Sure enough, toward evening, an attendant reported that House Tyrell had decided to send Ser Garlan back to Highgarden by ship the next day to give Lady Olenna and Lord Mace a detailed report.
Lady Margaery Tyrell, meanwhile, had "requested" permission to remain in Valyria for the time being.
"She said she had long heard of Valyria's unique wonders, and that dragons were nothing short of miracles. She hoped for a chance to observe them up close and learn more about the Empire and Your Majesty. As a noblewoman, she could also serve as an attendant to the princesses. She also said she would wait patiently and prove to Your Majesty that House Tyrell's 'value' lay in more than grain and gold."
Oberyn, standing nearby, whistled when he heard this. "Listen to that. She certainly has a way with words. She's clearly determined to stay by your side and wait for an opening. Your Majesty, you should be careful of this little rose. A rose's thorns lie hidden beneath its soft petals."
Viserys knew all that, of course.
After all, Margaery Tyrell had been intent on becoming queen in the original story. Beneath her gentle exterior, her political instincts and skills were not to be underestimated. She was one of the few truly skilled players in Game of Thrones.
Unfortunately, she had run into Cersei, who refused to play fair, overturned the whole board, and wiped her out of the game. Viserys, however, would not let her tempt him. Otherwise, the two rather witless girls he had sheltered in his harem would surely end up wrapped around her little finger.
"I know," Viserys said. "But keeping her under my nose is at least better than sending her back to Highgarden to scheme. Besides, having her keep Rhaenys and Daenerys company