Game of Thrones: Of Lions and Roses

Chapter 11 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Margaery

Margaery bit her lip, concerned. She stood in the throne room, along with all the royal court; listening as news was being delivered about the situation in the Reach, regarding the sudden Ironborn attacks.

'This is getting worse; as if things weren't tense enough here…' She thought sadly to herself. 'Especially after Joffrey just had three whole families executed, just for following the Old Gods. Now this; how could the Ironborn be so brazen, they were always cautious before.'

As the report of the attacks had finished, Margaery watched as her father stepped forwards.

"Your Grace, this grows more and more out of hand." He said desperately. "We must do something."

Joffrey shook his head; a look of confusion on his face. "It makes little sense for the Ironborn to attack your lands; don't they realize it will earn them nothing but destruction?"

Mace sighed. "No Your Grace, they care little for that. All that matters to them is wealth and after the Westerlands, the Reach is the richest land in Westeros, in both wealth and resources. They clearly felt the Westerlands were too dangerous a target."

Margaery knew her father was right; something had to be done too, otherwise things would get even worse. But she was worried when she saw Cersei's lip curl in a sneer, it was clear she found the situation amusing.

Margaery could almost sense the incoming storm when she spoke up.

"My father is right Your Grace, please; we must put a stop to this." She said to Joffrey; charming him like she usually did.

Joffrey smiled and was on the verge of answering when Cersei spoke up.

She shook her head. "I think intervention would really be a waste of manpower and resources, as well as an overreaction."

There were a few gasps from the gathered nobles, Margaery noticed her father spluttering, clearly trying to contain himself.

"Your Grace…" Margaery began to explain.

Cersei however cut across her. "We have still not received definitive proof that it's really Ironborn attacking and not drunken pirates. For all we know, for some reason the forces of the Reach simply aren't fighting their best."

Margaery was shocked by this, as was her father who burst out. "Your Grace, that is outrageous, we warriors of the Reach always…"

"If your warriors cannot repel simple pirates, perhaps you deserve to lose your lands to them." Cersei continued, talking as if there had been no interruption.

She could not ignore the next interruption however; she had been about to continue speaking when suddenly, Tywin, who had been silent this whole time, spoke up.

"That will do, Cersei." He remarked calmly.

She turned to him, eyes wide with surprise; they got even wider at the next voice.

"Yes; grandfather is right, that will do; you've said quite enough mother." Joffrey remarked sharply.

It was then Margaery felt a surge of triumph, knowing her efforts had won over Joffrey in this little incident. Cersei glared darkly but said nothing else.

Joffrey shook his head.

"Honestly mother, I don't see why you can doubt that these are the Ironborn." He remarked. "We have it on good authority…"

Cersei scoffed. "From Willas Tyrell; a man who didn't put any guards up, otherwise they would have seen them…"

Tywin cut across her. "You were there when we discussed that matter Cersei; the Ironborn took a different route."

Joffrey nodded. "Indeed, if even half the stories grandfather told me about their new leader, Euron Crow-Eye are true; then this fits in with their behaviour perfectly."

Cersei glared but was unable to offer any further argument; Margaery smiled, as did her father as the announcement was made by Tywin.

"So be it, there will be no further discussion on this; plans will be made right away, to send an expeditionary force to aid the troops within the Reach, being beset by the Ironborn."

Joffrey looked around the room and called out.

"Will there be anything else?" His words almost a challenge.

The last time he had said that; it had been in regards to the 'religious executions' and there had been people protesting his decision. There reward had been simply to be executed alongside those they tried to stand up for. This time, nobody spoke; and the court session was ended; everybody leaving and going their separate ways.

Margaery smiled; relaxed, knowing now that something was being done to save her home. She was enjoying a moment of privacy in the gardens; or at least, as much privacy as she could get. She knew her guards were around, no matter how unobtrusive they were, they were present.

She then heard the footsteps and turned her head, standing up and smiling when she saw Cersei approaching. She may have bested the older woman in the throne room earlier, but that was no reason to be impolite.

"Your Grace, what an unexpected pleasure." She greeted warmly.

Cersei didn't even smile; she merely glared at Margaery and snarled. "I warn you now; you will not interfere in our affairs again."

Margaery was taken aback by this; she stepped back surprised as she replied.

"Interfere?" She queried before explaining. "Your Grace, this was a state matter and as Queen I had to speak."

Cersei shook her head. "You lie."

It was Margaery's turn to glare now. "Excuse me?"

Cersei smirked; clearly in control again. "I know, you are no true Queen, I know about the wedding night. You and my son did not consummate, you prevented him from doing so."

"He'd drunk too much during the feast, Your Grace; too much to perform." Margaery replied; trying to stay calm.

It was true, she and Joffrey hadn't consummated, which meant strictly their marriage wasn't legally binding yet. But to reveal the real reason would have been too cruel, even if Cersei's attitude indicated she deserved it.

Cersei shook her head.

"Even no you lie; you simply don't want Joffrey to discover the truth about you."

Margaery was confused now, wondering what Cersei meant. "Your Grace?"

Cersei fixed her with a dark glare. "It's obvious you've been with other men."

Margaery gasped in shock. "What, Your Grace, you lie, you dare mock me with slander…"

She was cut off by Cersei suddenly lashing out, slapping her across the face.

"Deny all you want, I know it is true and I will prove it." Cersei warned her darkly. "After all, it is only slander when it is false; I will find my proof…by any means necessary."

With that Cersei turned and left, leaving Margaery shaken by this sudden turn of events.

'She will find nothing.' Margaery knew, all the same she feared. 'But would that really stop her…'

Her insides felt cold at the thought, she could only pray that Cersei wouldn't truly go that far. But truthfully, she had no idea, just what Cersei would do.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.