Stannis
"It's a pleasure to welcome you here Stannis, I bet you'll find this little gathering I've hosted... enjoyable." Renly said with a smug smile as he welcomed us.
It was hard to count how many men were gathered there, but I noticed all the banners of the Stormlands and the Reach. I also noticed the fact that Renly had addressed me only as 'Stannis' and not as His Grace.
I kept my cool, this was no time to lose my composure, not with so many eyes on us. I've swallowed such insults all my life, a few more hours would be nothing.
"I see lots of men enjoying themselves, a pleasant climate and the abundance to be found here is unparalleled, I admit. What I don't see are men preparing to fight a war, men ready to follow the true king of the Iron Throne."
"There will be time for that, Your Grace." Renly replied and the words sounded like a mockery on his lips. "Good to see you too Orryn, many stories of your escape from the capital are being told. How you valiantly escaped the clutches of the Kingslayer and killed Lancel Lannister, we'd like to hear your own voice tell it."
"If every bard who tells stories were in a real fight, there would certainly be very few heroes in those songs." Orryn answered seriously and I nodded in appreciation, the war wasn't a game and certainly not a joke.
"To my nephew, I hope there's still some salvation for you from this bad mood." Renly joked.
It was easy to see what they were planning. Young lords and ladies from the Reach and the Stormlands surrounded Orryn, while Renly directed me further and further inside and closer to the Tyrells at the raised table.
"Come on Orryn, I told you I'd introduce you to my little sister, didn't I?". Loras Tyrell joked as he tugged on Orryn's arm. "Heavens, where's your sister? It would be nice if she came with us too!".
Orryn kept a certain composure but I could see the smile almost forming on his lips at the whole situation. 'He likes this company, he likes the attention.
"Peace brother, the gods haven't made your gaze kill... yet." Renly joked as he sat down at the table, the seating arrangement seemed random... but he just wanted to insult me once again by not giving me the highest seat.
"I know what you're planning, in fact what your friends are planning, you wouldn't have the mind for it."
"Can you enlighten me, your wise highness, as to what I'm planning?".
"You'll support me if Orryn marries the girl, that's clear as day." I answered seriously and quickly, faster than I seemed capable of, an old wrinkle cracked like a whip.
"What's wrong with that? A beautiful wife, an army, food and money. Food that no longer reaches the capital because of this 'tournament' we're having to block the Rose Road."
The Queen of Thorns grumbled. "Now you want more of His Grace? I thought you were a man of low standards when it comes to what you get."
Renly held back a mocking laugh, almost, in fact. And I stared at the old woman, even as a young servant poured me a glass of wine. I didn't even move to drink.
"My point is, I know what you want, but what does my brother want? What do you get out of it Renly? Apart from your darling roses strangling me in my sleep, you get absolutely nothing."
Shaking his head, Renly smiled. "You're too stubborn brother, you can't accept change, you can't accept the help offered at so little cost. You're the kind of man who will do things your way or fail miserably without trying a new path."
"You say that as if you don't remember what we went through at the hands of those same
lords who follow you here." I said through clenched teeth and with my arm pointing to the hall in front of us. "You won't find mercy from me, you won't find friendship, you won't find benefits".
"I'll tell you something, brother... I remember the rats we used to eat. I remember crying for Robert and saying that I hated you for putting us through that, do you remember what your answer was?".
I pressed my lips together and didn't answer, but of course I remembered those days, I remembered everything that had happened, every little thing that had happened.
But Renly continued. "You fought with Robert when he returned to call for the banners, you didn't want to break your duty to the Iron Throne, you didn't want to be a rebel, but you did it anyway. You endured that siege and made it look as if it was easy for me, and when I refused to eat, when I said I hated you, you grabbed me hard by the shoulders and shouted at me...".
"How kind of him." Lady Ollenna giggled.
"That's enough, I know what I told you back then". I answered a little too quietly, almost in a whisper.
"For I'm curious as to know what juice of wisdom gushed from His Grace's mouth to make such a mark on young Renly." Lady Ollenna said with another chuckle.
"You said...". Renly cleared his throat. "Eat the damn rats, complain to Robert afterwards if you want, but eat this to live, hate me if you have to, but live to do it! Do what must be done Renly!".
Silence fell over the three of us and I gritted my teeth again when the old woman spoke. "Do what you have to do, Your Grace, or you'll never get your rightful throne out of the hands of the traitorous Lannisters."
"A position on the small council...". I said briefly.
"A position on the small council is a good start, along with a member of the Royal Guard and you know what, don't you?"
I gritted my teeth so loudly that a ringing sounded in my ears. "Stannis... you know what to do... just nod if you agree, you don't have to say much." Renly said it seriously, but he was mocking me once again, he thought I was simple.
I nodded after that, it was a stiff, unwilling nod, but I nodded. "They may have all that… but Orryn and Margaery only get married in the Great Sept of Baelor at 16 name days, not a day less."
"Logically, after you've won the Iron Throne, I see... the engagement will be made during the tournament, what do you think? We can announce it during the banquet."
"Any occasion is good for me".
"Good heavens, Stannis, it's your son's engagement! Make a spectacle of it! He is a prince after all!" Renly said scoldingly and I got up from my chair, tired of it all.
"Tell my wife your preparations, she'll know what to do, she'll probably help."
"And you, your grace, where are you going?". The Queen of Thorns asked.
"I'm going to pick up my son and make my preparations. We have a war ahead of us, and I intend to win."
Margaery
All the laughter came from some simple joke about some young man showing off in the wrong way. Some comment that I only half-heard, but laughed at all the same.
'Surrounded by clucking chickens, that's what Grandma would say'.
Some young knights, heirs, second and third sons, all surrounding Prince Orryn. Even with discreet glances I could see the way he responded to everyone politely, but it was a forced act. 'He doesn't know how to charm them all, he doesn't know how to play the part he's in.
'Just like her...'. I thought again as I looked at the black-haired girl sitting with us. Quiet and with her gaze downcast, the only thing she probably wanted to do was hide, or run away like the Stark girl did.
"It's a nice dress, darling, the black and yellow matches your blue eyes." I spoke in a friendly way and Shireen bristled like a frightened cat.
"Thank you, your hairstyle is also very nice Lady Margaery." She said in a low voice, a ready response.
"I can do it on you right now!". I offered, patting the seat next to me.
"Don't worry about it Lady Margaery, I don't want to bother you."
"Nonsense, come here and tell me about that book you were reading while I was braiding your beautiful black hair!". I said kindly and the girl sat down next to me.
Shireen's black hair was really beautiful and well groomed. The hairstyle was simple, as was the dress she had complimented a moment ago, but well done.
Simple was perhaps the word for it. Her ears were rather large due to the Florent blood and the square jaw of His Grace, Stannis Baratheon, was also present.
Shireen wasn't ugly, she just wasn't beautiful, and maybe when she was older she would have some charm if she put a haughty look on her face.
Elinor, my faithful cousin, began to help me braid Shireen's full hair. "Your eyes are so beautiful, princess, they're a very deep, dark blue." She complimented.
"It's the same color as my father's and Orryn's eyes, but different from Uncle Robert's and Uncle Renly's."
"Would the prince allow me to look deep into his eyes? Just to notice the difference, of course."
"Elinor!" I said in false shock. "For heaven's sake, you're engaged!".
"I just said I'd like to look, just as I'd like to look at his muscles under that armor." Elinor said once again with a teasing smile.
Shireen cringed uncomfortably after hearing these jokes. She was young and not used to this kind of talk yet.
"It looks like Septon Nysterica is going to have to give you a few more lectures." I joked before turning back to the girl. "Now if I remember correctly, you didn't tell me about this beautiful blue-covered book that you carry everywhere."
If before she had cringed, at the mention of his book she quickly perked up. "It's the stories of the heroes of the Jade Sea, it was Orryn's gift to me. I love reading them with Arya and we always imagine the story afterwards."
"I can see that you're a very creative girl, so I'd like to hear some of those stories one day, and not just the ones about the Jade Sea."
"I know a lot of them, I never forget anything I've read." She said proudly.
"Here, it's ready, dear." Elinor said with a smile and a mirror was handed to her so that she could see the result.
Shireen's eyes widened. "It's very nice, thank you!".
"We'll have time to teach you how to do a hairstyle like that too." I smiled and took her by the hand. "But I think we should add some flowers to make it complete, what do you think Elinor?".
"Of course! Come on, let's go pick flowers with the princess!". Elinor waved and all the ladies accompanying us stood up, leading the no longer so withdrawn young woman with them.
The other young people, like bees attracted to flowers, began to head for the garden and finally the golden opportunity appeared. Loras got me a moment with the prince.
"Sorry to interrupt my prince, I wish I could have a word with you alone." I said, biting my lower lip.
Orryn Baratheon was tall, certainly as tall as his father and uncles, and was beginning to have strong lean muscles. Even though he wasn't particularly handsome like Renly, his square jaw and the scar on his nose gave him a serious air, a rustic air that was somehow charming if you looked closely.
"I don't think it's appropriate Lady Margaery, people might take it the wrong way." He gave me a polite reply. 'You stole a quick glance at my cleavage, but you weren't moved'.
Loras, always ready and helpful, stepped forward. "I'll be here Orryn, no one will say anything if I'm here. Just far enough away for them to have privacy in their words." He said, patting the shoulder of Orryn's armor.
The king and prince had come in full armor, almost prepared for war, I would say. The simple, undecorated steel plates suited him, as did the silver diadem in his black hair, just a smooth, shiny ring.
We sat down on a bench, Loras was far away, more preventing anyone from entering than trying not to overhear the conversation.
The silence between us was a little heavy and I sighed. "You must know we're getting married... right?".
"Yes Lady Margaery, I have been informed of the arrangements by my father. I intend to honor you as I should." Orryn said sympathetically but somewhat stiffly.
"I'm scared...". I said quietly as I looked at the floor and put my hand on his arm. "Afraid of the war to come, afraid that something bad might happen to someone I love... afraid of marrying someone I hardly know."
Orryn's hand was big, or at least bigger than mine. She already had calluses from working in the training yard and, according to Loras, at sea handling a ship. Looking closer, it was possible to see a certain tan on his face.
"I understand your fears Lady Margaery and know that I see a lot of courage in your words." Orryn told me in a gentler way than I had expected.
"Am I brave for being afraid of my prince?".
"A wise man once said that when you're afraid, it's the only time you can be brave." He told me with a smile. A rather strange smile, Orryn doesn't seem to have been made for smiling.
"I hope to have that courage in the challenges to come... many of them we'll face together, I suppose."
"We'll face it together... and know that I intend to always have your wise counsel during these difficult times. As for not knowing me... not loving me... that matters now, but time will fix that with effort and dedication on both sides, that's what I've heard."
"From another great sage?".
"From a great man but not a great sage. I heard that from Lord Eddard Stark". Orryn replied rather sadly, 'He does have a fondness for the man'.
"Are you going to compete in the tournament tomorrow?".
"I intend to test myself, although I'm not really a knight".
"Then take my favor with you, as proof of my intentions to you." I handed him a green ribbon with the Tyrell Rose embroidered on it.
"Thank you my lady I'll use your favor and when I introduce myself for the first time, I'll make sure to show it to everyone."
"Won't you promise me the crown of Queen of Love and Beauty?". I asked with a raised eyebrow and a little surprise.
"I have a habit of only promising what I can deliver." Orryn replied a little amused, and this time his smile was much nicer. "I won't win this tournament, I'm sure of it."
I laughed lightly and stood up. "Thank you for your sincerity, my prince."
"I appreciate the conversation Lady Margaery." Orryn replied, kissing my hand.
I walked away slowly, glanced back as I was about to leave and Orryn was still standing there staring, straight as a board and his hands behind his back.
With everything I'd done today, I still had one last appointment. A 'tea' with my grandmother and my mother.
I walked through the corridors and entered the room reserved for us without even stopping, the guards already knew I was coming. I sat in the seat opposite grandma and next to my mother.
I haven't spoken since I came in, I just took a cup that was ready for me and served myself a piece of cake.
"I think everything went well enough. Did you manage to charm the prince?". Mom asked me softly and I smiled without answering.
"She wants to know if he can't stand the sight of you in a dress." Grandma finished as I knew she would.
"No, not that. He casts a few discreet glances, it's true, but he can control himself very well."
"A Baratheon with self-control? It's the end of times, I tell you". Grandma scoffed. "But did you manage to get close?". Mother insisted.
"Yes, both him and the princess. Loras' tips were accurate."
"Tell me about the girl." Grandma cut her off by tapping her cane on the floor.
"Intelligent but not very cleaver. She lacks the proper training for everyday court life, but that may be due to her age. We have to be careful who she marries, or who she makes friends with. Orryn holds his sister in high esteem and if she brings up the idea, he will certainly listen."
"She's shy from what I've seen, maybe she'd be a good match for Alla." Mom commented and I nodded in agreement.
"That's what I thought, Elinor is already trying to get Alla as close to her as possible now, the Stark girl could be a problem."
"And the big problem now is teaching the boy where to put his dick, believe me darling, some men don't learn that after a lifetime."
"I was thinking something... it's pathetic really."
"What dear?" Mom asked, putting her hand next to mine.
"His Grace, if we can call him that, has raised two intelligent and capable children. Orryn is what most young people dream of being, and Shireen, although not a beauty, will in time make a good marriage." I said before taking another sip of tea to wet my throat. "But Loras had already warned me about something... living the way they did in Dragonstone, isolated and with the parents they have, must have been lonely."
"A man, no matter how hard and inflexible, can be bent by the right woman behind the doors of a bedroom." That was my mother's advice, good advice actually.
"They want friends... Orryn and Shireen. They're desperate for that and that's what I tested today. I didn't try to seduce him, just make myself his friend, someone who's in an arranged marriage just like him, someone he can relate to."
"As you say... pathetic then." Grandma said laughing. Grandma said laughing. "If he doesn't want to disgrace you, don't force it, it could only bring problems to our family. Be his friend, don't rush the wedding, if the sourpuss wants the wedding only after he takes the throne, then he'll have it, or so he thinks."
"Is there something I should know, Grandma?" I asked a little curiously, plans could have changed.
"No, at least not yet, plans like that only work when few people know about them. And as your father used to say to pretend he knew something about war, 'no plan survives contact with the enemy', it's a good saying."
"Yeah, that's a good saying." I smiled before returning to my tea as if nothing important had happened that day.