[35] Let’s Feast After We Take the Throne
Chapter 35: Let’s Feast After We Take the Throne
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I stepped into the meeting room bathed in the early light of a new day, where the scent of fresh polish and floral arrangements lingered. The Tyrells had prepared well, as always. Mace Tyrell stood by the tall windows, broad-bellied and broad-smiled, glancing over his shoulder at my approach.
His mother, Olenna, occupied the same cushioned chair as yesterday, her cane resting within easy reach. Garlan Tyrell stood to one side, calm and attentive, as he nodded at me. Margaery and Loras were absent—their presence was not required for this more private talk. Kinvara stood at my side, red robes following behind her.
I nodded politely. “Lord Mace,” I said, measuring my words. “You look healthy and happy, I’m glad. I trust you had a successful hunt?”
Mace turned fully, chuckling as he quickly approached me and pulled me into a hug. “Oh, quite. A few boars, some pheasants. Good sport, if a bit too easy.” His hearty laugh reverberated off the high ceiling. “Though I must admit, I never expected to return to such good news. Although I’d missed all the excitement, my mother has told me enough to know we’ve much to discuss.”
“That she must have, I don’t doubt,” I said.
“Oh, Prince Viserys, you look so much like your legendary brother! Prince Rhaegar, such a strong and fine man. Unfortunately, it seems his title of ‘Last Dragon’ was a false tale as I stand before you. You’d surely surpass his glory in no time! Prince, you have no idea how angry I was when Robert took the throne. How heartbroken I was to hear how you and your sister were forced to flee! Such a pitiful story,” the man said, trying a bit too hard to appear friendly and kind. I just accepted it with a smile.
Olenna’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she hid her annoyance at her son’s sugary words. He didn’t seem to realize how easily he was seen through by everyone. Mace’s eyes turned to Kinvara. “It’s been some time, Lady Kinvara,” she said softly. “Do you recall meeting me in Volantis, years ago?”
Kinvara’s eyes lit with recognition as she stepped forward. “Ah, yes, my lord. The Red Temple affair, if I’m not mistaken. I never thought I’d see you again, and certainly not like this. I hope the years have been kind to you.”
He chuckled, “They have, my lady. And now, here we are, at another crossroads.” Mace rubbed his hands together, his mood jovial but gaining some focus. “But as excited as I feel, I can’t afford to waste any of our time. Let’s discuss the important matters, shall we?”
I nodded and took a seat with Kinvara by my side. Mace Tyrell sat beside his mother. Some servants brought fruits and drinks, and I sipped some juice as he spoke. “Firstly, I have no quarrel with my mother’s decisions, Prince Viserys. Far from it. I’m glad. If she thinks supporting your cause is wise, I believe her. She’s the wisest woman I know.”
“I agree on that,” I nodded at Olenna. Although I’d argue that Kinvara was smarter than her, Olenna was more dangerous. So far, Kinvara was an ally; Olenna could never be. Her granddaughter’s happiness was also a large priority to her, even if our family names were allies.
“I’m glad. But let’s not mince words: the realm stands on a knife’s edge. You want to take what’s yours, but four Kings stand in your way. Joffrey Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon, namely. King’s Landing will soon be attacked from what I know, and amid this all, you’re planning to take the throne. How? All I see is chaos. Let’s get into the intricate matters.”
I nodded and opened my mouth.
We spoke quietly for a time—names of bannermen, Stannis’s rumored strategy, the state of King’s Landing’s granaries and walls, and, more importantly, the foolishness of Joffrey Baratheon. I gave them just enough to understand my position without laying my entire play bare. Because while I needed their support, they didn’t need to know all my cards.
Unlike what I’d concluded before, Lord Mace wasn’t useless. Olenna Tyrell surely was more valuable than him, but she couldn’t plan a war with me. He could. Even if he was fat and slow, he still had experience that I didn’t. It was a good talk, and we soon had a strategy to follow.
“In that case,” he reached out a hand, “let’s feast after we take the throne.”
I accepted his hand and smiled brightly. The alliance had solidified with Lord Tyrell’s words. Everything was ready, and now, we just had to wait till the Battle of Blackwater.
****
After the lengthy talk, I began to stroll through the gardens. I wasn’t alone; Granny Tyrell was on my arm as if we were grandmother and grandson strolling through a summer afternoon. It wasn’t hard to believe her sweet act given the face of Diana Rigg, and it wasn’t fully an act either. She was being sweet to her to-be grandson-in-law. What was wrong with it?
The midday sun had climbed higher, casting a gentle warmth over the manicured hedges and bright petals that bobbed in the gentle breeze.
The fragrance of roses and herbs drifted around us, discreet servants keeping a tactful distance as we chatted about lighter stuff. But Olenna Tyrell had better stuff to do than talk about the smells of her garden with me, and as I’d expected, she soon moved to the thing she wanted.
“My dear prince,” Olenna began, her tone almost affectionate, “I’m glad the planning went well, but public perception matters.”
“You want to announce my presence here?”
“I was thinking of that, yes. We can’t simply whisper alliances in dark rooms and expect the lords of Westeros to understand. This game doesn’t work like that, and you need to show your face at least. A small gathering… a garden party, let’s say. Something to show the world that House Tyrell isn’t supporting a ghost but the legitimate Targaryen Heir. No betrothal will be announced there—yet—don’t worry, but a favorable understanding will soothe troubled minds. What do you say?”
I cast her a sidelong glance. It was a good idea for both of us; they’d be able to imply marriage through it, but at the same time, they wouldn’t be able to back off their support after such a show. Well, they could, but it’d be more troublesome. At the same time, it’d mean the entire realm would know about me. That Viserys Targaryen was in Westeros, but, once again, that was not a bad thing.
“I can work with that,” I said, “but let’s not invite Kinvara, and nobody should know that there’s a Red Priestess here.”
“Why?” she raised an eyebrow. “You don’t trust her?”
“I do. It’s not because of trust. It’s because we have to return to King’s Landing after this, and it’d be suspicious to people that when the Red Priestess in King’s Landing vanished for a few weeks, another Red Priestess was seen in the Reach supporting a Targaryen.”
“Fair, I can agree to that,” she nodded, her grip on my arm surprisingly firm. “We Tyrells excel at delicate displays, Prince. Since you’re on board, there will be a feast tomorrow, and a few select lords will be invited. Hmm,” she pondered, and, to captivate them, a little spectacle—perhaps a friendly duel in the training yard? What do you say?”
“Interesting. Why?”
“Well, let them see your prowess. Although a King doesn’t have to be a great fighter in my book, these men are different. And if they witness your skill firsthand, they’ll think twice before doubting you.”
I allowed a small smile. “A duel? With whom?”
Olenna’s eyes danced. “Oh, how about Loras? Handsome and beloved, a famous knight. It’ll entertain them, and a well-managed outcome won’t harm anyone’s pride.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You want your grandson to lose hard in front of so many lords?” I tutted softly. “He might not thank you for that.”
Her laugh was low and wry. “Oh, he won’t lose to you in a real battle. That’s why we’ll arrange a draw. He’ll hold back, and you won’t be embarrassed too harshly.”
I tilted my head, meeting her cunning gaze. “I think you underestimate my strength, my lady. Maybe it’ll help change your mindset, too if I do well in the duel. Perhaps choose someone else? I wouldn’t want to cast a shadow on your family’s golden knight with a genuine contest.”
Olenna scoffed lightly, a sound mingling affection and challenge. “How confident. But I heard you’re a part of the Second Sons now, skillful sellswords. So I suppose you might have some skills… Very well, I’ll choose another worthy opponent. I look forward to your performance, Prince.”
I offered a slight nod, my smile not faltering. Together we continued walking through the lush greenery, scents of jasmine and rose lingering in the warm air.
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Author Note: I liked Diana’s performance a lot in the show, RIP. And this is going to be big because everyone would realize that the shadow of the Targaryen Dynasty is looming over them again. Soon, Viserys will meet another or two King I think, but that’s after he returns to King’s Landing.
As for this knight Viserys is supposed to fight, any guesses? Suggestions? ?
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