I turned, as did everyone in the Great Sept as the doors opened behind us, and in stepped Margaery Tyrell. She was dressed in an outstanding dress, showcasing the best, but not too much. Her hair was done uniquely, and extremely advanced, reaching several centimetres higher than it should, and it was littered with complicated and unique details.
Lord Mace Tyrell was leading her, through the opening between the Lords, we were split into 2 with a single walk-way in the middle. And he was smiling, as he always does.
And Mace led Margaery through us, as she smiled. Her eyes briefly catching mine, as I stood at the row closest to Joffrey, beside the Lannister host. And I could see her smile slightly, I don´t know whether it was in a greeting to me, or the prospect of her finally becoming Queen.
And as she passed me, she continued on as Mace Tyrell stepped aside as she began walking up the stairs, whereas Joffrey was standing, smiling as he always did, and his eyes lingered over her entire body, though he knew how to act and focused on her eyes.
But I saw it, and so did many other Lords, and Margaery. But she likely felt proud of it, and the other lords didn´t think much of it, for It wasn´t that unexpected, especially when you're King.
Robert certainly didn´t hold back in shouting tales of how he only cared for Cersei's body.
However, irrelevant to my thoughts, the pair began walking up to the Great Septon, and Margaery turned around, letting Joffrey bring his cloak around her shoulders, the golden colours of House Baratheon on the Green of House Tyrell.
Margaery no longer had the smirk which she had in the story, and when she smiled. And her smile were less.. manipulative of sorts. I believe the smile actually works in opposition to her, as it doesn't quite fit her gentle and caring mask, or perhaps she was truly gentle and caring, but her desire for Queenship overruled it.
However, Margaery then turned around, facing Joffrey before both of them stretched their hands out, and the High Septon wrapped a cloth around their outstretched hands.
"Let it be known, that Margaery of House Tyrell and Joffrey of Houses Lannister and Baratheon are one hearth, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder." The High Septon, as Margaery and Joffrey turned to us.
"With this kiss, I pledge my love." Joffrey said, and I saw Margaery´s hand shake for a slight second, which surprised me greatly. I guess she weren't as happy with marrying this beast, which made sort of sense. Seeing as how they assassinated him in the original, and perhaps the reason didn´t truly lie in their capability of manipulating him.
But with that, Margaery responded to Joffrey´s kiss, and all the visitors of the Great Sept began clapping, making the ceremony itself come to an end.
And with that, we began making our way towards the Marriage Party, or celebration. Which were to be held in the gardens.
The Lords made their way down in a crowd, walking through a protected road towards the Red Keep and into the Gardens, and as we reached it. I approached Olenna Tyrell, whom were standing still, awaiting someone.
Likely Tywin.
"Awaiting someone?" I asked her as I approached her.
"Oh no, dear. Just waiting for the opportunity to present itself" She said with a sly smile, and I smiled in return. A completely faked one, of course.
"Well, I fear it might have presented itself." I said, and she looked at me weirdly.
"Oh, and what opportunity do you bring?" She asked me, as I took her hand and we began walking through the gardens.
"The opportunity to not end our alliance." I said, and she didn´t even flinch, just continuing the walk.
"Oh, and why so? What have I done to earn the wrath of House Bracken?" Olenna asked.
"Manipulating Sansa Stark." I said, and she actually reacted at that, likely not expecting me to know.
**FLASHBACK**
I sneaked through the corridors of Maegors Keep, as I came upon the undisclosed room of meeting, Rodrick´s room.
And as I entered, he turned to me with a smile. He was peeking outside the door, likely having heard me approach. Nothing like the ears and instincts of a spy.
"Milord." He said, and I nodded.
"Rodrick, so you have the answer?" I asked, and he nodded excitedly.
"Aye, I got my best men on the task. And the results have come through." He said, grabbing a parchment and handing it to me, it likely included the details. But he still explained the general outcome.
"Multiple men of the Tyrell Faction have approached Lady Sansa and Ser Uyn these last days. And we've all marked them down." He said, as my eyes turned to the parchment. It included days, times, and the result. The expression of the included parties and other stuff.
"Margaery, Olenna and Ser Loras Tyrell have been having multiple meetings with Lady Stark and Ser Uyn. Especially Loras have been having heated conversations with Uyn, at least right after your return, but they became more peaceful as the days went. Meanwhile with Sansa, seeing as how both Olenna and Margaery had annoyed and angry expressions after their meetings with Sansa, we suspect they are seeing more success with Uyn, than Sansa." He said, and I sighed. It all made sense, they didn´t want me to outgrow their own strength. If I had gotten the North as well, I´d own 3 out of 9 regions.
And as said earlier, one is secluded, 2 is with the Lannisters, another is rebelling and the last is made up of pirates. Except the Dornish, they have no regions to ally with other than me and the Lannister.
And to trust a Dornishman, is to be a fool.
*******
Olenna didn´t immediately reply, so I spoke up instead.
"Do not think me foolish, I am aware of the food and monetary relief you're sending to some bordering Stormlands and Crownlands Houses, and I'm certain that the King wouldn't enjoy you. ´Poaching his second born´s region´" I said, and her eyes widened further.
"The reasoning behind our alliance was simply, to further our own interest and suppress the Lannisters. And Sansa is my interest, but you're suppressing it, not the Lannister." I said, and Olenna sighed.
My only advantage, currently. Was that I knew the future, and I didn´t play any underhand or hidden strategy, not any schemes, for I knew. That by just waiting, and playing in the open. Not fully committing, I´d win.
Which is why, I had next to no hidden moves. Except my cooks and certain establishments, and they weren't precisely a weakness, for most knew of them. And some were under Sansa, so for Olenna to attack them, would be leaving themselves open to a counter from me, via Sansa.
So, she had essentially lost this clash. But I knew, if her end wasn't coming soon. That It wouldn't be the end of her schemes.
"Very well, Lord Alexander. You have me unmatched, either you have no dirty play and you play the game like Eddard Stark, but better. Or you're extremely good at hiding it, but you have me beaten. I´ll retreat from your interests." She said, and at the same time. I saw Tywin coming from behind, and so with that we split off.
But I had achieved my ideal goal, so I wouldn't complain, now I just had 2 snakes to deal with.
Lord Baelish and Ser Uyn.
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