who: @garlandhightower where: the kings audience solar, highgarden, the kingdom of the reach
It seemed as though the name Garland Hightower had become synonymous with scandal itself in weeks and months; to pair it with the influence and the lingering memory of the dangerous ambition of that Hightower beacon that burned green upon a call to war added only another level of lingering corruption that seemed to swirl around the Lord of Oldtown. There was a time where none other but Cedric and the traitor who once wore the crown upon chestnut curls knew of the extent of Garland's impulsive choices, and yet, when his Master of Coin had spoken of his intentions to see the union come to an end, it were as though the Gods themselves laughed.
"Always early."
The thunder that brew within him was the laugh of the Gods, brimming on the edge of something that was far greater than he felt he could ever feel; though it simmered quickly and quietly with the knowledge that what had once been the greatest thorn in his side regarding this whole matter would end up being exactly what was needed to ensure this derailed nothing. Two of the greatest powers of the continent seemed to have a relationship that consisted of golden daggers being hidden beneath thorns and roses, as though both were determined to avoid being the reason for the deterioration of such a study alliance.
None would know of the words exchanged between the King of the Reach and the Lord of Hightower the day intentions were finally in the open, spoken into physical existence; none would know the exact details of the severity and the finality that was issued in regards to everything that was legacy itself for the Hightowers, and how if it were the role itself that was causing such repeated impulsive decisions, then the role would be one that could be easily cropped at the neck.
"Sit down - I have news that will make you a happy man."
There were many others in the world that dreamed of having what it was the Hightowers had, at the end of the day. It was time to understand what it was Otto had meant in preserving the family legacy, and if one could not, then stepping or falling down was a choice that was ultimately left to him.
Ocean hues flickered dangerously as he came to the conclusion that what was once the biggest thorn in his side would be his legitimate reason for seeing this matter dissolved by the High Septon; for Tyland Lannister had once declared his own sister's marriage invalid as a result of it being based in an elopement, there would be no choice but to do just that all over again. Cedric had no issue in utilising the misfortunate and inequality in the world if it meant he would only further secure the position of himself and his council.
Once Garland had assured there was no possibility his wife could be pregnant, the process had begun.
And in the process, Cedric Tyrell swiftly and casually destroyed the reputation of the Lady Calla Lefford - she who was innocent of any crime apart from the foolishness of falling head over heels in some fascination rather than love, and it was she who would pay the ultimate time for it. The Westerlands were no forgiving place for women, and yet, the elopement gave the Reach enough of a claim to see the dissolution put through the High Septon and done.
The King slipped correspondence from the High Septon across his desk, leaning back slightly in his chair as his Master of Coin looked over it. "The Lady is ruined." There was not a part of him that cared, pleased this matter can finally be put to rest. "But it is done, as though it was never valid at all." Perhaps it was perfect timing, considering the news that had come from Longtable; the eldest Merryweather bitch was now kin, and yet, she would soon realise just how the Tyrells too had a habit of destroying one another.
"Expect an Oakheart dowry for the royal treasury." "And Guinevere Lannister for the Hightower, as your wife." He then slipped another document to him, consisting of a set amount of gold coins, Hands, to be granted annually within the Hightower fund automatically from the royal treasury.
"And for the boy."
