Tyrion stayed in the tower until sunset before making his way back to the Tower of the Hand.
"Brother, leave King's Landing with me," Tyrion said, anxiety weighing down his voice. "Once Father and I are gone, this place will fall into chaos."
"I can't abandon Cersei." Jaime shook his head. "This is my duty. I am Kingsguard."
Sometimes Tyrion thought Jaime was pitiful—the finest swordsman in the Seven Kingdoms, yet chained to a whore. Kingsguard. Look at the kings you've sworn to protect: Aerys II, Aerys III… who's next? Queen Aerys IV?
The two cheerful Lannister boys embraced, clasped hands, shared a laugh, and went their separate ways.
Tyrion stayed in the Tower of the Hand, sorting through letters until deep into the night, when another visitor arrived.
Podrick brought someone draped in black gauze into the tower. No shape or face could be seen until they stepped into the study. In the candlelight, she became clear—Margaery Tyrell, like a black rose.
"My grandmother and father didn't send me. I came on my own," Margaery said with a small bow. "No one saw me."
Since Varys's disappearance, secrets had multiplied in the Red Keep. The little birds seemed to have flown away.
"It's far too late for this. Quite improper," Tyrion said with a frown, though he still let her into the study. "What does the Queen wish to discuss?"
"I've come to seek your help."
"My answer is still no."
"You're not afraid the alliance between Highgarden and Casterly Rock will crumble?" Margaery paused. "We could align with Dorne…"
"Yes, mend centuries of hatred and watch House Hightower and House Tarly abandon you." She's threatening me? Tyrion thought. "And who would you marry then? Quentyn Martell? Forgive my bluntness, but rumor has it his wits fall short of Podrick's, not to mention his looks or grace."
"Or perhaps your brother could wed Arianne Martell? Though from your grandmother's perspective, Dornish women are all whores unworthy of Highgarden's heir and his little… flaw." Margaery faltered, and Tyrion continued, "I trust your brother's little difficulty won't trouble him in bed. Dornish women aren't so easily satisfied." He knew that from experience.
"The alliance between Highgarden and Casterly Rock won't break. We're on the same ship. Trying to scare me with that is foolish." Tyrion's words flowed easily. "Clearly your grandmother didn't send you—she'd never have you threaten me like this."
"Let the king die. Take me away. Take me and run from here." Suddenly Margaery seized Tyrion's hand. "You haven't consummated your marriage with Sansa. An unconsummated marriage is incomplete—easily annulled. I can be your wife. If you prefer Sansa, let her be your Paramour. I won't be jealous. I'll follow you anywhere. Highgarden and Casterly Rock will remain strong."
Tyrion pulled his hand free. Whatever pity he had vanished, leaving only disgust. "As I see it, Sansa can be my wife, and you can be my Paramour. How about that?"
"What am I supposed to do… what am I supposed to do…"
Margaery lowered her head and quietly rolled up her sleeves. Bruises and marks covered her skin—unmistakable symbols of royal authority. Cersei had endured Robert's blows, no doubt, but this was nothing like what Joffrey inflicted on Margaery.
"I could slap Joffrey twice and tell him to stop hurting you," Tyrion said. "Did Ser Loras not see these?"
"I always wear long gowns so he won't," Margaery said. "If he saw them, he'd cause a scene. It's only a matter of time."
"Kill the little bastard. I won't take part, but I'll make sure to look the other way," Tyrion said. "Let Tommen take the throne. He's a good boy."
"You said Cersei would never let me marry Tommen."
"Correct." Tyrion frowned. This woman was still chasing power? "And I told you—the best way is to bear Joffrey's child. Then you rule as regent."
Why chase the empty title of queen? The most powerful woman is the Queen Mother.
"You know perfectly well that Joffrey…"
"I know nothing," Tyrion said flatly. "If it's true, maybe you could try producing one for our king, then stuff it in with hard bread and—"
Smack!
Margaery struck him across the face.
"You shameless… bastard…" The Highgarden rose trembled with fury. "How dare you toy with me like this, you devil…"
Tyrion looked at her coldly. Then she broke, covering her face as sobs shook her shoulders.
"If only Renly hadn't died at Storm's End," Tyrion sighed. "He had the look of a king. I think he would've treated you well."
"Renly?" Margaery shook her head with a long, weary sigh. "Yes, he had a king's bearing. But he wasn't the one who loved me…"
"He preferred men?" Tyrion asked. "So the rumors are true?"
"I'm not talking about his little preferences." Margaery shook her head. "Do you know he once suggested I become Robert Baratheon's Paramour? Said it would weaken the Lannisters' influence at court."
"Horrifying. A man without poison isn't a man," Tyrion muttered. "Tommen is a good boy, but I won't convince my sister. And Father… can't do it anymore."
"Yes, Tommen is a good boy," Margaery echoed. "Look at the men I've had—Renly, Joffrey, Tommen. I want a real man."
"Well, the closest thing we've had to a real man on the throne was Robert," Tyrion said with a cold smile. "And look what became of the kingdom. In my view, Robert drained the next few kings dry of their ability to produce heirs."
"Grandmother is leaving King's Landing soon, returning to Highgarden. No one can help me but me. My plan… it's my own, and only we know of it." Margaery stepped closer. "Only you can help me. You promised Grandmother you would extend your hand to me, that you would help me."
"Stop dreaming. I won't take part in Kingslaying, and I won't spirit you away." Tyrion's tone allowed no discussion. He stood and walked to the window, turning his back on her. "Those two things are impossible. Everything else, I'll help with as best I can."
"No. I don't need you to do those things. I won't let you take anyone's life." Margaery's voice came closer. "You're right. I should become Queen Dowager, like Cersei."
No… could it be—
Tyrion spun around. Under Margaery's gauze, she wore nothing at all. In the candlelight she stood before him like… a Lustful Demon.
"You'll give me a child."