickly tell Willas about the Joffrey thing. He already knows. That's partly why he is still here.

"May I get you anything, my prince?"

The boy is younger than me, but of a legal age to hold a job. He looks me up and down and turns five shades of red. I smile, and he turns a sixth shade of red.

"My coat and scarf," I say.

He holds up a couple scarfs. I pick out the yellow. It would go best with the powder blue of my shirt. He wraps it around me in a fashionable way that would make Renly proud. The boy buttons my coat for me. I pat his hand and hear his breath catch in his throat. Willas fired my old servants because they worked for Illyrio and he hired new ones. This is the boy's first week on the job.

"Thank you."

"My p-p-prince."

"What's your name?" I ask.

"Podrick," says the boy.

"That's unfortunate," I say smiling.

"Yes, my prince."

I pat his shoulder and can nearly feel his heart about to beat out of his chest. What a sweet, timid boy. I say bye to Willas. A limo is waiting to take me to the Reeds. I kiss Margaery's cheek as I pass her and the guards hold the door open for me.

Two black SUV's are following. They are my detail tonight. They will stand at every entrance to the Reeds home. The Reeds are not on my list of acceptable, safe places and people pre-approved by my parents.

I show up early. Mrs. Reed is waiting to greet me. She fumbles a lot when she shakes my hand. I kiss her hand and put on my prince face. I am going to charm the hell out of these people.

Robb is already here. He looks nervous. Time to test my charm. Mr. Reed takes my coat. I leave the scarf on as a fashion accessory.

"I hope I am not an imposition," I say sweetly.

"Not at all," says Mrs. Reed. She fawns over me. She gives me a tour of her home and does not require me to remove my boots which are white the same as my pants.

"You have a lovely home, its so picturesque."

"Thank you."

Robb looks like he is about to burst with laughter at my formalities. Mr. Reed gives him a dirty look. I pull Mrs. Reed's chair out at the table. She giggles. I nonverbally encourage Robb to do the same for Meera.

I am given the spot at the head of the table. In my family that seat is my faher's because the most important. I am honored by the gesture.

"We are having lasagna, its nothing too fancy, Meera only told us this afternoon you were coming. I would have made something exquisite."

"My hosts are far too kind. You honor me with your hospitality. I am grateful to have this lasagna. I am certain its delicious."

Its easy to put on my prince face. I forgot how easily manners and etiquette come to me. I take a bite of the lasagna. Its a little bland, but I act like its delicious. Mrs. Reed is pleased.

"Robb tells us you're his best friend," says Mr. Reed. I have met him before, I think.

"Yes. He was the first person I met when I moved here. He was kind to me. He showed me around Winterfell. We formed a bond."

I look at Robb, "Robb, was the first genuine person I met who wanted to get to know me for me rather than my prince status."

"That's admirable," says Jojen.

"Yes," says Mr. Reed.

He regals us all with a story of how he and Ned Stark were boyhood friends along with Robert Baratheon. The three of them were inseparable at Winterfell as students. It makes sense Robb would crush on Meera, now. I smile when appropriate during the story.

"More lasagna, my prince?"

"Oh yes, if its no trouble. I would rather the family get their fill first. It is not my want to be greedy," I say. Mrs. Reed smiles.

"No, my dear, you are our guest. Let us serve you. Its not everyday we entertain royalty."

I feel like I have met her before. She is quite lovely, small, but lovely. I compliment her and she blushes. After dinner she invites me to join her and the family in the living room for tea.

I sit as straight and proper as I can. Its actually not uncomfortable for me. I have done it my whole life. Robb slouches on the couch with his arm arohnd Meera. The nanny must have Tor tonight.

"You are very attractive," says Mrs. Reed.

"You flatter me, my lady."

She giggles. Robb smirks. I know he finds all of this amusing.

"It bothered me when Meera started dating Robb. She'd been in love with him for years and he finally notices her after he knocks another girl up," says Mr. Reed.

"Dad," says Meera embarrassed.

"Robb has been madly in love with Meera since he was in primary school. He felt unworthy of her love. That's why its so romantic. Their love is written in the stars. As song as old as time."

Mrs. Reed hangs on to every word. Mr. Reed is staring at me. I cannot tell if he thinks I am charming or phoney. I amp up my charm a little.

"My parents had my brother Willas as teenagers. They were married of course, but they were a little younger than Robb."

That may have been a lie. I have no idea how old my parents were when Willas was born. I never gave it any thought.

The evening goes well. I pull out as many good qualities about Robb as I can. Mrs. Reed wants to adopt me by the time I get ready to leave. She asks me for a hug. I humor her and allow her to swallow me in a motherly hug.

"You come back, any time," she says.

"Thank you, my lady. I will."

"Robb walks me out. He bursts out laugjing when he gets outside away from the door. He pats me on the back. I grin at him.

"You were great," Robb says.

I kiss Robb's cheek when I notice Mrs. Reed still watching.

"They are watching," I whisper in his ear.

"Thanks for coming," says Robb.

"It was fun. See you tomorrow."

I get in the limo. The security communicate with radios. Their code word for me is petals. Margaery's code word is flower and Willas is rosebud. Garlan, if he were here would be bloom; Jon is wolf.

"Petals is secure," says the head of my security.

"Let's go."

I missed a text from Renly. He texted to tell me he was thinking of me and he loved me. I hug my phone to my chest.

Pod is waiting in my suite with a tray of food and tea. Its still early. I send a girl to fetch Aegon. Pod cannot look me in the eyes without blushing.

"Will you get me out of this outfit?" I ask.

He spills the tea everywhere. He fumbles to get me out of my clothes. His face is warm and flushed. I smile. I am standing in front of him wearing only my under garments.

"What do you require, my p-p-prince?"

"A shirt to lounge in and sweat pants."

He dresses me. He turns up the heat in my room as I consime to bowl of noodles he brought me. He gathers my dirty laundry and puts it in his basket.

"I am finished," I tell him.

"Do y-y-you want any-anything else, my prince?"

"No, that would be all for now. Come back at ten and prepare me for bed," I tell him.

Aegon comes in looking hot. He sits down on the couch with me. We trade gossip. I laugh when he tells me about his tutor falling asleep during their history lesson.

"My prince," says Pod.

Its been ten minutes since he left. I smile.

"Yes," I say.

"You said to return in ten minutes."

"No. I said ten o'clock."

"Since I am here, how may I serve you, my prince?"

"Do you wish to stay?" I ask him.

He remains silent.

"I need my desk organized," I say. I do, but I could do it myself. He seems happy to be assisting me I wonder if I could get him to do my homework.

"I hear you're going home for Christmas," says Aegon.

"Yes."

"Must be nice. I don't really have a family."

"Why don't you come?"

"You mean it?"

"Sure. I was going to bring Robb, but he has Tor and Meera."

"So Meera won't be coming?"

"Don't you have a girlfriend?" I ask.

"Yes, but Meera is cool, I like hanging out with her."

"Me too. She's great."

"Maybe we can invite her and Robb anyways. It doesn't hurt to ask."

"I guess it doesn't."

"My prince, what else would you like me to do?" Pod asks. My desk looks great.

"My math homework," I suggest. He is happy to do it. I could get used to this. Aegon laughs at the eagerness of my new servant.

"My prince, I do not know what quadrilaterals are," says Pod.

"That's alright, Pod."

"Please don't fire me, my prince. I only wish to make you happy. I am sorry for my ignorance."

"Don't worry about it. I wasn't serious."

He seems scared. I get up and give him a hug. He shakes in my arms and I feel something pressing against my thigh. I release him. He looks dazed.

"Pod, please go home. Its getting late and I can manage without you."

"As it pleases, my p-p-prince."

He leaves. He knocks over a chair on his way out. I close the door and Aegon bursts out laughing. I smile. He was so cute and pathetic.

"I think he has a little crush," says Aegon.

"I think he's just nervous. Its his first week."

"No. He wants to bed you."

I laugh. Aegon and I joke. I do not like him mocking my new servant. The boy is good at what he does. He's very helpful. So what if he likes me? That's not the end of the world. Nothing will happen anyway.

I say good night to Aegon and crawl into my bed. As soon as I snuggle under my 1000 thread count sheets and thick blankets, I get a good night text from Renly. I smile, kiss Renly's picture and turn over to go to sleep.