chapter 112 part 1
Chapter 112: Growing Strong (End)
King's Landing, morning.
Inside the spacious carriage, after listening to the squire's report, Olenna Tyrell looked towards Mace Tyrell and Margaery Tyrell.
Lord Mace was first shocked, then a hint of delight appeared on his face.
Margaery frowned. Noticing her grandmother's gaze, she looked over.
Lady Olenna said kindly, "Margaery, what are you thinking?"
Margaery curled a finger and replied, "Grandmother, I feel this is too much of a coincidence. As far as I know, although Lord Jon Arryn's health hadn't been improving, his condition wasn't that severe. At least, he shouldn't have passed away so suddenly."
Lord Mace stroked his beard and interjected, "After all, he has been seriously ill for a long time. It isn't too surprising. One could even say it's the mercy of the gods."
During the rebellion, House Tyrell was among the last to surrender. Since then, they had been excluded from the Red Keep by the Small Council, led by Lord Jon Arryn.
As the head of the Golden Rose, Lord Mace naturally had no love for Hand of the King Jon.
This time, he had come to King's Landing as a candidate for the Hand, set to first serve as an advisor to the Hand of the King.
An advisor to the Hand answers only to the Hand himself and cannot attend the Small Council. Lord Mace was, of course, not satisfied with this.
Now, just as he entered King's Landing, he heard the news of Jon's death. This meant he could potentially be appointed Hand of the King directly.
To him, Lord Jon Arryn was both a nuisance and an obstacle.
Lord Mace felt that the gods were watching over him. The joy he felt now was twofold.
Lady Olenna looked at her oafish son, who thought himself so clever, and wished she could crack open his fat head with a stick.
Lady Olenna took a breath to compose herself before speaking. "Lord Oaf, this is not good news for you. King Robert and Hand Jon were very close. He was one of the few people who could directly influence the King's decisions."
"Lord Jon Arryn's heir is still a child. He would surely need more allies to ensure his heir could smoothly inherit The Vale and protect their House. I, this old woman, was planning to use this as leverage to broker a deal between the Golden Rose and the Vale of Arryn, to have him directly recommend you to the King as the next Hand of the King."
"This was originally the simplest and most direct method. Now that Lord Jon Arryn has suddenly passed away, who am I supposed to make a deal with to put this wild boar of yours directly into the Hand's seat?"
After hearing his mother's analysis, Lord Mace's good mood instantly vanished.
Margaery patted Lord Mace's large hand reassuringly. "Father, don't worry. Your chances are still the highest."
Lord Mace patted Margaery's small hand in return, then asked uneasily, "Mother, what should we do next?"
After a pause, Olenna said, "When we arrive, Margaery and I will get out of the carriage first. You go directly to the Sept. Express your condolences, and make an appearance before everyone. You must let everyone know you have arrived."
Margaery asked Olenna, "Grandmother, should I accompany Father?"
Olenna waved her hand dismissively. "When it comes to putting on a false front for a crowd, our Lord Mace is the most skilled."
Although it was laced with sarcasm, it was rare praise from his mother, and Lord Mace laughed heartily.
Seeing her father's proud expression and her grandmother's look of disgust, Margaery couldn't help but laugh.
In the end, Olenna was so exasperated by her son's thick skin that she found herself laughing through her anger.
...
King's Landing, the Tyrell manse.
In the afternoon, Margaery was summoned to the garden by Lady Olenna.
Seeing Margaery approach, lifting the hem of her skirt, Olenna showed a trace of affection. The sight of Margaery always reminded her of her younger self.
"Grandmother," Margaery said as she sat down opposite Olenna.
Olenna gazed at the flowerbeds and said, "The same variety of roses, given the same amount of time. In Highgarden, they would have long been in full bloom. Here in King's Landing, they are mere buds."
Margaery's beautiful eyes shifted slightly. She understood the hidden meaning in Olenna's words.
"Margaery, the people you dealt with back home were either family or vassals. King's Landing, however, is completely different from the Highgarden you know. This city is filled with all sorts of conspiracies, and many wicked men like that little fellow."
Margaery nodded slightly. She always listened intently to her grandmother's lessons.
"Only a continuous supply of fresh nutrients can keep the Golden Rose growing strong. This is also why your father values King's Landing."
"As long as the Iron Throne rests here, King's Landing is the center of the Seven Kingdoms, and the Small Council is a place our House cannot avoid."
"The Red Keep has its own rules. The game of thrones here is far more brutal. What you must do is grasp the rules of power here as quickly as possible. This is very important for your future."
"I understand, Grandmother."
Olenna's smile was gentle. "Don't be too nervous. The Golden Rose is behind you; no one would dare challenge us head-on. But don't be too guarded, either. Just think of it as this old woman bringing her granddaughter out to play. Your task is simply to watch and learn."
Margaery nodded, then said, "Grandmother, my brother Loras..."
Olenna shook her head slightly. "Don't bother him. He is Renly's squire, but more importantly, he is a member of House Tyrell. For now, I am indulging his friendship."
"Only Renly would be so bold as to treat House Tyrell as his vassal simply because he has gained Loras's friendship. To call him naive would be a compliment."
"If he wants the support of House Tyrell, our demand is very simple: present my granddaughter with a queen's crown. When that day comes, this old woman will gladly lead his horse for him."
Margaery had been listening intently, but at the end, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and smile.
"Grandmother, rest assured. I trust my brother. He will always be our family."
Olenna nodded slightly. "Therefore, whatever he wants to do now, we shall not interfere. That friendship is also a link between our two houses. The Golden Rose will not relinquish any initiative."
A bright light flashed in Margaery's eyes. "I understand, Grandmother!"
"Our Lord Mace will be busy for a while and won't need our assistance. Some matters are better handled by us women. We need to meet with Queen Cersei as soon as possible."
...
...
Winterfell, the lord's bedchamber.
*Knock, knock.* The sound of knocking interrupted Eddard Stark's thoughts.
"My lord, Maester Luwin is outside. He says there is an urgent matter."
Lord Eddard glanced at his wife, who had been startled awake, and frowned. His voice was low. "I gave instructions that no one was to disturb us."
Today, they had received a raven with the news of Hand Jon's passing. His wife had only just managed to fall asleep, very late.