Iron From Ice

Chapter 16

Mira Forrester ~ King's Landing ~ The Purple Wedding.

The day is clear of almost all clouds. Sun is shining brightly in the blue sky. It seems a day that is almost perfect for a wedding. Even so, Margaery is still ordering things around as the final things are put in place for the wedding later in the day.

"... I want the dove pie served with a spoon of lemon cream. We'll have to let the kitchen know," Margaery continues to say. Her gaze goes to some ladies who are carrying flowers around. "And these flowers... These flowers are just all wrong in the Crownlands..." she says.

As the three women stop for a moment, Mira sees something that makes her gulp a bit. Tyrion Lannister comes through the entrance with two guards. Mira becomes distracted as she wonders what Tyrion is doing here. Margaery seems to notice as she looks at Mira.

"Mira, are you listening to me?" Margaery asks. Mira looks quickly back at Margaery as her thoughts are interrupted. But before Mira could say anything, Tyrion approaches Margaery.

"Lady Margaery. Good tidings to you today," Tyrion greets her. With an impeccable smile, Margaery turns to Tyrion. "Thank you, Lord Tyrion," she says back. Tyrion smiles kindly before he looks at Mira.

"And you, Lady Mira, a word in private, if I may?" He asks. Mira looks between Margaery and Tyrion. He looks calm and with a gentle gaze at Mira. Margaery turns with a more critical and suspicious gaze at Mira.

"I'll return her shortly," Tyrion says kindly. "Who would I be to deny Lord Tyrion?" Margaery says with a smile once again. Tyrion chuckles as a response. "Very soon, you'll be the Queen. And if you're anything like the current one, you'll deny me all you like," he says in a joking manner. Margaery politely chuckles.

What a conundrum, Mira thinks to herself. Margaery already dislikes it that she is interacting with Tyrion. And now he wants a word in private? It's either good or bad. Probably good. He seems to be relaxed and not with a gloomy look. Still...

"My apologies, Lord Tyrion. Lady Margaery has need of me," Mira says as she bows her head slightly. "Very well," Tyrion answers. He looks briefly with narrowed eyes at Mira before approaching her. "Just know, that matter we discussed... A royal decree sits on my table now. And I'll have my squire Podrick see to it at the first opportunity. I thought you want to know. Good news, on a day that is already blessed," he says.

"Thank you for telling me, Lord Tyrion," Mira says. Her voice is neutral, but relief is filling her. At least she made sure that the Whitehills can't sell their Ironwood without her family's approval. One point for the Forresters, Mira thought with pride.

"Oh, one more thing... the most valuable favor is a favor unspent. Perhaps, I'll call on you for a dance at the wedding feast," he says and looks at all three ladies. "Enjoy the festivities," he says to Mira and Sera.

Tyrion looks at Margaery once again and curtsies a bit. "Lady Margaery. Welcome to the family, for better or worse," he says. Margaery smiles as Tyrion walks away. "Lord Tyrion," Margaery says as she watches Tyrion walk away.

The smile goes away as Tyrion is out of sight. "What's this about a Royal Decree? I told you not to cause trouble for me," Margaery says in a strict voice to Mira. "It's about the Ironwood, My Lady. As you said, I finished my business with Lord Tyrion. You won't see me speaking to him again," Mira says.

"Good. I know you're doing all you can for your family, Mira. But you won't win allies by... having this Royal Decree. Your House already has so few allies. This will cause most to distance from you," Margaery says and sighs. "We'll need to talk more about this after the wedding. Sera, you'll help me with my gown and hair. Mira told me you were hoping to help me with it. And Mira, please inform the kitchen about the changes."