[Musebox] The Court of the Stag King

[thekittenqueen]

[ooc: After this.]

It had been three years since the forces of Baratheon and Stark united. Three long years of war and hardship, soldiers that went off to fight but returned either on a stretcher or not at all. The land was fractured, near beyond repair, as the Lannisters dug their claws into King's Landing, refusing to relinquish what was theirs. No matter the battles they lost, they denied terms of surrender time and again. It was only when the mighty Tywin Lannister died from heart failure that a light appeared in the distance.

Stannis had been the easier foe to defeat, not for lack of military cunning and tenacity, but because slowly his forces abandoned him, trickling to Renly's cause and swearing fealty to him. Storm's End was sacked and Stannis fell in battle, fighting shoulder to shoulder with the men that remained, showing true honor and bravery.

The Lannisters had no such pride. Know their cause was lost, Cersei and her children fled the capital, looking to retreat to Casterly Rock. Sansa had been with them, her life hanging precariously in the balance as an unhinged Cersei threatened to kill the poor girl should any try to overtake them. They were caught on the road by the Stark army, ambushed during the night. Sansa had been safely freed and delivered while Joffery had been killed by a stray arrow. Cersei and the rest of her children were conveyed away, taken to Renly who would decide their fate.

During it all, Margaery had been taken to High Garden, secured and protected by Renly's Rainbow Guard as she carried his heir to term. He had been so certain the child would be a boy, a sign that his victories were due to his own luck, rather than to the help that Robb Stark provided. However, when a daughter was born, he took the news calmly and with his usual nonchalance.

"Next time will be a boy," he declared, laughing alongside his men. Margaery knew, however, that beneath his smile was frustration and chagrin. There would be no other children. He may have enough luck to win the war, but he could not summon the ability to bring about another pregnancy. The gods were not kind enough to allow a second opportunity for Margaery to conceive.

The news of her pregnancy was lost to the Kingdoms, swept up alongside the rest of the news regarding the war. It was not announced as joyfully or loudly in Robb's camp, as there was nothing to prove among his men. The rumors about Renly did not extend that far. Eventually, it was all overshadowed by Tywin's death until there was no more talk but about the end to the war.

***

After three long years of struggle, Renly was crowned in the Sept of Baelor and named King of the Seven Kingdoms. Despite his promise to Robb, he did not remove the North from among his possessions. Not publicly.

Thankfully, there was no outcry or challenge to that insult, as the Wolf King was away, attending his wedding to Roslin Frey. He had kept his word to Walder Frey and secured peace in the Riverlands, only furthering Renly's unease and wounded pride.

Now that there were no more adversaries among the Lannister camp or Stannis, Renly had become acutely aware of how dangerous Robb Stark truly was. He held a large section of the Kingdom and he had an advantageous match in the Riverlands. If he wanted, he could displace the Stag King, and unknowingly already was. It was not Robb Stark that stood to inherit the throne after Renly's death.

With the matter of his marriage at an end, Robb was summoned to King's Landing, both to meet and finalize the terms of treaty with Renly, but also to see that they were truly honored. Word had finally reached him about the titles that the Stag King boasted and the challenge that he was making towards Robb. The conflict was not yet at an end, it seemed.

***

Robb's arrival was met with celebrations and festivities, an elaborate show of wealth meant to display the resources available to Renly. All was calculated to make Robb feel ill at ease, even the scene that greeted him in the courtroom.

Margaery was seated at her husband's side, uncomfortable with the display and the ease that Renly used her to make a point. Her daughter was with them as well, not usually paraded out before visiting guests, but done so this time. The reason well known to Margaery, though never spoken of. A young girl with Tully hair and the sharp blue eyes of her father. Rumors had never involved her, much to Margaery's relief. There were enough red heads in her family to not raise any measure of suspicion.

Renly was seated upon the Iron Throne, forcing Robb to approach him as though he were a supplicant or unequal. Silence filled the Throne Room as the court waited and watched to see what response would be given. Margaery's eyes were locked on her lover, amazed at how kind the years had been to him and how well he kept his composure. Despite the trouble it might cause, she offered him a look of kindness and apology, hoping that it would be enough to keep his temper at bay.

"Lord Stark!" Renly called out with a charming smile, masking his distaste. "Welcome to my court!"

Comments

[thekittenqueen]

For a brief moment, the voice of doubt whispered in her mind, leading her to wonder if she had done the right thing in telling him about Cassana. The news wouldn't be easy to bear, especially for such an honorable man. Yet, there was nothing else she could do. This was his one time to know of her and the life he had given Margaery.

She didn't protest as he slipped back into formalities, rising from her place beside his chair. She couldn't compromise herself any further, as she didn't doubt that Varys was still spying for the crown.

"I pray that you do, your grace." She offered a small curtsy. "I hope our paths cross again outside of the audience chamber." She would leave him to seek her out, if he wished and when he was ready. Pausing at the door once more, she glanced back at him, giving him a small smile before disappearing back into the halls.