Just as Margaery's thoughts began to wander, a respectful knock echoed at the door. A well-dressed attendant stepped in, bowed politely, and announced:
Attendant:"Lady Margaery, Ser Gavin has returned. He invites you to join him in the courtyard to admire the spring blossoms."
A radiant smile spread across Margaery's face. She quickly set aside the poetry book she had been pretending to read and rose gracefully. Standing before the mirror, she smoothed the folds of her already-perfect gown and gently combed her cascading hair, ensuring every silken strand rested just right on her shoulders.
Once satisfied, she left her chambers with light, eager steps, moving through the halls like a deer gliding through a sun-dappled glade.
The courtyard was alive with color, bursting with fragrant blooms and dancing petals caught in the breeze. Amidst it all stood Gavin—tall, composed, and radiant under the golden afternoon sun. The light seemed to halo around him, outlining his form like a painting come to life.
Margaery:"Long time no see, Gavin."She dipped into a graceful curtsey.
Gavin:"It has been too long, Margaery," he replied warmly, his gaze softening."You're even more beautiful than I remember. Forgive me—I regret missing your name day."
Margaery:(laughing lightly)"You had more pressing matters—conquering fleets and taming dragons. I understand."
They exchanged a look that lingered, a quiet understanding nestled within their shared smile. Around them, it seemed the flowers bloomed more vividly, the air sweeter with the unspoken nostalgia between them.
Margaery:"I must say, it's astonishing what you've achieved in just a few short years since leaving Highgarden."
Gavin:"Much of it was fortune. And the rest… necessity."
After a pause, his tone shifted.
Gavin:"I heard House Tyrell has business with me. I assume that's why you crossed the Narrow Sea in person?"
Instead of answering directly, Margaery tilted her head, her voice softening.
Margaery:"Gavin… how did you become the Dragon King?"
Gavin:"My mother was of House Beleriys, one of the ancient Valyrian bloodlines. It's from her that I inherited my right to the skies—and my dragons. That's why, when I was knighted, I chose to bear her name."
Margaery:"Four centuries ago, the Targaryens fled the Doom and came to Dragonstone. A hundred years later, Aegon the Conqueror united Westeros. And now you—of a Valyrian line as noble—ride dragons, command fleets, and hold armies stronger than Aegon ever had. Tell me, Gavin… do you intend to rule Westeros?"
Gavin:(without hesitation)"I won't take the throne for myself. Daenerys will. The Iron Throne is her birthright, and I intend to marry her. My claim lies in the Stepstones. I'll be king there—and perhaps more. Two continents, one rule."
Margaery:(smiling faintly, knowingly)"That may be your promise to her, but we both know who truly commands the power. Dragons, armies, alliances—they follow you. Westeros will bend the knee to the man who holds them."
Gavin said nothing at first, but eventually nodded.
Gavin:"You're right. In truth, I will be the one who rules. Daenerys will have her crown. It's a gesture of respect—and perhaps redemption."
Margaery's tone shifted once more, the politicking returning to her voice.
Margaery:"Then allow Highgarden to support you. The Reach will not join Robert Baratheon's war fleet. We will delay, obstruct, and when the time comes, lend you our ships and soldiers. The moment your banners touch Westerosi shores, we will swear allegiance."
Gavin raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Gavin:"A generous offer. What does House Tyrell ask in return?"
Her cheeks flushed lightly.
Margaery:"That you marry a woman of House Tyrell as queen—if not the only one, then one of your queens. And we ask for the office of Hand or Master of Ships, perhaps both."
Gavin looked at her—truly looked at her—for a long moment. Then, gently, he reached for her hand.
Gavin:"If you are the queen, Margaery… I would be honored."
She didn't pull away. Instead, she stepped into his arms, resting her head against his chest. The wind whispered around them, rustling petals into the air as the garden seemed to exhale in peace.
Later, they strolled side by side beneath the swaying trees, speaking softly about the years they had missed.
Margaery:"I still remember that tournament. When you crowned me Queen of Love and Beauty… I hoped, in that moment, I might one day marry you."
Gavin:(smiling wistfully)"Back then, I was just a lowborn knight with dragon's blood in my veins and no name strong enough to speak aloud. I wanted to tell you… but I didn't dare."
A moment of silence passed as memories danced between them.
Gavin:"How long will you remain in the Stepstones?"
Margaery:"Not long, I fear. I've already been gone longer than planned. And I'll need to return to rally our forces and delay Baratheon's war plans. The voyage back from Lys alone will take months."
Gavin's lips curved into a quiet smile.
Gavin:"You don't need to sail."
Margaery:(puzzled)"What do you mean?"
Gavin:"I destroyed the Volantis fleet days ago. The seas are mine now. Those three cities can't strike back—they're waiting to surrender. The war is all but finished."
Margaery:(eyes widening)"You've won already? Gavin, your power is even greater than I imagined."
Gavin:"Then stay a little longer. And when the time comes, I'll take you back to Highgarden on Syndor. Three days by dragonback, at most."
Margaery:(delighted)"Truly? I've never flown before!"
Gavin:(with a soft laugh)"Then let it be your first flight—with me."