A Thorny Request

A/N: Just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for all the likes, now that this story has officially surpass 3000 likes. Much appreciated!

Jon Stark, the newly proclaimed King in the North by the people of White Harbor, entered the Merman Court for the second time that day, with Sarella Sand by his side. This time Lord Wyman was there to greet them just beyond the door and bowed.

"Your Grace," He greeted. "Our important guest is waiting at one of the adjacent rooms to the main hall. If you'll follow me," He said, while his gaze shifted to his companion.

Jon took that as his cue to make it official. "I have decided to take Sarella Sand as one of my advisors to have her experienced counsel on a particular project I would like to create after retaking Winterfell. She is welcomed to accompany me to that meeting and listen."

"I see," The Lord of White Harbor said slowly. "Well, in that case, let's not keep her Ladyship waiting."

And so they followed him to one of the lateral doors of the court and crossed through, being greeted on the other side by the side of a room that was connected to a garden. Within it, there was an elderly but regal-looking woman writing what was probably a letter. But soon enough, she noticed their presence and looked up.

"You're Grace, allow me to present to you Lady Olenna of House Tyrell," Lord Manderly announced. "She arrived in the city yesterday and has been eager to meet you."

Jon raised an eyebrow. He hadn't heard much from her before but she did know that it has long been suspected that when the member of House Redwyne married into House Tyrell, it didn't take her long to become the real power of House Tyrell from behind the scenes, a role she has apparently kept to this day. He could tell she was examining him with her experienced eyes but her expression was otherwise unreadable. Waving at Sarella so she could give them some space by taking a few steps back, he respectfully nodded at one of the most powerful women in the Reach that had earned the Queen of Thorns.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lady Olenna," Jon said. "Although I must say, I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"And I didn't believe I would make my way to White Harbor a handful of days ago," She replied in an amused but tired tone. "Alas, I have lived long enough to know that the board changes when new players enter the game. And when I heard you were proclaimed King of the North and the Trident by rights of inheritance and by the power of your dragon, I simply knew that I should meet you in person and see if we could strike a bargain."

"I see," Jon replied with a calculating gaze. "May I ask how exactly did you learn of that? I have been a king for less than a week."

"Honestly? House Redwine has a few spies in the Riverlands," The elderly woman revealed. "After word had spread of your ascension among your bannermen, it was only a matter of time before they learn of it too; at which point they hurried to send me a raven for my eyes only."

"Originally, I was going to go to Highgarden instead as I was already preparing to leave that wretched capital," She went on, "but I changed course to White Harbor after realizing we could help each other at this critical juncture."

"Hmm," The young king hummed as he pulled up the chair to sit down in front of her. "Very well then. I am listening."

"Well for starters, have you heard of the rearmament of the Faith Militant by the new High Septon?" She asked.

Jon frowned. He had heard of that development from the Riverlords before he departed for Greywater Watch and he really didn't like what he had heard. Those zealots appeared to be drunk with power while trying to brutally punish anyone they considered to be a sinner in their view, which made them hypocrites as far as he was concerned. He only read the Seven-pointed Star long enough to realize he still preferred the more traditional northern worship of the Old Gods, but he had learned enough to understand their crude, violent ways in that front were not compatible with several important teachings of their holy text. And that level of unpredictable cruelty combined with a hunger for power so that they can enforce their views on everyone, even those who didn't believe in them, made them dangerous.

"My bannermen did inform me of that piece of news from King's Landing," He ended up replying. "And in all honesty, I suspect they are going to be a major problem for the safety of the people of Westeros if they are allowed to spread their militant ways everywhere the faith is worshiped on the continent."

Lady Olenna nodded at that, looking pleased. "Then we are in agreement. Good to know. You see, my grandchildren are being kept as prisoners in King's Landing by the Faith Militant, Margaery's cell is simply more gilded than her brother's at this point." She explained in distaste. "Worst mistake Cersei Lannister ever made, giving military power to a fanatic from a religion that preaches loudly against ****, especially after so many men and women took those rumors about her and her brother as fact."

The secret god of **** tried his hardest to make his face unreadable at that remark. Then he focused on making his tone of voice neutral. "I can certainly understand your concern for your grandchildren. But let's speak plainly, my Lady. What exactly do you want me to do?"

"In short? Rescue my family from King's Landing and if you have to bring down the roof of the Sept of Baelor on the High Sparrow with your large dragon to get that done, then so be it," She replied bluntly. "You would be crushing a massive rebellion waiting to happen if you do, especially given that it would only be a matter of time before he sets his followers on the North for its worship of the Old Gods. And you would be earning the eternal gratitude of House Tyrell and House Redwine as a result, the richest power block in the Reach."

Jon paused at that, interlocking his fingers as he analyzed her words, along with its potential risks and benefits. Then he asked the obvious question. "As I understand it, Margaery Tyrell is King Tommen's Queen Consort. Are you saying you saying she would be willing to give up her queenship?"

Olenna scowled. "Cersei made sure it would only be a matter of time before the city would fall to the extremist mob with her stupidity. I honestly doubt that weak-willed boy will live for much longer anyway. Sooner or later, blood will spill between the remaining military supporters of Kevan Lannister, Hand of the King, still in the city, and the sparrows once their High Septon gets ambitious enough. So, when the time comes, Margaery will be in need of a new husband, who will then have the backing of the Great House of the Reach and its allies."

The young king couldn't help but chuckle at her boldness. "I thought we were speaking plainly, my Lady."

Olenna seemed pleased with his response if her expression was any indication. "Well, it is a big proposition that I am implying after all. Seemed prudent to mince words."

"So I see," Jon replied as he stood up. "If you will please excuse me, I will discuss your proposition with my people for a moment and then I will return with an answer. Please, make yourself comfortable"

"I will," She said with a nod before turning back to her letter.

When they returned to the main hall, the new god scratched his chin, pondering. Then he turned to look at his host and advisor. "What do you think?"

"Well," Lord Wyman said slowly. "As you have been made aware, House Manderly had to escape the Reach after we were attacked by the forces of Lord Lorimar Peake upon the behest of King Perceon III Gardener, who feared the Manderlys' growing influence and power in their kingdom. However, House Tyrell didn't really have anything to do with our exile as far as I am aware, given that they weren't the rulers of Highgarden in the Pre-Conquest era. And the Redwynes weren't involved in that conspiracy either based on what we have investigated over the years." He explained. "So, I can't say my House has any feud with them that would make me want to refuse their offer just on principle. Not sure that I like the idea of you marrying Margaery Tyrell, however, even if it would add the Reach to your domains. Some of the major Northern families might feel spurned at the idea and more than a few of them are tired of getting involved in the affairs of the south...although I suppose that ship sailed when the Riverlords backed you as their king. In the end, though, it's your choice, your Grace."

"Hmm," Jon mused. "What about you?" He asked Sarella.

The Great House bastard tilted her head in his direction, her eyes an expression of calculation. "As you may know, my homeland and the Reach have been historical enemies for a couple of millennia until honestly quite recently in the grand scheme of things so, as a Dornish woman, I can't say I am excited at the prospect of such an alliance. But as your advisor, I would counsel you to gain her support all the same," She admitted. "Winter is nearly here after all, and the Reach produces more food than anywhere else in Westeros. The people of the North could most certainly benefit widely from their grain and other supplies in the months to come if nothing else."

"I see," The young king replied as a flash of inspiration crossed his thoughts. "Thank you both for sharing your thoughts on the matter."

And with that, he turned around, heading back to the room he left the Redwyne matriarch behind. She put her quill down when she saw him come in and waited for him to speak.

He took a deep breath, already connecting the wishful threads of possibilities inside his head. "Here is the thing, Lady Olenna," Jon began. "While I certainly want to punish Cersei Lannister for her crimes against my family, I believe descending upon the Faith Militant with my Ice Dragon could just as easily backfire on us. They could see the legendary creature from the Lands of Always Winter as a winged demon of the Old Gods or something since it is known those rare dragons do not come from Old Valyria. And if that happens, their recruitment efforts might increase 10 fold even if I crush their leadership."

"However," He added before she could complain, "that's not to say I can's help. Because, as it happens, I have a secret agent in King's Landing that is waiting for my orders," He lied with an even tone.

Olenna narrowed her eyes. "Go on," She urged him.

"Long story short," He said slowly as he prepared his response, "there is a Faceless Man that owes me a big favor, so, he told me I could use the unparalleled services of his order to either **** three people or save three people. To be honest, I don't particularly like **** tactics so I had been procrastinating before activating his services. But I would be more comfortable with using his tremendous skill to extract your grandchildren from their cages and deliver them to safety at a location of your choosing."

The eyes so-called Queen of Thorne widened quite a bit. "That would certainly be an acceptable offer. And since he is supposed to save 3, he can coordinate their escape with my son, Mace Tyrell. He is currently in the capital to support my grandson in his sham of a trial but things could get troublesome for him there if his children vanish from the High Sparrow's custody. And he could provide your agent with aid when needed."

"Understood," The secret god responded as he mentally adjusted his plans. "Now, let's talk about what I will want in return. For the time being, I will settle for a non-aggression pact with the Reach should the **** of the Iron Throne decide to attack my domains, not necessarily an alliance if the timing doesn't work for you. I would also like large shipments of grain to be delivered to White Harbor so that I can better feed my people during the approaching Winter. We can sort out the logistics later. What I can't promise you right now, however, is a marriage alliance," He said firmly. "I would need to discuss the matter with my bannermen and especially my sister Sansa, first. But even if that doesn't come to pass, there is no reason my kingdom and the Reach can't have cordial relationships in matters of trade, at the very least. That would be mutually beneficial after all."

For the first time since they met, Olenna smiled. "Don't you worry, I have a feeling we are going to get along just fine. It's has been good meeting you, your Grace. You certainly show more sense and potential as far as first impressions go than the last 4 kings I have met when we first crossed paths. Keep it up and our Houses could certainly gain a prosperous partnership in the years to come."

Jon chuckled as he nodded in respect. "It has been a pleasure, Lady Olenna. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in White Harbor. Now, if you excuse me, I have a Faceless Man to contact," He lied smoothly. "Take care of yourself. I will make sure to keep you apprised of news about your family."

And with that, he left the room, his companions close behind. "That was well-handled, my King," Lord Manderly praised. "I didn't know you have the support of a Faceless Man but you are right, he would handle a cleaner escape than an attack on dragonback, while it would make it harder to trace their release to you."

"Indeed," Sarella agreed with a smile. "And I thank you for taking my advice to heart, your Grace. Now, if your plans go well, the North should be better supplied for winter."

"Well, you made a good argument," Jon told her as he grinned. "So, really, I should be the one thanking you for a good idea. Now, could you please take me to the rookery of New Castle, Lord Wyman? I have a message to compose for my Faceless agent," He added.

In reality, the new god just wanted to go there immediately so that he could have a plausible cover story for the wishes he will soon make to ensure the escape of the Tyrells from King's Landing. But the walk will allow him to keep polishing his ideas on the matter.

"Of course, your Grace," His host responded. "Right this way.

And with that, the three of them began to walk down the left corridor, smiling lightly as Sarella moved right to his side again.

A/N: Just to clarify, timeline-wise, I see this chapter as taking place near the end of episode 6x08 of the show, so Olenna would have already been preparing to leave King's Landing in the previous episode. And as a result, Cersei hadn't been able to blow up the Sept of Baelor yet, since that happened in 6x10.

Anyway, hope you liked the probably unexpected meeting. And yeah, technically, Margery is related to Jon on his Targaryen side due to the fact Rhaena Targaryen married Garmund Hightower generations before the start of the show and then it is estimated some of those six daughters joined back into the main Hightower line Margery's mom descends from through the usual cousin marriages. He just doesn't know that yet but well, that could be an important detail in a story with a premise like this one XD

Feel free to share your thoughts of this development down below. Until next time!