Lord Tyrell and Lord Hightower

[The Smith]

"Thank you." She replied, and then realized, "Oh... I am sorry. Please stand. I had forgotten."

[Marie]

He got to his feet with a grateful smile.

"It doesn't matter. I know dragons are not accustomed to kneeling. I hope I can be of service, Your Grace."

[The Smith]

"I am sure... you can. I have heard wonderful things." Rose replied. "I hear you have a high tower down there in Oldtown." She tried a small crooked smile.

[Marie]

Gwayne laughed slightly. "So I do. I've had many compliments about my tower. Perhaps Your Grace would care to visit Oldtown after her coronation? Kings Landing must be a sad place for you right now. I would love to help you relax a little. Your life as queen won't be an easy one. Your Grace will need her friends."

[The Smith]

"I would... but I already know what my Grandfather would say." Rose said.

[Marie]

"A queen must make her own decisions," Gwayne said, very quietly. "Else her enemies might say she is being ruled by her grandfather. That would not be very pleasant, would it? I'm told it's even harder for women to rule, because the laws and customs of the land favour men so much. Your Grace will have to be stronger than a man."

[The Smith]

Rose looked at him and asked, "I know that... but still my grandfather knows how to rule far better then I."

[Marie]

"I don't deny that. Lord Tyrell has ruled wisely and well, and he has the weight of experience. But Your Grace is well able to learn, if she desires. Do you not wish to take your rightful place. I know Lord Tyrell and the Small Council will be pleased to offer such counsel as you require. And I, too, would be honoured to help in such small ways as I can."

He smiled and took a step closer. "I wish only to serve my queen."

[The Smith]

Rose motioned for him to have a seat, "Thanks... it has been rather overwhelming the last few days."

Lord Tyrell spoke, "Your grace, I will return to my duties." He turned and left the room.

[Marie]

"I am sure that it must be. I was quite overwhelmed when my father died, yet I was the eldest son, trained for this role since birth. It must be even harder for you, Your Grace. Please, let me help you. I offer my friendship and fealty and anything else you require. Even my heart, if you desire it."

[The Smith]

She suddenly blushed, and looked at her feet, "I am not asking for your heart, Ser."

[Marie]

"I know, Your Grace. Yet it could be yours if you wished for it. But you shall have my friendship regardless. I am loyal to the crown. I desire peace, Your Grace. So I will rally behind my queen."

[The Smith]

"I would not want to tie you down Lord Hightower. You are a good man, and a wedding to me against your will. I am sure your happiness would lie in another direction." Rose replied.

[Marie]

"My heart is free," he said. "I have no betrothed nor have I ever met a lady I could love. Not until now."

HE paused for a moment.

"I am sure nobody would be unwilling to wed Your Grace. A man like that would be a fool. But Your Grace will think me a fool too if I make a declaration of love so soon. So I will simply ask if you will permit me to court you, as a knight to a lady."

[The Smith]

Rose bit her lip, "I am not sure I am what you want Lord High... I can call you Gwayne right... well I am hardly a lady. I am a mess."