Stannis's first Small Council meeting as King devolved into an argument, which was exactly what he didn't want.
The King's Men and the Queen's Men were debating fiercely, faces red and voices loud.
Axel Florent, representing the Queen's Men, denounced the Faith of the Seven as false gods.
Davos, leading the King's Men, argued that burning the statues was blasphemy.
"When I lived in Flea Bottom, sailors like me went to the Sept at least once a week. My wife went three times a week and prayed daily at home," Davos argued passionately. "Your Grace, the Seven mean everything to the common folk. Burning their statues is absolutely unacceptable!"
But the Queen's Men fired back.
"Where were the Seven when Your Grace took the city? Where were the Seven when Lord Eddard Stark was falsely accused and beheaded?
"It is precisely because the Seven are false that the Lord of Light sent Lord Stark south to aid His Grace. Otherwise, we wouldn't even be safe on Dragonstone right now!
"The people of King's Landing—and all Seven Kingdoms—must eventually accept that R'hllor is the one true god!" Axel shouted, spittle flying. He made a pragmatic point, referring to Jon as "Lord Stark."
The conversation naturally drifted toward Jon. His attitude was crucial, and even Stannis turned to the youngest man in the room.
Knowing he couldn't dodge it, Jon stood up. "My lords, I have indeed witnessed the power and greatness of the Lord of Light. If nothing else, without the wildfire made by the alchemists, I likely couldn't have held the city."
"Exactly—" Axel started to agree, but Stannis glared him into silence. Wildfire had also destroyed his fleet.
"But we must also acknowledge that the septons and the Seven are deeply woven into the daily lives of the common people. This influence, rooted for thousands of years, cannot be uprooted overnight. Forcing it will only cause backlash. King's Landing is populous and complex. Your Grace, you are the King of all Westeros, not just the King of R'hllor's followers."
Jon turned to Stannis. "Your Grace, you are in your prime with many years ahead. You can spread the Lord of Light's influence gradually. As for the coronation, I suggest blending the traditions. Besides, autumn is here, and winter is not far. When the people find the Seven cannot bring warmth or hope, they will naturally see which god is true."
Jon's suggestion was a compromise, muddying the waters enough to offer a solution both sides could accept.
Not perfect, but acceptable.
But Melisandre objected. "We may delay burning the false idols, but the True God must not stand with false gods! His Grace cannot accept a coronation from false gods in the presence of the True God. It is unforgivable blasphemy."
Melisandre's stance tipped the balance again. Jon felt exasperated with the fanaticism.
Logic really doesn't work on zealots.
"Then let His Grace receive the blessing of the Lord of Light outside the Sept, and the blessing of the Seven inside," Davos proposed.
It was a clever little trick from the Onion Knight: receiving the Seven's blessing outside would satisfy the masses and signal a certain inclination to the realm.
But this time, Stannis objected. "I will receive the Lord of Light's blessing outside the Sept, and the Seven's blessing inside. It is decided."
Since the King had spoken, that was that. Jon didn't care either way. Once he got to the Westerlands, he'd stick to the Seven mostly and pay lip service to R'hllor.
Royal power above divine power—that was the hierarchy Jon believed in.
He needed to conquer the West, gather men, money, and food. Religious squabbles were a distraction.
What Jon cared about was the "task" Stannis had for him.
With the coronation details settled, the meeting moved to its final item: Jon's mission.
"Jon, ahem," Stannis cleared his throat. "I wish for you to marry Margaery Tyrell. But..."
"Me?" Jon feigned surprise and disbelief.
Although he knew he had Targaryen blood, no one else believed it. Acting as a bastard navigating the political landscape was the smartest play.
Jon had already heard from Varys that Stannis was leaning toward this match, but he figured Stannis would eventually drop it.
Marrying Margaery seemed... unrealistic.
Seeing Jon's surprise, Stannis hesitated, unsure how to proceed. Davos decided to step in and play the "bad guy."
He leaned toward Jon. "Jon, here is the situation. The Tyrells offered a daughter from a cadet branch. A Tyrell, yes, and surely beautiful. But regarding Margaery... they haven't budged. Because... because..."
"Because they think I'm unworthy," Jon finished for him.
Seeing Jon face his status so calmly made Davos feel bad.
"It's fine, Ser Davos. Please continue with His Grace's arrangement. Prejudice is a mountain in the human heart; I understand that." Jon said calmly, patting Davos's arm.
Prejudice is a mountain in the human heart.
Everyone chewed on Jon's words, finding them profound.
Davos sighed and continued. "So, Jon... while the Tyrells offered a cadet branch bride, His Grace hopes you will strive for Margaery. Mace Tyrell and Lady Olenna are bringing Margaery to King's Landing. We will create opportunities for you to be alone with her."
"Yes, and during that time, you can do whatever you want to the Rose of Highgarden..." Axel Florent grinned lewdly.
Jon's expression turned ice-cold.
"Your Grace! If you are asking me to do that, I cannot accept!" Jon stood up, his voice grave.
Stannis frowned at Axel and barked, "Get out!"
Realizing he had been an idiot, Axel apologized and slunk out of the meeting.
Davos quickly did damage control. "No, no, Jon! That is absolutely not what His Grace meant! He wants to give you and Margaery a chance to get to know each other. If you two are willing, then the King will decree the marriage. Highgarden won't be able to object then. After all, the help you'd get from marrying the main line daughter versus a cadet branch is completely different!"
Davos soothed Jon and got him to sit back down.
Seeing Jon still looked dark, Stannis said unhappily, "Did you really think I would order you to do such a thing?"
"No, no, Your Grace. I was just... agitated. You know I am a bastard. I don't wish to impregnate a girl before marriage. I don't want my child to learn to resent his father before he learns anything else..."
Everyone knew marrying a rich wife was good, but Axel's despicable suggestion required a strong rebuttal.
"Enough. I don't blame you." Seeing Jon's sincerity, Stannis waved his hand for Davos to continue.
"Basically, the Tyrells are bringing two cadet girls. One is named Alla Tyrell, the other is Lia Tyrell."
"Lia Tyrell," Stannis corrected.
"Right, Lia. Both are about your age and serve as Margaery's handmaids. After the coronation, there will be a ball. We'll create chances for you there. If you and Margaery like each other, great. If not, we won't force it, and we certainly won't make you do anything untoward."
"Oh right," Davos clapped his hands. A squire brought in a portrait painted in the Myrish style.
The painting showed a beautiful, elegant girl of about fourteen. Her long brown hair fell like expensive silk, and her bright brown eyes seemed to speak. She wore a green gown, sitting quietly like a blooming flower. The lace on her cuffs and collar was exquisite.
The production level of this world might be low, but their aesthetics were on point.
"Look, Jon. This is Margaery. Though the portrait is a year or two old, she must be even more beautiful now. And she's the same age as you. What a coincidence, eh?" Davos sounded like he was back to smuggling, trying to sell the goods.
"Indeed. A beautiful girl." Jon nodded objectively, then asked, "But what is she like as a person?"
Seeing Jon wasn't blinded by beauty, Davos nodded approvingly. "She is the favorite granddaughter of the Queen of Thorns, Olenna Tyrell—who is the real power behind House Tyrell. After Rhaegar fell at the Ruby Ford, Olenna didn't immediately bend the knee to Robert. She made the Tyrell army fight Lord Eddard first to preserve the family's honor before withdrawing. And after you defeated Tywin, she immediately ordered Mace to pursue him, claiming they were deceived. She always makes the right choice. If Margaery is her favorite, she can't be bad."
"Also, Margaery is very popular in Highgarden. Not just for her beauty, but because she often steps out of her carriage to sing with bards or chat with street vendors. Managing an image like that takes skill most noble ladies don't have."
Listening to Davos, Jon formed a rough impression of Margaery.
"Alright. I understand. I will try to get close to Margaery." Jon nodded, accepting the mission.
Seeing Jon accept, Stannis gave his final order.
"Jon, starting today, I will have someone teach you courtly etiquette. It shouldn't be hard; even if you didn't learn it at Winterfell, you've seen it. Also, dancing. You need to learn how to dance."