Unexpected Visit
[King's Landing - Red Keep, Morgana's Private Gardens]
Princess Morgana Baratheon carefully tended to her herbs, her swollen belly a testament to the life growing within her. The sun beat down upon her, warming her skin and bringing out the vibrant colors of the flowers that surrounded her. It was a peaceful oasis, hidden away from the intrigues and machinations of the palace, where she could lose herself in the simple pleasures of nature.
She heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and turned to see Margaery Tyrell, the widow of her brother, Joffrey, and uncle, Renly, and now married to Tommen, making her way towards her. Morgana forced a smile onto her face, hiding her true feelings behind a mask of politeness. She had alwys been wary of Margaery, sensing the calculating nature beneath her charming exterior.
Margaery, the widow of her brother Joffrey and Uncle Renly, and now wed to Tommen, stood before her, a smile plastered on her face. But Morgana was not fooled. She knew that behind those perfectly applied lips and delicately powdered cheeks lay a mind sharper than any sword.
"My dear Morgana," Margaery cooed, I must say, you look positively radiant today. Your health and happiness shine like a beacon."
Morgana inclined her head, accepting the compliment graciously, her heart racing beneath her loose layers of silk and lace. She had long suspected that Margaery was not what she seemed, but she kept her true thoughts well-hidden, lest they be used against her. After all, Margaery was known for her cunning and ambition, and Morgana would not put it past her to scheme her way onto the Iron Throne.
She knew that Margaery was playing the same game of thrones as nearly everyone else in the Seven Kingdoms, only this time, she was using Morgana's youngest as her pawn.
"Thank you, my queen," Morgana replied, her voice even and controlled. "What brings you to my humble gardens?"
"I could ask you the same question, my dear," Margaery replied, her eyes scanning the garden with interest. "I hear you have quite the collection of rare herbs here."
"Just a few of my favorites," Morgana said, gesturing to the various plants around them. "I find solace in tending to them during these difficult times."
"Indeed," Margaery said, her voice heavy with meaning. "It must be hard for you, losing your beloved husband so suddenly. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to carry on without him."
Morgana's heart raced at the mention of Robb, her husband who was supposedly dead, but was actually living in Volantis with his mother. She forced herself to remain calm, knowing that she couldn't let Margaery suspect anything. She had to keep up the act, no matter how exhausting it might be.
"Yes, it has been a great struggle," Morgana said, her voice trembling slightly. "But I am doing my best to carry on in his memory."
Margaery nodded sympathetically, her eyes nevr leaving Morgana's face. "I know just how you feel. Losing Joffrey was like losing a part of myself. But I have found comfort in my new marriage to Tommen. He is a kind and gentle soul, and he helps me to heal." Margaery glanced around the herbarium, her eyes lingering on the various plants and flowers. "Your herbs are quite impressive, Morgana. I must admit, I am envious of your green thumb."
Morgana raised an eyebrow, her mind working quickly. She had heard rumors that Margaery was searching for a way to secure her place in the Seven Kingdoms, and she wondered if this visit was part of some larger plan. But she said nothing, choosing instead to play along.
"It is a small comfort, given all that has transpired," Morgana replied, her voice heavy with sadness. "But I find that tending to these plants helps me keep my sanity."
Margaery nodded sympathetically, her gaze softening momentarily. "I understand completely. It must be hard for you, losing your beloved husband so suddenly. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to carry on without him."
Morgana's throat constricted at the mention of her husband, Robb, who was still alive in Volantis with his mother. She could feel Margaery's calculating gaze upon her, probing for weaknesses. But she refused to give her anything of value.
"Indeed it was," Morgana agreed, her voice steady. "But I fear we have more pressing matters to discuss. The realm is in turmoil, and our places in it are far from certain."
Margaery's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "You speak the truth, Morgana. You know, as women, we must stick together in this male-dominated world."
Morgana nodded politely, her mind racing. What did Margaery want from her? And why was she being so friendly?
And with that, the two women began their dance of deception, each trying to outmaneuver the other in a game of power and politics. But while Margaery may have held the upper hand in terms of wealth and influence, Morgana possessed something just as valuable - the knowledge that her husband lived, and the determination to see him returned to her side.
[Morgana's Chambers]
Following her visit from Margaery, Morgana returned to her chambers to lay down.
As she laid in her opulent chambers, surrounded by soft pillows and plush fabrics, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She was heavy with child, carrying not one, but two babies beneath her swollen belly, and every movement sent waves of discomfort through her body. Despite the luxurious surroundings, she felt trapped, longing for the freedom to roam the castle gardens and fields, just as she had done before her marriage to Robb Stark.
But such freedoms were not meant for royalty, particularly not for a princess like Morgana, who was expected to fulfill her duty to the realm above all else. So she lay there, trying to ignore the discomfort and focus on the joy that was soon to come.
Which was what she was doing when there was a knock on the door.
"Enter," Morgana called out, her voice barely above a whisper. The door creaked open, and in stepped her mother, Queen Cersei.
"Mother," Morgana said, sitting up straighter in her bed. "What brings you here?"
Cersei walked over to Morgana's bedside, her eyes narrowing as she took in her daughter's appearance. "I heard that Margaery Tyrell paid you a visit," she said, her voice cold and detached.
Morgana nodded, her heart racing. She knew exactly where this conversation was headed. "Yes, she did," she replied calmly. "She came to offer her congratulations on my pregnancy."
"And what did you talk about?" Cersei asked, her grip on the bedpost tightening.
"We spoke of many things," Morgana replied, careful to keep her answers vague. "She wished me well, and I returned the sentiment."
Cersei snorted. "Do not be fooled by her words, my dear," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "The Tyrells are not to be trusted. They will stop at nothing to gain power and influence, even if it means betraying those closest to them."
Morgana listened intently, her mind racing. She knew full well that her mother was right, but she also knew that sometimes one had to play the long game. "I understand, Mother," she said, her voice measured. "But do not worry, I am aware of their intentions. Margaery is half Tyrell, half Hightower, two family's who have long sought to increase their influence."
"And what exactly are you trying to say, Morgana?"
Morgana smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Merely that I am not as foolish as you seem to think, Mother. I know the game we play here in King's Landing, and I am not about to let my guard down simply because Margaery has a pretty face and a charming smile."
Cersei's expression softened slightly, though her words remained sharp. "Very well, Morgana. But be cautious, nonetheless. The Tyrells may appear to be allies, but they are not to be trusted. Remember that."
Morgana nodded, her smile nevr wavering. "I will keep your words in mind, Mother. But for now, if you will excuse me, I must attend to my own affairs. The babes have drained me of my energy. I wish to rest."
Cersei frowned, her eyes darting over her daughter's body. "You look pale and worn out," she said, her voice filled with worry. "You need to take better care of yourself, Morgana.
"Don't worry, Mother," she said, smiling weakly. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep myself and the babies safe and healthy. I promise."
Cersei smiled back, relief written across her face. "That's my girl," she said, before leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Morgana's forehead. "Now, get some rest, my darling. I'll leave you to your slumber, but know that I'm alwys here for you, no matter what." And with that, she left the chamber, leaving Morgana to drift off into a peaceful sleep, surrounded by the love and support of her family.
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