William's expression was serious as he answered cautiously. "When I travel to tourneys, it's usually a quick in-and-out. I don't analyze the political situation much, but from what I've seen and heard, the Reach are indeed fertile, and the people are prosperous."
A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Willas' lips. He neither affirmed nor denied the answer and immediately shifted to a new topic. The atmosphere quickly became harmonious again, as if the brief awkwardness had never happened.
William was talking with Willas about the origins of the Blackstone Fortress beneath the High Tower. It was clear that Willas didn't fully believe in things absent from the official records, like the Deep Divers or Maze Builders, yet he didn't outright dismiss them either. His attitude was tolerant, his tone gentle.
Suddenly, William noticed a few graceful figures entering the parlor. At the front was a young girl with soft brown curls and captivating brown eyes. Her figure was graceful, and her movements were like a gentle cloud floating by.
"Margaery!" William couldn't help but stand.
Margaery's eyes first lit with surprise, then flickered with slight irritation, and finally softened back into a bright smile. She approached slowly with the three girls behind her, the hems of their dresses swaying lightly. Once in front of William, she knelt and curtsied. "Greetings, Ser William."
Seeing the deliberately distant look in her eyes, William smiled and instinctively took her hand. "It's been a long time, Margaery." Margaery's eyes widened in surprise. The next moment, she pulled her hand back sharply, pressing it to her chest, both embarrassed and angry.
William, as if unaware, looked cheerfully at the three other young ladies behind her. "And hello to the three of you." The girls smiled and returned his greeting.
Willas stood, his gaze affectionate as he looked at Margaery. "Is there something you need, Margaery?"
Margaery lowered her hand slightly, a little shy. "Nothing in particular, Willas. I just happened to hear Ser William was here, so I came by."
Willas exchanged a glance with Garland. "Perfect timing—it's almost time for the banquet. Margaery, why don't you take William to the hall? Garland and I have a few other matters to discuss and will join shortly."
Margaery was slightly surprised, seeing both her brothers smiling at her. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she quietly agreed.
The two walked silently through a flower-filled courtyard. The three other girls laughed and played, gradually leaving some distance between them. Margaery suddenly drew a deep breath, turned to William, and said, "You were too rude just now! My brothers are here!" Her voice was low but full of indignation.
Seeing her shy and slightly angry expression, William's heart stirred. He felt a quiet regret—why must such a flower-like girl live her life in shadows? She deserved to bask in the sunlight and sway freely in the wind like a real flower.
So he took her hand again, looking at her gently. "Your brothers aren't here right now."
This time, Margaery did not pull her hand away. Her gaze was hazy, as if veiled by a thin mist, making it impossible to read her heart. She sighed. "Don't do this, William. I told you, I am destined to be a bride of power."
"It's alright, Margaery," William said, holding her hand and shaking it gently, full of confidence. "We can heal Willas. A healthy Lord of Highgarden can maintain stability in the Riverlands. You don't need to sacrifice yourself to be with someone you don't like."
His voice softened further. "Even if you don't like me, that's fine. As long as you can truly be happy." Though he hadn't fully figured out his own feelings for Margaery, at this moment, he sincerely wished this for her.
Suddenly, Margaery gripped William's hand tightly, so hard that he could feel the pain.
Her eyes were filled with complex emotions: joy, sorrow, gratitude, and regret. Her red lips trembled slightly, ultimately forming a resigned smile. "Are you foolish, William? I am the Lord of Highgarden's daughter. How dare I have such lofty hopes? Tell me, which Lord's daughter gets to be with whomever she wants?"
William wanted to answer "Catelyn Stark," then remembered she should have been Ned's elder sister-in-law. Thinking of other well-known Lord's daughters: Cersei of the Lannisters—did she want to marry Robert? Perhaps she wasn't the one who hated him most, but certainly one of the most resentful. Cat's sister, Lysa—did she wish to marry Jon? She always desired Littlefinger instead. The Dornish princess Arianne would change her mind frequently, but in the end, none of her plans succeeded.
Perhaps Lyanna Stark had found true happiness, but the price had been a war and the destruction of a kingdom.
Margaery gently withdrew her hand from William's palm, turning away so she wouldn't look at him. Her voice was calm. "I know my brothers love me. I feel happy, and that is enough."
William felt a sense of loss, silent for a long moment.
After a while, Margaery asked softly, "To heal Willas, must it be through me?"
"I can't heal him. You should be able to sense that when we connect spiritually." William was still savoring their previous conversation, a little distracted, and didn't notice Margaery's body sway lightly, like a small flower brushed by a cold wind.
After some more time, Margaery turned back, her expression serene again. "William, I don't really understand. How would me learning magic help you? You know I can't be with you."
William forced a smile. "Do you want the truth, or a lie?" He wanted to make a playful remark, but his voice was tinged with bitterness.
They held each other's gaze for a moment. Margaery said, "Tell me the truth first."
"Magic can be stored on tile steel. Even if you aren't with me in person, your magic can accompany me."
Margaery paused, her gaze drifting before returning to William. "And the lie?"
"Maybe… It's just because of loneliness." William looked into her eyes, a faint trace of solitude in his own.
Though he wanted to speak of magic, he suddenly thought of his own origins. His life in Westeros, at least so far, had been fairly good. In Harrenhal, he had family who cared for each other, and he had Garland—a friend he could truly rely on. Yet that sense of loneliness never fully left, lingering quietly in his heart.
He lowered his head, as if talking to himself. "I'm different from everyone else. There are many things I can't tell anyone. Some things I simply can't tell, and I must hide them carefully, so no one ever knows."
Margaery's gaze softened.
"I know approaching you could cause misunderstandings, and I know magic could bring you trouble. Thank you for always being patient with me, Margaery." He lifted his head, his expression solemn. "If you truly don't want to use magic, don't force yourself. Trust me—I will find a way to heal Willas."
Margaery's face brightened with a smile. "No, William. Willas is my brother. I want to do something for him."
She slowly reached out her hand, inching closer until she held William's. "And… I want my magic to be with you, too."
A faint thread of tenderness lingered between them.