"You knew all along it would end this way," Viserys said only after Margaery had calmed down. It was not a question.
His words startled Margaery. Looking into his calm, appraising purple eyes, she fell silent for a moment before nodding. "Grandmother discussed this with me before. She said that for our house to survive, Father and Loras could not be allowed to live. She told me to prepare myself."
She paused, her voice dropping as she continued sorrowfully, "But I never thought it would happen so soon. I thought I would at least get to see them one last time."
Viserys knew what Olenna intended. Mace and Loras had to die before House Tyrell could shed its old burdens completely and gain a firm footing in the new dynasty. He also knew that Margaery understood this perfectly well.
"Did you agree with it?" Viserys could not help asking.
Margaery raised her head and looked at him. A complicated mix of emotions flickered in her emerald eyes: sorrow, helplessness, and a trace of guilt that was almost imperceptible.
"I didn't object." She lowered her head, her lips trembling as she answered honestly. "Grandmother also asked me who I would choose if I could only choose one side. Highgarden, or Father and Loras. I told her I would choose Highgarden."
Her voice was soft, but every word was clear.
"I know Father wasn't suited to being a duke. Ambition blinded him too easily, and others found it too easy to use him. If he came back alive, he would become a target our house's enemies could use to attack us. And he would cause trouble and put you in a difficult position, Your Grace. As for Loras..."
She paused and glanced at Viserys before continuing. "Loras would never abandon Renly. If