Queen of Thorns

“I do not think that her asylum comes free, no matter how much they care for their Targaryens.” They would want something in return, it was the way of the world. Doran Martell had two sons. “Very brave, yes, or very foolish. She had nothing there–no Queensguard, no army, merely a hood for her hair and Ser Mormont beside her. Had Hardyng discovered her, he might have had her head.” Margaery did admire the Dragon Queen’s boldness, though it was begrudgingly. She never would have done something like that herself. “She looks to take her children and her throne back, as we might have expected. Dorne will help her.” She paused, and added: “she’s looking for other allies, as well.”

“No, of course not. Asylum is never free, my dear.” She agreed. She wondered what exactly the Dornishmen asked for in return. She thought of Quentyn and Trystane in particular. She listened, a frown settling on her lips. “A hood for her hair and Ser Mormont? Gods, I’m very supportive of brave young women, but surely a Queen such as herself knows better?” She rolled her eyes. They didn’t need another Targaryen who’s boldness rivaled the fire for which they drew their strength. She nodded, “Of course she is. She will be met with disapproval from Hardyng, of course, and Stannis as well.” She sighed. “Have I told you I’m very bored with all this Targaryen nonsense? You would think at this point one of them would give us something different, but it’s the same dance every time.” She sighed. Of course, the dragons themselves changed, but it all came back to the same thing: the throne is mine. Then, she couldn’t truly fault the dragons. It was the same song everyone sang. “Your husband will never agree to such an alliance.” She mused, reaching for her tea. “But we’ve supported the Targaryen’s before.” She considered. Renly wouldn’t go for it, and neither would Olenna without the proper reasons. “Do you believe she’ll stop at that, my dear? Reclaim her dragons, and her throne, and be content?” She questioned. Olenna knew the Targaryen girl needed allies, but she seriously doubted she could be persuaded to the woman’s cause. She didn’t trust she wouldn’t want more, and Olenna would do anything to protect Margaery’s crown. 

“I believe that he is not  a man that any house should anger.” Three dragons was something that Dontin did not like to think about or of how their new king would unleash them if he were angered or threatened. “As for liking him, I will tolerate him.”

Olenna laughed, “Tolerate him,” She agreed, giving a nod. “I seem to tolerate more and more individuals these days.” She sighed, drinking more of the wine, finishing it He was one of them. She tolerated his behavior, tolerated his relationship. She considered informing him of her knowledge, but decided against it. It wasn’t the right time, and Olenna was very good at being patient. She stood, giving him a smile. “It has been a wonderful visit, my dear. I do hope we’ll speak again shortly.” 

lord-onion:

“Robert was fueled by many things.” Every one of them not good for him and what helped put him in his grave. Fueled many things but never anything good for the Kingdom or himself. If Robert had listened to any of his Hand’s then he would still be alive. “Thank the Gods that there are no dragon riders. I thought the young Queen might have been but she seemed more interested in letting her dragons fly around with nothing to hold them back.” Of course, he knew the history of his house. “I was told that Robert bore some resemblances to Orys,” he thought he might share a look given how often people told him that he looked like a young Robert. “His anger was never at the dragons and the whole seven Kingdoms knows that.” Renly noticed the frown and knew this conversation would not be an easy one or one that he could charm his way out of. “Highgarden does please me. When I was Lord of Storm’s End it was my second home. It is time I spend time in my other Kingdom and establish it as the seat of my house.”

Olenna smirked. The young king wasn’t wrong. Robert was more foolish than Renly, but she wouldn’t deny that he’d been quite the warrior, not that she or her family had supported him during his rebellion. She wasn’t above seeing the ability of the other side. It was foolish not to, and Olenna was not foolish. Olenna thought it was interesting, his calm with Harrold. He wasn’t a dragonrider, no, and Daenerys didn’t seem to be one either, but the Targaryen’s had learned before, hadn’t they? Or were the Valyrian’s just naturally capable of such things? She doubted it. She’d never given much value to such magical words. Madness, on the other hand, that she could believe came naturally with the silverhaired family. “Perhaps in appearance.” Olenna remarked. She ignored his comment about dragons, more interested in the move. “And that’s all? It’s time to establish the seat of your house?” She asked, not believing that was his only intention in the least.

        Lady Olenna. Sansa had not expected to see the Queen of Thorns and so stood up as soon as she heard the voice of the Tyrell matriarch and smoothed her dress with her hands before standing up straight. “It is lovely to see you, my lady,” she answered with a neutral smile. “I am very well, thank you for asking, how are you?” 

Olenna smiled in response. Sansa was a beautiful young girl, she’d give her that. She had her mother’s looks. “Thank you, my dear. It’s very lovely to see you as well. I’m quite alright, you take what you can get at my age.” She laughed. “Days like this are welcome, they’re not nearly as difficult on these old hips. You can blame Mace for that one, his fat head ruined those.” She commented. She could have held her tongue, instead of making comments about her son, but she wasn’t the type, and she wanted Sansa to see her as she was. “Would you perhaps enjoy an afternoon and tea with me, your grace?” She asked. 

Margaery moved to join her Grandmother where she sat, and returned the smirk with one of her own. “Renly has always had a fondness for bright colors and pretty displays.” It did help to explain his attraction to Loras, at the very least. The Queen did not dabble long on pleasantries, as she knew her Grandmother was as disinterested in them as she was. “Daenerys Targaryen was at the coronation,” she stated plainly, “and is receiving asylum in Dorne.”

Olenna smirked, enjoying their banter regarding the King. She hadn’t tried to hide her distaste for their pretty king. He was foolish, and seemed to care little for duty, which infuriated the Tyrell matriarch. Her interest was quickly shifted to the Dragon Queen. A smile spread across her lips. “Is that so? Dorne has seemed to always find ways to achieve peace with dragons, haven’t they?” She mused. The marriage between Elia and Rhaegar was just one example. There was of course others. “She is a brave woman, to attend the coronation. I trust you spoke with her then, go on.” 

“I am a young man, my lady,” Dontin had attempted to explain and cover up such lies. “I have all the time in the world and for now, my broth is my heir.” Though Connin would be furious at such plans, Dontin cared little for this and only cared for his house above all. “Tell me, my lady, perhaps you could tell me of what you think of our new king?”

Olenna nodded, “Yes, you are a young man.” It was a foolish excuse. Young men enjoyed the warm beds shared with women. She had no intention of informing him of her knowledge of who’s bed he shared, so she let the excuse hold. She smiled, “Our new king.” She smirked. “He looks so pretty in a crown. A pretty young king with a grand kingdom, a powerful keep, and dragons. The women will flock to him by the dozens. I am unconvinced thus far of his ability to rule, it is too early to tell.” She smiled. It wasn’t. “Do you like our new king, hm?”

lord-onion:

“I was only a boy of three when that happened with Robert, Lyanna and Rhaegar so my thoughts on the matter do not mean anything. Only a few rare times I heard his drunken ramblings and when he was sober, I heard them fueled by anger. I know that anyone with even a similar name to Targaryen caused Robert to anger and distrust them. If he knew that his brothers put one on a throne he’d kill us and her.” Of that, Renly had no doubt. “Who hasn’t? The maesters told me of them as a child.” Just as they were with his own son. He wondered how long it would take for her to find out but this was not a conversation he wanted to have. “Your great-grandson tells you right. I am planning to move with my wife, son and guard.” No one else.

Olenna listened to him, realizing yet again how young the king was. He wasn’t nearly as young as some had been, but young enough. “I wouldn’t doubt your words, your grace. Your brother was a man fueled by emotion.” And his groin. If only Renly enjoyed women as much as Robert, perhaps Margaery would have many children. “Of course they did. It is a grand story, isn’t it? Incredible dragon riders, conquering what had yet to be conquered. Why, the founding of your house itself is interesting enough. The Storm Queen and Orys.” She smiled, “Your brother may not have been the most wonderful person in your life, your grace, but his anger toward Targaryens is not unprecedented. Dragons are dangerous beasts.” She mused, but let the conversation fade some, in exchange for more interest in the move. She frowned, clearly not pleased with him. Her grandson, her granddaughter, and her great-grandson pulled away from her and sent to live at Casterly Rock. “Does Highgarden not please you, my dear?”

❅ open starter

Olenna moved to stand near Sansa. She carefully plucked an herb from the ground, offering it to her. “How lovely it is to see you again.” She smiled, making sure it was a warm smile. She wanted to gauge how much thought she’d given to her suitors. “Are you well, Sansa?” She asked.

Though she had no intention to make it her permanent home, she would admit that the work Renly had done to Casterly Rock was impressive. Where red and gold had once been the dominating color scheme, green and gold replaced it. And where lions had once touched every corner, stags replaced them. Were her mind not abuzz with matters of greater importance, she might have had a better chance to appreciate the shift–but for the sake of the company that had wandered into the hall she occupied, she spoke as if she had no thoughts other than the change in decor. “It’s such an impressive job, isn’t it?” She chirped with a smile, “were it not for the name, you might not know what keep you stood in.”

Olenna scoffed. No matter what pretty changes Renly did, it was still Casterly Rock. This was still the Lion’s Den, and not where she wanted her granddaughter to move to. “Of course not. The changes are remarkable. Green and gold suit these walls.” She mused, moving to sit. She knew Margaery and herself had much to speak of, outside of the changes made to Casterly Rock. “Your husband has a keen eye for decorating, who knew?” She smirked. 

Dontin knew the truth, the only time that Margaery and Renly had tried to conceive a child was fourteen years ago, and that turned out to be successful on their first time it seemed. Even though they had lay together, Dontin knew that there was no chance that Joseph was his, he knew Margaery drank Moon Tea, though he did not know who she had got it from. A queen in need of a tea as such as that would only cause more questions. “I am not looking, no woman had yet caught my eye and I would not want to put one through a loveless marriage.” Dontin tried to explain, but he knew Olenna and knew she would not have any of it. “Gallant as he is, his injuries do not make him a viable match for Sansa.” He did not mean to offend but if she was going to be blunt then he could return the favour. “Arya is technically a princess, but more suited to man such are your grandson.”

Olenna raised a brow, “Not looking, very well. As you wish.” She let it drop, though that didn’t mean she’d stop considering suitable matches for him. Margaery was not an option, and with Renly being the way he was lately, she worried deeply about the potential for an heir. More suited, Olenna thought, because she too is injured? They certainly weren’t more suited for one another in personality. He didn’t want to put a woman through a loveless marriage, but thought it fine to place Arya in one? Of course, Willas could come to love Arya, but she would not fit among the roses as Sansa would. She lifted her wine to her lips, watching him as she did, and slowly set it down. “Perhaps you’re correct.” 

Renly let Olenna take his arm. He did not mind her taking it since they were family now. “He would have tried to have her killed before she even stepped on the ship back here. I think he went to his death still hating the Targaryen’s for Lyanna. I don’t blame him, she was probably the only woman he ever loved.” Still, his brother was not faithful to her despite that love and Mya Stone was proof of that. “My tutors did not have much to say about dragons or men controlling them other then they died. I thought it was a lovely ceremony, Harrold suits the crown on his head.”

Olenna nodded, “Oh, I’m certain he would never find it in his heart to forgive the Targaryen’s. It is a shame, the business with Lyanna and Rhaegar.” She agreed. She didn’t think Robert truly loved anyone, lust would be the word she’d use. Lust and pride over losing her. “They died, it’s true. Though I’m sure you’ve heard stories of Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters?” She mused. It worried her deeply, Harrold and his dragons. She didn’t trust him for one moment. “Oh certainly.” She let the topic drop quickly. “My great grandson tells me you’re intending to move?” She began, wanting to speak with him on the subject.

lord-onion:

“I am not disagreeing.” Dontin smiled, as charming as the Baratheon prince was, he was as stubborn as his father which was still undecided if that was a positive thing for a king to have. Dontin kept quiet on the subject of Margaery’s lack of children, but it was hard to conceive a child when a woman’s husband was more interested in lying with her brother, as the rumours had suggested. “I understand your concern, I’m sure Margaery and Renly are trying for another child.” Even Dontin did not believe the words that came out of his mouth, hardly anyone would. Dontin almost choked on his wine at Olenna’s question of his preference. “No my lady, I am only in women and have never lay with a man, nor do I ever intend too.” Dontin knew men who did prefer the company of others and he did not judge, how could he when his own situation was as dire as any could be. “Willas is a kind man and Arya Stark is a woman now, Sansa will marry a prince or king but Arya Stark is not a princess, no matter what title she holds.”

Olenna smirked, pleased that he wasn’t disagreeing with her. It would be unwise for him. “Of course they’re trying for another child.” She rolled her eyes, annoyed with the struggle Margaery was having. “But women have a certain amount of time in which they can bear children, and it seems our sweet King has neglected such concerns.” She scoffed. She nodded, “I see. Well, I will certainly be looking for you. You’re a handsome young man, I am certain we can find you a suitable wife.” She promised, knowing full well Dontin had his eyes on Margaery and Margaery alone. “Arya Stark is not a princess, no matter what title she holds.” Olenna repeated, nodding, “Mhmm, and you do not believe Willas would be happy with a princess? My grandson is a very gallant man, surely he and Sansa would be very happy together.” She added.