Special dedication to ProtonCoccus for helping me with this chapter

                     One Month Later

Cersei walked into Euphraise's quarters, intending to snark at her for her choices. She hated how there was someone who would make the little monster happy, how Tyrion will be getting what he wanted today, while she is left empty-handed. She had loved Rhaegar, and the whores Elia Martell and  Lyanna Stark took him away. She loved Robert, yet he was too caught up on Lyanna's death to return her feelings. She loved Jaime, most of all, and a much younger Stark took him away from her too.

Now, the brother that she hates has found someone to love, and Tommen has been set on a match of his own as well. And what of Myrcella, the Dornish scum may have killed her by now, all thanks to the groom of the day!

She found the bride sitting by her mirror, fully dressed for her wedding. Her pale ivory gown was much simpler than she expected; a kimono-style garb, embroidered with little silver roses and green rhinestones as a makeshift belt. The gown's sleeves were slightly sheer, owing to the climate. On its shoulder area was a little lion's head, with what appeared to be an open book under its chin. The trail of the skirt was not too long to allow for easier movement. Overall, Cersei was impressed at the modesty of the dress.

"Interesting concept, Euphrasie. It seems like you were already dead set on marrying my brother. Did your grandmother plan for this? "

"Indeed, it is as you have guessed."

Cersei smiled. Finally, someone who knows her priorities.

"Tyrion, of all lions, why is that?"

"Tales of his intellect. I focused on that most of the time, and not his height or face."

"My concern is, how long can you keep him? A lion is never satisfied with just a beautiful rose."

"I have my ways, My Queen. I would never flaunt my assets to someone who is already well known for his hedonistic ways.". Things he did because you and your father made him miserable. Not the best coping strategy, but he managed to make it so far.

Cersei would have to commend her for that. Most women would give it their all just to bed a Lannister. Tyrion, for all his faults, seemed to be the luckiest in love. If only she could steal some of that luck for herself...

"I wish you all the best in keeping him." she responded with a small smirk. Sooner or later, Tyrion was sure to discard her for a more beautiful prize.

Euphraise knew exactly why the Queen had come to her chambers. Gazing at her reflection, she applied some liner to her eyes, bringing out its striking, emerald hue.

It takes seduction to entice a man, and trust to keep him forever. I will have you, Tyrion Lannister, until death do us part.

Her musings were interrupted by Margaery's entry, who was surprised by the determination on her face.

"Cousin, I see that you are ready." she spoke sheepishly.

"I am. Oh, you brought little Tommen with you."

"I wanted to give you an early present." reasoned the young prince.

Euphraise took the box from the boy's hands, unwrapping it to reveal a simple, silver crown decorated by quills, roses and a lioness's head at the center.

"It's a beautiful trinket, Your Grace."

"One of Myrcella's designs that I commissioned a goldsmith to do. Consider that as a gift from her.'

" Thank you, your grace " Euphraise smiled at the little lion.

" Your grace, would you mind leaving us for a moment " Margaery asked Tommen, smiling at him sweetly.

Tommen nodded, exiting the chambers with that sun-shattering smile of his.

"The boy is too pure for this world. " remarked Euphraise. She could just imagine the children she could have ; sweet-natured, clever cubs.

"He is." replied Margaery.

"Cousin, do you realize what you're getting into by marrying a Lannister? "

"I do. Yes, I admire Tyrion but politics plays a factor as well. Lord Tywin hates to admit it, but his youngest son is the most like him. Once he does and Cersei takes control, I'm sure that his legacy will be shattered."

"A wise plan indeed. My only concern is the poor innocent cubs at the keep." 

"Tommen could stay in Dragonstone, Stannis is there too. The boy could use some training. I'm sure my future father-in-law would agree. "

"You truly are Grandmother's student, Euphraise. Be careful with the lions' claws. For now, let's set the politics of this union aside for some quality time with family and friends, shall we?"

"You look like you're up to something, Margaery. "

"It's your dress, cousin. I was expecting a more Reacher style. "

"I have my reasons for dressing this way. I know about Tyrion's wild ways in love, and I'm not giving in too easily. He has to earn it. "

"Ooh, I love your challenging spirit! I wish you all the best. "

She did not know if she should trust Margaery's compliments from now on. Something told her that there was a motive behind that smile. She could tell since it did not reach her eyes.

One way or another, she would find the truth of her cousin's scheme. She finished preparing herself, and quietly emerged from her chambers.

                             Later

The streets were rather packed with people wishing to see who was in the carriage that day. Cersei stared at them, annoyed at their dirty faces and clothes. Margaery opened her carriage window to glimpse at the people, sending her signature smirk their way. Euphrasie would rather be somewhere else, maybe a smaller Sept. She did not understand why her wedding had to be as grand as her cousin's. 

The Sept's interior looked even grander, nobles in their best clothes sitting on their chairs. In the front sat the Lannisters on the right and Tyrells on the left from the view of whoever was using the entrance door. The High Septon stood at the front, close to the statues of the Father and Mother. Tyrion was beside him, along with a small chair to climb on.

Joffrey smirked, already planning to humiliate his uncle. Eying the small chair in front of him, he was about to take it away but a warning from Tywin caught him off-guard. Don't ruin this day, it conveyed.

Oh, how the spoiled child of a king wanted to protest. He could rage all he wanted, and risk ruining the praise campaign Margaery had worked on ofr him. He would never want to disappoint her.

"Is my future aunt by marriage still not done preparing herself? I'm sure it's quite enough." he remarked.

"She's being careful, brother. With you in the palace, she has every right to be."

"Tommen, that is not a very nice thing to say t your brother. Could you two not fight at this very important day?" Cersei intervened.

The little prince glared at Joffrey, and nodded his head in fake obedience. He would be writing to someone later, that was for sure. Before his mind could escape to his dream paradisw with Shireen, the doors suddenly opened.

In walked Euphrasie, escorted by her uncle, Mace Tyrell. Her usually loose, brunette hair had been tied into a single braid, with some strands left free to frame her face and bring out the green hue of her eyes. Her simple, wedding gown surprised some of the nobles, who were expecting a more revealing attire, much like Margaery's usual day dresses.

"I thought the Queen chose her gown."

"No, obviously not. Rumor has it that the bride made it herself."

'"No way! It is said that if a bride wears a gown she crafted herself to her wedding, every thread sewed will represent the number of tears she will cry out of misery."

"I don't think this rose believes in those suspicions."

Euphraise ignored the small talk at the audience's seats, continuing her slow walk towards the altar.  As she stepped closer to the groom, she could spot Margaery giving her a reassuring smile, while Cersei put on a friendly facade. Her smile never reached her eyes, Euphraise observed.

Ascending the steps to the altar, she heard the sound of wood rubbing against the marble floor, just as her eyes spotted Joffrey taking the chair away.

"Is he serious right now?" whispered Loras.

"Indeed.  Leave it to the Lannisters to humiliate their own."replied Margaery.

A glare from Tywin silenced the congregation. That was already enough amusement for the day.

Tyrion's green eyes dimmed slightly, and he let out a soft sigh. This was a day he was supposed to celebrate, couldn't he catch a break for once?

"You may now cloak the biide under your protection." spoke the High Septon. He looked like he wanted to kate back that chair from the king's hands, just so the groom could do his task more quickly.  Poor Tyrion felt the cloth for the clasps, until he finally managed to find them.

Euphraise knelt, ignoring the soft laughter from the crowd. After all, why would the bride have to kneel just to get wrapped up in Lannister reds and golds? She glard at Joffrey, making the monarch shudder for once in his spoiled life.

The septon cleared his throat, " Your graces, my lords, my ladies we are here, in the ight of the Gods to witness the joining of two houses; Euphraise of the House Tyrell, and Tyrion of the house Lannister, in the Sacrament of Matrimony. One flesh, one heart, one soul. Cursed are those who seek to tear them asunder." .

Maraery could not help but glare at Cersei. She had an inkling that the angry lioness of a monarch would indeed, seek to disrupt the peace of the new couple.

" Grab hands, " he instructed.

Tyrion  grabbed his little flower  hands with his until the septon cleared his throat once more. The septon gladly tied the white knot over their intertwined hands. Even Varys could tell that he was happy for Tyrion. I'm glad I worked those strings. That lion deserves a break.

" Look upon each other, and say the words."  The High  Septon ordered.

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am hers/his, and she/he is mine from this day until my last day." the couple responded.

" I now pronounce you man and wife you may kiss the bride " The septon said.

Tyrion leaned up a bit capturing Euphrasie's  lips against his, Euphraise instantly kissed back with passion.

Cheers and applause ranged out all over the room, the now married couple stepped down from the steps and made their way through the crowd.

                              ________

Later that evening, a grand feast was held for the newly married couple, Euphraise and Tyrion sat at the high table along with their respective families.

"...and then, Uncle Gerion let me do cartwheels all over the palace!"  Tyrion relayed, making the Tyrells laugh.

"Yeah, Uncle Tyrion did that at the garden when he thought no one was watching." Tommen added.

"You've got to show me sometime." Euphrasie joined in.

"Maybe, when he's not too drunk to walk." Cersei mumbled.

'Oh, don't listen to her. You could use a little acrobatics to lessen the King's dignity. It's such a sham Margaery is to be his future wife." Euphraise whispered.

"I feel great sorrow for your cousin. I do like the idea of my cartwheels making him slip and fall on the floor." Tyrion replied.

Suddenly, the queen of thorns made her way towards her granddaughter and a fake smile appeared on her face. " "Congratulations are in order, dearest rose or are you a lioness now?"

" I will always be a flower in spirit grandmother, " Euphrasie repiled.

" Lady Olenna or should I call your lady  grandmother now  " Tyrion teased.

Euphraise stifled a laugh, seeing her grandmother roll her eyes. She soon noticed Tywin's glare. So he's finally realized it, or has he known all along? Guess what the people say is true; you only appreciate the value of someone when you lose them.

Several nobles came forward, offering presents to the couple. From Mace Tyrell, they received brocades imported from Dorne. From Margaery were brooches depicting a golden rose with a book for leaves. Olenna produced a scroll from her robes, handing it to Tyrion for him to read.

"Pretend to consummate your union, dear grandson. Then,
you can plot." she whispered.

"I wish I could do it for real." mumbled the slightly disappointed Lannister.

"Euphraise is not going to give herself to you so soon.  Earn her trust, and you might get your own cubs to share in your knowlegde."

" I know that, " Tyrion said. " I am willing to wait until she's ready, I would never force her into something against her wishes."

"Thank you." Euphraise mumbled, already privy o the conversation.

Tywin noticed the smirk on Olenna's face, and was greatly disappointed.  He needed spare heirs, in case Lyarra did not wish to be found.  Gesturing to his grandson, the King, Magraery looked fearful as Joffrey stood from his seat. Oh no, here it comes...

"It's time for the bedding ceremony!" he announced.

"Tyrion, now." Olenna instructed, making the little lion take his wife's hand before the other nobles could swarm them. Tyrion led his lady out of the dining hall, into the maze that was the Red Keep.

"Didn't expect this to be an adventure huh? The newlyweds running awsy from an audience of ribald lords." Euphrase remarked, with a chuckle.

"Then I'm glad you enjoyed it." Tyrion replied, and led her to what appeared to be two pillars for a makeshift hideout, only to meet the face of little Tommen, who had not attended the feast, Leo in his arms. Tyrion let out a high-pitched scream he didn't know he could do, while Euphraise laughed hard.

" Your grace, " she greeted, in between giggles..

" Tommen, what are you doing here? " Tyrion asked.

"Hiding from Joffrey. " Tommen mumbled. "

"You gave us quite the scare, little cub." Euphraise added.

"Uncle Tyrion screamed like a younger Myrcella, hahahaha!"

"What- did I really...?" Tyrion asked himself, flustered. His face was now as red as his vest.

By the light of the Seven, he looks adorable! Both Tommen and Euphraise mused.  The young prince decided to pinch his uncle's cheeks, only for his hand to receive a gentle slap.

"No, Tommen. Go to bed!" he exclaimed in protest.

"I suppose that's quite enough, little cub.  Your uncle and I have some important things to attend to." Euphraise added, gently holding Tyrion closer to herself.

"Okay, Aunt Euphy."

In a flash, Tommen had run off to his chambers. The couple sighed in relief, finally achieving a moment of peace.

The two reached their shared room, furnished with reds and golds. The only sign of anything remotely Tyrell-ish was the vase of roses on the table.  Euphraise quickly undressed herself, leaving only her shift for cover. Tyrion however, had his eyes set on the letter that Olenna gave him.

"My grandmother would never hand you a missive unless it is important. Care to share its contents?' 

Gathering his courage, Tyrion broke the seal on the scroll, rather surprised to discover its sender.

"Ser Barristan? He's in Eassos, and escorting Prince Rhaegar's sister... I cant believe it!"

"Anything else?"

Lord Tyrion Lannister, the Hand of he King

I am writing to you so that I may inform you that the sister of the arch-nemesis of your deceased king is safe and sound. Tales of Lannister rule have spread to Eassosi shores, and I must say that I am greatly disappointed. Ned Stark, blessed be his memory, would have been a good King Regent, were it not for the plot of his mother, Cersei.  I am currently in Astapor, escorting Lady Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen.. She recently had twins by her first husband, Rhaego and Rhaella.

I am asking you to impart your wisdom as an adviser on the novice ruling dragon, and information regarding Westerosi affairs. Though you belong to the family who brutally slew Princess Rhaenys and Prince Aegon, I still believe that you are better than your sister.

Respectfully Yours
Ser Barristan Selmy

"This letter is late. You are no longer the Hand of the King."

"Yes, that is true. If I switch sides now, things are bound to turn o ashes for us/"

"There is only one thing left for us to do; pretend to be allies with the king. The Seven knows that Margaery has wrapped Joffrey around her fingers. That will do for now."

"Euphraise, are you... planning to betray your cousin?"

"I have known Margaery for the longest time. She is far from a good person, but she might be a better queen.. For now."

"Cersei won't be pleased, knowing that her son does not listen to her anymore."

"We shall continue our plot next time. It's getting late."

Tyrion nodded, already feeling tired. He leaned on one of the pillows, immediately falling asleep.

Euphraise stood up, grabbed the letter and placed it inside an unassuming box. No one but her and her husband should know about that letter.

Satisfied. She too, gave into her desire for slumber, finally resting beside her clever lion.