Margaery Tyrell closed her eyes as a fluffy white cloud passed overhead and the rays of the sun bathed the beautiful Rose of Highgarden. It had been three weeks since Margaery had left King's Landing, three weeks since she had last seen her betrothed, three weeks since she had even heard anything about his efforts in the war.
Her grandmother counseled patience, for if the Lannisters had won, the Tyrells would surely have known about it by now. Her father blustered around Highgarden importantly, though she could tell that he too was restless by the lack of news. From the grand pavilion in Margaery's luxurious chambers, she had a vantage point to watch her brother Loras drilling the soldiers that Robb had put under his command to protect Highgarden. Amongst the beautiful fountains and gardens of Highgarden, were hundreds of men with clashing swords and shields.
Margaery knew Loras was as restless as she was. At first he had been honored by the appointment to protect Margaery and Sansa in Highgarden, but Loras had quickly grown bored of his duty, having wished to seek further glory by Robb's side.
The only person whom Margaery could tell was happy was Sansa Stark, Robb's own sister. Margaery had come to love the sweet, innocent girl dearly, especially in the first few days of their being together when Margaery had coaxed Sansa to speak of her ordeal. The wolf girl had cried and wept for hours of the pain she sustained at the hands of Joffrey Baratheon, Margaery and her brother Willas had been there to support her. Recently Sansa had been spending most of her days with Willas, whom Margaery had never seen smile as much as he had when he was in the auburn-haired beauty's presence.
It warmed her heart to see her elder brother find happiness with Sansa, but it also served to remind her that her betrothed was out fighting a dangerous, dangerous war. Margaery had seen enough to know that Robb was formidable in battle, an undefeated warrior, a fierce wolf. Her fierce wolf. She still worried for him, and worried that he would not return to her.
Margaery Tyrell had always wanted the crown, had always wanted to be the Queen. She knew she would make an amazing Queen, someone to rival and surpass even that of Good Queen Alysanne.
But having been in Robb's company, having grown to love him, and having already served as a Queen to another man…she truly meant what she said to Robb all those weeks ago. She wanted to be his Queen. For she had never known a man of Westeros to respect the opinion of her and her grandmother so willingly, she had never known someone who could be so strong and fierce as a King and a commander whilst maintaining the ability to be a loving, tender man to the woman he loved, save for her brother Garlan with Leonette of course.
Margaery sighed, blowing a lock of her thick, curly brown hair out of her eyes as she did so. She only allowed herself a few moments of brooding before she returned to her life as the daughter of Highgarden and the soon-to-be-Queen. There was much to prepare for when Robb returned to establish his governance. Margaery knew that Olenna wished for her to persuade Robb to name Willas as Hand of the King, and as much as she knew her brother would make an amazing Hand, she had a feeling that her King had other ideas for who would serve him in that role…
Making her way down to the beautifully grand halls of Highgarden, Margaery was surprised to see knights rushing in from the courtyards into the receiving hall. Picking up her skirts, Margaery quickened her pace to follow in after them. Her father, Lord Mace, was sitting in court on the throne that the Kings of the Reach had once sat upon. Beside him was her mother Alerie and her grandmother the Lady Olenna. All three were looking with great interest to a man kneeling before them. He was dressed in the boiled leather armor of the Stark soldiers, but wore additional satchels and pouches upon it that denoted him as a messenger and envoy. Margaery's heart quickened as she pushed through the gathered court of Highgarden to stand beside Loras beneath the steps of their father's Lord's Seat.
"Margaery, we were waiting for you, my dear. Tell us your tale, my good ser. The King's consort has arrived." Mace stated, his words almost gleeful at the prospect of Margaery being Queen. The lady herself rolled her eyes, looking impatiently to the messenger who rose to speak.
"My lords, my ladies. I have been sent by His Grace, King Robb to bring word of his achievements in the West and in the North. After a hard march, the King joined his Northmen and the Riverlords just as the Battle of Lannisport began. Tywin Lannister was caught unawares as the Northmen acted as the hammer, and the Riverlords the anvil. King Robb's force joined the skirmish and the battle was shortly won under his leadership." The envoy explained, earning cheers from the court and a delighted clap of the hands from Mace.
"Casterly Rock yielded to the King as soon as Tywin Lannister and the Mountain were in his custody. The King has claimed Casterly Rock for House Stark until the war is done and has left behind five thousand swords under the command of Lady Maege Mormont to hold the castle until his return. The Lannisters have been sent to King's Landing. The Kingslayer and Lord Tywin languish in the Black Cells with Queen Cersei." This news brought louder cheers and roars from the crowd as Mace himself laughed.
"Why has the King gone North, instead of returning to us?" Mace demanded when the crowd settled down, earning an awkward silence. Olenna Tyrell, who would normally have spoken, instead gave her granddaughter a pointed gaze.
"My King must reclaim his country from the treasonous, Ironborn, father. Noble and just as he is, he must return his loyal Northmen to their homes and establish peace across the Seven Kingdoms." Margaery stated, earning nods of approval from the crowd who agreed with her sentiment. Mace sat back in his chair to mutter for a moment.
"Regardless, this news is great! Tonight Highgarden shall feast for the fall of the Lannisters!" Mace declared, rising from his chair. Margaery again rolled her eyes, before looking to the envoy who seemed to have more to say.
"What more, ser?" she asked of him, when quiet finally came to the hall once more.
"The King was betrayed by one of his own bannermen. Lord Roose Bolton conspired with Tywin Lannister, but the King was made aware of these plans before they could take place. The Greatjon Umber had earlier sent Lord Roose to Moat Cailin before the Battle, where he was garrisoned with his force. The King intended to ambush Lord Bolton and imprison him for execution. I was dispatched to Highgarden the night before this was to occur. I have been told that the United Army has crossed the neck and split in four divisions to cleanse the North of the Ironborn. I-…I am told however that, while Ser Garlan Tyrell is in good health and unhurt…the King took an unknown injury on the field. I have-…I have not heard any further of his condition." The envoy said, bowing his head. These words brought a solemn tension to the receiving hall. Margaery clenched her fists silently, looking from the envoy to her silent father, to her grandmother and lastly to Loras who shook his head.
Margaery clenched her jaw, walking forward to the platform with ever bit of regality she would have as Queen. Her words were passionate and strong even with her serene voice.
"The King has shown time and again that his prowess on the battlefield cannot be questioned. An injury he might have taken, but the Army carries on in his name. And I know in my heart that he lives. We must have faith, for I believe the good word will come soon, and at long last our Seven Kingdoms will be at peace under King Robb Stark, First of his Name."
Author's Note: Please do leave a review! I was listening to the House Stark soundtrack when I wrote this chapter, lol.