[For Hannibal] Alliance of Fire

[tyrelltempest]

Renly Baratheon was dead, leaving his claim to the throne empty and his wife Margaery Tyrell a widow. Roose Bolton, of course, could spy an opportunity a mile away. He sent a raven to Highgarden, to Lord Mace Tyrell. Roose proposed that his youngest son and only legitimate heir be married to Margaery. Mace agreed, rather quickly as well - likely out of fear for the Bolton name.

But of course, Olenna Tyrell wasn't about to let that agreement happen. At least not on any terms but her own. So the agreement was made, but a time for delivering her to Winterfell had not been determined, and Olenna was not about to agree to one.

Ramsay Snow, wanting to be useful to his father and acknowledged as a true Bolton, decided to take action on his own. He took a small band of Bolton men and rode to Highgarden - he knew Margaery was there, after her day-long marriage to the late King Joffrey had ended. He kidnapped the Tyrell heiress and rode back to Winterfell. When he arrived, he dragged Margaery in with no amount of mercy or delicacy. He found his half-brother and father in a sitting room going over charts and battle strategies. Margaery, clad in a light dress with a keyhole opening at the front showing her cleavage and wrapping around her lower back, showing off the curves of her back and the lean muscle beneath her skin. Her skin was cold and covered in goosebumps, her lips slightly dark and a light shade of blue. But all the fire and anger was in Margaery's eyes. She wrenched herself free of Ramsay's grip and pulled her lips back to bare her teeth.

"Unhand me, mongrel!" she hissed.

"Dear father, brother - see what I've brought? We'll not have the Tyrells welching on their agreement any longer," Ramsay grinned. "The flower is a little frosty, but only because she did not appreciate my generosity of allowing her to ride in the carriage."

"What I did not appreciate was a bastard snatching me from my ancestral home and dragging me with no proper clothes into the North," Margaery snapped.

She so badly wanted to shift towards the fire, but she was bound and determined to stand tall and tough. Ramsay obviously thought her weak, she would prove him wrong.

Comments

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal chuckled at his wife's words as he smiled down to Reina. Her eyes were filled with curiosity. They matched Margaery's eyes perfectly.

He offered a finger for her to explore. "You are filled with curiosity my little princess." He said playfully.

He then turned to Margaery. "Fear not, I will continue to bed you at our prior pace my love. I did not think you would desire another child so soon." He teased her back. He leaned over to kiss her deeply before returning his attention to Reina and rocking her to sleep.

[tyrelltempest]

Margaery's eyes widened as she lifted her brows and shook her head. "Not that I don't love both of you, my sweet darlings. But I think I shall take a break from the birthing chamber for a time."

She looked up to Hannibal and kissed him back. A thought occurred to her though and she looked concerned. "We should alert the carver - we were expecting only one baby so we have only one crib for two babies." she pointed out.

Reina tugged her father's finger and the smallest smile flashed across her face.

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal chuckled and when she seemed to panic, he kissed jer temple gently as he felt Reina give his finger a squeeze. "The children can share our bed until a second crib is made." He said.

[tyrelltempest]

Margaery smiled and kissed his cheek. "So long as you can promise me that you won't roll over onto me in lust during the night and accidentally squish one of our children."

When Hannibal paid such close attention to her mother, Reina fidgeted and gave another sharp cry. One which awakened her brother, who also began to fidget. Margaery laughed and teased her fingers against Reina's little belly. "Jealous, are we, my little love?"

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal smirked to his wife before chuckling softly. "I have satisfied you at least once today my love. I won't endanger our children tonight." He said.

At Reina's cry he chuckled. "I see much of you in her." He teased.

[tyrelltempest]

Rhys began sticking his tongue out and smacking his lips as he settled again. Margaery smiled and brought him back up to her breast. "As I see much of you in our son."

She watched her son feed for a long moment, then looked up to Hannibal again. "How does this affect our plans for the South and the Seven Kingdoms? I don't want to endanger our children."

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal smiled to her and chuckled at his son. "He has a hearty appetite. Perhaps he is a bit more like me." He teased.

At her question he smiled tenderly. "I have heard that a small house has made a strong bid for their eldest daughter to marry the young King. I know that their house is secretly very loyal to the Martell's in Dorne and that Cersi's uncle is forcing her to allow her daughter to marry a Martell to try and patch things over. I think we should wait and see how that will play out." He said with a dark smirk. "I suspect she will do something very rash to try and regain control. That might take a few years and absolutely destroy much of her military force." He said.

[tyrelltempest]

Margaery listened very carefully as Hannibal explained. She nodded and looked down at their son as she pulled him from her breast to burp him again.

"Fair enough, that'll give us time to raise our children and let them grow so they are not so vulnerable," she kissed over Rhys' forehead before looking up to Hannibal. "I won't let that lion bitch hurt them."

There was ferocity in the golden rose yet. The North had hardened her slightly. She was not about to let Cersei hurt the babies. The Lions could try to march North, Margaery would bring down the fury.

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal saw that fierceness and gently cupped her chin to look into her eyes. "For the moment we are allies with them. They have no reason or suspicion to come North. I have no intention of giving them any concern to worry about coming here.

[tyrelltempest]

That soothed her mind, but then another thought occurred to Margaery. "News will spread about the babies...they will want to visit and give their blessing..."

Margaery's eyes nearly glowed in anger. She didn't want Cersei or any Lannister near her children. But to refuse a visit would be folly and arouse suspicion.

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal kissed her temple gently. "She will send an envoy or possibly summon is to King's Landing. I can easily avoid is having to go. However, she will never leave King's Landing if she doesn't feel like she has absolute control. Any envoy she sends will be easy to appease." The worst case scenario envoy would include Jaime Lannister."

[tyrelltempest]

Margaery nodded slowly as she thought about what might transpire from Cersei's scheming. "She will likely send Jaime. She sent him before and we have yet to answer the summons."

She was damn tempted to arrange for his poisoning. "I don't want either of those lions in the den made for my babies. Throw them to the wolves we've tended so carefully."

Rhys reached out his arms to his father, giving soft sounds. Margaery held up the boy to trade back for her daughter.

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal chuckled as he switched children to hold his son. "I am not afraid of a toothless and clawless lion. Besides, our secret allies will assist us in staging an issue that will keep me here in the North. Having just had two small children, it is quite impossible for you to travel alone with them for any length of time over the forseable future." He said.

[tyrelltempest]

Margaery nodded as she kissed over Reina's forehead. She looked up again to Hannibal.

"I know it will be all to easy to stay here, but they will likely send Jaime to visit and assess how things are going up here. We cannot refuse him, obviously. But if he annoys or insults me..." Her eyes darkened as she looked up to Hannibal. "I want his lion skin on my wall. Surely we can do as Boltons do."

The only good lion was a flayed lion.

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal chuckled at that as he kissed her forehead. "I promise you a whole array of lion pelts if that is what you desire my dear. However, you must promise me patience for the right time to strike." He said.

[tyrelltempest]

Margaery smiled and tipped her head up to kiss his chin and jaw. "As you wish, my King," she replied, nodding obediently. Reina fidgeted in her blankets and curled in close to her mother, craving her warmth.

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal chuckled as he wrapped his arms around his family to hold them close. He kissed her temple tenderly. "My Queen." He whispered softly.

[tyrelltempest]

****

In the weeks and months that followed a raven did indeed arrive from King's Landing. An edict from the Queen, stating that she would send an envoy with congratulations and honor from his Majesty on the birth of their healthy children. She also made a sickeningly sweet point that, being a twin herself, she considered their good fortune particularly blessed. Margaery had promptly torn up the message and thrown it in the fire. She didn't want her children associated in any way or share any link with that bitch Cersei Lannister.

Some weeks after, Jaime Lannister arrived with an entourage bearing the banners of the Baratheon stag and Lannister lion. He had been met by the guards and escorted inside. Margaery didn't go out to meet him, using the excuse that the Maester had advised against her going outside the Dreadfort walls until she had recovered a bit more from childbirth.

But she was dressed in fine silks and a cloak of bear fur, clutching their daughter close when Jaime was led to the main hall. Her eyes narrowed a bit when he smiled to her, but she inclined her head and greeted him politely.

"You honor us with your visit, Ser Jaime. Welcome to the Dreadfort," she kept her attention flicking between Reina and Rhys.

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal had everything prepared for Jaime's arrival with his envoy. The Bolton banner was flying high and he had instructed Littlefinger to provide a diversion to keep him in the north regardless of what Jaime Lannister attempted to command.

Hannibal was wearing a fine set of black leathers with a crimson lined fur cloak about his shoulders for warmth. He gave a nod to Jaime when he entered. "Sir Jaime, it is good to see you again so soon." He greeted.

Jaime noted the decorations and how they seemed to be a touch friendlier than what he remembered from the last time he had visited this place. He saw the two small babes being held by the rose. It was quite a feat to successfully give birth to twins. His own mother had barely managed the feat.

He gave a bow to both the Lady and Lord Bolton. "Thank you for your kind hospitality Lord Bolton. The King and Queen Mother send their congratulations to this happy time." He said with a smile.

[tyrelltempest]

Margaery had made a point to give the Dreadfort a more feminine touch without sacrificing the intimidating nature of the castle. She was in the process of adjusting some of the banners to include the slightest additions of the golden rose - impaling the flayed man. But for the moment those were not on display. She wanted them to be perfect and receive Hannibal's permission to fly them. But she was sure his ancestors were spinning in their graves over the matter.

Regardless, Margaery held her babies close, they were sleeping for now, which suited her fine. Moanna was at her feet, much bigger now, and she growled lowly when Jaime appeared. Margaery tapped her foot on the ground and Moanna dropped her head, though she watched Jaime carefully.

"We are happy for their kind thoughts," Margaery replied. A lie, of course, but one that seemed sincere all the same. "Your journey must have been long - would you care for something to eat? Or a drink perhaps?"

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal was aware of her desire to add her houses sigil within his banner. He was curious what she had in mind before giving a final decision on the matter. He had one of his wolves at his feet for the moment. However, Vhagar was perched above their heads. Hannibal had created a special series of chambers and catwalks for his dragon to use to be in the room without being noticed for the time being. Of course, when he grew larger it would be far more difficult to keep him hidden.

He gave a nod and servants offered snacks and ale to everyone around the room, and water for Margaery. "We thank them for their kind words. We are quite humbled to be sent congratulations in such a fashion from the King." Hannibal said sincerely. He then motioned towards a seat near himself. "Would you and your men desire to rest after such a long journey? Or we can begin speaking on the matters at hand." He offered.

Jaime took the ale, but did not touch the food for now. His men did eat and drink as it was offered. He did not feel like anything was amiss here, although there was still an oppressive feel to this place even with the more feminine touch to the decor.

Jamie gave a nod to Hannibal when he cut straight to the point. "You remind me of your father Lord Bolton. I would prefer to get the business at hand discussed first." He glanced to Margaery. "Perhaps a place more private?" He said.

[tyrelltempest]

Margaery tilted a brow as Jaime so politely asked that she remove herself so that the men could talk in private. Rather than obey his roundabout request, Margaery looked to Hannibal. She would obey him, and no other. If Hannibal commanded her from the room, she would leave without question.

But she was suspicious of Jaime, and didn't like the idea of his presence. Now more than ever she was imagining how satisfying it would be to watch as he was flayed, slowly and painfully. Happily would she tack his skin upon the wall once it was properly tanned.

[notavegetarian]

Hannibal heard the request and nodded before slowly standing. He moved to Margaery and assisted her out of her seat and offered to carry a child. "There is a more private place to speak. Follow us Ser Jaime." He said. He had no intention of keeping Margaery out of the conversation.

Jaime frowned when Margaery was invited along. However, he would not try push for her to leave for a few more moments. He signalled for Bronn to follow him as he walked with the Lord and Lady back to a private room.

Hannibal led them to a small study and motioned for Margaery to enter first followed by Jaime and Bronn. He shut the door behind them before turning towards his wife to hand their son back to her. He took his seat next to Margaery before gazing at the two men with a direct look. "You did not ride all the way up here simply to congratulate us. What is it the King requires of house Bolton?" He asked.

Jaime shifted slightly in his seat when they sat down. He glanced to Margaery. "Lady Bolton, we are going to be discussing matters of war. It might be a bit much for the children to hear." He said.

Hannibal gave a look to Jaime, but signaled to Margaery that she could speak as to why she would be staying.

[tyrelltempest]

When Hannibal approached and took one of the babies from her, Margaery offered up their son and rose slowly to follow beside him. She cradled Reina in her arms as they walked and followed beside her husband. Margaery couldn't help smiling to herself when Jaime couldn't see - she was indeed pleased with herself. She was happy that her husband was so in love with her and respected her so much that he didn't see her as subservient or as simply a vessel to carry his children.

She was more. She was his mate - his equal.

Margaery settled into the small study and sat in one of the comfier chairs. She took Rhys from Hannibal and cradled both babies to her chest with relative ease. When Hannibal addressed the men, she looked up with interest and focus. She was going to make it a point to be involved with this conversation, not simply an ornament in the room.

When Jaime pointed out that the details of their discussion would be gritty, Margaery gave a cool, almost smug smile. "Certainly, matters of war and violence may be a bit much for a child of the South, Baratheon, Lannister, Tyrell even," she replied. "But my children, Ser Jaime, are of the North. They will likely know violence and the harshness of life far sooner than most children of the South. Besides, they are but babes still. They know the sound of their mother's voice, but do not necessarily understand what she says. We are just fine where we are, thank you very much."

She was not about to be separated from her children either - he was not going to encourage her to send her children to the nursery if she insisted on being here.

[notavegetarian]

Bronn chuckled to himself when this woman continued to be cool to him and to have the sand not bend to the golden Jamie Lannister. He held his tongue for the moment, but fully intended on teasing Jaime later.

Hannibal gave a nod to Jaime. "My children will not be coddled Ser Jaime. Now, what can house Bolton do to serve the King?"

Jaime shifted a bit at the words. He sat forward a bit to look more directly at Hannibal. "As Warden of the North you are expected to look after the King's interests and to appear at court when summoned."

Hannibal's eyes hardened a bit. "In what way does the King feel that I am not looking after his interests in the North? As for the second part, a personal tragedy followed by a blessing has prevented my travel. Due to the gods blessing us with two children, my wife is unable to travel for some time according to our Maester."