Silver Stag

Pirates & Plans

[King's Landing - Red Keep, Small Council Chamber]

At the next council meeting, Aelinor was shocked to find Margaery present. And, she did not look happy.

What have you done, mother? Was Aelinor's first thought.

Which is why she was shocked by what came out of Margaery's mouth next.

"Another one of my family's caravans has been attacked. What is to be done about it? Highgarden provides much of the food in King's Landing. If this continues, the city will starve... and the Reach."

"We are well aware of this problem, Your Grace-" Cersei began.

"And yet nothing has been done. We must send men to deal with these looters."

"I agree," Cersei stated, shocking everyone.

"The men were reportedly seen wearing armour with a Kraken; the sigil of the Greyjoys." Pycelle notified them.

"We should send men to deal with them," Cersei continued. "I would suggest Loras lead these men. He is heir to Highgarden. He should defend his people and his land."

Both Aelinor and Margaery's heads spun to look at Cersei.

"My brother-"

"Is a knight. Perfectly capable of dealing with Balon Greyjoy and his rebel pirates."

"Your Grace," Pycelle interjected. "It was not Balon Greyjoy leading these men."

"Who was it? The Stark ward who betrayed them?"

"No, Your Grace. This man is younger than Balon, but older than his son."

"A cousin?"

"Or a brother."

"It doesn't matter whose leading them," Margaery said. "I am the Queen. I will not send my brother to his possible death."

"Very well," Cersei relented, shocking Margaery. She had expected more of a fight. "Let us be done here."

Aelinor watched as everyone left and the door closed before turning to her mother.

"You're not going to relent, are you?" Her mother shook her head. "First you send away my sworn shield with Jaime, simply because he's Dornish. Now, sending Loras away? That's your plan?"

"He's the Heir to Highgarden. It's only natural to send him to defend the land he is to inherit."

And, if he were to die in the process, no one could accuse her. He had died in battle.

"And if he is killed?"

"It leaves you free to wed another. Perhaps one more to your liking."

"I may not love him, but he has been good to me and Aegar."

"Good to you? He is hardly around. You think the court is unaware of his trysts? They're not." Her mother told her. "Besides, not only are you freed from your sham marriage, you would become the Lady Regent of Highgarden, until Aegar comes of age."

"You're no better than your father. I meant it when I said I would not allow my children to become pawns in other people's game."

"As I said, if we're lucky, Loras will fall in battle. Olenna has left the capital, I've sent Mace to deal with the Iron Bank in Braavos, and by sending Loras away, I will be removing Margaery's last true ally at court."

"You're thinking short term. What happens when he deals with Margaery? What's to stop him from coming after you next? Or Tommen? Or me? There are rumours about all of us. Rumours he's no doubt heard, and intends to exploit."