[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

[kingofthenorth]

King's Landing was nowhere near as cold as it was in Winterfell. Following the Stark Words, winter had come and didn't appear to be ending anytime soon, begging Robb to wonder if it'll be a long season. He remains cloaked in his furs, despite its heaviness, and footfalls echoed in the halls from his boots. He hadn't even taken the time to remove his riding gloves, peeling them off as he neared the iron throne and pocketing them.

The court fell silent, which hadn't surprised the Wolf King, not wishing to entertain anyone but the King and Queen. His face gave little away of what his possible emotions are, owning up to the rumored name of the king who never smiled. Upon stopping before them, it seemed foreboding to hear the howl of direwolf outside, no doubt being forced to a cage while here.

"Your Grace," He glances over to Margaery, meeting her eyes with a nod, "Queen Margaery." He sees the little girl before her, but doesn't give her much a passing thought before Renly pulls him back with grandiose praise and pleasantries.

Renly makes a remark about it being unfortunate Roslin hadn't joined him, but Robb makes little movement to fall into any trap. He wasn't here for lighthearted games and fun. It made his blood boil to remotely step any foot into this room given the betrayal against his family just a few short years ago.

"I thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace. May my bannermen find it as welcoming as Winterfell." Robb finally concluded, cutting Renly short mid-sentence. Robb possessed even less patience than he had just a year ago, not wanting to spend that much time here if possible.

[thekittenqueen]

Margaery could see that Renly was starting to become irritated. That Robb hadn't fallen into the trap or been baited into anger had only pulled Renly into the sort of behavior he expected from the Young Wolf. She could see her husband tensing, trying to hide his displeasure behind one of his usual easy laughs. Gently, she placed her hand on Renly's arm, only to feel him pull it away. They had never achieved the sort of intimacy that would make such a gesture effective.

"You must tell us, your grace, if there is anything we might do to make your stay enjoyable. Your men have done a great service to all of us." She said formally, sensing Renly's (as well as Loras' eyes on her.) "We cannot forget that we are allies and that it is due to your forces that Cersei Lannister was captured."

Renly shifted, giving a grim nod, a reluctant admission that Margaery was correct. "Your rooms have been prepared, I hope to your liking." He said, returning to that charming smile. "Wolf fur and fires, if only we could make it snow for you, then you may truly be at home." Margaery frowned, taking a breath to steady her nerves as Renly continued. "There is a feast this evening, which I hope you will honor us by attending."

She quickly interjected, "Now, now, my love. His grace has had a long journey. It is rather overtaxing to preoccupy him with these formalities when there are more important matters to be attended to. Certainly we may adjourn this formal reception and allow his grace the chance to rest. Otherwise how may he enjoy the feast?"

Renly looked to Robb, "The Queen is correct in this instance. My men will show you the way to your chambers. Once you have had the time to settle, we will speak again."

[kingofthenorth]

Robb leaves without speaking any words, simply nodding, though his eyes met Margaery's and lingers for a moment before stepping back and away, turning so the cloak sweeped the floor in his step.

Renly certainly had outdone himself, Robb mused to himself looking at the room he was shown to. Everything that had once been emblazoned with the Lannister crest had been removed, replaced by stags. The remark about wolf pelts was certainly true, surprisingly Robb. Once the door has been shut, Olyvar Frey remained with Robb, helping him out of his cloak. Despite being older than Robb, he remained a squire at his side and one Robb had greatly appreciated.

"Be careful of Renly's men. Despite words of praise and friendship, I think he's less than thrilled I am here." Robb warned him before dismissing him to be alone for a while.

After changing in clothes that weren't as heavy of fabrics, though having the Stark crest on display, Robb had been seated at the first table in the great hall. Some of his advisors were seated with him as the food was still being placed on the table. Later, Robb would be giving his thanks and setting the tone of how the discussions would go. He had hoped Renly's theatrics would be kept to a minimum while there.

[thekittenqueen]

She had granted him a measure of space, waiting for the right to speak to him. She remained distant during the feast, separated by the length of the table and her brother's attempts to preoccupy Robb's attentions. It was a different scene than in the camps. Where she could be more free then, she had to show restraint and care now. The entire feast passed without her presence at his side.

But she had not forgotten him. When he had entered the great hall, Margaery sent one of her maids with directions to the steward. She knew the rooms that Renly had chosen for Robb were smaller and compacted, more befitting a lesser courtier than a visiting King. While they feasted, his things were moved into the large chambers that she had prepared, all without Renly's notice or knowledge. They would overlook the gardens, allowing the perfume of the flowers to cover and mask the foul stench of the city.

More importantly, Grey Wind had been removed from the kennels and brought to Robb's chambers.

When he retired from the feast, Margaery slipped away as well, crossing his path before he could approach the rooms that Renly had given him. "I have found something more comfortable for your stay." She said, carefully guarding her words so that she appeared nothing but respectful. It would seem strange that she never once spoke to him during the feast, but was now seeking him out. There were many eyes about the court and she couldn't trust her movements not to be noticed.

"I am sorry that your wife did not come as well."

[kingofthenorth]

Robb was surprised to find Margaery in the hall just before he reached his room. He almost didn't know how respond but simply followed her to the relocation.

Dismissing all from his court around him as they moved to their rooms, Robb's hand brushed Grey Wind's fur before the dire wolf settled once again at the foot of the bed. "Thank you, Your Grace. Though I had little to complain about the earlier accommodations, this more than adequate. I can tell your eye was involved in the decorating."

If Robb were honest, he was thankful his wife wasn't with him. She tended to be more of the anxious sort and would have been ill at ease during the entire stay. It wasn't a good match, but Robb trusted her and loved her the best he could, though he found it lacking in comparison to his own parents' love.

Not wanting her to leave just yet, he interjected a quick statement, "I had heard you had a daughter. I'm sorry I hadn't sent you a proper gift in congratulations. The war made customary traditions forgotten. She is beautiful and looks much like her mother. If Roslin were here, she would have her in hairstyles resembling the northerners by now."

[thekittenqueen]

"I know you didn't. You have lived for so long in army camps that it would hardly surprise me if you wouldn't accept something suited for servants." She answered, smiling in amusement. Gently, she lay her hand on Grey Wind's fur, nervous around such a large and wild creature, but he'd only been gentle and calm around her. It was hard to remember sometimes that he was a wolf, rather than a domesticated pet, though given his response to some other men in her husband's service, she wouldn't be surprised to see him bite. "While you are in this city, you deserve something more befitting for you station and I have no desire for any to think we are attempting to insult your standing as King."

Though Renly was doing a rather good job at it.

Margaery looked down at her hands nervously, wondering if he remembered her comments long ago about her marriage to Renly. "Her name is Cassana, after Renly's mother." The easiest compromise that could be reached between them, in regards to the child. "You flatter me, but I think her strongest resemblance is to her aunt."

Neither Renly nor Margaery had sisters, something that she hoped Robb would remember.

"Children are a remarkable comfort. She's been my constant companion through out the war, even here in the city. But forgive me, I should have also offered my congratulations in return for your wedding. I have heard that the Lady Roslin is very beautiful."

[kingofthenorth]

Robb nods, missing Margaery's comment in the determination to preserve formalities at this moment. Perhaps later he'll dwell long enough to be confused by such a statement, having been educated of all the Houses making up the seven kingdoms.

Roslin was beautiful... for a Frey. Though Robb desperately wanted a normal life as possible, his heart was elsewhere. "It was an adequate wedding. I wouldn't want anything else after what everyone has been through." Given he wasn't fighting for the throne, he had little reason to entertain extravagant events.

There was some silence between the two and Robb looked out the windows, "Perhaps we can find time for a walk in the garden. I know time spent together is limited, but I would enjoy your company if at all possible."

[thekittenqueen]

She watched him carefully, searching for signs of recognition and understanding. However, the veiled comment seemed to have missed its mark. A part of her was relieved. This wasn't how she wanted to share her first moments alone with him since his camp bed. It would be a difficult conversation and she wanted to have him to herself again, as open as he was before.

"I don't know if that is possible," she said softly. "My movements are monitored more closely since Cassana's birth. My company is limited, save for my ladies and my family." She was already placing herself at risk and challenging Renly's frustration and humiliation. It wasn't even Renly alone that felt betrayed, Loras did too. He had never been fond of Robb, mainly due to his opposition to Renly. Bearing his child, it had driven a wedge between the siblings.

She glanced behind him, carefully making certain no one was watching. "There was another reason I chose this room for you." Her voice remained low as she approached the fireplace. Catching his eye, she gently placed her hand against the side of the mantle, pushing in a stone.

A part of the wall swung open, revealing a secret passage leading to a set of stairs that only went up. "Forgive me if this insults your honor. I know you are a good and loyal man. I...I would regret it, if I didn't extend this offer. This passage...it leads to my rooms."

[kingofthenorth]

When she spoke, he felt disappointed, though never outwardly expressing it. Catching her eye, his gaze follows her to the mantle where pressing a stone opened a door. Grey Wind's ears perked up quickly followed up the raise of his head in curiosity.

This wasn't what Robb was expecting in the slightest. His natural reaction was an open mouth that evolved into a frown, "Margaery..." Blue eyes catch hers once again and he held her gaze, "I can't."

Closing the distance between the two, he repeats her movement and closes the door before standing his full height to her and without asking, taking her hand. "I'm sorry." He wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms and share a bed with her again, but it simply wasn't possible anymore. "Renly has stopped short in trying to sabotage me thus far." It was the most candid Robb could be while here, not wanting to speak ill of her husband and the king. But it wasn't any secret that Robb had plenty of work to do to convince him to fulfill Robb's demands.

[thekittenqueen]

She nodded, disappointed as well, but careful to not let it show. "I understand." More than he might know. Robb was an honorable man, no longer simply betrothed but with a wife waiting for him in the North. As much as it hurt to consider him in the arms of another, she could not expect him to break his vows. "Gods, I..." she trailed off, uncertain what it was she would even say to any of this.

She let her hand fall from his, afraid to let his touch linger. It had taken a great deal of restraint to keep herself from revealing her true feelings for him in public. She didn't want to put him further at risk.

"He's unhappy," she confessed. "After the struggles and the grueling battles, all lasting for years, he sees the throne slipping from his hands. A large section of the realm leaves and is out of his control once you claim your rights." She watched him, debating within herself at how to phrase this. "And it isn't his blood that will wear the crown after he is gone."

[kingofthenorth]

Robb is fully aware of why Renly had been so resistant and unwilling to follow through with his end of the original agreement. Perhaps he never truly though he would find himself with the crown upon his head until it happened. Greed and pride tended to shape people far too quickly.

But the words Margaery spoke were queer at best, "How do you mean?" He's wondering if there is unrest elsewhere in the kingdom, another uprising threatening the crown. It wouldn't be of any interest to Robb to be involved in another uprising and war.

[thekittenqueen]

"This has always been about you in his eyes." She told him gently. "You are a rival king that he must accept and bargain with. All others he may remove, but you must be parlyed with, challenging his power." She had heard such things from Loras before as she watched her brother pace, near ranting about the "upstart Stark king." He was younger, more handsome and far better skilled. The people loved Renly, but it was Robb that had won the war and earned the people's admiration.

"You have won it all in the end." She said, near afraid to look at him, but feeling she must. He deserved that much and more. "It isn't a Baratheon that will inherit the throne. A Stark will wear the crown." Only then did she dare to touch him, placing her hand against his cheek, lightly caressing him. "Think Robb. Think of all you have seen today and heard of Renly. The rumors about him, where his eyes wander, why I am often alone and look at my child. She is three years old and born not long after you had gone." She could not say more for fear of those who were listening.

[kingofthenorth]

Robb half laughs, taking a moment to scrub at his face. In his eyes, he had nothing to compare to Renly. They simply wanted different things. While Robb never wanted to sit upon the throne, he hasn't failed to recognize that governing a kingdom wasn't Renly's strong suit.

"I have won nothi--." Her hand touched his cheek and his eyes went wide. It didn't take much to do the math. Robb had been thinking about their time spent together even as he road into King's Landing, wondering how things would between them since their parting. Would have it been uncomfortably painful to see her again? His eyes had avoided hers while in the throne room during his entrance, but now he couldn't tear his gaze away from hers.

"Are you telling me Cassana is...!?" He couldn't say the words, chest rising and falling at an increasing rate. His skin felt hotter under his layers and near the fire and her previous words about her daughter's aunt suddenly made sense - Sansa.

His mouth fell open, trying to form words, but nothing was coming to mind. Here he had been pressured by his own council to have Roslin bear him an heir to the Stark family, only to find out he had done exactly that years before in circumstances that happened against better judgement.

"Why didn't you write?" He managed to whisper.

[thekittenqueen]

He finally understood and the recognition in his eyes pained her deeply. It wasn't an easy matter, one that could be brushed aside and forgotten. They had a child together, one that Renly knew wasn't his (given that he had never shared her bed or consummated the marriage). But what exactly could they do with this knowledge? They couldn't run away and be married. He had another wife and would bear other children. Why then did she need to tell him all of this now?

Perhaps because part of her wanted him to be aware that the night had been much more to her than a tryst. It brought her happiness and love, not just for him, but for a child that had been her greatest comfort and light.

"What could I write to you?" She murmured to him. "Messages can be intercepted and something like this...it deserves to be said face to face." She lowered her face, feeling emotion overwhelm her. "What would you have done if you had known? Sansa needed you and the Lannisters needed to be removed. I would have complicated matters. This way, you at least managed to achieve it all and gain a dutiful wife."

[kingofthenorth]

"A wife I don't love." He uttered the words for the first time out loud and quickly regretted them as soon as they left his lips. It was a mistake, but he already was in a display of weakness as emotions washed over him.

Pulling away, he steps over to a chair and sits down. The fire reflected off the darkened walls, patterns dancing in a heated display as the night settled in. He couldn't look at her. Not now. "You should leave."

She had spent too much time already in his room and he didn't want suspicions to he roused and in fears of whatever else he might say that shouldn't be spoken. What happened to the King that was rumored to be such an enigma, hardened in battle and a dire wolf at his command, only to become weak in the knees over some news? He was blindsighted and didn't know how to properly react. As if there were anything proper about knowing he had a child 3 years ago that he never met. Worst yet, Margaery is right in every sense of the matter, always acting quickly and in best interests.

She should be Queen of the realm over Renly.

[thekittenqueen]

She knew he didn't love Rosalin, but she still felt as though she had won a small victory. He had always been in her heart, but when she had carried his child, growing larger as the months passed, she became more certain about where her heart truly lay. There was no way for her to leave Renly now. For all intents and purposes, their marriage was consummated. If she should challenge that now, the kingdoms would be torn back into war.

The Tyrells would side with their blood, but the chaos was not good for the people or for the crops. She needed to endure a loveless marriage with a man that was angry at her for bedding a rival king. Her only companion being her daughter, one that might never know the truth.

Despite knowing he was right, she knelt beside his chair, placing her hand over his. "No, I shouldn't." She said gently. "Say all that you wish to me. Inflict your anger and displeasure, if it helps ease your mind. I deserve it for keeping this from you. It won't change my feelings for you."

[kingofthenorth]

He's silent for a while, avoiding her gaze and unmoving once her hand is placed upon his resting upon his thigh. Robb could practically feel the gaze of Grey Wind upon them and he silently wonders if he's passing judgement against him.

"I could never do that, nor do you deserve any of it. You had done the right thing." The war probably would've been far, far worse if this had come into play. Robb could see the mental play of him losing his men and the disappointment from his mother and Sansa, accusing him of finding the wrong time to go against his own judgement. "There wasn't anything else you could do."

But he had so many questions. "Is Renly a good father?" If anything, he could at least see that, but men tended to be territorial over something that wasn't theirs. Robb has seen first hand of Renly doing exactly that.

[thekittenqueen]

"I was afraid that you would abandon your plans and vows, wishing to spare me from bearing our child outside of the bonds of marriage." Their marriage specifically. As he likely knew, she and Renly were not truly wed. His bed was occupied by another. "You are honorable, Robb Stark and I believe that you would have tried to spare my reputation from any possible rumors." Or perhaps he would have done it because he loves her. He had never said it, but she believed it as strongly as she had known he desired her that night.

She wanted to give him reassurance, to tell him that Renly loved the child as though she were his own. She wished she could promise him that Cassana was valued and cherished by the man that the world believed was her father...but they both knew it was a lie.

"He doesn't visit or speak to her. When she was brought to the throne room, it was the only time that publicly displayed her." She said, resting her face in her hands, exhausted by the matter. "He wants a child to present as his own, but not a rival king's."

A part of her didn't want Renly to know Cassana. He had never taken the time to bond with her as Margaery had during the war. Her first few years were spent in High Garden, dependent entirely on her mother's love and the doting affections of the Tyrells. Robb deserved to know his child. Were she able, she would bring Cassana to visit him, but this would have to suffice. "She loves honey suckles and honey cakes." Her smile growing soft and fond. "She has a sweet tooth and loves to sing. Her favorite color is yellow and she enjoys visiting the hounds in the kennel."

[kingofthenorth]

Robb couldn't help the small, sad smile that formed on hip lips. All this time, he had a child and didn't even know. And how he wondered about the judgement passed by his father if he had known. In that sense, Robb had failed him, but at least it was from the heart.

"She sounds lovely." Robb commented softly, though his features fell back into one of neutrality as so many emotions washed over him.

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to help you, but even if I had known..." It wasn't possible. They both knew that much.

[thekittenqueen]

"She reminds me of you," she told him gently, rising once more to her feet. "I didn't tell you this to bring you shame or guilt, Robb." Stark honor had always been a bit beyond her understanding. She knew he carried it deeply, almost like a burden to his life, driving him to perfection. It was something she loved in him, even if she couldn't fully understand it. She wasn't a Stark, she never could know what it was to fulfill these expectations.

All she could do is to try to alleviate them somehow. "I wanted you to know so that you could understand what that night meant to me." She had wondered how he held it in his heart. Was it something he regretted? Or did he still carry the token that she had given him?

"My feelings for you were never more clear than when I learned I carried her in my belly." She was toeing the line of propriety again, but she would never have another chance to tell him this.

[kingofthenorth]

He simply responded with a nod. How else was he suppose to answer? There wasn't anything he could do to make the situation any lighter without entirely disrupting his purpose of being here. But he had kept her token, having it stitched inside a pocket within his traveling cloak where no one could find it unless they had a purpose of searching for it. However, that is his secret to keep.

Rising to his feet, he gently places a hand upon her arm. "Thank you for the offered quarters and your hospitality. I'm sure I'll rest well tonight." He wouldn't; he'd be lucky to even sleep at all. However, she had spent quite some time here and he was growing paranoid there would be whispers in the hallways. Or perhaps his mind was overthinking all this new information.

He needed to be alone for a while.

[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.