Though he was teasing her, his lips twisted into a small scowl as Leonette mentioned how Olenna had treated her. In truth, Garlan cared little about his grandmother’s opinion of Leonette. He did not think she would have approved of anyone he’d married that was his own choice. [ Garlan had been lucky, he knew, that he’d been allowed to marry the only woman he’d ever wanted. It had been the only time he’d felt as if his wants had been taken into consideration by his father; for all of Mace’s bluster, Garlan had loved him that day. ] But there was part of him that grew more piqued each time a loaded barb was sent Leonette’s way, each time she was made to feel any less a part of their family because she did not share the blood of kings. “She will not be around to treat you as such much longer,” he stated, his voice belying the lightness of his expression. Though it would be just like Olenna to outlive them all, would it not? He was unsurprised by the information Leonette revealed and he merely nodded. “He is needed in Highgarden and we all know it. He would not do as a consort in King’s Landing.” Personally, if given the choice, Garlan would not return to King’s Landing either.
“It matters not what Grandmother would do with Margaery,” he admitted with a wry smile. “I do not believe Willas would send her to the North. And if he tried, I would remind him which of us is the better swordsman.” His lips twitched as he looked at their son and he nodded. “Aye, we will have to take him,” he agreed. “So long as he stays close to me, I do not mind showing him the dragons. They are magnificent, beasts though they are.” He shrugged at the question about the journey. “Loras and I had an argument on the way,” he admitted. “I was honest and he took it like the spoilt child he can be.”
Leonette was right – the thought of having Loras at Brightwater was a surprising one. He lifted his wife’s hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her palm. “I have not discussed it with him. It was a thought I had on the journey there and then we got into a stupid argument that wasn’t really an argument, I suppose. More Loras not liking what I had to say.” Garlan shook his head. “We will resolve it at some point, I know.” One side of his mouth lifted up. “How has it been here? How is Margaery? How are you?”
perhaps she wouldn’t find herself so upset by the remarks that had been aimed her way since the day they wed, if she weren’t so intent on being liked. more than anything she longed to be accepted by her new family, to have them proud to see her bear the grand sigil of house tyrell. every pointed insult or veiled mockery only served to show her she was still a way off yet. “you musn’t say such things.” soft reprimand leaves her lips, though she is internally grateful for his constant support. always could she count on garlan to come to her defence, ever her gallant knight. “you’ll be sorry for it when she’s gone, she’s still your family my love.” though olenna had often been a thorn in her side, it was in her nature to see the good she had done for her family. the day she was gone from this world would be sad indeed.
she can at least take some comfort in his words, knowing he was likely right. as persuasive as the queen of thorns could be, it was indeed willas now that they all must answer to as lord of highgarden. and she doubted very much that he would be sending his little sister into the wolf’s den anytime soon, no matter how cosy an alliance it made. “oh you would now, would you? then perhaps i ought to warn dear willas of the threat.” leonette’s brows arch playfully, a pretty laugh leaving her rosy lips. she is satisfied with the promise that their son will see the dragons soar as he so desires, and a small part of leonette too who still finds childish wonder in their magic. “it is certainly a once in a lifetime chance for us all to see.”
the process of losing one’s family was a painful one, something she was keen for her husband to avoid if possible. though there were cracks in his relationship with loras, she preferred to be of the mind that they could still be fixed. “what did you argue over? nothing too serious, i hope.” the gentle lady’s voice grew sad as her attention is offered to him completely. “i know he vexes you, but i think it would do you both some good if you were to see the other is eachother’s shoes. do not be too hard on him, he does adore you so very much.” either way, she believed wholeheartedly that having loras join them in their new home would be good for them all. her hand remains clasped in his, finding comfort in having him so close after weeks of an empty bed. “margaery busies herself with the mining efforts, i’ve hardly seen her. in truth i worry for her, she works herself so hard but i know she does so half out of distraction. so as not to think on her grief too long. you and your brother will go a long way to helping her.” a half smile touches her lips, “you needn’t worry for me, i’ve been well, all the better now you’re here.”
