The Prince of Thorns

⚔One Step Ahead🛡

Shock was all he felt as Alester read the letter from his father. How could he marry Margaery off to Renly and how could he not even mention the idea to his heir first. Mace knew of Alesters love for Myrcella and his devotion to her. Yet he just insured that his family would be on both sides of a war.

MRYCELLA: "What is it love?"

ALESTER: "My family has made an alliance with Renly though marriage."

MRYCELLA: "Margaery?"

He nods his head.

MRYCELLA: "Why would they side against you?"

ALESTER: "Because they see a chance at making my sister queen."

MRYCELLA: "Do you think they could succeed?"

ALESTER: "No. Renly has a kind soul but he is no military man."

MRYCELLA: "Then what should we do."

ALESTER: "We'll stay here for the time until things become clearer. I'll write my family to read their intentions better."

Kissing her on the cheek as a way to comfort her he then grabbed her hand.

ALESTER: "Let us go to dinner love and forget this blight."

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Cersei dines with Sansa, Tommen, Alester and Myrcella the room is silent and awkward.

MYRCELLA: "When will Alester and I be married?"

Alesters head jerks up and he looks over at Cersei.

CERSEI: "Soon, darling, when the war is over."

TOMMEN: "Is Joffrey going to kill Sansa's brother?"

Sansa looks over at Cersei.

CERSEI: "He might."

ALESTER: "War can be very unpredictable."

SANSA takes a long drink of wine.

CERSEI: Would you like that?

Cersei's answer is directed at Tommen, but she is looking at Sansa when she says it.

TOMMEN: "No. I don't think so."

CERSEI: "Even if he does, Sansa will do her duty. Won't you, little dove?"

ALESTER: "And her brother will do his."

Cersei looks at Sansa, a small cold smile on her face. Sansa looks away, hiding a smile from Alesters words."

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Alester and Tyrion sit at table. Alester drinks some wine.

ALESTER: "You'll be pleased to know our mutual friend is doing quite well in Lady Sansa's service."

TYRION: "Good. One of my better ideas."

ALESTER: "And it seems the Grand Maester has found his way into a black cell?"

Tyrion shrugs his glass towards Alester with a small smile.

ALESTER: "Well played, Friend."

TYRION: "The Council has a reputation for serving past Hands poorly. I don't mean to follow Ned Stark to the grave."

ALESTER: "Ned was a good man. He just rushed into believing he could trust Baelish the snake."

TYRION: "Very true. I intend to stay ahead of Littlefinger."

ALESTER: "Sometimes staying ahead of someone means they can stab you in the back easily."

TYRION: "Depends on the person."

ALESTER: "I've yet to meet a man in this city who doesn't obsess with power and coin."

TYRION: "Then look in a mirror."

ALESTER: "A compliment? You're sure that you are a Lannister?"

TYRION: "Unfortunately I am. At least a smaller version."

They both laugh.

ALESTER: "Power resides where men believe it resides. It's a trick, a shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow."

They both drink.