Chapter 196: Taking the Initiative
At the camp near Bitterbridge, in the king's tent.
Renly Baratheon, much like his elder brother Robert I, had a taste for luxury. Or perhaps, he was simply in the habit of imitating his brother.
His pavilion was larger than the great hall of a common inn and filled with all manner of luxuries.
Renly, who was standing before a table, turned his head. He started at the sight of his visitor, and his pupils constricted sharply.
He murmured, "Loras?"
The Knight of Flowers said nothing, slowly approaching King Renly, who stood as if frozen in place.
In the flickering candlelight, the Knight of Flowers stood face-to-face with King Renly, and for a long moment, neither spoke.
King Renly's hand trembled as he gently stroked the Knight of Flowers' cheek, his expression gradually turning sorrowful.
His voice was gentle. "I've missed Loras so much... Thank you, my Queen."
She said softly, "I would do anything for you, my king."
King Renly gazed at Margaery Tyrell, who was dressed as Loras. The siblings resembled each other, and the joy that surged through him the moment he saw her was indescribable. But in the end, she was not him.
King Renly lightly patted Margaery's small shoulder. His gaze was filled with deep emotion; he was looking at another person through her.
After a deep look, Renly turned away, his back to Margaery. "Queen Margaery," he said calmly, "I will keep my promise. You will always be my queen."
Margaery's eyelashes trembled slightly, and her fingers curled.
Renly continued, speaking almost to himself, "When Ser Barristan Selmy left King's Landing, he swore to continue serving the true king. I thought he would join me, but he seems to have vanished. No one knows where he's gone. That cloak I gave to Brienne... it was originally meant for Ser Barristan. Margaery, do you think he could have gone to Dragonstone?"
Margaery reached out and hugged Renly from behind, pressing her face against his broad back.
Renly's body went rigid. Margaery quickly released him. "Your Grace, you need an heir."
As she spoke, Margaery stepped lightly in front of Renly and continued, "By day, I can be your queen. At night, I can become my brother."
Margaery's glistening eyes were fixed on Renly, who maintained his calm expression. "I'll get more and more like him," she whispered.
As Margaery's words faded, Renly seemed to waver.
She continued, "For you, I do it willingly."
Renly suddenly pulled Margaery into a rough embrace. Her lower back hit the edge of the table, but the Little Rose stared intently at him, not showing a hint of pain.
Renly lowered his head, and Margaery gently closed her eyelids.
Time passed, but the intimacy Margaery expected never came. Renly suddenly released her and took a step back.
Renly said with difficulty, "I... I can't do it."
Margaery's gaze remained gentle, showing no other ill feelings. This made Renly sigh in relief.
A hint of apology appeared on the Little Rose's face. "Your Majesty, your vassals are all waiting for a child to unite the blood of House Baratheon and House Tyrell. As your queen, I do not have many choices."
After a pause, the Little Rose stepped closer, raising her head to look at Renly. "I only want to help you, my king," she said.
Margaery's hand slowly came to rest on Renly's chest. His body stiffened again.
"I have another idea," the Little Rose said, naturally withdrawing her hand.
Renly's relaxed expression tensed once more. "Please, give me some time, Margaery."
Margaery did not insist. She gave a charming smile and a slight nod. Turning her back to Renly, she seemed to take a great interest in the map on the table.
Seeing her back, Renly's Adam's apple bobbed, but he quickly composed himself.
Margaery feigned great interest in the map for a moment, but inwardly she sighed. She wanted to help, but was powerless to do so.
Margaery smoothed her wavy, light-brown hair, turned, and said with a small smile, "Your Majesty, I will take my leave now. You should rest early as well."
As Margaery was leaving, Renly suddenly said, "Queen Margaery, when I sit the Iron Throne, you will have children. I promise."
Margaery paused. Her smile was like a blooming flower as she gave Renly a slight curtsy. "I look forward to that day. Thank you, my king."
…
Outside the tent, the moonlight was like water, illuminating every corner of the camp.
Margaery raised her eyes to the night sky. The stars were like bright pearls, shining with a faint but resolute light.
After a moment, Margaery lowered her gaze, gathered her skirts in her hands, and began to walk. Her handmaidens and guards quickly flocked to her side.
…
The Golden Rose camp.
After entering her tent, Margaery saw Lady Olenna sitting on a leather folding chair.
"Grandmother," the Little Rose called.
Lady Olenna's cloudy eyes studied her granddaughter. She beckoned with her hand. "My Margaery, come here."
The Little Rose trotted over like a little girl, put at ease by her frail grandmother.
"Sit, sit."
Margaery took her grandmother's hand and sat down.
Lady Olenna patted the back of Margaery's hand. "My Margaery, you know what you want. You are much cleverer than I was at your age... When I was young, I was head over heels for that oaf of a husband of mine. I thought I was the happiest woman alive, and willingly helped House Tyrell."
She mused for a moment, then continued, "Much like what our Lord Oaf is doing for his pretty king now, acting as if he's the bridegroom."
Margaery, listening intently, couldn't help but purse her lips.
Lady Olenna patted Margaery's hand again. "That oaf of a husband of mine went hawking and rode straight off a cliff. I asked them how. They told me he was looking up at the sky and never saw where his horse was going. The man was a blockhead!"
She sighed. "My Margaery, you are like me. You've also found yourself a husband with a stubborn mind."
Margaery quickly interjected, as if making a promise. "Grandmother, I will bear Renly's heir. He just promised me..."
As she spoke, Margaery trailed off, her expression slightly uneasy.
Lady Olenna asked, "And what did the pretty king promise now? Tell me."
Margaery's beautiful eyes met her grandmother's. "He promised that once he sits the Iron Throne, he will give me a child."
Her grandmother asked gently, "My Margaery, have you sensed something?"
Margaery hesitated before admitting, "I'm worried he won't be able to fulfill his promise."
Lady Olenna said indignantly, "Does he think that just because our Lord Oaf put a crown on his head, he can lead the Golden Rose around by the nose?"
The Queen of Thorns was furious. "Only a fool trusts a man's tongue!"
After a pause, she added, "Nor a woman's, my Margaery."
Margaery tried to soothe her, "Grandmother, I will handle it. Please, believe me."
"An old woman needs no comforting."
Lady Olenna continued, "The Golden Rose never gives up the initiative."
(end of chapter)