Iron From Ice

Chapter 12

Mira Forrester ~ King's Landing ~ Margaery's chambers

Mira is busy writing dozens of invitations and other letters for the wedding. Currently, she is finishing one of the last letters that will be sent. This particular letter is for the orphanage. In the meantime, Margaery is reading reports about the preparations around the wedding. It seems Olenna Tyrell has contradictory opinions to almost anything.

"It's entirely ridiculous. If it is not the flowers, it's the food or the table settings..." Margaery says, irritated, while she walks back into the room. "Is that the letter to the orphanage?" Margaery asks as she sees Mira diligently writing. "Yes, my lady. It's nearly done," Mira says as she looks at Margaery.

"Make sure to tell them we'll send all the leftovers. And... hmm, something nice after that," Margaery says as she walks to the balcony. Mira pauses to think for a second before she decided to write. "Lady Margaery hopes to visit again very soon," Mira says as she writes it down.

Margaery turns to Mira again. A smile visible. "Lovely. They'll be pleased to hear that," Margaery says as she walks to Mira. The letter is folded, and a golden wax is being pored on the letter. "And the seal... here you are," Margaery says as she places it down. Mira sends Margaery a soft smile and presses the seal in the wax before putting the letter on the huge pile of already written letters.

"Ugh, are there any more invitations to send? Or are we finally done with the cursed things?" Margaery asks as she sits down in a chair. "Almost, one more invitation to... oh. Lord Edmund Blackwood," Mira says as she looked at the list of names.

"Oh, the one you've your eyes on. Apparently, he's here so the Lannisters can show off against the defeated Lords of the Riverlands. Typical King's Landing schemes," Margaery's says.

Mira is surprised to hear it. She knows the Lord of the Riverlands were defeated, or more like backstabbed, during the Northern War of Independence. But she wasn't aware of any shows of power. The Lannisters do love to show of their power and prestige, Mira thinks to herself. Mira turns to the door as someone knocks on it. She stands up and walks towards it.

As she opens it, she again is met by the coal boy, Tom. "I have a letter for Lady Mira Forrester," Tom says as he bows his head. Mira takes it. "Thank you," Mira answers polity, taking the letter. "My pleasure, Lady Mira," Tom say and walks away.

"What is it, Mira?" Margaery asks as she reads a piece of parchment. Mira opens the letter and starts to read. "It's from my mother. She asks that I help ensure Rodrick's betrothal to Elaena Glenmore remain intact," Mira says as she reads the letter.

Mira frowns a bit as she reads it. How can she do this? Of course, Margaery's family holds sway over the Glenmores... but she already pushed Margaery to asks for the Crown's protection. Mira doubts she can help in this.

"How can you do that from a thousand leagues away?" Margaery asks, glancing at Mira. The gaze of Mira connects with Margaery. "Ah. It's my help she's after, isn't it? She's a bold woman," Margaery says as she walks to Mira. "Pay no mind to her. She asks too much," Mira says, clutching the letter.

"She's not entirely wrong... A letter from me could convince the Glenmores to honor the betrothal. But it wouldn't be very discreet for you to be forcing their hand," Margaery begins to say as she walks to the table to pick up the Tyrell seal.

"That isn't the way I do things. You pushed me before and you saw the results. I'm sure your brother can secure this marriage on his own. I'd better get going. Mira, we'll talk more later," Margaery says as she exits the room.

Mira sighs as she puts the letter in a pocket. There's nothing she could do to help. Even if she wrote a letter, she would need the seal, and she doesn't have it. Mira sits back down and start writing the invitation to Lord Blackwood. She is still very much curious about him. They have spoken a few times during some public events, but not much more. He is very polite and kind. But Mira can't help but notice that he's hiding something. It makes her wonder what it is. As she writes the last part, the door once again opens. Sera enters the room.