Philip: Don't expect it. Jon is hard against the marriage.

WARNING: SEX SCENE AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER

Margaery

"Remind me of your issue, Lady Valena?" Margaery asked with a calm tone.

The red-haired woman repressed a frown. She no doubt once saw herself occupying the chair Margaery currently sat in.

"We have had water shortages in our olive plantations, Princess." Valena Toland seemed to choke up these words. "The smallfolk think that the harvest will not be as good as the previous years."

"And how is the irrigation campaign going?" Margaery asked once again.

Valena Toland stopped. Margaery knew that the Tolands had put off the irrigation works because they wished to focus on the more profitable soaps and perfume production. Now, though, it had come to bite them.

"We have asked for help…" Valena Toland started, before Margaery interrupted her.

"You have indeed. A month past, and House Martell has sent you skilled workers. Now, I ask you again, how are these works going?"

Valena Toland recoiled.

"We…we put these workers to other tasks."

Margaery sighed, looking at the belittled Toland.

"And you come here to ask for what? Help that we gave you a month past? These workers have been contracted to you for a duration of four months, no more, no less. What you do with them is entirely up to you, but why not put them up to these irrigation tasks that Lady Nymella asked for…about three months past?" Margaery asked.

Valena Toland bit her lip.

"We have determined that House Martell did not send enough to complete the works in time."

Margaery raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so?" she beamed. "Lady Jennelyn will check her books, but I believe that we have sent you no less than five hundred workers over the past year. Such a number seems reasonable enough. We already lack skilled workers for projects everywhere. The Prince will be wondering why there is no progress from Ghost Hill while The Tor works twice as fast with twice as less."

Valena Toland went red.

"I…I will ensure that we get the irrigation works underway. But we will still need more help."

Margaery turned to the blonde-haired woman sitting at the side.

"Lady Jennelyn, how many can we spare?"

"Sixty are already pledged for the Dalts, fifty for the Allyrions and fifty for the Daynes, Princess. I can…release forty from the contract of the extension of the menagerie…"

"Prince Quentyn will not agree." Margaery shook her head.

"Erm…thirty from the new docks…"

Margaery scratched her head.

"And twenty from the construction of the irrigation canals in the back country."

Margaery shook her head. These canals were too vital in order for previously desertic areas to be turned into arable farmland.

"Spare twenty from the new docks, and double the rations of all the workers on that project. Make it clear to them that House Toland will be paying."

"What?" Valena Toland's eyes went wide. "You cannot be serious!"

"Your delays have cost us time and coin already, Lady Valena. The least you could do is compensate for the delays incurred, or do you not wish the workforce to be transferred to you?" Margaery asked. "Say the word, and these twenty men will stay at their work in Sunspear."

Valena Toland was trapped. Either she accepted the help and paid for the delays the new docks would accumulate because of her, or refuse and delay the irrigation works of the Ghost Hill olive plantations, and lose income from the harvests.

"We will pay for the delays incurred to the new docks," Valena Toland finally agreed, resigned.

"Good. Lady Jennelyn, please immediately transfer twenty men from these works to Ghost Hill, under contract for the irrigation works, and these only."

Jennelyn Fowler smiled at her and noted it in her books. Margaery had to admit it, the girl was quite good with her numbers, and a welcome help.

"Is that it for the day, Jennelyn?" Margaery asked, seeing Lady Toland walk out of Sunspear's hall.

"I believe it is, Princess." The Fowler girl smiled. "You are free for the day."

"Good. You are dismissed, then."

"Enjoy your day with the Prince."

Margaery smiled slightly.

Indeed, today was "her" day, if one could speak of it like that.

Margaery's married life was…interesting. She would rule by Quentyn's side, be his wife, attend major events at his side, but almost never share his bed.

Not that she'd minded that much. After all, whenever she needed her desires filled, all she had to do was ask and pray that Quentyn's cousin was in a mood to acquiesce to it. Though, it was certainly not something she got used to.

After Elia's birth, Margaery and Quentyn agreed that there was no use to give him more children. They had four, all healthy, ready to take over the succession. And with that, Quentyn released Margaery to get her own paramour.

She had chosen a Dalt cousin, tall, well-built, who did sleep with her and keep her desires fulfilled…if one put it that way at least.

It wasn't long till she discovered that her paramour was with her more for the thrill of fucking the Princess of Dorne than any kind of romantic affection for her.

At least, with Quentyn, if there was little love, there was a massive amount of trust and respect, which allowed her to rule as Princess of Dorne when Quentyn was absent.

And he was absent a lot!

Between having to move to Essos to mediate with the Iron Throne's expansion, trips to Oldtown, Lannisport, the Stormlands or beyond, and, more recently, the Summer Isles, three times, Quentyn was only in Sunspear six months a year. And someone had to rule in his stead.

Margaery thus quickly found herself thrust in the middle of Dornish politics, and she found it no different from Reacher politics. As such, she excelled and revelled in it. Especially since people underestimated her at first, thinking they could easily take advantage of her naivety.

When that didn't work, they tried to put pressure on the fact that she was born a Tyrell, and that she was on a tight leash to the Crown. Some were even so bold as to threaten her with sending letters to the Iron Throne if they did not get the lion's share of Quentyn's inventions.

Needless to say, some of them never made it out of Sunspear, or suffered unfortunate accidents. Some lived, some didn't. Not like it mattered much.

In two years, Margaery had stamped her authority on Dorne, being recognized as much a snake as Prince Oberyn's own daughters, and as someone not to tread lightly upon.

Today, though, was Lady Jennelyn's nameday.

And, as such, this meant that Jennelyn would spend the day with Lady Nym…which meant that Margaery had the day alone with Quentyn.

Yes, there was no love between the two.

But that did not mean that Margaery did not enjoy the moments spent with him.

He had never treated her with anything but dignity, and, as such, was deserving of Margaery's trust.

After all, it was he who discussed with Willas the terms of family reunions, far away from the Reach. Once for Prince Rickon's wedding, once for a tourney at Riverrun celebrating the end of Lord Edmure's tenure as Hand…there was no shortage of ideas for Quentyn to warrant a trip elsewhere, and so that Margaery could meet Willas, her cousins, nephews and nieces, all under the unamused eyes of the Targaryens…well, those of King's Landing, anyways.

As she stepped into their large, supposedly shared, rooms, Quentyn was waiting for her, with an amused look on his face.

"I hope the Dornish ladies did not trouble you too much today." Quentyn smiled.

"Not at all. I felt like this morning needed a bit of kick," Margaery answered back.

"I'm glad to hear it. Though, I feel like the coming days will be busier," Quentyn said, unrolling a scroll.

"What is it?" she asked, suddenly worried.

"The Targaryens of Summerhall are visiting at the end of the moon," Quentyn explained simply.

"Again?" Margaery asked.

It was no secret that Prince Daeron and Princess Arianne loved to spend their days in Sunspear or the Water Gardens, thus avoiding the capital. And, after all, they were always welcomed with sincerity and open arms, which is not what King's Landing could boast about.

"Yes, again." Quentyn sighed. "I think it has to do with the announcement of the betrothal. Even Summerhall may become unbreathable for them, and they'd like to come take a break."

"Mayhaps we should let Lord Dayne and your brother know?" she suggested.

"They'll be stopping at Starpike and Starfall first," Quentyn replied. "But I'll extend the invitation nonetheless. I'll also extend it to Lord Silverwaters, Lady Toland and Lord Gargalen, since they plan to be in the city as well."

"You know, at this point, we may well offer to foster Princess Alyssa or Prince Aelyx. It would do well for them to stay in the Gardens or at Sunspear rather than at Summerhall," Margaery proposed.

Quentyn shot her an amused look.

"That is…a good proposition, and one that has the merit of being considered. I will touch on the subject with my sister and Prince Daeron when they're here."

"I am a mine of good ideas!" Margaery laughed.

"And would you have any about how to spend our day today?" he asked.

"I speculated that you would have given it thought, husband," Margaery countered.

Quentyn sat on the bed and looked her in the eyes.

"Well, I thought we could take a tour of the new menagerie. Or, we could go riding in the highlands. We could take a trip out to sea, on a boat. We could go take a tour of the artisan's corner and the new merchant's square." Quentyn proposed. "Or we could just stay on the beaches, and wait the day out? After all, the sun is not beaming as hard as it usually does. Then again, we could…stay here, if you wish."

Margaery chuckled. "I think going on a trip on a boat sounds lovely."

"Boat trip it is," Quentyn acquiesced.

Margaery accompanied her husband down to the port, passing by the new districts of Sunspear: larger and cleaner roads, redesigned for the big market days, with squares, fountains and a proper pavement. From there, they took a small sailing ship, taking them across the Greenblood delta.

The ship sailed calmly through the estuary, where they would stop on small, uninhabited islands, to get a view of Sunspear and Planky Town from these little inlets.

They sailed past the inlets towards the fish and shrimp farms, down towards Lemonwood and back up, where they were joined by pods of dolphins, feasting on fish with the rising tide.

The whole experience was…relaxing. A way of forgetting the duties of a Princess of Dorne and just letting go. To sail around the Greenblood, to have the sensation of freedom, just like those dolphins jumping around the ship…it was liberating.

The day was spent sailing up and down the estuary, then along the coast almost up to the Water Gardens, and back down to Sunspear.

By then, the sun was already setting slightly, already disappearing over the walls of the city itself.

Quentyn and her made their way back towards the keep, and dined alone, the children still residing in the Water Gardens for the week, which in turn allowed them for this little respite.

They dined on the balcony, feeling the gentle sea breeze over her dress, which sent her hair waving slightly.

"It's a lovely sight." Quentyn sighed as he finished his meal.

"It's even lovelier with you in it," Margaery teased.

Quentyn laughed.

"It's not often you hear compliments from the famed Rose of Highgarden," he teased back.

She smirked at him. "Well, if it's any solace, you are the best of the four husbands I've had."

"You do me great honor." Quentyn returned the smirk as he rose and went to the edge of the balcony, herself soon following.

"How is your paramour treating you?" Quentyn asked.

Margaery looked at him and shrugged.

"Decently enough."

"If he ever does anything untowards to you, tell me, and I shall have him…removed." Quentyn looked at her, his smile having faded. "I will not have him mistreat you."

"You're kind enough to care, but as it stands, he does not. I thank you." Margaery shook her head.

Quentyn turned back towards the ocean and nodded.

"I'm sorry I could never give you the love you deserve."

"Don't be." Margaery patted his arm. "I would not trade this life for anything. You gave me safety, a home, a new sense of…belonging, and four beautiful children that I love with all my heart."

Quentyn nodded simply, moving in to kiss her cheek.

"If there is anything more in my power that I can give you, say it, and it is yours."

Margaery looked thoughtful for a moment, and nodded. "There is one thing I think you may give me."

"What would that be?" he asked.

"I want you. For tonight. All of you. Would that be too much?"

He blinked.

She looked at him as he held her hands, and his eyes flickered.

Mayhaps she had gone too far? But then, his lips grazed hers, and she gave in.

As he broke it, Quentyn's brown eyes looked into hers.

"Tonight, and on each of your namedays, I am yours. Say what you wish of me."

Margaery smiled and kissed him again.

She may not have him forever, but a day a year would be enough.

*LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING**LEMON WARNING*

Margaery immediately deepened the kiss, running her hands through his hair, pushing him back inside.

She pinned him towards the wall, ripping his clothes off as she felt her heartbeat quickened.

It has been so long since she hasn't felt such passion before, it was exciting…impossible to resist.

"I need you…" she whispered in his ear, feeling her body shake.

Quentyn's hands went to her hips, breaking the embrace. He smiled and pushed back at her, making her step back onto 'their' bed.

"What do you want?" he asked as he untied the straps of her dress, causing it to fall on the floor.

"You…all of you…" Margaery whispered while struggling to get rid of her smallclothes.

Quentyn's hands roamed her body, his lips biting at her neck.

"What exactly do you want?" he whispered in her ear, biting her lower earlobe.

"Ah…" Margaery moaned. "Use your tongue. Please."

She did not get to feel pleasure down there for a while, the urge to have someone put their mouth on her folds was uncontrollable.

Quentyn did not agree to her request immediately, though.

He trailed for ages, towards that sweet spot of hers, until he finally reached her now wet and slick folds.

She held him by his dark curls, feeling his tongue slowly making its way in, as his fingers helped to find her spot.

She threw her head back, moaning as she felt his tongue enter her, looking for each spot to drive her towards the edge of insanity.

"Yes…right…there…ah!" Margaery moaned.

Every little moan or shriek she made was an invitation for Quentyn to push further, deeper into her core.

She tightened her grip on his hair, not letting go as she felt her release ever closer.

Gods…his tongue was driving her to the edge…it was too much.

Her release came in like a wave hitting the shore. Her body shook for a brief moment, her chest heaved and pearls of sweat started rolling down her body.

"Fuck…Quentyn…yes…" she panted, while Quentyn just looked at her with a self satisfied smirk, kissing the inside of her legs as he moved back up.

"I did a good job, no?" Quentyn asked. "Now, I want a reward."

"What kind of reward?" Margaery asked as he climbed above him, holding her hands in place.

"I want…" he leaned in and whispered. "I want what is mine."

Margaery smiled weakly, and slowly pushed herself on her back.

"Do you have the oil?" she asked.

Quentyn got a bottle out and started pouring it on his member. Margaery nodded and got on all fours, presenting herself to him.

She felt a finger enter her forbidden channel, as Quentyn got her ready.

Quentyn had made good on his promise to take that maidenhood from her a long time ago, but he had also kept the condition that he was the only man who can take her there.

Men were such jealous ones.

But she had agreed, and now, his member was ready to enter her.

Quentyn made sure to go slowly, so her hole could accommodate him, but even then, it was a painful entry.

She squirmed a little, trying her best not to cry out, until he was fully inside of her.

Quentyn's hands went to her throat, bringing her up. Then, he kissed her roughly, with himself still firmly buried inside of her.

"Are you ready?" he asked after breaking the kiss, saliva still dripping from both their slips.

"Fuck me." Margaery nodded. "But after it, I want you to make love to me."

"As my princess commands."

Quentyn released her throat and began pacing inside of her. The oil helped as he penetrated her hole, all the while making sure that his hands were on her hips.

The pain faded away, as it slowly turned to pleasure.

"Look at the Rose of Highgarden." Quentyn smirked. "Being taken from behind by a Dornishman."

"Please…" Margaery tried to scoff between thrusts, "I could do better myself…"

"Is that so?" Quentyn's pace quickened, and Margaery wished she had been more subtle.

But she had given him a challenge, and Quentyn was not one for losing.

He slapped her cheek once as he plunged in and out of her hole, causing her to shriek in a mix of pleasure and pain.

"Fuck…yes, Quentyn!" Margaery moaned. "So…deep…"

His pace quickened even more, and Margaery felt herself go over the edge.

"Please…slower…please…" she begged.

Quentyn's thrust lulled a bit, and she felt herself growing more comfortable.

"Better…" Margaery sighed as some tears started rolling. "Ugh…continue…"

Quentyn nodded and kept thrusting inside of her. He straightened her up, one of his hands grabbing a breast, his lips going towards her neck, while his free hand held her own as she felt herself move over the edge, slowly but surely.

"You feel so tight, Margaery…" Quentyn sighed as she felt her walls tighten ever slowly around him.

"Always…for you…" Margaery panted as she continued to moan. "Come on, give it to me…"

Her body shuddered again, and she felt herself go limp. Only Quentyn's restraint caused her to stop falling back towards the bed.

"I'm going to…" Quentyn finally sighed in her ear.

"Give…it…inside…" her chest heaved as her vision went blurry.

Instead, she felt his member withdraw from her, and his grip lighten around her hand.

He flipped her over as she groaned.

"Why…"

Her question was soon answered as she saw Quentyn's member in front of her face, and then warm, sticky liquid land on her face, cheeks, nose, lips and hair.

"Fuck." Margaery laughed, bringing her head back. "You're full of surprises."

"Lay back." Quentyn ordered as she pushed her on the bed, kissing her on the lips. He scooped his release with his fingers, putting everything inside of her mouth.

"Wait." He ordered.

He then kissed her with fervor, sharing his own release on her tongue. It was then that Margaery felt completely blissful. Even more when Quentyn retreated from her mouth and showed her his release on his tongue, before swallowing and showing an empty mouth.

She smirked and did exactly the same.

"Let us clean up." Quentyn said as he stood. "Care to join me for a shower?"

"You've yet to make good on your promise." Margaery looked disappointed.

"Who could say we could not do both?" Quentyn winked.

At that, Margaery laughed.

If she had only a night with him a year, she might as well make the most of it.

*LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END**LEMON END*

THE END

(for real this time, only an Appendix left)