A/N: I hope this longer chapter makes up for the wait for it! I can only apologise, work has been crazy busy, and I'm working on growing a human right now too. Hopefully you guys enjoy this one!

Thank you all for the comments/follows/favourites so far, you're all awesome and your support keeps me motivated. I hope you continue to enjoy reading this as much as I'm enjoying writing it. Robb/Margaery is a pairing I've wanted to write for a long time, and I'm so pleased people seem to be enjoying my take on it so far - I'm having a lot of fun with this process!

Until next time!

:)

IV

No Going Back

Robb was in turmoil. He had not slept in days, and now they were setting up camp around Storm's End and he had not been able to focus at all in the strategic meeting. His lords had joined him now, at least, so he knew that they would have been paying attention where he could not. He knew he needed to pull himself together, but Margaery had been avoiding him and he had been too craven to try and visit her tent again at night. No doubt he had offended her, stepped over the line when he had swooped in and kissed her. After it had happened he had been so sure that she had kissed him back, but now with her keeping her distance from him he was starting to doubt his previous certainty.

At least he did not have to ride out with Renly to speak with Stannis. Renly was of the opinion that it was best that Robb and his men remain here in the camp. He was still hoping that Stannis would not have heard about their alliance and so there were no wolf banners in camp and no men bearing a direwolf sigil anywhere near the front lines of the siege. Robb and his men were hidden away in the heart of the camp. It felt wrong, not being properly involved with the talks with Stannis, but it could not be helped for the time being. If Stannis did know about the alliance then Renly seemed of the opinion that he would no doubt mention it.

Robb almost found himself hoping that Stannis did know, though he knew that it would probably be better if he did not. It was more frustration than anything, knowing he would be sat here in camp within mere feet of Margaery's company with Renly not in the vicinity. The temptation to go to her was piqued, and he didn't know whether he would be able to resist. Guilt mingled with desire and he could not seem to escape any of it. He looked towards Renly's tent as the man himself emerged in his shining armour, crown set atop his head. Obviously, he was trying to make a point, and Robb couldn't help but admire it. Renly was thoroughly unashamed at usurping his elder brother, so sure was he that he was making the right decision. Robb glanced towards Margaery's tent again, wishing he knew what the right decision was.

He moved his gaze back to Renly in the next moment, and the older man caught his eye and nodded, a grim smile on his face. Robb inclined his own head in response and tried to smile in return. He was quite certain it had come out as a grimace but Renly did not seem to mind, turning away in the next moment and walking confidently towards where his horse and men were waiting for him. Robb took a deep breath, praying inwardly that the meeting would go well. He did not hold out any hope for a reconciliation between the brothers, but a meeting without bloodshed or the promise of a battle come the morning would be preferable.

Robb heard Renly give the order to move off in the next moment and his stomach tensed. A battle in the morning suddenly seemed inevitable, and the Gods only knew if he would survive it. He looked towards Margaery's tent, all the unsaid things between them flying around his head. There was no way he could leave it like this, he would have to speak with her, now, while the heart of camp was quiet and Renly otherwise engaged. He only needed to speak with her, it did not necessarily mean that anything else would happen between them.

His heart pounded as he approached the tent, his paranoia peaking as he glanced from side to side to make sure no one was keeping an eye on him. He saw no one, though he kept a wary eye out for his mother. Thankfully she had been keeping mostly to her own tent lately, Robb almost certain that she was doing so to avoid Lady Olenna. He couldn't blame her, he had barely escaped unscathed from an impromptu conversation with her at dinner the previous night. She had a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue that she did not seem to mind lashing him with. Him and anyone else who crossed her path.

He shook his head. Now was not the time to dwell on Lady Olenna, not when Margaery's tent was looming up large ahead of him. He swallowed hard before calling her name, the craven part of him almost hoping that she would not respond to him. She did, calling for him to come in, though he could have sworn he heard a slight nervousness in her reply. Strangely he took heart from it, the thought that she was as confused and as on edge as he was.

Another deep breath and he pulled the canvas entrance aside and stepped into her tent. She turned to face him, her expression nervous and pale. Her eyes were almost wary as he took a few more steps towards her and he halted. The last thing he wanted was to get to close to her and put her even more on edge. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, not even sure what he wanted or needed to say to her. She took a few more steps towards him and he swallowed hard.

"I thought you would never come," she whispered, and in the blink of an eye her lips were on his.

It was heaven. The feel and taste of her in his mouth was heaven. It blew every other kiss he had ever had in his life from his mind, and he did not want it to end. He did not want to stop kissing her, because if he stopped kissing her then they would have to exchange words. He would feel the need to apologise to her, and he did not want to do so because he was not sorry. All the guilt he had felt before had melted as soon as her lips had met his. This time she had initiated this. She had kissed him, and the knowledge of that made him feel as though he were flying.

He knew, though, somewhere in the back of his mind that it would have to stop, so with a wrench he pulled away from her. To draw breath as much as anything. He was almost gasping as he looked down on her, and he could see from the rapid rise and fall of her chest that she was as breathless as he was. Her eyes were wide and shining, her lips still slightly parted from their heated kiss. He blinked, searching his swimming head for the right words to say but coming up with nothing.

"You don't know what to say," Margaery was as astute as ever.

"No," he agreed with her, his muscles tensing.

"Renly…" she started, frowning slightly and looking a little wary. "Renly is…willing, for me to…to…find happiness elsewhere, if that's what you're worried about."

"It had crossed my mind," Robb admitted, a frown creasing his own brow.

"This doesn't have to be any more than you want it to be," she whispered. "But…if it's Renly you are worried about, you needn't. I just wanted you to know that."

"So…what are you saying?" Robb asked her slightly awkwardly.

"I'm married," she told him bluntly. "You are betrothed. You and I will never be together, permanently…but…why should we not enjoy one another while we have the chance?"

"You…mean…?" he hardly dared hope.

"We could be lovers, Robb," she told him slowly and he felt desire stir him like never before.

"Is that what you want?" he whispered.

"Yes," she said simply, and he snatched her towards him again and devoured her lips once more.

It was more intense this time, now that Robb knew that she was allowing him more. Somewhere deep down he knew how very wrong it was, that even if Renly had given his blessing it did not make it right. It was easy to push it aside though, with Margaery in his arms, his hands gripping her silk covered hips. She pressed herself closer to him, and he knew he would not be able to resist pushing her towards the bed for much longer. As though she read his thoughts she took a half stumbled step back and his stomach clenched in a knot.

"Margaery!"

He pulled away at once, and Margaery stared towards the entrance of her tent with wide eyes. It was only for a second, before she snapped her head back towards him as he pulled his hands away from her. "Go!" she hissed quietly, and he hurried to the back entrance as quickly as he could without making noise. He had recognised that voice, the formidable tone of Lady Olenna. His heart was pounding as he pulled the entrance aside and half stepped out before looking back to Margaery.

"Tonight," she mouthed at him, and despite his panic he grinned before scarpering as she called out calmly for her grandmother to come in.

"Fancy seeing you here, brother," Renly smiled amiably at Stannis. He got nothing in return, just a stony expression and a cold stare. "I wish you would have let me know you were coming," he continued. "I would have made sure to be home. Though, you seem to have made yourself rather comfortable."

"As have you, with the title of king," Stannis said coldly.

"It does rather suit me, don't you think?" Renly raised a brow.

"You have no right, Renly," Stannis sounded exasperated. "You are my younger brother, and it is your duty to support me in this. I am the rightful ruler of the seven kingdoms, and you will march behind me and do my bidding as I always did Robert's. You don't have to like it, but you will do it, as you should."

"You see the problem with that, brother," Renly began. "Is that you are assuming people actually want you on the Iron Throne. You can see that I outnumber you, that I have far more support than you could ever hope to have. Best you give up this little desire, Stannis. No man wants you for their king, not after your little escapades on Dragonstone."

"What are you talking about?" Stannis narrowed his eyes.

"I was surprised to hear you had found religion, brother," Renly said lightly. "And even more surprised to hear you had burned the Gods."

"False Gods," a woman swathed in red spoke up from Stannis' side. "King Stannis is the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, and he will bring the one true God to Westeros. It is time this world stepped out from the darkness, and into the light."

"And by light, do you mean fire?" Renly raised a brow. "I hear you're fond of fire. So, this is her, is it, brother? Now I understand your new fascination with religion."

"Renly -" Stannis began warningly.

"You can't best me brother, you and I both know it," Renly cut across him. "So, by all means stay another night, but you really ought to leave in the morning and move on. You see, I'm back now. Thank you for looking after my home for me, but I need it back, I'm sure you understand."

"I will give you until the morning, Renly, to come to your senses and bend the knee to me," Stannis returned in exasperation. "Do your duty as my younger brother, and I will name you my heir, until I have a son – of course."

Stannis glanced towards the Red Woman at that point and Renly narrowed his eyes as she smirked at Stannis, her gaze lingering on him. It seemed she desired more than just a new religion for Westeros. "High ambition, my lady," Renly said in a quiet aside to her and she gazed back evenly.

"See you tomorrow, brother," Renly turned to Stannis. "Be sure to polish your armour."

Margaery gnawed on her nails, her leg jumping up and down as each minute seemed to tick by more slowly than the last. It had been at least two hours since Renly had returned to camp and immediately called a war council meeting. She had been grateful for his reappearance especially since it saved her from her grandmother's company for the entirety of the afternoon. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy her grandmother's company, it was just that she could not trust herself not to give herself away over her feelings for Robb.

Because she did have feelings. She had admitted it now and there was no taking it back. Gods, his lips on hers… She remembered her brother Garlan's squire back at Highgarden. He had been her first kiss, clumsy and fluttering. Then, Renly, unwilling and almost afraid of her. Now, Robb… By the Gods, he was something else entirely, something she had never had and never expected to have after being wed to Renly. She had her husband's permission, though, strange as it was. So, there really was no need for her to be sitting here feeling so guilty.

It did not subside, though, the guilt. If anything it seemed to build the longer she sat waiting. She knew that her worries and attention should be focused on the coming battle with Stannis. On his return Renly had stayed just long enough to tell her that there would be fighting come morning, but that she would be safely guarded. Her grandmother had stayed only a moment longer than Renly, she was joining the war council whether the men approved or not. I cannot leave your father alone in there to make some heroic, moronic suggestion. My family must be intact when this is over.

That final piece seemed to haunt Margaery. My family must be intact when this is over. What was she thinking? Even with Renly's permission she was still going against everything her family expected of her. It was her duty to share her husband's bed, and bear his child. She wasn't stupid, no matter how careful she and Robb were, there was still a chance she could end up with his child inside her. Margaery shuddered then. What would happen to her family if that happened? What would happen to her? To Robb? To the child?

Was it really worth the risk?

"Sorry," his hushed apology came from the back entrance of her tent and she stood up at once.

"You're here," she said stupidly, and he smiled widely.

Gods. That smile. All the doubts that had just risen up by that smile coupled with the look in his eyes. He was truly glad to see her, to be in her company. He truly wanted her, not for power and not for gain, but just for her. No matter how stupid and reckless this was, Margaery knew there was no way she could stop it now. Nor did she think she wanted to.

"I'm sorry I took so long," he said softly, coming closer to her and making her heart pound.

"You're forgiven," she managed a broken whisper before he claimed her lips.

Her stomach clenched at once as he slipped a hand through her hair and deepened their kiss. It was all too easy with him, she didn't even have to think. She could think of nothing but him in this moment, as though the rest of the world and the troubles within it melted away the moment his lips touched hers. He was steering her back towards her bed now and she clutched him closer, her heart pounding as she prayed that no one would interrupt them for a second time.

"Most men prefer a woman before battle," Loras said, and Renly turned and smiled at him.

"I am not most men," Renly returned, and Loras smiled widely.

"I saw Robb, earlier, he went to see Margaery when you weren't here," Loras told him then, his smile fading. Renly shrugged.

"Why should he not?" he asked.

"Because she is your wife," Loras frowned.

"And I am her husband, yet here I am with you," Renly said patiently.

"Are you telling me you know?" Loras looked aghast.

"There is nothing to know, it is Margaery's business. What she chooses to tell me of it is up to her," Renly said, prickled.

"Are you mad?! You cannot risk him getting her with child!" Loras chided him.

"Hush!" Renly hissed at him. "Margaery is not that foolish. Why should she not enjoy herself?"

"You really are a fool sometimes! If I have noticed then there is only a matter of time before somebody else does. Before the wrong person does," Loras sounded desperate. "Think of what you would be forced to do then! She would be guilty of treason against you and your lords would not allow you to just let her get away with it! For the love of the Gods, Renly! I will not let this happen to my sister!"

"Nothing with happen to her!" Renly tried to soothe him, rubbing his hands up and down his upper arms firmly.

"You need to take it back, tell her to stop, before this goes too far," Loras whispered fearfully.

"I'll speak to her tomorrow," Renly promised. "But let her have tonight, as we have tonight…"

Robb could scarcely believe what was happening as he straddled Margaery's hips, his fingers trailing down her collarbone and beginning to unhook the clasps that held her dress together. Margaery's chest was rising and falling rapidly beneath his touch as he revealed more of her creamy, smooth skin. Her own hands came up to the lacings of his doublet as he leant in closer to her to pull her bodice apart. For a moment there he had to stop and stare, her perfect breasts exposed fully to his gaze.

"Are you alright?" she asked him shyly, and he nodded.

"You are just…so…beautiful," he whispered, and she smiled widely up at him, pulling more insistently on his laces.

He helped her with them and in a moment his doublet came open and he shrugged it from his shoulders. Margaery was looking up at him with wide eyes, biting gently on her lower lip. He smiled to hide his nervousness as his hands trembled slightly when he moved them to pull his tunic up over his head.

Margaery slipped her hands down his bare stomach then, and he shuddered as her fingers deftly unwound the laces of his breeches. He was painfully hard, and he did his best to swallow the lump in his throat as she released him from his confines. Her touch made him groan and he could only stand her hands on him for a moment before he pulled back away from her. For a moment she looked startled, but when he moved his own hands to pull up her skirts the smile came back to her face.

Her legs came apart as he slowly exposed them, and he bit down on his lip. Never before had he come this close to a woman. Gods, he hoped he would not disappoint her. She was glorious, and all he wanted to do was satisfy her as she was bound to satisfy him. Her skirts were around her waist now and he nestled himself between her legs, his lips seeking out hers again. Their kiss was more frantic now, and he could feel the heat between her thighs as he rubbed himself against her.

Something between a gasp and a moan left her then, and he trailed his lips away from hers and down her soft neck. She arched her head back to give him better access and his ears were full of the sound of her heavy breathing. If anything the sound just made him desire her even more.

"Margaery," he gasped against her neck. "I…cannot…"

"Neither can I," she almost moaned back. "Please, Robb, I need you now."

He could do nothing but obey.

They had barely touched when Renly's squire called out that he had visitors. Loras stepped away from him with a scowl and Renly sighed regretfully before calling for them to be allowed in. It was Lord Bryce Caron and Ser Donnel Swann, and they bowed lowly to him as they came into the tent.

"My lords!" Renly greeted jovially. "I had assumed you would both be resting before the battle."

"There was word from the Iron Islands, your Grace," Ser Donnel said, stepping forwards.

"What is this?" Renly took the letter that was offered to him.

"Balon Greyjoy is intent on making our lives more complicated," Lord Caron huffed.

"I see," Renly said wryly as he read through the letter. "Another king, how many is that now?"

"Five?" Loras offered from where he was stood pouring wine.

"Too many, your Grace," Lord Caron said.

"Two is all we need, would you not agree, my lord?" Renly raised his brow and took the cup that Loras offered out to him.

"Yes, of course," came the reply.

"Then shall we drink to it," Renly held his cup out. "To the King in the South and the King in the North, and to a great victory at sunrise!"

"A great victory and a great alliance!" Ser Donnel knocked his cup against Renly's.

Lord Caron and Loras repeated the sentiment and the action and then all four men drank deeply from their cups. Renly could feel his nerves churning now but he had to admit that the greater part of him was excited. He had never fought in a battle before, tourneys and hunts were the closest he had ever come before. This would be different, he knew his lords and men would be watching carefully to see how he would perform against his seasoned brother. He was not relishing a fight with his brother, but he had been left no choice.

"Your victory is all but assured, of course, your Grace," Ser Donnel spoke up.

"I can only hope so," Renly smiled. "Though, I have something here that may help ensure it."

"Your Grace?" Lord Caron looked politely confused.

"He has had a new sword made," Loras said, and Renly could tell, even though he had turned away to fetch the sword, that he was rolling his eyes.

"Not just any sword, the finest I have ever seen," Renly corrected with a grin.

He moved further into his tent to where he had left the sword laying on the dresser. He wrapped his hand around the hilt and lifted it up. At the same time his eyes raised to the mirror atop the dresser and he froze as a shadow-man seemed to wrap itself around him.

Margaery was panting uncontrollably as Robb continued kissing her neck, her legs shifting up higher around his waist as he continued to rock into her. His pace was so gentle, she had barely felt more than a sting when he had taken her maidenhead. Robb's hand gripped her thigh harder as her own hands pinched around his upper arms. He gasped out himself, pulling away from her neck, his brow creased into a frown as he continued to thrust.

"Oh – Gods, I -," he stammered out and she pushed him back.

He groaned again in sheer relief in the next moment and she felt his release hot across her stomach. She breathed deeply, trying to calm her piqued nerves and still her swimming head. Gods, she put her hands up to her head. That had been so indescribably wonderful. More wonderful than she had ever imagined it could be.

Robb looked sheepish as she looked up at him and she couldn't help but giggle slightly at the look on his face. He looked relieved at her reaction, pulling his tunic back towards him and wiping her stomach gently with it. When he was done he looked uncertain, and she reached out for him instinctively. He smiled widely then, nestling back down against her and smothering her face with kisses.

"You are incredible," he murmured as she wrapped her arms happily around his torso.

"I wish this night could last forever," she whispered in his ear, tears unexpectedly pricking her eyes.

A gargled splutter drew Loras' attention and he turned towards Renly, his eyes widening. For a moment he could have sworn he saw –

"Your Grace!" Lord Caron moved more swiftly than he, as did Ser Donnel, both of them reaching their king before Loras had taken more than two steps. Loras could only stare as he saw the man he adored being lowered to the ground, choking on his own blood.

"Your Grace?!" Ser Donnel was panicked.

"Hush, he is trying to say something!" Lord Caron half-snapped.

That got Loras moving, dropping down at Renly's side as the three of them stared at him hopelessly. There was blood seeping from his chest and dribbling down his chin, but there was light still in his eyes. He spluttered again, his eyes wide and insistent as he grabbed at Lord Caron, who was closest to him.

"Trust -," Renly coughed, blood spraying from his mouth. "Robb – follow – him."

And with that there was no more. Renly stared up without seeing, no more rasping breathing in his throat and no more light in those pale blue orbs. Loras wanted to scream and shout and beat his fists against Renly's chest but he could do nothing but stare. He knew, even in this moment of grief, that he could do nothing to draw any more unwanted attention.

"What happened?" Ser Donnel asked, aghast.

"How could anyone have done this without us seeing?!" Lord Caron demanded.

"They couldn't have," Ser Donnel shook his head firmly.

"They didn't," Loras said tonelessly. "This was Stannis, his witch. I would stake my life on it. He knew he could never best Renly in the field, and so he has used his sorceress to end him like this. The coward! He cannot get away with this…"

"We need to call the Septon, and the Silent Sisters," Lord Caron said.

"What about what he said, about Robb Stark?" Ser Donnel asked, and Lord Caron seemed to falter.

"Last words are not always right words," Lord Caron said.

"But they were his last words," Loras snapped. "It is what he wanted. The Capital can still be taken if we can keep all the banners together. If we do not find a new leader then the Storm lords will flock to Stannis, or the Lannisters."

"House Swann will follow neither of those traitorous houses," Ser Donnel said defiantly.

"We need to speak to Stark, before anything is agreed," Lord Caron said grudgingly.

"I will send for him," Ser Donnel said.

"No," Loras rose to his feet. "I will fetch him. You ought to get the Septon, if you would stay here with – Renly, my lord."

"I will," Lord Caron nodded.

"We will meet in the war tent," Loras said distractedly, looking back towards Renly laying there motionless once more before he strode from the tent. He knew exactly where he would find Robb Stark, and that was the precise reason he had elected to find him himself. This needed to be fixed now. He could mourn Renly later, but right now he needed to secure his sister's future and the future of this war.

He did not announce his arrival as he came upon Margaery's tent. His suspicions needed confirming, and confirmed they were as he ripped aside the canvas entrance. Margaery shrieked, and Stark was immediately rolling away from her and snatching up his sword belt.

"Loras! What are you doing?!" Margaery demanded, pulling her bodice hurriedly closed.

"I would ask you the same thing," he returned icily. "Though it is entirely obvious."

"You don't understand," she got up from the bed, fastening her dress. "Renly said I could -"

"Renly's dead," Loras choked out, and her eyes widened. He could say no more, though he could see her mouth forming questions he could not hear them. In the next moment he stepped forward, tears blinding him as he fell into his sister's waiting arms. She smoothed her hands up and down his back, her voice soft in his ear though he still could not hear what she was saying to him.

"Loras," finally he heard her. "Loras, please. How did this happen? What happened to him?"

"He was murdered," Loras said darkly, pulling away from her.

"But how?!" she demanded, aghast.

"Who was there?!" Stark was demanding now, coming closer now he was clothed again.

"Myself, Lord Caron and Ser Donnel," Loras answered him automatically.

"Then, who?" Margaery whispered, her eyes scared.

"We saw no one, no one real, at any rate," Loras told her.

"What?" she was shaking her head, looking utterly confused.

"I can only describe it as an evil spirit," Loras said. "And I am certain I know who conjured it."

"Stannis," Stark almost hissed.

"Who else? He knew he would not be able to defeat Renly in battle, so he has killed him in cowardice and cold blood in the hopes that his armies will scatter and the Storm lords will flock to him," Loras said. "I will kill him for this."

"By the Gods," there were tears streaking down Margaery's face now. "What will happen now?"

"We cannot let Stannis get what he wants," Loras said urgently, looking towards Stark. "Renly said something, just before he died. I heard it, and so did the others. They are good men and they will vouch for it, swear it to the others."

"What did he say?" Stark asked.

"He told them to trust you, to follow you," Loras said.

"Me?!" he looked bewildered. "But…I do not even want the Iron Throne, and the Storm lords have no loyalty to me – neither does Highgarden."

"Part of Highgarden does," Loras said, glancing at Margaery. "And perhaps that is the only part we need."

"What are you saying?" Stark frowned.

"You and Margaery," Loras said simply.

"Renly has just been murdered and you want me to take his wife?!" he sounded angry now.

"You have already taken her!" Loras snapped. "Renly may have allowed it but Renly is gone and you cannot take it back now! Will you really leave her shamed?!"

"I want to see Renly," Margaery spoke up quietly.

"What?" Loras asked.

"Go and make your plans!" she snapped. "I want to see Renly."

Margaery could not quite believe what she was seeing. The Silent Sister's had come and laid him out along the table in his tent. It didn't seem right, him just lying there in such simplicity. Renly had been a king, surely more should have been done for him. There should be more…

She moved closer to him, her hand shaking as she reached it out to touch his. Her eyes welled with tears as she felt his skin still faintly warm. She felt guilty for the tears. She had no right to shed them, not really. While she had been fond of Renly and enjoyed his company greatly she was not in love with him. Had never been in love with him. Loras had. It was her brother's right to be the chief mourner when Renly was laid to rest, but Margaery knew she would be the one afforded the honour. It wasn't fair. She had been with another man when Renly was being murdered. She had no right.

Margaery closed her eyes tightly to stop the tears from leaking out. She took deep, shaking breaths and willed herself not to cry. Loras needed her to be strong. Her whole family would need her to be strong. She took another deep breath and opened her eyes, gazing on Renly's still features. What Loras had told them spun around and around in her head as she looked at his body. Was it true? Had Renly truly meant for the Storm lords to follow Robb in his stead? Would they? Was there really a chance that she and Robb could be together, properly, and without sin?

She shook her head. It was wrong to even think that way in this moment when she was here with her dead husband. But…hadn't Renly actively encouraged her to be with Robb? Had he not wanted her to be happy despite their marriage? She took another shaking breath and took a step back from Renly, jumping when she felt hands on her shoulders.

"It's me," Loras said quietly, and she turned slowly to face him.

"What's happening?" she asked him.

"Robb is with the Storm lords," he told her, and she nodded. "I don't think the meeting will go on for much longer. Robb wants to speak with his own lords, they have all agreed another meet tomorrow evening. Things need to be put in place before then."

"What things?" she asked him suspiciously.

"Robb will look like more of an attractive prospect to the Storm lords if he has Highgarden on his side," he said calmly.

"So I am to be bartered into another marriage with no regard for my own feelings. Renly is not even cold yet. How can you say things like this, you of all people?" she hissed at him.

"Because I know the alternative!" he grabbed her shoulders almost painfully.

"What alternative?" she asked him fearfully.

"Petyr Baelish arrived earlier this afternoon," Loras said. "He went to see Lady Stark with a goodwill gesture from the Capital."

"What?" Margaery frowned slightly.

"Lord Stark's remains," he said uneasily and she couldn't help the sharp intake of breath. "But now he is here and you can bet he will try and use Renly's death to his advantage."

"How?" her frown deepened.

"He serves the Lannisters," Loras said. "Imagine the reward he would get for bringing the wealth of Highgarden back into the fold. We have been named traitors from the moment we declared our support for Renly, with him dead we are in trouble. If we were to help the Lannisters against Stannis and Robb then all would be forgiven, and there would be one sure way of the alliance being sealed. A wedding…"

"No," Margaery shook his head. "No, I cannot marry that…that…monster. You have heard the tales of him!"

"Yes," he said calmly. "Which is why we need to support the alternative. We need to back Robb."

"You heard him, he doesn't want the Iron Throne," she continued shaking her head.

"But he wants you," Loras said. "And if anyone can change his mind about wanting it, it is you."

"Father would have to agree, why would he agree? Joffrey is a safer option…" she hated to say it but it was true. Her father would take the easier option and bind them with the Lannisters. The thought of it made her feel sick.

"No," he said firmly. "Father will not decide anything, grandmother will."

"And you think she will be persuaded to Robb's side?" she asked.

"I think you can persuade her. You can show her that Robb is the best option," he said.

"I don't know what to do, Loras, all of this is just happening far too quickly," she almost moaned. "I have no idea what to do! Gods…I…"

"Stop thinking about the family for a moment," Loras told her. "Look me in the eye and tell me it wouldn't be what you want. Tell me you don't want him. Forget the war and forget everything that is still to come and just ask yourself; do you want him?"

"Yes," she whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"Then you cannot do anything else," he whispered back, wiping the tear from her cheek. "Tell Robb about the plan with Joffrey and he will not hear of it. He will marry you, and we can still salvage something from this. Grandmother will see things from your perspective, you just need to persuade her that you can convince Robb to take the Iron Throne."

"It feels wrong, he doesn't want it, Loras," more tears were spilling down her cheeks now.

"What other choice do we have?" he asked desperately. "He could be a good king, and you will be the most wonderful queen. Together you can do this, Margaery. Trust me. Aside from everything else this could be your one chance to be truly happy."

"This is a mess," she choked.

"I know," he agreed, folding her into his arms. "But you have the power to fix things, you just have to say the right things to the right people."

Robb walked away from the war tent with his ears ringing. He had barely been able to concentrate as the Storm lords had all shouted over one another about what was the right thing to do. Through it he managed to gather that half of them were in favour of staying and following him, where the other half were muttering about joining Stannis. In the end Robb had called for a halt in proceedings. He had told them that it was too late into the night and too soon after Renly's death to be making such decisions.

It was agreed, then, that Robb would meet with his own lords in the morning and then meet again with the Storm lords and the lords from the Reach in the afternoon. It was to his own tent he went now, his head spinning. He could not get what Loras had said out of his mind, and it was tempting despite the circumstances. He could take Margaery as his wife, she was free now. But you are not, a nagging voice sounded at the back of his head. It was true, he was still betrothed, but how could he ignore this opportunity? It was not just the chance at powerful and rich allies, but the chance at true happiness. Margaery lit up his days, his heart beating faster whenever he was in her presence. How could he pass up such a thing?

He decided then to speak with her in the morning, right now he needed sleep, and she doubtless needed time to come to terms with Renly's death. He pulled the entrance to his tent aside and walked in, slumping down in a chair as soon as he was inside.

"Is it true?" his mother's voice made him jump, and he snapped his head around to see her sat at his table. He sighed heavily, dropping his head into his hands.

"Renly is dead, if that is what you're asking," he told her dully.

"By the Gods," she crossed the room to sit down opposite him. "What will we do?"

"Renly asked the Storm lords to follow me, his final words," Robb told her tonelessly.

"Do you think they will?" she asked him, her eyes wide.

"Not me alone," he said, his stomach churning.

"What do you mean?" she frowned at him.

"Highgarden could follow me, make it a more attractive prospect," he said slowly.

"And why would they follow you?" he asked him suspiciously.

"Well they wouldn't," he swallowed hard. "Unless I take Margaery as my wife."

"What?!" his mother stood up, looking furious. "You are already betrothed!"

"Betrothed is not married," he said sheepishly.

"How can you even think of breaking this promise?" she asked him incredulously.

"I wouldn't be, if Renly had not died, but…" he hesitated.

"But?" his mother asked him dangerously.

"But now I feel as though I have a duty to her," he explained. "More than that, I…I want to."

"What duty could you possibly have to her?" she demanded.

"I know I shouldn't have -" he started.

"Oh, Robb! You fool!" his mother exclaimed. "She was a married woman!"

"And her husband took her brother for a lover!" Robb shot back, getting to his own feet. "He did not want her, he gave her his blessing to take a lover of her own."

"And she chose you," she snarled. "And now that Renly is dead you think you ought to marry her yourself to save her honour."

"Not just because of that," Robb shook his head. "I told you, I want her."

"This is a mistake," his mother warned him.

"Perhaps," he agreed. "But is a mistake that will make me happy. A mistake that could win me this war. A mistake that I want to make."

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed. I know some of you will be disappointed that Renly has been offed so soon. I have actually really enjoyed writing him, and his interactions with Margaery and Robb. It's made me realise that one day I will have to write a fic where he is around for a lot longer, or perhaps until the end - however, for the purpose and pairing of this story, he had to go. I do hope you liked the little twists to his death, though - the difference in witnesses and the last words ;)

Anyway, I shall get you another chapter up soon. For those patiently waiting for Wolf Pact, I'm doing my best to get a chapter finished and posted by the weekend!

Thank you all again!

:)