Chapter 365: Strategy

"This gown suits you perfectly, Dany!"

Margaery beamed as she helped Daenerys into an elegant black court dress. The masterful tailoring emphasized her flawless figure, and her silver-gold hair, styled in the classic noblewoman's bun, revealed her swanlike, alabaster neck.

With her exquisite features, amethyst-like eyes, and a blend of purity, allure, and regal grace, Daenerys radiated a unique and captivating beauty.

Looking at herself in the full-length mirror, Daenerys couldn't help but be taken aback by her reflection.

"Thank you, Margaery. I've never worn anything so splendid."

"It's my pleasure." Margaery tied a beaded tassel into Daenerys' hair. "As a former princess of the Seven Kingdoms and now Queen of the Stormlands, you deserve a wardrobe befitting your status. I had this gown made especially for you by Master Modest, a tailor I brought from Highgarden. His craftsmanship is impeccable. If you need anything else, let him know."

"I will."

After adjusting Daenerys' headpiece, Margaery stepped back to admire her handiwork. A satisfied smile spread across her face.

"All done. Oh, and you'll need handmaidens..."

"I already have three," Daenerys said. "But they're still on the Summer Sea. It will take three or four more months for them to arrive in the Stormlands."

Daenerys and Samwell had flown ahead on dragonback, while her Unsullied army, handmaidens, and other retainers were still en route by ship.

"Then I'll find two handmaidens for you in the meantime," Margaery offered. "And you'll need a knight to serve as your guard."

"I already have two loyal knights—"

"But they're still at sea, aren't they?"

"...Yes." Daenerys suddenly felt an ache of loneliness.

"I'll arrange for a Stormlands knight to serve you for now."

"All right." Daenerys smiled, grateful for Margaery's thoughtfulness. "Thank you for taking such good care of me."

"It's the least I can do." Margaery hugged Daenerys and kissed her cheek. "You must be seventeen now, right? Seeing you reminds me of my cousin Alerie. She would have been your age this year."

Daenerys blinked. "Would have been?"

"Yes." Margaery sighed, her expression tinged with sadness. "She was killed by rebels during the Stag Faction's Rebellion in the Reach last year..."

"I'm so sorry," Daenerys said quickly.

"It's all right." Margaery offered a gentle smile. "You must understand loss better than anyone. And you're stronger than I could ever be. If I were in your shoes, I'd have fallen apart long ago."

Daenerys' sorrow deepened, but Margaery's words touched her heart. Without thinking, she blurted out, "We're family now."

"Yes, we are." Margaery's smile turned radiant as she hugged Daenerys again. Then, taking her hand, she said, "Let me show you around Storm's End. This ancient castle is said to be thousands of years old. It has a certain imposing charm, though I find it a bit oppressive. That's why I planted so many roses here. Come see them."

"Sure."

The two walked out of the keep and into the garden. Towering trees and neatly trimmed shrubs created a harmonious blend of light and shadow. It was late autumn, and golden leaves twirled to the ground with each gust of wind.

"Since it's autumn, the roses outside have stopped blooming," Margaery explained as they approached a greenhouse with a glass dome. "So I had this flower house built."

Through the transparent walls, Daenerys saw a sea of golden roses in full bloom, like molten sunlight frozen in petals.

"Beautiful," she murmured, unable to hide her admiration.

---

From a second-floor balcony, Samwell leaned against the railing, watching his two wives enter the greenhouse hand in hand. He smirked.

Daenerys' tough exterior concealed a vulnerable heart that yearned for connection. She was quick to trust anyone who showed her genuine kindness. With Margaery's warmth and charm, it was no surprise they were getting along so well.

Samwell felt a weight lift from his shoulders. At least he wouldn't have to mediate between them.

Returning his focus to the castle steward, Gavin Mander, Samwell listened intently to the latest reports about his lands.

After Gavin finished, Samwell gave his instructions.

"Keep the number of laborers building the artificial river at 100,000. No more increases."

"But, Your Grace, if we maintain that number, it'll be difficult to meet our projected timeline. With the Iron Bank's loan of two million gold dragons, we have plenty of funds—"

"We have more pressing matters." Samwell sighed. "Winter is coming faster than I anticipated. Some projects will need to be expedited. Use the Iron Bank's funds to buy grain first—lots of it. And not from Westeros. Purchase it from the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea. The more, the better."

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Also, prepare 8,000 suits of chainmail. Try to have them ready within three months. If that's too ambitious, leather armor will suffice for now."

"Yes."

"And dragon glass. How much have you stockpiled so far?"

"About 3,000 pounds," Gavin replied, though his tone betrayed dissatisfaction.

"Only that much?" Samwell frowned.

Gavin sighed. "Your Grace, while dragon glass isn't particularly expensive, the problem is supply. Dragonstone is the only source of large quantities, and Lord Stannis Baratheon has banned its sale since noticing our purchases."

Samwell narrowed his eyes. "I see. I'll deal with Stannis. What's the situation in the North?"

"The Starks are still holding out, but their position worsens daily. With Winterfell fallen, their allies have gradually withdrawn their support. Many northern houses have even joined the Lannisters."

"Which houses?"

"The Cerwyns, the Ryswells, and the Dustins, among others. Lady Barbrey Dustin, in particular, has not only betrayed the Starks but also captured Robb Stark."

Samwell sighed. Though Robb Stark had avoided the betrayal that killed him in the original timeline, he had still fallen victim—this time to Lady Barbrey.

Barbrey Dustin's betrayal was no surprise to him. Her deep-seated resentment toward the Starks, coupled with her ties to Roose Bolton, made her an easy target for manipulation.

"Your Grace," Gavin continued, "the Starks won't last much longer. If we plan to challenge the Lannisters, we should act before the North collapses entirely."

Samwell arched an eyebrow. Though Gavin had been one of his earliest and most trusted allies, the steward rarely voiced opinions on military strategy.

Sensing Samwell's curiosity, Gavin explained further.

"Your Grace, several knights have come to me, urging immediate action against King's Landing. They believe now is the time to strike."

Samwell chuckled. It seemed his return with Daenerys and her dragons had stirred more excitement among his men than he'd anticipated.

Still, he knew the key to victory lay in overcoming a crucial obstacle: the Blackwater Rush.

"How's Qyburn's research progressing?"

"Quite well, Your Grace. He sent word this morning inviting you to inspect his work at the docks."

"Good. I'll take a look." Samwell turned to leave but paused when he encountered Daenerys and Margaery coming from the garden.

Each carried a bouquet of roses, their hair adorned with blooms. Their smiles lit up when they saw him.

"Sam, where are you headed?"

"To the docks, to see what Qyburn's been working on." He kissed them both, grinning. "Care to join me?"

Margaery clapped her hands. "Of course! Qyburn's projects are always full of surprises."

Though unfamiliar with Qyburn, Daenerys nodded eagerly. "I'd love to come."

(End of Chapter)