As expected, Margaery continued, "I'm going back to persuade my father and younger brother myself. After all, they're on Renly's side now. If possible, I ask that you spare them. House Tyrell would submit to you all the more willingly."
"If they surrender beforehand and hand over Renly, I can pardon them," Viserys said. "But if they're captured in battle, I can grant them the choice of taking the black and going to the Wall."
After all, he might need grain from the Reach during the coming long winter. There was no need to alienate them completely. House Tyrell had at least been part of the Royalist Army before, and besides, his little head was currently doing the thinking.
Margaery fell silent for a moment, then nodded, her expression relaxing.
"That's enough." She nuzzled Viserys as she spoke. "Thank you, Your Grace."
Viserys stroked her hair. "What, aren't you going to try to win more concessions for them? Perhaps I'd agree in a moment of passion."
Margaery shook her head. "I know my father. He's not a bad man, but he's too naive, too easily blinded by ambition. He's always wanted to prove himself, but I really don't think he's suited to being a duke. Loras is much the same. All he cares about is tourneys, and his inclinations are a problem. He loves Renly. So if they take the black, at least they won't have to suffer through the game of power anymore."
"And Willas, my eldest brother, is the one truly suited to inherit Highgarden. He's well-read, kindhearted, and clearheaded. He's also much steadier than Father, and Grandmother has more faith in him. If this war makes Father realize he isn't suited to holding power, perhaps it will actually be a good thing for House Tyrell."
Viserys looked