Lynn's warm breath brushed Margaery's ear.
Like a feather, it gently teased her most sensitive nerves.
A crack finally appeared in Margaery's ever-perfect smile.
A suspicious blush spread from her ears to her cheeks, making her already exquisite face even more breathtaking.
Margaery's body trembled almost imperceptibly, but she did not retreat.
She was a clever woman.
She knew that before absolute power, every scheme and trick became feeble and useless.
Lynn had already laid his cards on the table. He did not need to choose a side, because he alone was a force capable of changing the game.
And now, Lynn had offered her an entirely new invitation.
One far more direct, and far more tempting, than putting Renly on the throne.
To let Highgarden's rose bloom in the North.
Margaery knew exactly what that meant.
There was too much uncertainty surrounding Renly. After all, he did not like women.
But Lynn was different. He was a normal man.
If they married, they would surely have children.
If Lynn took the Iron Throne and had a child with her, House Tyrell's position would become even more secure.
She was not angered by Lynn's almost insolent behavior.
Instead, her heart, unsettled by how thoroughly he had seen through her plans, strangely steadied at that moment.
His manner toward her instantly made her understand her value in his eyes.
Whether it was lust or something else, she did not have to care.
What she cared about was always her standing and her family.
It gave her a thrill unlike anything she had ever felt.
Margaery raised her eyes, confusion and panic swiftly fading from their beautiful brown depths.
"The North is a bitterly cold land."
Margaery's voice regained its usual softness.
Yet there was a subtle hook in it, gently tugging