章 32: Queen Margaery
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***
Already in the first minute of his conversation with the leader of the sparrows, Light realised: here he was, the man who would help him reform the church. The fanatics of the Seven, dissatisfied with both the arbitrary behaviour of the Lords and the passivity of the Church, could become a loyal support of the throne and accelerate the movement in the right direction many times over. Fate itself has sent Light these sparrows!
A mass movement from below, to which Light is sort of irrelevant, is just what is needed. He had neglected the masses in his past life, and for nothing. Yes, Kira had her own TV show and crowds of fans, but there was so much more he could have done. Like a political organisation. Kira's party could have won the election and come to power legally. Light made the mistake of refusing to change the system. He took someone else's place, and he should have created his own.
Light listened to the Chief Sparrow with sympathy. The Stormlands welcome true believers, he said. The official Church is frankly disappointing, and you're right. You can't even get a sermon from the High Septon calling for a holy war against the infidels! The First Men and the Ironborn have lived with the Andals in the same state for centuries, and the current turmoil is no reason to curse them. Then what is? Did not the ancestors of the Andals exterminate the heathens with fire and sword? Are we, their descendants, any worse?
The Church should be closer to the people, it's true. Not to seek the favour of the lords, but to look to the farmers and fishermen. I, for one, am always looking out for the common people. How many refugees I've housed on my estates! And no, I don't approve of my cousin Cersei's policies in the Riverlands. It's tyranny, like Aerys the Mad. Praise the Seven, we got rid of the Targaryens, those foreign invaders, with the incest and other nastiness. Yes, yes, I've read Stannis's letters too, but you do realise it's all lies, don't you? Good. I think a sermon against the Targaryens and their incest would be appropriate. Why? Oh, it's nothing. I've heard some rumours from Qarth... no, no, nothing serious, but just to be on the safe side, it would be good to denounce the Targaryens a little in front of the faithful. Just to be on the safe side. What if, just in case, the old dynasty has supporters among certain unconscious lords? And now, on the eve of winter, the country needs unity and stability more than ever.
Ah, you're interested in the printing press? My Maester made it, though it was my idea. I didn't expect such a success myself! Thousands of copies of the Seven-Pointed Star! Now the Word of God will reach every literate person - and there are more and more literate people, thanks to my schools....
Would you like to write a book? A commentary on the Seven-Pointed Star and a modern interpretation of some of the commandments? That's wonderful! With the help of my printing presses (yes, there are already several) your teachings will be able to spread quickly. But remember: I have nothing to do with this. I'm not a septon, I don't know much about religion... at least that's what I'll tell my Uncle Tywin. You wanted to publish a religious book, I saw no harm in it, and I didn't look into the details. Do you understand me? I see you do.
Speaking of your book. I think we both realise that the Church of the Seven is rotten and needs reform. But before we begin to reform, we need to do some preparatory work, so to speak... to propagandise... to lay the groundwork. What kind of foundation? I generally agree with your ideas, but I think it is necessary to make one clarification. Namely, the office of High Septon should be abolished. The King should be the head of the Church. A unity of secular and spiritual authority, yes. Of course, the king cannot decide everything personally. There's a small council for that. The fleet will be run by a master of ships, finances by a master of coin, and the church will be run by a master of faith... well, if you don't like the name, you can change it. It's not fundamental. What is important is that the Master of the Faith is appointed by the King and answerable to him. Yes, that is a condition of our co-operation. You want my money, my protection and my printing press - and I want an obedient church. As a member of the royal family, I have a vested interest in that... of course, you can approach other lords. But I don't think any of them would want to hear you out. And even if they did, they wouldn't have the resources or the power that I have. I'm your only chance. A chance to make your dreams come true. Yes, you won't be in first place, but what's the point? It's the idea! Humble your pride, it is, after all, a sin!
***
Light didn't lie about the rumours from Qarth. Sailors from the east spoke of a three-headed dragon (or is it three dragons?) and their mistress, Daenerys Targaryen. So Archmaester Marvin was right. Now the need to meet with him was even more urgent, but two circumstances prevented the trip. The first was the completion of the road to the Weeping City and the planned visit of the Dornish merchants. The caravan would travel along the new road, after which the Elder would conclude a trade agreement with Light, favourable to both kingdoms.
The second circumstance was the tournament.
Almost from the first day of his reign, Light had heard his vassals reproach him, saying that tournaments had been held regularly under the Baratheons, but the new Lord Lannister, instead of pleasing the noble knights with a glorious feast, was still dealing with some bargainers. After some hesitation, Light gave in to their wishes, reasoning that the loyalty of the nobles was worth more than tens of thousands of gold pieces. Bread and spectacle. The Roman emperors knew what their subjects needed, and Light was about to follow their example.
'The Tournament of the Young Lion, as it was called, had become the main event of the month in the Stormlands. It had attracted a lot of attention in the neighbouring lands, too. Visitors were expected from Spaceland and Dorne. A hundred knights would vie for the right to name their lady Queen of Love and Beauty. Margaery Tyrell, who loves tournaments and festivities of all kinds, had expressed a desire to visit Storm's End with Tommen. When Cersei heard about it, she wanted to come too. But she couldn't: she had a fever after her miscarriage, and Maester Wyman forbade her to travel.
Light sat in his study (the same one where the Faceless One had nearly killed him six months before) and read the letters. Lord Estermont was announcing his son's arrival at the tournament and apologising that he couldn't come himself due to ill health. Lord Buckler asked for a tax deferment. Lord Tywin reported the capture of Dragonstone. Stannis's last stronghold has fallen, but Shireen Baratheon and Edric Storm have slipped away. Ser Davos brought them out. Learning that the garrison intended to surrender, the knight secretly escorted the children to his ship and left the island. Darkness helped the former smuggler slip past the blockade.
Light sighed. It was enough with the dragon rumours and the stupid tournament, now he had smugglers to catch. From what Light had heard of him, this Davos was no fool. Most likely, he will try to get the children away from the lions' clutches - somewhere beyond the Narrow Sea. Gods alone know how much trouble they could cause in the future.
A knock on the door interrupted his musings. Podrick.
- The King, My Lord. He's come. King Tommen and Queen Margaery.
- I know who the king is, Podrick. But why so early? The tournament isn't till the day after tomorrow!
- They didn't tell me, my lord.
Light shrugged and went to meet the king.
***
Tommen ran down the hedgerow after Myrcella, stomping his short, childish feet. But the chubby boy couldn't catch up with his older sister. Flushed and tired, he stumbled over a root and fell to the grass. Myrcella immediately got back up and helped her brother up.
- What cute lion cubs, aren't they?
Margaery Tyrell looked at her young husband and his sister. The girl's lips were smiling.
- More like fawns.
- True. But from the looks of them, they are lion cubs.
- In time, they'll grow into real lions.
- I hope so. Our little consorts are the last of the Baratheons. Did you know Shireen has been stripped of all her rights?
- I've heard of it, Your Grace.
The queen took Light's hand.
- There's no need for unnecessary formalities. Call me Margaery.
- Of course. Margery.
The queen laughed.
- You're probably wondering why we're here so early.
- I am.
- I've heard a lot about your innovations, and I was curious. And I'm not the only one. Your cousin Tyrion was also very interested... but alas, he's too busy working. I, on the other hand, have plenty of time. And I want to find out more. All these factories and schools, it's so interesting!
- What about the tournament?
- The tournament is interesting too. But the main reason for my visit is different.
She said 'my visit'. So it's her decision, not the King's. She has complete control over the boy, and she doesn't see fit to hide it.
- What is it?
- Can't you guess? The main reason is you.
- Flattered.
- Don't laugh. I've been wanting to talk to you for a long time. Is there someplace where we can't be overheard?
- My office.
- Oh, good. While our little lion cubs play, you and I will have an adult conversation.
***
After leading Margaery into the study and telling Brienne not to let anyone in, Light offered the queen some wine. Margaery asked for water with lemon. Under the scrutiny of her brown eyes, Light made two servings of the drink and handed one to the queen.
- 'Something's been bothering me,' she began cautiously. - Bad dreams. I suppose you could call it a premonition.
Margaery waited until Light had taken a sip before she sipped her own.
- 'I would be happy to allay your fears.
The queen smiled strainedly.
- As I said, our young consorts are the last of the Baratheons. The stag dynasty has had some bad luck. It's like there's an evil fate hanging over this house. In one year, four died: Robert, Renly, Joffrey, Stannis. And I shudder to think that the same fate might befall Tommen.
- Robert died at the tournament as a result of a Stark plot. Renly died of fever. Joffrey and Stannis fell in battle. Yes, such a string of coincidences can be alarming. But there's no reason to claim that some evil doom is behind it.
Margaery took another sip.
- Or malice. If Tommen has an accident, Myrcella will be queen. And you will be king.
- If.
Margaery finished her water and set her glass on the table with a clatter.
- I don't want any 'ifs.' I want to be queen! And if my husband should suddenly die...
- Then what?
- Then the union of our houses will be over. If I'm not queen, my father and brothers will have no reason to support the lions against the dragons. And the dragons will return. There are so many rumours from Qarth that they simply cannot be fiction, Tyrion told me so. Your uncle can deny the obvious all he wants and call everything 'dwarf fantasy,' but I don't. Who will keep Myrcella on the throne when Daenerys and her dragons are here? Certainly not the Tyrells. Our family has nothing to fear from the Targaryens, unlike yours. We didn't betray the dragons, we didn't kill the little princes. We served the Targaryens to the very end, and I'm sure Queen Daenerys will appreciate that.
Light and Margaery stared at each other in silence for a while. Light was the first to break the silence.
- And if you were queen... and your husband was a king, even if not Tommen... would your father and brothers support that king against Daenerys? And against other enemies?
- Absolutely.
- And if you are right... and if there is indeed a curse upon House Baratheon... then Myrcella may die after Tommen.
- What a pity,' Margaery said without pity.
- As far as I know the laws-I was a master of the law, after all, though not for long-if a ruling dynasty dies out, a new king is chosen by the Great Council.
- Spaceland will support any king if I am his queen.
- And you, Margaery? Which king do you want for a husband?
Margaery snorted.
- Don't ask for compliments. You know I've already made my choice - otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here.
The queen held out her hand to him. Light kissed her fingertips.
- I am very glad we have come to an understanding. I hope the alliance between our houses will be long and strong.
- Likewise.
- Tell me, Margaery... before travelling here, did you speak with your grandmother, Lady Olenna?
The queen smiled contentedly.
- 'Well, of course I did. My grandmother and I are very friendly!
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