Schemes Of The Mighty

~~~(POV: Margaery Tyrell)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 16 Years)~~~

~~~(Location: Highgarden, The Reach, Westeros)~~~

~~~(Date: 299 AC)~~~

The late morning air slowly blows through the gardens. The Mander is where my eyes are currently resting, but my mind is elsewhere. Grandmother is speaking with father. The discussion is about Loras and me. It's not hard to figure out what it's about.

Ever since Raenon had his trip around Westeros, many Lords and Ladies have been trying to get together and speak. All without the knowledge and involvement of Kings Landing.

"Dear sister, don't tell me you're worried about the wrong things again."

My brother interrupts my peace with his presence. A small sigh escapes me as he sits down next to me. A chuckle leaves his lips at my reaction.

"How can I not be worried, brother... Grandmother and father are discussing who we should wed. Renly Baratheon proved to be a dead end for our House. Not that you helped any with that."

He lowers his eyes and head at the mention of his lover. It's not complete melancholy, but there is pain still lingering there. Renly Baratheon could've been our ticket to true power, but now we're stuck with a terrible crop of choices.

The things I've heard about Joffrey don't spell an excellent life for me in The Red Keep. Cersei Lannister is looking to be a prospect for Loras, along with the Stark girl. However, grandmother said it's unlikely we'll get the girl.

"If you had a choice. Who would you pick..."

His voice doesn't hold the same pain I'm used to hearing when I bring up Renly. That's something grandmother's happy about. As to his question, the one I want isn't available to me. The one with the real power.

Raenon Targaryen will invade Westeros in the coming years. Perhaps much sooner than anyone thinks. Having the power of 4 dragons has already won him more than he'd realize. The Lords are shifting to support him.

Not openly, but the opportunity for power if they can get close to Raenon is irresistible to them. It's irresistible to me.

"You know who I'd want. However, he's taken the tradition of his House and already has a daughter with his sister."

When I think about Daenerys Targaryen, there is no contempt or displeasure in me. She holds incredible love for her brother. I witnessed it when she glared at me. My attempts to flirt with Raenon in our brief talk didn't go unnoticed.

Loras leans back in his chair, and I see him staring at the clouds. He does this when he's not happy. It's been happening more often lately. If I could help my brother, I would. Despite his imperfections, I love him. He's always been there for me. I'll do the same for him.

"I'm sorry for you, Loras. Your preferences aren't even available to you. The choices are an aging Queen Regent and a naive girl."

A hollow chuckle laced with disdain escapes him. He's bitter that he'll be a piece in grandmother and fathers game. We're both critical pieces.

"Don't be sorry for me. We're both in the same situation. We must promise each other that we'll always be on each other's side... No matter what. I fear that these games will pull our family apart... Not make it stronger..."

He's not the only one with those feelings. I have them too. The wars in our own land are one problem, but the coming war from Essos has no solution. Not for House Tyrell. Grandmother wants more than what Raenon offered us.

She feels that she could get more out of him. But I don't see it. Raenon isn't like the rest of us. That leaves us in a bad spot.

"I promise, brother. We'll need to always be on the same side when our matches are made. Even if it conflicts with the ones we're married to."

He smiles and wraps an arm around me. Hugging me before he leaves. All on my own again at his departure. It's funny how my eyes find their way back to the same spot on The Mander River as before. My mind goes back to the same place as before.

Grandmother has always been protective of me. I love her dearly, and I don't like questioning her. But Raenon is the only hope of House Tyrell.

We must be on his side when he presses his claim. If we aren't and we're on the side of the enemies, there is a chance that we'll all burn. However slight that chance may be, it's still there. I'd rather not have that on the table at all.

~~~(POV: Olenna Tyrell)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 71 Years)~~~

~~~(Location: Highgarden, The Reach, Westeros)~~~

~~~(Date: 299 AC)~~~

Mace is sitting across from me with an uncomfortable look on his face. The stress of the choices is getting to him. We've had offers from all over Westeros for Loras and Margaery. Our most significant prospects are Joffrey Baratheon and Cersei Lannister.

The rumors about the new King and his mother doom the credibility, power, and alliance we might have. Cersei has given birth to only bastards. No true Baratheon exists in Kings Landing anymore.

"You know that the long-term consequences of this action are far more severe than the short-term gain. Why are we even considering the possibility of marriage with them?"

Mace has the same fears as others in Westeros. Aligning with Joffrey would bring Fire and Blood to them. It'd come to us too. But as the minds behind our House, we must have these discussions. Well, I must. Mace has always been a fool.

"Raenon Targaryen is our dream match for Margaery. Sadly, he's off the table. His stubbornness to stay loyal to his sister proves to be a blockage we can't overcome. We must talk about other options for Loras and Margaery. Our enemies won't wait forever."

My son cringes at the implications of my words. The Lannisters will destroy us if we do not agree to this deal. While our army is larger, and we're wealthier. That doesn't mean we'll win. Tywin has never lost a war, and that isn't something we can handle.

"Margaery will be tortured by that boy King! And Loras is so weak. He'll become a slave to Cersei!"

His points aren't false. Not in the slightest. However, I've been speaking with Varys. There are talks about a grand move to solidify our allegiance to House Targaryen. Raenon's offer was generous, but I want something more.

The Blood of The Dragon in House Tyrell.

The only way to do that is to get Margaery and Raenon together. First, we'll show Raenon we are fully on his side. After that, my own plans will begin.

The death or disappearance of Daenerys Targaryen is impossible, but that doesn't mean we can't win her over. If we can convince her to share Raenon, our House will be stronger than ever.

That's the real challenge to getting Raenon. It's his sister.

"Mace, do as I tell you. Everything will work out. Margaery is the key, and Daenerys is the lock. A friendship will begin between the two. We'll make sure of it. Margaery has the charm of a true Queen."

He's unsure about all this. But I know my granddaughter, and she can charm the stone skin off a Stoneman.

"As you say, mother."

He stands and makes his way for the door. I rest in my chair and rub my forehead. I'm too old to be doing all this, but the future of House Tyrell is in my hands. Mace isn't capable of leading. He'd ruin our House.

My thoughts drift to Raenon himself. I've met many men in my life. Some are fools, thinking themselves great. Other men prove it, time and again. Men like Tywin. When I look at Raenon to see what he was made of. I found something I hadn't seen before.

"An Apex Predator..."

That's the only way I can describe the boy. From what I've learned through Varys, Raenon has done impossible things repeatedly. Living in The Shadow Lands, becoming the first dragon rider in nearly 100 years, and demonstrating the power difference between him and others.

He's not the last male of House Targaryen. Viserys is still alive. But he might as well be the only hope for House Targaryen. Raenon is the next great Targaryen King. What's most worrisome to me is his ability to draw in others.

Even I find myself rooting for him. It's a strange thing.

But I don't let it control me.

"Raenon and Daenerys Targaryen... The next King and Queen of Westeros..."

As much as I want Margaery to be Queen. I must make the best decision with what I have. I can't magically snap my fingers and get what I want. I have to get as close to that goal as I can.

Maybe I'll even live long enough to see it. Margaery will not know my plan until after Varys, and I finish the first step. After that, Margaery will be the key to everything for House Tyrell.

The future is dark, but I see hope for House Tyrell on the horizon. That's all I can really do in the end.

~~~(POV: Daenerys Targaryen)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 15 Years)~~~

~~~(Location: In Tent At Camp, Outside Astapor, Essos)~~~

~~~(Date: 299 AC)~~~

We've set up camp outside of Astapor. Kraznys mo Nakloz will be meeting us to talk tomorrow, and that's when we'll make our move to acquire The Unsullied. In the meantime, Raenon and I are resting in our bed. The large tent gives plenty of room.

Aly is already asleep this late in the evening. The night will fall on us soon, and The Second Sons will be on high alert. But only for them. Resting dragons literally surround our tent. None can get too close.

"How are you?"

My brother speaks softly into my ear as he holds me gently, and everything melts away for me. My worries, doubts, and fears.

"As good as I can be..."

One of his hands glides through my hair. The other rests on my belly. I'm about 4 months along now, and I'm starting to show. Alysanne will be gaining a new brother or sister.

"Don't worry. We know what's to happen."

We share many dreams. Dragon Dreams. He sees us taking all of Slavers Bay, and I, alongside him, on our dragons with our army of Unsullied. Our dreams have never been wrong.